The funeral will not be broadcast over the internet. Grant Funeral Home has apologized for the
inconvenience.

Phil is walking and talking again!!!! He's with Jesus and his Mom and Dad, both of whom he's been missing for a long time. He left us at 11:50 this morning. Before he left, he opened his eyes
sooo wide as though he was seeing something wonderful. I only wish I could have seen what he was seeing.

Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 PM Friday evening at Grant's Funeral Home in Estill Springs. It's located on Hwy 41-A between Winchester and Estill Springs (just outside of Estill Springs). The
funeral will be Saturday morning at 10:00 AM at the funeral home with burial in Willow Brook Cemetery in Shelbyville. I will post details about the service on the internet when I receive them.

Donations may be given to The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation
2410 Patterson St
Suite 110
Nashville, TN 37203

or to any other cancer foundation.

This isn't the end of Phil's Page, he's starting a brand new book today. And he has instructions from me to make sure God has cats in heaven.

The Lord is MY Shepard
I SHALL NOT want.

Thank you Lord, for this wonderful man of yours who has touched so many lives and blessed so many people. Take good care of him for us because we really love him a lot.

We've had a quiet night, Phil hasn't awakened again since we first got home. Respirations are fairly regular and unlabored. So good to be home.

Phillip, Micah and Missy (his girlfriend) and Christy are all here. Blessings.

WE ARE HOME!!!!!! After posting the last blog message I said to my friend Cindy, " I just wish we could go home". And she told me to just do it and that's what I did. I'd been so afraid we wouldn't be able to make it home, but hanging around the hospital so long made it worth the gamble. I called Dr. Gammada myself on his personal cell phone (a number Phil has) and then apologized to our nurse, because I get really furious when MY patients call the doctor themselves. Then I told her we were leaving right away, not waiting for any details to be taken care of. Christy took care of getting an ambulance quickly because I was threatening to load Phil in the back of Christy's SUV. We got home quickly and safely and Phil came to life and kissed me about 20 times, hugged the boys,
and insisted on getting up, so we put him in his wheel chair for awhile. It's so great to be home!
Our Hospice nurse has just been here, so we're safely set up with them again. Phil is in a hospital bed and is peacefully sleeping at this time. Whew! What a day.

The picture above was taken in Dickson Sunday. We thought we were on the road to several good months. What a difference a day can make.

I had a moment of sanity and came out to the nurse's station to post an update. It's great to be here in the hospital (though I'd so much rather not be in the hospital), but because I've worked here so long, EVERYONE is a friend and they've been so great. And I'm at home here, and take advantage of using whatever I need.

Phil is hanging on. Christy and I just bathed him and when I came out, Phillip was holding him up in a sitting position because that's how he'd like to be (with his legs folded up under him as always). He opens his eyes occasionally and recognizes us, but can't keep them open long. He's very comfortable, smiles as soon as he opens his eyes.

I don't know what else to say. My heart is broken. For those of you who live away, I wanted to tell you that the funeral will be on the internet. I don't know how that works, but we'll send details later after we get details from the funeral home.

We had such a wonderful weekend, I was anxious to write about it Sunday night, but never got to the computer. We went to Dickson Saturday, had lunch with Dad and Joyce, then spent the night at Montgomery Bell State Park. It was cold, but we enjoyed being there so much. The inn is right on the lake, coming in there were wild turkeys across the road, and we watched ducks fly over and land on the lake later. Phil was so happy. He just kept saying, "This is so beautiful, I'm so glad we came here". The inn has a great restaurant, and Phil suggested we eat, then take a nap, then eat, then take a nap...... Our room was so quiet and peaceful with a great view of the lake, it was just perfect. Sunday morning we went to the Dickson CP Church with Dad and Joyce and my sister-in-lay Vicki. Enjoyed being there again. Then we all had a great lunch and we drove home. Phil never complained of feeling badly until we were home, he ate well and was so happy. I'm so thankful we had that time.

The doctor thinks the tumor has grown into the respiratory area of his brain, we started with pneumonia but just kept going downhill. Our beloved Dr. Gammada is with us again now that we're back at our "home" hospital. He loves Phil also.

I know lots of prayers are going out for us. I've always told Phil he has more friends than anyone I know. More later, Phil's Page is close to the end, but not quite finished yet. My love to you......

