Summer in Palm Springs

I (Carol) flew down to Palm Springs, CA to spend a couple of weeks with my parents who have been unwell--especially Mom. The day after I arrived, Mom was taken by ambulance to the hospital where they discovered that she had pneumonia!! Within a few hours of being on oxygen and getting IV antibiotics, she improved dramatically, and was discharged four days later.

Her headaches have diminished quite a lot and she isn't experiencing the terrible shakiness and periodic jerkiness that was making her so unsteady. We're so grateful. BUT it's time to put plans in motion for longterm care for Mom and Dad.

Jim came out to spend the day with us today and here's a picture of the three of them eating lunch in the kitchen.

Jim's feeling pretty well, but he can't seem to put on any weight even though he's eating well. He'd also like to have more energy, but continues to work from his home and either go for a walk or short bike-ride daily.

Bob saw his oncologist this week and she is pleased at how well he's doing. He'll continue chemo until the end of September when he'll have a CT scan and the tumour markers in his blood will be measured again. Dr. Le is suggesting that his cancer might continue to be managed with a series of chemo treatments every few months followed by a few months' rest. That's so amazing, considering that 17 months ago she gave him a prognosis of 12 to 18 months, with no expectation the the chemo would be nearly as effective as it has been. Of course, she wasn't taking into account God's healing power!!

"THANK YOU LORD!"

We have much to be thankful for this week. On Tuesday, Mom and Dad Dodds will celebrate their 69th wedding anniversary and on Wednesday, Bob and I will celebrate our 43rd wedding anniversary!! But we'll have to wait a few days to celebrate that wonderful milestone together!!