Watching TV, Bonding w/the pups, and going out for Lab work

First day home--busy but great to have Pop home again. Making some adjustments in his activities. We have a wheelchair that is lightweight, fits through all of our doors, and perfect while Pop continues to be so short of breath. Thinking he is experiencing the affects of the new chemo---though he has none of the terrible side effects. Just worn out after the trip to the hospital thia AM.
Lab work good--platelets down but Hgb better. Just go from minute to minute. He still has a good appetite, spends time in the recliner with the (barking, barking, barking...) pup posse, watching BB on TV, and enjoys being home.
Have such comfort--knowing that we have such a wonderful supportive family and great friends who continue to keep Pop in their thouhgts and prayers. Thank you!
Love, Mom

Pop's Home

Pop came home from the hospital today after receiving a transfusion. He is very tired but glad to be home. Busy weekend planned with trips to the hospital on Sat and Sun. for lab work--then to see Dr. Moore for lab and appointment on Monday.

Lindsay (on the right) made it in from NJ for a short visit. We made a Sonic run---missed Lauren going with us. Terry and I set up a mini clinic at the house--complete with hospital bed, wheel chair, oxygen set ups, chest drainage kits, and nebulizer kits for breathing treatments. Have said it before---old nurses never retire. Love having Pop at home where he can rest and visit with family and friends.

Please continue to keep Pop in your thoughts and prayers.

Love, Mom

White Count Still Up -- Fore!

Mom called to give me the morning report . . . Pop finished the last of 5 chemo treatments yesterday.  And his buddies from the golf course came to visit. His white count was still up, so it was a good time for visitors.  (A lowered white count usually follows chemo treatments, and a lowered white count means he'll be very vulnerable to viruses, bugs and germs.) More chairs were brought into the room to seat the golf gang, and pop was out of bed and in a chair too for quite a while during the day.

This morning, breakfast and the respiratory therapist arrived at the exact same time.  What a dilemma . . .eggs or breathing?

Terry's still in town, staying with pop at night in the hospital and Lindsay is still expected in on Friday.  Join us in wishing mom a happy birthday! (It was on the 24th.)

As always, your prayers and wishes are acknowledged and greatly appreciated. The support we're getting from everyone is tremendous!

Love Kat

Hump Day

Halfway through the week, and hopefully pop will be home by week's end. Today 400cc's were drained from chest tube and he's running a slight fever which isn't that unusual when getting chemo. Pop has made the decision to keep fighting and receiving chemo treatments instead of going into hospice.

A hospital bed will be delivered to the house and set up in the master bedroom next to the regular bed to make it easier for his 3 "fur boys" to visit and snuggle. Lindsay's coming in on Friday from New Jersey to visit, snuggling will be optional for her. Neighbors Jim and Ron are helping out around the house, cutting down and disposing of tree limbs on mom's birch (mom says thanks!) and maybe even doing a bit of heavy lifting later so pop can have his TV in the master bedroom.

And to continue sharing a bit of "pop's world", Vicki and I thought you might enjoy his recipe for fried potatoes as printed in our family cookbook.

FRIED POTATOES A LA POP

• Some Potatoes--any kind, just as long as they're potatoes
  
• Recycled Shortening--the more it's been used, the better it is, add bacon grease and it gets even better
  
• Salt and Pepper--to taste

1. Peel and slice potatoes, the thinner the slices the better. Heat shortening in cast iron skillet on ma's freshly cleaned stovetop.
2. Add potatoes to hot shortening, they should sizzle and splatter.
   
3. Leave them be until the bottom gets crispy, then turn over.
   
4. It's okay if grease splatters and drips, ma will clean it up.
   
5. Use a spatula to continually splash grease from side of pan over top of potatoes, if any grease goes over side of skillet, refer to #4 above.
   
6. Stand over pan and pull a crispy potato flake out of hot grease, shake flake next to stovetop to get off hot grease (refer to #4 above) and taste to see if they need salt and pepper.
7. When potatoes are brown on each side, remove from pan with spatula and place on paper towel covered plate to drain.
8. Pour hot grease back in Crisco can so it can be used again, if grease spills down side of can, once again, refer to #4 above.

This recipe makes--a whole mess.

And once again, our continuing thanks for all your good thoughts and prayers sent pop's way.

