Day 205

It has been 205 days since January 28, 2009.

On that day, an event created an unexpected and decisive moment where you discover that life has forever been changed by forces beyond your control. Dennis' diagnosis of inoperable Stage III pancreatic cancer came at 12:30pm, right in the middle of lunch. The very kind doctor who gently broke the news to us still had crumbles of his hurried lunch around his lips. The combination of the news and the dusting of crumbs falling about immediately caused me to black out.

The time between Dennis' diagnosis and the beginning of treatment was filled with anxiety, confusion, fear, and some extreme life enhancing surgeries. Dennis started a clinical trial at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia on Monday 9 March 2009. The trial required that Dennis take an oral chemo pill daily, and spend two full days every week at the Cancer Center, receiving multiple bouts of radiation and chemo infusions. The collision with the toxins used to combat cancer take a serious toll on a person's body. Dennis lost over 40lbs and felt terrible most of the time. The attitude of gratitude which guides our daily lives helped Dennis focus and fight the fight of his life.

On Day 205, we find ourselves in a happy limbo. After a well needed hospitalization, it was determined that Dennis had received enough radiation and chemo treatments. He is taking a 2 month sabbatical from chemotherapy and building his strength and weight back up again. Tests will then be done to determine the next course of action.

Dennis is working hard on getting work together for a solo exhibition that opens on Wednesday 16 September 2009. A detailed posting will follow.