It has been a long week. Robert has IV meds twice a day. 7:30 a.m and 7:30 p.m. Vancomyecin and another I think called empancin??The Vanco is heavy duty so hope the do the job. We have a Dr appt @ 4 this afternoon so hope to find out some results. We also have radiation everyday and three days a week we have a survey meeting for 1 1/2 hours. I need a nap and hope to get one this afternoon. We didn't get back to the Lodge last night until 11:30. The IV drip takes about 3 hours. Want to do it slow after the reaction on Monday. Todd Biel has been helping me push Robert over in the wheelchair. Sometimes the tunnels are long pushing uphill. He is a blessing. I made supper for 5 others in our kitchen last night. We had chicken and rice, green beans and tossed salad. Todd furnished the ice cream with all the toppings.They call me the "Betty Crocker" of the kitchen but Louise says that isn't true. She calles me Julia Childs... I don't compare to either but I guess some people don't cook.Darren & Renissa are going to court today to see if Miss Camrea will become Camrea Riley. Please keep them all in your prayers. Camrea deserves a loving family.Ryan is having some tests done in Wichita today. Some kind of kidney problems???? I'm anxious to hear from both of them. Always somthing to worry about.It snowed here last night, about 5 inches. Robert would love to have the moisture at home for the wheat.Better get back to his room, he was sleeping when I left but will be looking for me. I'll try and update this evening after we hopefull find out what is causing the infection.Love, Roxie
February 27, 2009 9:29 AM

Today has been a long day at the hospital. We started at 7 this morn and didn't get back to the Lodge until about 5.We did CT scan, Radiation, Radiation Dr appt and then infusion of meds for the infection.I did take a quick hour nap while he was taking his meds and when I went back, he was itching and bright red. I called the nurse in and he was alergic to Vanco. They called it the Red Syndrom. They gave him benedryl and kept him for another hour to make sure he was OK before turning us loose. They had him on two diffferent kinds of antibiotics. We were suppose to go back tonight at 9:00 p.m. for another round but after the reaction, they canceled it. Thank Goodness! He is worn out and up in the room sleeping. I took supper up to the room even though that is discouraged.We start back at it again in the morn with infusion @ 7:30. They said to plan on 3 hours to have it drip in. Long day again. Not sure where or what the infection is yet but they want to get a good start on it. Hopefully tomorrow we can talk to some Dr to find out results of the CT scan.Didn't make it to Ash Wednesday today, I guess the Good Lord knew we did our duty at the hospital.We did obey though and fast and eat salmon patties.Our friend Kathy went home today and we all had to cry. She was such a great friend. She left us some neat books to read. Wishing her the best on her breast cancer journey! She is so young and full of energy! She has a lot to live for and lots to do yet. She is a great touring partner. We have great memories of all that we did while she was here.Will keep you posted. Love, Roxie
February 25, 2009 7:14 PM

The chemo Dr just called and canceled Robert's radiation treatment because he has infection of some kind. We have an appt at 1:30 to see if they will admit him into the hospital or just do IV's as out patience. Keep us in your prayers. I'll update this as soon as I know something.Roxie
February 24, 2009 12:32 PM

No chemo or radiation until they find the reason for the infection.We will do blood work and IV antibiotic today and CT scan tomorrow morning to see if they can find out what is going on.Will update it tomorrow after we know more. Love, Roxie

Robert's fever broke during the night and he ate a good breakfast but is up in the room resting as we have appts @ 12:00, 1:00, 3:00 and then 4:00 if they put the chemo pump back on him. We will know the results of his blood work when we meet with the Doc.They have a Big Bell in the radiation department that people get to ring three times when it is their last treatment. It says:Ring OutRing this bellThree times well The toll to clearly sayMy treatments are doneIt's course has runAnd I'm on my way!Robert's last treament is suppose to be March 11th so I ask everyone to have their bells ready and please ring them 3 times to help us celebrate that this phase is over! I'll try and remind everyone on March 10th.Today is laundry day, we even have to do that chore up here. The machines are in the basement so I get plenty of walking in between that and the tunnels.........Love to everyone! Roxie
February 24, 2009 9:49 AM

