SPARE TIME

Here is Dave's latest project. It's hard to see by the pics just how beautifully done these pieces are. No, unfortunately, they are not for me. He is beginning to get a lot of requests, and yes, he still has all his fingers.

ENJOYMENT

I honestly wondered if we would ever get out of town without it being for a medical reason. Now, we have reason to celebrate!!! Dave and I tagged along with Orland and Jan to a fun-filled weekend in Spokane. As you can see by the pics, we ended up at a motorycle show!! Of course, Dave was in his element and the only thing that could have made it any better would have been Dave's purchase of a cycle. Of course, that didn't happen, but it was fun looking, laughing and forgetting about cancer. We actually felt "normal". Dave held up well and went all day without sitting down or falling down! It was a weekend we will always cherish with faithful friends. Sorry, Jan, I just had to throw that in.

Upcoming I will post a few pictures showing what Dave has been doing in his spare time. He just continues to amaze me! Stayed tuned for more!

ALL'S GOOD

Again, I apologize for not posting sooner, but there has not been a lot of news to report on Dave other than he is doing good. He did have about 5 days of not feeling good after his last chemo, but he worked through that. I will have to corner him and get a few new pictures - he is really looking good. He has been busy working out in the shop on some furniture and, of course, his daily "Buffalo" fix. That is in - "Buffalo Cafe". As for me, it's nice to have some sense of comfort knowing he is feeling good. As you can see in this picture, I enjoyed Sunday playing Bunco with the "Bunco Babes". We had a great time, good food and good laughs. Thanks, Diane for those laughs. Dave came in and joined us for potluck then went back to the shop!

CHEMO

I have been meaning to update, but as usual I haven't quite found the time. Dave's appt. on Thurs. went quite well with the report his whitecount has improved. They did administer chemo after seeing the doctor, which we didn't quite expect but felt comfortable with the decision. He will not have another appointment until April when he will, again, undergo a chemo treatment. He tolerates those quite well with just a bit of weakness and nausea a few days after. It doesn't seem to slow him down too much though; he's still able to get out to the shop for awhile. He's now up to 212 lbs.!! Now that makes me happy!

LEAST EXPECTED

re·lief
1. The easing of a burden or distress, such as pain, anxiety, or oppression.
2. Something that alleviates pain or distress.

GOOD NEWS!!!!! Dave's PET scan showed "marked overall improvement"!! How I love the word improvement!! Also, the word "resolved" showed up more than once. He is not in complete remission, but this is the closest he has been since the diagnosis. We are both in total shock. This is the first time we have actually received good news since the journey began. He will be having blood work in 2 wks. to check the whitecount and, hopefully, a break off any chemo drugs for a short time so his body can get a rest. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your prayers and support. You make a difference!

RESULTS

ap·pre·hen·sion 1. Fearful or uneasy anticipation of the future; dread.
2. The act of seizing or capturing; arrest.
3. The ability to apprehend or understand; understanding.

I guess that word sums up the last few days.

Dave did have some lab today and his whitecount was quite low so he is on Levaquin for 5 days. Hopefully, that will boost him up a bit to where he feels better. The few days before test results are always difficult. He's had such a great attitude, I know he'll bounce back. Please keep up the prayers.

Also, please keep Mike Eve's family in your prayers as they deal with the loss of Mike. Thanks.

PINS & NEEDLES

Tomorrow is PET scan day, and I ask for your prayers for Dave. We aren't expecting a remission (although miracles do happen), but we pray for a slow down of the disease. The last few days have been difficult for Dave, which is understandable. He lost a friend to cancer last night, so please also pray for strength. Thurs. is appt. with Dr. Boehme for results and I will post soon afterwards.

LOOKING GOOD

We had a great afternoon being able to spend time with Stella and Sully while Molly had an appointment. As you can see, Sully was enjoying his backrub by "boppa" while Stella was doing the entertaining! Oh I almost forgot, the good-looking old fart is Dave. (don't tell him I said that!)

WINTER