Yesterday, October 24, 2009 at 5:25pm, surrounded by his family, my daddy passed away peacefully. Sadly, Marty was not here, but he made a special trip home last Friday to see my dad and say his goodbyes.
We are in the process of making the arragements, probably Wednesday or Thursday of this coming week.
He will be missed so much by so many. He fought so hard until the very end. It was a rough few last days, but again, he was peaceful when the time came.
We love him so much,
Jody
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Most Recent Doctor's Appt.
Well, it went as well as expected. No surprises. Well, one... he has lost more weight than we expected to see. 11 pounds in four weeks.
We saw the Oncologist yesterday and my dad was in good spirits. He always tries to downplay his symptoms, as if "if I don't admit them, maybe they'll go away". Too bad Michelle, my mom, and I always narc him out to the doctor.... LOL.
Not much pain, coughing is pretty bad. He is beginning his days around noon or 1pm. First thing, he heads to the porch for some sitting in the sun, then breakfast with mom. After that, he'll lay down, not always to sleep, just rest. We'll take him for walks in his wheelchair, he really loves that.
We have a very exciting weekend coming, his nephew Jim will be visiting for the day on Saturday. Michelle, Krista, and I will be homecoming dress shopping during the day to give them some time alone, and then we'll all meet up later on, probably for food. Mike's appetite is pretty good and he is being encouraged to snack on fatty foods between fatty, calorie loaded, meals. I wish someone would tell me that's a good idea for my body... who wouldn't want to eat what they want, as much as they want, when they want?
Sonia and Tom, dear friends of family (and Sonia Linnea is my mom's best friend since 2nd grade - as well as the fact that I am named after her), have been making the trip out to Oregon, IL weekly to help around the house and keep company. Tom sits with my dad while Sonia and my mom do the shopping. Tom is really handy and will fix whatever needs tending too. Other wonderful friends in the neighborhood have pitched in as well and it is so appreciated!
All in all, we're blessed. The time we have, the friends and family we keep, and knowing how much we all are loved.
Thanks to everyone.
Love,
Jody
We saw the Oncologist yesterday and my dad was in good spirits. He always tries to downplay his symptoms, as if "if I don't admit them, maybe they'll go away". Too bad Michelle, my mom, and I always narc him out to the doctor.... LOL.
Not much pain, coughing is pretty bad. He is beginning his days around noon or 1pm. First thing, he heads to the porch for some sitting in the sun, then breakfast with mom. After that, he'll lay down, not always to sleep, just rest. We'll take him for walks in his wheelchair, he really loves that.
We have a very exciting weekend coming, his nephew Jim will be visiting for the day on Saturday. Michelle, Krista, and I will be homecoming dress shopping during the day to give them some time alone, and then we'll all meet up later on, probably for food. Mike's appetite is pretty good and he is being encouraged to snack on fatty foods between fatty, calorie loaded, meals. I wish someone would tell me that's a good idea for my body... who wouldn't want to eat what they want, as much as they want, when they want?
Sonia and Tom, dear friends of family (and Sonia Linnea is my mom's best friend since 2nd grade - as well as the fact that I am named after her), have been making the trip out to Oregon, IL weekly to help around the house and keep company. Tom sits with my dad while Sonia and my mom do the shopping. Tom is really handy and will fix whatever needs tending too. Other wonderful friends in the neighborhood have pitched in as well and it is so appreciated!
All in all, we're blessed. The time we have, the friends and family we keep, and knowing how much we all are loved.
Thanks to everyone.
Love,
Jody
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Road Less Traveled...
Well everyone, summer is nearing its end and with the new season's approach, we also have a new season in Mike's life.
A few weeks ago he made the decision which to most would be almost impossible. He has chosen to end his chemotherapy and shoot for quality of life in his final time with us here. It has been an emotional rollercoaster for eveyone involved, but he is making his peace with his decision and as always, we are supporting him and standing by him. I cannot imagine how this effects our mother. As children, Michelle and I know that is is nature's way that we eventually lose our parents, though it doesn't make it any easier. For mom, as a spouse of almost 50 years, the thought of loss must be too much to comprehend. She is doing amazingly well, spoiling dad rotton and tending to his every need.
He is resting much more these days. Each day is a new lesson in life and it's importance. You begin to think of all the things you want to share, ensure they know how very much you love them. I think we have all done an excellent job. He knows how much we love and value him, and we know as well his feelings for us.
Michelle has been working very hard getting all the financials in order for our mom. His only wish is to not leave anything of burden behind. As if he could....
It is funny to watch him. As he nods off, sometime he talks in his sleep and we all lean in to try and catch pieces of his dreams. Other times, when we believe him to be napping, he will surprise us with a smile - his way of joining in the conversation. The cough is getting pretty bad these days and he enjoys us "talking around him" more and more, just knowing we are there lifts his spirits.
