Celebration of Life

Kim's Celebration 

of Life  

Saturday, December 18, 2010, at 2:30 p.m.

St. Pius Church
1800 N. Pio Decimo

Following the service, our friends, Vito and Rose of Viro's 

will provide food at the church. 

Thank you for your love and support of our beautiful Kim.

Back down the rabbit hole...

   When you haven't slept in days, it no longer matters if you are asleep or awake, everything looks the same. 
   If you have not read 'The Art of Racing in Rain' Garth Stein, do not!  I pretty much just lived it.
    Our Kimmy, our shining angel, left us last night.  She went so peacefully, with a whisper, so Kim like.
    How did it happen so fast?  We were blessed with wonderful 5 days with Kim - she seemed like she was going in the right direction.  She had a great appetite, enjoyed helping around the house and with the kids, visiting with friends...she was getting some decent rest, too.
    It was that nagging cough...I gave her her nightly Lovenox injections and she told me I was her knight in shining armour, saving her life...then she fell asleep for about an hour.  The cough woke her up and she stayed up until about 2, falling into a troubled sleep.  I could her some rattling in her lungs and asked if she was bringing up any blood and she said no.  Around 3, we moved her out to her Lazy Boy and she said her stomach was a mess, so I made her some raison toast and brought her ginger ale.  By 4, it was clear I had to get her back to St. Joseph's, and I called 911.
   The ambulance had her to St. Joseph's by 5 and she needed 15 liters of air to breath.  They got her looking great, as our neighbor, Amy, can attest to.  She snuck into ER to bring me coffee and a protein shake from our friend Lupe, by telling them she was my sister and Kim was so happy to see her.  Her color and breathing were doing better.  T
   They took chest x-rays and sent Kim to have a CT scan.  The CT scan required Kim to lay flat, which distressed her poor body terribly and she started to sink.  Her breathing becoming more and more labored.  The CT scan showed horrible developments, so Dr. McCarten consulted with Kim and I on two options.
   #1 - tape a high powered oxygen mask to Kim's face, which he compared to hurricane force like wind being forced into her.  If the liquids that showed up in her lungs on the CT scan were mucous related, this would help...if it was blood, it would kill her quickly.
   #2 - put Kim on a ventilator, perform a bronchial scope and see what was causing the bleeding and go from there.
   We decided, together, that #2 was the only way to go.  They put Kim under after we had some time to give each other loving words and embraces.  We told each other how very much we loved one another and then I had to go.  I went out to St. Joseph's garden while the Dr. performed the procedure.  The hosptial chaplain, Wendy, came out to get me and told me the blood was in both lungs and that they would need to be cauterized.  Dr. Zaetta was set up to do that.
   Monsignor Tom stopped by to pray with Kim.  She was out, but we were told she could hear us.  I let her know that she was the best friend, the best wife and the best mom, ever.
   As the time rolled closer to her procedure, Dr. McCarten advised me that this was simply a 'bandaid', many other things were starting to happen as Kim's cancer was spreading like wildfire.  Now in her pancreas, thyroid, lungs, liver and bones.  How did it happen this quickly??  She was producing lactic acid at a tremendous rate and an infectious disease Dr. was consulted.  He placed Kim on 3 anti-biotics to see if that would help.  But her blood pressure was dropping - her liver was failing!
   Father Harry came in and annointed Kimmy.  He prayed with us.  By this time, the bambini's were brought it.  Wendy, the chaplain, had arranged for a private meeting room for us.  I let them know their mama's situation.  We have never hid anything from these guys, or candy coated anything, but, of course, they were upset.  Poor little Antonio got sick in the trash can.  I let them know what they would see, that their mama was hooked to a breathing machine.  She had iv's in both arms, out of her chest and her neck.  They handled it incredibly well.  We visited with Kim while they told her how much they loved her.  Then, Father Harry hugged each bambino and prayed with all of us.
   We had a lot of support at St. Joseph's...Betsey and Brian (who's birthday it was), Amy and her son Alex, Andrea, Mario and their son, David, Angie and Janene, took turns consoling us and keeping us strong.
   I went back to Kim's side, alone and waiting for the good Lord to take her. 
   She was such a good person.  To call her my soul mate would be a disservice - she was so much more than that.  We will keep her alive in our lives, as she would want.  I told the bambini's that mama would not want us to complain, but to appreciate all we have.  I had been praying for Kim's recovery...I had been praying for a miracle - what I realize now, is, that Kim was the miracle!  I was blessed to know her for 33 years.  We were together 27 years and married (here at the San Xavier Mission) for 17 years.  I just feel so bad for our sweet bambini's - with no mother to guide them - I promised them that I will do my best to be both mom and dad for them.
 
   As we left St. Joseph's for the last time, we took the stairs together...we walked past St. Joe's statue and I told the kids, 'Mom said that this was her journey...now it is our journey'.
   I believe Kimmy is in heaven now, probably walking on the beach there...reunited with her Dad and relatives and our pups, Cajun and Zona.
   And she is in no pain, she is at peace and with the Lord...


I'm going to try to work on funeral arrangements and will post them when I figure this out.  Please do not send flowers -we are inudated (and we have penty of food!) - if you want to send something, I am thinking of starting a foundation, to help families like ours, through a time like this, so if you feel like you need to do something, do that, please no flowers.  I'd also love to put a 'thank you' billboard - if anyone knows how to do this or has connections, let me know.
  
Thank you all for all the tremendous love, caring, support and, of course your prayers!!

Love,
      Dave

Kimmy Sunday

  An unprecedented 5th good day in a row!!  Although Kim did not get a chance to walk today (she wanted to use her walker our front), she ate well, still no oxygen and, since it was another incredible day here in Tucson, we put Betsey's recliner on our front porch, where Kim sat for several hours and enjoyed the birds, trees, blue sky (no clouds!) and watched the bambini's play in the park across the street.  By the time we brought her in, she had developed a nagging cough, but ate well - Betsey made us tortellini soup!
  Kim has been so strong during this 'journey', but today had two small 'bumps in the road'.  She cried this morning when she found she still could not walk, despite her legs coming down to near normal, she just does not have the strength or air capacity.  I held her and she said 'there, that's my 5 minute pity party'.  Later, we were going through pictures to print for Autumn's class Christmas project and Kim broke down again saying 'what a wonderful life we've had...'. I told her we were just waiting to see what wonderful things we would do next!  I can still count on one hand how many times she has cried since this has happened, she stays bright, always illuminating those around her.
  The bambini's made the most of this beautiful Sunday.  After breakfast, the kids and I took Bella for a walk out in the desert.  It was an amazing morning and the sun popped off of the surrounding mountain ranges.  When we got back, Andrea picked up Autumn and took her along with Breanna and Lexy to a party at Peter Piper Pizza.  Then, they went shopping at Target, Famous Footwear and Fry's.  They had a lot of fun.  Meanwhile, the boys played ping pong in the garage and then played out front with their friends Alex, Mitch and Hadley.  I took Cody and Alex on a bike ride through the desert - those guys wiped me out!  I could have used some of Kim's oxygen that we still have at the house when we got home!!  The boys had fun doing jumps and riding wheelies.
   After dinner, we watched Elf with Breanna, Lexy and Andrea.  The kids love that one, a Will Ferrell classic.
   Now Kim is resting in bed...her main concern tomorrow is having the right snacks and lunch!  She has told me that, after I drop off the kids at school, I should swing by Bruegger's, get a couple of breakfast sandwhiches and also a couple of their turkey sandwhiches...on rosemary/olive oil bagels, her favorite!  I know she must be nervous about her chemo tomorrow, but, all that shows is excitement to get going on the fight she has ahead of her - let this be the first punch she throws! 
   Today is the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the appearance of the Blessed Mother to Juan Diego in Mexico.  We take strength in this story and pray to Mary to watch over Kimmy and help her get well...an Advent miracle..
    Love,
                      Dave

