Hello Friends and Family,
It has been too long since there has been an update to the blog and we apologize for keeping you all in the dark for so long. Here on Thanksgiving day we have much to be thankful for. Even though our immediate families cannot spend Thanksgiving together due to colds and flus, etc which dad cannot risk catching, we will be together in spirit.
It has been a long road since the last update. Mom and Dad lived in San Jose over the summer to meet the required distance from Stanford. This distance was challenging for the family but we were so grateful to have Stanford close by unlike some families we had met who had traveled across the country for treatment. There were daily then weekly visits to the hospital. There were ups and downs with infections and minor complications. Nothing that the doctors were not able to jump on right away and tackle. Its been a roller coaster ride and Mom and Dad were at the end of their rope come August. Dad had one last test of his patience and then they released him back to Santa Cruz to be home. Being back home has made all the difference in morale around here. Dad has made steady progress to recovery.
The last scans which were completed a few weeks ago show that the cancer is not showing and the stem cells are winning the battle of taking over Dads system. They are slowing taking him off his medications of prednizone and the immuno suppressant drugs that he has been on for so long. These reductions are the next step in recovery. Dad needs to take over where these drugs were helping him out.
Its still a long road to recovery. Dad's body is weak and he is tired but his spirit is not broken. He will continue to fight for the future that he deserves. To celebrate more wedding anniversaries (44 aready!) and birthdays, admire Matt in his successes, watch grandchildren grow, and the seasons pass.
We are all thankful for Dad on this day for the fight he has given and continues. We are thankful for Mom and her perseverance and determination in caring for Dad along this journey. We are thankful for our families and the support and love received from all.
ENJOY YOUR THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!
AND DON'T TAKE THAT WHICH YOU ARE THANKFUL FOR GRANTED
Love, Heather
Great Thanksgiving news Heather. Thanks from all of us on the periphery where we pray and cheer for the Colonel. You are a lucky man with a wife like Maryand such loving children A belated 237th Birthday wish to you Ed and Matt. May tht wind at your back be fair one with calm seas Sir. I still have the Macanudos and single malt. We may let Matt have a dram if he is old enough.
ReplyDeleteSemper Fi,
Gunny
Heather, the news could not be better or come at a better time. Give my best to your Dad and Mom and tell him that I have selected the perfect bottle of wine for our next get together and can't wait to drink it with him.
ReplyDeleteGuy Coons