Hillary here wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving! Super thankful for my dad today and for everyone's well wishes. We got him up and about with a walk around the Duke Med campus. Then found a completely traditional Thanksgiving meal at the Durham Whole Foods. We sat at a sunny patio table and watched families and dogs playing in the park across the street. Then as usual, the tryptophans kicked in and my dad conked out. I just wanted to assure you all that we weren't confined to the hospital cafeteria and between the turkey, the crisp air and the fall leaves it actually felt like Thanksgiving and not the weird grey sense of place and time that you start to feel in the hospital. The only thing missing were all the Katsibas family and the Bilheimer-O'neals with whom we've spent so many wonderful Thanksgivings. I hope all of you have a beautiful day and feel loved by the family and friends you are surrounded by.

Had a great night! Mastered the dialysis routine. Worked in a long walk with my sweethearts and even caught up on my sleep.

Wishing you a great Thanksgiving! Thank you for your wonderful comments and sentiments. I wish that I could have addressed each of them personally; however I can assure you that I stored them in my heart.

I am posting this U-tube link as a little Thanksgiving reminder. Hope you like it as much as I did
http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&v=ZI1Gst7pEqc

That was fast track indeed, all the way around.

The tumor was removed. It was classified as malignant, consequently we are staying, until Monday to find out more regarding the specific treatment. The treatment will be designed here, but transferred to Athens.

I have been surrounded and spoiled by daughter Hillary, sweetheart, Carol, sister Lis and boyfriend Chuck ever since leaving the medical center.

My spirits are returning even did a mid- day exchange, Elaine!

Happy Thanksgiving everybody and God Bless,

Peter

Some of you knew that the second night would not be a walk in the park for me and indeed it was not. Yet, Chris my son-law's painting of Andre my grand dog and Margaret's video of my other granddog, somehow alleviated my pain and allowed me to relax enough to give the pain med a chance to work

Currently, I feel much better at 7 am this morning.

I am scheduled to see the oncology team mid-morning and be prepared to be released to my hotel room for the next two days. They and Dr. Friedman have declared my procedure a total success and more than likely will release me today.

This whole ordeal has not been easy. Yet, the support l have received here and from you has been unbelievable. Technology connecting me through loved ones right into ICU wherever they happened to be in clear facial outlines. It was almost like a reality show. The many comments felt like "you got mail! Seeing that I had almost 1000 hits, let you know that my cup was runneth over.

But that was not all, friends were married like Ed and Mary Ann and shared that joy on this blog my Nephew in Laos engaging a Buddhist monk and temple to be closer to me. Jonatan sea gull's bringing me a gift from the sea, my niece sending me a bunch of guardian angels in the mail, Penn's Tinkerbell painting. I am soooo blessed!

There will be post operative treatments. They take their tumors seriosly around here. and as find out more I'll share the information. I feel Duke was the right choice for me

Once again, thank you carrying me on your wings the past few days.

p.s. a couple people contributing to this blog are thinking of getting either an I-pad or the smaller mini

Without my I-pad I woulld not have been able to enjoy this great support. Your budget has to decide which model you choose.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. It is indeed an especial holiday fir me this year. I love you, Peter

This is the photo my husband, Chris, drew of our dog, Andre. It's a get well soon card for my dad that he sent with me from Austin, TX because neither he nor Andre could make the trek with me to Duke for the surgery this week. It was well received by my dad and he requested the inclusion of it in a blog because it meant so much to him. We all encourage continued get well wishes as they do so much to boost my dad's spirits. He had a rough day today, adjusting to pain and being moved out of ICU to a whole new staff of nurses. I know it would make him smile to keep hearing from you.

Out of I-C-U

View from my room

Stu, notice the pine tree...familiarity?

Seems like i am doing well!

Your comments where like wings, carrying me. I should find out the radiology results in the next couple of days
Keep the comments coming!

I walked into ICU this morning to find my dad sitting upright in a chair, finishing breakfast and catching up on emails just like nothing had happened. He's nothing short of jaw-dropping in the speed of his recovery time. His nurses said he had a very peaceful night and he's managing his pain this morning. It looks like he'll be moved from ICU today and possibly discharged from the hospital tomorrow. More updates to come. My dad wanted you all to know that your comments have buoyed him through this difficult time. He is convinced that the outpouring of love and support from all of you has been a major player in his recovery. I can't thank you all enough for helping all of us through this. We all feel so lucky to have you in our lives.

...get going with Jessica , this morning, i wish i could be there with you!

Dee, going to Chic-Filet-A Filet afterwards?

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FP7Ry9MfkQU&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DFP7Ry9MfkQU

According to Charlie my ICU nurse, I had an entertaining night!

I felt europhic, enough!

I am leaving you with my one of my favorite blessing this morning. I hope the song sticks with you.

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=HwO-7OAW9nM&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DHwO-7OAW9nM

God bless,

Love, you

We've been with my dad in the ICU for about an hour. He made it through surgery like a champion. There were some immediate issues with pain and high blood pressure but everything is stabilized. He's feeling pretty good right now and making the whole staff laugh with his best Arnold Schwartznegger impressions. I can't tell you how relieved we all are and how good he looks. Keep those comments coming folks! He'll be able to read them soon.