Update Nov. 27th

From an email from Julie:

Jere continues to remain comfortable with the medicines he's taking. We also found a wonderful young woman who is a physical therapist and lives here in town. She comes up every day to massage his feet and legs and is helping to keep the edema under control.

Today we went to the regional convention to elect delegates and everyone applauded when we walked in. It was a very heart-warming moment.

He's losing weight rapidly, however, even though he is eating regularly and well, albeit not a lot. The doctor says this is the result of the matastisis. As a result, he also has much less energy and sleeps a great deal more. Last week we had more blood tests done and will have the results on the doctor's next visit the 7th of December - the day that Ali and his girlfriend Ilka arrive.

He remains positive and "tranquilo" and now looks forward to emails.

With warmest of love
Julie

Update Nov. 7th

Update sent from Julie:

Yesterday we had a visit from the pain clinic doctors who said they were concerned about the build-up of fluids in his system, but very happy to see him out of bed and eating much better. His appetite has increased 200% since we started giving him the new nausea medication. In fact most of his conversation centers around what he would like to eat. He’s lost those very hollow cheeks and I’m having a hard time keeping up with his voracious appetite!

The doctor has started him on some medicine that will reduce the water, but we must be careful to keep him hydrated at the same time – back to “pipa” (cocunut water). Last night he must have dropped a gallon of water he was up so many times to go to the bathroom, in fact, this morning the swollen stomach, groin and legs seemed much smaller. He feels so good that I’m kept busy running him around to hardware stores to find various items for home improvements. Yesterday, he actually changed the old toilet seat for a new one himself. He loves to just get out in the car a go to different places. Since he can’t drive (reaction time is slowed because of the morphine) I have become the official chauffer.

We still have lots of visitors coming by and bringing with them special blessings to our house. Dad really looks forward now to the visits and because he feels so much better can converse with everyone a lot longer.

*****

Pictures coming soon!

Back in Boston

My time in Costa Rica was very special. I'm so thankful I got this opportunity.
I've returned to Boston now, but intend to continue posting every bit of info and pictures I receive. In the meantime, I'm continuing my posts of Sasha on our other blog (link on the right).
Thank you all again for your prayers, emails, phone calls, and visits!