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

I toured the Hope Lodge. We are # 26 on the waiting list. Hopefully it won't be to long before we get in.It is really nice and will make the time here more pleasant.Went to Walmart and got groceries so we don't have to eat every meal out. We have a refrig and microwave in the room so we will get by.Robert took a nap while I did the running around. The sun did come out and the temps improved a little. Love to all, Roxie

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!