Sun Shiny Christmas

Well, while much of our nation is suffering from horrible holiday storms, we were favored with one of the nicest days in months for Christmas Eve. I'm thankful, since we had many car-fulls of family traveling to our home for our traditonal holiday brunch.

We were even able to go outside for pictures, and you can see by the light in the pictures that the sun was very clear and bright.

Here's Mom and Daddy on the porch. Daddy just had a week of chemo, which will happen every month. He's strong and in good spirits. He's still eating well, but not gaining much weight. I think that's because he's keeping busy with the yard and dogs. He was able to walk just fine into the arena to see Granddaughter Julie graduate from college on Saturday. He used the walker for safety (crowds, ramps, etc). Here is a picture of all of us on Saturday: (ignore Meaghanne's face, you know there's one in every family, isn't there??)

Having the family together this Christmas season was very important to us, especially since our newest member Kevin (Grandson-in-law) came down on his leave for Julie's graduation and to celebrate Christmas. He's scheduled to go back to Iraq (again!) for another 15 months this coming April. So it's going to be a while before we see him again. Here's the whole gang out on the porch for a picture:

Merry Christmas to our family and friends!

Greedy Thankfulness - or Thankfully Greedy?

These last few weeks we have all been recognizing how fortunate we are. We spent a nice Thanksgiving afternoon together enjoying a fantastic meal cooked primarily by 16-year old Meaghanne. We offered up a blessing that included Mom recognizing that this year, more than any other year, we have much to be thankful for. The support of each other, Daddy's strength in fighting cancer, the doctors who have been so awesome. The moment was very emotional, I had much I wanted to say but my throat closed up into a ball and I couldn't get words out. All I could do was squeeze my dad's hand and look at Mary Anne, hoping she could see what was in my heart through my eyes.

We do have much to be thankful for, but is it okay to want more? Daddy has been feeling so good, has been able to do some (but not all) of the things he wants to do, is it greedy to hope that the cancer has decided to take a rest in response to the overwhelming onslaught of medical treatment and Daddy's will to get better? It was hard not to feel a little "conditional" thankfulness, "conditional" on the results of his MRI that he had last week. This is what tells us how the tumor has responded. I think we all felt the stress of not knowing hanging over our head, as much as we tried to ignore it.

Daddy went in today to meet with the doctor who performed his surgery, the one who diagnosed his cancer and met with the entire family to answer our questions on that awful day in August. Mary Anne, Joe, and Julie were there with Daddy today too. The results of the MRI were incredibly good....the tumor that was removed has not grown back. And the part that the surgeon was unable to remove is shrinking in response to the treatments. It appears that Daddy has been selected to be on the "long side" of the averages. He will take a week every month of chemo to keep the tumor cells from growing, hopefully for a good long time!

The doctor told him to go home and live life.

Cast of Characters

So you've all read about people in Wes' life, some you may know, other you don't have a clue who they are. Well, this weekend we had a happy occasion that was a great opportunity to get a picture of everyone. And well, here it is:

L-R Top Row: Son-in-law Bob, Daughter Terri, Grandson Joe, Granddaughter Meaghanne, Granddaughter Julie, NEW Grandson-in-law Kevin, Best Man Kevin's Brother Bill, Grandson Michael, Daughter Mary Anne L-R Front Row: Soon-to-be Granddaughter-in-law Erica, Wife Wanda, Wes, Granddaughter Nichole.

The occasion was Granddaughter Julie's wedding. It was a truly special event, not one of those flashy wedding extravaganzas that make you think "I wonder how long it's going to take them to pay this thing off" but more like "This is REAL, this is WARM, this is what it's ALL ABOUT!!"

Wes has had quite a few opportunities to get out and play lately. Here's a picture of his cheering section at the last club meeting (minus me, I took the picture):

Adrian, Michael, Mary Anne

This clip was taken two days after the last of his six-week treatment. We were told that he would need a couple of weeks to recover and feel good after the final eight days of radiation, because those were the "final attack" days on the areas of his brain the surgeon couldn't safely get to. I guess somebody forgot to tell Daddy that, he took one day.

What do YOU do???

My sister Mary Anne and I have come to a realization that no matter what the circumstances, if you're doing what you love to do then life is good. No matter what. We had a good day on Sunday, we took Daddy to a local Jazz Society meeting that was featuring the band he plays with. He's missed a few gigs lately due to surgery and recovery, so everyone was so happy to see him and he was so happy to be there.

We weren't sure what to expect, it takes quite a bit of stamina for a healthy person to play three piano sets in five hours. Not to mention that he brought his bass trumpet to play during the jam sessions.....we really tried to get him to sit with us between sets, but we just couldn't hold him back...he was having a great time! His response to us, when we encouraged him to "rest up" between sets was: "I can rest on the WAY HOME". HA HA. What can we say?? "It's what he does."