Another Beautiful Day

   Sunny, blue skies, 75 degrees...and Kim was as beautiful as the weather!  We got up and cooked a big breakfast for the kids - Kim chopped onions, avacados and tomotoes and I made eggs, toast, hash browns and cut up oranges.  Kim got another great night's sleep and was feeling pretty good as the bambini's wheeled her around the house in her wheelchair so she could help prep breakfast, eat and then go shower.
   Our dryer had stopped drying some time ago...we finally had a guy come look at it, he pulled off the front panel and vacuumed it out.  Then, he disconnected the vent hose from the back and let it run for a few minutes, declaring 'you need to climb up on the roof, take off the vent cap and blow out the lint with a leaf blower...I'm not allowed to go on the roof.  That'll be $90".  I'm in the wrong business.  So, my neighbor Brian and I set about going on the roof to do that today, right after breakfast.  Brian and I pulled out two Fry's bags of lint - he fashioned a de-linter using an electrician's wire fish and I shot the leaf blower in from down below, shooting lint 3' in the air.  This took a good two hours, but the dryer works great!
   By this time, it was nearly time for lunch, and Kim was getting hungry...so we made minestrone soup - she chopped the ingredients with Autumn's help and we cooked it up.  Angie dropped by with a huge jug 'o honey for us - Kim and the kids go through that stuff like water!  Then, Kim headed off to her Lazy Boy for a nap.
  It was such a nice day, so I took the bambini's for a bike ride through the desert - warning Antonio to watch the corner when we leave the pavement and enter the desert...he didn't make it...it looked like a rough landing, but he bounced back up, wiped himself off and declared 'I'm allright, I'm allright'...so off we went.  Cody and Autumn being much faster, Tonio and I get to take in the sights, discuss the birds we see and hope for a coyote sighting...not today.  They had a nice ride.  Cody went straight to Amy and Tom's house when we returned, to play with his friend, Alex.  Alex was playing in a basketball tourney tonight at the Univeristy of Arizona and Amy and Tom invited Cody to go watch.  His other friend, David, was also playing (Andrea and Mario's son). 
   It always seems like we are eating...and it was dinner time - we received another huge box of Omaha steaks, this one from my Aunt Jean and family.  I grilled up some steaks, potatoes and made a salad and we had a feast!  Thanks Aunt Jean!  Kim, Autumn and Tonio headed off to the bedroom to watch some Christmas movies and get settled in.
  We were grateful for another good day for Kim - and thanked God for this blessing.  One more day to wait to hear the results of the blood test and we are looking forward to Kim's chemo treatment on Monday...Kim's already planning what I should pack us for lunch and snacks while she is receiving treatment!  She has remained off oxygen since she was released from the hospital and her lower legs look like they have returned to normal.  Her upper legs are coming down slowly.  They will be re-checked on Wednesday by Dr. Namanny.  And, not to be left out of Dr. appoinments - time for Bella to have a check up with Dr. Burrows - Kim was a vet tech, prior to having Cody and worked with Dr. Burrows at Ventana Animal Hospital - she is an incredible Dr. and we always take our pets to her.  Bella's hoping no shots are involved.
  Thank you again for all that you do!
    Love,
              Dave

Fourth Day!

      Kim had another good day today - we appreciate each one, thanking God for our blessings.  We went to Dr. Taetle's today, to have Kim's blood drawn to be sure she could get her chemo on Monday...it's a nail biter, since we will not know the results until Monday!  Kim's appointment is for 10:30 a.m. Monday, with Marylynn, the nurse practioner, to review the results, exam Kim and then determine if she can receive her chemo.  We will be praying through the weekend that she can get the chemo she needs to start fighting the cancer. 
     After her appointment, we went to Sunflower Market, Kim in her wheelchair, and stocked up on fresh fruits and vegetable to keep Kim strong.  We baked some yams and Kim ate one like a baked potato and had a fruit salad that I made for her.  She did pretty well today, but by around 5, she needed to get into bed.
     The bambini's had a fun day at school.  Tonio and Autumn attended a pizza party that was thrown for the students who achieved their accelerated reading goals three months in a row.  After school, Tonio went shopping with Mrs. Schrantz for supplies the classroom needs for a project they will be doing next week.  They also made a stop at McD's!  Autumn played with some good friends until it was time to go home and Patti gave them both a ride to our house.  I picked Cody up at school and he was jazzed - he had scored a 94% on his algebra benchmarks, a large part of his grade this quarter.  He has worked so hard and with the help of Mrs. Lopez, seems to be understanding it well.  It was a great end to his school week.  The kids have one week to go before school ends for a three week Christmas break.
     After we put Kim in bed, we ran down to Target so the kids could pick out some gifts to give to their mom for Christmas.  They were very thoughtful as to their choices - they are so sweet.  On the way home, we stopped at Red Box and picked up A Christmas Carol, starring Jim Carrey, then, we ate some great chicken, rice and salad that our friend, Vonda, made for us tonight - Kim had seconds on everything.  We started the movie around 7:30 and less than half way through the movie, everyone is asleep...so if you haven't seen this version, this might save you some time and $$!
     Now, I'm praying that Kim gets a good nights rest and has a great weekend, looking to get going on the cancer fight Monday!!  In Jesus' name we pray...
     Love,
               Dave
    
   

It's a hat trick!

