February 7

Happy Saturday!
It seems hard to believe that it's been a week since I last wrote. I had to work full-time this week so Beth could take a well deserved vacation after working for me part of November and all of December. So the week flew by, as we worked in the physical therapy appointments and some family visits.
Yesterday was an especially full day for Den. He did his morning exercises and then had lunch with three of his friends from work. After doing more exercises and napping in the afternoon, we went to the Xavier basketball game (the Hawks are currently undefeated in conference!) Then, for the first time since June, we went to a party and were out past midnight! (A major big deal.) The party was our belated staff Christmas party - a pre-Mardi Gras party at Ann and Mac McKnight's beautiful home and nearly the entire faculty was there. Everyone had such a wonderful time; I have a feeling that a new tradition has been started and we have a new time and place for future mid year parties.
Although he was very tired, being with all of our friends, (the most generous, supportive, and funny people in the world,) was very therapeutic for Den. He woke up today feeling better than ever. His massage therapy was this morning and Natalie (his therapist) said she can see major improvement. From there we went out for lunch with Bob Perl, a friend from Michigan who attended the seminary with Denny. Bob has been a wonderful friend through the years and especially during the ups and downs we've endured these past few months.
Needless to say, he slept away the afternoon and is currently watching the GB basketball game. Tomorrow will be a quiet day for us, and we will anxiously await Wednesday, when Denny will have an MRI to find out the status of the tumor. We are praying that the chemotherapy has accomplished its purpose and the tumor has been reduced in size and is still encapsulated with a smoother edge. Please keep your fingers crossed and say an extra prayer for Denny that day.
We hope you have a restful Sunday enjoying the springlike weather. I'll let you know what we find out on Wednesday! Until then,

With love,
Carla