Among many things we learned at the Block Center in Chicago was that the natural substance melatonin can play a role in cancer recovery as a hormone that regulates sleep cycles and as a powerful antioxidant.  They recommended that Andy add tart cherry concentrate to his diet as tart cherries are known to be melatonin-rich. 

And as these things seem to go, we returned home to a couple of trees just teeming with tart cherries.  The robins were already making a dent so we employed the girls and were able to get several gallons (pitted even!) in the freezer. 

It feels like in these days of vibrant growth, everywhere we turn are the foods and herbs that Andy most needs.  No one thing is right, but together they make a powerful package that is giving him strength.

Andy had his second treatment yesterday.  All went well with the "infusion" (we love that it sounds like a comforting herbal tea).  There is a higher risk of allergic reaction with the drug he received yesterday so we had some trepidation, but he handled it well.  And he continues to feel well today. 

Next week he has "off" because his blood counts will be at their lowest and they want him to rest and rebuild those blood cells to be ready for the next round. 

So that's what we'll do.  Rest.  Recover.  One day at a time.