Scattershooting

• Steve has been struggling a bit the past two days with shortness of breath, coughing and fatigue. He's been using breathing treatments often and has been on oxygen most of the time. We've been paying close attention to his temperature. The highest reading has been 99.6. If it hits 100.5, then we'll most likely head to the ER.
• We're still waiting to hear on his chemotherapy appointment for next week.
• A Dallas couple, Arik and Mia, are training for a cross-country bike ride to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. They are riding in memory of and honor of folks with cancer. They're adding Steve to their list and will include his name on their jerseys. You can read about their training here.
• This is one of those weeks that I'm especially frustrated with cancer. There's Steve, of course. And 8-year-old Connor Cruse, a fellow Frisco resident who is struggling in his battle with neuroblastoma (though his current treatment is offering some hope). And Hank Bassen, dad to one of our dear friends, who passed away yesterday, after a recent cancer diagnosis. And a new e-mail friend, whose fiance was recently diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. And a family friend who passed away last weekend from complications of lung cancer. I pray that the cumulative frustration of patients, their loved ones, caregivers and medical providers will propel us toward solutions and an ultimate cure.
• In less than a week, Cooper will be a third-grader! Every year zooms by faster than the year before. I remember just about every moment of his life -- how can he be halfway finished with elementary school?!