[Sam Strano]

Today, 12/22 my Mom--Arlyn was wisked off to Pittsburgh to start Chemotherapy for Lukemia. It's all been very sudden, and I'm still in a state of shock to be honest. I mention this only because my Mom and Dad are the other two poeple involved in this business, and it's pretty clear that at least for a while I'll be the only one around much. As such, I have to beg for your understanding and patience. I'm taking over two other jobs, learn them, still do my technical work and deal with Mom's illness.

I still want to give the advice and be as helpful as I can. But there are now going to be less hours in the day for me to do that. I'm supposing that tech calls will become shorter and much more to the point from pure necessity. I am not going to stop taking those calls or cease helping folks. That's what put me where we are today. However, it might take a bit more time for me to return those calls or respond to e-mail. I ask for your understanding in this matter.

Please, please feel free to pass this along if anyone is looking for me and I haven't been able to respond.

Thank you all, and I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas.

[v7guy]

I was wondering about this the other day as well. How are things?

[Arlyn Strano]

I was wondering about this the other day as well. How are things?

I just wanted to take a few minutes to thank everyone for their kind words and prayers.
Christmas eve was my one year anniversary of surviving. When my spleen ruptured my doctor told my
family that the chances of survival were very slim. He didn't know of any case where there was a survivor.
Nine units of blood and 5 hours later your prayers and good wishes worked. My doctor said he wasn't
just going to give up. And, for that I eternally grateful.
I've been in remission since Mar 7, my birthday. What a great present. I still spent a couple of weeks more
in the hospital. I have had 4 more rounds of inpatient chemo.
It took me until May to venture to the store and then for only a couple of hours a day.
I'm glad to say I'm back to work for 5 or 6 hours a day. And, loving every minute.
I will have tests mid January and every three months after that as long as I stay in remission.
There's a 35% chance of long term survival with just chemo, but a transplant is always possible if
necessary. (Sure hope I don't have to go that route.)

I just want you all to know how much I truly appreciate all the kind words. I don't know you all by your
screen names, but I have spoken the many of you since I have been back to work and your encouragement
had been uplifting.

Thank you all and have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year...

Affectionately,
Arlyn