Pa is slipping away very peacefully.............Christy

Pa is not good. He's gone downhill very quickly. He's not waking up. Micah is here and we are calling the rest of the family............Christy

If only the good days could last,,,,Pa is in room 320 at STMC. He has pneumonia. He was admitted yesterday (Sunday) after having a morning of shortness of breath. His breathing is
much worst tonight even after all the antibiotic's he has received. He has been uncomfortable all day and is very sick. Mom is in the bed with him trying to keep him comfortable. Hopefully in the morning his breathing will be easier. Christy

I try to print an update twice a week to keep everyone informed, though the news this week hasn't changed. Phil continues to do well. Though he's still in a wheelchair, he spends more time in his recliner, and is very content. He is thinking more, looking ahead to tomorrow and what the plans are for the day. We get out and go somewhere every day, today it was lunch out and a trip to K-Mart, then to Goshen church for supper. His speech continues to improve, though it still takes a litle imagination at times to get to his meaning. For the first time tonight he showed some frustration at not being able to get out of bed himself in the mornings. That's the first frustration he's shown over any of the changes in his life. And in a few days, we may find a solution to that little problem as he can mostly dress himself and he's transferring to the wheelchair without help (when I'm not looking). When he gets just a little stronger, he will be able to get himself out of bed without my assistance. All is going well and we're thankful!

We have had a good week. Each day Phil seems to have gained a little, is stronger and speaking better. He's now transferring himself from the wheelchair to the chair without help. Makes me nervous, but wants to do as much as he can himself and I understand that.

We continue to add to our "home" in the garage. Phil is so proud of it, you just never know what will make a man happy. We now have a better TV and more seating space out there, so there's room for the whole family when the boys come.

Yesterday we went to Bell Buckle and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and weather. We had lunch from the Bell Buckle Cafe and ate out in the sun; it was just perfect.

Today was church with our friends at Estill Springs Nazarene, it was good to be there again.

We're thanking God for each day. Phil sits up at 5:30 AM and says "It's a beautiful day". And yes, it is.

Mom is sick today. N,V,&D. I've got the duty of keeping up with Mr. Energizing Pa. I don't know how Mom does it every single day. He is a HANDFUL ! He is organizing his new home, "The Garage" right now. I believe he "reorganizes" it every day !!! It keeps him busy and he's the happiest I've EVER seen him in all my life !!! He is so content in his new home. He loves showing off his tv and other things he's got out there, so if anyone would want to stop by, he'd love to give you the tour !! I'm amazed at his spirit, He is always smiling and soooo loving. He knows his time is not long, but that hasn't changed the way he wakes up each morning. I just pray Mom continues to keep the strength to keep up with him !!
Thank you to all for your love and support,
Christy

We're having a great weekend. Phillip flew in from DC for two days and we're thrilled to have him here. We only wish Micah could be here too, but he and Phillip have opposite days off.

Phil is talking fairly well now, he got up this morning ready to get out and go somewhere. Phillip took him out on the town (not too exciting if you know where we live), but Phil enjoyed the trip.

They were watching football on TV, but as you see in the picture, both ae napping as I write. A great Saturday afternoon!

Phil wants to see people. Please call him on his phone, or come by some afternoon. Just call first to be sure we're home. Our home number is 931-649-3027. We're thankful for good days!

Here is Phil in his new garage home! Yesterday we added a heater, and may have to get a 2nd one, depending on how cold the weather gets.

Micah and his girlfriend Missy have been here for a couple of days. It was great to have Micah take care of his Dad part of the day so I could get out. Phil continues to be happy, and never shows any frustration at his limitations. He's again taken over asking the blessing at our meals. The gist of it is "thank you, thank you, thank you. And we do have much, much to be thankful for.

This has been an interesting weekend. During the past week Phil has "remembered" that he smokes. And that he really likes to smoke. And often. So....I was limiting the smoking because we had to go outside and it was difficult sometimes. Friday morning he woke up at 4:00 AM declaring that he needed to get out to his office, he had some work to do. His office is his garage. And those of you have been here know how clean and neat he always kept that place. I'd been trying to get it cleaned out enough to get the car in when cold weather arrives, but still had a long way to go. But Friday morning he moved out there and he wouldn't come back in. When I tried to push his chair up the ramp, he'd grab the hand rail with that strong left hand, and there was no moving him. So, we have now moved into the garage.

