Dad Passed His Test!!!

My dad finally passed his swallow test. He can now drink clear liquids and have ice cream. He had coffee and tea yesterday, and today he was planning to go for either a root beer float or a Frosty. Small stuff to us, but not to someone who hasn't had a drink since the end of August. I am thrilled that he can eat and drink normally again. I told my mom she needs to watch it in public when she gets really excited and says, "Dad is drinking again!" The man spent eight hours yesterday using his chainsaw to cut down trees. I think he is doing alright!

I'm still compressing, massaging, swimming, etc. I am trying a new pain med called Neurontin, which is used for patients with chronic nerve pain, which is what I seem to have. I have to build the dose up gradually, but it seemed to me that today it took the edge off my pain. I don't know if it really did, or if I just wanted it to so much that I believed it did. I had less pain, whatever the reason! If this works, I can get off narcotics, which I am still taking, unwillingly but not having a choice until now. Please pray that Neurontin will work, and that I will be able to wean off the other pain med - it is not supposed to be an easy thing to do and will take some time and patience. My fatique would also be helped if I was not continually fighting against pain.

Sarah and Paul are going away for the weekend to celebrate Paul's birthday on the 22nd. The destination is a surprise, so I will not give anything way! We are babysitting Oni, Sarah's and Paul's whippet.

My new great-niece, Kennedie Grace, is adorable. She was at my mom's today, and I got to give her a bottle. I love babies!!!

Katie is working hard at Anderson and trying to get home for a weekend soon. It is hard to believe that she is so close to finishing her freshman year.

Emily visited Hunter in Southern California a couple weekends ago and they had a great time in spite of the rain. She may get to see him when he comes to Indianapolis for the NFL Combine. Katie's school is close by, and Emily may stay with her. Emily is preparing to graduate from UL May 9th. Time flies!

Bryan ran in a breast cancer research marathon in Jacksonville last weekend. He ran for me and for Delphine Brand, Emily's mentor's mom, who has recently been diagnosed with BC. Prayers for her and her upcoming surgery.

Prayers, too, for a good friend, Katie, who has been told that her chemo is no longer shrinking her tumors, just maintaining them. She plans to continue chemo as long as she can, but the news is difficult. She has been an incredible role model to me.

It is funny; I knew of people with cancer before my dx and tx, but I have come to know many people in different stages of fighting the disease. As difficult as it is to meet and come to know a cancer patient or survivor, these people have enriched my life in many ways.

Two women I had prayed for passed away this past week from bc: June Hicks and Julie Bengart. Please remember their families in prayer. Thanks so much for remembering me and checking out this blog!
Jan