Author: docstrek

I will not be using the other “f word” (Final) for the title of this blog. I will use it for a few things. . . . Daryl is Finally out of pain, Finally able to speak, Finally able to smell and eat, and most of all (which I believe)  Finally in heaven with the Lord.

The past few weeks were not what we had planned on, but the amount of love and support from everyone was indescribable!  I apologize for going into more details than normal, but for those of you who attend in spirit,  I thought you may want to know.

Visitation (Monday 8/20/18):We began to celebrated Daryl at the visitation on Monday which several people attend. Dan Lawton had created a four hour play list of music for this. The music began to set the tone for the reconnecting of old and new friends and family.  The highlight was  the rosary being read by five beautifully well spoken women from St Vincent’s, including Sr. Kathleen. These women have been praying the rosary weekly for Daryl for over a year. Daryl was smiling down. Thank you  Dan, ladies and Sister!

Tuesday 8/21/18:

Funeral Mass: This  was a day filled with tears, stories, more tears and laugher, more stories, tears,  repeat again. . . . The Funeral Mass was the most important event and the last remembrance, I could do for Daryl. ( of course, do you think he left any thoughts or instructions . . .no) I was blessed to have my brother Stuart, in town.  Stuart has been invaluable as my big brother in this last week. I could not have done so many of these things  without his support. Stu helped with validating my choices for all the readings, Psalm and Gospel. He even offered  a suggestion the first reading, which I ended up using. Thank you Stuart!  The hardest part of the Mass was selecting the music. Which most of you maybe thinking . . .hmm. . . should be the is the easiest. Keep in mind every time we hear a certain song it may remind of us of different times in our lives, where we were, what we were doing. This music would always remind me, and potentially others  of  Daryl’s funeral.  The musicians sent me a list and one of my best friends, Tracy did too. Tracy added some special comments to the songs, from her experience at her Fathers funeral. (  song “x” -one stanza need a box of kleenex, song”xx” just  typing the words now I am crying!) Thank you Tracy it made us laugh! We looked at the songs and went online to hear the songs and read the words.  Songs are very powerful and Sallie and Larry Brown (organ/piano and violin) did an amazing job. The songs I chose: Entrance- You are Mine,  Offertory Ava Maria, Communion We Remember and Song of Farewell- On Eagles Wings. (Note to everyone, if you like a song pick it in advance and let loved ones know!)

These are some  of Daryl and Doug’s friends  since childhood  that attended the Mass:

Eulogy: Several people asked about a eulogy. Traditionally the Eulogy in the Catholic Mass is at the end. I did my Mother’s and it was one of the hardest things I have ever done, partly because it was at the end of the Mass. Father Alex, has it at the beginning, and asks  to speak about Daryl’s faith. This can result in everyone being able  concentrate and pray for Daryl. I elected to do this, because I knew Daryl’s faith journey and why we were celebrating him at St Vincent’s. I was very proud to have shared his path and I think it resonated with everyone. My eulogy ended with the prayer of Blessed Charles. Father Alex gave Daryl and I this prayer card on his visit in October. It was the day after we found out the cancer was back, aggressive and would require extensive surgery. We said this prayer every night I left the hospital, before every procedure/surgery and in the past months, every night before he went to bed. I did not know in Fathers Homily he would also speak to the strength of Daryl on this prayer. I had this selected for Daryl’s prayer cards. The prayer is:

Father,  I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you; I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures. I wish no more than this O Lord. Into your hands I commend me soul; I offer it to you with all the love of my heart, for I love you, Lord, and so need give myself, to surrender myself into your hands, without reserve, and with boundless confidence, for you are my Father – Prayer of Blessed Charles de Foucauld

Burial: I choose to bury Daryl at the Holy Cross Catholic cemetery, the only Catholic cemetery in San Diego. It is a very  beautiful place, that I can come visit him often. Thank you Doug Lu for coming with me and helping me to  choosing his final place.  Father  Alex did a final blessed and gave me a big hug. Father Alex has been amazing and by our side, helped us thru our faith and battle the last year. He had words of encouragement and support every week after Mass, frequent Anointing of the Sick and prayers  to Daryl.  The day of Daryl’s  big surgery on December 14, Fr Alex had the whole school pray for him!