Yep, three in a row, like when a hockey player scores 3 goals in one game, it's called a 'hat trick' - Kim has scored one in real life, feeling pretty good again today.  We find if she eases into the morning, she feels up to some light activity in the afternoon, followed by a long nap, dinner and then she'll visit with the family until it's time for bed.
  Today, once again, she craved a Subway breakfast sub, she made grits - yep, snuck out of bed while I was taking the kids to school, going to Fry's for milk, fruit, eggs, etc and then to Subway.  Kim made grits and cleared some counter clutter that has eluded me.  This time, she made it back into bed before I caught her!  After breakfast, I ran Bella through the desert - another stunning day, blue sky, mid-70's - we saw a road runner that Bella wanted to meet badly and some chipmunks - but the mountains were absolutely breath taking, the way the sun was hitting them, with the bright blue sky framing them out - just God saying 'good morning!'.
   We got home, got Kim showered up and then she wanted to go to Ross to find an outfit or two.  We took her wheel chair and got a new appreciation for ADA spacing rules (Ross comes close, but pretty tight in some areas!)...she said she felt normal being out and about, and, Kim being Kim, picked out something for everybody but herself!  So, I took her over to Jamba juice and got her a mango smoothy.  It took a lot out of her, being out and about, but she so enjoyed it.  These things we take for granted have become precious for Kim.
    Kim crashed hard when I got her into bed...I ran to get Cody and school and when we got back, Kim was still out.  We set up the nativity scene under the tree together before he started on his homework.  The little bambini's went home with our friend Vonda, her little ones, Mano (who's in Tonio's class) and Maya (who is Aut's age), are great fun for Autumn and Antonio.  She kept them at her house until around 4:30 - getting them home in time for Cottonwood's McTeacher night at McDonald's.  The teachers work at McDonalds, who donates a portion of all food purchased to Cottonwood.  We arrived at 5 and it was getting crowded fast!  Cody grabbed a table with his friends, Alec and Nathan Ball, so we got a good seat.  The kids love going to this fund raiser - they get a 'homework pass' to be able to skip a night of homework whenever they need to (hasn't been a problem thanks to Mrs. Schrantz and Mrs. Rudzena!), there is a raffle to win prizes (Tonio won a $25 gift card!! He told Kim he wants to buy her something with it - he's such a sweetie, like his mama), the school mascot, Comet the Coyote was on hand - it was a great turn out!   We drove through our neighborhood on the way home, looking at the houses decorated with lights, as we prepare for Christmas - the kids thought it was beautiful and we talked about how it is a season of giving, rather than receiving...these kids amaze me. We brought Kim home a fish sandwhich and an apple pie.  Cody and Autumn gave Bella a bath, which seems to make her crazier than ever.  She bounced around the house, like Tigger, terrorizing everyone, but smelling clean, for now.
     She ended her evening playing a little guitar hero with Cody, sitting down to play her part.  Kim chose to play 'Revolution' by Muse, and 'Feel Good Drag' by Anberlin  - she played guitar and Cody played drums.  He's so good at this game - 'I am amused by the simplicity of this game' Ken Griffey Jr. - he makes it looks easy.  I can't tell you how happy it made Cody to be doing anything with his mom, something he has been unable to do over that last couple of months.
     Tomorrow morning at 9:30 will be Kim's blood test to check her blood values.  We concerned that she still cannot walk on her own, but otherwise, her appetite is fantastic, she is in good spirits (ok, no surprise there), her eyes are shining beacons - so, we pray that she can be cleared to receive her next round of chemo on Monday...and that tomorrow brings Kim another day of feeling good.
      Love,
            Dave

Another Great Day!

      Kim had another great day today!  She started off with another good breakfast, her 2nd shower (still in her chair) and then, I asked her if she'd like her hair colored today...she was surprised and asked if I had picked up a box of the hair color that she likes...just then, Janene arrived with all of her magical supplies from Unique Identity, her hair salon.  Janene spent two hours coloring and trimming Kim's hair.  She was so happy and looks so radiant. What a huge morale boost!!  Kim was so happy that Janene would do a special house call for her, despite her busy schedule at her shop, not to mention how busy she is with her 3 boys!  Oh, while Janene worked on Kim's hair...Bella snuck off and got ahold of Kim's percocet!!  She completely demolished the bottle and left the percocet scattered all over the floor.  I quickly tucked her away in another room, counted the remaining pills - but found she had completely removed the label, so I was unsure how many should be in the bottle.  I called CVS, who told me the count and we were relieved to find that Bella had not eaten any!!  What a scare, as that stuff would destroy her liver, pretty quickly and painfully.  Never a dull moment.
     Although Kim's ankles and upper legs are still swollen, she is finding it easier to move and she is still off oxygen.  We spent some time making marinara sauce - Kim sat at the table chopping carrots, celery, garlic, etc, while I cooked.  Andrea's two girls, Breanna and Lexy were coming over this evening and she wanted to serve them pasta and make your own sundaes.  So, we ran to Fry's together and bought the ice cream, etc. then, to Target, as Kim picked out 3 matching fedoras to surprise the girls and then she rested when we got home to be ready for the evening.
    Meanwhile...the bambini's had a busy day.  Cody had his benchmark testing in Algebra, his toughest subject.  His teacher, Mrs. Lopez, gave him some extra time yesterday so he could feel prepared.  After school, Desert Sky's basketball team played Rincon Vista, who's team our neighbor Amy's son, Alex plays for.  Cody wanted to stay and watch him play.  Desert Sky won and Amy gave Cody a ride home.
    Autumn and Antonio, once again, were helped by their teachers, Mrs. Rudzena and Mrs. Schrantz.  They got a lot of homework done and were dropped off by Mrs. Rudzena's mom, Patti.  They love their time with their teachers.
    Andrea dropped the girls off around 4 and we began preparing pasta - everyone ate well and the kids had a lot of fun together and the kids did not want the night to end...
    Kim's pretty tired now, but she felt her best to date today and we had a lot of fun - we'll appreciate these up moments together!!  And, we are thankful to the good Lord for this wonderful day.  It was another nice one in Tucson, getting up to about 80 degrees.  Next Dr. appointment is coming up this Friday at 9:30 to check Kim's blood values to see if she is healthy enough for her next round of chemo on Monday.  We'll take it easy tomorrow, maybe watch a movie or two and have her well rested for her appointment on Friday.  She is a tremendous girl!
     Love,
             Dave

"And behold, I am with you always"

A Great Day!