Our Stephen spent the day with me yesterday cleaning and sorting through boxes and "stuff", some of it quite interesting. And Phil was talking well enough yesterday to help us determine what some of it was. Then I hosed the garage out, put down a rug, moved in a chair and lamps and Stephen extended a TV cable out through the door, and Phil said it was the happiest day in his whole life. If I'd only known, I'd have done it long ago.

It's really worked out quite well, there's more open room for Phil to wheel around and he smokes and rearranges things and is quite happy! I've not mentioned before that after his surgery he was OCD (obsessive compulsive). Everything has to be picked up, straight, in it's place, and rearranged over and over again. So the garage keeps him busy. Our computer is near the garage door, so I can hear him, and I also have a monitor out there so I can hear him if I'm in the house. Since his wheelchair is NEVER still, the subtle screech of his wheels lets me know he's moving and OK.

We went to church today! Went to Goshen where friends have family have lovingly cared for us since this ordeal began. Phil and I both enjoyed being in church again, and plan to keep going as we can.

I'm turning Phil's phone on and he'll have it near if any of "his boys" want to call. The voice mail is full and I don't know the code, so don't leave a message, if you don't get him, try again. He won't be very understandable, but "my boys" and "I love you" will be easy to understand. He's missing you guys.

Yesterday was a fantastic day. Phil's speech was so much better, we were able to actually have some conversation time, which is what I've longed for. We spent a lot of time outside, and it was just a super day.Today is back as before, speech and comprehension not as good. But I'm happy for one day, and perhaps there will be others. He did sings two lines of "Happy Birthday" on the telephone to Phillip. That was a pleasant surprise for Phillip and me.

We now have a ramp on the front porch, and tomorrow we'll have our coffee out there even if it is 40 degrees! Out contractor, Cliff, was here to finish up some work in the living room and dining room where we've removed walls to make everything open; Phil and I had planned to have ceiling fans put on the porch, but I told Cliff to forget the fans and just build us a ramp. And he did.

Phil now travels about 20 miles an hour in his wheelchair using one arm and one leg. He's happiest in the garage where he can smoke and move without running into furniture (though I rearranged furniture again today to make more room for him). I catch him sitting at the garage door - at the top of the ramp - and those who have known him a long time probably agree that one day he's going to take the plunge down that big ramp by himself and crash at the bottom. I've threatened him with a sure trip to the hospital again if he does that, but I'm thinking of a way to make that door 'Phil-proof'.

Phil's friend Walt was here today, and I got a nap! Thanks, Walt.

A special note to Brad and Nickie - Phil carried your phone numbers with him until he went to bed, they're laying on his bedside table where put them when he laid down.

Phil has continued to be more alert and talkative each day (though most of what he says is garbled words). He's moving around in his wheel chair constantly, opening drawers, getting into the refrigerator, spilling things in the pantry...... Stronger and inquisitive, and also much brighter. You who saw him a couple of weeks ago when we thought we were losing him will be quite surprised to see him now. I feel the radiation caused severe problems for him, and he's recovering from that. He's eating well, eats everything I put on his plate plus dessert, and his pain medication is keeping him pain free this week.

Brother Roy visited today and took Phil out on the deck. I was able to get outside and get some work done which was a great break for me. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? I'm thankful for a good day today.

Phil has improved a little each day this week, and we are so thrilled! The boys were able to get him out on the porch in his wheelchair, so we got to sit outside quite a bit, which was really nice. He's talking more, but still doesn't comprehend very well. We just love him and try to keep him happy.

Phillip, Melissa, and Ella are on their way to DC to look for a place to live. Pray with us that they will find a place quickly and get settled in. Melissa needs to be making her nest! Little Josie is due the 1st of December, and may be here sooner if she comes early as Ella did. It's a relief to have them back in the states.

The food sent this week was great, thanks to everyone.

We're certainly having a better week than last week. We've decided the radiation treatments caused swelling in Phil's brain which caused him to be much weaker and less responsive. This week has been better, he's even saying a few words. He's enjoying the boys and can even cut up with them a little occasionally. Those moments are a treasure. We have enough food in the refrigerator to last the week, maybe longer, so no more food is needed for awhile. It's really been appreciated and enjoyed. We're just taking one day at a time.

Here are "The Boys"! All three of them. Phil has been so happy to have them here today he doesn't want to sleep. We expect him to be really tired tomorrow. Blessings from friends continue to flow in and we thank you.

