The visit goes on

Pop had a captive audience (Jan just woke up--and the "boys" were soooo happy to see their main man.

The first day at home was great---each day is great when Pop feels good. Pop is eating better, taking less medication, and loving visiting with family and friends.

Pop wanted me to thank Vicki and Lindsay for the sweet treats--ate 3 of LJ's cookies with milk and planning on some banana bread snacking later today. Terry left for home this AM. Kevin took Pop to the McD's meeting. Pop was tired but loved seeing his McD group.

Keep the good thoughts and prayers coming Pops way.

Love,
Mom

Home again and doing well

Home again and doing well. Visiting with his sister, Jan.
Love,
Mom

PS--Be sure and double click to enlarge pic.

Happy Thanksgiving

Pop had the endoscopy yesterday---several ulcers were found and biopsied in his duodenum. The feeding tube was removed following the procedure and he was placed on a soft diet as well as a IV Nexium drip. He was drowsy most of the afternoon, ate some food, and was pleased that the ulcers can treated.

Father Jerome Spexarth made a special trip in the evening to visit with Pop. Terry indicated Pop was very upbeat after the visit. Father Jerome is a "Colwich boy" and seems Pop knows some of Father Jerome's relatives---go figure---Pop knows everyone. How wonderful it is that we have such special people in our lives-----mark that up as one more thing to be thankful for.

Terry, Pop, and I will be spending Thanksgiving Day in the hospital. (Pop needs to eat well, be up/around more and the blood counts need to improve before he can be released.) The hospital staff has been absolutely wonderful to us.

Continue to keep Pop in your good thoughts and prayers. We are looking forward to more family members arriving today and in the next few weeks.

Love,
Mom

Gallbladder stays, food stays, Pop stays

Pop will most likely be spending Thanksgiving in the hospital. They did a HIDA scan yesterday to check the function of the gallbladder. It is functioning and since Pop is a surgery risk----the removal of it will be delayed. If it acts up again it will be removed. Tube feedings as well as food by mouth is in progress. They may do an endoscopy to take a look at his esophagus since he mentioned some difficulty swallowing.

Pop will be taking a 3 week hiatus from chemo to regain some strength. Lauren and Lindsay are planning on a visit 12/6 thru 12/9---so the timing is perfect and he is looking forward to their visit.

Must tell all----this man is a saint to go through what he has and still have patience and graciousness to all those who care for him. WOW---I want to grow up and be just like him! Please keep the good thoughts and prayers coming Pops' way.

Love,
Mom

Let's have a cholecystectomy--why not?

The ultra sound showed a large stone and sludge in the Gall Bladder---Surgeon resident visited with Pop yesterday to lay out some plans for removal of gall bladder. Pop will visit with surgeon/Dr. Moore today to discuss surgery.

It's like we have Pop in for his 50,000 mile checkup---let's just fix everything--he has had biopsies, root canals, chemo, radiation, too many medications to mention and now a cholecystectomy----Oh gee--why not????

Please continue to keep those good thoughts and prayers coming Pop's way.
Lov,
Mom

Pops

Pop had a rough evening--abd discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. Dr. Moore indicated a feeding tube needed to be inserted (via nose into small intestine) to provide nutrition. Pop agreed and it was inserted this AM. Pop also has gallbladder symptoms, ultra sound ordered/completed this AM. Pop has no other pain and off all medications. Dr. Moore indicated if having GB problems will consult surgeon and have GB removed.
Pop is really alert and back to his ole self----that is great. It has been wonderful being able to visit with him.
Love,
Mom

Pop's progress

Pop's progress:
Pop's lab is okay, counts are still low---but stable and weighing in at a strapping 136 lbs this AM. Medications are being reduced, feeling stronger, having some heartburn, and needing to increase calorie intake before discussion of being released from hospital. Otherwise, things remain the same--hoping for a quiet, restful, calorie filled weekend for Pop.

Family's progress:
Kathy is ill with upper respiratory stuff and will not be coming in this week. Everyone knows the importance of staying away from Pop if they are ill.
Kelli is leaving tomorrow to return to Colorado. (She cleaned the entire house--remind me to encourage her to return real soon).
Terry is still here and staying with Pop at the hospital every night (and also during the day).

Have been in touch (by phone or in spirit/mind) with all of our family this week and cannot tell you how special each and everyone one of you are to us. What a legacy you are to us!

Please continue to keep the good thoughts and prayers coming Pop's way.

Love,
Mom