Love Kat and Vicki

The Championship Season

I've asked mom to tell me more of the Wresting Medal story. She sent me the article that ran in the Ark Valley News in 2003 and it's a great story, so I've copied/abridged it below. Mom said that after Jake was declared the winner, pop was immediately on the mat with Jake. Security could not have kept him away from his grandson.

The caption under the picture reads: Jake Ashpole, left, receives a hug from his grandfather, Sonny Ashpole, after placing first at this year's state wrestling tournament.

A Family Affair

from the Ark Valley News, March 20, 2003

The Ashpole name is well-known to many Valley Center wrestlers, but the family's interest extends beyond casual involvement in a club or school sport. For the Ashpoles, wrestling is part of the family history.

Keith Ashpole, 44, and his three sons--Nick, 19, Jake 17, and Taylor 13--have been involved in Valley Center wrestling for more than a decade.

Keith and his wife, Becky, lived in Wichita with their boys when they heard about the Valley Center Wrestling Club. They were interested in becoming involved but didn't know who to contact.

"Tanner Stephenson was our neighbor in Wichita," said Keith. "So we asked him if he knew anything. He put us in touch with Paul and Virginia Riemann."

The Reimann's had been managing the club for about two years. Keith took Nick and Jake--then 5 and 7 years old--to practice one day and has never looked back.

"We started going to practice, and I would participate in practice just helping out," said Keith.

After a couple of weeks, Keith was named as the new head coach.

"I was kind of lost to start with," said Keith. "I contacted my old high school coach and he helped us set up a plan as to how we could do it." With the help of his high school coach, Dee Gard, and his father, Sonny Ashpole, Keith and the Riemanns got the word out about the club and interest in it grew.

After 3 years as coach, Keith decided it was time for him to back away from leading the program, but hasn't forgotten the people he was involved with through the club. He considers them like family.

"We would go to a tournament every weekend," he said. "What you see through the years is these kids and these families become very close because they're together every weekend. We have lifelong relationships with these people." Keith estimated that he worked with several hundred kids over his years as coach for the club. "I look back at old pictures of those boys wrestling when they were very young," said Keith. "A lot of them are very special to me."

In addition to running the club with Keith, Virginia and Paul Riemann had two sons who wrestled under the leadership of the Ashpoles. "Sonny was there all the time, and he supported my kids immensely," she said. "Sonny treats my kids like grandchildren, especially my older one. Sonny and Jeff were very close."

Before Sonny began mentoring Valley Center Wrestling Club members, he raised his own boys with an interest in the sport. Sonny was a state-qualifying wrestler for Wichita North High School in the mid-1950s and though he says he wasn't very good, he instilled some sense of love for the sport in his boys.

Keith and his brothers--Kevin, Ken and Kurt--all wrestled in high school, Keith at Heights and the others at Valley Center. Keith was a state qualifier for two years. He placed one year and went on to wrestle in college.

But the family of wrestlers doesn't stop there.

Along with Keith's three sons Nick, Jake and Taylor, who have wrestled for Valley Center over the years, Sonny has other grandsons who have taken to the sport. Kevin and Millie Ashpole's sons, Richie Rios and Matthew Ashpole also are on Sonny's list of wrestling matches he has to attend at Heights High School and Valley Çenter.

"Watching my grandkids wrestle and do well is great," said Sonny. Sonny helped Keith with the wrestling club for years and backed away when Keith did. Now he is a a spectator at about any tournament where there's a Valley Center kid wrestling.

"I just enjoy watching them compete and do well," he said.

A big event this year for the Ashpole family was Keith's middle son, Jake, winning the state title in the 130-pound weight class. "My dad was the first person Jake found after he won," said Keith. "Probably because my dad jumped over the wall to congratulate him."

Jake's high school coach said Keith and Sonny have been big influences in Valley Center wrestling, and having them so involved in Jake's performances has been great. Jake agreed that having his family involved is important to him. "My dad coached me my whole life before I got into high school," said Jake. "And my grandpa was always there. My grandpa was probably more excited about me winning state than me," he added.

(2009 Update--Pop attended the wrestling match of another grandson, Kevin's son Michael, at Heights several weeks ago. It was there that he first saw the blue "For Sonny Days" wristbands on the wrists of Michael and the Heights athletic director.)

