As we have discussed in the past, Donnie’s chemo has some cumulative side effects.  One of those is tiredness.  He is pretty tired these days.  Some days are a little better than others.  He wakes up in the morning, and is good for about 3 hours.  His spirits are good and he is positive about life.  Then he takes a sizable nap, usually from 1-6 pm.  Then he is up for dinner and a bit more visiting for about 2 hours.  Then he turns into a pumpkin!!  He is thankful for the quality of life he has right now.  Much better than the December and January days!!

Even though he has been on a bit of a roller coaster ride since his diagnosis, he continues to improve in small ways.  No pain and nausea is a big deal.  His white cell count looked so good last week, that Dr. Z gave him a bigger dose of chemo, thus, the tiredness.  We still look at that as a positive!  His appetite is normal for him, and he enjoys eating food as the chemo only affects his taste just a little bit.  Another big praise!!

This past week was full of amazing people and amazing food.  I’ve gotten lax in my photography lately, so I apologize.  Honestly, if I could take a picture of all the beautiful food that has been given to us, you would be drooling!

One evening Frances Conner invited us to her home for dinner, and put on the dog!!  I know all her friends know what we are talking about.  The beautiful table complete with darling flowers in interesting little vases scattered down the center of her 12 foot table, china and silver placed beautifully on the table, all the food placed in her darling serving trays . . . well you would just have to see it to believe it.  She made us feel so honored . . . but she has ALWAYS been that way!!!  Thank goodness Donnie felt like getting out of the house, or I might have considered leaving him behind for this!!  Did I mention she is a great southern cook, too?  Just the way we like it!  My Dad, Beau (our oldest), and Jeff and Jackie Johnson were there, too.  Oh the stories that were told in that group!!  For dessert we had delicious raspberry ice cream in a tall skinny glass with ginger ale poured over it . . . and “madeline’s” to eat along side . . . YUMMY!!  Then we got to take the leftovers home.  Oh yeah!

Donnie felt like going up to the ICU on Sunday night for a short visit.  We took the scrub cake from his surprise party so they could help us eat it (it was HUGE and very delicious).  They were so thrilled to see him, and he was so thrilled to see them!!  What an amazing group of professionals he works with.  They are all quite special.  They said they missed his positive outlook, his singing and whistling, his “cutting up”, and his silly poems and messages under the coffee maker.  They were all smiling 🙂

Thank you for all the contact from family and friends.  He is very touched by everyone who calls, comes by, joins us for a meal, makes a meal, brings over a special “something”, writes a card or special note, and generally thinks enough of him to keep him in their prayers.  He feels very loved and appreciated.

Thank you for being a part of helping him to “Fight Like a Mac!”  Please pray for increased stamina for him and continued improvement.  We feel so blessed that he is with us, and still has a desirable quality of life.  God’s plan is perfect, and we praise Him!!!

Much love,  Donnie & Tina