H2 Brew

As many of you know, Marc Gottfried, the Brewmaster at Morgan Street Brewery, approached us at Dad's wake and let us know he wanted to brew a special batch of beer in honor of Dad. We were shocked and truly humbled that he wanted to do this. At the end of that week we went downtown and watched a small portion of the lengthy process that went into making H2 Brew. [Dad signed lots of papers H2 (H squared) since that was his initials. So, Ted Cassimatis came up with the catchy title.]

Well, the beer is now ready for consumption and is available on tap at Morgan Street on the Landing beginning tomorrow. We will be going down on Saturday, 12/5 at 1:00 pm for a late lunch and to raise a pint to Dad (although most of us won't be drinking a full pint since our taste in beer differs greatly from the oatmeal stout beer which was Dad's favorite). I will forego the orange in my beer on Saturday in honor of Dad. If he told me once, he said it a thousand times that he had raised me better than to put fruit in my beer!

This is an open invitation for everyone to head to Morgan Street Brewery. We'd love to see you on Saturday, but if that doesn't work with your schedule, then we hope you get to enjoy some H2 Brew before it's gone!!

Cheers & Happy Holidays!

Rules of the Road...

Many of you have been asking for a list of the '8 Rules of the Road.' This story has become a legend in our circle. When Dad was going to retire, he began training Nick Mantia to take over much of his territory. Nick tells the story way better than I ever could, but basically several of these rules were thrown at Nick by Dad on their first day of riding together to visit customers. The rules are listed below. Rules # 7, 8, and 5 were given to Nick on that first morning. Dad's lucky Nick didn't get out of the car then and run away screaming!!!

Rules of the Road:

1. The Hierarchy is - Customer is 1st, John Henry Foster is 2nd, and the vendor is 3rd.
2. Don't lie to me.
3. Always be on time.
4. Do what you say you are going to do.
5. I don't deal with assholes.
6. When going in to see the customer leave your cell phone in the car.
7. If we need gas we'll get some.
8. If you have to go to the bathroom, raise your hand and we will stop.

Details on Arrangements...

Dad's visitation will be on Tuesday and his funeral and burial on Wednesday. We didn't want to have any conflicts with the scheduled book signing on Monday night. Our family will be at the event on Monday to support Dad, Kevin, and Don's efforts on the FANTASTIC book. You'll love it. We'd love to see you there and we'll raise a pint to Dad! Below are the details for the week:

Monday – The St. Louis Brews Book singing at Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Ave, 63143, in Maplewood from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Tuesday – Visitation is at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 350 East Fourth Street, Eureka, MO 63025, click here for map, from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Wednesday – Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 350 East Fourth Street, Eureka, MO 63025, at 11:00 am. Burial following at 1:00 pm at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Road, St. Louis, MO 63125. Reception in celebration of Dad's life following from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust Street, St. Louis, MO 63103.

"Lighten Up Dutch"

I am sad to say that Dad passed away last night. I'm pretty much at a loss for words this morning. The phrase 'Lighten up Dutch' has been in my mind all morning. Dad told me that about a million times over the last 35 years. Apparently, I got the lionshare of his stubbornness. It is one of my favorite 'Hankisms.' Although I didn't appreciate it most of the times he told me that :)

I'll post the wake and funeral details here when I have them. But, I'll leave you with a few Hankisms. The first is one I'm sure he has thought recently...

Who signed me up for this shit?
I'm just a kid from Dogtown, what do I know?
Don't let the bastards get you down.

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

In typical Dad fashion his 4 day hospital stay has now turned into 9 and the end to the stay is not in the immediate future. He has had a roller coaster week, with ups and downs coming in his blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, but never in his attitude. Even when he was in ICU last Saturday he said he felt fine. The good news is, he is not in pain.

