Good Days--Rough Days

Yesterday was a rough day for Pop. He required more pain medication, low grade fever, still eating well, tolerated 2nd radiation treatment but slept most of day. They assure us we will have up and down days. Terry calls it a little bump in the road--Pop agreed. As always, his spirits are good and very gracious to everyone.

Cannot tell you enough how accommodating all of the hospital personnel is with him. We discussed his out patient radiology appointment times yesterday and they opened a slot just for him at 1:00pm each day so he can work in the Mickey D meeting and lunch before radiation. He receives radiation treatments across the street from the hospital--it was windy but sunny yesterday---he talked them into taking him in a wheel chair instead of the van so he could "be outside for awhile." He looked like Run away Ray racing down the street in the wheelchair dressed in a jacket, gown, and hair blowing in the wind. He discussed golf with the attendant during the trip. Pop will have radiation at 10:30 today and then we (Pop, Terry, and I) will visit with the radiology oncologist today to discuss a discharge plan.

Pop may also have another round of chemo today. Will be decided after the oncologist and radiologist confer. Thursday should be his regular outpatient chemo days. Possibly plan on discharge by Friday.

Kurt is leaving VA today to come for a visit. Kelli should be here the week following. Kat will return in the following week, Jan should be here around the 27th and Terry will be back and forth between all of these visits. The "in town kids" have been a great help. The help is most welcome but most of all Pop loves to see his kids. Know he not real verbal in letting you know this but he loves all of you very much and you are all near to his heart. It is really hard to plan to know what is needed and what we can do for him---just being close to him in heart and prayers is our job right now and enjoy each day with him.

Everyone has been so great to express their feelings for Pop's recovery. A friend of mine at Church has requested a Mass be said for Pop on Friday, November 7, 2008. Everyone continue to keep Pop in your thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Mom