Greetings from Nashville

It is so good to be down here in Nashville and to see Mikey. Although we talk everyday on the phone, there is no substitute for the real thing. My mother-in-law Kay is staying at my house this week and helping out with the kids. Upon entering his room, I noticed that he has acquired quite a bit of stuff! Melisa bought him 2 of the softest blankets you've ever felt; he has a new small table lamp, some Manning stuff, etc... Also, he's received many cards and has them all hanging in his room. Mom said she thinks we're going to have to get a UHaul to get all of his belongings home and I think she's right! Although, the only UHaul Moppy knows is Poppy's truck, which definitely will get it all home safe and sound. This ain't Poppy's first rodeo in relocating one of us...and probably won't be his last! HAHA! Sherry and Josh are both down here as well. Sherry came down on Saturday and is staying through to the weekend and Josh drove over from Knoxville on his day off. Mom and Melisa both went back to Henderson and are holding down the home front this week.

Mike continues to do well and remains in good spirits. He's been a little more tired lately and understandably so. I mentioned earlier that his ankle was swollen. The swelling has subsided although now there is a sore on his ankle and what looks like some inflammation on his shin. On Sunday the physician performed a biopsy on the site. The results still aren't back on that, but hopefully they will come back soon and let us know what's going on. His fever continues to come and go. Perhaps this place on his leg is the cause of it? Poppy knows all about that leg pain and we know Mike will receive an extra dose of prayers from him.

Yesterday Dr. Stein, his oncologist, said that his goal is to have Mike go home sometime next week. You know he's looking so forward to that! He can't wait to see Casey Pace and be with him and Missy at home. He will be able to stay home for a few weeks and then will come back for the consolidation therapy part of his treatment. When we know more details, I'll pass them along. Here at Vanderbilt, Mike is on the 11th floor and has a great view of downtown Nashville. I brought him a pair of binoculars from home and he's really been enjoying them. Of course, we've had some laughs at some innocent passer-byers' expense; hopefully no harm no foul. Also, we've been quoting Ben Stiller in Zoolander and about crying in the process. That movie is ridiculously funny. "Merman, Dad....Merman!!"

Thanks again for the calls, visits, thoughts, and prayers. I can't tell you how much they mean to us. Please keep them coming. If you will please pray for Mike's biopsy results on his ankle and that his fever subsides. Please pray that his able to go home next week. And lastly, definitely keep praying for his full recovery.

Jesus Saves,
Rachel