MARCH 14 2008 Don't know how many of you will get this, but the phone # for me that you may have ( 941-219-4363) is no longer in service. It was connected with the company Don and I were involved with. That company is on hold for now, so I cannot  be reached on the above number. Cell and video phone are the only ones working. My best to everyone, Danny

MARCH 4 2008 On March 17th, I will fly to California and stay for over a month with family. Computer will come with me so I can keep in touch. The pictures above didn't get on this web by my efforts. (although, I did exert some) Again, darling friend Roland came to my rescue. Love to all, Danny

FEBRUARY 29 2008 Hello All  -Visited Virginia and some wonderful friends. Glad to get back to warm weather. It was 29-40 degrees in VA. I guess my blood has thinned, because even though my friends had their thermostat set on 72 degrees, I still needed to keep on my boots with socks, long pants and turtle neck with sweater, then top it off with a big afghan. My nose was cold. I am planning to fly to California in March. Below see picture of me and alligator on January 11. I will attempt to add pic of my daughter Victoria taken on the same day. What a novice!!! Can't even turn the pics around. use your imagination. Fondly, Danny

FEBRUARY 14 2008 Someday soon, I will decide what to do with this website. I haven't looked at it since the last entry on 26 JAN. I scrolled through the whole thing planning to add info to the bottom, but found it too painful to look at Don's face with each progressive picture showing his frailty. I am reminded too much of just that every day and find I don't want to look at or read about what Don endured. Days are passing (it has been 2 months since Don died) and I am going through the motions of living. Tomorrow, I fly to Virginia for a meeting with SPI. Will be gone for about a week. Hope everyone is doing fine.  Fondly, Danny

Don and Danny, a whirlwind adventure, Cancer.

• 1 May 2007 - Don begin coughing, we thought it was an allergy to our new environment.  We had just moved north to Summerfield Florida.

• 15 May - Movers came and transferred all the furniture to Summerfield.

• May 15 to June 15 we unpacked and got more and more tired.  Don kept on coughing.

• June 18 - doctor prescribed having a Barium swallow, yuk!

• June 22 - doctor indicated an abnormality from the test and needed to come in to see him.

• June 28 - doctor indicated there was a mass in my esophagus and I would need an endoscope.

• July 6 - had consultation with Dr. Raja concerning details of endoscope.  It looked very serious.

• July 10 - Had an endoscope performed, Doctor indicated that it was cancerous and must get CT scan on rest of my body.  The scan was read and because of other indications of cancer in the lymph nodes and liver I was admitted to the hospital. This was a very busy day. Doctor indicated that surgery was not an option and that I had between 3 - 12 months.

• July 11 - A busy day trying to absorb what was said.   Daughter Laura arrived.

• July 12 - Daughter Larene arrived. Contacted a surviving cancer person named Joe Bauer.  He has been cancer free for 3 years.   He provided some literature and some very supportive information.  He heads up a group that meets at the Englewood Hospital.

• July 13 - Daughter Victoria arrived.  Had a PEG installed in my stomach so nutrition can be provided if and when my esophagus closes.  Working on getting appointment at MD Anderson Cancer Clinic in Orlando.

• July 14 - Practiced using the PEG. Works ok but not much thrill with the taste. Reviewing the literature provided by Joe Bauer.  (H & R Block story).

• July 15 - Was released from Hospital.  I am located at the Lefebvre home in North Port.  Setting up medication schedules with the help of three daughters, Laura, Larene and Victoria.

• July 16 - Radiation Oncologist consultation in Venice at 8am. Very positive interface.  Dr suggested to discuss first with the chemotherapy Oncologist.  He said since the cancer was spread around, it would be best to do the chemotherapy and than decide what radiation would be needed.  He also assured us that there wasn't any cancer in the liver, whew.  The problem is associated with the lower esophagus and nearby lymph nodes.  Sounds like the situation isn't as spread around as I was led to believe.  Appointments were made for a blood test on Tuesday, A PET scan on Thursday and a meeting with the chemotherapy oncologist on Friday.  The home health care nurse (Heartland) showed up at noon and we had a good discussion about the situation with some real positive thoughts.  Another busy day.  I am feeling better already and gaining some strength back, but not much.

• July 17 - Laura and Larene left for home at 7:30 this morning.  They sure were a big help and it was wonderful to see them. Miss them already.  Had blood test in Englewood, ouch.  Picked up some samples of expensive medicine at doctors office.  Made final appointment for consultation (second opinion) in Orlando on Monday.  Not covered by insurance, we pay 390.  Remainder of day is rest and hope pain in PEG decreases.  Not using PEG yet, but it is there if needed.

• July 18- Pain is decreasing in PEG, thank goodness.  Constipation is approaching so more stuff to help that situation.  They say pain medication will cause that to happen, and it is.  Nurse stopped by and all that she checked was ok.  Watched Tour de France. The rest of today is scheduled for rest so good night.

• July 19 - Constipation not a big issue right now.  Need lots of air freshener.  This morning went to lab and had PET scan completed. This is a closer look at the cell structure.  Took about 2 1/2 hours and was  painless.  Am at home trying to eat as much as I can, not really hungry.

• July 20 - Had consultation with chemo doctor in Bradenton.  Pretty close to original except not in liver.  The dr indicated that the cancer is also is some of the bones and this makes it not good.  Indicated maybe a year with chemo treatment, no chance for operation.  Danny and Victoria are looking into some other herbal items.  Went to Englewood and took a blood test to check dosage of coumadin.  Now have the weekend off.  My sister and nephew should be here today, yea.  Trying to use energy to keep going for a full day.

• July 21, 22 - A couple of easy days. Relaxed and visited with Joan and Danny (sister and nephew), they are visiting from Oregon and California, really wonderful to see them, they offer a  lot of comfort.  Actually went out to dinner with them.  I had a side order of pasta and sauce, yum.  Ended evening watching movie, Hitch.

• July 23 - Early start, 5am, to go to Anderson Clinic in Orlando for a Consultation (second opinion).  Doctor was very nice and provided a diagnostic report that compared with the other doctors.  His feelings were that if all went well I would have maybe a year, but, there is always hope.  His recommendation was chemo for three cycles of 3 weeks each.  A cycle is 1 shot a week with the third week off.  We are now trying to start this cycle this coming Monday. We then drove up to our new house in Summerfield to determine what will be moved back to Lazy River.  The move is scheduled for Friday. Had a really nice visit with the Kuperbergs, a loving couple.

• July 24 - Drove Corvette down to Englewood for a blood test that is used to measure the dosage of Coumadin which is used to thin my blood.  Also had a doctors appointment to determine where we were so insurance requirements were satisfied.  Had final visit with my sister and nephew.  They are heading home tomorrow in the morning.  It was really great to see them.

