We made it to April! Tim has been in hospice now for over a month, and the team of nurses and social workers has been great. The hospice nurse has especially helped with changing Tim's meds so he's more comfortable. He's now taking a low dose of methadone and dexamethasone. The methadone keeps Tim's pain level steady throughout the day, so he doesn't have to take other meds when he starts to feel more pain. The dex gives him a little more energy and makes him feel warmer. Tim still struggles with appetite problems.

Paul still has fairly frequent nausea and constant neuropathy in his feet, but his lab numbers continue to show that his cancer is nearly undetectable.

We both felt good enough to try going off to the deserts to see wildflowers in bloom. Fortunately, we didn't go to the hot spots where thousands of people have descended to see the "superbloom." Instead, we went to some of our favorite haunts in Anza-Borrego State Park (California's largest) and Joshua Tree National Park. There were more than enough flowers to see and photograph. We even managed to do a few short hikes, despite both of us being fairly out of shape. If all goes well, we'll try a trip out to Wisconsin to see Paul's dad and Tim's cousin.

Back home, we've been treated to ongoing visits from many friends near and far. Tim responds well to these visits as it takes his mind off of what else is going on. Plus, we both get to see people we love and enjoy.

Distant Phacelia (Phacelia distans), Hell Hole Canyon, Anza-Borrego.
Desert Bells (Phacelia campanularia var. vasiformis), Cool Canyon, Anza-Borrego.
Parish's Poppy (Eschscholzia parishii), Joshua Tree
Desert Lily (Hesperocallis undulata), Anza-Borrego