  Kim woke up this morning feeling rested and refreshed.  Her legs continue to return to normal.  I was able to put a chair in our shower stall for her and she was able to shower by herself for the first time in a month or so.  She wept in the shower with gratitude - she takes absolutely nothing for granted anymore!
  After a nice breakfast sandwich from Subway and a big bowl of grits that I made for Kim, she was ready to get out of the house!  We made our way down to Target to try to pick up a few things for the bambini's Christmas and then went to Subway for lunch - our first lunch together since we can remember.
  This afternoon, I went to pick up Cody from school.  When we returned, Kim was not in her Lazy Boy...we found her in the kitchen baking soft pretzels for the bambini's!!  She was looking for some coarse salt to put on them, seeing the box on an upper shelf, she used a spatula to get it down thinking 'oh gosh, Dave and Cody will come home to find me unconscious on the kitchen floor amidst a salt spill', but she neatly caught the box and finished cooking.  She said she needed to feel human again.
  Our friend Vonda, who's son, Mano is in Tonio's class, took Tonio and Autumn over to her house after school to play with Mano and her daughter Maya.  She also helped them with their homework before bringing them home.  They had a fun time.
  Then, it was an emotional evening, as our friend Melissa, who is volunteer coordinator at Cottonwood, the position Kim is at Rincon Vista, engineered a community fund raiser, at Chuy's.  We would like to thank the Vail community for the incredible support that they showed our family tonight!  There were teachers from Rincon Vista, Desert Sky, Senita Valley, Cottonwood, principals from all three schools, support staff, Cody's football coaches from Desert Sky, parents, children (bambini's!), nurses from St. Joseph's Hospital (thanks Annie!! and thank you Will!!), people who worked with me at Kohl's, plus, support from the Knights of Columbus at St. Pius church.  It was overwhelming, yet energizing - we cannot thank you all enough for all that you are doing for us!!  The night was incredible.  I took photos and showed them to Kim at home, who was beyond belief and very teary with gratitude.  You are her strength!
   Our neighbor, Amy, came over to sit with Kim while the kids and I were at Chuy's and made dinner for Kim (chicken adobo - it is great!).  Mrs. and Mr. Schrantz came by afterwards with a walker for Kim, we plan to put that to use tomorrow...after her surprise hair appoinment here at the house - our friend, Janene, is going to come in the morning before she goes to work at her salon, Unique Identity, and take care of Kim's hair, for although I have done my best Zohan, I cannot match Janene's expertise! 
   So, it was a great day for Kim today - perhaps her best in the last month.  She was grateful and enjoyed every minute of it...she is so beautiful, full of life, hope and belief...
  Thank you all again...for everything,
        Love,
                  Dave

'We have a lot to blog about!'

  As they day went on, Kim grew more and more excited.  Her first visitor, was Dr. Taetle.  He said she looked good and would like to see her Friday for a blood value test to determine if she was ok to take a chemo treatment on Monday.  He told her he'd recommend she be released today.  She ate a huge breakfast of french toast, sausage, cream of wheat, potatoes and milk.  Then, she had a nice visit with Mary, one of the managers at Barnes & Noble who has stepped it up so nicely to keep that store running and keep me with Kim.
  Next, Dr. Choi came by and said she looked good, wrote her some prescriptions for percocet and lovenox in new dosages of 80 mg each, so I can give her two a day shots now and denied my request for valium.  Some Drs. can be heartless.  We are praying the new dosage can combat the blood clots and help Kim prepare for her chemo and fight against cancer.
  Her nurses and techs that she has had over the last month and a half came by, one by one, to wish her well, having heard about her imminent release.  It was amazing how many good people had cared for her at St. Joseph's over the weeks and how much they cared about Kim, who they call the 'angel of St. Joseph's'.  It was so neat to see, not surprising, but everyone could see the amazing woman that I see each time I look at her or think about her - it was like a pep rally for Kim!
  The nurses prepped Kim for release, fitting her with new compression hoses to prevent further clots and getting all of her paper work ready.  We were just waiting for Dr. Namanny to give his final approval on the Lovenox dosage and to check her legs out.  He arrived around 4 and said she looked like she could go home.  The lower halves of her legs look normal again, but her upper legs are still large, but soft.  Prior to surgery, they were incredibly tight -she truly thought she would burst!
  We made a follow up appointment with Dr. Namanny for next Wednesday and I loaded Kim into a wheel chair - I'm almost a part of the staff there, changing beds, trash can liners, fetching supplies and now, transporting Kim for her release. 
    It was a beautiful day in Tucson.  Sunny and mid-70's.  Kim marvled at the smell of fresh air, the birds overhead and the suns warming rays.  Then, she asked if we could get something to eat...at In & Out Burger!  So, off we went and had cheeseburgers and fries - Kim had a vanilla shake - she loves that John 3:16 is on the bottom of their cups - but the shake cups had Psalms 3:5 (what is that one Jodi?).  We enjoyed our meal, watching the sun set together.  Tomorrow, I am going shopping for a walker for her, so she can make it around the house, and later on, venture outside.
    The bambini's were overjoyed.  They had worked hard making two large banners, with Andrea and her daughters, Lexy and Brianna's help.  They had a good day at school, Mrs. Schrantz and Mrs. Rudzena kept Tonio and Aut after school and helped them with homework.  Then, Patti brought them home and stayed with them, feeding them (thanks Mike for the chicken tortilla soup and Rachel for the cookies!), until we got home.  Our neighbor, Brian, had cared for Bella during the day and picked up Cody from school.  They were so happy to have their mom home again!!  Tonio said he knows it is to stay this time.  He's so sweet, having recently memorized the Lord's Prayer, he makes sure to say it with me each night for his mama.
   So, we are praying Kim's health can stay consistent, and she is able to get on track for her chemo cycles to fight this aggressive cancer.  Thank you all for all of your support (my mom, dad and stepmom have been helping us keep up!) and for all of your prayers and happy thoughts.
   I put Kim in our bed, surrounded her with pillows (6 total - she'll have to go to 'pillows anonymous' after all of this is over!) and she is sleeping comfortably...it is so good to have her home.

   Love,
             Dave

Kimmy Sunday

    Kim had a pretty good day today at St. Joseph's.  Dr. Taetle said he would confer with Dr. Nammany to see when Kim could go home and how they would handle the Lovenox, the blood thinner, which has been tricky, due to Kim's blood clots and her resistance to traditional thinners.  Plus, the adenocarcinoma cancer naturally coagulates the blood, working against thinners.  This will be the challenge, going forward, to balance along with chemo.
    Plenty of company today, as I got the bambini's down here for breakfast.  They were excited to tell their mom that they had decorated the Christmas tree last night and show her pictures!  Our neighbor, Amy, helped them and got me caught up on wash and dishes! They spent the morning, once again, reading, coloring and playing with a color Nook that Jaimelyn, who is helping run Barnes & Noble to allow me to take care of Kimmy and the kids, brought over for us to try out.  We ate lunch in the cafeteria, too, which always ends with a traditional foot race up the stairs to the 5th floor.  I can never do better than 3rd place.  Today, Tonio and I took a different set of steps to the 2nd floor and cut across the hospital to our the stairs that take us to Kimmy's floor and surprised Cody sneaking a ride on the elevators!  Busted!  Later, we ran down the stairs and out to a little garden area at that we have looked at out of Kim's window for many days.  The kids raced around the paths and burned off some energy.  It was in the mid-70's today and beautiful.  There is a nice statue of St. Joseph holding Jesus as a baby in the center of this desert sanctuary. 
     Andrea and her daughters, Lexi and Brianna, came down to pick up the kids (and bring me ice tea and a nice snack of cheese, crackers, apples, alomonds) and spent some time with Kimmy.  Jon, the cafe manager over at Barnes & Noble came by and brought us all magazines, books and some great pastries from the cafe - high octane stuff!  Andrea took the kids with her around 5 for dinner(our neighbor, Amy made chicken adobo and rice for us!) and to have some fun with her little ones.
     Again, the support from everyone has been overwhelming and so appreciated!  When I got home last night, I had received a letter from Kim's niece, Sara McDonald, who lives in Texas.  Sara wrote 'Recently, we had a boutique and I sold baked goods with the purpose of half of my profits going to your family.  I know it isn't much but I hope that it helps some!'  She had enclosed a check for $85.00.  Kim was moved to tears by this hard working, sharing young lady's gesture.
     Forgot to mention the hula hoop contest at Tonio and Autumn's school, Cottonwood, on Friday...it seems Patti, was eliminated before getting to the championship round due to some questionable hula hooping by other contestants.  So, she had Tonio call Ms. Bryson, the principal, while they waited for their flu shots at CVS that evening and leave her a message: 'hello Ms. Bryson, this is Tonio.  I'm calling to let you know, that Miss Patti was pushed during the hula hoop contest and should have won'...Anyways, the kids enjoyed that contest and congrats to Mrs. Montes (Autumn and Tonio's kindergarten teacher!), who won the contest fair and square.
     So, Kim should be able to go home tomorrow!!  That was the good news Dr. Namanny gave us to a large audience as Andrea, Brianna, Lexi, Cody,Autumn, Tonio, Jon and I cheered him...I think he was a little embarrassed by our overwhelming emotion - perhaps he felt we had placed him on a pedestal, our hero of the moment (Jon pegged Dr. Namanny as a Cary Elwes look a like).  Kim says, 'despite his youth, I think he is a genius!'.  Thanks for all of the prayers you prayed to make this possible!!  Next, we pray that Kim can get her next round of chemo...soon!
    Through Him, all things are possible!
     Love, Dave
   