• July 25- Enjoying the Tour de France.  Had a consultation with the doctor that will be installing the port that is used for inserting the chemo.  Won't be able to start the chemo till next Tuesday since I need to reduce the blood thinner before they can put the port in.  Sure will be glad when all the testing is done and I can get on with a program.  Some aching and lack of energy are the symptoms right now.

• July 26 - Dannie's sister arrived from California.  She will be with us for awhile and is a welcome help.  Most of the day was a rest.

• July 27 - What a day....   It started with a visit from the healthcare lady.  It was decided that I go to emergency as it is suspected that I have a blood clot in the back of my knee since it hurts quite a bit.  We went there and had several tests, chest x-ray, ct scan, sonogram of the hurting leg and an ekg.  This testing decided that there is a clot in the area behind my knee and the good news is that the clots on my lungs are greatly reduced.  Yea!!!  Then I had a MRI test in the afternoon.  Those results will be available for the radiation doctor.   Finally got home worn out so tonight I will take it easy, if I can take it any easier than I have been.   The furniture and all the boxes arrived at our Tortola Way address.  Victoria and Dori spent the day over there getting most of the stuff settled.  It looks like we will be moving over there tomorrow or Sunday.  Remember, we had just moved to Summerfield and due to Insurance availability were required to move back to Lazy River.  Both Danny and I are happy with the move. 

• July 28 - Not much today.  Comcast was installed so we will probably move back in tomorrow.  Spent some time at the house with all the ladies, Dori, Danny and Victoria.  They are doing a great job of getting things settled.  A/C had to be charged up, seems to be ok.  Back of knee still hurts.  Talked to my son Terry.  He lives in Southern California and is doing good. Tomorrow is the final day of the Tour de France.

• July 29 - Not a busy day.  Tour wasn't very exciting, oh well.  Moved  into 113 Tortola.  Is really nice to be home. 

• July 30 - Monday, had an appointment with doctor that will be putting in the Port in my chest.  He went over the details of installation and future use.  It allows insertion like an IV and also can be used to draw blood for testing.  It is about the size of a quarter and is located just under the skin.  The doctor also recommended that a filter be installed to prevent large blood clots from getting to the heart.  He said both things could be done tomorrow.  Went home and got a call that there was an opening this afternoon for installing the filter.  So drove back to the hospital and had the filter installed up a vein from the groin area up to its final location near the center of my chest.  Finally the day ended.

• July 31 - Arrived at hospital at 6am for prep to install the port.  I got to sleep through this one so it helped make up for the sleep I lost by getting up so early.  After recovery, everything looked ok so go home around noon.  Later in the afternoon, Danny thought we should have it looked at due to some swelling and pain.  Back to the hospital and say the doctor.  He said everything looked ok and was normal.  Another long day. 

• Aug 1 - Constipation a problem due to pain medication.  Suffered the long tube with the large amount of liquid, but, it did the job.  Had an appointment with the chemo doctor located in Sarasota.  He is highly qualified and we all liked him.  They took some blood from the port.  It didn't hurt nearly as much as the normal way to draw blood, so I would say it works fine.  Discussed all the options and decided on a solution to start with.  I will be taking treatments once a week for 9 weeks.  There will be a couple of tests along the way to check progress.  I start the chemo on Monday.  It takes about 3 hours to administer so will be sure to take a book.  Am now at home resting and trying to stuff as many calories as possible into this aged, experienced body. 

• Aug 2 - New pain killer caused sleepy time.  So I spent most of the day doing just that.  Once that wore off, I had a pleasant evening and spent some time working on SPI and Poker Stars.  Am now using a pain killer that does the job without the sleepy time.  The blood clot in the leg is subsiding so things are going better.

• Aug 3 - Pain is really reduced but still taking some so it won't come back.  Went to hospital around 11am to take a full skeletal x-ray to set a beginning for my bone strength. Since some of the cancer is in some of the bones, the doctor wants to check to be sure of bone strength to watch for possible breakage. Started taking Mangosteen Juice which is a herbal solution that should also help the fight.

• Aug 4 - Victoria headed back to Germany, Boo Hoo......  She was a magnificent help to both me and Danny, what an organizer. Thanks Victoria and we love you.  Around 2pm, the Kuperbergs and the Newsoms arrived and we had a wonderful visit.  It sure is great to have good friends.  They left around 5:30 and returned at 7:30.  We played cards for a couple of hours (99).  Shell won, Bob was second.  We made plans for meeting at Alvera's for breakfast.
  Aug 5 - Met the Kuperbergs and Newsoms at Alvera's for a brunch.  Had some more wonderful conversation.  By now I was warn out so we parted with lots of hugs.  Thanks for coming, really enjoyed the visit.  Relaxed the rest of the day getting ready for the Chemo tomorrow.

• Aug 6 - Finished workup to Chemo (slept late).  Completed first Chemo therapy with good success.  Had very mild nausea during the administration, but, that passed and all ended ok.  Yea.  Using the port was nice however they couldn't draw blood so they had to insert quite a bit of saline solution to be assured that the path was open and it was. Arrived home around 5++.  Joe Mistretta picked me up and off to the evening poker game.  It was a nice time and especially the wonderful group that let me win without me even knowing about it. What a wonderful day and it seems like some of my strength is coming back. Here is a picture of me getting chemo....
                      

• Aug 7 - Had a great morning,  went out for breakfat and did some banking.  Around noon chemo effects started. I was getting flushed and Danny determined it was some reaction to something.  Started Benedryl.  Either the Benedryl or the chemo really took all my energy and the rest of the day  was a loss.

• Aug 8 - Still lethargic so quit Benedryl since the flushing had subsided.  Took another tube with water to reduce the constipation.  It helped.  Still out of it, slept a lot.

• Aug 9 - Up and down most of the day.  Watched a movie in the evening and read a little, napped a lot.

• Aug 10 - Another day like yeaterday.

• Aug 11 - Saturday.  Felt down in morning but went to a small Texas Hold-em tournament in the center, there were only 7 players, I took third.  It really wore me out so I stayed in bed the rest of the day.

• Aug 12 - Yesterday I wasn't able to get the nutrients I need so Danny loaded me up today.  Used the feeding tube several times. Still worn out getting some aches in general. I know things will get better and am working on it.

• Aug 13 - Today was my second chemo therapy.  It went very good and the whole day was active with lots of food. 

• Aug 14 - Another good day of eating and doing some work around the house.  This was the best day yet. 

• Aug 15 - Had a fever in the morning. Had to go see the doctor at 1pm.  By then the temp was down but he gave me some antibiotics and antifungal pills to take for the next 5 day.  They also took a lot of blood to do some culture tests with.  The rest of the day was a bust.

