New Digs

After a seven month hiatus in Durham, North Carolina, Dad is back near his old stomping ground - in Olathe, Kansas.

While receiving treatment at Duke, Dad received eight rounds of chemotherapy and radiation to over one third of his body. His determination is truly amazing and his positive attitude is admired by everyone - especially Aaron and I. As you can imagine, Dad charmed his way into the hearts and minds of all the doctors, nurses and our friends here in Durham.

Dad's determination has afforded him some time to spend with his family and friends back in Kansas City. He will no longer be receiving treatments, his body has endured so much, that it cannot take any more of the harsh treatments.

Dad made the decision to come back to Kansas City in order to be close to more family and friends. While Aaron and I would have fought over him being close to one of us, he was homesick and chose to be closer to home.

Additionally, because Dad's body is so weak from the treatments and cancer, he needed more care than we were able to provide for him at home. Aaron spent the majority of his Thanksgiving holiday doing research and moving Dad into a nursing home -where they can monitor his health and medicines on a constant basis. If you are in the area, he would love to see you - and if you visit be sure to sign his visitor log.

Royal Terrace Nursing & Rehab Center
Dean Eckerberg - Room 111B
201 E Flaming Rd.
Olathe, KS 66061

He can also receive mail at the above address and he is still accessible on his mobile phone. If you do visit, please be aware that he sleeps a lot these days. If you are there, be sure to wake him up and visit with him - he would hate to miss a you!

Thanks to everyone for the continued support of our family. We have had a tough few weeks and we appreciate all the thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Aaron & Niki
Doug & Katie

Giving Thanks

Dad traveled back to Kansas City for Thanksgiving. He is really enjoying seeing so many friends and family. We continue to be amazed at the support and love from everyone. Thank you.

(My dad's sister - Marianne with her granddaughter Rieke. Marianne is taking good care of dad while he is in Kansas City)

(At Madison & cousin Parker's baptism. Dad, Taylor, Niki, Aaron, Madison, Grandpa John and my mom)

(Dad - disguised as Santa - Madison and Niki)

( Dad, Aaron and all of the guys from KCP&L - meeting for lunch.)

Happy Birthday, Dean!

We celebrated Dad's birthday on Saturday with breakfast at our favorite diner and a special birthday dinner. No birthday cake for this 67 year old, he requested an apple pie.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes - the cards and phone calls made this a great week!

Playing Hooky

(Our beautiful Fall centerpiece - thanks, Mom!)

Dad and I met with his oncologist last Thursday to discuss pain management and assessment of Dad's health. We are continuing to use pain "patches" on his left leg/hip to help with the pain. This method helps with surface pain but not deep pain, so Dad has continued to take pain medicine, as well.

Additionally, because Dad got such a heavy dose of chemo the week before, we decided to play hooky last week and give Dad a week off. We will go back to the doctor this Thursday. Thanks for all the continued support! We are looking forward to seeing many of you in Kansas City over Thanksgiving.