Saturday at St. Joseph's

   Pretty quite day...seems as if most of the medical community take the weekend off.  But, Dr. Taetle did make his rounds and looked at Kim's legs, which are each wrapped following her sugery 'they have you looking like the mummy.' he told her.  He said we need to stay the course on making sure the blod clots have been corrected before going forward with chemo - we are hoping that he will want to give Kim a dose early next week.
  Dr. Choi, the hospital generalist stopped by and we found that we all had something in common - all of our fathers worked for the Bethelehem Steel!  What a small world.  He said he would get with Dr. Taetle and Dr. Namanny to decide on the right dose of Lovenox for Kim, once they were ready to let her go home, so we can stay on top of the blood clots.
  Dr. Namanny check Kim's legs and said they need to stay wrapped for 3 days before being fitted with custom sleeves.  Kim asked if she could be fitted with a full body sleeve to prevent clots in her whole body.
After he left, we took Kim for a walk down the hallway and back, which wiped her out.  Her oxygen has been reduced to 1 liter - she had been at 2 following surgery.  She's feeling pretty good, now that the pressure in her legs have been relieved, but experiencing some pain in her ankles, since they are returning to normal size.  She has been given morphine to combat this pain.  She says she is having an achey day.
   The bambinis slept in to about 7, having been up until midnight last night, after their long wait at CVS and late dinners.  They sure had fun - I'll try to get a few pictures Patti, Mrs. Schrantz and Mrs. Rudzena took of them riding shopping carts, rocking horses and Tonio sporting a plunger on his head like a hat!  I was glad Patti, Mrs. Schrantz and Mrs. Rudzena were with them to keep them entertained while they waited, although it made for a long day for those poor teachers.  We made it down to the hospital around 9:30 and brought up breakfast from the cafeteria to eat with Kim.  The kids colored, read books and watched t.v. with Kim. Her tech, Jesse, set up a cot in her room so the kids could use it like a couch. For lunch we headed over to Viro's Italian Bakery for lunch and to visit with Rose and Vito.  They fed us well ( I always get the panini Italiano - highly recommend it!), the kids ate gelato and they sent us back to the hospital with a huge container of gelato for Kim and a large box of Italian cookies for all of the nurses on Kim's floor, to show their appreciation for how well they are taking care of our Kimmy!  The nurses loved them!  It's  6 p.m. now and the kids have been here all day, loving their time with their mom.
     Kim is winding down for the day and it's almost time to get the little ones home.  Kim is thankful Dr. Namanny could relieve the pressure in her legs and we are praying it is a long term fix.  Nothing scheduled for tomorrow, just hoping Kim might be released, but it is more likely going to happen on Monday, if all goes well.
    Thanks for praying for Kim's legs and her surgery, which went well.  We appreciate all everyone is doing for our family!
    Love, Dave

'I jumped another hurdle!'

   Kim went into surgery around 5 - about 6:40, Dr. Namanny came out and found me hiding underneath my chair...he said that he was able to clear several large clots and cleared around the IVC.  He is hoping the heparin blood thinner will help clear up the rest.  A short while later, the doors to surgery swung open and I could hear laughter and spirited conversation - it was Kim keeping the two techs wheeling her bed out of surgery entertained!  She is amazing!!
  The techs got her back up to the 5th floor - she had not eaten since dinner last night, so I scavenged up a turkey sandwhich and some apple juice for her - just as Janene was bringing me a huge slice of pizza from the Arizona Pizza Company, which is right next door to her salon, Unique Identity.  I needed that.
  All the nurses and techs were happy to see Kim back on their floor.  She is such an inspiration! Tomorrow, we'll meet with Dr. Taetle to see when she can get back to her chemo treatments - the cancer she has is aggressive and she says that is next on her checklist!
   Kim told me that there were photos of her arteries up on a big screen - she said that the blood clots looked huge!! 
   Meanwhile, poor Mrs. Schrantz and Patti - they waited for flu shots at CVS for about 3 hours!!  What a long day for them!  Patti's daughter/Autumn's teacher, Mrs. Rudzena, came down to lend Autumn emotional support.  Then, Patti took Autumn and Antonio to Desert Sky Middle School, where Cody goes, to play 'Jingle Bingo' and left them with Andrea and her kids and her mom, Angie.  When bingo was over, they headed over to McD's for a late dinner.  Our neighbor, Amy, picked up Cody and brought him back down to St. Joe's, as, it seems I locked my keys in my truck...I guess I am losing it a little...she took Cod to Taco Bell on the way here.  They were happy to see Kimmy.
   Kim is happy this hurdle has passed...she even had a new revelation as she was being prepped for surgery - it is Advent - the season of miracles!!  Isnt' she something?
   Love, Dave

Kim's in surgery...

