John

Hi- really quick message here . . . we finally got the results on John's test, and he has barrett's esophagus. It's considered a pre-cancerous condition where the cells of the esophagus have changed into cells typical of the upper digestive system. I guess the good news is that only a very small percentage of people with barrett's develop esophagial cancer. However, most people do not develop barrett's until they are already in their 50s or 60s, so John has a very long time to live with this. He will have to have scans regularly to keep tabs on it. He has adjusted his diet over the last few months, and he's on medication to help regulate the acid in his stomach. It's helping the heart burn a bit. If we can get this under control, perhaps we can help lower the stress on the cells of his esophagus and prevent them from changing further. He's had problems for over a decade, so this isn't a huge surprise. It's not good news, but it could be much worse. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers coming our way.

Prayer request

Hi all. I have a small request. My Uncle Bud is 83, and just moved to Hamburg to be closer to my dad. They are very, very close. In the midst of the move, we found out Uncle Bud has an abdominal aneurysm, and was scheduled for surgery this week. He is a strong 83, but has had many health problems this year, and the surgery has some risks for him. He is very confident everything will be great. He just renewed his National Geographic subscription for two years. He has a wonderful out look on life.

Just the thought of Uncle Bud going into the hospital has my dad in a spiral. He can't come to terms with his uncle, who is one of his best friends, being in failing health, and it's worrying him to death. I was wondering if you could all remember my great-uncle Buddy and my father in your prayers this week. While Uncle Bud is a very good place going into this, my dad is struggling quite a bit.

Thanks.

No word on John's biopsy yet. I'll keep 'ya posted.

We started painting the house late last week. We now have three sides out of four done, and . . . it's a bit more blue than I'd planned. Actually, its rather periwinkle. I'm not sure if I like it or not. I'm hoping by the time we get the shutters up and a few things planted it will break it up a bit. I'll post photos when I can.

Just can't fight this feeling anymore.

Hi there neighbors,

Actually, be thankful you are not. We are all sick, to some degree. Last Wednesday just after lunch, Jenn called me at work saying she felt like she was going to throw up. She had to go pick up Caleb from kindergarten, and thankfully she arrived home intact (though she brought many HEB bags just in case). When I arrived home, she made a dash for the bedroom, and stayed there through Labor Day weekend. I stayed home from work and kept the kids away, and we ate lots of french bread pizza! Thankfully I make darn good FBP, and both Caleb and Emily like it.

Then yesterday my stomach started feeling woozy. Now, I can't eat without feeling sick afterwards. Today, Emily came home from her second day at preschool having a big.....well, runny accident. Caleb came home from school saying he felt like throwing up at various times. In fact, two of his classmates were home sick, and another girl threw up in class. And a guy I know at work stayed home today too, thanks to stomach ailments. I've not been at work since last Wednesday afternoon.

So, if you were thinking of visiting sunny, infectious Austin in the coming week, contemplate postponing.

Matt