Nick had check-ups with two of his doctors this week. The first was Doctor N, his oncologist. Dr. N. was pleased with Nick’s progress and saw no problems with Nick venturing out into the sun. With that in mind we booked a trip to Sarasota! We have enjoyed the hospitality of my brother and sister-in-law every year since they moved there in 1999, and are very glad that they are welcoming us once again. We also look forward to spending time with our friends Eric and Mafalda in Sarasota.  Nick will be happy to leave all thoughts of cancer back in Connecticut.

He also had an appointment with the partner of his oncology periodontist. Unfortunately, his oncology periodontist, Dr. F,  had a stroke and had to retire from his practice. Nick had wonderful things to say about him starting from his first appointment back several months ago. Nick was lucky to have been treated by such a caring person, and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Nick has one thing in common with Homer Simpson: they both love pork chops. I have put off Nick’s request for  pork chops because I thought they would be too difficult for him to eat. He was so persistent that I gave in. I use a recipe from Giada de  Laurentiis called “Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops,” and the key is using good Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Nick loved it! He ate about half of one chop and proclaimed that his mouth was hurting, but he didn’t give up until he had eaten the whole chop about 40 minutes later. We have progressed to having two courses for dinner, typically a salad and an entree. This is noteworthy because previously Nick had said that he could only eat one type of food per sitting. And, more good news: after many weeks of Nick maintaining his weight, he  gained a pound this week!

Dr. N. said that Nick should have a PET scan,  when we return from Florida, to serve as a benchmark and to make sure that all signs of cancer are gone. We look forward to that!