To those of you who have been able to stop in and visit, please continue to do so and know how much he praises you. Those are the best parts of his day and when he has a visit to look forward to, he really perks up. He really enjoys going out on the front porch and sitting in the sun. When he can do that with his visitors, it really is great for him.
The next few months hold a lot for us as family and friends. The Oncologist has discussed our options of hospice and we will continue monthly doctor's visits until we head down that avenue. Once we choose hospice, the doctor's visits end... and yet another new path will begin.
A few weeks ago he made the decision which to most would be almost impossible. He has chosen to end his chemotherapy and shoot for quality of life in his final time with us here. It has been an emotional rollercoaster for eveyone involved, but he is making his peace with his decision and as always, we are supporting him and standing by him. I cannot imagine how this effects our mother. As children, Michelle and I know that is is nature's way that we eventually lose our parents, though it doesn't make it any easier. For mom, as a spouse of almost 50 years, the thought of loss must be too much to comprehend. She is doing amazingly well, spoiling dad rotton and tending to his every need.
He is resting much more these days. Each day is a new lesson in life and it's importance. You begin to think of all the things you want to share, ensure they know how very much you love them. I think we have all done an excellent job. He knows how much we love and value him, and we know as well his feelings for us.
Michelle has been working very hard getting all the financials in order for our mom. His only wish is to not leave anything of burden behind. As if he could....
It is funny to watch him. As he nods off, sometime he talks in his sleep and we all lean in to try and catch pieces of his dreams. Other times, when we believe him to be napping, he will surprise us with a smile - his way of joining in the conversation. The cough is getting pretty bad these days and he enjoys us "talking around him" more and more, just knowing we are there lifts his spirits.
To those of you who have been able to stop in and visit, please continue to do so and know how much he praises you. Those are the best parts of his day and when he has a visit to look forward to, he really perks up. He really enjoys going out on the front porch and sitting in the sun. When he can do that with his visitors, it really is great for him.
The next few months hold a lot for us as family and friends. The Oncologist has discussed our options of hospice and we will continue monthly doctor's visits until we head down that avenue. Once we choose hospice, the doctor's visits end... and yet another new path will begin.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
It's been a busy summer so far...
Hi all,
Sorry it's been so long since the last update. My dad is having a pretty good summer! Our most recent ct-scan and x-xay showed that the main tumor, the one by his lymph nodes in the chest, may be slightly bigger, but nothing is changing the current treatment. We have chemo on Monday, June 1st and then we'll have more scans about three weeks from that point. Depending on those scans, a pill may be introduced to my dad's regiment, and we'll know more later. I will certainly share when we find out. On a good note, all the smaller tumors throughout the lungs appeared slightly smaller. The darn main tumor is fighting as hard as my dad, but he won't give up and is in good spirits. He's even talking about the possibility of travel. Yosemite. My uncle on my mom's side lives on the edge of the park (it's a big place, I know). And we are looking forward to the visit.
Krista had prom a few weeks ago. Kevin has graduated from 8th grade. Marty is travelling for work again. Al is now Assistant Chief for the Oregon Fire Dept. (along with Leuitenant at Lombard). Michelle and I are pretty much along for the ride. Michelle keeps busy running the kids around and I am gardening like a mad-woman, still looking for work. My mom is doing her thing as well, still doing her swimming and taking excellent care of the youngest kids (Jessie and Casey).
All in all, we're having a good summer and my dad is really enjoying all the excitement of the grandkids.
Love to you all and we'll post again soon!
Jody
Sorry it's been so long since the last update. My dad is having a pretty good summer! Our most recent ct-scan and x-xay showed that the main tumor, the one by his lymph nodes in the chest, may be slightly bigger, but nothing is changing the current treatment. We have chemo on Monday, June 1st and then we'll have more scans about three weeks from that point. Depending on those scans, a pill may be introduced to my dad's regiment, and we'll know more later. I will certainly share when we find out. On a good note, all the smaller tumors throughout the lungs appeared slightly smaller. The darn main tumor is fighting as hard as my dad, but he won't give up and is in good spirits. He's even talking about the possibility of travel. Yosemite. My uncle on my mom's side lives on the edge of the park (it's a big place, I know). And we are looking forward to the visit.
Krista had prom a few weeks ago. Kevin has graduated from 8th grade. Marty is travelling for work again. Al is now Assistant Chief for the Oregon Fire Dept. (along with Leuitenant at Lombard). Michelle and I are pretty much along for the ride. Michelle keeps busy running the kids around and I am gardening like a mad-woman, still looking for work. My mom is doing her thing as well, still doing her swimming and taking excellent care of the youngest kids (Jessie and Casey).
