A Good Day

Mom broke open a fortune cookie the other day. Her fortune read: When you have hope, you have everything

Today has been a great day. Dad woke up around 8:30 this morning in a wonderful mood. He said he felt like he had energy and he was enthusiastic and happy. Mom was telling him about some projects she wanted to do in the yard. She mentioned that maybe Earl could help her. Dad said, "I can help you." Mom smiled and said, "OK"; and then he followed it up with, "I'll be face down in the mud, but I can help you!"

After saying good morning to me, he asked what was on my agenda for the day. When I told him my only plans were to hang out with him he was so happy.

After a while he said he missed Karen. I called her and she was here in less than ten minutes. He was so happy to see her too.

Dad had all three of his daughters and his lovely wife all to himself for a little while this morning and he was loving it.

He was awake ALL DAY TODAY! He ate an entire strawberry shake, he had some pizza, fruit, and lots of Pepsi (of course). His sweet nurse Lisa came today and was very happy with how he is doing. She asked him about his pain on a rating of mild, moderate or severe and he said it was mild! Amazing!

When the boys got home from school they were happy to see Grandpa awake and offering hugs.

Mike and Paul came over after work. Dad was still awake! He listened as we talked about "things, life and whatnot" and chimed in from time to time.

As the sun was setting he swung his legs over the side of his bed and aimed to get up. We asked where he was going and he said, "to see the sunset!" So Mike helped him into his wheelchair and we went for a walk around the neighborhood. When we got back, Mike cradled Dad in his arms and put him back in his bed.

Earl arrived from St. George about an hour ago and Dad was STILL awake! He was so happy to see his namesake and stayed awake as we sat around his bed sharing stories.

Today was a good day. I understand that we will still have bad days but I love good days like this. It's the moments we share in days like today that we will treasure forever. And it's these moments that fill me with hope.

"Remember, Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies."

Update!!! (With Lots of Exclamation Points!!!)

I talked to Dad on the phone this morning. He sounded happy and cheerful and better than I've heard him in a long time.

Here are some updates that deserve all the exclamation points I am going to give them:

He has gained over 30 pounds!

He no longer needs the feeding tube!

He has been riding a recumbent stationary bike every day (sometimes twice a day) for the past thirty days! He started out riding 15 minutes at a time and now he's up to 33 minutes!

Way to go Dad!

He has his appetite back!

He feels better than he did thirty days ago!

He enjoys spending time each day with his sweetheart and several grandchildren!

He still has pain in his hands and feet so he sees a doctor for the pain about twice a month. Because of this pain, it is hard for him to write emails or make phone calls. But please know that he would if he could! He really appreciates all your comments, prayers and concern. So please keep it up!

I asked about the Bone Marrow Transplant. He will be seeing his oncologist on September 20 so they will discuss his options at that time. Technically, he is in remission right now; but as we've mentioned before, he needs the transplant to beat the cancer completely. We'll update the blog as soon as we hear what the oncologist wants to do.

He still can't get around without the walker; with its help he can get around the house but doesn't get to make it outside very often. Although once a week he does leave the house completely to have dinner at Earl and Tifiny's!

Dad has beaten so many odds already and has come SO far. This has been a tough and trying year for the Roses but above all, we are so grateful for this man. His courage, strength, fortitude and attitude have been inspirational. Please continue to remember him (and Mom) in your prayers.

And we will continue to update you.

Please leave a comment to let Dad know you are checking in on him; your support is invaluable.

At Home

Sorry for falling behind with Dad's progress report. I'm happy to say that it is mostly because he has been doing so well. He and Mom are home now and loving it. Mom has been an incredible caretaker and nurse and Dad has been feeling well and happy.

We are now just waiting to find out when he will be going in for his Bone Marrow Transplant.

Please do continue to keep him in your prayers. We still have a long way to go but we are so grateful for this time he has been feeling so well.

Dad actually had the opportunity to read this entire blog from beginning to end including all your comments. He was very touched by all the love that has been expressed and sends his apologies that he can't reply to each of you individually.

He is hoping to get feeling and use back in his hands so he can do just that in due time.

Thank you again for the love, thoughts and prayers. We continue to look forward to Dad's progress and improvement and eventual defeat of this disease!

Movin' On Up

Dad is moving upstairs to rehab today. They have his liver and lungs under constant care and things are looking good.

They are excited to have a new room on the fifth floor and it's nice to know that the doctors are just downstairs should they need them.

Dad has been really optimistic and positive this week. We are so proud of him for being such a fighter. We are so grateful for your comments and your prayers. And as always, we'll continue to keep you posted!

Bear Hugs and Biopsies

Last night Mike, Karen and I were all able to give Dad a big bear hug. This was the hug I've been anxiously waiting for. Bending over to hug him while he's lying down while trying to avoid bumping his incision is quite different than getting to wrap your arms completely around him and squeeze him while he's standing.

It was a great Valentine's Day gift. Thank you Daddy!

He has been walking around quite a bit and his physical therapist is happy with his progress.

Tomorrow he will be getting another Bone Marrow Biopsy to see where he is with the Leukemia. This is a big day for us because it will determine what treatments he will receive and how much longer he will be here in the hospital.

Please pray for good news!

R & R

Dad hasn't had a full night's rest in years. That is, until last night. We know that it is thanks to all your prayers that he is progressing so well.

Mom hasn't left his side. Before the surgery she would cuddle up next to him and sleep on his hospital bed with him. But because of the foot-long incision on his stomach, she now has to sleep on a chair at his bedside. Because Dad slept all night, so did Mom! We are so happy that they were both able to enjoy some sleep; they needed it!

They are starting him on chemotherapy again today.

He has really enjoyed hearing your comments. They mean so much to him, so please take a moment to leave him a message, no matter how short.

I know that your words of support and encouragement will be just what he needs to get through this next round of chemo.

Thank you!

Food Glorious Food!

Dad finally got to eat today!

He has been living off ice chips and electrolytes via IV for the past few days so for him to be able to have food was such a blessing.

And those of you who know Dad, know that Jell-o is on the bottom of the priority list when it comes to food. At Thanksgiving dinner he doesn't even bother to contaminate his plate with it. My dad is a steak and shrimp kind of man.

But Mom said he ate his entire bowl of Jell-o, drank all his broth and even had two small cups of juice.

And he was GRATEFUL!

The Dietician came in and asked if there were anything else he would like. He said he was so full he couldn't imagine eating anything else. But he did mention that he'd love some shrimp or steak later.

Mom joked that perhaps they could bring him some shrimp-flavored Jell-o or some steak-flavored broth.

Baby steps, Dad.

Thank you again for your continued support, prayers and comments on this blog. Together we will beat this disease and bring Dad home; and you'll all be invited to come celebrate with us over a steak and shrimp feast!

Making Progress!

The doctor came in today and told Dad he could start moving around. He said this would help get his stomach going again. With the help of his physical therapist dad walked 120 feet and did really well.

He is going to receive 8 units of platelets and red blood today. They are holding off on chemotherapy for now.

I just talked to him and he said he is feeling pretty good. He was even able to get up and take a shower today. He is making so much progress!

Thank you so much for checking his blog for updates. We have been amazed at the number of hits this site has received. We read him your comments every day and he appreciates them so much; so please keep them coming!