How not to spend a Saturday

Dave just keeps me hopping! Here he is in the ER after nearly cutting off 3 fingers with the table saw!! Thankfully, he had turned off the saw; unfortunately, it was still turning when he reached across for a piece of wood. He just missed the joint of the ring finger, but those fingers will never be pretty! His fingers look like something out of a Halloween movie! He's pretty mad at himself, but is doing his best to play it down. So much for helping me with the dishes.

LAST CHEMO

Today, Dave had his last chemo for awhile. We don't, at this point, know what the next step will be. There will be no scans unless Dave feels discomfort or has other indications of a problem. Let's pray that he gets an extended length of time without symptoms or, better yet, a remission (something that he hasn't had yet). He is feeling pretty good, eating well, gaining weight and enjoying some of the activities he enjoyed before the diagnosis of lymphoma. He still doesn't have all his energy back, but considering all the abuse his body has gone through, I'm impressed with his determination and amazing attitude. He has started doing a little bit of wood-working, gets out more often, and even pushes the broom on occasion! Now if I could only get him to empty the dishwasher!!!!!!

WEEKEND UPDATE

We had a wonderful evening Fri., enjoying dinner with Luanne and Joe Basirico at McKenzie River. Dave felt good, but Saturday things started going downhill. He started feeling weak, headache, body aches and fever. At 7:30 his temp. was 102.8, so we made a trip to the ER. After an EKG, chest x-ray, blood work, urinalysis, IV fluid, it was determined that he had a virus of some sort. We got back home about midnight and it was a restless night. This morning he felt somewhat better, still had a headache, but extremely unstable and weak. He took it easy all day and said that he felt a bit better this evening, but I'm not so sure I believe him. Tomorrow morning he has an appointment with Dr. Boehme and then scheduled chemo. I'm not certain if the chemo will happen though. It's hard to see him doing so well and then within a day's time, he's flat on his back. Let's pray tomorrow is better.

AMAZING

It continues to amaze me at how well Dave is doing. It is amazing the doctors too. He is tolerating the chemo and it seems like he just keeps getting stronger. I don't have a lot to report except I think your prayers and his attitude have been what has sustained him through this struggle. Just a reminder - if you would like to view the slide show in larger scale, just click on it. The brothers and others had a great time as you can see!

REUNION WEEKEND

What a weekend with all seven sons of Vivian and Keith Sipe on a camping expedition!!! They all had a great time with stories to tell. Also sharing in the experience was Brian's son, Jeff; our son, D.J.; friends Norm Froystad, Jerry Wisher along with his son-in-law (John) and boys, Steele and Hunter. You guessed it, NO GIRLS ALLOWED! The photo to the right has the boys in order of their birth, oldest to the right: Brian, Dave, Robin, Richard, Craig, Mark, and Kevin. I will have more pictures posted of the weekend as soon as the brothers get them sent to me.

Today, Dave has chemo and just left the house. He will be starting another chemo drug, this time in the form of a pill. He will continue the IV chemo therapy also. Please keep Dave in prayers; I know that his will to live and all the prayers have brought him to where he is now. It's been a bumpy road.

CHEMO DAY

Dave met with Dr. Boehme today before chemo, and things are going well. Dave has actually gained 8 lbs.!!! The plan is continuing once a week chemo along with a new pill which is a new drug. I can't believe how good Dave looks; his coloring is great and he's not so pale. We are thankful for the improvement. I don't know what his plans are tomorrow, but I sure hope he mows the lawn!! I haven't been able to say that in 2 yrs., and boy does it feel good.

DOING GOOD

It's been a great weekend with Dave feeling good and constantly eating. I'm making more trips to the grocery store, which is a pain because Safeway is closed for remodel and we only have one other store and it's always packed!!! I think I'll buy a cow. Dave will drink a gallon of milk in 2 days. He's now making his own milkshakes, so I know he's feeling better. He will have chemo again on Tues., but is handling it well. As for me, I check in for "jury duty" in district court tomorrow. Just another thing to keep life interesting.

Something about those Fire Trucks

Kids Enjoyed the Party

Plaque from Whitefish Fire Dept.