All in all, we're having a good summer and my dad is really enjoying all the excitement of the grandkids.
Love to you all and we'll post again soon!
Jody
Friday, April 17, 2009
sending hugs your way, Uncle Mike
Hi Uncle Mike,
We haven't heard from you in a few weeks so we just wanted to say hi and send hugs your way. Hope you are doing well and getting out to enjoy the spring weather.
Love,
Patty & Harley
We haven't heard from you in a few weeks so we just wanted to say hi and send hugs your way. Hope you are doing well and getting out to enjoy the spring weather.
Love,
Patty & Harley
Monday, March 23, 2009
Sorry so long since posting...
Well, my dad is officially out of the hospital for about 3 weeks now. He is doing well at home. Marty and I are out visiting and watching the Greene's house, and we've gotten him out of the house for dinner on Saturday night and breakfast today. Big steps! There is a CT Scan, chest x-ray, and brain scan scheduled for this Wednesday, and this will dictate the course of action at our next appt. with the oncologist on Monday the 30th. We look forward to giving everyone good news and hope the scans cooperate with us!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Quick Update
To yesterday's blog posting. My dad opted against the shunt and went with a 3 day drain of the lung fluid. He should be out of the hospital on Friday. Here's to hoping!
Love,
Jody
Love,
Jody
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Officially February...
Hello all,
Just a quick update on my dad. He is back at it with the chemo treatments. Radiation is completed and we will not have to travel that road again. Due to some dehydration and an "in general not feeling well", he was admitted yesterday to the hospital. My mom, Michelle, Marty and me all hung out with him while waiting for admission, while he was poked and proded and hydrated. He finally got into his own room around 9pm. The absolute only perk with chemo... you get your own room in the hospital (can't risk other's germs). He is having a shunt placed today to remove the fluid that has gathered around his right lung. He'll stay again tonight and hopefully be home tomorrow. They are placing a shunt versus simply draining it to avoid anything so invasive should the fluid return. The shunt will allow it to be drained more easily in the future if we need to go that route again. Michelle and Al will visit tonight, along with my mom who has been there all day.
He is fighting like hell and knows how much support and love he has behind him. We all appreciate it so much.
Love to all,
Jody
Just a quick update on my dad. He is back at it with the chemo treatments. Radiation is completed and we will not have to travel that road again. Due to some dehydration and an "in general not feeling well", he was admitted yesterday to the hospital. My mom, Michelle, Marty and me all hung out with him while waiting for admission, while he was poked and proded and hydrated. He finally got into his own room around 9pm. The absolute only perk with chemo... you get your own room in the hospital (can't risk other's germs). He is having a shunt placed today to remove the fluid that has gathered around his right lung. He'll stay again tonight and hopefully be home tomorrow. They are placing a shunt versus simply draining it to avoid anything so invasive should the fluid return. The shunt will allow it to be drained more easily in the future if we need to go that route again. Michelle and Al will visit tonight, along with my mom who has been there all day.
He is fighting like hell and knows how much support and love he has behind him. We all appreciate it so much.
Love to all,
Jody
Friday, January 30, 2009
January Blah's
So here we all are, some of us frost bit, some a little warmer, but winter is moving very slowly through our lives right now. We can only look forward to March.
Dept. of grand children:
Krista is getting an early start to be ready for prom. She is dating a Junior, so she will be going; got to get that perfect dress.
Kevin usually enjoys wrestling and does well. He is on a weight cusp, so he will soon be wrestling bigger boys. His big news is he will be graduating from 8th grade this year.
A couple of weeks ago, I learned that I would need radiation therapy to remove or reduce the main mass of cancer in my right lung. I've had 7 daily treatments as of today with 8 more to go and I am fortunate that the side effects are not too harsh. I am still eating ok and sleeping ok. I had to take another break from the fitness center, though.
One thing: the doctor said today that it will be several months before all of the cancer will be cleared up from the radiation treatment. Some of it dies hard.
looking forward, we have plans for a trip to central coast of California and Yosemite Dational Park in the first week of May. That will be the subject of a later journal.
thanks for allowing me to check in with the latest from classic 1970's Oregon, Illinois, one place I can say Blago never comes to.
love,
Grandpa, father, uncle, cousin Mike
Dept. of grand children:
Krista is getting an early start to be ready for prom. She is dating a Junior, so she will be going; got to get that perfect dress.
Kevin usually enjoys wrestling and does well. He is on a weight cusp, so he will soon be wrestling bigger boys. His big news is he will be graduating from 8th grade this year.
A couple of weeks ago, I learned that I would need radiation therapy to remove or reduce the main mass of cancer in my right lung. I've had 7 daily treatments as of today with 8 more to go and I am fortunate that the side effects are not too harsh. I am still eating ok and sleeping ok. I had to take another break from the fitness center, though.
