Thursday, December 3rd

I heard today that my platelet count is still a little low. Dr. Carlisle wants me to resume my chemo pills tonight. I'll just take one dose less than normal. I'm glad to be resuming the chemo. Hopefully, everything goes okay, and the tumors keep responding. I also hope I'm able to cut back on the steroid after I finish the chemo drug.
I started with a new physical therapist today. I really liked the person, and I think she had some good ideas on how to strengthen me. We'll have to wait and see if it really works. Don't worry, I'm still fighting, very hopeful and appreciative of all your thoughts and prayers.

Monday, November 30th

Last week was pretty exhausting for Carole and me, but it was absolutely worth it! There's nothing quite like having family around to talk with. I'm back to having my daily babysitters today - not exactly my favorite routine - but I can deal with it, and I have to admit, all of my caregivers are very good with me. Why wouldn't they be, I'm pretty easy on them?
Football this weekend went as well as can be expected - the Hawks didn't play, but managed to move up in the BCS rankings, the Bengals won and the Steelers lost, so all went well for Iowa and Cincinnati. Who dey? I have some good ballgames to look forward to the next two nights - tonight is New England vs New Orleans in football (go Saints), then tomorrow is Wake Forest vs. Purdue in basketball (go Boilers!).

Friday, November 27th

Yesterday was a great day. Great food, great family and great conversation! Brian prepared two turkeys - one smoked, one grilled. I preferred the smoked turkey, others thought the regular grilled one was more moist. It's all a matter of personal taste.



The Grilled Turkey


The smoked turkey


Part of the crowd


Another part of the crowd

I also got a nice surprise from a co-worker who's a Bengal fan on Wednesday. Thanks, Chad! It Looks great above the fireplace doesn't it?


Lastly, we heard from Jeff (we were able to Skype with him). I guess that means he's doing his job. After many delays. he made it to Iraq. He's actually relieved to finally be there. We'll send his APO contact information and care package suggestions when we get it. I think Cathy will get it from him any day now.

Sunday, November 22nd

The company started arriving yesterday. Brian arrived around 10:30, then about 5 minutes later, then my brother, Mark, my nephew, Tom, my mother, Shirley and my sisters, Rita and Beth arrived. We had some lunch then visited all afternoon before going to dinner at Granite City which was excellent. Andy arrived before dinner, but after the Hawkeye game. It was an exhausting day for everyone, but it was great to see and talk with them all. Jeff's wife, Cathy arrives later today - can't wait to see her- then Carole's Mom, sister and boys arrive later in the week. It will be great to see them as well.
I have to remember to take my naps, but I won't miss the Bengals games. It will be a busy Thanksgiving! Thank goodness for the Slingbox because Eastern Iowa doesn't like the Bengals. Thanks to my great-niece, Anna, for the heart-shaped Colts pillow. The Bengals are still my favorite, but I can't root against the Colts.
We talked with Jeff yesterday afternoon. Sounds like he ships out to Iraq this morning around 10:30 EST. He's ready! He wasn't sure where he was going from Georgia.

Friday, November 20th

The last few days have gone better - no more falling. We got a call from the doctor's office today, my platelet count is too low to resume my chemo tonight, so we'll wait another week to retest my blood. It's actually probably better for me to wait until after Thanksgiving dinner to start the chemo.
The company starts arriving tomorrow. I can't wait to see everybody!
Jeff is still in Georgia, but should be gone before Thanksgiving - Cathy will be here on Sunday.
Carole is starting to get run down. I feel sorry for her trying to keep everything up at home. Andy still comes almost every day to help.

Tuesday, November 17th

Last night was not a good one. While transferring from the toilet to the wheelchair, I fell to the floor and couldn't get back up - I hope this isn't a long term issue. Fortunately, both neighbors were home and were able to help lift me back in my chair. Thanks Steve and Mike!
The whole ordeal scared both Carole and me. She's calling the U of I H & C today to see what they have to say. We may need to look at alternative ways to do some of the transfers.
Who dey! Weren't the Bengals awesome on Sunday? I still can't believe their defense is as good as it is.
Need to nap now. Update you more later.

Thursday, November 12th

Today's visit with Dr. Carlisle went pretty well. It sounds like we'll start the next round of chemo next Friday as long as the blood platelets are okay - there's no reason to think they won't be. Everything else seemed to be in order. Thanks, Andy for taking time off work to help get me to the U of I Hospitals and Clinics. It was an exhausting day for me, and I was really tired by the time I got home.
I have a lot to look forward to over the next few weeks. A lot of people are coming around Thanksgiving. I'm looking forward to seeing all of you.
I still haven't heard anything new from Jeff, so I don't know if he's officially been deployed or not.
I can't wait for Purdue basketball to begin, and I'm still rooting for the Bengals -Beat the Steelers!