A good day today, Phillip and Micah are both here! Phil was happy to see them, and kept looking at Phillip as though he couldn't believe it was really him. Lots of blessings from friends and our children this weekend. Food brought in, a plumbing problem fixed, house cleaned and laundry done. The boys are here to help take care of their Dad, and my girls are taking care of me. We are so blessed. Dear Lord, please bless our children and friends.......

Phil has slept a lot today, a little weaker it seems. We now have Hospice coming. Phillip is in the air headed back to the US! It will be so good to have him home.

I'm posting a picture of happier days, Phil with his brother Roy, and cousins Miles and Linda. Roy gets credit for the glasses provided to cover one eye instead of wearing a patch. Phil wore the glasses for days (but we removed the extra parts). They WERE more comfortable than the patch he was wearing. Leave it to brother Roy!

A little weaker today, but has eaten fairly well and able to swallow all those pills! Only 2 more days until Phillip and Micah will both be here!

Yesterday was a better day. Phil was up some, ate a little at all three meals, and was able to take all of his medicine. He's still sleeping this morning, so I'll add an update later. Christy and her children spent the night with me last night, our son Stephen stayed the night before. I don't know what we would do without our wonderful children. Everytime Phil would ask the blessing at meals, he would ALWAYS pray, God bless our kids. Now that I'm doing the praying, I pray the same prayer he always did.

I would like to ask, if anyone is able and would like to do something during this time, that maybe evening meals could be prepared and taken to Mom. I know Micah will be coming, also Phillip, Melissa, and Ella will be around this weekend and Mom has got her hands full just trying to care for Phil. Last night at 8pm she said, "I don't think I ate lunch today." She'll need energy for these upcoming days, and skipping meals is too easy when your caring for another. Just give her a heads up before you arrive, or feel free to call me to set up a meal. 967-0790, or 307-9464. Thank you all for caring and remembering Mom and Phil and the family during this time. It's such a blessing to have friends.
Christy

What a difference a day can make. Yesterday we were doing well, even went out and got Phil's hair cut. Today when he hadn't awakened by noon, I started trying to get him up and found he was unable. A trip to ER per ambulance produced the verdict that the tumor is larger and putting more pressure on his brain. He wakes up occasionally and recognizes us, then goes back to sleep. He was able to give me his "evil eye" look when he woke up in the ER and realized where he was. He's now back in his own bed sleeping and snoring peacefully.



None of this has gone as we had planned. We were supposed to have surgery, then several good months with chemo and radiation. Then infection upset that plan, leaving Phil in a wheel chair unable to express his thoughts and feelings. We had hope that the chemo and radiation was going to bring some of those deficits back, but I feel as though the world stopped today.

When the time is appropriate, please send donations to:

The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation
2410 Patterson Street
Suite 110
Nashville, TN 37203

"The light from heaven is about to break upon us...

to give light to those who sit in darkness,

and to guide US to the path of peace.:

I've been trying to get a picture of Phil with one of his cats. This is his favorite, Simba. He doesn't have much patience with the cats jumping on him these days, so I was glad when he let Simba lay in his lap and Phil stroked him for a little while.

No new changes, just waiting for better days and counting down the days until Phillip gets here (6 more days).

Radiation treatment #2 down! We had to be in Murfreesboro at 8:30 this morning, quite a challenge, but we made it - and Dr. Lee was just walking up in his shorts and tee shirt and helped us get out of the car! I told him it wasn't his job to help us get out of the car, and he just laughed.
He's edging up there with Dr. Gammada with me; for those who haven't heard the story, Dr. Gammada cooked and brought Phil breakfast one morning while we were in Rehab. The eggs were from his own chickens. He brought enough for me too, and it was really good. But the love
in it was the best part. Phil just has that kind of effect on people, as one man said at his military retirement cook out, "He can be yelling at you for something you've done, and you just love him anyway."

The radiation tech was the only one there today after Dr. Lee left, so I got to "assist", which made me happy since I'm so curious about everything medical. She told me they had a man very similar to Phil at one time, couldn't walk and couldn't talk, and they saw him get gradually better every day. When his treatment were finished, he was walking and talking! She said they had all been talking about how Phil reminded them of this man, and she gave me new hope that the radiation will make a great difference. We'll keep praying and praying.

