Nana’s Notes:

Papa in good spirits in AM.  

Ankles & feet started swelling a couple days ago.  Nurse talked to doctor who said they’d watch it.  This morning when we mentioned it (they were more swollen), the nurse looked at them, called the doctor & got her to come look.  They took him off sodium water to flush his tube & put him on plain water.  Also put him on Lasix.  Want to monitor his liquid intake & output.

He felt like he is declining after therapy – not as strong – doubts he’ll be better.

Tired in afternoon, but still smiling.  

Kari & family visited when dinner was here – boys played electronic games & J Jr. showed Papa how to play “Cut the Rope.”

Email: (from Nana to friends & family)

We had the appointment with the radiation oncologist last week.  He wanted us to set up an appointment for this week for preparation to start the treatment next week and also an appointment with the chemo oncologist to get that started.  Papa felt very overwhelmed and didn’t want to do anything.  We encouraged him to at least make the appointment, which he could cancel if he decided against it.  But he was not ready.  Since then we have been discussing it.  He doesn’t think it is worth it to do it, but he is still considering it.  He still is doubtful he will get back to the quality of life he wants so doesn’t want to extend it.  Please pray for wisdom for all of us that the best decision will be made.

Papa does continue to get stronger, walking some now with help and improving in his speech.  He had a hard time in speech therapy this morning understanding the words the therapist wanted him to say and being able to repeat them.  However, when he saw them written, he was able to say some of them.  A couple days ago he was very tired and discouraged but yesterday and today have been better.  He is experiencing swelling in his ankles and feet which is being addressed today.  He looks great, and just to look at him you would never know he has a problem. 

Thank you, again, for all your love and prayers, Nana

My Reflections:

Today I spend some time at home with my boys.  We have rest time every afternoon and it always starts off with me reading to them for a bit.  But today it’s J Jr. reading to the rest of us. This truly is my favorite time of the day:

Later, J arrives home from his fishing trip, much to the sheer delight of us all (it’s been a long several days without him!).  We all head over to visit with Papa for a bit, and right away J is impressed with how much Papa’s speech has improved since he last saw him.  It is indeed remarkable; this visit we can understand almost all of what Papa is saying, better than we’ve been able to understand him since his speech fell apart just a month ago.

As J recounts his fishing adventures and Papa chats it up with him, Little M looks pretty amazed himself. Guess he realizes that his comrade in indecipherable speech is now a force to be reckoned with!

Good day, good visit, good to have J home!