A friend of mine posted this quote on Facebook the other day. She is going through a difficult time in her life as well... I hope she doesn't mind if I use it today...

"God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges we face... On occasion we may feel distanced from God, shut out of Heaven, lost, alone in dark dreary places...but even then the Father of us all is waiting and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal."

I have felt Heavenly Father's influence in my life today. Angels have been all around today. Thank you.

It looks like Mike's hospital stay is about to end again. We are not completely sure of the day, but hopefully sometime before the week end.

Great day. Better food. Into a chair twice. Good sleep. Good night!

Wonderful friends...

Today we said good bye to some of our wonderful friends who have been here to visit with Mike and I. They brought with them such an amazing peace and comfort. At some point I will write about their thoughtful gifts.

Mike had another day of sleep, visits from friends and family, hospital food that didn't agree with him, and getting back into a chair. We look forward to another week and hope that this is the week when Mike will return home.

A Calm, Peaceful Day

We had a good day today. Mike made great progress. The pain from the DVT is becoming more managable. Mike ate lunch from a chair rather than his bed. What a blessing it was for him to sit in a chair for a few hours.

So many wonderful people stopped by to see Mike this afternoon and evening. Thank you for brightening his day with your visits. We welcome visitors if the door is open. Mike may be sleeping and I may not be there... Hopefully you can judge if the time to visit is right.

Today I have been deeply touched by the gifts of some dear friends and family. Your time, talent, and sacrifice is so humbling. I will cherish the warmth and the beauty of these gifts and your love forever.

Another day at the hospital... Some ups, some downs. Mike is a trooper... The chemo went well. His leg pain is a bit less now that he has some fancy hose to wear :) My bed is calling...

the "meeting" went well

The doctors were all so kind to listen as I ran a "board meeting" this a.m. We are so very grateful for their expertise and knowledge. We are all on the same page now and are moving forward with much more confidence. We decided that right now we are going to concentrate on chemotherapy. Since Mike seems to have no active malignancy right now, the chemo can begin in earnest. It will be administered 5 days out of every month. It is a pill rather than an infusion. Mike tolerated it well at a lesser dosage and from all indications will tolerate the stronger dose.

We discussed Mike's homecoming and decided to wait until at least Saturday so the chemo can start in the hospital.

After our meeting Mike complained of some very intense right leg pain. After another dopplar this afternoon another clot was found. Blood thinners will begin again tomorrow.

We know our courage comes from above. We are relying on the strength and faith of each of you. Thank you again for your prayers and good thoughts in our behalf. I feel as though we are fighting a good battle. We are even becoming good strategists! The battle isn't over. Our children have been such magnificant support to us. They are wonderful adults. We have so much love and admiration for each of them.

Priorities

Today Mike and I decided we need to make priorities concerning his care. We have several doctors who are working to make Mike's body better. However, it seems that there isn't a real connection between them and us right now. After being empowered by my therapist this morning,:) I decided to take charge of Mike's care. I have requested a "family meeting" with Mike's doctors tomorrow morning. We must all get on the same page so we can do what's best for Mike and get him home and functioning well. My boys will be there to ask questions and listen with me to answers.

I lost my confidence on Sunday when Mike had to return to the hospital. We are now planning on moving forward with some home help. We are renewed in our determination to press forward. I will write more after our meeting...