The story is very long and involved for what he's been through in the last week, so we'll just play the highlight reel...lots of fluids in...2 gallons of fluid drained off his stomach...started chemo...ICU for 24 hours because of low blood pressure (ironically, this was at the same time the Cardinals lost the series, which would make you think his blood pressure would have gone up)...liver not functioning correctly...had to skip chemo this week because of low platelet counts. The bad news is the fluid from his stomach cavity contained lots of cancer cells, which means it is 'everywhere' according to the doctors. So, what next?

Dad's friend Fr. Anderson came yesterday and gave Dad the sacrament for the sick. Father guaranteed him this doesn't mean the end and he can even get it more than once. When he was finished, Dad asked how long it was good for. Even in his weakened state he is cracking jokes. They hope to get another round of chemo in him soon, to fight off the cancer and get his liver to start functioning properly.

The book signing is still on for Monday night. Dad will be there, although it may be through modern technology. So, come join us and raise a pint to Dad on Monday, October 19th at Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood at 7:00 p.m. He will either be there in person or via Skype. While you are there you can pick up a copy of this book Dad co-authored called 'St. Louis Brews.' It is really a great book (I'm truly not biased) and you can see the cover and a description here: http://www.reedypress.com/

On another note, that is so ridiculous it's almost funny (almost)...Mom torqued her knee and had to make a trip to the orthopedic surgeon and get an mri. They think she tore her meniscus - we'll find out more next week. In the mean time, she stole Dad's walker since she can't bear weight on that leg. Sue's husband Jeff suggested they get a double-walker, similar to the double-strollers for twins. I took a picture of Mom with the walker, but the gesture she was making at me made the photo rank above a G rating, so I didn't post it here. When it rains, it pours....and I'm sitting in the middle of a tsunami. (Did I mention my niece has swine flu...my car broke down...Amy's car broke down...and the list goes on and on.)

Much has changed...

It has been several weeks since I have updated the blog and much has changed especially in the last few days. Dad has started at an oncologist and the first test they did was a PET scan. This scan shows the location of cancer in the body. The results came back today and were not good. The cancer is spreading very quickly and is now in Dad's liver and lymph nodes. His stomach cavity also has a lot of unexplained fluid.

They admitted him to Missouri Baptist Hospital (Room 1356B) this afternoon to try and resolve a number of issues including the fluid in the stomach, edema in his legs, his lack of strength, and a couple of other general things that as Dad said are 'fu#&ed up' (that's a direct quote). He will probably be in the hospital about 4 days and they'll start chemo while he is there.

We're trying to stay positive, but this news came like a punch to the gut. Dad's internist called to discuss his options and noted that he had quite the battle ahead of him if he chose to fight. Dad said, 'Laying here and doing nothing is not on my to do list, so let's start chemo.' His stubborn nature may just be the key. I guess we're back to hogging up some of the lines to heaven, but if you can throw a few extra prayers Dad's way we'd appreciate it.

On a good note...Dad got to see the final book today (he even signed 100 of them before they took him to the hospital) and he was ecstatic over the final product. Book signing at Schlafly Bottleworks on Monday, October 19th at 7:00 pm - still on tap. I have noticed that in between his major beer events, Dad fills his time at hospitals. I'm wondering if he has a nurse-fettish or if we should just schedule beer things every weekend to keep him on the up and up! Hmmm...

The King of Hop...

Forget the King of Pop, he is old news. The King of Hop is where it's at! It's been a couple of weeks since I've added any info, so we have a few updates...CANvention, ER, Hop in the City. At least his latest trip to the ER was surrounded by fun beer events! First, the minor setback...2 weekends ago Dad had to go to the emergency room. He was running fever and feeling lousy. Turned out to be a couple of infections, but nothing too serious. They released him from the ER, put him on antibiotics and within a few days he was much better.

Friday, September 11th, Mom and Dad, with my Aunt Mary as their personal assistant, drove to Springfield, IL for the 39th CANvention. Dad made it to the Tontine Luncheon and signed in. Thereby keeping his name on the coveted list of those who have attended every CANvention and still in the running for the cans they all contributed the first year. They sadly told me of a friend who didn't make it this year who was in the hospital. Dad was feeling very lucky and was so happy to be there. I believe there are 16 Tontines remaining. Like I said before, it will take more than pancreatic cancer to scratch off his name!