    Kim had a lot of spiritual visitors today, to help her prepare for this evening's surgery, which was a great comfort.  A Eucharistic Minister, Trudy, stopped in first thing this morning to give Kim Communion.  She really lifted Kim's spirits and told us about her journey to the U.S. from Germany 54 years ago.  She came over via boat, arriving into N.Y. and wept when she saw the Statue of Liberty.  She said Kim was a ray of sunshine in her day...Our friends Janene and Andrea combined to bring out Father Gregory from St. Pius and Monsignor Tom from Our Mother of Sorrows...both annointed Kim and prayed with her.  Monsignor Tom was especially uplifting and moving.  Kim related to him how much he had helped her on Tuesday morning, when she was waiting to be readmitted and he, by chance, had caught her eye and spent some time consoling her.  Later in the afternoon, a chaplain from the hospital checked in and chatted with Kim, too.  She was feeling more relaxed and comfortable as the hour of surgery approached.
     At one point, Kim had fallen asleep, and I read a book called 'Mother Teresa's Secret Fire'...I was re-reading an especially powerful chapter, about how Mother Teresa felt that our society does all it can to avoid pain, conflict and suffering.  She said, rather than spend all of our time and energy trying to eradicate pain, the real question must become "What are we going to do with our suffering?".  A nurse came in to wake Kim and we started discussing what I was reading.  Kim related how she has never avoided pain and suffering, even to the point of not taking Tylenol to rid herself of the pain from a headache - her philosphy has always been to work through it and come out a stronger person.  The nurse commented that in this case, Kim has turned her suffering into good for the hospital, brightening the lives of all she encounters.
     The bambini's came by right after school, anxious to see their mom before she was whisked away to surgery.  Tonio's teacher, Mrs. Schrantz and Autumn's teacher's mom, Patti, brought them down to the hospital.  When they left, they were going to get their flu shots...Autumn's a little scared, but willing to do it for the good of her mom.  Then, they will go out for a fun dinner, before heading for home, where our neighbor, Amy will take care of them for us.
    Thanks for all of the warm words, wishes and prayers, that melt away the icy fingers of fear that try to creep into our lives!  I'll try to get back on later to let you all know how Kimmy did...
    Love,
             Dave

'Time to turn my logs back into legs!'

   So far today, Dr. Taetle and Dr. Leon put their heads together to come up with a plan to fix Kim's legs.  "I keep throwing everyone curve balls", said Kim apologetically.  Dr. Leon's associate, Dr. Namanny, was brought in with the idea of performing a bilateral lower extremity percutaneous venus thrombectomy (say that three times fast!).  He will go into the upper legs and clean out clots from the thighs up to the IVC...if all goes well, Kim should be able to come home Saturday.  Dr. Namanny said he will perform this procedure tomorrow afternoon.  Please pray for a successful surgery for Kimmy.  She is feeling somewhat anxious, for the first time, regarding this procedure.  Some of it is, that she had wanted Dr. Leon to perform the surgery, but he will be out of town until Tuesday.  Some of it is, the cumulative affect of the experiences she has been through are becoming a little overwhelming - remember I told you how high Kim's pain tolerance is?  When she says she has pain that is a 5 on a scale of 10, for the mere mortal, that would equate to a 7 or 8.  So, when I say the cumulative experiences are becoming a little overwhelming, most of us would have already been put in a rubber room by now!  Her nurse, Heidi, quickly consoled Kim and gave her strength.  These nurses have been there for Kim so many times.  Last night, around 3 a.m., her tech came in to take her vitals and Kim told her what angels they all were...her tech told her that the nurses and techs at St. Joseph's say that Kim is the angel of the hospital right now - that no matter what she goes through, she keeps on glowing!
     Kim's mom and Jim flew out today, which was a difficult depature for both.  They gave Kim a nice morale boost and really helped the bambini's (not to mention being white tornados around our home!!).  They will be back on the 20th and Kim and the kids are already counting down the days...
      Speaking of the bambini's...they did a great job this morning getting ready on time for school and helping out with the dishes, wash, etc. They took their math benchmarks today - none of them were too excited to be taking those today! After school, our friend, Andrea picked them up, helped them through homework, got them some food and took them to the Reid Park Zoo for their Festival of Lights...we typically take them there each Christmas season - they were excited to be going!
       Special thanks to Mrs. Lofgren, from Cottonwood, for the wonderful potato soup, salad, bread, dessert, etc, etc!! And to Andrea and Angie for feeding me today in the hospital.
      Today, we were thankful for the ongoing support of Kim's school, Rincon Vista, as we found out she was approved to use some sick time, typically not available since she was a 15 hr/week employee.  This was great news and may open the door to have her approved for a sick time borrowing program the district has!
      For now, Kim is pain free - and, she is off of oxygen!!  These were some of the big wins of the day.  Tomorrow, we pray that the surgery relieves the pressure of her blood clots and, in her words, 'turn my logs back into legs!'.  Please pray for Kim's confidence, as well.  We were talking about a book I read by Max Lucado called 'Fearless', in which he says that the Bible has more than 50 verses that tell us to have courage or strength or to have no fear.  Sometimes it is a challenge to quiet the subconscious in these situations - but if anyone can do it, it will be Kim, with all of your support and prayers!!
     Love,
              Dave

Dr. Leon's Visit

   Some of these Dr's at St. Joseph's are incredibly hard workers...Dr. Leon, Kim's vascular surgeon, is one of those non-stop type of guys.  After putting in a 14 hour day, he stopped in to see Kim around 9 tonight.  He took a look at her legs and said 'wow...can you walk on those?'.  He told us that sometimes, the IVC, the vent designed to protect the heart from blood clots, can be counter productive, causing blockage below it.  He believes the solution is sugery, similiar to what he did to fix Kim's arm.  He will install two balloons at the top and bottom of the affected artery and then go in with a 30mm long piece of wire, a 'trellis', that makes a drilling motion as he enters the artery, clearing out the clots.  Although he makes this sound as simple as washing your car and has done the operation successfully dozens of times, he said that this same thing could reoccur, as Kim's body seems to be rejecting all forms of blood thinner.  Largely, this is the nature of the cancer she has, to develop clots.  She had the clots when she was admitted back on 10/19 for gall bladder surgery.
   The question is:  how soon can Dr. Leon perform his magic?  He said he would speak to Dr. Taetle tonight to formulate a plan and may operate as soon as Thursday morning...so, please pray for the 'plan' to be a good one for Kim and that, whatever it may be, it helps her be able to walk again.  We'll find out in the morning what is going to happen next.
   Grammie and Grandpa Jim brought the bambinis down for a visit after feeding them and making sure they got their homework done.  They enjoyed time with their mom.  They will be sad to see Grammie and Grandpa Jim leave tomorrow, but know they will be back soon.  What a big help they were to all of us and they worked tirelessly (and endlessly) on keeping the house looking great!  Cody, Tonio and I ran the 130 steps to the basement for sodas at the cafeteria and then, all the way back up.  Cody does this with ease.  Tonio carried me the last 20 steps.  Our friend, Kim, who is an RN on Kim's floor, had arrived for her shift and brought me a BMT Subway sub for dinner.  She keeps a good eye on Kim for us and is a great nurse.
     Before I left, I cleaned her up as well as I could in her chair and put on some new, clean pj's I just bought her - flannel ones decorated with owls - I got Autumn a matching pair (she LOVES owls, and has quite a collection).  Kim is happy Dr. Leon was able to see her and feels confident he can help.  He said she can go home shortly after the procedure and she was thrilled at that thought.  She is using up the energy all of you are sending her and keeping confident thanks to your prayers.
     Thank you,
                     Love,
                                  Dave
        