We had a busy appt schedule today and when we got to have the chemo pump refilled Robert was chilling and running a fever so no chemo refilled. We will meet with the Dr tomorrow to see what the plan of action is. We came back to the Lodge and I put the electric blanket on him to keep him warm. He did eat some supper but wasn't very hungry. He is in the room in bed. I'll let you know what we find out tomorrow.Bev White wrote a nice note to us and also let us know that Jerry's name is on the Memorial Tree that is in the Lodge. I took a picture of it. It was nice she let us know so we could look it up while we were here.Robert received a John Deere quilt from a wonderful friend from home. He loves it and is being kept warm with your love and warmth. Thanks Friend!Thanks also to the friend that keeps reminding me about my birthday plus 5 months..... We celebrate the 22nd of every month! What a gal! The treats are wonderful!!!!!!!!! She will be that OLD someday!Keeping all of our sick friends in our thoughts and prayers. Karla, Janie, Galen and anyone else that needs the extra prayers. They do work. Love, Roxie and Robert
February 23, 2009 8:33 PM

We have a busy schedule this week.
We are doing a survey for the radiation department and we have meetings from 1:30 to 3:00 on Tues, Wed and Thur for this week and next along with our regular scheduled appts.
Yesterday we went to the Convent called Assissi Heights. It was beautiful and interesting.
Last night was the Big Band Bash and it was awsome music. They had a 5 piece Jazz band and they had so much energy. It was accordian, trumpet, trombone, drums and clarient. Robert really enjoyed it.
Went to Mass today and then Todd took us out to breakfast at Pannekoken. Robert took a nap and Todd, Kathy and I went to the Civic Center to the White Lippazane Stallions. It was fun.
Then tonight Kathy treated us all to supper at a place about 15 miles out of Rochester called The Fisherman's Inn. It was delicious food. I have been cooking for Todd and Kathy all week so they decided it was there turn.
They have both been really good friends. Kathy is from Texas and owns a hunting lodge and Todd is a farmer from So Dakota. Kathy will be leaving Wednesday and I will really miss her but Todd's wife is coming so that will be fun.
It's nice to have someone to do things with and Kathy says we have to have fun and not concentrate on the CANCER! She is so right!
Better get to bed as we have a heavy schedule of appts this week.
Congratulations to Cooper and Laura Berning on their wedding this weekend. Wish we could have been there. I know it was fun beautiful.
Hope to see you all in March sometime. Love and prayers,
Robert and Roxie

February 22, 2009 8:41 PM

It's Friday night so thought I'd better update everyone. We have been busy with Robert's appts and just the normal living. Yesterday I cleaned the room, did laundry and finally paid bills!!!! Robert napped during all of it. The chemo and radiation are making him more tired everyday.
Today after his appt we toured the Bells at the top of the Plummer building. Awsome!!! Took the elevator to the 15th floor and then had to climb several flights of stairs and then a spiral staircase to the top. Robert didn't think he was up to the climb but didn't want to miss out so going slow he made it. What a great experience. The guy who played them did a 30 minute concert. It was amazing to watch him. It is a dying art! We then got to walk around the balcony and view all of the downtown area of Rochester. Very COLD up there! Robert didn't do that part.
After lunch Robert went up to nap and me and two new friends did a walking tour of all the chapels in the Mayo area! Beautiful! What a great day it was. Then we came back to the Lodge and I made supper for Kathy, Todd, Robert & I. They are great friends.
Tomorrow we are planning on going to the Sister's convent and taking that tour. Robert and I have been out there to Mass and it is a beautiful church. I hope Robert will be able to go. Don't want to tire him out as we have free tickets to the Civic Center to the "Big Band Bash". Todd has agreed to take us in his car and then come back and pick us up in a heated car so Robert don't have to be out in the cold. He chills very easily.
Last evening, Kathy and I went to Meditation hour. The Chaplin was great. She was a lady that had been a Nun for 18 years and then broke away and went on to become an ordained minister. She is a chaplin for the Hospitals here. She was so interesting and it was just Kathy and I that attended so we had a great time. Her lesson was "Burdens and Blessings"! Wow!
That is the one thing I have learned through all of our trials in life that so many blessings come out of them. From Rob's broken neck to Robert's illnesses and every other trial that we have been through, your grow in your spirit. There is always a rainbow after every storm and you have to dance in the rain if you want to see the sunshine. We've done lots of dancing in the rain, but God has always been there to carry us.
After you have done everything you can do, God will do the rest!
Wishing you all a great weekend.
Love, Robert and Roxie

