Update

Just wanted to let everyone know that Emma and I are doing better. I went back to work in April, and it has been a long adjustment period for both of us. HCDE hired me to take Dan's position as Science Consultant. They have very generously agreed to let me have summers off, and I am working part-time for now. I stay very busy all day, which has helped me tremendously.

Doing Okay

Just a note to let everyone know that Emma and I are doing okay. We are so thankful for all the support from family and friends.

I have decided to keep the guestbook page from Dan's obituary online so Emma can still see it when she learn to read. If you have not already left a comment, you can add one by click on the link below.

http://www.legacy.com/houstonchronicle/Guestbook.asp?PersonID=16671513

Obituary

Dan's obituary is posted online at: http://www.legacy.com/houstonchronicle/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=16671513

Home at Last

We got Dan home at about 10 am this morning, and he passed away at about 11:30. He was a bit more responsive after we got here, so I think he knew he was finally safe at home. Emma, his sister Laura, our good friend Kay and I were with him at the time. I can assure everyone he was not in any pain at all.

His funeral will be at 10:30 am on Wednesday February 15, at Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Humble (1400 FM 1960 East Bypass, just east of Hwy 59). Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 to 10:30 am, and there will be a lunch gathering at the Fellowship Hall following the funeral.

We are asking for contributions to Emma's college fund in lieu of flowers. Checks can be made payable to "College Bound Fund" with Emma's name in the memo field. For more details, you can contact Dan's secretary Lili Maldonado at lmaldonado@hcde-texas.org.

Hospice, Day 2

Dan was doing well this morning, and ate a large breakfast, which I thought was a good sign. Later in the day his breathing became more labored and he is pretty unresponsive now. I have arranged to move him home (finally). He should be here by lunchtime tomorrow. Hospice nurses will be here around the clock for at least 48 hours until we have a routine established.

We had a wonderful meal provided by friends - Betty and Jimmie Howard. They drove all the way from the Pasadena area to deliver a feast. My friend Carol sent a huge box of goodies and our neighbors Joe and Hattie brought dinner yesterday, so we have been very well fed this week.

Hospice, Day 1

Well we finally got Dan moved out to Humble, and he weathered the trip just fine. We had a rough afternoon, mainly becuase the temperature of his room was too hot. His temperature rose to 104, so he was pretty miserable. They finally got the room cool, and I brought a fan from home, so he is resting comfortably now.

I am not sure I will keep him there, though. His doctors told me home hospice was not an option because of his IV meds. However, they removed all his IV's, so I do not understand why I cannot take care of him at home. As long as our insurance will cover home health care, I will start the process tomorrow.

Dan's mom is doing better - she should have been discharged this afternoon, but the doctor never showed up to sign the release papers. All in all a frustrating day.

Hospital, Day 26

We got the news from the MRI back today, and the melanoma is spreading to Dan's brain. He also has small amounts of bleeding in the brain. He slept almost all day today while we tried to get him transfered to a facility in Humble. He will be moved first thing in the morning (hopefully). Once I find out more info like room number and phone number, I will post it on the blog.

Dan's mother is having a very hard time with this - they had to call for an ambulance this morning. Her heart rate dropped dangerously low. They are keeping her in the hospital overnight for observation. So please keep her and the rest of Dan's family in your prayers as well. My friend Kay stepped in to help get Emma from school and to take Laura up to the hospital, and then stayed to do yard work all afternoon. I do not know what I would do without her!

Thank you to everyone for the letters to Emma I have been receiving as well as all the e-mail and flowers. Thanks also to Don and Priscilla Dukes for dinner tonight - it was delicicious!