If you call and I don't answer the phone, don't be offended, I'm just very busy helping Phil with every move he makes, and that is my priority right now. We created this blog for that reason.
Also if you want to contact me personally, my e-mail address is chockley116@yahoo.com

One radiation treatment completed!

The past two days have been a bit discouraging, Phil's comprehension seems to have decreased, and headaches have increased. We went to Murfreesboro yesterday for the radiation treatment,
and he was unable to tolerate being strapped down with a tight mask over his face to hold his head from any movement. Today we will try again with medication to sedate him first. I'm not sure the limited benefits of the radiation are worth putting Phil through this; pray for us that we'll make decisions based on what is right for this man we love so much, rather than what we want for ourselves.

Yesterday we visited Dr. Lee in Murfreesboro to set up radiation plans. Dr. Lee is so nice, very soft spoken and seems to care. Radiation will start Thursday and we'll go through Saturday this week, then will be Mon - Fri. for 30 treatments. It will be hard going back and forth to Murfreesboro every day, and hour there and an hour back, but it's an easy drive on the interstate which will help.

Micah has changed his work schedule and is working LONG days so he can come home from Knoxville more and help out (as well as spend time with his Dad). Phil can't express himself in words, but still uses those left hand signals to be a "passenger" seat driver. It's great to have Micah drive so he gets the "help" instead of me.

Phil continues to be more alert and more mobile since the steroids were increased. Ever the dare devil, he made a jump from the recliner to his wheel chair last night that gave Micah and me quite a scare. He made it, but we really fussed at him, he and just smiled. Some things never change.....

We're rejoicing today! After only 2 days of taking the chemo, Phil is much better. His speech has improved, (still not great, but better), he's more alert, and moving better. He used his right hand this morning to turn the right wheel of his wheel chair about an inch. Sounds like little, but it's great strides for us. I asked him if he was ready to go shopping with me and he actually agreed he was ready. Of course that will change if I actually start getting ready to go, but we may try a little trip to Lowe's later which is one place he enjoys. My song today is - (and the words are probably not all right, but I sing it the way I want to):

Ah, Lord God, Thou has made the heavens and the earth by thy great power,
Ah, Lord God, Thou has made the heavens and the earth by thy mighty power.
Nothing is too difficult for Thee!
Nothing is too difficult for Thee!
Great and Mighty God, great in battle and mighty in peace,
Nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing,
Nothing is too difficult for Thee!

Now, if we could just sing it all together, what a noise that would make! Thank you for loving us.

Today has been a good day. Monday the radiation doctor increased Phil's steroids, and today has shown an improvement in his mood and speech. Still can't say much, but seems to comprehend better and speaking more. We've had a peaceful "almost" normal day which is truly a gift, and we're thankful. Haven't started radiation or chemo yet, but coming up soon. I'm thankful for each good day.

We've had a good weekend, lots of family visiting which is always nice. Melissa and Ella are home from Italy, Phillip will be transferred to Washington DC in October. As they are expecting another little girl, Melissa needed to travel now, so Phillip is left in Italy making all the moving arrangements. We're sorry for him, but happy to have Melissa and Ella here. Ella is a sweetheart, just watching her play is entertainment enough for us.

Micah has been here all weekend and Saturday Phil's brothers, Roy and Stephen visited along with their wives Sherry and Jada. Two cousins, Miles and Linda, were here also, and we had a great afternoon.

Today we start radiation. We'll be traveling to Murfreesboro 5 days a week for 6-8 weeks, as well as starting the chemo pills. We were told this is not a cure, but should shrink the tumor some. I'm praying for relief of headaches and speech! Even a few days of speaking would be wonderful. Phil still says a few simple phrases, the main one is "I love you", and he's told that to all of us over and over. Pray for our strength and endurance over the next few weeks.

We're home! Phil said it well when he laid down on our bed for the first time and said, "um, um,
um, um, um! So nice to be back. And we're about settled into a routine. Phil sleeps quite a bit and spends the rest of the time in his wheelchair. I finally convinced him to sit in his recliner for a little while tonight, but he didn't stay long, he wanted back in the wheel chair. We rolled out to get the mail and sat outside for a while until he was ready to come in. Communicating is very hard as he now gets "yes" and "no" confused. I have all the time in the world though, if I don't get it the first time, I will the second!

