1st Full Day home from hospital

Hello All,

I first wanted to send out a shout out to Chris/Robyn Jourdan, Bill Rysanek, Brian Rideout, and my family members Alex Ruiz, my Dad Selso, my mother-in-law Darda, my Mom Margie and Step-dad John and my best friend from high school Kim Gary for their visits to the hospital yesterday...We also had some visitors last evening at home from Ken/Mary/Michael Counts. .I can't express my gratitude enough for your efforts it was truly appreciated and of course last but certainly not least Kristine who has been my rock and foundation since we found out about this tumor on the 9th of April. Kristine you are simply amazing and I love you for all your support!!!

My first day at home has been uneventful..taking it easy just resting.. I'm taking my prescribed medicine as required except for the pain meds (percoset) which I'm trying to wean myself off of as quickly as possible. I have a follow-up wound check on Friday back at WRAMC to make sure the suture area is healing appropriately. I still can't share enough how anxious I am about waiting for the pathology reports and although Dr's Cooper and Cardoza seem to think the tumor is not as severe as they first suspected I'm keeping an optimistic attitude and just hope that anything less than a WHO IV is what I get for news....Keep the positive power of attitude coming along with strong prayer..

I've had several phone calls throughout the day as well checking up on me and some late visitors tonight (Uncle Maz and Aunt Colleen) on my wifes side of the house. Always good to catch up with them and more amazing is they have been in this area since we were here back in the mid-90s...goes to show how often we take things for granted... I had a good visit with Maz and expressed my overwhelming feelings that I am the voice for this disease...

Try this one on for size.. I meet with Channel 8 news on Wednesday to do a live 6-8 minute interview about this latest adventure.. I'm going to do the "Race for Hope" on 2May10 in downtown DC and although I'm just walking it I'll be there..which is a significant goal all in itself. I'm going to continue to push all to send out the link to the "Race for Hope" and the Gunny's team that we can reach our newly assigned goal of 20K.... I'll be helping a member of our team purchase shirts for the race where we will sale them and turn the funds over that day as well to the race coordinators..Sarah Tozer your efforts are amazing.. Brian Rideout and all others are just as amazing and Thanks seems so ineffective at this time but in reality is all that I can say to express my gratitude..

I also feel compelled to thank my children Madalyn and Jake for your support over these past 2 weeks. I know it's been difficult for you two but I must admit you two have handled it with such grace and I am very proud of you both continue to keep the faith and watch "The Gunny" do his magic...you haven't seen anything yet...Stay focused on your schooling and let me and Mom deal with this....

I will continue to update accordingly. In closing I want to tell all Thanks and please keep the well wishes coming..

Love to you all..
JD