Very cold this morning. Robert has appointment @ 11:00 with oncologist.All the tests from yesterday went well, so we are on schedule to start chemo and radiation Monday @ 2:00.Yesterday was a long day. Appts from 9 to 4. We haven't moved the car since we got here. Walked in the tunnels or sky walks everywhere.We are on the waiting list for the Lodge so hope to get in there sometime next week. Saw a couple we know that is staying over there.He had the same surgery that Robert had and owned a John Deere store so they will have lots to talk about.Thanks to everyone for all the emails. I enjoy hearing from everyone. Love, Robert & Roxie

Diana, I'm wearing the Auntie Angel on my shoulder. I know it will take care of us. We have morning appts done and are getting ready to meet with the radiologist and then they will tatoo him for his radiation. Did you ever thing the favorite Uncle would get a tatoo? Better go, his appt is at 2:00 and he is waiting on me. thanks for your thoughts and prayers, Favorite Auntie Rox

Robert & Roxie made it to Rochester at 11:00 this morning. They are staying at the Brentwood Inn & Suites. It has the tunnels to the clinic which will be nice in the morning, they won't have to go outside. They hope to get into the Hope Lodge soon. Roxie says it looks really nice. It is really cold in Rochester, it was -7 this morning. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they begin a new journey tomorrow. As soon as I have their address at the Hope Lodge I will post it in case anyone would like to have it. Thanks again!

Robert & Roxie made it safely to Ames, IA last night, which is about 3 hours from Rochester. Thanks for all your prayers!

Just to let everyone know Robert & Roxie left this morning for Rochester. They will drive until they get tired then drive the rest of the way in in the morning. Please keep them in your prayers as they make this trip. I will keep you updated.

Hello to everyone! Christmas was a great time for all of us! We were all able to get together at Nana and Papa Berning's. What a wonderful time to get to spend with family!

I just wanted to update everyone on Robert's progress. He has finished his first round of Chemo, which went really well. He had to receive blood this week due to the fact that his white blood count was low but besides that he is doing really good. He was the old papa at Christmas that we all love. On the 26th Robert and Roxie will be making the trip back up to Rochester to do Radiation and Chemo. He will have both 5 days a week. They will be staying at the Hope house right next to the hospital. Since it is so cold in Minnesota they have underground walk ways so that you don't have to go outside in the cold. That will be nice for them. They will have to be in Rochester for 5 weeks. I will put their address up here as soon as I get it in case anyone would like to send a card. I will also be keeping the blog up to date so that everyone knows what is going on, it is also a good way for Robert and Roxie to keep in touch, I am sure that they will be checking the blog daily to see any new comments. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers please keep them coming they are working!

I would also like to say Happy Birthday to Camera Jean and Renissa! We all love you and hope that you have a wonderful Birthday!

Robert had his first chemo treatment on Monday and everything went well. On Tuesday he got his port put in too, and that also went well. The port is under the skin. He is feeling good! Hurray! Renissa's and Ryan's families made it here today so we will be able to have a happy Thanksgiving! God Bless everyone! Save travels to you and a very Happy Thanksgiving from all of the Berning's to all of you!


Giving ThanksFor the hay and the corn and the wheat that is reaped,
For the labor well done, and the barns that are heaped,
For the sun and the dew and the sweet honeycomb,
For the rose and the song and the harvest brought home --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

For the trade and the skill and the wealth in our land,
For the cunning and strength of the workingman's hand,
For the good that our artists and poets have taught,
For the friendship that hope and affection have brought --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

For the homes that with purest affection are blest,
For the season of plenty and well-deserved rest,
For our country extending from sea unto sea;
The land that is known as the "Land of the Free" --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!
author unknown

Robert had his consult in Hays on Tuesday, they did not put the port in but will do that when he goes in next time. On the 24th he will have his first treatment of Chemo. They will do this thru the vein since he does not have the port in yet. Then on the 25th they will put his port in. He will have 3 weeks of Chemo then 1 week off then 3 weeks of Chemo then 1 week off then they will start Radiation in Rochester for 5 weeks. I know things change but for right now that is what is going on. Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers! Have a great Thanksgiving Holiday! We can't wait to see Ryan and Renissa's families!

Just wanted everyone to know that Robert and Roxie will be going to Hays on the 18th to get a consult and to put Robert's port in for Chemo. Then on the 24th Robert will be getting his first dose of Chemo. Robert's White blood count is 9.4. Ryan and Renissa's families will be coming home for Thanksgiving and we will have dinner out at our house. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Have a safe travel over the holidays!

I just got a call from Roxie and I thought I would update everyone. They got a call from Rochester and the Doctors there do not want to start chemo yet. They think that his white blood count is still to high, they are worried about infection. On Monday they will take Robert back into Leoti to have his white blood count checked again and we will go from there. If it is still up then they will put him on an antibiotic again. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they wait for news back from Rochester. Thanks to everyone for all of your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.