Still in Barnes

Still not much of an update - every test has come back as "clear" meaning no signs of any new/additional cancer...including the spinal tap. This is great news, but they still haven't come up with an explanation for the pain and the pain is still very present. Some times throughout the day much better than others but with the help of constant pain medication. They ran a bone scan today of the areas to check for cancer, but that scan came back clear as well. Dad is getting weak by being in the hospital and not active...so the goals (aside from trying to still find a reason for the pain) are to get his pain under control in a method that he can administer at home and get him working with therapy so that he can gain his strength to sit up, get up and walk on his own...unsure at this point when he will be able to be released, pending the above. Will continue to try to update as best I can.

Thank you to everyone who has helped our family through the last week and a half while in the hospital..cleaning mom and dads house, taking care of their yard, helping with meals, checking mail, taking out the garbage, bringing/sending care packages, taking and doing laundry, helping with errands and visiting..the list is endless and so appreciated. Also thank you for all of the offers and sorry to all who we have not been able to call or write back individually. Between the hospital, work, life and everything it's been crazy but we're trying our best. We've been visiting and staying at the hospital when we can, but mom has not gone home once. She refuses..dad does have a private room and a shower and we have been bringing her/them clothes back and forth but mom has stayed the whole time. If you are interested in visiting, both mom and dad have loved company from time to time, just make sure you call before visiting to make sure they are not away for a test (which in most cases take several hours and can happen at any point in the day or night) and also so that many people are not visiting at one time - it's nice to be able to talk with you if you're visiting and too many people can get overwhelming with everything going on. Dad is in the main tower, 14th floor, Rm 14943

Thanks again for everything - please keep the prayers coming ..for an answer and resolution to the pain, more clear scans, for Dad to gain strength and to be out of the hospital and feeling good by Austin and Kristen's wedding reception on the 15th.