Richard Venezky

Hi.

I’m not sure where to begin so I will try to be as succinct as I can. Dad is still in the hospital. His blood counts have been going up slowly and we are hopeful that they will continue to increase. A new concern is that Dad has pneumonia. The doctors did a biopsy on the day I flew in to Delaware and have found that it is a virulent strain in his lungs. I have been very impressed by the steps the doctors are taking to solve each challenge. The new medication is a 4+ hour IV drug that Dad seems to be tolerating well (it surprised his doctors). We are all very hopeful that the drugs will clear up his lungs but we’ve been told that it is a serious battle.

Dad looks great and takes walks around his floor during the day. The drugs make him tired and he needs lots of sleep to recover. If you would like to send something - cards, letters, or postcards would be great. He is on a restricted diet (no fresh fruits or vegetables, no peppercorns) and can not be near flowers or plants (more on food below pictures).

The most important thing for all of us to do is to stay positive - and Dad needs to be the most positive.

Thank you so much for your support.
Because of the pneumonia, it would be best for Dad not to receive phone calls (his doctors want him to take pain killers for his cough).

Thank you again.
Love,
Dina

ps I’ve switched the date in the subject line because it was confusing to some. Dad was diagnosed with AML and started his first round of chemotherapy on Oct. 11, 2002.

Benjamin and his lacrosse stick (after playing in the water with Stephen).

Benjamin in the big (rope) spider web at the SF Zoo.

More about food -
If you do send food (more for people in the area), we can not take food from Dad’s room out to the microwave or refrigerator so it would be easiest if it was in small containers. And, of course, please be super-careful about preparing the food (wash hands, don’t cook if you’re sick or anyone else in the house is sick, please don’t taste the food and put the spoon back in, etc.).