The hardest part to say my finally earthly goodbye. As I  bent over  to kiss the casket for the final time, I told  him he was the love of my life, always will be, and always be in my heart.  Everyone then had their opportunities to say their final goodbyes and place a flower on his casket. Before we left, a PSK tradition, is to have everyone present, form a large circle and hold hands. A few final words were done by Doug Yount and this was a beautiful image.

Celebration at Casa de Lu: Many of you have attend a party at Casa de Lu, in the past  and I knew this is what Daryl would have wanted. Family and friends eating, drinking, laughing, crying and truly celebrating his life!  I quickly changed to a comfortable dress and flip-flops, and a spontaneously a receiving line formed as everyone entered our home. I was so thankful to hug and speak to each of you, if I missed anyone, that means you have to come back again! My good friends kept my wine glass filled and made sure I ate. The catering was from Brazen BBQ, where we had gone for many  meals. They went above and beyond to make sure everyone was well feed!  There was good food, good drinks and good friends.  Daryl was smiling down on the everyone reconnecting and celebrating! Below are the PSK brothers

There are so many of you to thank for  your help and support in our Battle with “Mr C” over the past year.  Many of you have visited, called, texted, e-mail and offered words of support and prayers. Recently, many of you sent photos to Kara Chine who graciously offered to put this beautiful video tribute together.    ( http://www.youtube/Daryl’smemorial) Thank you Kara!   I would like to especially thank Dan, Chris and Jeff who have been there at a moments notice for anything we needed. They were for Daryl when I need a break or he need a break from me!

As I reflect back on the blog, we were only beginning this Battle a year ago. I am not sure if I will be posting again, but time will tell. I can always be reached by my e-mail charlita@cox.net. I can forward my cell phone via e-mail.  Please keep in touch.

Finally (and this is okay F word again)  this was Daryl’s favorite quote:

“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith”              (2 Timothy 4:7)

Below is a picture of Daryl and I after we had our marriage blessed with Sacrament of Marriage at St Vincent’s. We then took a ferry ride Coronado and celebrated with friends at Pehoes This was  the same day as our original wedding( 9/2/02) only 4 years later. (9/2/06).

With all of our Love – Daryl and Charlotte Lu

 

 

 

As most of you know lost his battle on Sunday morning. He was a soldier in a war of cancer. “Mr C” thru everything at Daryl, and I don’t think most people would have survived as long as he did. Most time it  seemed we took on step forward and cancer took two steps back, but we kept taking those steps.

To be transparent, as I have been on the blog. After my last post, they transferred him to the ICU because he required a lot more suctioning to cleat his airway.  They let me know around 3:00mam on Friday morning. The nurse called me around 7:00 am to say Daryl wanted me to come in.  As I was driving in I saw a car before me and recognize it was Dr. Mansfield. Hum I thought, he told us he was pack with appointments and had a colleague to follow-up.   When I got to Daryl’s bedside he was alert but having some trouble breathing. Sure enough 5 minute later Dr. Mansfield appeared in the doorway!  He performed an bronchoscopy ( a tube that  looks  down your windpipe to see what happening). I was able to be in the room and observed , Daryl a lot of old blood that was blocking his airway. it was amazing he was ab le to breath at all!  Dr. Mansfield cleared as much as he could and put in a new very long tube to secure his airway. Daryl instantly was breathing better!

Later in the day, when Daryl was sitting up in the chair trying to figure out which baseball game was on the limited cable at the hospital, we had a visit from our oncologist Dr Kossman. We have always liked Dr. Kossman for being real, sense of humor and I do not know of any other oncologist that wears cowboy boots. He sat across from Daryl and I sat in a seat which , ironically was a nice cushion cover for the toilet. At one point I reach to do something for Daryl  and flushed the toilets with my cell phone in my  pocket. Who says there is no humor!  Dr Kossman laid  out our options of  1- IV drug once a week really bad side effects, pill form at home, still side effects both of these drugs would not cure Daryl as the cancer was so invasive and 3- Hospice . We are today just happy he could breathe on his own!Now I know Hospice may sound bad, but it would give Daryl the best options for pain control. Dr. Kossman said  take your time and think about

Saturday:  Daryl was pretty tired most of the day but still got up to the chair, we briefly spoke about the options and decided  we would make the decision on Sunday.

