You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130


It is Monday evening, at the hospital. We, Rose and I, just left Den for the evening. He said he was a 'whipped puppy.' We have not talked to the neurologist about the results of the angiogram, but the primary care physician told us that the carotid artery is completely blocked. He said at this time, unless Den's condition worsens, surgery is not indicated. Den's collateral arteries are taking care of supplying his brain with blood. The problem right now is the clot and the stroke that seems to have left some residual damage.

The doctors are treating him with heparin, a blood thinner, and are waiting to see the results of the intravenous injections of the heparin. They took the IV's off his hands and arms and have inserted a port in his neck that serves for the IV infusions of medicines and nutrients. He is now beginning clear liquids after almost a week of no food. They are starting him gradually, and so far so good. He is swallowing okay. His speech is halting but he is very lucid and alert--both good signs. His sense of humor is keen, but his anxiety level is high because he is aware of all that is going on and worried about it. Rightly so.

Today Den had the angiogram, he got the IV port in his neck, and this evening he had a stomach scan to check the condition of the bulging veins which was the problem that got him hospitalized. We have no results from that scan yet.

Rose got here early this evening. She was pleased to find Den as well as he is. She and Kim met at the Manchester Airport where Rose took over the rental van and then drove here. Kim should be arriving home about now. Rose and I plan to stay in the small dorm room that Kim and I have been sharing. We expect to be evicted but are taking advantage of it for now. Southwest Airlines lost Rose's luggage, but now has found it and will deliver it here to the hospital.

I am about to wear out the rosary bracelet that Nancy (Felin-Hafla) gave me. I pray the rosary constantly, and have a lot of time to do so.

We'll update again tomorrow after we confer with Den's doctors. Keep praying.