Tomorrow Phillip's wife Melissa and Ella are coming along with Micah and Phil's two brothers Roy and Stephen and their wives. We'll have a good time being together. Phillip will be returning to the states in October! We thank God that worked out.

We're going home tomorrow! I'm very excited and hope that Phil will perk up a little at home. We can continue working on balance and strength at home, and maybe he will walk, but for now we have a cool little burgandy wheel chair with a cup holder on the side. A great place for his coffee when we sit on the porch in the mornings. And the weather has cooperated wonderfully by cooling off. Phil has pretty severe headaches at times, so please call before visiting. It will be an adventure going home after being away so long!

Today was a routine day in rehab. Phil works hard, the right side of his body still doesn't realize fully that it's connected to his brain (or something like that). We're going home Friday, we've been away long enough, and we can continue to work at home. Oh, HOME sounds so good!

We got out over the weekend and went to the barbeque supper at Goshen Church Saturday night. Got to see many friends and had a delicious meal. Phil swooned a little over the warm peach cobbler. Thank you for your prayers. We have a long way to go.

We went home for a little while yesterday!!! We were strolling the hospital, Phil
in his wheelchair, and so bored, so our friend Kathy who is the director here
suggested we take a ride or even go home for awhile. I was first afraid Phil would dig his heels in and not want to leave, but then I decided to take the risk. We picked up our favorite meals from Rafaels and went home for dinner. Phil was so pleased with the changes, he had me roll him into each room so he could look at everything. Then we went to the table for our dinner, it had been so long since we'd done that. We've been gone from home a month now. After I set out all of Phil's food, he reached out his left hand, so I put a bread stick in it. He laid it on his plate and reached out again, so I gave him another bread stick, then he put his hand out again and I put the third (and last!) bread stick there thinking he's going to eat them all! When he put his hand out again I finally realized what he wanted. I put my hand in his and we bowed our heads and he asked the blessing. He couldn't say much but God knew and I knew what a memorable moment that was.

Oh, the comments I'm receiving mean so much! Thank you. Phil can't read or comprehend the messages, but I tell him who they are from and he understands who the message is from. I've been blessed by my coworkers today and also by
friends who I've been told were installing a water heater for me. Last week some
of the National Guard guys built a ramp in the garage, then some of them came one day and helped move some furniture. I've appreciated everything including all the thoughts and prayers. Today has been a typical rehab day, Phil wants to go home so badly but I've told him he has to be able to walk first so we can get out on the front porch to drink our coffee. He understands that! He talks to Phillip and Micah each day on the telephone. If you'd like to come by, visiting
is evenings during the week, Sat. afternoon, and Sundays. The visits will probably need to be very short, 10-15 minutes at this time.

Thank you Lord for the blessings of this day. Our hope is totally in you.

We're back in Winchester!!! We were so happy to leave Nashville and St. Thomas behind. We hope to never go there again. Everyone was very nice, but! Micah stayed with Phil last night so I could go home. I woke up to a flooded garage and dripping water heater. I guess God knew I needed some hard work after all the sitting I've been doing. Got the mess cleaned up and will look into getting a water heater - tomorrow. Enough for today. Phil is working with physical therapy, he can stand with assistance, unable to walk at this time. His right arm is again very weak and he "forgets" it's there. Speech has become very
discouraging for him now, please pray with me that as the swelling in his brain decreases, speech will improve. You all know how Phil loves to talk! I think getting that back will help tremendously. We have high hopes for improvement
in Rehab. All of the therapists already love Phil from our earlier stay, so they're really determined to help him get back where he was.

Thanks for the comments! What a blessing to hear from each one of you. Cards can be sent to Inpatient Rehab, Southern TN Medical Center, 185 Hospital Road, Winchester, TN 37398 or to our home address 386 Oak Hill Drive, Estill Springs, TN 37330.

