I have received an update from Dave regarding the swelling in the leg. Dave told me this was the doctor's best educated opinion...... The swelling is due to the scarring of the lymphatic system caused by the radiation treatment. The long walk on Saturday night could have aggitated to cause the release of the "junk" and is now flushing through his system. The ironic thing is that the doctor told him that moderate exercise, walking will help flush or ciruculate through, so to get up and exercise a bit more but of course when he's resting or sleeping to elevate his leg to help reduce the swelling.

I am so thrilled of this news, at least from what the doctors are guessing (I pray that they are right), because it will allow Dave to go on the vacation and enjoy himself with the girls. The doctors have decided to hold off the chemo treatment to give Dave a break and told him they see no reason why he shouldn't go to Florida and they said to enjoy himself! The treatment is scheduled a week after we get back from Florida. I am so happy for Dave, I was really worried that this would set him back emotionally because he is soooooo looking forward to taking this vacation with the girls. I'll see about posting pics while we're on the road, I will have my laptop with me and had planned on sending some emails and pics to friends and family.

Oh yeah, forgot another great news from the doc's office, the x-rays are still showing reduction of the tumors. Dave had asked them how much do they think the tumors have shrunk and they said from the beginning to now, it looks like at least 50%! They were rather busy today at the office so Dave didn't want to keep them too long(of course, doesn't that sound like him? most of us wouldn't give 2 hoots about how long it would take the doctor to spend time with us!) on all the questions but this was good news to him that this fight has some progress.

Thanks for all the prayers and postings, it definitely helps Dave to know how much love and care there is out there for him and his family.

I had wanted to put an update over the weekend but our good old internet cable was down and is still down. Dave has a checkup today at the Univ. of Iowa, the usuall blood tests and x-rays and possibly scheduled to have his chemo treatment #7 today.

Dave had developed a worrysome condition on his left leg where the main tumor sight was found, he woke up Sunday morning with his whole left leg from the hip to his toes swollen. A trip to the emergency room was then taken to rule out possible blood clots (which was a problem early on and was handled with blood thinners and a filter that was placed down by his lower ribs in a main vessel) and concluded there was none found. This was a good thing, however, we are still unsure what has caused the swelling.

Dave had taken a long walk Saturday night to help get in shape or prepare for the vacation we are taking to Flordia in a couple of weeks. It is scary that this had developed, however, I am so thankful that it happened here and not when we're on vacation not knowing what the heck is going on and in an unknown hospital with doctors who are not familiar with Dave and his condition (although we are prepared and have hospital contact information ready).

In conclusion to the emergency room visit, there were a couple of thoughts that could have caused the swelling. One thing the doctor had said could be from edema, the extensive walk could have just irritated his leg and caused the edema. Another reason could be a reoccurence at the same site or near, an MRI will have to be done to determine this. This problem will be the main objective for Dave's checkup today. We will be waiting to see what the doctors think could be the cause and then all the tests to confirm what it is or isn't. These results will depend on if Dave will have his chemo treatment today.

We are still hopeful that Dave will be strong enough to take the vacation that he has dreamt about with the girls. I will keep you all posted and let's pray for the better evil that it is only edema.

Well, round 5 has come and gone. Everything went as usual, except that I was having a little more nausea, which has been a problem before the chemo started. I know that there are many jokes about hospital food, but the jokes are based upon fact. Even food brought in from the "outside" was unappetizing. Fortunately that has passed, as well as the fatigue that follows the treatment. I have not felt this well in over 6 months, and was able to make a couple of appearances at work this week.

During the past week, Kim and I have been planning a family vacation to Orlando and Tampa sometime in April. Hopefully the kids will be able to see some of their favorite characters at Disney. Samantha wants to see Goofy, Jessica wants to see Cinderella, and Alyson wants to meet Dopey. I know that all of us will have a wonderful time. Of course precautions will be taken for medical conditions. This will be the first real sun exposure to my scalp since the treatment caused the hair to fall out, and it is still pretty pale. A good sunblock is definitely in order.

Dave did start his round #5 on Tuesday. The blood test levels were good enough for him to stay on task. The x-rays continue to show shrinkage of the tumors. Dave is reaching his maximum number of treatments with this particular chemo regimen, he will be going to the Mayo clinic for a re-evaluation. There are possible 6 rounds with this treatment, it all depends on the toxicity levels in and that's where they're not sure if he'll be able to get another round in or not, they'll play it by ear in a few weeks. Dave continues to be strong in faith, the girls see him every possible moment and doing things and going places with their Daddy. Dave and Aly worked on a science project last week, making a home made flashlight, they had lots of fun and it even worked! Aly really enjoyed the special time with Dave, these are the times that we as parents usually take for granted but not anymore......
I'll be taking the girls to see Dave tomorrow at the hospital, bringing him some "real" food and then of course I'll check to see where his weight gain is!
God Bless