Yesterday on September 19th, Dad was the Honorary Chair of the Hop in the City event at Schlafly Tap Room. This was a huge spirit lifter for him and he did great! They named him The King of Hop, which of course included a crown, sash, and scepter. I've included his picture when he arrived (at the top)...looking good!!

Here's another with the crown. This one cracks me up, because the man has not butt and I caught him while he was pulling up his pants. When they did the whipple procedure and took out a good portion of his insides, apparently they did a buttectomy! Wish I could get that done, only without the cancer ;) Genetically, I didn't get his lack of tush!!

Anyway, the day was great, Dad made it about an hour and had good friends, like Beer Dave and the Ohlendorfs, along with the Schlafly crew there. He also had a good family showing with my 2 cousins Roberta and Regina coming along. My friend Jackie Billet went to the wrong Schlafly location or she would have been there too...her luck continues, like the day she got stranded on the side of the Boston Turnpike, but that's a story for another blog entry!! So the King of Hop had lots of love along with hundreds of others cheering for him. It was a great day!

One of the highlights, in my opinion, was the bottles of 'chemotherapy ale' the good people at Schlafly gave to Dad. These were custom labels made just for him. Seriously, can you think of a bigger honor than having your own beer?? I'm totally jealous! Troika did a fantastic job on creating the labels. Troika we think you are amazing!! Here's a link to a picture of the label: http://stlhops.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Henry-bottle.jpg

Thanks again to Tom Schlafly and everyone at both Schlafly locations for showing Dad the love. He was truly honored. Next big beer event...the book release!!

Home Sweet Home...

Mom and Dad made it home on a, thankfully, uneventful flight on Saturday night. They are both so glad to be back at home. Life is getting back to 'normal' and they are happily visiting with friends and family. In fact, this Thursday night, Tyler (my son) and I get the honor of 'babysitting' the old guy. We only agreed to let Mom go out to dinner since Dad now takes his medication by mouth :)

Most of the time, they are both at home and are gladly accepting visitors. If you call ahead, Dad works at planning his naps around his visitors. He loves having a purpose to his day and formulating a good plan. Gives him something to think about besides bugging my Mom for crazy stuff all day. So, for the sanity of both of my parents, please feel free to stop in. Although, Friday they are heading to the CANvention so Dad can sign in at the Tontine luncheon. It will take more than a little pancreatic cancer to eliminate his name from the original list.

Homeward Bound!!!

Finally, the post I've been waiting to write...Dad is coming home. That's right, Mom and Dad are flying back to STL on Saturday night. Dad was released by the surgeon today. He also removed almost all of his bandages and took him off the oxygen. No more carrying his own trendy oxygen bar with him, he now has to breathe the same air the rest of us get. He has his final antibiotic infusion tomorrow and then he will be a free man.

Since he and Mom left for vacation on June 28th it has been quite a trip to Denver. It will be great to have him back home. While the road in front of him is a long one, he will at least be looking at it through his own window in a few days.

Thanks again for everyone's prayers and support! You all are what have gotten he and Mom through the last few months. The blog will continue...I'm sure we'll have some hilarious chemo stories coming your way soon (or something like that)! Let's all pray for an uneventful flight home.

Better Each Day...

Dad's strength is steadily improving each day and this is just the news we were hoping for. He and Mom are hoping to fly home on Saturday. There are a number of arrangements that have to be made in regards to travel accommodations, like oxygen on the plane and just getting Dad to and from the car and the gate. The surgeon should release him when they visit his office later in the week and he will finish his anti-biotic infusions as well. Finally, this all feels like real progress!!!

