Thursday: Where the heart is

Bob is home.  He's weak, more fatigued than a week ago, but well-supported with home care, and happy to be where he belongs.  Plans are in the works for Eryn to bring herself and Bob's dog, Finn, home to see him tomorrow, so there is much to be thankful for.

Tuesday: Perseverance

Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.  -N.G.
  After a few days of testing, resting, and assessment at Stanford, the doctors say it's their goal to send Bob home again tomorrow.  A team of health care professionals will be available to lighten the load for Maggie and Meganne at home, and the family will continue to work with the doctors at Stanford to evaluate ongoing treatment options. Bob is looking forward to spending time in his own house, in his own garden, and--hopefully soon--with his dog.

Saturday: Readmitted

Bob was readmitted to Stanford yesterday because he is just not well enough to remain at home right now. Despite his recent improvements, the doctors are emphasizing that his disease has progressed to an advanced stage.  They will continue to evaluate him over the course of the next week and work with the family to go forward with a plan. For now we are taking it day by day.

Thursday: Focused ahead

Thank you all for the many, many notes with good wishes for Bob.  As we move forward with big challenges ahead, we are taking one day at a time, and will keep you posted periodically as we have news.

Tuesday: Homecoming

Difficulties mastered are opportunities won. - Winston Churchill

It didn't take the doctors long to decide to send Bob home, and tonight, after a long day of preparing the house and going through all the discharge procedures, we were all home together: Maggie, Bob, Meganne, Matt, Jenny, and I.  We had a nice family dinner, with toasts and laughs.

Tomorrow, I will be heading back to Seattle, but a new phase will begin for the family, filled with an overwhelming new set of challenges: bringing in home care nurses; making trips to Stanford for additional tests and chemo; scheduling physical, occupational and speech therapy at home; and managing medications, nutrition & daily activities.  Maggie sends her gratitude to all of you who have called, written, helped out, visited, and kept Bob in your thoughts and prayers.  Your support, near and far, have sustained us all.

Tonight. we're beyond exhausted, but so happy that Bob is finally in his own bed, where he is presently sleeping soundly.

Monday: Good News Day

A busy day today--Bob was dressed and up most of the day, had a massage, walked to the garden again.  The staff told him how much they love his humor and personality.  He's a motivated patient and a lot of fun for them--so much fun, in fact, and doing so well, that the doctors are talking about sending him home.  He's happy, and so are we.  It's a good news day.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Take it Easy

An easy weekend as Bob adjusts to this round of chemo.  He's been eating well, listening to music, getting out into the garden, and resting.