This is the text of an e-mail, “Joseph Update: 8/4.”

Hello!

Firstly, thanks to everyone for the outpouring of support over the past weeks. Each email, text, call, thought, prayer, vibe, or whatever you’ve done, has helped more than you can know. I’ve done my best to reply to all of them, but apologies if I’ve missed anyone.

In brief: I feel great! Almost bizarrely so. I sailed through the first round of chemo with no real issues. A little achy today, but Tylenol took care of it.

I could not be more impressed with the level of care that I’m getting. All of the providers are friendly, compassionate, top-notch professionals, and not once have I felt like a specimen instead of a person.

Please don’t mistake my optimism for denial. I’m well aware that I may have some rough days. But, I’m not focusing on that. Instead, I’m set on getting through this journey and coming out of it stronger for the experience.

I’ll probably be sending out occasional messages like this one, but have started a blog, Joe’s Lymphoma Adventures (yes, I have a sense of humor about this) and will be posting to that more frequently than emailing. I invite you to follow along at:

www.josephcaserto.com/joeslymphoma

Thank you all, as always. You’re helping me more than you can ever imagine.

Lotsa Love,

Joseph/Joe