December 18

Hi to everyone,

It should be no surprise anymore to read that we had another roller coaster day. When I arrived at the hospital this morning I found Denny reading the paper, in good spirits, and able to stand without getting dizzy or faint. I know it doesn't sound like much, but he walked seven steps--I was thrilled! I left at 11:30 for an appointment, and when I returned a couple of hours later I couldn't help but notice that his legs and feet were very swollen. I'm learning that you have to be your own advocate if you really want things done, so I insisted that the nurse call the doctor so that an ultra sound could be ordered. That did get done and the initial report is that there are new blood clots, which would explain the swelling. However, Denny has no pain, which is usually associated with clots. Go figure.

Dr. Meena, his oncologist, has delayed the round of chemo that he should currently be taking because she doesn't want to add another component into the mix. She's adjusting his steroids daily and is having his cortisol tested daily as well. When all is said and done, I have confidence that she will get him over these latest setbacks. She and Steve Howard and probably Phil Yazbak confer regularly about Den, so I know he's in good hands. To be honest, both of us are happy he's in the hospital and are hopeful that when he does return home his condition won't be as fragile as it was last time.

So that's it for today. I'm almost wishing we get snowed in for at least a while tomorrow so I can give some attention to wrapping gifts and making peanut butter balls for Dave. What I wouldn't give for just a normal day--except I'm having a hard time remembering what that was like.

I must be overtired because this is sounding depressing and I don't want that to be the case. We sincerely do continue to count our blessings every day and hope for brighter tomorrows. With all of you praying, how can it turn out any different?

Thanks for everything.
Love,
Carla