Picture of the "lounge gang"

Checked to confirm CT results have been faxed to Dr. Buth's office. Left message with his nurse to request call back to obtain results. Nurse confirmed Dr. Buth OOO this PM, will ask him to review and we should expect call back sometime tomorrow pm. Love this pic--will take current ones and send more. Dad loves these "boys." They are his guard dogs---they protect him from trash trucks, school buses, helicopters, airplanes, persons walking down the street, and sounds in the night.

CT Scans completed

CT scans done. Reports will go to Dr. Buth late this afternoon. Will give him a call in am to confirm receipt and request call back to discuss diagnosis and plan of action. Do want to allow Dr. Buth time to process information so he can come up with the best plan of care. Do not want to hurry things--just to make something happen. Want the right thing to happen.
Will keep you updated.
Love, Mom

The Great Mole Chase

The "boys" entertained pop yesterday w/a "mole dig"----Good news: they caught the mole--Bad news: the flower bed looked like a war zone of water, holes, flying dirt, dirty dogs, and up rooted marigolds. We were all out in the back yard. Buster began the frenzied dig and all joined (except for dad--he just watched and laughed). The mole was actually terrified----bolted out of the ground----almost like he was shot out of a cannon. We had to throw a big rock on him to keep the "boys" away from until I could retrieve a shovel and throw him over the back fence---think the rock and shock may have been too much for him. Told dad we could keep him entertained throughout the daytime hours----who needs TV when you have 3 crazy "boys." Going for testing today. Dad feels good about getting testing completed and getting more information. Keep the good thoughts coming his way. He is still in good spirits, getting around well, and doing what dad does----anything he wants to do.
Love,
Mom

Update on Dad

Dad still remains upbeat, feeling good this am, and looking forward to having the CT scans done tomorrow, and moving on with treatment. His buddies are really a positive force with all of their encouragement. He went to golf course this am--"to annoy Tom." Now what kind of a friendship is that? I want to remind you that KC Chiefs beat the Broncos yesterday---miracles do happen---let's keep the miracles working---keep the healing thoughts coming to your dad.
Love to all,
Mom

September 28, 2008

Dad went to the races with some friends last night.  He really enjoys his friends and they help keep him upbeat.  His appetite is not the best--attribute some of that to pain medication--will mention it to Dr. Buth and see if change is in order.  Who knows--we may have "Cookies and Cream" for lunch today if it is requested.  Have never known him to turn that down.  Our weather is beautiful, we walked the 3 amigos this am and he is currently at Mickey D's for "the meeting."  He plans to put weed and seed on the yard, hang a huge wind chime (hopefully, in the back field), and settle in at the big screen to watch KC Chiefs whop the Broncos (now that will be a miracle).  Speaking of miracles--let's keep this good thoughts coming your dad's way.  He will have a busy time ahead with all the testing and info coming his way.

September 27, 2008

Dad is doing well this AM.  He remains in good spirits, walked with the doggies and is now having coffee with his homies.  He understands he is facing a major illness and says he will fight it.  He does have pain throughout the metastatic bone lesions that is relieved with regular does of pain medication.  The waiting for testing, diagnosis and treatment will wear on all of us.  Please continue to keep your positive thoughts coming dad's way.

Love,

Mom

September 26, 2008, 1:46pm

We are on the move:

CT abdomen/pelvis/lungs scheduled Tuesday, 9/30/2008 @ 10:30

Appt w/Dr. Buth scheduled Monday, 10/06/2008 @ 9:00

Appt w/Dr. Steinberger (urologist) Wednesday, 10/15/2008 @ 9am

Urology appointment could be moved up following Dr. Buth appt.  May request on 10/06/2008 that Dr. Buth call and visit w/Dr. Steinberger to move things along sooner than 10/15/2008.

Mom

September 26, 2008

Friday Morning Update on Dad:

Dr. Buth indicated PSA within normal range but is considered an "intermediate value" (normal but possibly increased from last PSA testing).  We are in the process of the scheduling a CT w/contrast of the lungs, abdomen/pelvis, referral to urologist and followup appt in 7 to 10 days w/Dr. Buth to review and discuss all findings.  Dad is feeling well today.  We walked the dogs, he is at the McDonald Mensa meeting as I send this update.  Dad's spirit stays positive--so I ask all of you to continue to send good thoughts his way.   He is very appreciative of your care and concern for him though he is dad and would probably not be able to verbally express that to you.

Love,

Mom

Update on Dad

Dad saw Dr. Buth this AM--Confirmed the bone lesions are for another source. Prostate is ruled out. More blood tests to R/O Multiple Myeloma. Prostate and multiple myeloma are two common causes of metastatic bone lesions. CT scans of chest and abdomen are being scheduled--should know this AM about dates to look at other organs. Dad is comfortable with medications. Dr. Buth told dad the "no golf, walking, etc.", was a bit of an over kill and suggested dad do what he feels like doing. I advised Dr. Buth (with dad's blessing) that we wanted to pursue aggressive testing to find the source and would be available at any time for any recommended testing. Will keep you all up to date. Keep good thoughts coming your dad's way---it is sinking in and he is quietly overwhelmed by all the news/activity.