Family Update...

On Sunday afternoon we decided to head over to Brazos Bend State Park for an Easter cook-out.  Brazos Bend is home to the American alligator and there are many lakes and hiking trails.  We've always enjoyed going there and hadn't been since before Reid got sick.  Jim hadn't felt well last week, but by Sunday he was feeling quite a bit better and it seemed like a good time to go.

A lot of other people had the same idea.

Our little cook-out was modest compared to most.  Fortunately, we had brought along our own little grill, table and chairs since the park's were all taken.

We cooked hamburgers and hotdogs and then Jim and Reid rested while I hiked around the one lake.

It's a pretty good hike as you can see in this picture.  The trail is on the left.

Finally I spotted an alligator.  Can you see him?

Here's another one...

And another...

By the time I got back Jim and Reid were well rested.

Then yesterday we spent the day down at MD Anderson while Reid had all his tests and scans and doctor's visit.  The lymph node that they've been watching has increased a little in size again and the doctor now wants him to see a surgeon to have the lymph node removed and biopsied.  It needs more than just a needle biopsy.  The doctor says there's a 50/50 chance it's the Hodgkin's returning.  So, we're waiting now for that appointment to get set up.  They're also watching his thyroid now.  He still is fatigued and his thyroid numbers were down a little.  They're going to wait until his next appointment to check the numbers again and if they stay down he'll need to go on medication.  We were told it's fairly common after a stem cell transplant to have the thyroid under produce a little.

So, that's the latest with our family.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter.  I've really fallen behind reading E-mail, but will hopefully catch up soon.