Pop is still in the hospital, has 2 more chemo treatments and is tolerating them well. And as always, thanks for everyone's love, support and continued prayers.

love, Kat

Monday, Monday

A new week, and a change of staff--Kurt and Linda are heading back to Virginia today, and Terry's going to take over the night shift at the hospital.

Pop is still a guest of Via Christi and says that room service could be improved but he's glad his family is around to take up the slack. He had 1550cc's of fluid pulled off chest yesterday, but hemoglobin was 8.5 today, which is good. Oxygen is still being given and he's receiving nebulizer treatments to help with breathing.

He's been taking walks and has met his goal of reaching the end of the hallway and touching the door at the far end. Kurt was very proud of the determination and will it took to reach this goal. But we have more goals to reach, so keep those thoughts and prayers coming . . .

Love Kat

A Tired Blue Band and a Championship Medal

Linda shared this photo of Kurt, napping at pop's bedside.  In addition to spending his nights at the hospital, Kurt's been spending quality cat-nap time with pop--napping together while watching ESPN can be very bonding.  And he is wearing a blue wristband, even though it isn't visible in this photo.

And while we're on the topic of bonding, Jake presented his 1st Place State Wresting Medal to pop and pop has taken it with him to every chemo appointment and every hospital stay.  Pop is very proud that his "wrestling gene" continues through his sons, to his grandsons and beyond.  You can see the medal inset into the photo above.  It's looped through the sidebar of pop's hospital bed.

Keep those prayers and good thoughts coming, and if you have an extra 1st Place State Championship medal laying around . . .

Love, Kat

Additional Sightings

"For Sonny Days" sightings continue in Virginia on the wrists of Jennifer, Madelyn and the 2 Ryans (Madelyn in red and Ryan in black are Kurt and Linda's).   Ryan and Madelyn are staying with their friends while their parents are in Wichita.

And blue wristbands have been spotted at Ratzlaff Orthodontics in Wichita, Becky (3rd from left) and her co-workers Lori, Sara and Tonya are showing off wristband pride and have even posted evidence of their support on Tonya's blog too.  Rumor has it even Dr. Ratzlaff is sporting a blue band.

And, in Minneapolis, at Pepitos, they're wearing the bands while sharing hot salsa and suds.

Keep sharing the photos and support . . . and thanks.

Love, Kat

Following the Plan

Pop's still in the hospital, but hopes to be back at home with his 3 "fur boys" and family on Monday.  Linda and Kurt have come in town from Virginia and Kurt's spending quality time with pop at the hospital during the night.  Terry is driving in this morning from Texas.

Pop had his first round of the new chemo plan yesterday, and will get one treatment a day for a total of 5 rounds.  Then a whole month off chemo until the next 5-day-round.

He had 175cc's of fluid drained from his chest yesterday, and another 175cc's this morning.  Is breathing much better and ate a good breakfast, then had Kurt go find him a donut--Saturday mornings in the Ashpole world calls for donuts.  Mom said Kurt came back with a donut twist the size of two russet potatoes and pop ate the whole thing.

Keep those good thoughts and prayers heading pop's way.  They are felt and appreciated.

Kat

Blue Wrist Support

They've been sighted in California and Wichita, and rumors are circulating of sightings in New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Colorado, Texas, Minnesota and Alaska--bright blue wristbands inscribed "For Sonny Days".

One of the first sightings occurred in San Francisco on the wrist of Matthew Ashpole.  

From there, reported Wichita sightings at McDonalds and Echo Hills Golf Course were documented (thanks Jim).

These blue wristbands were the brainchild of Lindsay and Kelli, a physical symbol of how many people are sending prayers, hope and strength to pop and the whole family . . . prayers sent for sunny days.

Kat

Update on Pop

Pop is still in the hospital.

PLAN:
Scheduled for 3 units of blood today (Hgb 6.0).
Will start a new chemo protocol today and for the next several days.
Pop is breathing easier, resting and eating well and eager to get on with the new chemo plan.

Please continue to keep the prayers and good thoughts coming Pop's way. Miracles happen that medicine cannot explain. Thanks to Father Jerome for making a special visit today.

Love,

Mom

Good Update

Good News- Dad is out of surgery and resting comfortable. His breathing is much better. They removed 2 liters of fluid. He will probably rest most of the day. Mom is with him and Kurt should be here within the hour.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Vicki

Surgery for Dad

This is Vicki guest blogging today.