February 20, 2009 8:12 PM

We had a good day! Had radiation appt and then Todd, Robert, I and a Kathy, a new friend, went to Wabasha, Mn to the Bald Eagle Sancuary. Very nice. We ate at "Slippery's", it is where they filmed "Grumpy Old Men." I invited Kathy to go with us so I didn't have to go alone with two Grumpy Old Men! ha! The food was very good. Yes, I had FISH!The drive up there was beautiful and we took a different route back. Todd took us over the bridge so we could say we went to Wisconsin. It is just across the river. Saw some men out ice fishing. What a great experience!Tonight was Pot luck supper and then a group of Mennonites came to sing. Beautiful Harmony! I wanted to call someone on my phone to let them hear them. Very sweet girls. Two of them volunteer here at the Lodge a couple days a week. Thanks to the Biermann family and to Shaina, our goddaughter, for the surprise packages. We were the envy of the Lodge. Everyone thought it was just like Christmas. Lots of nice cards also. Everyday Robert looks forward to the mail. We are very tired tonight so tomorrow we will probably nap.Anxious to get home and see all the changes. Wind towers might be up and running, I hear Butch's Spirit's is open and that they tore down the old church on the corner. Thanks everyone for filling us in on the news. We miss the Leoti Standard!It's been a long day so will sign off. Please keep my neice and her husband in your prayers. Tom and Pam McCarty from Salt Lake. Tom's Mother died last night. Love to all, Roxie
February 17, 2009 8:39 PM

Sunday we attended Mass and then Robert napped in the afternoon and I walked to the Civic Center to a Big Home Show. It was fun to just have some "Roxie" time and be by myself and walk and meditate. The home show raffled off 4 playhouses.They were so cute. One was the Little Rascal's playhouse, A witch's house, a school house and a Victorian house. Some lucky child was happy when they won.Made Robert his favorite supper of fried chicken and all the trimmings. He was happy! Invited Todd Biel, another guy staying here at the Lodge.Monday Robert had early appt @ 8:00. Had a voice mail on our phone and was so surprised! Tracy Rickford was up in this area crop adjusting and stopped by to see us and take us out to lunch. Was so good to see someone from home! We gave him the tour of the Mayo Clinic and the Hope Lodge. He got to walk in the tunnels and see our daily routine! Lots of walking! Thanks Tracy for taking the time to see us. We really appreciated it.I came back to the Lodge and took a nap. The shingles are still hanging around and get into the party mood about the time I want to sleep. I had a rough night last night so tonight I might have to drug myself with pain meds to knock me out!Tomorrow after appts we are going to a Bald Eagle Sancuary about 40 miles from here with Todd, our friend. He had taken his family there last week and wants us to see it. It is the town where "Grumpy Old Men" was filmed. Should be a fun day trip. Then tomorrow night is pot luck supper and singers for entertainment. Wed night they will have a Magic show. Always something to keep you busy if you feel like doing it. The suppers are always delicious and they always have a drawing for another quilt! Maybe we will be lucky sometime. I made pumpkin rolls and Darren's favorite mac salad and we have left over corned beef so we are all set. Have a great week. Love, Roxie
February 16, 2009 8:56 PM

Happy Valentine's Day to All!We finally got to go to Mall of America! WOW is all I can say.It is overwhelming! Didn't do much shopping, just walked and around and looked!Robert took me to "Bubba Gumps" for lunch. It was fun, kinda like our lives at the moment! "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your are going to get until you dive into it each day!" That's our life! Took some pictures so will show everyone when we get them developed.Yesterday morning, we woke up to crows fighting. It sounded like a war zone! Our car that was white looked like a Dalmation Dog. Crow do-do all over it. Reminded me of the Alfred Hickok movie "The Birds!" I've never seen so many crows in one place. All over the place!Please keep Renissa's babysitter and her family in your prayers. Renissa just called me to let me know that Penny's father in lawdied @ 4:14 today. He was diagnosed with cancer about a month ago. They did surgery in Topeka and then took him to MD Anderson in Houston. They didn't have a name for the cancer and had never seen anything like it before.It was the granddaughter's birthday today and I think Katie was 16. Our prayers go out to them.Our God is an awsome God and we are so thankful he has decided to give us one day at a time. We never know when he might call anyone of us.We love you. Love and prayers,Robert & Roxie
February 14, 2009 6:59 PM

