Email: (from Nana to friends & family)

Hi,

We have been home a week now and yesterday things began looking up.  Papa got on the computer for the first time!  He didn’t do a whole lot but at least he had the interest to get on.  That was after we had been gone for four hours for a doctor’s appointment and signing with notary for a handicap thing for the car.

We had a friend from church come help to get Papa into the car, but when we came home he was able to use the walker to get up the two steps from the garage into the house.  That is the first time we had used the walker since last week when he fell.  Thankfully he did not get hurt but we had to call a neighbor to help get him up off the floor, after he had made an army crawl most of the way to the bathroom.

I mentioned that Papa’s steroid dose was increased to try to help his speech which had declined, but it just made him weaker and did nothing for his speech.  So, a few days ago, it was decreased again and yesterday he seemed some stronger and more encouraged.  He is doing well today too.  And, his speech is also improving!  We are using the walker again, but also have the wheelchair close at hand for the times it is needed.

The appointment with the neurosurgeon [last week] went well.  He was pleased with what he saw.  He encouraged Papa to do the radiation and chemo treatment–at least radiation– but understood his hesitation and said he would respect whatever Papa decided.  The radiation oncologist is also encouraging at least radiation, even a 10-day regimen, but not until Papa gets stronger.  In a few days we have an appointment with a chemo oncologist (a friend of friends, whom we have met in the past) for a second opinion.

Last week, a nurse from home health care came and a physical therapist.  Yesterday an occupational therapist came, and today the nurse and PT returned and a speech therapist came.  Tomorrow OT returns and the next two days more therapy with exercises for us to do in the meantime. So, we have to get on some sort of schedule, and I am not a scheduled person!  Help me, Lord!  I am also now preparing three meals a day which is different for me.

The weather here is beautiful with cool, sunny days.  The Lord is good!  Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement.

Love,   Papa and Nana

My Reflections:

C Bear wants to go apple-picking.

So we do.  Just like that.

Apple pie, anyone?