Ray celebrated his birthday in the hospital and the staff did all they could
to make it special, even providing a cake. Shortly after, the doctor team pumped him up with antibiotics and platelets so they could release him early so he could travel to Eugene to see his Mom who was now in Hospice care in the hospital. On Saturday, brother Roy and Suzanne arrived with a comfortable van to provide transportation to Eugene. It was wonderful to see my mom, with my three brothers as well as many family members there. Of course we all wished it was under more happy circumstances, but we did have some special moments and a moving final good-bye from Mom to her four boys. We spent the weekend at the house but it was not the same without Mom there. She slept most of
Sunday and passed away Monday. and though we miss her we are so glad her suffering is over and cherish the wonderful memories she left us.
After returning from Eugene we had outpatient appointments on Tuesday for a bone marrow test. On Thursday we returned to the hospital to learn the results and with blood counts low and some leukemia cells still present, it was decided to re-admit Ray to the hospital to participate in a trial drug study to seek out the remaining leukemia cells. 
Many tests were completed and he qualified to start the new treatment on Friday. It has less side effects than earlier chemotherapy and hopefully will bring the leukemia into remission so they can try stem cell replacement which has been very successful in keeping Ray's type of leukemia in remission. The first picture shows Ray and brother Roy enjoying the view of Portland and the Willamette River, the second picture, shows Ray's new look after losing his hair. During the week in the hospital an Ommayo Reservoir surgery was completed, As an outpatient we return for treatments 2 or 3 times a week rather than being confined to the hospital. Of course we love being at home where we can enjoy our view, watch our birds and squirrels and enjoy the comforts of home.