Dad was taken into surgery this morning to have a tube inserted into his chest. This should drain the fluid around his lungs and help him breath easier.
Kurt will be arriving today and will spend the night with Dad.
This pic is Jason (grandson), Lisa (wife), and great-grandaughter Hayli. They are wearing their "For Sonny Days" bracelets.
We know Dad is in the hearts and prayers of so many people. Our family and Dad are so grateful and humbled by the outpouring. Please continue sending them out for Dad.

Sliding Through the Tests

This is Vicki guest blogging today.

A full day of tests are scheduled for Dad. He will have a colonoscopy this afternoon. His Hgb is 7.0 so he will also get 2 units of packed red blood cells. A Thoracic Surgeon will be added to the agenda to see if he can help with the shortness of breath .

Kurt is traveling in from VA for a visit and will attend a couple of the meetings at Mickey D's.

This pic is of Phia (great grandchild) sledding in her infant bathtub. How resouceful!

Please join us in prayer for the test results to be completed and the treatment to go forward to help get Dad comfortable.

On a Wing and a Prayer

This is Vicki guest blogging today.

The Wing: After flying around to appointments all day, Dad returned to the hospital last evening because his breathing was labored. He was admitted for observation.They will meet with the doctors this morning.

The Prayer: Thank you for all the support and love our family has received, and please continue to pray for Dad and Mom.

Pop's Agenda

On the go:

Pop is off to MD office/hospital for lab, Epogen injection, possibly a Zometa infusion, make chemo plans, maybe some radiation, and throw in a transfusion ot two before the day is over. Lots of stuff to put in a day's time--- We need a 36 clock for today.

Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Mom

Blog day off

Taking a day off to enjoy this sunny day. Busy week ahead and will have a much deserved day of rest today.

We wish a restful day to you and ask that you continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Mom

Pop's Progress

Pop had a procedure yesterday to pull some fluid off his right lung. They removed 700 cc of fluid and he is breathing easier. He has had continual shortness of breath and CT showed some fluid in the lung. Lab work prior to procedure showed Hgb 7.5. Pop wants to wait until Monday for the transfusion. Will also start daily radiation on Monday.

Pop has a good nights rest, good appetite, plans a McD's trip this AM, and maybe take in a high school wrestling match later today. Great that he feels like being up and around.

Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Mom

Pop's Progress

MD appt info:
Pop is changing chemo treatment and also going to have additional radiation. It has finally been determined that the primary site is the lung. Pop will continue with next week's appts (eye exam and colonoscopy) and then begin new chemo schedule on 02/23/2009.

Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Mom

Ashpole Family Update

Off to MD appts this AM/PM for review of 02/09/2009 CT report. Pop is still having lower back discomfort (go figure--- the CT was of the thorax area.) Have discussed today's appt with Pop and told him to tell the MD's about his discomfort and don't say---"I feel pretty good." Lots of appts next week---Pop will have clab chemo (Mon) a yearly eye exam (Tues) and a colonoscopy (prep Wed/test on Thursday). Bring on Friday!!!!!

Don't know about others but I am eagerly awaiting spring---Bring it on Friday!!!! Seriously, I do have tulips popping out of the ground and hopefully will see hyacinth and crocus soon. Really need more sunshine, clear skies, and the distraction of working in the flower beds and watching things grow.

Found some more Kelli pics: Speaking of watching things grow. This girl had a green thumb---take a look at all of the plants on the greenhouse shelf. Growing season in CO is much different than KS. Things grow later but such beautiful specimens. The covered container in the lower right contained herb seedlings that she actually snipped and used in food preparation. The greenhouse this January was full of cacti---more varieties than you could imagine and the pots were amazing.
Bruce and Kelli had a great time planning this green house addition. It is more like a solarium than a green house.

Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Love, Mom

Ashpole Family Update

Pop is feeling well after chemo. Usually this is his down day. He is out and about this AM and feeling better than usual. Retraction: Pop just came home from McD meeting--says--"I'm having a gloomy day"----translation after much discussion, prompting, and charade like motions----"worn out." Went to bed to take a nap.

Have to brag about my grand-dog (on the right). Pic taken last summer at a dog fest in CO. Jax is adjusting well to doggie day care and Bruce is planning on taking him in to the office for a day or two each week. He is such a sweet well behaved dog. He was such a wonderful "fur kid" for Kelli.

Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Thanks!