"I'm keeping everybody on the edge of their seat"...Kimmy 12/1

     Kim started the day with a visit from her oncologist, Dr. Taetle.  He is concerned with Kim's growing legs - can the clots slip by the IVC??  He is calling in Dr. Leon, the vascular surgeon who did a fantastic job on Kim's arm several weeks ago.  He is also concerned that the Lovenox is not effective and will consider increasing the dosage or creating a combo thinner for Kim.  One of the things that Kim really likes about Dr. Taetle, is he examines her daily for progress and is already thinking ahead about what is next.  He talked to us about her chest x-ray from yesterday and said he sees no changes, which is good!
    Dr. Taetle was sympathetic to Kim's situation, as she has been through so much and it seems new things keep coming up for the poor girl.  She told him "I'm keeping everybody on the edge of their seat"...He loves her upbeat outlook!
    The bambini's got off to school on a rough start!  They were up late last night and were sluggish this morning, as they worry about their mom.  We got them in there just a little late - today they will have benchmark testing their reading skills.  Autumn and Tonio will stay after school, as their teachers, Mrs. Rudzena and Mrs. Schrantz continue to go above and beyond for these little loves.  Mrs. Rudzena's mom, Patti, will bring them home.  Grammie and Grandpa Jim will pick up Cody after school.  Once again, the house was spotless before we went to bed last night!  They fly back to Bethlehem, PA tomorrow - they will be missed.
    Barnes & Noble continues to support our family and needs right now, as my District Manager, Tom has kept me on the payroll to focus on Kim and her health.  It is unbelievable, and I know God found me this incredible company, supervisor and peers to help us through this challenging time .  The team at my store has worked so hard and Tom has been very complementary of their performance.  I could not do this without all of them!!
    The positive thoughts and prayers you send us continue to inspire us each day...
     I brought the lap top to do some updating today and will post any new updates.
   
     "A lamp to my feet and a light to my path"
                                                 Psalms 119:105
                                                                                    Love, Dave

Kimmy at St. Joseph's

   It was a sad morning for Kim and us, as she was very emotional on the way back to St. Joseph's.  I let her know, it was good to cry - it did not mean she was not being strong or losing faith.  I snagged a wheelchair once we got there and wheeled her into the lobby, parking her out of the cold's way - and ran to park my truck.
  While she was waiting, she caught sight of Monsignor Tom, from Our Mother of Sorrows church, where we used to go when we first moved to Tucson over 17 years ago.  He was hurrying on his way, when he glanced Kim's way and made brief eye contact...he said to her 'are you Catholic?', Kim said 'yes father'.  Monsignor Tom proceeded to perform the Annointing of the Sick Sacrament right there in the lobby for Kim and told her 'this is a sure sign that God loves you!  That I, by chance, found you here and you caught my eye'.  Kim was had tears of comfort, knowing for sure that she needed to be back at St. Joseph's.
   I wheeled her to the room where she was to receive a blood transfusion and our friend, Darlene, made her feel right at home.  Once she got Kim's transfusion started, she ran to the gift shop and bought Kim some magazines to pass the time.  She even brought Kim a piece of homemade apple pie.  Kim asked where the blood she was being given was from.  Darlene told her it was from a donor in California.  Kim said 'oh, you are filling me up with California sunshine!'.  Darlene also communicated with the hospital staff to get Kim placed back up on the 5th floor, where another friend, also named Kim, works as an RN - and they put her right back in room 548, the room she was in prior to her release a couple of weeks ago.
   When I left Kim tonight, she was awaiting the a drip of heparin, a blood thinner, to try to combat the clots in her legs.  Please pray that this helps her and she can avoid a surgery to manually remove them.  The blood transfusion had helped her breathing, thankfully, and she was reduced to 1 1/2 liters before I left.
    The bambini's were saddened that their mom had to go again.  It has been hard on them - but they continue to make the best of the situation.  Our neighbor, Betsey, picked them all up at school today and brough them home.  Grammie and Jim cooked for them and then brought them down to the hospital for a visit.  They let us know that a huge Christmas wreath had been delivered from our Cottonwood Elementary family and a large box of steaks, potatoes, gourmet hot dogs, etc had arrived all the way from Bethlehem, PA from my Aunt Nancy and Uncle Jeff and family.  The kids were delighted to find the feast packed in dry ice. They quickly placed it in the sink, ran some water and transformed the kitchen into an eerie, fog filled room.  Bella had fun trying to bite the fog!  Once at the hosptital,Tonio and Autumn laid on either side of Kim in her bed as they enjoyed a little Sponge Bob Square Pants (we only subscribe to basic cable, so there is no Sponge Bob in our home!) and the nurses brought them juices to enjoy.  Our friend, Janene, brought me a huge burger from Applebees for dinner, which was incredible.
    Tomorrow, I'll drop the bambini's off at school and get back to St. Joseph's, hoping to see Kimmy have some relief from the swelling in her legs and anxious to hear from Dr. Taetle what the plan is...just praying this little girls gets some good news...Love, Dave

   'The day shall dawn upon us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness'
                                                                                                             -Luke 1:78
   

