Just Like Tom Petty said...

"Hey Baby...There ain't no easy way out...But I...won't...back...down"

Jeff, we don't call you the Harnasaurus for nothing! This cancer picked the wrong SOB to mess with! I mean, your nickname alludes to a dinosaur and last time I checked, they were a pretty formidable bunch. If anything is going to stop you, it's going to have to be a meteor strike!

And the good news gets better! Your Dolphins suddenly think that they are a playoff caliber team!! Remarkable! I was sorry to see your Golden Bears go down this weekend but we know next weekend you will be smiling as they take it to USC (Arelene...shush)

But seriously my man...you are on my thoughts and in my prayers daily. After talking with my mom again, she keeps pounding home the fact of how important it is that you stay positive. She's seen it so many times that the ones that truly KNOW in their minds that they'll beat cancer, DO beat cancer. Just take it like it was a test from Professor Picu. Difficult? Yes. Hard to understand? Affirmative. (What the hell is a "Da-Lo-Ble force" anyway?!?) But was it beatable? MOST DEFINATELY! We wouldn't have our degrees if it was otherwise.

So I offer you this continued metaphor. Let the chemo be your "going to class", let the radiation be your "homework" and let the transplant be that "all nighter study session" and let all of us be that "one hell of a 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper with as much info as your paws could fit on there" to help you along the way and you WILL pass this test of life. It can't possibly be otherwise. We're all here for you buddy...day or night.

I hope my attempt at the uber metaphor didn't fall on it's face. :)

With love, respect, and admiration

ppka

Bassam