I want to thank everyone who has written kind words for my dad to hear, and also for all the love and healing energy sent his way.  I read all of the "Shout @ John" posts to him today, and they brought him comfort and smiles.  Thank you!!

As I was reading the posts, tears began to well in my eyes.  I fought them down and continued, but reading the last words of the last post my voice shook and I couldn't hold it back any more.  You see...  I'm a "doer."  As long as I have a plan, something to do, some task that I need to accomplish, I don't seem to have to deal with the emotional part of things.  Of course, I get my private tearful moments now and then, but for the most part, I'm in action, making sure things get done.  Reading those posts out loud to him broke some sort of dam, and the waves containing the enormity of the situation washed over me.  It was a good thing...  A cleansing thing.

Now, for more news...  Dad is pretty much conviced that he wants to come to Phoenix with me, and spend his final days in comfort, and with loved ones.  I've started speaking with the doctors about transportation and hospice care, and the doctor here at Menlo Park (Sophia Kim), is going to try to work with Medicaid to get that accomplished.  Once in Phoenix, we can work on getting him registered at the VA there to make sure he's got as many health angles as possible covered.  I have asked him to have one more PET/CT, to see what the first round of chemo has accomplished, if anything, before making that choice, and he's agreed.  He'll be doing that on Thursday, and then will see the doctor about the results on Friday.  In the meantime, Dr. Kim will contact me when she finds information about a move to AZ.

He is most pain-free when he gets the combination of Dilaudid and Marinol, and Dr. Kim increased his Marinol dosage today to 5mg 3x/day, doubled it.  She has also asked that his Dilaudid and Marinol are always given together.  She's really great and he and I both appreciate her efforts!

With regard to green burial, we are now looking at trying to find a place in Sedona.  The US distributor of the biodegradable casket called the Ecopod has been assisting me with options, and has made some great suggestions, like working with a historical or pioneer type cemetery instead of looking strictly for a place labeled "green burial."  I haven't done any research on Sedona yet, but will do so today or tomorrow.

Lastly, unless something chages drastically, Dad will not be making it to burning man.  Anyone who wishes to may still donate, and all donations (currently at about $800) will be used to make his final days as comfortable as possible, and possibly to assist with funeral costs to make sure things are done as close to his specifications as we can. 

Again, thank you all, and I wish everyone much love and happiness!