Up and Walking

David is doing great, especially considering his condition before this emergency surgery. He had a good night and rested well. He walked a short distance yesterday and has already walked a little further this morning with the walker. The goal is three short walks today. He would prefer not to have all of the tubes (IV, wound vac, NG, & cath) but hopefully, before too long, he can have some of those removed.

David and I prayed together this morning and thanked God for His grace and love to us. We also affirmed God's goodness - all the time - in all circumstances. Suffering is not easy and we may not understand all the whys but this we know - God is good.

Thank you for you continued prayers for David and all of our family.

Love,
Pam

He's Awake!

Dad is awake and doing well. He is in a regular room and talking some. He is very groggy, obviously, and in quite a bit of pain. I also think he's a little disappointed :) But, praise the Lord for this blessing!

The next 24 hours will be very important. Although the surgery was very successful, the surgeon kept reminding us that Dad is a very sick man and "this may kill him."

Whatever the outcome, we give God all the glory.

Waiting

This morning Dad was taken to the emergency room at Rex Hospital with a swollen stomach and weakness throughout his body. He received a CAT scan and a large ruptured abscess was found in his colon. It is unknown what the actual cause of this was but the only option at this point is surgery.

He entered surgery at 6:30 pm. and we were told it should take about two hours.

This type of thing can be dangerous for a healthy individual so you can imagine the prognosis for a man who has no immune system. Dad's body is very weak and sick but we are prepared for whatever outcome the Lord has for him.

I spoke with him briefly before surgery and his only concern was for his family, particularly his wife. Even in the face of death, his thoughts are selfless.

My sister asked him if he was tired and "ready" and his response was, "I have this feeling of excitement but, yes, I am tired."

Whatever the outcome, may God receive ALL the glory.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

MRI Results - and New Treatment

David had his MRI on Monday, December 7th. We saw the doctor on December 9th and got the results.

Praise God there is no visible growth of the two tumors. They look to be about the same size, as far as the scan can detect.

The scan did show that David has had a substantial stroke. This accounts for his loss of sight on the left side. The doctor felt it warranted starting some preventive treatment as this seems to be the pressing issue right now.

He will be taking the blood thinner, Coumadin. He must stop the infusion chemo because of the side-effects and how it could impact this new issue. He will continue on the monthly oral chemo along with daily steriods.

The doctor suggested starting home health care. This will save us a weekly trip into the doctor for blood work and also begin to put into place help for the future, should we need it. We had our first visit by the nurse just this week.

David has been eating much better and getting around on his own here at home. We still need the wheelchair when we go out. He doesn't have the strength or energy to walk or stand for any length of time.

We thank God for everyday. We are praying that He will be glorified in our lives as we continue on this journey designed by His loving hands.

Time for an Update

It’s been a while since I updated this blog, so I will give it a shot today. I’m thankful to Pam and other family for adding to it as they could. Thanks to everyone for the kind comments as well as the prayers.

Having just come through the Thanksgiving holiday, we are impressed by how blessed we are. Our children are saved and continuing in their pilgrimage with Jesus. That reaches into eternity. As Romans 8:18-19 says: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” How glorious! No more heartaches. No more cancer. Only continuous joy, which we are already experiencing to a great degree even now.

I have lost most of my sight on the left side. That makes reading and playing the piano rather difficult. God willing, that will reverse itself. I miss both.

It’s almost time for lunch, but I can’t stop without a special word of thanks to our family at Fellowship Bible Church. The cancer has caused me to have limited mobility. For that reason I am often in a wheelchair. The men from the church came and built a ramp so Pam could roll me from the house into the garage. Thanks guys. God bless you all.

Closer to home than ever before.

David