Update

     I might be the worst updater (if that is even a word) ever!  I think the third child has sent me to an entirely new level of busyness :)  Anyway, Daddy is doing great!!  He got out of the hospital on Wednesday.  They were originally going to stay in a hotel when he got out but God had other plans.  There is a WONDERFUL place right across from Hollings Cancer Center called Hope Lodge.  It is kind of like the Ronald McDonald House but for adults with cancer.  They had told us it was a very long waiting list and don't expect to get in.  However, they came to Momma last Monday and told her they got a call that they could come stay there.  So, because they were going there, they let Daddy out of the hospital on Wednesday.
    He has to go back to Hollings first thing every morning to have blood drawn and labs done.  He had to have potassium Thursday but has had to have NO transfusions since then.  If he can hold until Wednesday with no blood transfusions, he will get to come home!!!  I was going to take my children to see them today and they surprised me by saying they thought they would ride home for the afternoon.  They really aren't supposed to be that far away from the hospital but since he had labs done and all was well this morning, we decided it was safe to sneak away :)  Can I tell you how excited we all were for their visit?  Aunt Mary fixed lunch and it was nice to get to spend time together outside of the hospital.
    Daddy's doctor commented to the nurse practitioner this week that Daddy was the invincible man.  He was telling her how well he gets along.  There is NO doubt at all that God is with him.  He doesn't always follow the rules like he should but God continues to plant a hedge around him and keep him infection free and for that we are so thankful!   
     Speaking of things to be thankful for, I cannot say enough what a blessing Hope Lodge  is!  First of all, it is SO nice.  It is like a bed and breakfast.  There are 17 suites for patients and their caregivers. It has a large dining area with a separate area for neutropenic patients like Daddy (people who have little or no immune system).  It has 3 big kitchens where you can cook and one is reserved for neutropenic patients.  There are refrigerators and cabinets where each suite has its own shelf.  Several nights a week different people, organizations, or businesses bring in dinner.  It is just a nice, nice place where you get the chance to spend time with people who understand what you are going through and feels a little more like home.  After being in the hospital for 15 days, they are thankful not to be stuck in a hotel with no one to talk to and visit with.  Also, it gives Momma peace of mind that there are others around in case she needs them especially after the little episode last Friday.  I have to say that just to think that people care enough to donate their time and money to provide this for cancer patients is overwhelming.  I can't say enough nice things about it and thank the Lord for blessing Momma and Daddy with this.  Daddy kept saying he felt like he hit the lottery :)  Joey and Deanne were able to take Rivers to see them Friday so that made the weekend even better.  
    Although Daddy continues to battle the hives, we are very thankful for how well he is doing.  We try very hard not to take this for granted.  Please continue to pray that he stays infection free and that he gets his appetite back.  If you see him around and he doesn't shake your hand or hug you, please don't be offended.  He has got to be very careful especially this time of year.  Like I said earlier, he doesn't follow those rules very well so maybe if you all could just remember to love him from a distance, it would be better :)  He gets really aggravated with me and Momma because we are like hand washing, mask wearing, germ preventing police.  But, somebody has to be! 
     Just want you to know your love and support means so much to all of us.  When we get weary, someone is always there to lift us up and we are grateful.  God is good and we have so much to thank Him for!
~much love to you all!