April update

Time for a long overdue update on Jim. What we thought would be an uneventful week (i.e. finished with radiation and no scheduled doctors appts.) turned out to be quite eventful. Early in the week Jim had some minor issues related to his new anti-seizure meds which landed him in the ER for approx. 8 hours. He also saw a neurologist, who said his motor functions are still doing quite well. In addition his appt with his med - oncologist doctor was moved up from Monday April 6th to Thursday. Before the appt Jim had to have a blood screening and another chest X-ray. The doctor went over these with Jim and the family during the appt and told us that the tumor in his lung has grown. Based on the results of these tests and his current status the doctor and Jim's family agrees it was best to admit Jim into a hospice program. So Thursday afternoon Jim was admitted to hospice. This is a good thing since studies have shown patients on hospice tend to live longer. I sounds like the hospice people are very organized and within a day Jim now has a ton of medical equipment at his house...that he doesn't really need now but will need in the future. Spirit wise Jim seems to be doing great. Earlier in the week he was pretty tired but after the doctors adjusted his medication his energy level perked up.

Thanks to Tom and Randy for spending the week with Jim, you have been so helpful. If anyone is interested in taking Jim on some journeys next week to keep him occupied, please let us know.