Accomplishments...

Today we got our guest bedroom painted. We have been going to remove the wallpaper and paint since we moved here, but were so tired of removing wallpaper at the time of the renovation, that we left that room. It feels so good to have it done! Mike also was able to fix our coat rack in the garage and get some mission stuff done. We feel good about the day.

Mike still hasn't felt the big fatigue that we were told would happen after the big radiation. He is just an amazing man. I stand in awe at what he can accomplish with all that is going on in his head! I gave that beautiful bald head another little haircut today. I love using electric clippers. I am not sure why everyone doesn't have bald heads... so easy!

We have a few more things to accomplish before tomorrow. We must get to it...

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Today has been such a lovely day. We were able to open up the house and let the cool breeze blow through it. Mike was able to work a few hours this morning and a few this afternoon. He also tells me that he has some work to do tomorrow! Sounds like Mike's old schedule :)

We had some sad news today. My uncle passed away earlier today. He was my mother's only living sibling. Our hearts go out to his family. We know he is now in a place where his body doesn't hurt and he is seeing loved ones who have been waiting for him for a long time.

We have had some amazing friends in our home today and they have helped remove wallpaper from our guest bedroom. I am going to be busy with my paint brush tomorrow. We will have a new bed delivered this coming week for our room and put our bed in the guest room. Sounds like we are getting ready for visitors! It is so wonderful to be accomplishing some projects. It helps to have an interior designer in the house at the present time!

We again thank our Heavenly Father for wonderful friends and family. Please pray with us for the family of my uncle that all of us will feel the peace that passeth all understanding.

All Smiles

Dad strutted out of his treatment this afternoon with a big smile on his face and plenty of energy. There is perhaps no better sight then seeing him walk out of there with such a spring in his step and grin on his face. He was so full of energy that he and my mom walked home from the cancer center. Once they got home he walked on down to his mom's house. Dad is feeling good. We are feeling optimistic.

Ready for Thursday

We began preparations for Thusday's extreme radiation treatment last evening with increases in steroid dosages. This steroid is precautionary for the heavy radiation dose which will be administered this afternoon to control swelling. They do build up in the system, but last evening was unexpectedly restful until after the 3:00 am dose when the mind said it was getting up. We will work on some more rest today and preparation for the treatment.

We are full of great faith and optomism that this will allow a very positive outcome next week during the surgery to remove some that wouldn't have been possible without it. We do know that God is directing our medical professionals towards this path and we pray for them daily. They are absolutely wonderful and being directed for our good.

A change in plans

We visited the doc again this morning... After the last MRI, which was done for mapping the radiation therapy, (Thursday) it looks like what may have been a tumor is radiation necrosis (dead tissue.) We have a surgery scheduled on Tuesday to remove that necrosis. Mike will still have radiation of the larger, inoperable tumor either tomorrow or Thursday. There is the hope that the tumor, once radiated will shrink and detach itself and be removable at the time of the Tuesday surgery. We feel that this is good news and a very proactive step in our journey.

We would appreciate your prayers to to help get us through these next several days. Hannah is staying for a bit longer... What would we do without wonderful children?

The week ahead

We have had a very quiet day. We went to church where great lessons were taught. Mike slept for quite a while this afternoon and is now up and working at his computer. Hannah and I both got a few winks this afternoon and are both feeling refreshed.

We don't know exactly what the new week will bring, but we do know we are pushing onward with faith. The radiation will be sometime at the beginning of the week. We will post more about that when we know more.

Hope everyone has a great week. Let's make the most of every moment!

Last night's gathering was so much fun. Thanks to Hannah for doing most of the cooking. We are grateful for friends and other family members who helped out.

We adore Andy's friends and know why he is so fond of each of them. It was so great to have people in our home after 3 mos. of not entertaining.

Tyler and his family came a bit early, so Poppy and Will had some private time to watch a few videos. What amazing therapy for Mike the grandbabies are.

We consider all of you our great friends and consider ourselves the most fortunate people in the world to be surrounded by such wonderful people.