Dear Friends,
We are home. The last two days have been a whirlwind of activity, but with Denny sleeping in his "new" room, I finally have some time to write.
Yesterday our day began with a visit with Steve Howard, who met with Drs. Mehta and Robbins (both nationally known for their expertise with brain cancer and treatment for it) on Tuesday. Denny's cancer is very unique. It's location, size, and response to treatment have all been very unusual. Steve told us that patients with similar tumors rarely survive six months even with treatment. That was news to us--we never wanted to know the numbers in relation to "time." I'm thankful we never knew that fact because it allowed us to live with lots of hope these past sixteen months.
The general weakness to Den's entire body and specific numbness to his right side is
most likely from the combination of radiation, chemo, and steroids. Steve explained in lay terms just how the thalamus works and how the treatments affected the cancer and the areas around it. I'm thankful, too, that he didn't share that information earlier. That's why he is so special to us--as is Dr. Meena. Both seemed to know just what we needed to know at the time.
We came home via Cabulance and were greeted by members of the hospice staff. Denny's nurse is a tall, soft-spoken young man who already seems to be a great match for our family. He spent just the right amount of time as we got Den settled in.
Then last night Dr. Richter came over to check on everything and go over all of the medications. He and Dr. Meena will work together to make sure Denny gets everything he needs right here at home.
Today we met the aide that will be here to help. He endeared himself to me as I watched him take care of Denny this afternoon. I believe that God had a hand in sending these two angels to help me take care of Denny, because I felt immediate trust and Denny feels very comfortable with both of them.
So, here we are, and we will take each day as it comes just like we have since June 11, 2008, when we first learned about this dreaded disease. With God and all of you with us, those days will be much easier. Please continue to communicate if you have time--I read every single note, e-mail, blog comment, and card to Denny. It always amazes me how many details he can remember about former students from Xavier, St. Mary's, St. John's, and even those he taught the one year he spent in Denmark. It has been fun for him to hear from so many of you.
"Yesterday is but a dream,
And tomorrow is only a vision.
But today, well-lived,
Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day."
---Sanskrit proverb
Love and many thanks to all of you,
Carla
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8 comments:
Hi Mr. and Mrs. O-
I'm glad to hear the transition home went smoothly! I was actually just at Xavier last week for a volleyball game and saw Mrs. Schuh walk past. It made me remember that either in English or Creative Writing (both of which I had with Mr. O), we had to write a paper about a career we were interested in and interview someone in that field. I had chosen social work and interviewed Mrs. Schuh. Who knew that I would get my bachelors and then masters degree in Social Work? So thank you Mr. O., for assigning projects that we couldn't even imagine how important and impactful they would be!
You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers!
Amy Bennett
Class of '00
God Bless you Mr. O you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Julie (Hulbert) Graverson
St. Mary's Class of '76
Mr. and Mrs. O,
We are thinking and praying for you all.
Love,
The Polakowski's
Dear Carla and Denny O, I was made aware of Mr. O's cancer a while back and am glad to see a blog where I can leave a message of my concern and prayers for him and his family. He was one of MY favorite teachers back in my days at Xavier. I wish you well and a painless journey in your healing and recovery. Much Love, Julie Jack XHS 1988
Hi Coach O and the O Team:
Coach, I could tell you how lucky you are to be surrounded by angels but you already know that. I suspect that you feel humbled by the acts of kindness and thoughtfulness from so many former students and friends, because you have always been a very humble man. Obviously, you (and Carla) have touched many lives. Wow, what a wonderful tribute! It must be very fulfilling to know that you have influenced so many people in a positive way. Coach, you have raised the bar to a pretty high level. You still like to challenge us. I hope that we can come close to the gold standard that you have set for having a positive influence. We have got our work cut out for us.
May God continue to bless you and your family.
Always know that you are in our prayers!
Jim & Linda G.
Oudy and Carla,
I read your blog each day it comes on line and am humbled as I read your present and former students' comment postings... As a teacher myself, I am so impressed at the impact you have made in so many young peoples' lives.
I know you have many people praying for you and your family... Know too, that Cathie and I remember you in our prayers and we are confident that God has a plan in place for you in all this.
That is the beauty of being as strong in your faith as I know you are... This time we get to spend together on earth is so short compared to the next life God promises to the faithful. Our strong faith gives us hope in that future.
Take care,
Lee & Cathie Stuyvenberg
Mr. O,
I was just made aware of this blog today and enjoyed reading various postings going back to July '08. I didn't know you attended the seminary!
I frequently tell people that college did not provide as much impact for success as Xavier High School did. You were a large part of that experience for me.
While I was usually more of a math guy, your literary influence will always be cherished. And I'm glad I was in your homeroom class too!
Please know that you and your family are in our prayers.
Patrick Suess
Class of '86
Carla and Den - the Jones family is sending lots of love and prayers your way!! I hope you are able to enjoy Halloween with the grandkids!
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