Love, Mom

Ashpole Family Update

Surprise chemo yesterday. Pop has had to skip several chemo sessions due to low platelets. Platelets were up enough to get 1/2 dose yesterday. Hgb was 10.2 (highest yet)----yea, find that blood donor---we want more!!! CT was also done. Plan to call Dr. Moore's nurse today and request copy of CT report be sent to Dr. Kelley so we can discuss it at appt on Thursday or MD's can collaborate and we can have more effective appts. (see Dr. Kelley in AM and Dr. Moore in PM). Back is better.

Kelli pic: Thanksgiving 2006. Think Kathy and Kelli were up to something---most likely no good or fun--would venture to think it was cooking up a prank. What a wonderful Thanksgiving!

As always, thanks so much for all the condolances and gestures of love for our family. We continue to ask for your good thoughts and prayers.

Love, Mom

Busy weekend for Pop

Hockey 2 nights, worked little less than an hour as starter at golf course on Saturday, and well deserved rest on Sunday. Maybe too much as back is acting up more this AM.

Off for lab with CT scans of chest, shoulders and neck today at noon. Then appts with Dr. Kelley (radiology oncologist) and Dr. Moore on Thursday.

A Kelli pic: Would recommend looking at liliash's blog. This picture was taken at Denver Airport on one their stopovers. LJ has such fond memories of Kelli and expresses them beautifully on her blog----check it out! Note the infamous "hostess gift" sack LJ was holding.

Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Mom

Ashpole Family Update

Happy Birthday to Hayli and Matt!!! Hope you both have a great day! We have several family members who share the same birthday.

Pop went to the hockey game with Kevin last night. Took him to breakfast at Riverside Cafe this AM. The weather is beautiful--great to get out and about. Pop plans to go to golf course then McD's meeting. May even go to another hockey game tonight. Still having some "back stiffness", using heat and gets relief.

This pic of Bruce and Jax taken by Kelli following her visit here in November. Per Kelli's blog entry following that visit: "I'm back home to my Klepper men. They survived without me while I was in Kansas. Bruce took Jax to work each day and I'm sure it helped boost morale. Ray has greatly improved and I'm happy that he is back home.We have been getting snow and also the cold temperatures." Bruce takes Jax to a doggie day care every day. Please keep Bruce in your daily thoughts and prayers as he continues to process the sad loss in his life. We are so grateful that Kelli had such a loving soul mate. She loved her life and loved her "guys."

Linda's dad was released from the hospital yesterday. That is great news. Take care of yourself Ernie!

Please also keep our entire family in your thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Mom

Ashpole Family Update

Two units of red blood cells aboard, rosy cheeks, breathing better, and waffles for breakfast should get Pop off to the races today. Pop does admit to feeling better except for the low to mid back pain. Pop feels it is muscular--we rub it and it gets better--so keep your fingers crossed that it is just muscle.

Weather report: It is currently 50 degrees, sun shining, slightly windy and a beautiful day. Know Pop plans a road trip to the golf course and McD meeting. Think the sunny warm days will pick him up a bit. Pop gets real quiet at times----too much think time inside the house doing nothing---not good for Pop. Know the loss of Kelli is also weighing sadly upon and within him as with all of us.

Had to include a Klepper walkway picture. They had the cedar box built to hide some utilities. Kelli was always working on a project, really creative, so enjoyed being at home and working with her plants ---the girl had a green thunb.

Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Love, Mom

Update of the Update

Mom just called me from the road and Pop is a go for re-fueling today.  Blood count was down, platelets were down -- the man needs more fuel to put that rosy glow back in his cheeks.  

He'll hunker down at the hospital under warmed blankets, probably snooze a bit, play his hand-held solitaire and sudoku games, have a bite of lunch and return home later this evening a much happier camper.

CT and lab work on the schedule for Monday.

And I want to add my thanks to mom's for all the good thoughts, prayers and encouragement being sent our way.

Love,

Kat

Ashpole Family Update

Off to have lab (CBC and most likely also a type and cross-match) then wouldn't be surprised if Pop will go to hospital to have transfusion. Pop is okay---he requested I call MD office yesterday to ask that lab be done before Monday. I think this is a wise decision. Pop has felt bummed out the last coule of days---needs a re-fueling!

