Well just to give a little update on my progress. I am feeling very well these days. I'm still using the feeding tube; however, I have cut back and am eating much more. I have an appointment with my doctors today and next week. I will likely find out today when my PET scan will be scheduled. I do have a CAT scan coming up in the next week, but the PET scan will be more accurate. To be honest, I do still have my ups and downs; however, I am so happy to be on the upswing.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas as I did. I am hopeful for a very good new year as I hope the same for all the wonderful people in my life. I want to thank EVERYONE for the wonderful gifts that have been given. I will never be able to thank you all enough for what you have done. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!! My family was surprised with a special gift from some very special people that live in my township....I have come to love each one of them so much. We LOVE the "Group". Remember, you all have a special place in my heart and I will never forget what you have done for me. I will pass on the gift of giving that you all have passed on to me and my family. PS...thanks for the BEEF!!! Also, I received a special gift from some very special relatives, the Gum family. I have married into a wonderful family....we love you all. Last, but not least.....Santa Claus was notified about my family's run of bad luck with my diagnosis to my son, Jaron's diagnosis, but you know Santa, he's all about giving. Well, we think we know who the elf was that spilled the beans, but we can never be sure. Anyway, all the wonderful things that have been done for us throughout this year has made my whole family believe in the good in people again. We have been so blessed to know each and every one of you and God has certainly touched your hearts as he has touched ours.

Thank you all for your kindness and I look forward to spending some much needed time with you all. Miss You. My family is sending love your way and hope EVERYONE has a safe and happy new year. Hugs and Kisses.

Hello All

Just an update to let you know how the family is doing. Things are improving everyday and I am feeling pretty good; however, I didn't have a chance to visit my wonderful sidekicks on Saturday....did a little Christmas shopping and ended up wearing myself out....to much walking and just couldn't get my body to go anymore. But I want each and every one of them to know I care deeply for them and am so lucky to have them in my life...sending much love your way. On Sunday, had Christmas dinner with my family. It was so nice to see all of them and to spend some much needed time with my sister, Cindy and niece, Shannon. They came all the way from Arizona. Although I ended up getting a little wore out, I was so happy to be able to visit with them. If anyone is wondering, I still have my feeding tube and boy has it helped. I gained 10 POUNDS at my last doctor visit. The staff was thrilled and commented on how the old Matt is back. They missed my "humor" and the "Pole dancing"...don't ask. Those of you that really know me can just imagine. As for Jaron, we did go down to Pittsburgh Cancer Center and he does have the BETTER of what they call "Castleman's Disease" There are two types and the later does not have a good outlook; however, we are thrilled that the prognosis looks good for the type that he has. At this point, he is schedule to have 8-weeks of treatment at the Meadville Oncology Center. His treatments consist of approximatley 6-hours of IV medications once a week....but the side effects are MUCH less with these treatments than what my side effects were. Castleman's Disease is not cancer; it is a disease of the lymph nodes. Unfortunatley, the disease can progress into lymphoma if not treated. That is the very shorted explanation. Castleman's Disease is very rare, so the doctors in Meadville and Pittsburgh are still researching some issues, so treatments may vary. We, again, want to thank EVERYONE for all they have done for us and for all the prayers. This year has brought us many obstacles; however, it has shown us what kindness there is out there. We are so lucky to have you all and we will never forget what blessings we have been given. We send you all a big hug and kiss and we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year. Lotts of love!

First, we would like to wish EVERYONE a very Merry Christmas. As most of you know, I started back to work last week and I feel pretty good. I wasn't sure I could get through a full week, but just getting back to work has made a world of difference. The feeding tube took a little while to start getting me back on my feet, but it certainly was a life-saver. It gave me enough nutrients to get me over that hump and now I can definetly see a great improvement. I no longer have to have fluids through an IV and the dizziness has subsided. I am starting to eat more through the mouth too. Having no taste-buds doesn't make that task very easy, but I am determined. I am definetly on the road to recovery. On the other hand, many of you may not know, but now we have another obstacle to overcome. My son, Jaron, has been diagnosed with a rare disease and we will be heading down to Pittsburgh to meet with a doctor that is more familiar with what he has. I don't want to go to deep into what he has until we learn more from the docs. Unfortunatley, it is so rare that we have to travel to get treatment. Hopefully, the outlook will be good and my wonderful family can get back on track. I know I have said this before, but I have the most caring and loving family and friends. There hasn't been a day that has gone by that I don't think about the great things that so many people have done and the hearfelt prayers that so many people have said. Patti and I are the luckiest people and we will never forget what you all have done for us. We love you all very much. Thank you so much for everything.