Sunday: I was call around five am that Daryl was being “coded” aka,  stopped breathing and no pulse he was being fully resuscitate. I said ” Keep him alive I am on my way”  Thank goodness the streets  were quite, I ran ever red light to make it  to his bedside.  I arrived and Daryl had a pulse and was breathing.

We had discussed  his wishes and the decisions were what he would not want  to be put on  breathing machine. He wanted to be kept comfortable. They removed all the equipment, gave him some pain meds and I was able to sit with him. He went  in 15-20 minutes  with me at his side. I will be forever grateful that   I was able to  be there. The hardest part was to say goodbye and leave. I wanted to stay forever but that not realistic. I spent my time, told him how much I loved him, how everyone loved him  and gave him many  kisses.

He passed away at 5:45 on Sunday August 12, 2018. He is free of pain , in heaven and I know talking p a storm and meeting all of our loved ones and a few baseball legends.  The picture above was taken at the Ahwahnee, in Yosemite were went to see the Bracebridge dinner in December. The gentlemen in the background sitting in the chair, we had met him and his wife early in the day. They need some directions for the buses in Yosemite. We chatted and helped them get to where they needed to go.  He was Bob Hopes son, and asked us all about the memorial in San Diego for his Dad.  Daryl had a gift to meet people and share his love of life.

REMEMBERING Daryl Edward Lu May 30, 1962 – August 12, 2018 Visit the full obituary for Daryl Edward Lu to view service dates and times, leave a condolence message or share a memory. View Obituary

 

 

This week has been a hectic one for Daryl. We have lab work on  Monday prior to his treatment on Tuesday. We anticipate a call late Monday for some potential lab work out of whack. No call Monday night, sweet . . .  thought!

Tuesday  9:30 Infusion Center. The early appointments are a challenge for the Lu house, generally it takes about an hour to get Daryl ready to leave.  Needless to say, the Lu’s were on time with backpack in hand and ready. Daryl has been feeling weak so we aired on the side of a wheelchair on our arrival to the Infusion Center.  We were first  greeted by Lisa, the Nurse Practitioner,  who  let us know his Calcium was very high (15.2)  and his hemoglobin was low (7.2) The decision was made to go thru with the immunotherapy treatment. Whew what a relief! He will also receive a  liter a fluid to help with hydration. During his treatment Daryl, needed to use the restroom, so as we did the short walk to the ” all gender” bathroom. Steps before reaching the door he began to shake, (high calcium level a can cause a type of stiffing (clonic) movement of his limbs) and he fell right down. Everyone was very concerned and helpful. He recovered and was able to  finished this treatment.

Wednesday: Round 2 at the Infusion Center for a 2 units of blood. Daryl had an entire repeat performance  the way to the bathroom. Luckily we now moved his treatment chair to right by the bathroom.

Early ( 1:00am) Thursday morning: I was not feeling comfortable with the way Daryl was looking and feeling. He needed more suctioning than normal and the color of the secretions were becoming more bright red, his blood pressure was high and his writing was more scribble. . . . time to visit our friends at Sharp ER! Daryl was a trooper to negotiate the night light stairs from our house to the car. Thankfully on our arrival there was only one person in the waiting room. Yes only one! We  were quickly escorted back to a room. Daryl was given blood tests, fluids, CT scan and x-ray. His calcium was  now was 16. . . congratulation you win an admission to the hospital! We were transferred to the 7th floor with awesome nurses. A few of the nurses Courtney and Kayla remembered Daryl from last year. Courtney was a Dodger fan and remembered Daryl in his Dodger gear watching the World Series.  They treated him like family. I reeducate them on his  lary tube. CLu was going home for a nap after 28 hours of no sleep.

