HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US

Today He Golfed

Dave has felt much stronger these last few days and, today, he enjoyed golfing with his brother, Richard. He was only a "little" tired this evening!!!

Friends

Friends from the "Buffalo Cafe"

NEW PLAN

I've been a little slow at keeping everyone informed on Dave's progress, but now that company has gone I, hopefully, will have more time. Dave started chemotherapy yesterday in the form of Rituxan. He will be given this through his port once a week. This drug is less toxic than was previously planned, as his body has had so much, it needs a break. He is feeling quite well and still has his wonderful sense of humor even when he's feeling a little "under the weather". We both enjoyed having the kids home and are looking forward to a visit from all six brothers in October!!! My sister, Dawn, and her husband, Gary, are here from Ephrata, Washington. We enjoyed a nice dinner with them along with my brother, Ric, and sister-in-law, Buzzie, last night. Lots of laughter---good medicine!!! I'm still trying to get some more pictures from "the Buff" - so if anyone can help out, I'd appreciate it.

CRAZY DAYS - GOOD DAYS

It's been busy in the Sipe home this past week with the arrival of Eric, Lisa and kids (Hannah 4, Megan 21/2, and Jack 2 months. Combine those bodies with Molly, Jeff, Stella (4), Sully (18 months) , D.J., Dave and myself and all I can say is "wow". This evening Rachel (our oldest daughter), her husband, Bob, and kids Jourdan (age 14) and Grif (age 10) will be arriving to join the group. We were also able to spend time with two other grandchildren, Anna Grace (9) and Garrett (14), and their mom, Sonya, earlier this summer. Thank you, God, for this blessing, and being able to have all four of our children together at one time, in one place, and, hopefully, on the same page! Pictures will definitely be forthcoming!

Dave is doing good, had a thyroid biopsy today (tolerated well) and a port (chest catheter) put in last week. That went well also. Chemo will be starting on Friday. Please keep him in your prayers. Thank you.

NEXT STEP

Looks like a different chemo is the next plan of choice. Today, Dave will meet with Dr. Robyn Harrison, vascular surgeon, to set up a time to have a new port put in. This will eliminate having to poke into veins everytime he needs chemo or blood draws. That's a good thing and actually a relief. We are not sure of the day when he starts his chemo, but it sounds like it will be 5 consecutive days as an out-patient, and will be done at "The Rock". He has had his previous chemos there and they are a wonderful group of gals. Will keep you posted.

HUCKLEBERRY DAYS

As you can see, Dave is doing better. He even showed up to help me sell huckleberry lemonade downtown Whitefish for Huckleberry Days. I really think he was the attraction, not my lemonade. Oh well, whatever it takes!!! We (meaning church members) also sold huckleberry pies and other huckleberry baked goods with all proceeds going to the Whitefish United Methodist Church to pay down the mortgage. If you missed out, you will have to catch us next year!

Dave also played 9 holes of golf on Friday with the help of his best new friend "THE CART". He had a great time and said he could have golfed 18 holes!!! He's going to try again tomorrow.

We should get the PET scan results on Tues. - we are praying HARD for good news. He is feeling so much better and getting stronger despite the continuing chemo.

More Kodak Moments

AMAZING

These pictures definitely speak for themselves. We had a great time and Dave did well. We enjoyed all our company and the beautiful scenery. Thanks Gordon and Toni for all your help, and, Shelley, you make awesome buttermilk pancakes! Orland and Jan, Molly and Jeff and Sully and Stella all came and joined us Saturday evening. I was surprised with a birthday cake and I actually blew out all 48 candles (we were minus 10)!!