January 16th

Robert is working and the boys and I are busy with our routine of school, running errands, and playing. Robert enjoyed his first day back on the job and the boys and I were happy to hear it. We celebrated Robert's return to work on Monday with a decorated table setting, cookies, art work and and card games in the evening. The boys are right back into their old habit of asking where Daddy is each morning and I remind them that he is at work. We feel so blessed for the fact that Robert is able to return to work and continue to pray for continued successes.

January 13th

Robert has continued to get stronger and feel better every day. Tomorrow is a big day as he will return to work. The thought of returning to work is both exciting and daunting. The possibility of returning to works demonstrates the positive results of surgery, treatments, and Robert's strength. Robert has tolerated treatment well and we continue to have hope that he will continue to feel well during the next round of chemo.
The boys were not happy to hear the news of Robert returning to work as they like to have their daddy close. On the other hand- I think that they may have been nervous when Robert first began staying home-
Each morning as I would greet them, one if not both boys would ask- "Where's Daddy?"
Just prior to Robert's surgery, Bryce had a serious conversation with Trey as he was questioning us about Robert - asking "Trey- Do you want toys?" (Trey said, "yes") and then Bryce stated, "Then daddy has to go to work."
We are grateful for the blessings that we have and will continue to receive. Bryce and Trey keep us grounded and bring us joy each and every day. We are grateful for moments of laughter, time with family, fun with friends, the physical and emotional nourishment that our community has provided.

January 3rd

Radiation is over (actually it was over December 28th)! Chemotherapy is on hold, as planned, until the end of this month.

I will have an MRI, blood work and a meeting with my oncologist on January 28th. At this point, we will begin the monthly chemotherapy schedule - on for five days, off for twenty-three days (a twenty-eight day cycle for six months). The dosage of the chemotherapy drug will be doubled during this period over the radiation period.

I am scheduled to return to work on January 14th. I will see how it goes. I will hopefully have enough energy to stay for an entire day (each day).

I have felt good, with a little fatigue. Tammy insists that I am very stubborn, even more than usual - maybe a good thing ;).

We wish all of you a healthy and happy New Year.

December 25th

Today we realized the joy of Christmas and the power of believing as we watched the boys open their gifts. Nothing gives us more joy then watching the excitement in their eyes, as the open the presents left under the tree. We recognize that Christmas is not just about the presents -but the belief that something magical has occurred, the joy of giving, and the time spent with family and friends. We know that Santa's elves, angels, and/or really good people- call them what you want- are surrounding us. THANK YOU- doesn't even begin to demonstrate our gratitude for all of the gifts that we have received. Physical gifts and the gifts of love & support. Thank you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

December 9th - 18th

It has been a long time since my last post. Maybe shaving my head caused my literary skills to suffer. ;)

Things have been relatively uneventful. I have continued with radiation and chemotherapy for this entire period. My final radiation treatment is scheduled for December 28th.

Then we will move on to the next phase of the treatment, which is a four week rest period. Chemotherapy will continue the end of this rest period. The schedule for the chemotherapy is five days on and twenty-three days off for six months.

The doctors will be scheduling regular MRIs to track the progress of the treatment.

I will keep everyone updated on my progress.

Hair be gone!

And now they have no hair. I finally shaved all my hair off my head along with my brother-in-law, Brian and my neighbor John. We both think we have pretty good heads!

December 3rd - 6th

Everything is going really well. My blood results came back on Tuesday in normal range. My radiation treatments are going really well. Basically, everything is going really smoothly.

We are going to bring Bryce and Trey to the hospital to get a tour of where I get my treatment. Tammy and I think they will really like this. The nurse is going to get them a present and put it in the radiation room for them to find.

Tammy and I are really thankful for all the help everyone is giving to us. We are blessed by very thoughtful family and friends.