December 7, 2016
It’s been a while since we last posted. The delay is a combination of things going mostly the same and settling in after Paul’s mom died. Both of us also got hit with really bad colds and coughs that have gone on for a few weeks. Because we’re both immune-compromised, the docs at Kaiser want to keep an eye on us so we don’t get sicker. We . . .
October 21, 2016
Since Paul's mom died, we're both gradually starting to get back to our "new normal"of just dealing with cancer and chemo. Paul's dad is doing pretty well -- he's eating much better and taking 1 hour walks every day.
Tim continues to struggle with appetite and lack of taste for several days after his chemo . . .
October 5, 2016
Yesterday was Paul's parents' 69th wedding anniversary. Since his mom Fran died, Paul's dad Mike is doing ok. Mike keeps busy, which is how he copes. He and Paul miss Fran and it will be a big adjustment for both of them. Paul will be going back again to Milwaukee soon to check in on his dad -- in addition to Paul's many calls . . .
September 30, 2016
Paul's mom Eleanor "Fran" Preston died last evening in Milwaukee. She was 93. She and her husband Mike would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary next week. Fran was an accomplished artist, working for Rustcraft Greeting Cards in Joliet, Illinois. Her portrait of Jesus signing “I love you” has been reproduced and . . .
September 19, 2016
Paul's mom is in hospice now, so we are gearing up for a trip to Milwaukee. We're trying to balance our own health issues as best as we can with seeing her and Paul's dad.
Next week Tim will need to return home for his CT scan which will assess whether the chemo is still effective at shrinking or keeping his tumor under . . .
September 8, 2016
Paul's mom has been deteriorating, and she continues to refuse eating or taking any medications. She says she is ready and wants to go. The hospice team will come in starting tomorrow. Paul is making arrangements to fly out there within the next couple of days. Paul has to weigh the risks of exposure and infection during long plane . . .
September 2, 2016
It’s September. We really didn’t think Tim would still be here. It’s been a year since his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Back then, they gave him 6 months and maybe a year at the most. So, despite the ups and downs, we’re really grateful for the extra time we have together. We’re hoping for a lot more time. Tim had his chemo today, so if . . .