Now we enter week five of the six weeks of initial treatment. His weekly blood work looks very good, he's tolerating the drugs and radiation fairly well. He's still experiencing fatigue (although you wouldn't have known it on Sunday!) but he's still got a fairly good appetite. Mary Anne has started him on smoothies in the morning, she sneaks in all kinds of good stuff like yogurt, psyllium husk, flax, protein powder and fresh fruit. I think they appeal to his need to "eat light".

Here's a little clip of Daddy playing with the group:

Wes "SHINES" at Jazz Sunday.

As you can see, he's marvelous. And of course all the other guys are too....unfortunately my little video clip isn't the best quality, the microphone doesn't do the sound of the band justice. But you get the idea!

Treatment Update

Wes is on week three of his six-week radiation and chemo regimen. We know that effects will be cumulative, but the fact that he has VERY LITTLE DISCOMFORT so far from either treatment has been very encouraging. His blood counts are, according to his doctor, "right where they need to be" and he says that "someone is doing something right".

Daddy reports a noticeable amount of muscle weakness, but his reaction to that is to walk more....which is exactly right! He's working hard to stay strong, but also taking the necessary rest breaks. He's got a big day today, he's visiting his old pals in Jackson for a jam session for a few hours. Mary Anne made a turkey meatloaf for dinner the other night, and Daddy though she put too much pepper in it. Mary Anne said she didn't put any pepper in it, then we realized that maybe he's experiencing one of the radiation side effects, which makes his food taste "off".

The end of this week marks the 1/2 way point through this first course of treatment. We're all hoping that his current level of stamina remains as high as possible. Thanks to all of you for your cards, phone calls, and e-mails. I really think they make a huge difference!

Equal Time

Now, all of you readers of this blog might have gotten an incorrect impression that needs to be dispelled......Wes is an equal opportunity pet-kisser and does not practice species discrimination in any way. Case in point:

Exhibit A, Circa 1977. Cat name: Smokey

Now, you may think that by the backwards tilt of the ears (the cat's, that is) and the scruched up eyes that Smokey is dreading what's headed toward her....but believe me, I was there, this cat loved kisses. This was actually Smokey's way of smiling.

Fighting Weight

Well, today the next stage of the fight begins in earnest......daily radiation and chemo meds that could choke a horse. And of course all of these things have to be timed appropriately with six meals a day, fluid but NOT TO MUCH fluids, exercise but NOT TO MUCH exercise, lots of rest BUT NO LAYING DOWN with food in your stomach, on and on.

One thing we have to make sure of, that he gets enough good nutrition because he probably won't feel like eating much. So it means kind of switching gears with what Mary Anne has been doing the last two weeks, which is basically feeding him good food constantly, as much as he wants. He's put on about 10 pounds. We hope to keep as much of that weight on him as possible throughout his treatment.

It's amazing how strong he's gotten since coming home from the care home. His balance is almost 100%, he can walk comfortably around the house on his own, even take the doggies out for "pee breaks" and yesterday when I got to the house he has scooping poop in the yard with a shovel...no problem. He even walks the dogs with Mary Anne.

He's really enjoyed getting phone calls from so many of you. I set up an icon on the computer so he can get to his own e-mails now. He's very interested in reading them. He's not much for typing, he says he hits the keys way too hard (like an old manual typewriter). I imagine he might give it a try again some day on his own without all of us clustered around him watching his every move.

Please keep praying that the Temodar and radiation kicks the cancer cells' butts so Daddy can enjoy a remission, he's still got a lot of things he wants to do!

Homecoming!

The video says it all:

Heading home soon!

Well, this weekend found us in another activity in preparation of Daddy's homecoming. Mary Anne and her daughters Meaghanne and Julie joined me at Walnut Whitney to work with Daddy and his physical therapist. Kari (physical therapist) went over a number of mobility routines with us, so we will know how to coach Daddy in the safe manner of getting up, in the car, sitting down, walking, etc. He got into the van from both walker and wheelchair with comfort and ease. He still rushes things a bit and he needs to be reminded to hold on, etc. But he's strong and stable, we're thankful for that!

The big day is scheduled for this Tuesday. Daddy has two doctor appointments that day, we've decided that after we will check him out when we pick him up for the first one, we'll bring him home after his first appointment. I know he's looking forward to being back in his old familiar surroundings, I know I would be!