More later---

Love,

Mom

Ashpole Family Update

Had some inquires about yesterday's pic of Pop. It was an older pic. This one was taken this AM---I call it---"enough with that #%$&@ camera this early in the morning picture"---or maybe Pop said that--anyway this pic is hot off the camera. Pop is more photogenic now with his weight gain--but still stays cranky in the morning---Might say today--Pop is holding his own. (If I were wicked---I would go into the bedroom and draw a happy face on him before he wakes up and then take a picture---Hmmm--just may happen--not the wicked---just the happy face.) Keeping it real: Yesterday was a bit rough for him--had flu like symptoms--was sedentary all day and went to bed before 7:00pm. Would suspect it was a reaction to the Epogen injection on Monday. He is better today and plans a McD's trip and to drive me to Mass at noon (HHR being serviced today---so I am without wheels).

Sun is shining this AM. Remember the times spent at the Kleppers and sitting in the sunny greenhouse reading, enjoying the company, and beautiful plants. Have received so many wonderful sentiments of love and caring from everyone--thanks. Wanted to share a notation from a Marjolein Bastin card---"It is not how long the flower blooms, but how beautifully." Now doesn't that just say it all? Thought I would add a greenhouse pic with some of Kelli's plants (taken a couple of years ago.)

S/W Linda last night to get an update on her dad. All is going as expected, defibrilator implanted yesterday, staying stable, and expected to be able to return to home soon.

Thank you for continuing to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Mom

Ashpole Family Update

What a pair--one was snoozing/watching the KU game--one was snuggling by his Pop. Spencer has certainly moved into our home and hearts--such a sweet little pup and such good company for us. The other two "boys" enjoy him also---who'd have thought we would have ever had another dog let alone 3 more. They are all very therapeutic for us---especially Pop. He seems to be a Pom magnet--always has one close by if not all three.

Supposed to be 40 degrees here today---currently 21----burrr! Thinking about gardening, reading plant books, trying to get ideas for the upcoming season. Replanting the snake (mother-in-laws tongue) plant today---Kelli gave me the plant years ago. Noted hers was replanted in a gorgeous pot when I last visited her house. Wanted to include a Kelli pic of Mr Jax standing at at the entry of the Klepper greenhouse by the marvelous bean plant. Kelli planted the beans by seed and called this pic "Jax and the Beanstalk."

Please see Linda's comments yesterday regarding her dad's recuperation. Our family has more requests for good thoughts and prayers out there than one could imagine----really keeping God, angels, and saints busy. Thinking of all of you----please stay well, healthy, and close to one another today.

Pop just left for McD's for the daily meeting. Pop is holding his own. Will call Thursday and request lab work---thinking hgb will be at 8 or lower---due to his pale complexion and shortness of breath.

Love,

Mom

Platelets Low---Chemo No.

Platelets are low so no chemo today. Pop did get an Epogen injection (to raise the red blood cells). Pop is off to McD's. Hgb is 8.3---just .3 away from a transfusion. If need be will request lab on Friday so he does not bottom out by next Monday. He has certainly lost those rosy cheeks.

Pop only has lab and CT ordered next week. Requested also doing cervical (neck) and shoulder CT next week. Let's hear it for Ms. Nuisance or can we huh, can we huh, huh, huh???? Both were added to next weeks order.

Take care of yourselves today.

Love,
Mom

Ashpole Family Update

Today is Orion's first birthday! Happy Birthday Ori!!! Party planned in in NJ on 02/16/2009. Wouldn't it be fun to attend? Wish we could---hate the geographical distance between all of us.

Speaking of birthdays--another pic of Kelli watching "home movies" at Bruce's 50th birthday celebration. That was a great day for her---she loved entertaining and was in her element. (Click to enlarge pic).

We are off to lab and chemo today--may also throw in a transfusion --(last weeks hgb was 9.1).

Kelli and Jax at a CO dog event. Kelli loved her pugs and would be absolutely delighted with the turn out of donations that have been made in her name to COpugrescue.org. I always told her if I was born into a religion that believed in reincarnation I would want to return as one of her pugs. (Click to enlarge pic).

Asking Linda to put a comment on about her dad's status so you can follow later in the day for that. It is difficult to connect with time changes, phone availability, schedules, etc. Thanks Linda for keeping us up to date.

Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Mom

Ashpole Family Day of Rest

Let's be thankful for having a close wonderful family. My wish for all of you today would be to take care of yourselves and have a good day of rest.
Love,
Mom