Dave's Health

Dear friends and loved ones, 

David was taken to the emergency room in Whitefish Tuesday night and diagnosed with pneumonia. This afternoon, after his condition worsened while at the hospital, he was transported by ambulance to Kalispell Regional Hospital where he is currently in the ICU in 'guarded condition'. This move was made so that he would be closer to the pulmonary specialist.

At this time it is not possible to contact Jennifer directly but she did ask for your prayers for David and the doctors who are treating him. Please also be in prayer for David's family as they go through this time.

You are welcome to send emails to her and Jennifer, or myself, will update the blog as soon as more information is available.

Angela

GOING FORWARD

It's been a pretty frustrating week for both Dave and I. He hasn't had an appetite, and I'm feeling helpless! Monday morning we made a quick trip in to see Dr. Boehme because of our concerns. Our concerns were heightened when Dave stepped on the scales, and had lost over #15 lbs. Of course, that was a concern with Dr. Boehme also. Dave's lab came back looking better than expected and his physical exam didn't reveal anything new. The big thing was for him to eat. We came home with that one goal in mind. Of course, it just didn't seem to happen. I then remembered the Megace - a prescription that we had from Seattle Cancer Care Alliance when Dave had trouble eating. Since it hadn't expired we thought we would give it a try. Two hours after his first dose Dave was hungry! His appetite isn't quite up to par yet, but he's making great strides. Every day after work (yes, he is still working) I fix him a chocolate shake with cream (he doesn't know that, so don't tell him). Then around 6-7 he has his dinner, which he is getting his meat (protein) and veggies. I'm feeling a little better, but just want to fatten him up! I guess it is just comforting to know that I can be of some help. I only wish I could do more.

SUNSHINE

How nice to see the sunshine and feel the heat, esp. for Dave. This radiation really took the "pow" out of him. He has lost another 10 lbs. and is back using the cane for awhile. All of this is a result of the powerful radiation his body just took in. Soon, he should start developing an appetite and strength. This morning he will go outside and tell me how to mow the lawn! I remember my dad telling me how to vacumm - I guess there's something about how "it doesn't make sense" the way I tackle those projects. I guess you are suppose to go in one direction, not "all over the place". Well, anyway, wish me luck!

He's DONE

Yesterday was Dave's last radiation!!!! Hopefully now he will gain some weight back and some stamina. I must say I'm impressed - I don't know if I could have gone through what he has - he's amazing. We now wait for 2 months for another PET scan, so we will try our hardest to get back to normal and put "cancer" on the back burner. Thank you so much "Integrated Pest Management" for coming over and trimming our hedge - you did an awesome job. It is something that Dave has been "pondering" over on how he was going to manage. Thank you also to Whitefish Veterinary Hospital for taking such good care of Ripley and Penelope over the last month or so; when they are well, we feel better also! SPOILED DOGS! Thank you to everyone who has made this chapter in our lives easier - without you the road would have been a lot rougher and the ruts much deeper. Your prayers have been a blessing! I'll be keeping you informed on his progress over the next too months. I might also throw in some craziness -- who knows???

NO WONDER THE FLAMINGOS FLEW AWAY

Three More To Go

After tomorrow, only two more "zaps"!! This round of radiation has been pretty tough. Dave is hanging in there tho, still working and keeping a good attitude. He has lost a few lbs. because of having no appetite, but I keep trying to come up with something he would like. Tonight he actually ate good - 3 helpings of mashed potatoes with meatballs and gravy! He didn't care for the soy beans though!!!! I just can't imagine why - like I said, I'll try anything. Dave did golf 9 holes on Sunday with two of his brothers. He enjoyed that, said he did terrible, but it felt good. Two more brothers came to visit; Robin from Missoula and Craig from Arizona. That is always a boost! Today has been an emotional one, as one of Dave's co-workers who has been struggling with cancer along with Dave, was admitted to ICU today with a lung infection. Please pray for Mike and his family.

QUITE UNUSUAL

We woke up this morning and there was a flock of exotic birds (I thought they were extinct) in our yard! Alright, whose the wise-guy????

Be careful - they just might land in your yard one of these days. Stella (age 3) asked me "how did they get here?" "Did they fly?" "Did they walk on their stick legs, or, maybe God put them there." Stella, I think you are right - God did have something to do with it. Thank you God for making my day.

KEEPS ON KEEPING ON

The radiation has started wearing Dave out, but he still keeps on going! He does great in the mornings, but is pretty tired by late afternoon. He is still eating well, so no problem there. Being home with family and friends is a big part of healing and acceptance. Seattle gave us excellent care, but there is nothing to compare to our life here. I don't think we will ever have any desire to be anywhere else. I guess the bottom line is that we are blessed!

BACK AT IT

Tuesday was the beginning of another 20 rounds of radiation for Dave. Again, we are hopeful that this will "clean up" the original mass. It's in a difficult area, close to a kidney and the spinal cord, but we are encouraged with this high tech equipment that there will be no damage. Dave, as usual, is taking it all in stride. After his first radiation treatment, he was the first on the scene of an automobile accident on highway 93! Go figure!!! His radiation is 5 days a week, so it will be 4 wks. before he is finished. He is still gaining some weight and still eating Kozy Shack pudding! I need to buy some stock in that company! He doesn't get sick from the radiation, but it does wear him down. Please pray for strength for Dave, and guidance for the medical team. Thanks everyone.

He's Been Tatooed!

The markers are in place and Dave begins a new round of spot radiation to his original mass. This will be done in Kalispell and will probably consist of 15 sessions. Dr. Stille sounds hopeful and, so are we. We are really happy that we don't need to go to Seattle right away. Hopefully, it won't be until late summer for his follow-up with the Seattle docs. Dave is also only taking 3 different pills a day! We are anxiously awaiting getting the 5th wheel back here (thanks, Richard, for keeping it for us while we were away) and getting it set up to go do a little camping. We are so grateful that we don't have to go far to enjoy a nice quiet setting as gas is so expensive. I'll keep you posted on how Dave is handling the radiation and anything that sounds exciting.