I've heard from many of you that you appreciate the blog and even find it a bit humorous. I just wanted to say that I'm glad! I'm trying to keep it light since it's such a heavy topic. But, sometimes I can't live up to the pressure to think of anything funny. So, tonight's humorous line at Dad's expense comes from Sue...I spoke to her this weekend and asked how Dad was doing. Sue said, "Well, Mom gave him a haircut and he got a shower. Which is a good thing, because he cleaned up nicely and looks less like a Scary Old Man." Nice!!! I believe the saying goes, 'With friends (family) like this, who needs enemies?'

The Answer to the Ultimate Question...

Dad is progressing well. He has managed to stay on his feet for 3 straight days...at least when he's not napping! He visited the surgeon today and the drain for his stomach, which has been capped for a week, but was left in 'just in case', was removed. He's visiting an infusion center each day to finish up antibiotics to clear all of the infections from his bizarre night of internal poisoning. He has about a week left of the infusions. He will visit the surgeon again next Thursday and may get released at that point. Which means, Mom and Dad may come home as early as Labor Day weekend. The surgeon also encouraged Dad to increase his food and eat whatever he wanted!!

The Ultimate Question, which Dad posed to the surgeon today, went something like this...

Dad: "I have a question."

Surgeon: "When can you start chemo?"

Dad: "No. When can I have a beer?"

Nice! The Answer...Now. The surgeon even said he could have a couple. Dad expressed some reservations about his tolerance level. So the surgeon's orders were to drink it sitting down. Another head split+blood thinners+alcohol= Bad News!! So, I believe he enjoyed a part of a beer this evening, while chilling on the couch. I'm sure he enjoyed the beer even more when someone else was waiting on him and he got to use the excuse of 'Dr.'s orders.' Life is slowing getting back to normal...

He's fine today...

In typical fashion, after a bad day Dad is doing fine today. In fact, he said he didn't even have a headache. He must have left his little bit of brains on the sidewalk! If he follows the same pattern he used in the hospital, tomorrow will be a great day and then Thursday he'll probably try to perfect a triple lutz. I promise to post something so that you all will come read the blog and he won't have to try and pull another attention getting stunt.

Thanks to Ted, Nick, & Todd - 3 of Dad's 'sons' who made the trek to Denver today from STL to visit him. Apparently they thought the daughters weren't doing a very good job, so they stepped in to do their part. Their visit was definitely a spirit booster for Dad! Thanks bros.

New theory...

As I noted in my previous post, my Uncle George is in Denver to visit Dad. He is Dad's only brother and wanted to see him after his whirlwind cruise this summer. So, after seeing him for a few short hours and then watching him take the header on the sidewalk, Uncle George has a new theory to add to the mix...

Dad is actually fine and has been smokescreening all of us! Now that he's at Sue's house we were on to him and about to figure out that he was just trying to get some attention, so he took the header to distract us for a while.

I love it! We will add this as Theory #5, to the 4 listed in the previous posting. #6 theory is offered up by my brother-in-law Jeff. His theory is Dad is trying to keep the over-under interesting on if he'll actually make the Tontine Lunch at the Beer Canvention.

Got a theory? We'd love to hear them. Post a comment with your theory on why Stubborn Ol' Dad did a swan dive on the sidewalk today. We'll vote on our favorite and the winner gets a special prize. Be careful what you wish for. You may want to trade in the prize for the box on the floor. Which we'll have to step over to get to Dad and pick him up again...

Unbelievable...

There are a number of theories floating around about the latest Dad development. First, the news...while trying to walk up the step tonight into Sue's house Dad fell backwards and split his head open. He just left the ER at his favorite hospital with 30 stitches in a z-shaped pattern.

Now the theories...

1. He was so afraid everyone would quit reading this blog, that he did the Nestea plunge on the sidewalk so there would be more news to report. Since his blood thinners have been increased to try and get rid of the blood clot in his arm, you know this looked pretty!
2. He figured the ladies at the hospital missed him. As Dad would say, 'What's not to love?' So, he decided to go pay them a visit.
3. Since his brother George just arrived in town, he didn't want him to miss out on the excitement they've all been living the past 7 weeks, so he thought he'd give him a first hand experience.
4. He wanted a scar from all of his troubles that was visible without taking off his shirt. As my nephew Zach would say, "This will be a great story next time you're in a bar."

