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!