Kimmy...back to St. Joe's

   We were blessed to have Kim with us for the whole Thanksgiving weekend...during the weekend, we gradually increased her oxygen, as she found it increasingly difficult to breathe.  We have it up to 2 1/2 liters and it wears her down just to switch seats in our home.  Going to the bathroom requires stopping and sitting halfway there.  Also, Kim's legs have been getting larger and larger 'I have legs that feel like logs', Kim says.  We had taken her to her primary care physician, who advised compression hose would help, but they did not.  This morning, Kim was scheduled for a blood draw to see if her values were good enough for her to have her chemo, as scheduled, tomorrow.  While the nurse drew her blood, I casually mentioned Kim's growing thighs...she took a look and said 'let's get Dr. Taetle...'  Dr. Taetle was thoughtful...he knew Kim did not want to land back in the hospital, but he sensed trouble.  He ordered a chest x-ray and a vascular doppler done on Kim's legs. 
     I got to view the x-ray, as they allow me to accompany Kimmy for all of her tests, and today, she was in a wheel chair, unable to walk, so I was able to navigate her throughout the facility.  I commented to the techician 'oh s*#t, is that the tumor?'...she was not allowed to answer, but, although I am no xray technician...the evil there was evident.  Dammit. 
    We had an hour to kill between the chest xray and ultra sound, and Kim was starving - her appettite has remained strong during this whole episode!  We went to Beyond Bread, well, I went in and brought her out a huge turkey sandwhich to the car and we shared it together.
    The ultra sound was scheduled at St. Joseph's as an outpatient...the tech recognized us right away, she had been so nice to Kim during her previous stay on tests done on Kim.  As she performed the ultra sound, we could see the clots, especially at the top of both of Kim's legs...the tech kept Kim calm, telling her how she had told her fiance all about Kim and what a positive person she was - another live Kim had touched during her dark time! 
       While the test was being done, Dr. Taetle's office called...Kim's bloodwork showed she was horribly anemic, she was a '6' and a normal woman is a '12'.  They told us to go down the hall following her ultra sound so she could begin the paperwork trail for another blood transfusion, her 5th so far.  It is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.
        Our tech consulted with the radiologist, who said Kim would probably be immediately admitted. 
When they left the room...Kim broke down and cried her hardest yet...so broken, yet telling me she was sorry she could not be strong...we held each other as I reassured her, that she has been stronger than the majority of the patience we had witnessed in the hospital and that we would do this together!  By the time the tech returned, she was back to radiant Kim...an amazing transformation.  The tech told us that Dr. Taetle was sympathetic and that since Kim had the IVC to prevent clots from going to her heart, she could go home to her family tonight and return tomorrow.  Kim had to go down the hall to start the transfusion paperwork, etc...many of the techs their were ones who met her on her first and second trips through St. Joe's, to put in a pick line or access her power port.   They went above and beyond to get Kim the most comfortable chair and speed up the process...more lives that Kim has touched while on her journey!  Following her transfusion, Kim will be readmitted to St. Joseph's.  The plan is to hook her up to a heparin drip to see if they can naturally difuse the clots and to make sure her IVC is holding up ok...we'll go from there...
     Meanwhile, the bambinis had expected me to pick them up at noon to take them for their flu shots...I got word to the schools and once again, they stepped up for our children!  Mrs. Schrantz and Mrs. Rudzena volunteered to work with Tonio and Aut on their homework after school and Mrs. Rudzena's mom, Patti, said she would give them a lift home.  Mrs. Schrantz took Tonio to McD's after school for his very first McFlurry - he chose the Oreo version and was so excited to describe it in vivid detail to us when he got home!!  Mr. Mortensen, Cody's principal, made sure that Cody knew I wasn't coming early for him and that our friend, Andrea, was coming to get him.  She took Cod to McD's (they did not run into Tonio and Mrs. Schrantz), and got him his favorite, a fish sandwhich!  She took him back to her house to hang out while she made our family tortellini soup!!  So the kids had a fun time, although it was tough for them to wake up this morning after a nice 4 day weekend.
     Carole and Jim have taken this all in great stride.  They have kept the house so clean and the kids fed.  And, today is Carole's birthday!  Kim was glad to be able to come home to help celebrate.  The kids decorated the house for her and she got her own cake for all of us.
     We'll see how Kim's treatments at St. Joseph's handle the clots and Dr. Taetle has pushed back her next chemo until they are under control.  We know we have to fight this one symptom at a time and a fix for one symptom, often triggers something else...I guess that's why they call them 'patients', eh?  You have to have patience to be a patient. 
      Please pray that Kim's transfusion tomorrow goes well and that the heparin can safely break up her blood clots...and that she does not have to stay in St. Joseph's for too long...thank you all, Love, Dave

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 4:19
 -Thanks for this Bible verse Eva!  We appreciate your prayers!!
   

Kimmy 11/27

   Today, Kim's oxygen did not quite find its way back...we let her rest in bed until 3ish, keeping her comfortable in an avalanche of pillows.  The temperature outside was so nice, it felt like a spring day, even though we are nearly out of November already!  Autumn has been such a big helper for her mom...bringing her fresh ice water, bowls of fruit, new tissues, etc.  Always ready to lend a hand - she's also been studying quite a bit this extended weekend for a test she has Monday on all the states and their capitals - she's ready!  And, Autumn has put in a lot of time on her science experiment 'Are Dogs Colorblind?'...Bella is apathetic.
    Cody and Tonio helped me out, pulling down the Christmas decorations from the crawl space above our garage.  Cody is such a pro at hanging the lights from the eaves of our house, now, I don't even have to get up the ladder.  Tonio put together the white, metal tree that we keep out front, then he and Autumn cleaned out our St. Francis bird bath on our front porch and placed pine garland in the bowl.  They worked so hard, and the house looks great (a late addition of an huge inflatable reindeer completed the scene, thanks to our neighbor, Tom, aka Clark Griswold, who found that he had not another inch of space out front for it!).
    When we were done, we hauled out a chaisse lounge that our neighbor, Betsey, lent us and were able to get Kim comfortable using 5 pillows and one ice pack, so she could enjoy the gorgeous afternoon.  The bambini's played in the park across the street, enjoying their friends and happy their mom had made it out front for only the second time since 10/19.  We were able to keep Kim in the fresh air for several hours and then Betsey, Brian and Amy helped me get Kim back inside to the comfort of her Lazy Boy recliner.  After a nap, she at a great dinner...and is getting ready to get back to bed, wiped out from her walk to the front porch and afternoon sitting in the sunshine.
    And still, the team at Barnes & Noble persists, having an incredible day yesterday on one of the busiest shopping days of the year!  Planning and executing flawlessly!!  Thank you guys!!
    Wishing you all a happy beginning to the beautiful season of Advent tomorrow - Christmas is just around the corner!!
     Love,
                  Dave
   

Kimmy Friday

   Today, Kim had another challenging day...she is so beautiful and it is so hard to see the worry lines on her brow and the drawn tired look on her sweet face...we moved her oxygen back up to just over 2 liters and she spent the majority of the day in bed, before moving to the couch this afternoon.
   The bambini's had a good day.  Autumn, Tonio and I dropped the Expedition off at Brake Max this morning for some much overdue work and walked the couple of blocks home, enjoying the sunshine.  When it was fixed, Autumn and I walked back up for it and then ran to several stores looking for some more compression hose for Kim, as her legs continue to be swollen, since she is unable to walk.  Finally, we found one pair left at the 6th store we tried.  We also picked up a new air mattress as the one Tonio and I are sleeping on seems to lose air by morning and we find ourselves rolling down the pitch towards each other...he thinks that's pretty funny.  Cody played some football with his buddy Alex and Jim was steady QB for them.  They had fun.  Then, our neighbors Amy and Tom took Cody and Alex to R & R Pizza for dinner and Cody will be having a sleep over at their house.  He's pretty excited.  We made up some good pasta, with a wonderful sauce that Mrs. Paton, Cody's science teacher, made for us.  It was incredible! We're going to pop in 'Elf' for the kids and us to watch tonight to keep Kim company and keep things quiet for her.
    I'm so thankful for the team over at Barnes & Noble, who put together a great plan and staffing to handle Black Friday today so I could stay home and help Kim.  They are tremendous and working so hard and doing a fantastic job!!  It was pretty weird staying home on Black Friday after 22 years in retail management, typically working a 12 hour shift. I'm blessed to have them to support me.
    Tonight, we rest and pray that Kim's oxygen level finds it way back to her and she sleeps peacefully through tonight (except when I give her her Lovenox injection and pain meds through the night!).  Thank you for your kind words, positive thoughts and prayers...
    Love,
              Dave