Beautiful Fall Day

Last Sunday, my family had a small get-together at Mom and Daddy's. 5 of my cousins from North Carolina came up, my Aunt Mildred and her friend, Don, Uncle Doyle, my nephews, Jen, Keenan's girlfriend, my sister and brother-in-law, and George Clooney (a dog)!

Dawn and I cooked turkey, potato casserole, rolls, homemade vegetable beef soup, Mexican cornbread, Mom fixed green beans, and pumpkin cake for dessert.

Daddy seemed to enjoy the day without one nap! He likes having people around to talk, visit, and find out what's going on.

He's still eating well, has no pain, and ready to go everytime the car moves!

Over the hump.

Day 16 of treatments. Daddy's best friend, Orville, came up from Atlanta just to see him! Daddy and "Peanuts" have known each other since they were little boys in Gary, WV.

Sometimes all it takes is a kind word. Today I received a "Thinking of You" card from a relocation company I work with! I was late with a report when we were at Bowman Gray, and explained that I was at the hospital with my dad. Still can't believe that a company had everyone sign the card and write me notes. Made my day!

My Dad!

I am writing to keep everyone posted on my dad's health. Daddy was diagnosed with stomach cancer in September. He spent 6 days in Princeton (WV) Hospital and 8 days in Winston Salem, NC at Bowman Gray Hospital. On the 29th of September, he started radiation treatments to stop the internal bleeding from the mass. He has to have 30 treatments, 5 days a week. Today, he is half way through.

On October 6th, he had a PET scan. It showed cancer on his liver too.

The amazing thing is, he has no pain and is eating well everyday!

In 1954, Daddy had 80% of his stomach removed due to bleeding ulcers. (The only thing I remember is knowing that Daddy was sick. I remember being in a car in the Welch hospital parking lot for hours with my uncle, and Dawn, my sister, was a baby. I was 2!) The doctors' told Daddy there was no way he could live with 20% of his stomach. Daddy told his doctor that he would outlive him. He did!

The mass is where the surgery reattached the small intestines. I guess after 56 years, we can't complain.