A Set of Singles - Just What the Doctor Ordered

Well, not exactly, but they did say I (Andrew writing) could give tennis a try if I was feeling up to it and, with the day off, I enjoyed a full hour of men's singles this afternoon.  Can't say I was in mid-season form but overall it felt really good to be out there playing and hitting the ball well once I got my feet moving.  By the time the sweat dried, back at the ranch, I have to say I felt absolutely exhausted and ended up taking a long hot shower and lying down on my bed for a while to recover!  Turns out the Neulasta shot that I got on Monday - to boost the body's production of white blood cells, which had been depleted by the chemo - has left me with not insignificant, persistent aches and pains in the hips, lower back and various other joints around the body.  Hoping that, by tomorrow, all that will have passed and we can focus 100% on celebrating Christmas!  Thankfully, we have both Christine's parents and my mom here with us, making the kids even more excited than usual about what the big day will bring.  The week ahead will be a welcomed respite from any form of treatment, including some time in the mountains of western MD, with just one appointment (next Friday) to discuss how the first round went and look ahead to the second with the Virginia Cancer Specialists team.  We will take the opportunity to discuss with them the advice we received at Hopkins.  Thanks to all for the ongoing well wishes, prayers and support from near and far - we draw strength, encouragement and a deeper sense of peace from all of you.