Dad had a good day yesterday. He was alert because we skipped radiation. And for the first time in 6 weeks or more, dad asked for solid food. We (Ray, Amber, Baby, Mom, Dad and I) were sitting in the den and dad asked mom what we had for dinner. I told him we had the homemade chicken soup Mrs. Whitfield brought. (THANK YOU, it was delicious!) Dad told us he wanted a turkey sandwich and corn nuggets from Cattleman's grill. What?! I paused for a minute because usually requests for solid food are followed up by, "But, I better not try that yet". Well, not this time. I asked if he wanted me to go get it for him and he said yes. At first I was a little irritated because I knew what would happen.... By the time I could get the food and come back, he will have changed his mind or fallen asleep (I speak from experience!). Never-the-less, I drove around the corner and got dad his turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes and corn nuggets.
Well, I will have you know, dad put me to shame! He had a small handful of turkey, half the small container of mashed potatoes and 2 corn nuggets! And better yet.... IT STAYED DOWN!!!
Mom and dad started a Saturday morning tradition several years ago of driving out to a little hole-in-the-wall cafe at the beach called Beach Hut Cafe. Todd and I started joining them and then Ray and Amber joined. We don't always go all together, but for the most part, one of our families is there every Saturday. This morning Todd came and picked me up from mom and dads, where I had spent the night, to head out there and dad seriously wanted to go with us. I had to talk him out of it! The only reason I did is because I know it sounded wonderful to him, but he would have been so tired by the time we got there, we would have had to turn around and come back before we could get food! I did bring him back some sweet tea with lemon.... his favorite!
(Oh and just to clarify.... I am staying at mom and dads at night on the days Todd works. He doesn't get home until about 1:30am. Sleeping at mom and dads keeps both mom and I from getting lonely!)
Dad had a lot of visitors today. Usually, he is so tired he just stays in the room and sleeps and mom and I visit. But, today dad stayed up most of the day and visited with everyone in the den. It was wonderful to see him so chatty and to see his coloring look well. He even ate dinner (Thanks for the casserole, Shirley!) and stayed up a little later that he has been.
AUNT KAY - The salad was DIVINE! Thank you! AND thank you, for running that errand for mom and I!
Please pray for dad's mom. She is so distraught over the situation and is coming over to see dad tomorrow morning. We are hoping they will have a great visit and that Grandma will be encouraged to see how well dad is doing. We are looking forward to seeing her and dad's sisters.
Here's another shout out to the Lewis Family. We love you guys and are thinking of you. Your dad was a wonderful man, a Godly man, and a man of character. Our prayer is that his legacy will allow even more people to find Christ than his life did!
God is good all the time and all the time God is good!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Reality
Well friends and family, mom and I realized today a little dose of reality. Just the presence of the Hospice nurse (who is a God send) brought a dose of reality. However, she also brought supplies that we need; like, a wheelchair to get dad to and from appointments, oxygen to help with his breathing as needed, a shower chair, a foam wedge to put under his pillows, and some other misc. supplies. I am totally convinced that these people are some form of angels. It is amazing the quality of their care. Amazing!
Dads breathing was very shallow last night and he was talking in his sleep for a couple of hours. This is was just alarming enough to mom and I that we called Aunt Barb (moms sister who lives around the corner) to come sleep with us. Todd was working and I was staying overnight with mom, but even this dose of reality was too much for me to bear. I knew it was time to call in someone to stay the night with us.
Dad ended up sleeping through the night except for waking up one time to get a drink and to say he was having a hard time breathing. Of course, he slept the rest of the night and woke up refreshed.... the rest of us that stayed awake worrying about him and checking on him, were quite tired today!
I saw on dads face yesterday how tired and sick he really is. He sleeps most of the day. He doesn't ask for food (except liquid-y stuff like Jello, applesauce and strawberry Ensure). Sometimes I think he is getting a little confused and sometimes I think he is still sharp as a tack.
When he woke up this afternoon, I brought him some applesauce and just sat in the room and listened to him talk. He always talks about the program he has written and how he wishes he could see to fruition. I could hear the disappointment in his voice today. And yet, he remembered his dad and how he started the Kingfish Tournament here in town. His dad didn't get to see the full benefit of how that has impacted our city, but look at how big it is now. I assured him that we would not let his work go in vain and seemed satisfied with that. I hope he can begin to let it go so that it doesn't way so heavily on him.
We talked for a while about other things and then he asked me to clip and file his nails! Which I did!
He took another nap while I went to pick their dog up from the groomers. I just got back and am now in here typing to you, our dear friends and family.
We are so humbled by your generosity and love for not just my dad, but for our whole family.
SHARON - Thank you for being that quiet little angel that comes in and out quietly to clean moms house. You said it was a "little thing", but to us it is a tremendous help! THANK YOU!
SHIRLEY - You are the angel that God sent to comfort my mom. Words can't fully express our thanks. You are now family! We love you.... and I Bill, too, of course! THANK YOU, Bill, for helping take care of the leak in the den! We would be living in a mold swamp without you!
To the Lewis Family - Our hearts are breaking that we cannot be with you right now. We pray for you and think of you constantly. We are so humbled by your graciousness and support. WE LOVE YOU and hope to see you soon! Actually, Dad said yesterday that he IS going to the funeral and that he would not miss it for anything. I told him we got him a wheelchair and we will do everything possible to get him there. I asked if I could go buy him some new pants because all of his clothes are too big on him now and he said... and I quote, "Nah, I'll just wear my shorts. Harry won't care what I'm wearing!" Those two! What a hoot! Trust me, we won't let him come in his pajama shorts! :)
We have many other thank yous and are making our way down the list! I am trying not to leave anyone out!
