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


Den has had a bit of a setback. The procedure he underwent yesterday to improve the flow of blood to his stomach and liver has to be redone. It seems the piece the surgeon inserted has itself developed some kind of blockage.

Dr. Merrens came in to explain all this to Rose and me. He stressed the seriousness of Den's condition but said he could expect to live a long time once he gets beyond this crisis. He said many people would have died under similar circumstances, so Den is lucky in some ways. Merrens doesn't believe Den will be ready to move until some time next week, and then he may be able to travel to St. Louis. The social worker here is checking into physical rehab places in St. Louis and coordinating all treatment with the insurance company. We are leaning toward St Mary's where I go for therapy because we know what an excellent facility it is.

Another social worker came in to tell us about local lodging but said we could continue staying in the hospital dorm unless a backlog of people needing that space develops. She made a reservation for me at a local hostel, beginning next Wednesday, with handicap access. The people here at Dartmouth-Hitchcock are very thoughtful and thorough.

Rose and I drove to Manchester today, a distance of about 85 miles, to gather Den's things from the hospital and from the Holiday Inn. Sue will update Den's daughter by phone, and she will talk to Aaron. We'll return some other calls then go out to get some dinner. Kim and Mike will arrive tomorrow, and Kim can stay over on Monday if need be.

Rose and I plan to fly to Chicago on Sunday and return here on Tuesday. We'll take care of things at Den's apartment, do some laundry, and Rose will work on Monday.