Once I wake up I will update the blog! Sweet dreams

We have been blessed to have so many friends and family stop by while in San Diego to visit Daryl! For some reason the conversation all involved baseball . . . .

7/27 – Yount’s. Doug is a fraternity brother, who lives in Monterey. Brett is Daryl’s god son and Doug was  in our wedding. They stopped by to talk about old times when they lived in San Diego, their new adventures and the Padres. Well at least two subjects were up lifting.

7/29 – Ostoich clan. (Brent, Teresa, Connor and Madeleine) Teresa and I went o nursing school together and she was in our wedding, too.  They have been coming  to CA  on/off for the last 15 years and we try to coordinate a get together.  It is always great to see them and Teresa and I pick up where we left off, with lots of laughs! Brent is trying to convert Daryl to a Cubs fan, or at least have him not where the LA beanie. At least one of the Lu’s is a Cubs fan.  We  introduced them to  El Indio and next year, the plan is to introduce the “boys’ to Tommy’s and I think the “girls” will be dining on something different.  Vern Lu was the cat/dog ambassador. I know he is missing all the attention!

7/31 – Return of John Smale and with a special guest appearance of Jeff Chine.  J Snale was representing the SF Giants gear, which involved a trifecta bantering of dodgers, Padres and Giants.  Needless to say there were many PSK stories revisited. I will not expand on the stories or make any comments  to protect the innocent. Please feel free to get the recap from John or Jeff.

 

All of the visit  and the stories  bring  out that classic Daryl Lu smile  or other very expressive facial gestures. It gives us a break from our day-to-day battle with Mr C to have a few laughs!

We did see Dr  Kossman on Monday. He did confirm that things will get better before they get worse and gave us some examples of previous patients, He will do another scan sometime around treatment 7. He did increase Daryl’s Fentayl patch to help with he pain. The goal is to keep his base line pain controls with the patch and give the oxy for break thru. We felt very good about the visit!

We are still managing the pain,  g/j tube drainage and tumors.  Daryl has good and bad days and we never know till that day/hour. We appreciate your patience when we have to reschedule some of your visits. (Above picture) Daryl felt good enough to go sit outside for a little while with  nurse Vern Lu.

I am taking on many new tasks,  previously  were Daryl’s wheel house of responsiblity. one o the fish tank. For those of you who have not been to Casa de Lu, we have a large fresh water fish  tank. Daryl usually does maintenance in between  when Khoung come to service the tank.  Well, they water level was dropping in the tank and it needed some new water. In order to refill there is a process of adding ‘fish chemical” to “x” gallons of water, then  getting up on a chair and pouring the large bucket  of water into the tank. As a result of, being old and my eyes going, I frequently have my glasses on my head. Below  is what  happens when you wear your glass on your head a try to fill the fish tank . . . . . . new fish attraction. The glasses were retrieved by kitchen tongs and are back in their rightful place- on my head! . . . . .no fish or corral were harmed

Thank you for all your love and prayers! Daryl and Charlotte

 

This week Daryl  has had some increased pain, swelling in his neck  and difficulty swallowing.  We are thankful to be on a Fentayl patch,  which as really helped to maintain a baseline of  pain management.  His frequency of “breakthrough” pain meds is actually decreased.  His visible neck tumors have been challenging my nursing skills.  To help put the neck tumor dressing  in perspective. . . . Imagine or I you have tried, to wrap anything round with wrapping paper. This may require several different strips of paper, lots of tape and then when you think your done, you realize you can still see the ball!  This is my  daily challenge with frequently changing his neck wounds. Also at any given time, one  of them  decides to bleed non-stop. I have become proficient in silver nitrate sticks. ( a new skill!)   Needless to say the sight of blood is a norm for us. Daryl is always patient as I try to navigate all the dressing changes!

Daryl has appropriately names the blog  “Voyage and Battle with Mr. C”  As we begin another battle with the next treatment on Tuesday  #5. We are  focusing our thoughts and prayers on our friend Mr O (Optivo). We are waiting for  Mr O to knockout Mr. C, at least for one round!

