I know... (Dad with Daniel)

... you are all anxiously waiting for news. Dad's procedure went well yesterday, as Doug wrote last night. It took a while for them to move him onto the Cancer wing today and then longer to get the chemo therapy started. They gave him the medicine to help counter act the nausea and then the heavey duty chemo for 15 minutes and then the chemo that he will be on for a week straight. He will lose his hair. He may or may not get sick and he will get very tired out. He will be even more susceptible to infection after the chemo so please, if you are going to visit him, make sure you are healthy and haven't been in contact with anyone who is sick.
If you are close and would like to help out, the nurse suggested giving Dad regular baby wipes. Not the kind with alcohol in it though. These are useful to Dad since he will need to keep his hands as clean as possible. Also, if you are interested in bringing a meal, check with mom when it would be best to bring it and see how many people will be in the house. If it will only be her, a couple small portions of a meal that could be easily reheated would be a good idea. Also things that can go in the freezer easily. If the family is going to be around, food for a big group would be greatly appreciated so Mom doesn't have to worry about how she is going to feed us all. Also things that don't take a lot of work to prepare are a good idea. Ready made food. Some things to keep in mind are a low sodium content. Nothing with a lot of spice, since Mom gets heart burn easily.
Sending cards are a good idea. If you do, send some news about your family. Dad likes to hear how others are doing. I think balloons would be okay too but please no live plants or flowers. You can feel free to send artificial flowers though. He has a small artificial tree in his room. We will be able to do almost anything to decorate the room too. Dad isn't all that gung ho about Christmas decorations though so we wont go over board. We have family pictures up in his room. I bet he would like to see pictures if you have any to send along with a card or note. I think we will probably start an album where we can put all the cards and notes and even pictures. He can look at them whenever he wants and keep them nice and neat and hopefully not lose any.
I hope this update is helpful and if you have any questions, I am at home and you can feel free to call or e-mail. Also, I have been sending the comments that are left on the website to Mom and Dad and they are keeping up with them. Time to eat!!
"Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, & I will give you rest."