Friday night 9:30 p.m.Another week down. Robert is still doing ok. Thank goodness.Today was a better day. I slept the best last night that I have slept since we got here, even with being in bed all day yesterday!Robert's appt was @ 12:45 and then I walked over and viewed the ice sculptures. They were fun to look at. Robert went back to nap.I went to Walmart again, $$$$$$$$ on groceries. I decided to treat myself for Valentine's day so I had a manicure. The first thing I have done for myself since we got here.If Robert feels up to it tomorrow, we might try again to go to Mall of America. I know it will be an exhausting day so we will see. Another couple from Michigan want to go with us if Janet is up to it. She has cervical cancer and they don't have a car here. Them and us went to the Canadian Honker tonight for a Valentine's supper.They had a live Jazz Band playing.My kids and I ate there last summer while we were here for Robert's surgery. Nice place and good food. Yes, kids, I had the same oh, same oh, vegetable beef soup and chicken salad sand. Dad celebrated and had Prime Rib. So glad he is still being able to have an appetite.Thanks to everyone for all the valentines and letters. We look forward to the mail everyday. Today was lots of bills!!!! Imagine that!!!My curfew is up so better get up to the room before the possee comes to get me or my phone rings.He doesn't realize how much time it takes to answer emails and update the blog. The computers are in the basement of this big house. Happy Valentine's Day to everyone.We love you All.............Robert & Roxie

02/12/09 @ 3:00 p.m.Just got back from seeing Ice scupltures. They are still working on them.I was sick this morning when I woke up and then took a 2 hr nap and then got up and walked with Robert over to the Plaza. I'm feeling a little better but haven't eaten anything since this morning. I thought Robert was suppose to be the sick one, but NO, it's me. He's getting a taste of what is like to be a caregiver.I'm ready to feel better.He's going to make his own supper. Euneice, an older lady that has pancreatic cancer made him stew for lunch while I was up in bed.Everyone looks out for everyone else.Todd Biel wants to take us to an bald eagle place sometime next week. He took his wife and girls today and said it was worth seeing.They are really an nice couple. She and the girls are going home to So. Dak tomorrow and she won't be back until Feb 28th. I told her I would cook for him while she is gone. He has good roasts that he needs to use up. What a deal!Thanks to everyone for the cards, valentines and letters. We appeciate it all. Love, Roxie

Had our first pot luck supper at the Hope Lodge tonight. Good food as always with all the different cooks. Meet lots of interesting people. A 90 year old lady makes quilts for the Lodge that she donates and one is given away every week at the pot luck supper.She was the guest of honor tonight. Tonight's quilt was red and white for Valentines Day. Needless to say we didn't win, but we have 5 more to go........Dr appt tomorrow with Radiology Dr to see how things are going. So far, so good, just tired.The Lodge has free tickets to several nice events that happen in town, so Feb 21, we have tickets to the "Big Band Bash" at the Civic Center. We can walk all the way there in the sky walks. Another couple will go with us if both Janet and Robert feel up to it.One day at a time.I've had a rough day today so will go up and try and relax but when I lay down, my shingles really give me fits. How long do these silly things last????????? Not FUN!Talk to ya later. Love, Roxie
February 10, 2009 7:57 PM

Dad got his chemo pump refilled this afternoon and also his blood work done. The blood work was good. Had radiation @ 9:45 this morn and that is the schedule for tomorrow again.
Have meet a lot of interesting people and they are all very nice.
The girls that made cookies with me last night went Prom dress shopping today and Morgan brought her dress in to show me. She is a beautiful girl. Her dress was royal blue and beautiful. She is very talkative and a sweetie. Her sister is Reilly and queit. Their Dad is here at the Lodge and their last name is Biel but they pronounce it BEAL. The wife is a teacher. Nice family. They live on a farm and raise cattle. He is only 55 and has prostrate cancer.
It was a little rainy today but the temps weren't bad. Lots of walking for Dad and it tires him out. We did do a tour of Mayo Clinic today. It was about an hour long and learned some things that we didn't know so that was interesting.
We have a little lady in our kitchen that is kinda bossy but I like her. she just wants to make sure everyone knows the ropes. She drives Dad nuts but she & I get along ok. You know how he doesn't like rules........ Imagine that!!!!!
Terry Smothers and her husband came back today. Her husband was the one that had surgery when Dad had to fly back and we meet her. They are almost done with treatments and will be leaving Thurs.
Lots of new people moved in over the weekend and today. Lots moved out Friday.
One girl is about 35 and has been here since Sept. Has 3 little boys at home. Ages 2,5 &7. She is hoping to get to go home this coming weekend to see them. Depends on her test results. She has luekemia. Makes 6 weeks look short.
The time really has gone by faster than I thought it would. My shingles are better in the day time when I'm up and walking but last night I was up every two hours with pain.
Dr Al called me in some more pain meds. He had them once himself so he said he knows what I'm going through.
Pam Weinmann had knee surgery last Fri and hopfully get to go home tomorrow from Great Bend. Had some problems today so had to spend an extra day in the hospital.
Better get up to the room, I'm sure my curfew is up........Love, Mom