As we all know is the case with Dad, this one boils down to his stubbornness, he wouldn't wait for help and tried to do the step by himself. Mom was getting his stuff out of the car and Sue was making him a snack (see there is good news laced in here - he's eating!), but he is still very weak from being in the hospital so long. Crazy dude thinks he's Superman and you know he's frustrated with the inability to just pop up and do it all. Sometimes, no matter how old we are, we insist on learning lessons the hard way.

And He's Outta There!

After 49 days in the hospital, Dad was released last night!!!!!!!! He and Mom are staying at Sue's house for a couple of weeks. YEAH!!!

Food Glorious Food!!!

I am so happy to report that Dad is continuing his steady stream of good days! He even had real food yesterday...scrambled eggs and fruit. He said it didn't sit too great at first, but the good news is he digested it just fine. The stomach has finally remembered! So, the feeding tube and stomach drain have been off for days and everything is working great.

In an effort to win the "Favorite Daughter" title, Sue brought him a vanilla malt last night. He was in heaven. Although I think that with Amy on vacation in Alaska and me in Missouri, providing a frozen meal when you're the only one in town is cheating! I'm a little disappointed that Dad's love was for sale so cheap. Anyway, Mom always said she loved me best. :)

It looks like he might be released to Sue's on Friday. There are a few small issues that he is still dealing with, like a drain from the incision that is pumping out a lot of goo (yes, that's the medical term), but all things considered he's plugging along. Keep your prayers coming that he's down to 48 hours left in the hospital. That doesn't seem like very long when we consider he's been in there for 47 days. If he goes home on Friday, he'll likely have to stay in Denver for 2 more weeks.

All you beer enthusiasts realize this will put him home in enough time to make the Beer Canvention in Springfield, IL the weekend after Labor Day. He will retain his tontine status. A bit of family history...the BCCA Canvention is always the same week as Sue's birthday. Dad has been going to this canvention since it started 39 years ago. This year is Sue's 39th birthday. So, it looks like Dad will get out of Denver just in the nick of time to avoid yet another of her birthdays :) If she went to a therapist, I'm sure this would be at the top of the discussion list.

Dad has set his goals...the first being the Tontine luncheon at the BCCA...the second being the Hop in the City event at Schlafly later in September. The good people at Schlafly named Dad the Honorary Chair of this event. If he wasn't motivated before, that is truly giving him something to strive for. When he can drink a beer again, you can all guarantee that I will be the one tipping the pint with him and will immediately revert to the Favorite Daughter!!

Special thanks from our family to Bob Gau, Dad's boss for all his years at John Henry Foster, who made the trip to Denver today from STL to visit Dad. You know you are a lucky soul when you can count your boss (or ex-boss) as such a good friend.

Off the Roller Coaster and On a Roll!

(I stole that title from Ann Sommer - it was too great to pass up. Thanks Ann!)

Yes, this marks Day 4 of good days, but who's counting? Not only is it a good day, it may just be considered a great day as Dad achieved a huge milestone today that he hasn't reached since the Whipple was done on July 10th...the pump on the stomach drain was shut off this morning. This is huge!!!! It means his stomach has remembered its job and kicked in. At least all signs are pointing at this accomplishment.

He has celebrated with coffee, root beer, jello, tea, etc.!!! He is quite literally eating it up. Well maybe just drinking it up. The true test will come through the night. As long as Dad's stomach doesn't throw it in reverse tomorrow will hold even bigger and better things. There's a rumor about thicker liquids and maybe even food.