Music Man

Well, Sunday at the family home found all of us preparing the house for Daddy's homecoming. Lots of cleaning up and organizing. We were pretty pooped by 3:00 or so. Before we drove home Bob and I of course went by to see Daddy. He was just finishing up Bingo in the activity room when we got there (he won two games!) and decided he would give a go at the piano. This was his first attempt, and it was absolutely amazing to watch him. The brain is a marvelous thing, as Daddy continued to play I could see him "remember" tunes, his fingers were nimble, and as he perservered I could imagine the new connections being made in his brain, right before my eyes (and ears!). The folks in the activity room really enjoyed listening to him, clapped and asked for "just one more" before he went back to his room. I took a bit of video, I've uploaded some of it:

Not bad, huh? On the physical end, although you see him in a wheelchair, he's actually walking quite a bit, and he told me how the physical therapist has been working with him. He stood up from his chair to walk to the piano, but he was chastised by the activities director, I guess that's against the rules! He sat back down and wheeled himself over using his legs on the ground instead of his arms. As you can see from the pictures and video, his spirits are very good.

THANKS FROM MRS WES

Terri has brought you up to date on Wes' physical progress - which in itself is amazing.
But I want to speak to amazing friends, old classmates, and out of town family. From grade school pictures dating back nearly 50 years to CDs and VHSs of favorite music and artists, to even a check noted for "another ice cream party", loving wishes from everyone (it seems like) he has ever known in cards and e-mails - e-mails from some of you twice. I have thought about a scrapbook for everything but the subject is daunting so I probably can't.
Our neighbor across the street has just completed a complete yard overhaul and it is on it's way to looking like a park again. This weekend family is expected to tear into repairs in the house - and I do mean tear - lots and lots to catch up on.
I am in the process of securing a Scooter for Wes when he comes home - he specifically asked for one - and can't you just see him scooting around the house like a big kid.
Terri told you about his returning appetite - the lost 30 pounds will come right back! And - the male nurse at the hospital shaved his beard - the first time anyone saw him after that, they were greeted with a big grin all over his face.
Our dogs have really missed him but are responding to a new master (MaryAnne) with 'good boy' treats (Toby) and the promise of a trip to visit (Honey). Although Mary Anne hasn't gotten much sleep in the transition, walking like a zombie is OK if it gets results.
Wes seems to be happy where is - sucking up all the attention he can get - he might just want to stay there.

Making good progress

Well, Wednesday found Daddy moving to the next level of his recovery from his surgery. He's been moved to Walnut Whitney Care Center. This is a place that can provide him up to two hours (or as much as he can tolerate) of physical therapy each day to support his return to independence. The nurses there are very sweet, and very caring. Everyone wants to know what Daddy likes to eat, and of course Daddy loves being VERY SPECIFIC about what he wants and doesn't want!

There is a nice activities area in the front where they have a big-screen TV. Today when Mary Anne went to visit it was "movie time". They serve bowls of popcorn (Daddy took two, he can go through the popcorn!) and were showing "Police Acadamy". There is also a piano, hopefully Daddy notices that soon and wants to try a few tunes. The staff has been clued in to his musical abilities, but I also asked them not to "push him" since we're not sure what he can do at this point. We've told his nurse (Marilyn, a real sweetie) that if he wants to eat with others, bring him to the FRONT dining area, that's where all the lively people are!

He's getting stronger every day, I arm-wrestled him a bit yesterday and his upper body strength is good. He's a bit wobbly on his feet, but I think that gets better and better as we go along. His spirits are exceptionally high, the nurse commented on what a sweet man he is. Of course we know that.

FIRST FROM MRS WES

OK - Let's see if I can do this:- News from Terri and Mae and Wes himself - he definitely has his sense of humor back - he is almost silly. He called me this morning at least 4 times in 20 minutes to chat about something - what to bring, when to come, where he is now (E-3) which is first floor straight back from the lobby. He is getting up 3 times a day to walk the hallways and to get to his chair for meals. He needs lots of physical therapy to strengthen his legs, and he really does not have the same appetite for the foods the hospital affords, but prefers to eat very light which is easier on his tummy. Mostly he wants to come home.

Welcome Friends and Family!

I'm pleased to welcome you to Wes' little slice of the web. This is where you will find news and updates about all things Wes. I apologize for making you have to register to see this web page, but I'm very protective of Daddy's security and privacy. I also want to keep the spammers away from this page. Thanks so much for your understanding!

I will be adding my mother and sister as authors to this page, so they can add news too. If anyone else would like to contribute please send an e-mail to either of the addresses listed on the left. You can either e-mail what you would like posted, or if you're pretty internet savvy I'll add you on as a contributing author directly to the blog! All imput is welcome, and thank you so much for caring about Wes!!

Terri

Getting Stronger

Daddy is getting up and walking with help......when the nurse gets him up and walks him around he calls it the doe-si-doe. Walking back is the cha-cha-cha. You can see he hasn't lost any of his sense of humor. The objective now is for him to regain strength so he can come home.