Robert got sick this morning for about 1 1/2 hr and then he was OK.Sure glad it didn't last very long.Went to Mass at the Assissi Heights. It is a convent and a beautiful church. We would like to tour it sometime but it takes 1 1/2 to do it, so will have to see when Robert feels good enough to do it.Walked to the Civic Center to a flea market this afternoon. Left all the fleas there.Came back to the Lodge and two young girls helped me make heart sugar cookies. I felt like at home when Laura and Shae come out to bake. Helped my homesickness!Have meet some very nice people. I think this will make our long stay much more enjoyable.Still have the shingles, but maybe everyday they will get a little better. Thanks to everyone for keeping in touch. We love to hear from home. Love ya, Roxie

We got moved into the Hope Lodge and are in room # 320.
Our address is:
Robert Berning
% Hope Lodge
411 2nd St NW
Rochester, MN 55901
Robert made it through the first week, 5 to go.
Hopefully we can rest and relax tomorrow, nothing that we have to do. I'll keep you updated as we navigate ourselves around this place and let you know all about it. I'm tired tonight. Shingles still giving me fits. Roxie

February 6, 2009 8:22 PM

We got the call and we are moving over to the Lodge at 4:00. We will let you know what room we will be in. We are excited as we know there will be people to visit with that have the same problems as we do. They also have lots of activities. I'll update you after we have been there for awhile.Roxie

We should be moving to the Lodge sometime this weekend. We were # 4 on the list last night.The address is Hope Lodge411 2nd St NWRochester, MN 55901Jill, will you please send our mail. We probably have bills that need to be paid. Bummer!!!!!Robert's appt this morning is @ 10:15.We might take a shuttle tomorrow to Mall of American. We will see if we are moving or how we feel.This game is one day at a time.Love, Robert & Roxie

Sun is shinning here today and it is warmer. How warm? I don't know because I haven't been outside.Still hurting with the pain from the shingles. Robert's treatment was @ 8 this morn. Will be at 10:30 tomorrow. Never know the schedule.They have Mass @ 12:10 everyday at St John's church so we have been going. The music is always beautiful. Can't believe on weekdays they have so much participation.Hope all is going well at home.5 weeks to go. Love, Roxie

3 treatments down, 25 to go.We both took a nap this afternoon.The treatments are starting to tire Robert. I took pain meds for my shingles and it made me sleepy.They are very painful.It was -10 here today. BurrrrrrWe are #9 on the Lodge list. Maybe this weekend we will get in. We have come from #26. Love to all,Roxie

Robert got his chemo pump on yesterday and will be on 24/7.Had his second radiation treatment today.We have Dr appts on Wed with radiation Doc and on Mon with oncology Doc. They fill up his chemo bag with new drip every Mon.Radiation is very day. We never know our schedule. They make the appt every day after he is finished with treatment.I've been having back pain and thought I had pulled a muscle but started to itch last night and pulled up my shirt and I have shingles. Ouch! I call Dr Alpers and he got some meds called up to me. What a blessing to be from small town USA and the Doctors know your name and case and are truly concerned to take care of you. I was so thankful as it is awful to be so far away from home and be sick along with a hubby to take care of. I'll tell Robert about the idea of the heart tatoo. We'll let you know when we get home and maybe you can view it! ha!Thanks to everyone for keeping in touch. I look forward everyday to hearing from home. Love to you all, Love, Rox & Roberto
February 3, 2009 4:54 PM

We are going to Harmony, MN today and do a Amish tour before Robert starts treatments and doesn't feel like doing anything. It is a 2 1/2 hour tour with a guide driving our car. He will tell us about the history and stop and show us things.Sounds interesting. At the Lodge, they have crockpots and all kinds of cooking equipment and then several nights a week, different organizations bring in supper. They also have activities during the week. Anxious to get over there. Will let you know once we get there. Interesting people over there. One gal about age 30 has been there since Sept.She has three little kids at home, so makes 6 weeks look pretty short.Always something to count your blessings for.Have a good weekend and I'll stay in touch. Love ya all, Roxie
January 31, 2009 9:20 AM