• Aug 16 - Danny and I have been married 27 years today.  Got a haircut around noon and was done for the day,  now I know what Sampson felt like.  Took some more things to get rid of the constipation. 

• Aug 17 - Early morning, took some salt water mixture via the tube.  It stayed down for about 15 minutes and then I vomited.  A few hours later, the movement happened.  Still feeling lethargic. 

• Aug 18 - Went for very short walk in am.  The back of my legs are starting to ache.  Need to stay off them as much as possible.  Mental activity is getting better.  Still have the runs, yuk.  Drinking way too much

• Aug 19 - Went for a walk again today.  That's about all I did.  Was awake most of the day.  Read a lot.

• Aug 20 -  Chemo this morning. went quite well.  Doctor indicated that he checked a recent scan and nothing new, that's good.  He felt the sides of my neck and said that one of the swellings seemed to be not there anymore..  He indicated that it looked like things might be better.  Sure hope so.  Victoria and her two girls arrive later today.  Not as tired as yesterday but can't overdue it.  Victoria and girls arrived late.  Sure was good to see them. 

• Aug 21 - Went for a walk again today.  That's about all I did.  Was awake most of the day.  Read a lot.

• Aug 22 - Bad day today.  Stomach ache and very tired.  Stayed in bed.  Yuk

• Aug 23 - Today starting a little better, but it didn't last long. 

• Aug 24 - Worst day yet.  Really tired and stomach ache.  Keep positive.

• Aug 25 - Morning not very good.  By late afternoon stomach ache declined and started feeling better.  Had a good evening.  Moved the laptop to my favorite chair and was able to use my mind surfing, etc.  I need to keep  my mind active which will not let me think of low level  stomach ache.  Had a good night sleep.

• Aug 26 - Thanks to all my family for all your encouraging words.  All my friends are also my family and I will do all that I can to lick this lousy disease.  My fourth chemo will be tomorrow. The doctor said that after 8 or 9 sessions I would be evaluated to see what progress has occurred and then the plan will be modified to what ever is required.  Danny has added Ginseng, a herb that promotes energy.  Hope it helps. 

• Aug 27 - Bad day at black rock.  Didn't take morning meal, yuk.  Had to cancel chemo due to continued vomiting.  Boy do I hate the dry heaves.  This was the worse period of the whole disease.  Vomiting lasted from 9:15 to 11:30.  By then Danny had called the doctor and he had us come in, what a tough 1/2 hour drive.  Doctor gave me some stuff thru the tube, takes a long time.  We left the doctor around 2:30 but felt better.  Danny and Doctor figured out a plan which we are doing.  feeling better but really worn out.  Doctor further said this was not from chemo.  I rescheduled today's chemo to Friday. Rested remainder of day.

• Aug 28 - Not a bad day.  Was tired so took it easy.

• Aug 29 - Lazy day but no pain.  Worked on computer for awhile.

• Aug 30 - Had a chemo session this morning.  All went ok.  Worked on the computer for awhile.  Ate a little more food and watched the movie Wild Hogs in the evening with the Schenks.

• Aug 31 - Stomach a little touchy so am taking it easy.

• Sept 1 - This morning things are good.  No stomach ache and I was able to drink my prune juice without too bad a face. Still no energy but I hope that will come back soon.  I am trying to eat as much as I can to give me calories.  Still drinking 24 oz of Mangosteen Juice each day.  This is helping in addition to the chemo.  The mail came today and I realized how many loving friends I have.  The cards come in every day and I want to say thank you for each and every one  I get.  They help in so many ways.  Its really wonderful to know that you are loved and not alone by so many people.  Thanks from the bottom of my heart. 

• Sept 2 - Some stomach ache. Worn out.  Rested all day.

• Sept 3 - The day started like yesterday ended, yuk.  Around 2pm, took some pills and things got better. Had a corn on the cob, it was good.  Ate quite a bit today in addition to my two cans of nutrients.  Watched Tennis.  Read some.  Walked around the house several times during the day.  My legs aren't very strong.  I am going to increase my exercise each day.  I seem to be holding my weight but I feel thinner. 

• Sept 4 - Trying to eat and exercise more.  Still have the stomach ache. Not much accomplished.

• Sept 5 - Same as yesterday.

• Sept 6 - Victoria and children went home to Germany today.  They sure were a great help and offered a lot of love.  Danny was like a kid playing some games in the closet.  Went to chemo this morning.  Trying to get rid of nausea.  This afternoon the stomach ache went away.  Worked on computer and went for a short bike ride.  Watched some tennis.

• Sept 7 - Sept 9 - Three bad days.  Nausea and no energy.  Tried to read, no concentration. Watched some TV, getting tired of  animal planet and Meerkats.  Slept a lot.  Still losing weight.  #170.  The ache in my right leg is almost gone, yea. 

• Sept 10 - Day started the same. I went for a very short bike ride, need to keep moving.  Called Doctor to see if something could help this continual Nausea.  He prescribed some medication to reduce nausea and to activate stomach to help empty itself.  Once Danny was able to pick up the medications and I took them, then things got a lot better.  I was able to eat quite a bit, even had some pizza.  Had a good nights sleep.  I sure hope this helps on a longer term than one day.  I'm still losing a little hair, but not much.  Still as weak as ever.  Maybe eating more and exercise will help get it back.  Thanks for all your inputs they really help.  Love ya all. 

• Sept 11 - A sad day in history.  Got up this morning and felling good with the exception of energy.  had a good day.

• Sept 12 - Another good day.  Lots to eat and drink.

• Sept 13 - Woke up this morning with nausea and no energy again.  Danny gave me several pills to try to eliminate problem to no avail.  There was a small reduction but Nausea still there.  Went to Chemo at 10:15.  Gained .3 pounds since last Thursday.  Received Chemo and other things (anti nausea).  Got home around 3pm.  Had some dinner and am feeling better, but some stomach upset.  Worked on computer.

• Sept 14 - Rode my bike for awhile.  Worked on Computer for awhile.  Stomach not completely good but usable.  Rested.

• Sept 15 - Took it easy in the morning.  Went for a bike ride, was good.  Played in a tournament of Hold-em with seven other guys from here in the park.  I finished 4th, just couldn't get any cards.  All in all, it was a pretty nice day.

• Sept 16 - Saturday must have worn me out since today was lousy. 

• Sept 17 - Another lazy day and stomach discomfort.  Worked a little on  the computer and went to bed early.

• Sept 18 - Bad morning.  by noon,  things were a lot better.  Worked on computer.  Had nice talk with Thelma.  Rode bicycle around the area for about 10 minutes.  I am trying real hard to keep some exercise of various types. 

