“David Foster's Kicking Kidney Cancer’s Arse”

I've only just figured out how to download posts. I'm at a loss how to proceed. I've received cards from so many people, some of whom I've never met or heard of but who obviously had a relationship with David. Either via cyberspace or real world. I've come to see another facet of my most amazing husband. If only this sort of thing were possible early on in our lives. It's truly comforting. We also have the most wonderful friends. I'm overwhelmed. God bless you all.
sherry

Final Arrangements

Dad's memorial service will be at 5:00 pm on Monday, April 21st at the Church of the Good Shepherd (2230 Walton Way, Augusta, GA).   There will be a visitation immediately following. 

Since dad is being cremated, there will be no burial side service. 

For those traveling from out of town, there are several hotels nearby and almost anything is close in Augusta, but Sherry recommends The Partridge Inn (706-737-8888, airport shuttle available). 

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the American Cancer Society in Dad's memory. 

Thank you!

A Tribute

We're still working on the arrangements, and I will let you know when they are all set in stone (probably late this afternoon).  In the meantime, I thought you might like to read a tribute to my dad that ran in the Augusta Chronicle this morning (Tribute to David) .

For those of you that have been reading my blog as well, thank you for joining me in this journey, for your kind words of support and encouragement.   Dad may have lost his battle, the war rages on. Whether you are a warrior yourself, a caretaker, or one left behind, we all have the ability to fight.  I have to confess that I haven't been very involved in the war against cancer.  Before dad was diagnosed, I had never really been affected by the disease.  But that is all different now.  I'm angry, furious, that something so evil could invade someone I love and take him away.  It must be defeated.  I can picture my dad scolding me now for sounding so trite, but that doesn't mean he didn't agree.  Afterall, he was a Warrior.

I know I say this a lot, and will continue...Thank You!  Hillary

Into The Woods

With a sad heart I wish to let you know that my dear brave husband David  gave up his long hard fought battle against cancer this morning at approximately 10 a.m. EST. He went with a sigh and seeming peace. I like to think of him walking the woods with his beloved Gracie and Jeb, while likely discussing with God the best way to manage the fields for quail cover. He loved and realized tremendous support from all of you and I very much believe that support kept him in the fight far longer than he would ever have managed alone. For that I thank you. My love to you all...
Go with God my brave knight.
September 22, 1945-April 15, 2008

When the memorial service arrangements are final I will post them.

The Words That are Hardest to Say

I've been dreading this moment for a few days now, desperately trying to capture the right words to say. Then I realized that there are no right words.  My dad's battle is coming to an end.  His organs are starting to shut down, and he's currently in a semi-comatose state.  At this point, it's just a matter of how long he'll hold on.  If you're an avid reader of this blog, you know that my dad is a fighter and will fight to the bitter end. 

He's fought a good fight.  From the day he was diagnosed, he fought, longer and harder than anyone would have imagined.  And I know that his legacy will live on long after his physical body gives out.  We'll let you know when the time comes, but in the meantime, we'd appreciate your prayers for my dad and the family.  You are as much a part of this war as we are.  This battle may be lost, but the war will go on, and one day, we will win it.

Thank You,

Hillary and Sherry

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

In the process of recovery, they're are good days, okay days, and bad days.  Today is an okay day.  A couple nights ago they gave Dad some Adovan.  In good health that stuff will send him into a loop for two full days.  Apparently in recovery mode, it just puts him down for the count.  We're hoping he'll snap out of it this afternoon, but like everything else, it's a game of wait and see.  It's been 48 hours since he's eaten well, which just adds to the mess.

All of this has reminded us that the fight is not over, far from it in fact.  It's going to be a long, windy road to strength and health.   Dr. Schlaer is out of town, so until he returns on Sunday, we'll just keep doing what we're doing and see what happens next. 

I'm sure most of you saw the Warden's comment the other day.  I just have to say that though she has been an excellent Warden for Dad in this battle, she's been more like a Rock over the past few weeks.  She's strong, supportive and loving, and I appreciate her so much.  I believe that her presence and Dad's stubbornness have gotten him this far, and will carry him on.  Thank you Sherry!

Another Day in the Right Direction

I've seen Dad eat more food in the last two days then I have in last few weeks.  It's a slow process, as you can imagine, but he knows what he needs to do to get stronger, and he's doing it.  We start physical therapy today to help build up some muscle tone, and we've been getting him out of bed on each day...even if it's just to take a spin around the floor.  The plan today is to take him out the garden, so he bask in the sun and maybe even get in a puff or two on his pipe.  We'll be in here for at least the rest of the week, until he's strong enough to go home.  I'm hoping that in a day or so, as the pain meds wear off, Dad will be able to blog himself.  I'm sure he has a lot to tell you and in much more eloquent and sarcastic words than me.

The Warrior is on his way back...

Where We Are Now

I apologize for not getting with you all sooner.  I know how you worry.  Dad is super sensitive to pain meds and was having a difficult time recovering.  To be honest, I would have posted an update, but I didn't quite know what to say.  He is doing much better today.  In fact, he's taking a cat nap in a chair next to his bed, and earlier today he had a very special visitor, Sadey the dog.  He's still very groggy and foggy, but seems to be it improving by the hour.  Being as weak as he is from the lack of nutrition isn't helping him in the least.  We still have a long road ahead of us, but compared to yesterday, this is a very good day.

Please continue to pray for my Dad, the Warrior.   I love hearing and reading about how he has touched so many people's lives.  Before he went into surgery, I would read him your comments and it always made him smile.  He knows each and every one of you, and welcomes those that are new.  I live in Maryland, except the last two weeks, and when Dad was in the hospital with C-Diff I wanted to do something for him to let him know I was thinking about him.  I thought about flowers, but instead, I did this: Sending Flowers to Dad This is how I see my Dad.  He might kill me later, but I can take it.

Thank You

Doing Good

I apologize for getting back with you all so late.  It's been a long day.  Dad went into surgery around 3:00 pm this afternoon.  Dr. Johnson called me just after 5:30 to tell me that everything went off without a hitch.  By 8:00 pm, he was back in his room ready to take on the world (or at least everyone in the room)...our Warrior.  Of course, he is still out of it, but the Docs all say the procedure was a success.  Currently, he's doped up on some good pain meds and lying peacefully in his bed. 

I wish Dad could be writing in his own magical words, and in a few days, I hope he can.  For now, you are stuck with me.  I'll keep you posted as much as I can.  I know I keep saying this, but I don't think you will ever know how much you mean to my dad (and the rest of us too).  Thanks!

A Little Procedure

Tomorrow, Dad will be going in to have a procedure done to redirect the fluid in his abdomen.  This should help him to feel much better and keep him from losing what little protein he's getting from the IV nutrients. For now, they have him on a pain patch of morphine so he's a little out of it.  Okay...a lot out of it. He couldn't type if he tried, and if he could, well, you wouldn't understand a lick of it anyways.  It's the only time in his life where it's actually legal to be "stoned." 

We're not sure what time they'll be doing the procedure, but I'll let you know when he's out and recovering.  I'd appreciate your prayers as I know he does as well.  They do make a difference.