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


More bad news about Den. We took him to see the oncologist on Tuesday. The oncologist's recommendation, seconded by Den's primary care physician, is that he receive no treatment for his liver cancer. There are several masses in his liver at this point which means, given his overall condition, there is no feasible treatment.

I am looking into hospice care where the goal is to provide Den as fine a quality of life as possible while making sure he is comfortable and not in pain. Barnes Jewish Extended Care Facility, where Den has been living since December, is a place where he can receive hospice care without any disruption in his now familiar and excellent surroundings. It is the finest place of its kind I've ever seen, and the staff are both competent and extremely compassionate.

Den's one desire, when told of his situation, was "to go fishing at the lake." Dr. Wilkins will not allow him to travel that far but said some local fishing would be fine. Of course, we will try to arrange fishing outings when Den is up to it.

On a lighter note, Rose and I made a whirlwind trip to the lake on Wednesday afternoon, returning Thursday afternoon. We had invited Brother Joe to join for a birthday dinner in his honor, but he had said he had to take the dog to the groomer. We suggested he throw the dog into the Turnbow Creek and come ahead. [It was always good enough for our dogs. ] Sure enough, Joe arrived Wednesday just a short time after we did. We went to our local fine restaurant which has great food and a wondrous view over the lake. The waitress even rustled up a birthday cake with candles--not nearly enough candles even though Joe told her he was 39. It was good that we had Pete's credit card so that we could treat Joe for a change.

The three of us spent the night at the lake house. Joe left very early to get the dog TO THE GROOMER for his 10:00 appointment. Rose and I came home in the early afternoon, arriving in time for the meeting with Den's physician, Dr. Wilkins, at the facility.

Shirley has been in London, Ontario, all week at a workshop on working with dreams in groups. She returns this evening. Rose and I will call for her at the airport.

Last night while Rose held her readings class, I spent time with Den until the facility closed. Chris and Shelly called for me, and the three of us had a fine dinner at Macaroni Grill. I've been eating high on the hog in recent days thanks to relatives. Margaret last weekend made wilted lettuce, a treat I had not had in over 40 years.

I spent the greater part of Tuesday in Dr. Dooley's office having my third round of immuno-globulin infusion. Unbeknownst to us, Mary Myers, a long-time friend, was next door in St. Luke's Hospital recovering from heart surgery. She didn't let us know she was even ill until she came home from a two-week hospital stay. For those of you who know Mary, she is indeed a walking miracle, having survived very serious illnesses over a period of several decades. For th past ten years, Mary had been fairly healthy until this episode. We are relieved to hear this crisis is behind her.

In writing this update, I'm keenly aware of just what a whirlwind week this has been. And just when I didn't think things could get any worse, they did. If anyone has comments or news they want posted, please either send us an e-mail or click on the "comments" icon and add your information.