• Sept 19- 20 As you may tell as you read on, it is Danny writing this.  Don writes the minimum, probably due to the fact that he is a male and also because he is fatigued and it is too much effort to sit at the computer very long. He has been in the "barrel" for the past few days. with juggling drugs to increase appetite, and one to help empty stomach to hopefully decrease nausea.......(chemo sends messages to the brain to induce vomiting) It is just sort of hour by hour.  One hour we think, "oh yippy, he ate something....then a curve ball with lousy nausea, and debilitating weakness.. then "yea", a little energy to take a 5 minute bike ride, then down again. Thursday the 20th was Don's 7th chemo treatment.  Trying to get him to injest 2000 calories is a huge chore. (he has been averaging 1600-1800) With the nausea, who wants to eat or smell food, or even talk. He lost another 5 1/2 lbs. last week.. down to 165.

• Sept 21 - lousy, lousy feeling in stomach all night last night. complete lethargy. Dr. said to discontinue pill (reglan) that is used to help empty stomach, and appetite increasing pill for a day and to remove the morphine patch @ 10 am. Don has not complained of any pain for weeks, so we have been weaning down the morpine for the past week. Why does he need another powerful narcotic drug when he doesn't need it and when he is getting such doses of chemo?................He has been doing quite well with just 25 mcg. (he has been doing a lot of talking out loud during sleep and gesturing with his hands. Something in 27 years, I have not witnessed............Well......... We almost pulled an "all nighter" friday night.  Horribly restless arms and legs starting at about 9pm. I gave him some Benedryl hoping to induce some sleep and calm him down, (the last time he took it for flushing after chemo, it just about knocked him out for the whole day), but no luck. Finally at about 2am I summized that he was detoxing from the morphine. I re- applied a small dose and finally @ about 3 am, he went to sleep.

• Sept 22- Saturday  Not too  bad, but still semi nauseas, he forced himself to bike over to the clubhouse and play cards from 1-4pm.  Absolutely bushed  afterwards.

• Sept 23- Seemed to sleep pretty well last night, but got up with terrible stomach ache. His lethargy is more increased. tomorrow, I will call Doctor to see if he can give him a transfusion. Hope we have better news next time. bye for now, Danny

• MONDAY Sept 24- Don and I went to see his oncologist today who checked his blood. His counts were completely normal.  Don's abdomen has been hurting too. Doctor wants to give him a rest from chemo. This coming Thursday would have been his eighth treatment. (sorry, the picture below was suppose to be and IS duplicated with description @ the Dec 22nd entry.)   We will wait to hear from the Doc 's office to schedule CT scans and PET scans for sometime this week, maybe next. Don has lost another 5 pounds in 4 days. (160 lbs) Will keep you posted. Danny                                          
  
  

• TUESDAY Sept 25- Very lethargic most of the day.  We know it will take some time for the chemo to dissipate out of his body, but he wishes he could feel "some sort of energy"! He has not ridden bicycle since last saturday. Don DID wake up and stay awake to get some nutrition.... mostly nutrition through the feeding tube. Didn't have any energy to eat regular food. Happily, he did wake and stay awake through Dancing with the Stars last night (he knows I am "off duty" during that program. He does loves the program too.  No phone calls, no answering the door).... To his delight, the first airing of the season for "Boston Legal" was on from 9:30-11:00. I think that is his most favorite since Ally McBeal went off the air. Still waiting on scheduling for CT and Pet scan. Danny

• WEDNESDAY Sept 26- Don and I were talking today and I asked him what we should do tomorrow, Thursday to celebrate not having to get any chemo. His response? "Well, we could walk from the recliner over to the couch" (that's about 10 feet)  Glad to hear some of his humor. There are many hours during the day when he doesn't say a word.

• Sept 27 - Slow day, glad I didn't have to go for chemo.  Slept and watched some TV.

• Sept 28 - Another slow day.  Did some work on computer.  This took a couple of hours.  Hope tomorrow is better. 

• Sept 29 -  Danny gave me a shower this morning, never knew how good it could be.  Missed the local Texas no-limit tournament at the center.  Sure would have liked to play but too tired.  Did get to watch the Canadian WPT.  Still no substitute for the real thing.  Stomach still upset so took it really easy watching TV and sleeping.

• Sept 30 - Walked around in the house.  Was better than yesterday.  Watched a lot of TV.

• Oct 1 - Got thru Sept.  Had an early appointment at the local scanning office.  Completed a DET and a CT scan.  Will find out results on Wed at the Doctors office and then I will know how thing have been going and where I will go next.  Got home around noon.  Am eating better and resting without going to sleep right away.  Need to drink a lot of liquid today to flush out the dye I drank for the CT scan.  Don't forget to watch  Dancing with the Stars at 8PM, Danny's favorite program.

• Oct 2 - A lazy day.  Stomach aches off and on..  No energy.  Want to know results of yesterdays testing.

• Oct 3 - Went in to doctors office to review tests.  The results weren't available.  Doctor said he would have results by tomorrow morning.  I will post the status as soon as I know.  Stomach still aches so am trying to eat a little at a time more often..  Weight is 163, an improvement of 3 pounds in last 13 days.

• Oct 4 - Still no word from the doctor.  He said he would call this afternoon.  So should have results by tomorrow morning.   Went out for breakfast this morning with Bob and Nancy to one of our favorite places.  Ate reasonable but couldn't quite finish it all.  At noon I ate a nice lunch of fish and potatoes and fruit.  The stomach ache has gone away, probably because I updated the pain patch yesterday.  Sure hope the doctor will have the results today. 

• Oct 5 - Finally heard from doctor.  Lymph nodes in stomach are getting better.  Some increase in the spine and neck.  Decided to change the drugs and continue the chemo.  Will now be getting every two weeks instead of each week.  Doctor indicated that hair loss will get worse.  I am continuing with the "JUICE" and reinitiating the Indian poultice. Danny brushes my hair often, suspecting lack of any later.  No more haircuts.  I am feeling a little better and eating more.

Thanks for the wonderful gifts, Ed and Gloria,  Bob and Thelma

• Oct 6 - Another good day.  Played in a Hold-em tournament, placed 6th.  All the other players really helped my tiredness and made for a great day.  Rested in my favorite chair and stayed up till 11.

• Oct 7 - After having talked with the Doc last wed, he suggested that we back off on the nutritonal drink via the feeding tube to see if Don's stomach ache subsided. Doc said some people have trouble using the tube. Wants him to try to eat regular food more and try to just drink the nutritional drink the regular way.

• Oct 8 -Since stopping he tube feeding on the 3rd, Don had 6 rather good days with no stomach ache.