We are blessed to have representative from the Lincoln “Ham Fan club” stop by to see Daryl. Aunt Nancy , Uncle Joe and Bailee, stopped by from Illinois. They have been on a road trip from Illinois to California and San Diego was one of their stops, specifically to see Daryl.  It was great to have them as first time visitors to Casa de Lu. We hope to see them back for Christmas this year in Illinois! It always boost our spirits to see love of family and friends.

Thank you for all the prayers! Keep them coming! We thank and love each of you!

Love Daryl and Charlotte

Happy Fourth of July from the Lu’s! We were remembering last year when we able to experience a Illinois 4th of July. We were fortunate to spend a few days prior with the Lincoln Fan club for a lunch, with Daryl’s favorite, fried chicken. Then we were off to  explore the Abraham Lincoln museum with our personal tour guide Uncle Marvin and Aunt Sandy. The a nice dinner with Aaron and Mindy with a famous horseshoe sandwich. Then before we left Stuart brought out the smoker for ribs!

This year we changed things up. On Saturday we were able to have some fraternity brothers  Tony, Chris and Jeff to share some stories, watch some baseball and have a few snacks. On Monday, Marc  flew in and he and Tony came over to spend a few hours.

Monday we also went for a visit to the NP (nurse Practitioner ) Lisa, who works with Dr. Kossman. We express some concerns with Daryl’s pain and challenges with swallowing pills. She  changes is pain meds to liquids and ordered a Fentayl patch to help. Also  is referring to a Pain specialists to help manage his pain. Late Monday afternoon Lisa, called to inform us that Daryl’s calcium was at a critical level and he should go to the ER.  I pushed back, due to the fact that his immunotherapy was tomorrow and the likely hood of being admitted was very high. If he is admitted, he does not receive his immunotherapy,  as it is only outpatient. I am sure she was not expecting my  pushback and responses to prioritizing. Also, he would have to go thru the ER, because  hisdoctors cannot direct admit, which makes more fun! I expressed the understanding of the critical level, but share the experience e of the navigation of the ER.   She did assure me the ER would have visibility to his recent lab work.  Decision made- go to the ER.

We are very blessed that Marc and Tony were there to help me get Daryl down the many steps to the car. The biggest challenge can be the stairs, for hose of you that have visited Casa de Lu.

I do have to say this was the smoothest admit thru the ER. I guess the magic word this time was “Calcium level is 14.2.”  He did get admitted and was in his room with ready to be tucked into bed by 11:15pm. This has been the earliest ever! Usually we are doing this at  2:00-3:00 am. They were able to lower his Calcium, but  he still was having issues with pain.  Long story of being in the hospital  and pain management processes.  His day nurse Carmen, was incredible! The first thing Daryl wrote, when I walked in Tuesday morning was “My nurse Carmen is really good”  She was on everything and was able to get his pain under control, dressing dry and very comfortable. She even move us to a better room with a view!  We also had a visit from a very nice women from Spiritual care. She read a verse that was spot on for what we need to hear. Daryl also go a visit from Sister and communion, which always helps to give him strength.

Thankfully, we were able to come home yesterday on the Fourth of July. We did not watch any fireworks, but relaxed and got back to the routine at Casa de Lu hospital.  Now I have a To Do list of follow-ups, but I know he feels much better at home.

Thank you for all the visits, calls, text and e-mails from everyone. They truly help to lift us up and keep us soldiering forward in the Battle with Mr. C.    With Gods Will hopefully the only battle next year will be where to watch the fireworks!

Love- Daryl and Charlotte

 

 

Daryl completed treatment #3  last week.  He  is staring to feel some of the side effects from the Immunotherapy (Optdivo).  Mostly extreme fatigue and dizziness. These have resulted in a few moments of “man down”.  He will feel okay as he gets up, and then can quickly can go right back down. As a result, we have instituted a new rule at Casa de Lu.  Daryl cannot get up without supervision or aid of a crutch.  Vern Lu is keeping ever vigilant, especially on the night shift!