His legendary appetite is back in full force.....I wouldn't say he's a picky eater, but he certainly knows what he likes, what he doesn't, and WHAT DOESN'T LIKE HIM.

I'm still amazed at the outpouring of love and support. We're hearing from so many people, we're so thankful for all of you!

Terri

Surgery update

Daddy's surgery could not have gone better. The doctor came out while most of us were in the cafeteria, but Julie and her Auntie Gail (from her and Joe's Dad's side, many of you remember Dale I'm sure) were the only ones in the surgery waiting area. That's okay, Julie's face when she came running down to the cafeteria to all of us said it all. The doctor said it went "as smooth as silk" and that he safely removed about 90% of the mass he could get to. We originally thought he might only get 70% at best, and we discussed the philosophy of conservative removal to preserve Daddy's functions.

There was no bleeding and no swelling, and the likelihood of this happening was high. But with each hour that goes by and it doesn't happen, the threat is diminished. When Mary Anne went into his room (about an hour after he came out of surgery) she asked him "Daddy, do you know my name?" He looked straight at her and said MARY ANNE. When I went in I said "so was that a load off your mind?" (this was a running joke from yesterday). He smiled and said "yeah, load off my mind". Talking, smiling, remembering yesterdays jokes, moving all of his limbs without jerking, it's all pointing to a good outcome. He remembered the ice cream he had last night. He smiled at Mary Anne when she told him that she had taken his dirty socks off his feet last night (before surgery) and gave one to each of his dogs, who prompty buried their faces in them.

We know this is a one-day-at-a-time thing, and there are a lot of unknowns in front of us. We're just thankful that Daddy is strong and seems to have the fighting spirit he's going to need to withstand the treatments he has coming up. I'm sure part of it is the EXTREME outpouring of love and support from all of you. It's amazing how many lives he's touched, music friends, school friends, family close and far, neighbors, childhood friends, they are all there for him. We are thankful for everyone.
Terri

Thanks family!

Hello family:
Thanks so much for all of your love and support. It means so much to us. Daddy's surgery is 7:00 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. Tonight he's having an ice cream party with Joe and Erica, and whoever else drops by for the fun. I guess they are waiting for Mary Anne to show up with the ice cream. I spoke with him for a bit on the phone, and he is in good spirits. Joe told me that he's feeling a lot better today than even yesterday, is even more verbal and communicative. The medicine to help with swelling seems to be doing what it's supposed to do.
I will try and e-mail everyone tomorrow a.m. when we get an update from the doctor after the surgery.
Love to everyone,
Terri

Wes' illness

Hello everyone:
It is with an extremely heavy heart that I let you all know that my dad is seriously ill and in the hospital. He underwent many tests over the weekend, yesterday the doctor called a family conference (with Daddy) and notified us that he has a horribly large mass in his brain, most likely a stage 4 Gleoblastoma, very fast growing, and most likely malignant.

I could go into a lot more medical stuff right now, but most importantly I want all of you to know that my mother and sister are staying as strong as possible (as we all are) but it's a lot to handle. I am home right now (I live about an hour and a half away from Sacramento) and will be going into work today to discuss flexible work options with my boss, and I'm going to encourage Mary Anne (since she lives there and is their primary caretaker) to request FMLA leave at work and take advantage of the state's Paid Family Leave benefits.

After much family discussion, daddy has decided that he would like the doctor to operate to get a biopsy so he can get some radiation therapy. They will remove as much of the mass as possible, but cannot get everything without risking damage to his brain. There are many risks to this course of action, but it is the option that gives him a chance to be with us longer. We haven't gotten word yet if the surgery is scheduled for today or tomorrow. I got the four of us (me, Mary Anne, Mom, Daddy) in the room together alone yesterday and we said a few words to God to ask for guidance and acceptance of his plan and for him to place his hand on the surgeon's while he is working on Daddy.

I also took some time last night to go over some questions with Daddy that were in a booklet in his room. It was about advance healthcare directives. I think it was one of the hardest things I've ever done, and some of the questions he wasn't really able to answer right now. He said "your Mom knows" and that's probably true. However, I wish that there was a document so I wouldn't have to burden my mother with this right now. Please, if you haven't already, have these discussions with your kids NOW and better yet, put it all down in writing.

Daddy's spirits are pretty good, he talks a lot and asked to see his psychologist to go over some things. He's accepting of the hospital routine, and takes everything with hardly a complaint. His heart rate is strong, his blood pressure is stable, but he's very weak. He has TV in his room, but was wanting us to change it to his "big band" channel, which the hospital doesn't have. So I loaded up an Ipod with all kids of big and and jazz, it's on battery operated speakers and he can listen to his music to his hearts content.

Love to you all,
Terri