Shuttle Drivers

Over the last two days, I have given a lot of thought to the shuttle drivers we have met. There are those from the SCCA that have taken us back and forth to the hospital, and the hotel drivers who have shuttled us to the grocery store, drugstore, dog grooming, and places that they are not expected to go. They have given me their home phone numbers "just in case" we needed help. They are amazing. What a difficult job they have. They have always been kind and never "rushed" to get you to your destination. I think about all of the sick, crabby, tired, sad, happy people they meet every day and how they handle these situations. Since we have been here, two of them have been diagnosed with cancer; one young male, age 27, diagnosed with colon cancer; and one retired pastor, age 50's, with a return of cancer after 12 years. They still continue being positive with all these people they shuttle around. God Bless them. Dave continues to do well despite being exhausted. I think this is the most tired I have ever seen him. Radiation really does drain your body of energy. He is gaining weight, has a great attitude, and is pretty easy to please! We only have two more weeks and we will be homeward bound; how exciting.

Feeling Positive

It's been a great day. Dave felt a little stronger today and less exhausted. He had his 9 a.m. radiation, and then we met with his two radiation oncologists. They went over the CT scan pictures and showed us exactly the region that is being treated. We thought it was just the remaining mass, but it is also the area surrounding it. Because of the position of his kidneys, one is getting no radiation and the other is just getting a little on the edge. That was a big relief, as the kidneys can't handle much radiation. After our meeting, we came back to the hotel and enjoyed a visit from Jeff and Sheila Harker from C. Falls. It is always nice to have company from home.

Early to Bed

Dave is already thinking about going to bed - the radiation really wears him out, and he's not happy about it! It causes a lot of weakness too. He did walk up the hill this morning, but barely made it. The shuttle came and picked him up after his appointment. Tomorrow he will go both ways with the shuttle - I'm afraid he will fall, and that's something we don't need! I escaped for a couple hours today and went to Pike's Market to buy some fresh veggies and shrimp. Dave was hungry for shrimp scampi, and I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to really lay the calories on him. If I have it figured out right, with all those calories and lack of exercise, he should plump up pretty fast. Some more good news - his hair is starting to come back! You have to look pretty hard to see it, but it's there.

Correction

The date we are to be released is Sept. 28th, not October 28th! How could I make such a mistake!!!!! Thanks, Jan for pointing it out - I need to be watched out for!

Weekend's Over

Had a busy day with radiation at 9 a.m., lab 10:30, team visit at 11:00. It doesn't sound like much but it can be exhausting, esp. for Dave. He is doing well and his appetite has come back! He actually gained 7 lbs. That was the best news of the day. The radiation is really zapping his strength and where it was easy for him to walk up to the SCCA, he now has a hard time. His legs are what is weak. They will come back though after his radiation is over. He has exercises to do here at the hotel, and he will probably try some pool therapy. I just love it though that he is eating and drinking so well. Every little step forward is a big deal! He is now on 20 pills/day - that should start tapering off soon as his blood counts have really been good. The plan is still that we will be released Oct. 28th back to Whitefish. We are counting the days! I just know he will perk up back home.