Tuesday Update

David's strength has weakened. Today we were unable to get him in a sitting position and therefore unable to get him up for a walk. I have requested PT.

The results from the echocardiogram, ordered by the neurologist yesterday, showed that David has a hole in his heart (not unusual) BUT because of his condition (combination of meds, disease, lack of mobility) a blood clot was able to "jump over" the hole and travel to his brain (my simple un-medical explanation). Because of the one stroke in October we knew he was susceptible to others. The hole in his heart further raises the risk. He had a ultrasound on his legs today to see if there are any blood clots. We haven't heard anything so perhaps that is good news. He will definitely need to be back on Coumadin after he starts eating again.

Finally after six days David's oncologist came in tonight. This has been very upsetting for me especially since it was on her advice that we brought David to this particular hospital. There was a communication breakdown somewhere and she was not informed until today. I asked the nurse to call her - and she did. The doctor is recommending to the surgeon that we move David to the neuro floor so that he will get care more related to his limitations with the brain cancer.

He seems to be healing from the surgery. His wound looks good. He started full liquids today with no problems.

Today was especially tiring for him. On the whole, I feel he is mentally alert with only minor occasional confusion. He has let the nurses and doctors know that I speak for him because sometimes he might not get it right.

I am so thankful tonight for the everlasting arms. I know they are holding David and me and our family very close.

"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms..." Deut. 33:27

Pam

The In-Between

After a rough night David is finally resting. The surgeon came in this morning and said the NG tube could be removed. David can only have ice chips at this point to see how he tolerates them but we are thankful for this small step toward recovery.

A little later in the morning we saw the doctor on-call with our oncology practice. He was very nice and confirmed what I (Pam) was suspecting. A combination of the Avastin chemo drug and the steroids most likely caused the rupture in David's colon. It is all a balancing act - introduce additional drugs to keep the tumors at bay but risk other complications. The Avastin was stopped in early December because an MRI showed David had had a stroke - enter balancing act # 2. Stop Avasin and the benefits of slowing tumor growth or start Coumadin (blood thinner) because the greater risk has now become another stroke.

Because of David's high risk for another stroke the doctor's are increasing the dosage of his Heparin injection. This adds balancing act # 3 - keep him from a stroke and slow the healing from surgery or keep the dosage the same and risk another stroke.

A while back I wrote "God knows the end of this journey - and everything in between." When I wrote that I certainly did not know that we would have these complications. All my eyes could see was the journey of brain cancer and how, if God did not heal David, what the progression of the disease would do to him. A ruptured colon, emergency surgery, a colostomy were not in the picture. God graciously does not allow us to see "everything in between". Knowing the end is what gives us hope.

Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. One day sin and suffering will be totally done away with. In the meantime, we eagerly await...

Pam

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