They hope to release him from the hospital on Thursday. If all goes well he may be released without the feeding tube and stomach drain. This is even better than we have imagined over the last few weeks. Gotta say, Mom and Sue will be thankful for this!! This also means he can come home to St. Louis sooner. We'll keep you posted. Here's to hoping for 5 good days in a row....

3 in a Row!!!!

Dad has finally broken the streak! Today makes the third good day in a row. Although there are 5 hours and 10 minutes left in the day, so I hope I'm not jinxing it! There are still some small hurdles to clear, such as the feeding tube has still not been turned back on. But, they let him have some jello (still not beer flavored) and he's drinking things today. Sue said he's powering through it while they're letting him start drinks...cranberry juice, tea, grape juice, and even a Coke!! Not quite a beer, but he's making progress. After 1 month and 5 days of basically no food or drink, he is enjoying every flavor.

They are hoping to release him later this week. Keep your fingers crossed that the upward progress continues and that he actually gets out of the hospital. Today makes 1 month and 14 days since he went to the ER.

I talked to Dad this morning and asked if he wanted to say anything to his dedicated readers. He said to tell everyone "thanks and that I get my sense of humor from him." He's never been much of a phone talker, in fact, I can replay every phone conversation while I was away at college..."Hi Dad!...Hi Kath, how's the weather?...Here's your Mom." He is pretty weak from his extended stay and had difficulty mustering up much of a conversation. So the fact that Dad gave me 2 separate thoughts to pass on to all of you shows how much he appreciates your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes! He is truly a lucky guy.

Sorry that we are hogging one of the prayer lines for so long, but please keep them coming. Looks like he is rounding the corner and on the homestretch, at least in the first leg of this race. Here's to 4 in a row....

Following the Pattern...

As predicted, yesterday was a better day. Dad got up and moving and was feeling better again. Ileus appears to have worked itself out. Blood clot was down, if not gone all the way. Hopefully today will continue the pattern and be another good day. I'm off to continue the long-standing Herbst tradition of spending the weekend at a soccer tournament. I'll update you all again tonight or tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed that tomorrow breaks the 2 up, 1 down pattern...

At a Loss...

I really just don't know what to say. I know it's hard to imagine that I am at a loss for words, but it's true. After another couple of good days, Dad has thrown it in reverse again. The old Murphy's Law 'Anything that can go wrong, will,' is now being renamed Henry's Rule. Or maybe we'll name a new scientific theory of ratios after him that has something to do with 2 good, then 1 bad. It appears he is sticking with the pattern of 2 good days and then a retreat. Someone more clever than I can come up with a good name for this.

On Monday and Tuesday he was using words like awesome and great, haven't heard those adjectives since then. Wednesday started a downhill slide. Not only is his stomach not working, but his intestines were heading in the wrong direction on Wednesday night due to a gastric ileus. The man absolutely hates to throw up and he loves to sleep...Wednesday brought a sleepless night of vomiting, so you know he was hating today! They've shut off his feeding tube for 24 hours in the hope that the ileus will go away on its own. So, now add to the list that he'll be hungry. Anyone who has seen Dad have to wait until 12:05 when lunch is supposed to be at noon, knows what a bear he is when he's hungry. Haven't we all felt a little sorry for the waitress who messes up his order? Well, transfer that sympathy to the nurses until that feeding tube gets turned back on. We don't know what the course of action is if the ileus is still present after 24 hours. Guess I'll dive into my medical dictionary and learn some new words...as long as I don't have to type 'stomach surgery and NG tube' again.

In addition to the ileus, they found a small blood clot in his left arm this afternoon. So they're changing his blood thinner meds. You know it's been a bad day when the man who has had 2 strokes is diagnosed with a blood clot and nobody is really worried!!! As he said once before, he's the luckiest unlucky bastard and that pattern is holding true.

If he sticks to his 2 up, 1 down rotation, then tomorrow is a good day. I'll be writing the blog as the friggin' bluebird of happiness. Today I'm just pissed at the unrighteousness of it all. We love you Dad!

Guess I was able to come up with a few things to say :)