6 down, 29 to go

Where do I even begin? First of all, Sonya is headed back to LP tonight with my children in tow. I came up after lunch today and brought the kids with me in hopes to make Pop feel better. I wanted to try and break his week up some so he doesn't get so depressed. I also wanted my kids to see exactly what it is like here. It has been a rough few days emotionally for Sonya and it was obvious she needed a break. Pop has pretty much been sick for the last few days. She has been trying to get some nutrition in him and he hasn't been able to tolerate a whole lot. Thankfully, when we arrived today, they were sitting in the dining room area eating boiled peanuts. We were able to visit with him for a little while and give the kids a tour before his radiation appointment. He tolerated the peanuts pretty good. During his appointment, I went back with him and was able to talk to one of the nurses about his injections. To make a long story short, he refused them for today. We will talk to the doctor about skipping them on the days that he gets the infusion of the trial meds. and continue getting them for the rest of the week. Both in one day is just more than he feels he can handle at this time. And that is OK. If you don't believe it, come visit with the doctor that reminded us so quickly that it is his body, his decision.
During his treatment, Sonya, the kids, and I had to check things out. Of course the first stop was the cafeteria. We had a little of this and a little of that and had to finish it off with a doughnut. Out in the main lobby, we stopped and looked at artwork by cancer patients and their families. Some of it is so inspiring and I took a few pictures with my phone. Now, whether or not I will figure out how to post those pictures on this blog, remains to be seen.
After Pop came out of treatment we headed back over to the lodge. I warmed him some Scalloped Potatoes and Ham that I had brought from the restaurant. He had been saying all afternoon that he wanted a popsicle. Sonya made a quick trip to the store to buy popsicles and the kids and I put a huge dent in the sugar free Cookies and Cream ice cream while she was gone. (sorry Uncle Terry) She came back with some grape fruit bars and his favorite, banana flavored popsicles. So he ate a grape bar and then had ANOTHER bowl of potatoes and ham. So far so good with keeping it down. He seems to be resting comfortably. I read all the new comments to him before I began writing this blog. He actually asked me if I was getting on the blog when I turned the computer on. This is really the first time he has shown an interest to me. I asked if he wanted to read it and he said, "no just read it to me." But for all of you out there, he is hearing your comments.
There are actually quite a few people here from Highlands County. One checking out tomorrow and one checked in today. Sonya and I also talked to a lady and her daughter from Lake Placid. She lost a son at a young age to cancer and has been battling it herself. I really appreciate all the prayers you all have been sending but tonight I ask that you would pray for every resident here at the Hope Lodge and their families. I am sure this ugly disease affects so many more people than I will ever realize. Like Sonya said, you can't help but wonder when you see someone, what their story is. Each and every story is so inspiring.
OK, now Pop is up taking his medicine. He is singing the names of his medication. I think the codeine in the cough syrup makes him a little loopy, but....that is OK too. Love to all, Shannon