Lost one of our pals we have been praying for, Ben. He was big strong gentle giant of a man. Only 35 and had been more a man for the Lord than many twice his age. Found out he had cancer in December of 2010 and died last week. Hard to understand, actually, impossible to understand. His life will be reflected in the witness he was to the football team he coached and the ones he taught. Thanks to all of you who prayed for a miricale, it's just that The Lord had another plan and someday we will know what it was.
I saw the doc last week and he agreed it was time to "pull the tube." Today it happened. Now, I don't have a "fall back plan", if I lose weight, but I sure don't plan on it. "Ran" a 5K this weekend to celebrate. (The word "run" is loosely applied to what I did. Slow but sure would be more appropriate.
Am still maintaining my weight at 140, which has not been a problem. Lynda is there with me thru all the challenges and the goodtimes.
Marilyn, which we have been praying for is holding her own, but keep her in your prayer. Gary has had some setbacks but is still trucking on. Jimmy D is getting good reports and living life, well. Jim W is starting his treatments and they are going well. He's learning about "Life in the Cancer lane." We've all learned that's there is life doesn't end when the doc tells that you have it but it does change you life as you live life with it.
Thanks again for all your prayers. And, add Amy, Ben's wife, to your list, please.

Did not spend time in Nashville, this last weekend, as planned. Was going to be there with two of my granddaughters and with one for Dad's Day at Vanderbilt. Ended up seeing them in Hot Springs, AR, for the funeral of their other grandfather, John Wilcox. He was great guy and I will miss him. Lynda and I spent time with his wife, Audrey, and all their children, 4, grandchildren, 11, and great grandchildren, 8. Was a great celebration of a life well lived. Left an amazing legacy.
My life has been fantastic since Jan. 1. Eating well and maintaining weight. Am in the process of weaning myself off my feeding tube, even as we speak. As long as I weight over 140, both in the AM and the PM, I "abstain" from the feeding formula. Makes me think about eating the right amount at the right time. Next time I see the doc, Feb. 22, the question will be: "Anymore chemo in the foreseeable future for me?" If the answer is no, then out comes the tube, I get a stitch and the world opens up for me.
Rest assured that I would not be where I am without all the prayer and support from all my loved ones, friends I know and ones I've never met. And, of course, caregiver Lynda. Each day I get instructions on how to get to tomorrow and they have all worked so far. Near as I can count, that's approximately 500 plus days so I'm not stopping listening now!
Love you all.

January went great. Am now able to eat three meals a day. (Sometimes four). Food is tasting like it used to, in most cases. Taste buds decide what they are going to accept and they are the final decision maker. Have found that once they "reaccept" a food they don't "take it back." But, it still does not keep me from being a little spooked when I put something in my mouth that hasn't been there in a long time. Vegetables are now my pride and joy. Now I have to watch and not eat too much. My FPU (food processing unit) will "speak to me" if I do. Three quarters of a full meal is great for me. Oh yeah, if I eat too much my FPU processes it very quickly and lets me know. Went to two docs last week and they both liked my progress and are suggesting that I cut back on my feeding tube "meals" and see if my weight remains constant. I'm now at about 140 and that's a good weight for me so I weight morning and night and make sure that I'm at least 140. Took a coupla days off and I ate a little more and I did good. That was practice for when I go to Nashville on the 11th to spend two days with my granddaughter. It's Dad's day at Vanderbilt and her Dad will be in Europe and I get to be the stand in. What a blessing. After I get back I'm going to try four days and see if I can eat enough to hold my weight.
Need to add a name to our pray list. Ben. 35 years old and has just discovered he has multiple cancers. Married with children. He will take a miracle and I ask that you pray for it. Oh yeah, Lynda could not be happier with my progress and guess what? If Mama's happy then everybody is happy. Please pray for Ben.