I had  a brief overnight travel this past week. Due to the recent side effects it was not safe to leave Daryl alone, even for one night.   Marsha a  good friend, and previous ICU nurse,  graciously came again to be with Daryl. She has kept the routine going and made sure he was  well taken care of! She also sends me updates of pictures and texts, which is very comforting.  Marsha has been a true angel to help us out!

Daryl had a nice surprise gift from the Dodgers! A jersey signed by all the current Dodgers  and a hand written note from Rick Honeycutt. Thank you to Doug Lu for arranging this great surprise. It brought that big smile to his face! ( see above)

They have told us things will get worse before they get better. Daryl has been having more trouble swallowing and a lot more pain.  We know this is all part of Gods plan and know that all your prayers and thoughts are giving us strength!

Love Daryl and Charlotte

 

 

This letter can have several different meanings depending on the letters and vowels you add. We have chosen a few favorites. . . . . that are suitable for writing

Friends: We are blessed to have a great circle of friends . Recently the Ringhofers (Dan and Julia, also former Midwesterners, came by for a visit . Unbeknownst  to me, they had more than a regular visit planned.  They surprised  me with and  impromptu facial/spa appointment.  I know Daryl had a hand in this because he had  Julia take me to ensure that I would go! I did not realize the impact of literally having an hour to myself. A big part of my relaxing, was the comfort of knowing Daryl was in good hands with Dan.  I felt like I had a weeks vacation! The  smile on Daryl’s face, when I returned was priceless. Thank you Dan and Julia for this wonderful gift!

Family: We have been very blessed by all the family who have been so  supportive. Some are just finding out about of Daryls battle with Mr. C.  We recently had Daryl cousin Barbara and her husband Eddie visit from LA. They were able to share stories of the family and their visit to China to the village where Grandma Lu ( my apology for not knowing the correct of the Chinese word for grandma) They also mention a picture of Eddie Lu, Daryl father! Having them spend the time with their wonderful energy and happiness was a true blessing. Thank you for also sharing with the rest of the family.

Fathers: We were blessed to have the Lu family come down on Saturday to celebrate Fathers Day. (picture above)It was a great day and I know Eddie and Connie were happy to have all the sons at our house. I also want to thank my father who has been so supportive and doing so many things back in Illinois to support Daryl with prayers and keeping friends and family informed.

tomorrow we will go to the 3rd Immunotherapy treatment. Daryl has had a lot of swelling and increased pain. They have told us, from the start, that things will get worse before they get better and it will be at least 3 months. We are done with month one and embarking on month two.

Family and friends are the ones that help us thru every day. We have some good days and bad days. On those challenging days, the gift on the Holy spirits seems to always deliver something to us to give a strength, a laugh or even a smile. The those are the gifts from each and every one of you!

Thank you for all the  continues prayers and good thoughts!

Love Daryl and Charlotte

 

It has been awhile since I have updated the blog but many things have been happening. I attempted to summarize the most recent events:

1. According to Dr. Kossman and Dr. Mansfield, Daryl “flunked” the chemo. Which means it did work, some but was not to a great extent. Therfore, he NOW qualifies for Immunotherapy! This is what they wanted to start initially, but insurance will not cover to you have failed other treatments. The immunotherapy drug Daryl will be on is Optdivo. It has very good results in breast cancer and head an neck cancers. It does not have the side effects of chemo or take as long to infuse. He will go every two weeks for about an hour and a half.
2. The g-tube saga continues! On 5/27, Daryl g-tube began leaking blood around the site. After several dressing changes, we decided to go to the hospital. They did admit Daryl, and gave him a couple of units of blood. They did replace his g-tube on Friday, but we still had leakage. Next up Monday . . . .
3. We suggested a few options, bigger tube ( they do not have a bigger size), place a new g-tube site or have just a j-tube. We discuss all these options with our hospitalist, Dr. Lai and the IR department. The consensus was a new g-tube site. Daryl was very surprised to have Jason Knott stop by on Monday for a visit. Jason was in town and an appointment finished early, so he drove down from Oceanside to see Daryl and then was driving back to Orange County for his next appointment.( that is crazy for SoCal traffic) A true friend to make the effort and the look on Daryls face was priceless!!
4. Monday. . . .Yes another twist on the  road to 56. Daryl can only have his Immunotherapy via outpatient. As a result, he need to be discharged from the hospital Monday to be able to have the Immunotherapy on Tuesday. Several discussions about the g-tube, and plans put in place  for a readmit on Tuesday after treatment. The main priority is to have the Immunotherapy!
5. Tuesday – Immunotherapy done in 1.5 hours! Had the dietician and the NP stop by. Now the trick to get Daryl readmitted for the g-tube. I could write  book on this fiasco, but  it would require a chess board with all the options and Bobby Fisher.  I will sum it up to say the only way to be readmitted was thru the ER and they potential would not admit for a g-tube.
6. Since we are on the number six, Daryl’s Uncle Ted and Aunt Lyn were able to come visit us from Virginia. We had a lovely visit and they saw many sites of San Diego! Uncle Ted had a health concern, so they stayed a few days at the Casa de Lu “mini’ hospital. We were thankful that they made a safe trip back to Virginia

May 30th was Daryl’s 56th birthday or as he likes to say the 57th year of life! We celebrated with family and had a Menchies ice cream cake! Daryl has been able to eat a little more, which I can only imagine the pleasure of eating food! He also receive a special Dodger gift, courtesy of the Dan Lawton magic!  The picture at the top was taken one year ago in Yosemite. Our lives have dramatically changed, but we have faith that God has a plan and we can return to Yosemite next year to celebrate!

We are blessed to have so many friends and family supporting us! We love all of you and thank you for all the prayers, blessings and support!  Love Daryl and Charlotte

 

 

Even thought Daryl is a Star Trek fan, I could not resist the Star Wars pun.  Today Daryl completed the 4th round of Chemo. We have it down to a science of organized packing for Chemo Day (see the picture above). Backpack  #1 (DLU) – electronics, earphones, whiteboard, diabetic supplies, dressings, tube feeding,  Back pack # 2 – feeding pump Backpack #3 (CLU) work computer and work to do. Lastly, small lunch cooler for snacks of Italian Ice, puddings, jello and this week homemade lemonocello cookies!  Since Daryl is a regular he gets to pick his chair.  The front row, which is prime seating, view of outside fountain,  quiet end close to the bathroom and  extra room for all our “stuff”

The ongoing tube leaking saga continues! He has good and bad days with sometime no rhythm or reason for leaking. We have researched website, tries different creams, ointments etc. Just when it start to look better. . .  .BAM leaking again. This is horrible pain for Daryl. Imagine having raw skin and then pouring acidic fluid on it. I don’t know how he does it.  Today, while at chemo we did have the dietician come who is known for her “magic” with feeding tubes. She gave use a great tip to put tape around the end of the tube close to the disc, so the tube will not slide. This will help to keep in more secure to the skin. . .genius! Who knew a small wrapping of tape could help! Fingers crossed! There were concerns with the amount of leakage and the color, so they request an order  for  IR (Interventional Radiology) to have it looked at.  Guess where we are going Monday morning . . . back to IR for a potentially new g-j tube! They really made things happen!

Daryl had a MRI  of his neck on Saturday, for an update on the status of his tumors. This was painful for Daryl because it is hard to lie flat, but he made it thru like a trooper with some choice words for some of the technicians. We are waiting for Dr. Kossman and Dr. Mansfield to review.

The first grade class at Blessed Sacrament School (my grade school alma mater) all made cards for Daryl. This was my Dad’s idea and our great niece Addison is in the class. The cards brought great smiles to our face’s and were very touching. They all said “Mr. Lu” and had lots of rainbows, prays and some really fascinating art work! It made our day! See the picture below of Daryl with the cards.

Thank you for everyone’s continued prayers, love and support!

Love Daryl and Charlotte