Day 35

This is Steve, Dennis' friend, posting for him.

Just want to say that he's hanging in there, it's been a tough week or so. He wanted me to post a 'Hello to everyone' and thank them for thinking about him.

Day 26

Haven't been able to post for a few days. Its been pretty bad. Finally felt good enough to take a few minutes to post an entry.

Not much to say. I guess I just wanted to say hello to everyone.

Will try to post again soon. Take care everyone.

Day 22

Not much to report, so so day, only able to eat when I take my meds. I have increased some of my fortified liquids so I hope I can keep up the calorie count and also get better hydrated.

Wanted to send along a special Thank You to the two autocross clubs that I race with. Both Equipe Rapide and SCCA Texas Region Solo and their members have given to help me cover my expenses. Both clubs gave rather significant amounts and the members of both clubs gave generously as well. The people are the reason I autocross as much as the driving or taking pictures and it is what kept bringing me back when it was miserably hot, or raining, or any number of other reasons. I also loved being on the edge of the course taking pics as the different cars roared by with their screeching tires. The challenge of getting a good picture while being so close to the race cars at their limits was priceless. Knowing people have enjoyed the pictures is also very gratifying and made all the hours worth it.

Guess that's it for today, just taking it hour by hour and day by day.

Day 20

Feeling a little better today. I was able to eat some food yesterday and a little today, so I guess I got a bit of an energy boost.

I wanted to also give a special thanks to a few folks, they are close friends and family members that mean the world to me. I love you guys, Jean and Bill, Diane, Susan and Danny and Craig, Shauna and Drew and the boys, Shermaine and Jordin and JP, Darla and Fred, Jana and David and last but not least Andy. There are many, many others I would like to mention, but I would be typing for a while.

I also want to take a moment to Thank Juli, she has given me the greatest peace I could ask for as I move on to the next step in life. Thank you ma'am, you have my eternal gratitude.

Day 19

Not much to report. Saturday and Sunday were pretty bad days, but I managed to get by and am feeling just good enough to post this morning.

Saw that the SCCA had their Solo out at Mineral Wells, wish I coulda been there. Rough surface, but fun open tracks.

Wanted to say a special thanks to 2 people that have been there everyday to take care of me, my father Derrill and my best friend Steve. They have gone above and beyond to make sure I am as comfortable as possible and also make sure I eat, drink fluids, take my meds, etc. Thanks to you both. Love ya Poppo and Steve you are the best friend anyone could have.

The Hospice folks have also been great, they have taken care of what I need, from equipment to meds. They are there whenever I have some trouble or just need to ask a question about something.

Day 16

Finally felt good enough to post this evening. It was a bad night last night and a pretty lousy day.

I have been trying to answer all the notes I have received, but just can't seem to get to all of them, I hope you understand. I really just wanted to get on to post that I want to thank everyone for their wonderful words of encouragement and affection.

Thank you to everyone for everything you have done to help me through this trying time, I will miss all of you.

Dennis

Day 15

Have not been able to post in a few days. Sunday night, the pain got progressively worse and I had to go back the emergency room Monday morning. The docs got me stabilized and I spent a few days in the hospital. I got the results of the last few tests that had been run and they were very bad. The cancer is liver cancer and its very advanced. There are no real treatments for the stage of my cancer and the prognosis is very poor. I am also too weak to even try any of the trial medications. So, there does not look to be anything that can be done. I have been released from the hospital to go home. I have been given a very short time to live and my Doctor helped arrange home Hospice care for me through the Southern Care Hospice. They seem to be very nice folks and have assured me that they will do everything to make me as comfortable as possible.

I want to Thank all my friends, co-workers, the autocross community and especially my family for all their support.

I am going to ask that everyone please understand that I do not really want visitors. I am in very bad condition and am too weak to have visitors. If you would like to send me a personal note, just send it to dennisrothermich@gmail.com and I will answer. Also, please don't call as I am not answering the phone. My father is monitoring the phone, but will not answer unless it is immediate family.

I will try to post, but may not be able. If anything warrants a post, my father or Steve will post here on my behalf.

Again, Thanks everyone, I care for all of you and will miss you.