Where we are

Well, it's been difficult to update this blog. Last Thursday was to start the 3rd round of chemo. Dean has been rapidly losing weight and strength. It was difficult to even get there. He can no longer get up on his own. Our precious friends, Paul and Karen came to get him to the car. Paul had to hug and lift him completely. On the way he said he didn't want to live this way and was ready to go. When I ask my list of questions, the oncologist said he didn't think chemo was working, that the weakness and muscle loss was from the cancer. He suspended chemo and ordered a CT scan for Friday, saying that if it shows what he thinks it will, there will be no more chemo and he will turn him over to hospice.

Paul and Karen again assisted to get him to the clinic on Friday for the scan. And Paul brought a bunch of photos from their hunting trips over the past 30+ years to look at while he drank the fluids. By the time we got home he was extremely weak. His breathing has been getting more labored. I called Dean's daughter and our son. Debbie said they would drive over on Saturday and Karen offered to cook a meal for us all. I ask Jonathan to bring him some chocolate ice cream which I have not allowed in the house and he relished it.



On Saturday Dean and Debbie spent some time together looking over old photos of Deans family-siblings and parents and talked until his strength was spent. Jonathan moved back home on Friday to be available to help and to spend more time with Dean. He also has decided to skip spring semester so he can be here. It has been so good to have him help get Dean up. They spent part of this evening reminiscing about their trip to Mexico with his 6th grade class.

Hopefully we will have a hospital bed Monday or Tuesday which will help immensely. We will also know the results of the scan, and consequently which fork in the road we will face. We are keenly aware of the Lord's presence. He continues to bathe us with His peace and amazing grace.

Thanks to you all for your notes and emails. Dean is able to take phone calls, though his voice gives out after about 10 minutes. He loves to hear from you.