Thursday evening

Dear Friends and Family,

We are sitting around watching survivor, listening to Nan's IV pump beep and eating popsickles. That includes Nan, she is eating her popsickle and loving it.

Today several doctors have been here but at this point there is no clear plan yet as what to do. The local urologist has expressed reluctance to do anything at all for fear of doing something wrong. Our young oncologist Dr. Shoba has had me email Boston doctors to request assistance. She called me a few minutes ago here in the room to tell me she was in email contact with with Dr. Steele, our urologist in Boston discussing nans. I also received an email from Dr. Morgan our trial doctor who said he thought the situation was basically surgical in nature. So things are moving along. I hope that Dr. Shoba can get to talk to Monica our surgeon, Dr. Bertagnolli is a one of a kind surgeon and her input having been there inside of Nan's body is vital to finding a solution. One answer might be to move to UCSF where some of the best specialists on the coast practice. So tomorrow will perhaps provide more answers. Meanwhile Nan has had a very good day with very little pain, excellent alertness, many phone calls and the constant and loving attention of Barbie. They have had a great day together while Gerry and I were out seeing a couple properties. When we got back we hung out for awhile and then went to Round Table for salad and pizza. then back to enjoy time together here in the room. The nursing staff have outdone themselves with excellent service the entire we have been here.

Nan has some flow into her wound and at one point got sort of up on the bed and got it to drain totally out. Now there is fluid residing in the wound cavity again. Nan ask and received permission to move to solid liquids, soups, chocolate milk, tea, broth. She is handling food pretty well so far.

We are about to head home, we are tired and sleepy. Thanks all of you who have called Nan today to say hello including my sister from Ohio. It was wonderful to hear her cheery voice with words of hope and faith. Pam called and is feeling better and will see us this weekend, we look forward to seeing Nikki and Keanna on sunday. Jason surprised us today and popped in for a several hour visit. What a high point for Nan to get to see Jason, a total surprise. Thanks Jason for all that driving, mom loved it and loves you.

We have had some wonderful emails today and the cards you have sent are so special, today we heard from Sibyl, Irene, and a total surprise of financial help and a nice card from Amanda, total shock and deep humility. Thank you Aunt Ann for your special message, thank you Roger and Carrol, thank you Bob and Carrol, thank you fellow Gisters. It is a tough time and we don't know where or what happens next, your support and expressions of love make a huge difference. And having Barb and Gerry here has been an absolute gift from God. Marilyn has made sure we will not be hungry or out of paper supplies for the next lifetime!!

So we sign off tonight with mixed emotions, hope for solutions, faith that God is in charge of our lives, sadness at having to leave Nan here alone for the long night, confidence that she is in good hands here. Irene's card today was so right on regarding seeing God's answers, it was like the card was written just for our situation.

We send our love to each of you. You do make a huge difference for us. THANKS

love
tim and nan and barb and gerry