• Oct 9- today was a lousy day! No changes in diet, but the stomach ache came back. Re-introduced the hydrocodone pain killer, put warmth on his stomach and he seems better. Here we thought we had found that the stomach discomfort was due to the tube feedings....... Go figure! One thing we ARE SURE of is that, "we have to get used to NOT getting used to anything for too long.  The tests showed nothing in his stomach or intestines and we are really puzzled as to why he feels good

• sometime, and not others. We are wondering if with all that is going into his body that his bowels are becoming irritated.

• Oct 10- Feeling ok today, but Don wants the hydrocodone. he is afraid the pain will come back.

• Oct 11- Sept 20th was the last chemo Don had. Thought that this 3- week rest would show some increase in energy, but no change. Today was his first in the new chemo regimen.  using 5-FU (one of the oldest chemo drugs around, and another called, "adriamyecin". Doc is concerned about his vertebrae (cervical 5 and 6 area in the neck) because of the damage that showed on the recent CT scan. He also got a drug called Zometa,  (not a chemo drug) to try to support his bones. These 2 new drugs will probably succeed and balding him completely.  But that IS the "IN" thing for men, right? Also, he is much more prone to dwindling blood counts and we need to watch for infections, mouth sores and increased lethargy, (if that is at all possible)!!!!!!!!!   AGAIN, thank all of you!!! our dear friends for your constant, uplifting, caring cards and thoughts. Today was pretty stressful, build up for both of us. Don doesn't talk very much and I have to be careful not to badger him with questions, but today we both agreed that we probably would do well with a good cry and a huge scream into our pillows! Some good news!!!!!!!!!! Don did gain 3 lbs from his last weigh-in at the Doc. Bye for now, Danny.

• Oct 12 - After a very restless night, Don got up and made his treck from bedroom to recliner in pretty lousy shape. EXTREME LETHARGY, tingling in arms and hands (Doc said he could experience this) and upset stomach. Not much communication or movement til noon. Morphine patch and pain pills made him ok @ about 1pm. Yea!!!! he had some chicken, cottage cheese and peaches, and for the most part, is doing a bit better. We are trying to balance his digestive system by building up his friendly bacteria in his intestines with large doses of acidiphillus, bifidus and spectrabiotics ( another group of necessary good bacteria) Also have aloe juice that is suppose to be very therapudic with digestion. As of now, he has refused to take it. I know he is just so scared of making his stomach act up again. I am diligently researching anything and everything to try to aid in this fight. In addition to chemo and radiation, there are, and I truly believe they can help, many natural products. The question is, how much can he tolerate, and how much does he really want to fight. I pray he wants to use every ounce of strength he possesses to do lots of things, not just to rely on the chemo. So many survivors say you cannot fight this with one arm tied behind you back!!!!!!!  And that just one alternative method could get him around the corner to survive.

• Oct 13 - Short and sweet.........Up @ 10:00am to recliner. Slept almost the whole day. 

• Oct 14- Although for the most part of the day, Don was pretty motionless in his favorite recliner, he did get energized by having a great talk with a cancer survivor who gave him a boost. The doctors gave him a very poor prognosis. This gentleman  lived alone and fought the battle; took all the debilitating chemo, fed himself through a stomach tube for 10 months and also took  mega doses of natural products.  He has been cancer free for 3 years and continues to take many natural herbs and pills.  Thank you, Dan S.

• Oct 15 - Another very lethargic day in the recliner. I thought I was doing him a favor by trying to alkalinize his stomach before a meal by giving him some baking soda and water 1/2 hour before. I felt so awful!!!!!  5 minutes after, he was throwing it all up and was in agony for 40 minutes. Well, that was my good deed for the day.

• Oct 16 and 17 - Don continues to be very lethargic, but comparatively comfortable. Don has eaten a bit better. Just by chance, found a website about a very noted, learned, accomplished, 6- time Nobel Prize nominee, biochemist, cancer researcher named Dr. Johanna Budwig who devoted 30 years to proving that cancer patients were deficient in Omega 3 Essential fatty acids. Her reports are nothing short of astonishing!!!!!!!!!! Seems almost too simple. But her documented cure for many cancer patients sent home to die is: 1/4 cup lowfat cottage cheese mixed with 2T organic flaxseed oil, plus a vegetarian diet.  The cottage cheese is a "sulphurated protein" and needs to be combined with the flax seed oil to be properly assimilated by the body.  there are documented cases where she gave people with literally hours to live, a retention enema of the flaxseed oil, and who have survived. We are researching further and began immediately with the cottage cheese and flax seed oil today. I have used flax seed for years but never in combination with cottage cheese.  I sent off for her book and cook book. Will keep you posted.

• Oct 18 -thursday -"very,very,very tired" Don did not consume any more than 670 calories today.

• Oct 19 - still "very, very, very tired". A good friend stayed with Don while i had lunch with 2 long time dear friends from high school. I left @ noon and didn't return til 4:30 to find that nothing had passed his lips since before I left. Total calories for the day? 520!!! This is quite a battle. His poor, darling body needs lots of rest, I know, but if I don't wake him and insist on some sort of nutrition, he would not eat ANYTHING period. He has great intentions.......He wants to drink the liquid he needs and follow this new cottage cheese regimen, but his extreme lethargy, coupled with waiting for him to wake up enough to eat and then having to wait even longer until his stomach settles down, proves to eat (at least something is "eating") into so many hours of  the day. Then.....the day is over and he won't eat anything and goes to bed. Still his gentle, sweet attitude......sometime wish he would get fighting MAD and initiate some adrenalin....Can't say the same for my temperment.  Raining like crazy here. It is good. we need it. Thank heavens there has been no threat of hurricanes this summer, or even last summer.  our love to all. Til tomorrow...... Danny and Don

• Oct 20, 21, 22  Just about the same. Don is very listless and weak. He has managed to walk out to the carport to sit in the light for 15 minutes each day, but that's just about all.  He is wearing a rut in the carpet from the bed to the bathroom, to the recliner and back. He must walk through the living room to get from the recliner to the John and stops midway in the living room for a rest. (that's about 9 steps) then continues on.   But, Hey! He did nap enough during the day to be able to watch the Red Sox.  He kept the remote in his hands (of course! we all know it has become part of a man's anatomy, right?) and kept switching between the game and Desperate Housewives.  He is adamant about staying awake enough to be able to watch Dancing with the Stars and Boston Legal tonight. Talked to a friend of a friend whose husband battled cancer and his wife said that he almost literally, "slept for 9 months"!!  Another thank you to you all. We wish we could respond to all of your wonderful cards and thank you for being you, but we hope you understand. This coming Thursday, we make another trip to the oncologist for a serious talk and another chemo treatment.

• Oct -23,24- No real change.  Boston Legal was replaced with coverage of the fire in California.

