Dave is getting out the hospital today. We are going to spend the next two nights at a hotel, and if all goes well, go home Wednesday. He is sore. That is probably an understatement. He is having some pain. He can always tell when it's time for pain meds.....sometimes he can tell way before it's time. But he is really doing so well. He looks good, his hair is coming in (although it is very fine, thin hair). I got him a new hat the other day. He has this navy blue Houston Texans hat that he has worn everyday since treatment began. I think of that hat as the cancer hat, so I thought we should retire that hat and start life after surgery with a new hat. We will put that hat up and remember this time in our life when we run across it in the future. Maybe I'll find it when I'm cleaning out a closet in a few years, when all of this is a distant memory.

Sunday

He is doing very well today. They will probably release him tomorrow. He was able to take a nice hot shower today, which always makes you feel better. The hospital is boring on Sunday's. Not that it's really fun any other day, but it's especially boring on the weekend. Hope you enjoy the video.

Don't forget to turn down the music.

Saturday Night

Today has been a good day.  A friend we met during our first week at MDA came for a visit.  She also has Sarcoma Cancer and began treatment the same time as Dave.  We had the best visit with her.  Dave had his epidural removed today and was taken off of his pain pump.  He is having some pain tonight as they try to adjust him to his oral pain meds.  After they unhooked him from everything, he walked some and even went down the hall to get a cup of coffee.  Dave's mom and my parents have been out here with us this week.  Since he is doing so well, they are planning to go home tomorrow.  Dave will probably be released within the next day or so.  We are planning to stay in Houston for a couple more days to make sure he is doing ok before we fly home. We are very pleased with his progress, but he still has a lot of recovering to do. 

Can I just tell you how hot it was today in Houston.....106 !!! Thankfully I didn't have to be out in it.  Today was Samo's first football game and it was hot there too.  I was so sad we had to miss it.  His Uncle Bradley has been taking him to practice and he took him to the game today.  I talked to him after the game and he sounded so excited.  He made an interception!!  Wooohooo!!  I can't wait to get home and cheer for him.  I miss all three of the kids terribly. I am ready to get home to them....just a few more days.

Friday Morning

Dave is continuing to get better and better.  He got out in hall and walked 7 times yesterday.  He tries to sit up as much as he can.  He still has the epidural and pain pump so he gets really sleepy when he is still.  The average stay after surgery is 7 days.  He is still on a liquid diet but hopefully today he will be able to move to some solid food. 

Thursday Morning

Dave is up this morning and has already been for a walk.  Yesterday he walked three times.  He had a good bit of pain and alot of nausea last night.  He also had a headache during the night.  The nurses here are wonderful.  They don't want him to be in pain and quickly treat him.  His head feels better this morning since he has been up walking and sitting in the chair.  Those of you who know him, know he is very regimented.  Yesterday he planned the times he would walk and I knew if he walked 3 laps the first time, he would never be able to walk less than that.  He is very determined to get better, get stronger, and go home.

The hospital volunteers and staff have gone out of their way to make his birthday a good one. He got a blanket and teddy bear (Erin we know you will love the bear :) and they also brought him a cake....even though he can't eat cake today. The nurses came in to sing Happy Birthday a few minutes ago. It was sweet and funny. You will like seeing Dave smile.

A Happy Birthday

Dave is doing so well this morning. He has already been up and made 3 laps around the hall. He is going to have a happy birthday just knowing that tumor is gone. This is what he had to say this morning. Don't forget to scroll down and turn the music down.