Happy 65th Birthday and feelin' good!

Dad celebrated his 65th birthday Sunday the 18th, and had two grandson's help him open presents and blow out candles.  Granddaughter Emily was home with a 102 temperature, so she had to wish Grandpa happy birthday via webcam.  She did send out a very special card (as only a near-four-year old could create), and I'm sure it will be kept forever.

Dad completed another round of chemo this month (#4/12 of the maintenance dose), and once again did very well with the treatments.  It knocks him down energy-wise for about 10 days, but this morning I got the report that he is back to his old self and looking great!

We're in the state of not knowing what next steps are, waiting on an MRI likely late February to tell us how the treatments are working.  The fact that Dad is looking so good and strong, and is not exhibiting any new symptoms, keeps us all afloat that the tumor is no match for the radiation and chemo that has been given.  Keep him in your thoughts, as it's going to be a long six weeks to find out more information.  

I keep saying, "There HAS to be a test for _____."  I usually get a "Nope."  I can think of at least two new medical machines that, if I were a physics PhD, I'd be a billionaire right about now.  

Happy New Year

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and happy holidays.  The holidays wrapped for us without any incidents, some good laughs, and even a few good movies.

Dad kicked off the new year feeling pretty well.  He's now off of the Ritalyn (for now) - thinking that he's healing up and it is no longer needed to keep him awake during the days.  He keeps getting his strength back more and more each day, which is great to see.  This month's dose of Chemo starts again tomorrow for five days - hoping he does well with it.

We are going to seek out a volunteer job or something to help him pass the time at home.  He has pretty much exhausted the rolodex of people he knows to call and check in, so it's time he puts that energy to a good cause.  :)

He officially has a plane ticket to Portland for March - something to look forward to on the calendar, a change of scenery, and perhaps a change of weather for the better (one never knows in Portland).  Definitely looking forward to that visit with Mom and Dad for about 10 days!

Stay warm!  And here's looking to 2009 to being better than 2008!