• Oct 25 Visited the oncologist today. After a very candid talk about prognosis, he basically verified most of what all the other  opinions were, but with even less optimism (6 months). He is very concerned with the problem in his vertebra and possible paralysis if it worsens.  He suggested we see a Radiation oncologist. This coming Thursday, we have an appointment with the same radiation doc we had seen before we connected with this chemo man.    So Don had no chemo today. We are continuing, with even more determination, the cottage cheese and flax seed oil regimen. Don is now down another 7 lbs.

• Oct 26,27- Just re-read Oct 23 and 24. sounded awful didn't it? I apologize for sounding like we were trivializing the terrible sadness that has affected so many people in California from the fires, but it sure read that way. There seems to be a lot of sadness everywhere. Don has been running a slight fever for the last 2 days.  About 99.8 to 100.2 Makes him even more lethargic. Will call  the doc tomorrow if it doesn't change.

• Oct 28 29 - Pretty much the same. Still very low fever. Doc said to give tylenol. Will see him  tomorrow.

• Nov 1st - Talked to the Radiation Oncologist late today. He said the pet scan and ct scan from October 1st was not definitive enough for him. We will call tomorrow and see what tests he wants for himself.  He did say he was going to contact the imaging place that did the scans tomorrow to see if he can get a better read out. Seems each Doctor is not pleased with prior readings from others. So that's it for today. Don just wants to sleep. He had a hard time sitting and waiting in the doc's office. Took a couple of pictures yesterday when 2 wonderful friends from up north came down to visit. Gloria and Ed Dolan. As soon as Don shows me how to get them on this website, I will.

• Nov 2 - Nov 5 - Really slow days, sleep, get fed thru my tube, sleep, sleep. Now I have lost not only what day it is but also time.  Really weird.

• Nov 6 - I'm scheduled for another MRI on this coming Thursday. On Friday, we will see the Radiation Oncologist and decide on the route to take.  One day at a time. This day has been a better day with minimal pain but still no energy. 

• Nov 7 -  Don was feeling so poorly today that we had to cancel the MRI. Yesterday seemed to be a pretty good day, he even made some jokes. Today? A lousy BUST for my dear, sweet man. He is so terribly lethargic and weak. No fever, just very immobile.  See?..... that "one thing we can be sure of thing"?.....that we can't be sure of anything!  The radiation doctor said since he isn't having any pain in his vertebra, we will just see if this early coming week will be better for him.   Don IS having pain in his right shoulder and has difficulty moving it up or down....doc said it could be associated nerve pain. Please keep the prayers going.

• Nov 8-12th. Just did the waiting game after having one appointment scheduled for another MRI, only to have them call and say that appt had to be rescheduled because the office help put him in a short time slot andd his test will take longer than usual. Finally got an appt for Nov. 13th.

• Nov 13 - Arrived @ MRI clinic. Had to reschedule because Don's neck was in too much pain maintaining the position that was needed to get proper readings for radiation doc. We will return  position. He has to go into the machine..have some pictures taken, come out, have dye injected and then go back in. The whole thing is suppose to take about and hour.  We arrived home at about 12:30 and Don plunked into his recliner. He has slept a solid 4 hours. I even gave him a lunch through his feeding tube and he didn't even stir. I did give him one of the pain pills (new for Don Pergoset alias oxycontin) during the lunch, and I think it may just have zonked him out even more than his regular lethargy.  I know it will be Don's decision, but I am getting more leery of even following up with radiation treatment. He couldn't get any more lethargic, and I know the radiation will hurt him furthur. I ordered a walker to be delivered tomorrow. I am nervous about his stability when he walks. He is so weak. weight -156lbs. Bye for now.......  

• Nov14 - Managed to get the MRI done. Don was in some pain, but got through it. We were to go see the radiation oncologist but it was too much for Don, so we cancelled. The Radiation doc called and had received the MRI results. He is concerned that Don will be put through something that would be meant to just buy more time and he wants us to consider whether Don could or wants to subject himself to even more lethargy, and possibly some burning of his esophagus. Don has decided NOT to do any radiation and to discontinue any further chemotherapy.

• Nov 15 - Don and I went to an Herbalist/Biochemist who has worked over 40 years helping many people beat cancer with herbs, raw foods, and no animal products. He spent 2 hours with us explaining what he suggests doing. We both have renewed faith and hope again that he can beat this going the natural way. So that is where we are headed. We will keep you posted.

• Nov 16 -Don and I talked today about how we feel about stopping chemo and radiation. I told him I felt renewed and enthused about trusting in God and God's natural way and our ability to heal ourselves; that I, in no way view this cessation of western medical's approach to healing cancer as   just "making him as comfortable as possible" and waiting for what all the doctors have said is the inevitable....His response to my comments? "Neither do I....No way! this is going to work"! Don is his regular, quiet self, and more so when he is so, so very tired and weak, but when he does talk he often says he is worried about me and that he is afraid I will burn out. I am doing my best to keep fit and healthy, because there is no way I would ever bail out on him, God willing.

• Nov 17 - As I sit here with Don's lap top on my lap, Don opens one eye and says, " It is going to take some time, but I feel like this is leaving my body". Hooray!!!! for positive attitude. MIND OVER M.ATTER.  He is still pretty lethargic today. Not too much communication. Stomach upset. We are approaching the herbal program @ 1/4 dosage for a few days to let Don's body acclimate. Then will raise by 1/4 again until we reach full dosage. Don wants me to again, and over and over again....to thank you all for your devotion and caring and prayers.

• Nov 18-20 Have been working trying to find a balance with the new herbs. Don was on a stronger pain pill (pergoset) and he has been throwing up a lot. Wicked to watch.  Really have to laugh a bit, because, not only does he wretch, but he sneezes and coughs at the same time. (sure all of you are thrilled to get that information) Don't know whether it is the pain  pill or his body acclimating to the herbs, so we have gone back to Darvocet, which is much less strong to see how he does and staying with the 1/4 dosage with the herbs. Also, got some pure Aloe to settle his stomach 1/2 hour before any food. Since last night and all of today...no vomiting.... yea! Also seems to be relieved of pain from the Darvocet. Don also seems to be hallucinating...... in sort of a semi conscious state, in that when I question him about what or who he may be seeing or hearing, he answers me in audible, rational conversation. Don't know if it is chemo residual, because that stuff can stay in the body for years or what? He even got up out of bed @ 3am saying there was someone in the house. When we talk about it later, he just says "wierd!!!!"  Also he swears that he can be holding something in his hands and when he looks for it , it isn't there. Also, after talking repeatedly during the night last night, he gets up @ 4am. When I saw him stumbling around and asked, "what are you doing??!" He said he wanted to work on his computer updating his part of the business he is in with our friends up in Virginia. After becoming  completely awake  and trying not to stagger myself, I helped him up to the recliner and set him all up with the computer on his lap and this and that and more this and that......I said "I am now off-duty and am sleeping on the couch.

