Better, still weak

When I called Mom for the afternoon update, she didn't feel that Dad had a very good day; she said his blood pressure was low (80/50) and he was very weak. His walk from the bed to the chair was very difficult, and he only sat up for an hour.

To look on the bright side . . . he WAS able to walk from the bed to the chair (with a lot of help) and he sat up for a whole hour! :-) Gotta be grateful for the blessings. The best one was that he talked to me for a couple of minutes! He hadn't done that since last Friday.

Dad's feeding tube is once again operational for meds and liquid food. He has only had a few sips of water and ice chips by mouth since the feeding tube was replaced yesterday. IV nutrition continues also.

No discharge in sight, yet. We are so grateful for the good care Dad is receiving, with plenty of consideration for Mom's needs as well.



Daddy & his girls, 1976

Relief today

We were glad to find out today that Dad's internal discomfort in the stomach area was due to a blockage in his feeding tube! The surgeon tried several times to dislodge the blockage but was unable to, so he replaced the tube. That procedure was done right in Dad's room; he didn't have to go to an operating room.

Since the tube was replaced, Dad has been feeling much better. :-) We hope that he will feel like eating a little bit of liquid food again tomorrow.

The Right Time

Mom shared this evening that today Dad was very uncomfortable. His stomach hurts. Of course the incision site is painful, and he has a pillow to press against it when he coughs. But today he had significant internal discomfort also, and did not eat anything all day. He is still getting IV nutrition.

This makes three bad days in a row. So naturally we are increasingly concerned, and alert to the possibility that I/we may need to travel up there fairly soon. A number of arrangements will need to be made when that time comes, particularly for our children's schoolwork, and we desperately need wisdom to know the right time to go. Jack and I have tickets for a trip to Denver CO on Sept. 24-27, that were booked shortly before we learned how ill my dad was. My mom said today that she thinks we can wait until after that trip, but if necessary, we can cancel it and use the flight credits.

It is comforting to know that God has the right time prepared for Dad's departure. Mom said she is comforted by that also. As Dad repeated over and over today, "I'm so uncomfortable," she said she told the Lord that she knew He would do what is best.

Pastor Holliday, our dear friend who has been faithful to visit every few days, reported that while he was there today, whenever Mom or one of the hospital staff did anything for Dad, he said "thank you" every time. That always impressed me about Dad when I was growing up. After every dinner Mom cooked, he would take her hand, smile tenderly at her, and say "thank you, sweetheart."

Friday & Saturday

Friday and Saturday were similar for Dad. He was able to walk a short distance both days, and eat a small amount of liquid food: chicken broth, chocolate drink, and his favorite, vanilla ice cream. A blessing is that he did not experience any nausea.

Friday he sat up more of the time, and talked to me briefly on the phone. Yesterday (Saturday) he stayed in bed all afternoon, and was too tired to talk when I called. Mom also sounded tired yesterday. I have not been able to reach her this afternoon. I'll keep trying and will post again later if there is more news.

"The eternal God is your refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting arms..." Deuteronomy 33:27

Candid words from a caring doctor

Mom called again last night to share that Dr. Medd, Dad's PCP, had told her that the cancer has spread well beyond the surgery site. They did the surgery in hopes of giving Dad some time, and will be giving him therapy for quality of life . . . but they are not recommending any other interventions.

We are grateful for Dr. Medd's honesty, caring and compassion. He did not mention any time frame; he said that he can't predict how the coming weeks and months will go. We are praying that Dad will remain as comfortable as possible, and we are going to be thankful for the blessing of each day God gives us.

"Do not boast about tomorrow,
For you do not know what a day may bring forth." (Proverbs 27:1)



Mom & Dad on their 40th wedding anniversary - May 24, 2009

More positive progress!

Dad continued to improve today, with TWO walks--one halfway to the door and back, and the other almost to the door and back! He also sat in the chair most of the afternoon, wearing his glasses and reading a little bit of the newspaper. Railroad friends have brought picture books of trains, but he hasn't felt quite up to looking at those yet.

He has been able to drink water today, and even some root beer. However, his intestines still are not showing any sign of activity. :-( That is an important indicator that they are watching for. A pressure sore is also being treated.

Mom was there when the social worker/discharge planner asked Dad's nurse when he might be discharged. She said possibly Tuesday of next week, at the earliest.

Here is a photo of Dad with Danielle . . . several years ago. :-)

Getting better

Dad is back in a "regular" room - #140, for anyone who wants to call or visit him. Today he put his hearing aid in (although he didn't want his false teeth or his glasses), and I got to talk to him on the phone for a few minutes! He sounded weak, but quite like himself. It was great. Afterward I heard him tell his nurse that I was Lois, so he was slightly confused, but close enough!

Mom said the nurse thinks they will try having Dad do a little walk tomorrow. The plan for when he leaves the hospital is to return to Ledgeview, but not to their apartment, at least not right away. He'll be receiving rehab therapy for awhile at Ledgeview's Skilled Nursing Facility.

It is possible, and we are hopeful, that he might regain enough strength to go home to their apartment in the Ledgeview Living Center. But if not, he would become a patient in the Long Term Care facility there at Ledgeview . . . what we think of as the "nursing home." This would be a difficult transition, but we are trying to prepare ourselves for that possibility. Mom has worked very hard to care for him in the last year, and it has often been difficult for her.

Again, we are thankful that Mom & Dad are in the Lord's loving hands. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!!