One thing: the doctor said today that it will be several months before all of the cancer will be cleared up from the radiation treatment. Some of it dies hard.
looking forward, we have plans for a trip to central coast of California and Yosemite Dational Park in the first week of May. That will be the subject of a later journal.
thanks for allowing me to check in with the latest from classic 1970's Oregon, Illinois, one place I can say Blago never comes to.
love,
Grandpa, father, uncle, cousin Mike
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The latest News from Oregon, IL
Hi, all!
I know, if you're not here, you are in a warmer place than we are. We will probably see a high temp today of zero. Still, we are plenty busy. Doctor's visits take up some time. Today, I went to see Dr Schultz, my oncologist, who wanted to see the results of a CT Scan; tomorrow, Dr Retzer, for my annual checkup. He wants to test my cholesterol. Don't these people understand that at 71 years old most of my parts can be assumed not to work very well and testing may be unnecessary.
The Ct Scan revealed that my illness refuses to give up and go away so I need to sign up for more treatment. Looks like Radiation Oncology is in my future and soon, along with more Chemotherapy.
So whatever happens at tomorrow's Doctor visit, the results of my cholesteral test may seem less significant than they might ordinarily be.
You all know I don't want to let my medical problems get everybody down and I don't want to conceal the truth. I need to say things in these journals to deliver a truthful message. Thanks for letting me do it.
Love,
Uncle, brother, dad, grandpa, cousin Mike
I know, if you're not here, you are in a warmer place than we are. We will probably see a high temp today of zero. Still, we are plenty busy. Doctor's visits take up some time. Today, I went to see Dr Schultz, my oncologist, who wanted to see the results of a CT Scan; tomorrow, Dr Retzer, for my annual checkup. He wants to test my cholesterol. Don't these people understand that at 71 years old most of my parts can be assumed not to work very well and testing may be unnecessary.
The Ct Scan revealed that my illness refuses to give up and go away so I need to sign up for more treatment. Looks like Radiation Oncology is in my future and soon, along with more Chemotherapy.
So whatever happens at tomorrow's Doctor visit, the results of my cholesteral test may seem less significant than they might ordinarily be.
You all know I don't want to let my medical problems get everybody down and I don't want to conceal the truth. I need to say things in these journals to deliver a truthful message. Thanks for letting me do it.
Love,
Uncle, brother, dad, grandpa, cousin Mike
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Best wishes for the New Year
Look at the calendar. It's a brand new year; and the bad, old year is fading away and disappearing behind us. Everything in the future looks good seen through my rose colored glasses.
It's not really fair, what I am saying, however. I may not have liked 2008 very much, but there were some really good things happened in 2008. people got promoted at work; there are new babies in the family; Steve Sr. is slim and svelt; and, we got together and enjoyed the holidays.
New baby:
I spoke to Grandma Patsy, today. She has held Jeff's new baby and he is healthy and cute just as he should be.
Shopping with grandchildren:
Krista and Kevin took us shopping last week. They are really good shoppers. Carolyn and I saw them grab clothes quicker than we could follow with our eyes. Then they went in and tried them on and came out looking great. They also go to stores that I never heard of. Hollisters?, that's not JC Penneys! It was all great fun.
Photos:
Jeni and Tracy brought some great pix to Oregon on the 20th and gave us copies. Like from Sarah and Brian's wedding. There were also some great pix taken that day. Those are slowly making their way around, I hope.
Thanks to all for letting me check in with you. These are the good days, so let's all take advantage and hope every day in our lives is this good.
Love,
Uncle, grandpa, brother, cousin Mike
It's not really fair, what I am saying, however. I may not have liked 2008 very much, but there were some really good things happened in 2008. people got promoted at work; there are new babies in the family; Steve Sr. is slim and svelt; and, we got together and enjoyed the holidays.
New baby:
I spoke to Grandma Patsy, today. She has held Jeff's new baby and he is healthy and cute just as he should be.
Shopping with grandchildren:
Krista and Kevin took us shopping last week. They are really good shoppers. Carolyn and I saw them grab clothes quicker than we could follow with our eyes. Then they went in and tried them on and came out looking great. They also go to stores that I never heard of. Hollisters?, that's not JC Penneys! It was all great fun.
Photos:
Jeni and Tracy brought some great pix to Oregon on the 20th and gave us copies. Like from Sarah and Brian's wedding. There were also some great pix taken that day. Those are slowly making their way around, I hope.
Thanks to all for letting me check in with you. These are the good days, so let's all take advantage and hope every day in our lives is this good.
Love,
Uncle, grandpa, brother, cousin Mike
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