• Nov 21 Today we were to have visited the chemo oncologist, to check Don's meds and see the chemo doc for the last time. I talked with him and told him of our decision to discontinue any furthur chemo, but that we would like to keep in touch. We did not end up keeping the appt. The walk for Don from our bedroom to the car seems to agitate his stomach or maybe it is stress, we just can't put our finger on it, but he vomited the minute he got in the car. The rest of the day was quiet and comfortable.

• Nov 22 Hope you all had a great day of Thanksgiving. For us it was pretty quiet, to a point. Don was feeling ok enough to walk out to the carport and sit in the sun. He had agreed to chat ever so briefly with our dear friends Nancy and Bob Lefebvre, and George and Joan Henrick, also from Andover. He was delighted to see them. As we were all visiting under the carport, 2 other lovely friends from our community stopped to say hello. Probably less than 10 minutes into the visit, Don vomited. It was no one's fault, it is just that somehow it was too much for Don. Everything was ok for the rest of the day. Don's Thanksgiving dinner? A tube feeding with herbs and grape juice.

• Nov 23 Today, Finally, after 4 months, the mover delivered the remaining boxes etc that were left at the other house.  Old friend from highschool, Delight Wilson and new friend Bob Kuperberg met the movers to coordinate those items to be trucked down. Thanks again Delight and Bob. The day has been quiet for Don and we would like to keep it that way to hopefully prevent him from losing another meal. Don continues to feel very, very weak and cannot take any agitation at all or his stomach gets very touchy.

• Nov 24-28 Getting through the days with hope and lots and lots of immobilizing fatigue. Don is tolerating the herbs, but still vomits when under just ANY type of stress due to conversation. Seems 10 minutes is his limit. As much as he would like to chat with friends, he just seems not to tolerate the effort it must take to inter act. Sometime he cannot bear to talk or be touched. I looked up on the internet and it said that complete exhaustion can trigger vomiting.

• Nov 29-Dec 2 Dec 2nd is the end of the second week on the herbal program.  Spoke with the Herbalist. vomiting is also a sign of the body purging. My sister Dori told us vomiting is a way of the body rejecting things. Don is definitely getting enough fluids during this. I am making sure of that!! He is allowing me to reintroduce fluids very often. Herbalist also said if he retains the herbs even for a half hour, they are doing their job, and yes, they are working somehow, such as  lots of profuse sweating, fever of 1002.4 for just an hour, then down to normal, great fatigue, lots of sleeping. his body is working very hard in this cleansing process. Herbalist feels fever is a sign of toxins being burned. Don is also cleansing in other ways, but I won't go into them in detail. It is one thing to read the description of what Don is going through, but it another thing to have him endure it an my witness it. This is NOT ONE BIT EASY!!! Darling man is hanging in there with strength and perseverance, but what else is there to do?  I watched the Hour of Power this morning. (From the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove California) and Rev Schuler's son gave me much more strength for Hope and Faith that God is with us through this ordeal. Don is determined to beat this!!

• Dec 3 Don has had severe pain in his right rib area since last night. the Herbalist said he could experience pains all over the place in this cleansing.

• Dec 4 Today, Don doesn't have any pain in the rib area. This could be the cleansing thing. The lady on the tape we watched of the people who had beaten cancer using the herbs and a raw food vegetarian diet as we are, said she would have pains in different areas that lasted for a few hours to up to a few days, and then they were gone. Now don't freek out!!! We signed up with Hospice Care today. Please DON'T  get all sad. PLEASE send only STRONG, HOPEFUL, HAPPY, FAITHFUL, and JOYOUS thoughts into the atmosphere so they can make their way to Don and help heal him. This is what we are doing!!!! We WILL NOT lose our positive direction...Don't you!!  Hospice supplies so many things that cost nothing and can make everyday living a lot easier for both of us.. We ordered an over- head trapeze thing and can take a big burden from me. As skinny as Don is, he is too big and lanky for me to try to lift and adjust in bed. I just cannot jeopardize myself or I will be of no good to either of us. Don is NOT bed ridden. He does get up and walk with the walker to and from the bathroom and to shower. (we also have a good chair for him to use during the shower). We can go in and out of Hospice Care coverage at our desire. Today, they delivered a bed with a great air mattress to relive pressure for Don's comfort, a light wheel chair that can aid in not over taxing him to get out in the sun for a while, an over bed table that will ease my back when giving him his tube feedings. Because the bed can be raised to a higher level, it will also help my back when feeding him. I also can call on help of all kinds, to help give me a break when needed. Love you all, Danny and Don

• Dec 5-8 It has been very busy with the Hospice team. Meeting doc and nurses and aids who can be there when needed. Don continues to be very tired but determined to give this all he has. Today, the 8th, I was a little tired from all the people coming in and out, scheduling those to help with baths, etc. Also, for the past 2 nights, Don has not slept well at all, consequently neither have I. Our darling friend Bob Lefebvre came over last night and sat with Don to let me sleep. Today and tonight we have help throughout the day and night from Hospice. (this is just a temporary service) Hopefully, with a med they gave us, Don can settle down and recoup some sleep. Our marvelous, dear friend Malcolm Winter,  who we were not expecting to see until this coming weekend knocked on the door. Needless to say, I almost lost it seeing his cheery, smiling face at our door. Mal and I chatted for a very short time. Don was really sawing logs, so didn't have a chance to greet his old Foxhunting buddy. Mal will return on the weekend before returning to Virginia and we pray that Don and he will have a short reunion. Thank you Mal for coming. We continue the herbal program and hope that we can slowly cut down on the meds to give Don's body the best opportunity to utilize the herbs. No matter what, we will NOT let Don be in pain. Love you all, Danny and Don

• Dec 9-10 We have had round the clock help from Hospice from friday night and will continue tonight and tomorrow night. Tomorrow, I must decide on a private agency to help, because Hospice doesn't provide this free service ongoing. It has been a God's send for me to be able to sleep knowing there is a capable person with Don all night. forgot to tell you that when we received the hospital bed on the 4th, and put it in the guest room for Don, I had to disconnect the 941-219-4363 #. Don and Victoria had hitched up all the Y-fi wireless stuff for our internet #'s and there are a zillion wires and connections that blow my mind, and I just cannot deal with it now. The lights and noise were too troublesome for Don.  so the only numbers where we can be reached are 352-553-4204 and Cell 941-539-2863.  Truthfully, I screen calls, and cannot take a lot of them, with multiple Hospice calls each day. We hope you understand. Don sends his love to everyone, and I do too.

