Since my last update, Dad has been really good. Even after chemo on Tuesday he's been better and a little stronger. Mom has been getting him out of the house just about every day, even if it's just to ride around. The weekend was good too. The physical therapist came on Saturday morning and really gave him a hard workout, so the rest of the day he was tired. However, he wasn't too tired to get up and go to church again on Sunday. Dad told me he made up his mind Saturday night that he was going to do whatever it took to go to church, and it was so awesome to see that fire in his eyes again, the determination that he's always had. So he got up, ate a big breakfast to give him energy, and off they went.

Last night we had a lovely surprise. The Christmas Carolers from Bethel United Methodist Church (mom and dad's church) came by and sang a few songs for Mom and Dad. They were wonderful, but the best part was hearing Dad sing with them. His voice is so much stronger now, pretty much back to normal, and it was just heart warming for me to hear him singing Silent Night with them.

Hi everyone. Since Thanksgiving we've had good days. Other than being a little weak, which is due mainly to the steroids, Dad is doing good. He went for chemo today, and it went fine. We met with the radiation oncologist today also for the last time. He felt there was no reason for Dad to continue under his care, so he'll only see his regular oncologist, Dr. Sanders, for his care now. Praise God!!

Let me tell you a little story about what happened last week. Ever since Dad had his radiation, his vision has been blurred. We knew that radiation could do that, so it didn't come as a surprise. Mom took Dad to the eye doctor to get some new glasses last week, and he went through all the tests, etc. that we all go through in an eye exam. When the exam was complete, the doctor told Dad that his vision had greatly IMPROVED, not worsened. That's why Dad couldn't see. His glasses were far too strong. How awesome is that???!!! He'll still need glasses, but they won't be near as strong as before.

The physical therapist continues to come a few times a week, and gives Dad a really good workout. We still have good days and some not so great days, but overall, Dad is doing really good.

As I've said before, we're so thankful and appreciative for all of the cards, calls, visits and PRAYERS. You all mean so much to our family. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful friends and family who continue remain faithful with their prayers and support. We couldn't go through this without you!

Thanksgiving 2008 has been GREAT! We had lunch today with my mom's family. All but 1 of her brothers and sisters, all of their kids, and all of their kids were there. Final count was 73. It was wonderful to see everyone, and for everyone to be able to see and spend time with Dad. He did really good, ate good, and enjoyed being there. It didn't even seem to wear him out.

This afternoon he had several friends come visit, some of them all the way from Boone, and as always, it was great seeing everyone.

Michael, Dad's grandson, brought him a Wii today, to keep him active and moving around. This will be great for him to use, and plus it's fun. :) Thanks Michael!

It's been a good day, and on this Thanksgiving, we are truly blessed and have so much to be thankful for!

Love you all~

Dad has had a pretty good weekend, he even went to church this morning. The chemo takes away his appetite, so getting him to eat anything much is a struggle sometimes, but all in all, he's doing pretty good. I know he enjoyed getting out of the house, and especially getting to see his church family.

The physical therapist was here on Saturday and said it would only take a few weeks to get Dad back to where he can move around without help. They'll come 3 times a week, and that will be so helpful. They gave him some exercises that he can do on his own to help build the strength back in his legs, and I'm sure it won't take long to get back up and at 'em!

Hi Everyone....Dad came home from the hospital today. It's hard to imagine that his body could be so dehydrated that he needed 4 days worth of iv fluids, but that's what he needed. He did get chemo today, and is fine from that, with the exception of being groggy from the benadryl they give him before each treatment. Mom said he slept most of the afternoon.

Ya'll just can't believe the change in him from Saturday to today. He looks really good, is eating everything in sight, and has his personality back. Thank you all for the continued prayers, it means so much to my family. We appreciate each and every prayer, phone call, card, etc. We're truly blessed to have such wonderful friends and family.

Love to all~

What a difference a day makes....

Dad is doing soooooo much better. Yesterday he was sitting up, telling jokes and LAUGHING. Oh, how it warmed my heart to hear his laugh. I just about cried. It's so funny how you don't realize how much you miss something, until you hear it again and realize you hadn't heard it in a long time. We've just been going through each day without really thinking about the sound of his laugh, and then to hear it again, wow, it was awesome.

All they've done is pump his body full of fluids, but he looks really good, he feels so much better and stronger. Last night I took he and mom a Wendy's frosty, he ate almost 2/3 of it, and was so proud of himself. We're not sure if he'll come home today, or wait until tomorrow after his chemo. We'll keep you posted.

Thanks again for the continued prayers and support. It's so comforting to know that all of you care, and pray for our family every day.

We love you~

Well, Dad was admitted to the hospital last night. We called the nurse last night after he continued to be sick on his stomach, and she suggested taking him in to get checked out. He's severely dehydrated. Over the last several days he's barely had enough food or drink to keep a bird alive. Dad says he just cannot swallow anything. He said his throat was swollen, but last night the doctor looked and said it's not swollen, it's just completely dry, which is why nothing will go down. Even liquids just kind of get stuck going down. So, they're going to pump him full of liquids, probably for another day or so, and then hopefully he'll get to go home.