Home again!

We're home... and it feels so good!

This morning we were able to see "C", one of the nurses who took care of Stew when he was in the hospital three weeks ago. She is an absolute bundle of joy with a smile that lights up a room. It made our day when she saw us, came rushing over to say hello, and gave us both a big hug! The people who work on the cancer floors are gifted with such grace. None of them come into our room without a big, truly caring smile. What a difference they make!

It is back to Medical City Dallas on Tuesday for labs and the power packed injection. Pet Scan will be scheduled before the next/final round of chemo.  We are praying, believing, and expecting an "all clean" report. Thank you for agreeing with us.

Stew and I were sharing before he went to sleep and the thought struck us,..
     here it is almost 10 months later and...
          he is still here...
                we still have the gift of doing life together...
                         we are so blessed!

Thank you for your prayers as "We"...you, Stew, and I...walk by faith, not sight...together!(More about that later from Stew.)

With gratitude and love,
Stew and Deb
Face to the Wall!

Unexpected much appreciated visit from friends this morning. Can you believe that I taught those two special young men in kindergarten?

My love

Hand sanitizer: a very needed and required addition to our daily lives. :-)

                                                                                

There is even a "fish" on the floor of our  hospital walking path to remind us of the One Who is always with us.

 

Round 2, Day 2

Good morning,

Day 2, Saturday, went amazingly well! Thank you for praying.

Stew is handling the chemo infusion even better than last time and has had no in-hospital reactions to any of the treatment. The benadryl and steroids added to the protocol seems to help with the body's initial response while the chemo is being administered. In fact, yesterday he walked 52 laps around the nurses station for a total of 2 miles. Not all at one time of course, and some laps slower than others, but he did it. He set a goal and made it.

The nurses would just smile each time they heard the rattle of his IV pole come around the corner. Family members visiting other patients commented on his "racing"around the hallway, and many kind words were shared.  Stew's perseverance in doing this opened the door for brief conversations and the opportunity for the offer of prayers.  No one turned them down. One family even told us the full name of the person they were visiting, the cancer they are fighting, and how they are responding.
A powerful reminder of how everyone has a story that needs to be shared, and one that is more than worth being heard.

A thoughtful friend of ours, Clarke, who has walked closely with Stew in this journey visited Friday evening and again yesterday afternoon. They now have weekly ongoing cribbage tournaments. It's a game Stew really enjoys, and Clarke has begun winning!  He makes Stew smile, his presence and stories brighten up the day, and their prayers together build strength and hope.

With gratitude, love, and prayers for you and yours,
Stew and Deb
Face to the Wall