Pa was sitting up in a chair when I visited today in the ICU.This is his youngest son, Micah, who has been by his bed since Fri nite. Phillip, his oldest son, will be transferring from Italy to Washington very soon to be closer with his dad. They moved him out of ICU this afternoon and to a regular Nero room. TOMORROW he will be transferred back to STMC Rehab in Winchester !!!!! My girls have been going nuts to see him. I took a close up picture of all the new staples in his head just to show them, they've been very anxious to recount them, he has even more this time. I turned the camera around to show Phil the shot so he could see his head, He said, yep, they done that. His speech is understandable to the family (most of the time) but others are going to have a really hard time understanding. I just hope everyone goes along and maybe he will not get to frustrated. We are just so happy to have him talking to us again ! Christy

Micah and I are sitting with Phil today. He continues to improve, and is sooo anxious to get home! As I'm writing, he's eating his lunch, he does very well with his left hand and always eats everything on his plate. So eating is not a problem. He's remaining in the neuro ICU today because of some blood pressure problems during the night, but he's been told he'll move out to a room tomorrow. Talking is such a problem, we got quite a laugh a little while ago when he referred to Micah as "Miracle". He seems to get the first letter right, but the words get really strange sometimes. How we long for the day when we can go home! We'll probably be going back to Inpatient Rehab in Winchester first.

Today has gone well for Phil and Mom. Phil is still in ICU being weaned off the steroids. Maybe he'll get to go out to the floor tomorrow or Monday. PT came in to work with him today, unfortunately he's lost everything he learned to do while at STMC rehab. He is unable to walk once again. His speech is still improving, but gets twisted and he now is getting very frustrated again. But that ok, just means he's more alert of whats going on. He also is ready to go home, not sure yet what will happen as far as that goes. Mom went home today to spend the day reorganizing and cleaning the house since the workers are just about finished. She'll sleep in her own bed tonight with her kitties and Minnie !!! Phil's brother, Roy, is staying with Phil today and tonight. Mom will go back in the morning. Today was good ! ! Christy

Today is a day to rejoice! Yesterday Phil became less and less responsive and another MRI was
done which showed extensive swelling in his brain. The surgeon was very kind and actually
compassionate which scared me as much as anything else because he's usually arrogant and blunt.
He wasn't sure if Phil had had a stroke, the tumor had spread "tenicles"farther back in his brain
or if we were just seeing effects of severe swelling. He started some high dose steroids and said
we would have to wait and see. Phil couldn't talk to us, and I felt we were losing him. We joined
hands around the bed and Phil reached up his hand too, and we prayed for his recovery. Micah
spent the night by his Dad's bed, and was able to see him gradually wake up and begin moving
again and talking. He actually sat up, and fed himself breakfast! I believe we've truly witnessed
a miracle. The surgeon told Phil that we would like to have a "boring" day today so to keep the
excitement down.

Thank you Lord. Our peace is in you even when the world seems to be crashing down around us.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

Pa had to be transferred back to St. Thomas Sunday afternoon. He's got an infection inside the incision. His white count is critically high. They took him back to surgery Mon evening and opened him up, they removed the bone and found the infection had traveled past and had gotten to his brain. The surgeon cleaned out what he could and did not replace the bone due to the extent of infection. Pa is still in ICU today, having high fevers and sleeping most of the time. Mom is staying at the Inn, there in the hospital. They are going to move him out to a regular room as soon as one comes available. Mom is not only devastated, but very worn down. They both just want to go home. christy

This is "Pa" in the Rehab unit at STMC with Mia,8, and Ava,3. He cannot see out of both eyes at the same time, so always has one eye closed or covered with a patch or some really funky glasses. The eye thing is due to the brain surgery he had to remove some of the tumor. The incision site is on the left side of his face, right about where Ava's chin is. You cannot see it in the picture. He still had all 17 staples in on this day and the girls where on his bed counting the staples before I got this shot. Christy

August 28, 2008

This has been a great day for Phil. In fact, the past three days have been great.

It seems that he has "turned a corner" as the saying goes and is now making

great improvement. It appeared as though he was going to be wheelchair bound,

but today came walking into our room using a walker! It was a memorable

moment.

Speech is improving every day. At first his words were usually confused and his

comprehension was very poor. He still scrambles words occasionally, but most

of his sentences now make sense!

His right hand was totally flacid following surgery, but he is beginning to use it

some and has no trouble moving and flexing it. The surprising part is that he

can use his left hand almost as well as his right, and feeds himself like a pro

with that left hand.

He eats well and is in very good spirits, sleeping much less, and enjoying visitors. We're praising the Lord for the improvements.

We're still in Rehab located on the east side of the Winchester Hospital and

will be here until Monday or Tuesday. Visitation is late afternoon Mon - Friday,

Sat afternoon and all day Sunday. He gets tired easily, so we prefer visits be

30-45 minutes.