A Transfusion of Blood

Gus continues to get things accomplished even though it is a struggle. He was given two units of blood August 24th in hopes it would help his energy level. His hemoglobin was getting too low. Gus was in the infusion room 7 ½ hours on that day. The transfusion really helped the hemoglobin levels, but it took a couple of weeks to improve his energy.

Gus continues to lose weight. He has lost over 60 pounds now. We appreciate the doctors’ attitudes so much. They know how hard he tries so they don’t harass him about the weight loss. Gus will have to shop in the children’s clothing section for what he will wear to the wedding.

The CA 19-9 that was taken August 17th increased slightly since the previous one. In July, it was 67 and this last time the reading was 76.

The upcoming wedding is our focus right now. You want Gus to get emotional, just ask him about Scott’s fiancé and the joy of knowing April will soon be family.

The four of us, Scott, April, Gus and I, are planning on spending tomorrow working on the site for the wedding ceremony. It looked like a hayfield until Gus brush hogged it yesterday. Now the rakes, lawnmowers, and weed eaters can start the fine tuning. God watered it during the night and I think He plans on watering it again tonight if the weatherman is accurate.

Gus loves a day getting firewood. Kathleen loves a day working at the old homestead.

Getting Firewood 8-27-2010

Back row l to r: Gus, Scott and my father, Jack
Front row l to r: L.T. and Phoenix

One of Gus' favorite things still is getting firewood. He now has about 4 cord stacked with the help of others. Scott and April are planning a final trip with Gus to finish the last 2 cords.

Gus gets so cold and the woodstove is one of the few things that make a difference. His electric blanket is also a mainstay in his life. Gus might have taken off his thermals for a few days this summer but only for a few days.

A Scary Train Ride

The Four of Us after our Prime Rib Dinner

The Gunman Trying to Convince April He Had a Better Offer Than Scott


Gus Doesn't Look Like This Was Fun, but He Did Enjoy His Moment in the Spotlight

Last Saturday, Scott, April, Gus and I drove to Lewistown, MT., so Gus and Scott could take their first train ride. We boarded the Charlie Russell Chew Choo at 5:00 in the afternoon. We were so excited! Everything was going great until we spotted several gunmen on horseback chasing us. They stopped the train and proceeded to rob the passengers.

One of the gunmen went through all the train cars until he found April. He even knew her by name! He originally was planning on abducting her until he met Scott. This gunman was later killed in the shoot out, so we were thankful that April was not caught in the crossfire. Gus and I are not sure how we feel about our son marrying a woman who personally knows train robbers.

One of the ladies of the night spotted Gus and instantly fell in love. You can tell by the picture I was doing my best to beat her off.

We spent the night at The Calvert Hotel there in Lewistown. It is a restored old 1917 high school dormitory for girls that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel is a beautiful facility that took over a year and a half to complete. Gus and I loved looking at the scrapbook on the project.

Our week-end was definitely one of those memory we will cherish in the years to come.

Gus & Salty at the Clinic

Gus and Salty

Gus was only able to participate in the horse clinic for the first couple of hours. He started out on Friday morning and that was the last time he stepped into the arena. Gus just never felt well enough again.

Gus did sit in the shade and listen to the instructions for part of the time, so it wasn't a complete loss. It was a huge disappointment to both of us, though, that he wasn't able to take a more active role.

Camping

Across the hillside left to right: April (behind the tree)

T.J., Gus and then Scott is the front leading the packhorse
(Lindsey used her horse's ears to center the picture)

Gus on Salty

Scott is in the background

T.J. riding Santana

Our Goal!
We had been to hunting camp, cut firewood and then Gus wanted to take us to his special hillside.This is the view from a meadow on that hillside, overlooking
the route we had ridden in

Taking a break on that hillside

Lindsey, Lane, Kathleen, Gus, T.J., Scott, April

The camping trip was very enjoyable. We achieved Gus' goal of getting to hunting camp from the Dillon side. It was supposedly 6 miles from the campground to the area where they hunt, but all of us felt it was farther than that. We knew we had ridden at least thirteen plus miles before the day was over. No one moved very fast that evening.

T.J. started back home to Seattle Saturday night after the ride so none of us got to hear his complaining about his sore muscles. We think he planned it that way.

The weather was ideal. Each day had "opportunities", but it was a great time overall.

Gus had a CT scan done in Dillon the next day, July 19th. We were then scheduled to meet with the oncologist early Tuesday morning to review the results.

Dillon did not push the results to Bozeman in time for our appointment. The doctor gave us a few minutes after Gus had chemo and the three of us looked quickly at the scan. There was no noticeable change so we are pleased.

The CA 19-9 taken had climbed somewhat, but nothing to really concern us. It was 67 where the previous one had been 61.

Now Gus' focus is on a horse clinic he and Salty are participating in this week-end. The clinic is there at Lindsey's facilities. It will be for three days and will be a challenge for Gus' strength and energy level.

This will be the first clinic Gus has been a part of. He has been an observer several times watching his wife, but never has he had a special horse like Salty. Never has he felt the desire to be the center of attention before. This will definitely be a "Kodak Moment"!

T.J.'s Visit

T.J. and Gus

Gus, April, Lane and Scott

Lane and Gus

Gus' son, T.J., is visiting for a week. None of us will be ready for him to leave next Sunday morning. This morning T.J. grabbed his fishing pole, walked 50 feet to the creek next to our house and caught his breakfast. A 14 inch Brook Trout. He was a little smug sitting at the table eating his breakfast.

It was important that T.J. bring his golf clubs. They have golfed twice since he got here. The really important news from the golf game was April and Gus both got a birdie. It was the best Gus had golfed in a while.

Gus has wanted to go camping in the East Fork of the Blacktail for years. It is another route to reach their hunting camp. This coming week-end his wish will be granted.

Gus, T.J., Scott, April, Lindsey, Lane and myself will journey 40 miles south of Dillon to this campground. We are taking our horses to then ride into hunting camp on Saturday. Gus and T.J. will go in on Thursday. The rest of us will follow as we can.

Hopefully our friends from Bozeman and Billings can join us. To our knowledge they are not bringing their horses, but horseback is the only way Gus can get into hunting camp.

We have borrowed a nice camp trailer to stay in. Luxury in the mountains is the only way to go if given the choice.

Relay for Life

Kathleen and Gus

Neil and Gus

Gus with his group of Survivors

Gus has been very busy since our last update. He participated in the annual Madison County Relay for Life. Our local Relay for Life did an amazing job this year. They raised over $92,000.00. Their goal was $70,000.00.

Gloria and Neil Barnosky went with us which made the evening so enjoyable. Neil willingly did the "Gus Mosey" which is a walk in slow motion. Gus went around that track more times then I thought he physically could. He amazes everyone that he sees.

Gus was not feeling well earlier in the day, but once he surrounded himself with friends and fellow survivors, the pain was forgotten and he lived in the moment.