I lost my halo brace today, but gained a neck brace in its place. The basic idea is still to keep my neck immobilized until some vertebrae fuse together. This brace weighs six pounds less than the halo and allows me more motion in my back - so it has to be an improvement. Apparently, I will be wearing this neck brace for another 4-6 weeks.
A back sore from the halo has postponed the start of chemo until next week. That process will then continue once a month for six months, when an analysis will determine future treatments. Each new day is a gift which I hope that we can all enjoy. I'm thankful for the freedom which my new brace allows, and look forward to gaining strength in the days to come. We hope to soon spend a few days in Brown County, Indiana, at a family reunion.
Thanks for your best wishes and other support over the past seven weeks. It, and your friendship, is greatly appreciated.
Here's the history on this thing: the problem, and the the first update.