• Dec 11-14 Today is Friday the 14th. It has been 8 days that Hospice has provided around the clock care. We have tried 3 different drugs to help Don settle down and be able to sleep at night. Ativan,and Haldol have not helped him at all, in fact, they have worked just the opposite. Last night we were given an new drug, Seroquel, and that was worse than any. Talk about a night from Hell!! Thank goodness Don is sleeping now, (8am) Before giving Don this new drug at about 930pm he was having a very good evening. He and I watched "Ugly Bettty" @ 8pm. This was the first night that Don even wanted to watch tv for a whole week.  I am really so furious!! My gut said I just wanted to give him some herbal calmers, which had seemed to help the night before, but I decided to give him the drug. Please pray that the herbs will work faster than the cancer. bye for now.

• Dec 15 Don had a pretty good night last night. Just a small amount of pain killer from Hospice, and then herbal pain killers and calmers. He slept for about 6 or 7 hours off and on. I got some good hours also. We still have round the clock care through tomorrow til 8 pm. We will know if hospice will continue the round the clock service sometime tomorrow.  I am not strong enough to help Don move from one place to another without help, so I am researching and have not yet found an LPN from a private agency to cover the night from say 11pm to 7am for me after Monday night if they discontinue this free service.   Angels are all around, and they are named, Nan, Bob, Pat and Fran, our darling friends from Andover. They want to help by staying with us in 4 hour shifts during the day. With 2 people, moving Don safely is doable. (I have never had to spell that word). Don tries to use his legs, but he is very weak and we cannot take the chance that he or any of us will fall. Their help for which we will always be grateful, will give me time to research more help.  As much as I try to convince Don otherwise, he is very sad that he has to put any of us through this. Love to you all, Danny and Don

• Dec 16-19 Today is the 19th. Can't elaborate too much about the activity and stress level that has been here with all the many, many different people from Hospice. Since the 15th, Don has failed. He no longer can stand on his legs, so I must have people who can bear his weight safely. I am almost overwhelmed!  We are looking into Hospice House for Don. He deserves and needs much more than I can give him. Cost for help in our home for 24 or even for 16 hours is astronomical. Minimum close to $9000. per month. Hospice house will run a little over $5000. per month. I can sleep in same room 24-7. But there will be help at all times. I continue to persevere with the herbs and juicing. Please do not send any emails to dannyje@comcast.net. i cannot keep up with 2 emails. Just send to white02vette@comcast.net. Also Please NO JUNK MAIL AT ALL. Please pray for Donald?

• Dec 20 Donald has taken a turn for the worst.

• December 21, 2007 Our Darling Don passed away this morning @ 12:21 AM, the same day as the birthday of our darling Grandaughter, Vanessa Schenk. His passing was as quiet and peaceful as his gentle soul has always been. I have a few pictures that I want to attach to this, but my Donald is not here to show me how to do it. I will try soon. Love, Danny.

• Dec 22 I am trying to insert some pictures of my precious angel that were taken on Thanksgiving day under our carport.        
  The group picture is with our bosom buddies from Andover Mass, Nan and Bob Lefebvre, more wonderful friends from Andover, George and Joanie Henrick, and lovely new friends from Lazy River Park where we live, Rosemary and Jo Mistretta( in back), and of course, Donald. This one above is Bob Lefebvre who stuck his face in the camera to show his recent eye surgery. It definitely looks better today than it did in this picture.

 
This is my most precious


Donald on December 11th, 10 days before his death, sporting his mustache and goatee.
 

• This look; this  perpetual, sweet, and gentle expression, except for his very tired and weary eyes, is the look he had for almost everyone he met. This look from Don to every single one of you reading this website was looking at you and saying,       "you are soooo ok, and you mean so much to me".

• Two days before his death, he greeted me in the morning with this same loving look. That was the last time he acknowledged me with that eye contact. He then became very quiet preparing to leave us.

• Don would be proud of me for figuring out how to attach these pictures. He patiently tried several times to show me. I did it Sweetheart. Thank you for your guidance and love. (I found that when I checked triptrash to see if everything came out right, none of the pictures had come through. Don's longtime and dear, dear friend Roland Soucie walked me patiently through all the steps to get the pictures to you. Thank you sweet Roland.)

• My children will be coming between the 26th and the end of the month. They will help me try to plan how we can hold a gathering to pay tribute to this wonderful man. right now, I don't know what to do. But we will let you know as soon as we can. Love, Danny

• December 31st -  Matthew and Victoria are here, as well as our friend Mal, helping to make necessary arrangements. This Saturday, January 5th, we are having a celebration of Don's life here @ the Lazy River Club house @ 1:00pm. Any time spent can never do justice to Don. We are going to play some of his favorite music, and have a memorabilia table with some of Don's favorite collections and hobbies. I am doing ok, but still am in complete denial that he is gone. I just think he is out at the store and will be back soon. Love, Danny

• 12 JANUARY 2008  Both Victoria and Matt and Malcolm have returned to their homes. Their support and love have carried me. I still have wonderful people in the community who continue to be here for me in any way they can help. the Memorial for Don was held last Saturday, the 5th at our community center. It was beautiful. The room was filled with neighbors and dear friends. Additional supportive, dear, loving friends drove down from the Marion county corvette club from the Ocala area, each wearing a yellow satin ribbon with a smiley face in the middle. Please check again on this website to view the pamphlet that we passed out at the Celebration of Don's life.  I am mailing a copy of it to our friend Roland and as soon as he receives it, he will attach it to this website, We hope you will read it.  Your cards letters, heartfelt messages, flowers and gorgeous plants have warmed my heart. I wish I could thank every, single one of you personally. Maybe someday I will be able to do just that, but for now, please know how completely grateful I am for all of your thoughts and prayers.  Don and I were blessed so much in our 30 years together, by our love, intense respect and complete dedication to each other, by our adventurous travels, by our experiences of  living and loving. But most of all we have been blessed in abundance by all of you. Love, Danny

• JANUARY 23 TEST

• JANUARY 26 2008 by now, you have read the lovely tribute that we handed out on Jan 5 for Don's memorial. What you will not see on this website that I wish I could include, is an 8x11, 11 page memorial that Larene and Laura, (Don's and "my" daughters)  put together honoring their beloved father. We are all grieving in our own ways. For me? I am remembering with intense love and fondness, trying to accept actuality, thanking God for Don's not having to endure any longer, and putting one foot in front of the other.  Sometime in February, I will travel to Virginia to meet and train with partners from Service Providers, the company that Don, Malcolm and George co-founded about a year and half ago. Hopefully in March, I will travel to California to visit family. I plan on keeping triptrash and updating every week or so. Love, Danny