Well, dad just got up, so I am going to spend time with him! LOVE YOU ALL!
God is good all the time and all the time God is good!
Dads breathing was very shallow last night and he was talking in his sleep for a couple of hours. This is was just alarming enough to mom and I that we called Aunt Barb (moms sister who lives around the corner) to come sleep with us. Todd was working and I was staying overnight with mom, but even this dose of reality was too much for me to bear. I knew it was time to call in someone to stay the night with us.
Dad ended up sleeping through the night except for waking up one time to get a drink and to say he was having a hard time breathing. Of course, he slept the rest of the night and woke up refreshed.... the rest of us that stayed awake worrying about him and checking on him, were quite tired today!
I saw on dads face yesterday how tired and sick he really is. He sleeps most of the day. He doesn't ask for food (except liquid-y stuff like Jello, applesauce and strawberry Ensure). Sometimes I think he is getting a little confused and sometimes I think he is still sharp as a tack.
When he woke up this afternoon, I brought him some applesauce and just sat in the room and listened to him talk. He always talks about the program he has written and how he wishes he could see to fruition. I could hear the disappointment in his voice today. And yet, he remembered his dad and how he started the Kingfish Tournament here in town. His dad didn't get to see the full benefit of how that has impacted our city, but look at how big it is now. I assured him that we would not let his work go in vain and seemed satisfied with that. I hope he can begin to let it go so that it doesn't way so heavily on him.
We talked for a while about other things and then he asked me to clip and file his nails! Which I did!
He took another nap while I went to pick their dog up from the groomers. I just got back and am now in here typing to you, our dear friends and family.
We are so humbled by your generosity and love for not just my dad, but for our whole family.
SHARON - Thank you for being that quiet little angel that comes in and out quietly to clean moms house. You said it was a "little thing", but to us it is a tremendous help! THANK YOU!
SHIRLEY - You are the angel that God sent to comfort my mom. Words can't fully express our thanks. You are now family! We love you.... and I Bill, too, of course! THANK YOU, Bill, for helping take care of the leak in the den! We would be living in a mold swamp without you!
To the Lewis Family - Our hearts are breaking that we cannot be with you right now. We pray for you and think of you constantly. We are so humbled by your graciousness and support. WE LOVE YOU and hope to see you soon! Actually, Dad said yesterday that he IS going to the funeral and that he would not miss it for anything. I told him we got him a wheelchair and we will do everything possible to get him there. I asked if I could go buy him some new pants because all of his clothes are too big on him now and he said... and I quote, "Nah, I'll just wear my shorts. Harry won't care what I'm wearing!" Those two! What a hoot! Trust me, we won't let him come in his pajama shorts! :)
We have many other thank yous and are making our way down the list! I am trying not to leave anyone out!
Well, dad just got up, so I am going to spend time with him! LOVE YOU ALL!
God is good all the time and all the time God is good!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Good Morning!
It really is a good morning! Dad slept all night without any sleep medicine, woke up cheerful and with energy, was able to hold down his morning liquids and even did some stretches! He never ceases to amaze me.... him and Him!
The Radiology office called this morning and said that their network is down and the radiation machine won't work without the network, so they have a technician out trying to fix it. So we are on standby today. They are supposed to call us soon and let us know if they fixed it or not. He has 11 more treatments (one a day excluding weekends) which are necessary to shrink the cancer spots on his spine. If we don't shrink them he will be at risk of paralysis. The good news is, it seems to be working and is lowering the pain in dad's lower back. Praise the Lord!
We have a Hospice nurse coming out today at 4:00 to begin helping us along in the process. Mom originally wasn't comfortable calling them yet, but now we can see that we are going to need their help. The first matter of business is going to be getting dad a wheelchair so we can get him back and forth to appointments. He usually has enough energy to make it from the house to the car, but by the time we get to the appointment he is worn out and needs a wheelchair. And we learned yesterday not to rely on a hospital wheelchair because they are not readily available all the time.
The other thing we learned is that we need a "treatment bag" to stay in the car. This is a bag I made composed of a roll of paper towels, Ziploc freezer bags (for nausea), bottles of water, a towel and gum. This has been so helpful in our car rides as dad tends to get sick in the car after his treatment.
Also.... I had a couple of people that wanted to donate, but weren't comfortable using PayPal. You are more than welcome to email me (Priscilla) directly @ cillashope@gmail.com and I can give you further instructions. THANK YOU!
That's all I can think of for now.... I will update later after the Hospice nurse comes!
MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU for your prayers and concerns! Love to all!
God is good all the time and all the time God is good!
The Radiology office called this morning and said that their network is down and the radiation machine won't work without the network, so they have a technician out trying to fix it. So we are on standby today. They are supposed to call us soon and let us know if they fixed it or not. He has 11 more treatments (one a day excluding weekends) which are necessary to shrink the cancer spots on his spine. If we don't shrink them he will be at risk of paralysis. The good news is, it seems to be working and is lowering the pain in dad's lower back. Praise the Lord!
We have a Hospice nurse coming out today at 4:00 to begin helping us along in the process. Mom originally wasn't comfortable calling them yet, but now we can see that we are going to need their help. The first matter of business is going to be getting dad a wheelchair so we can get him back and forth to appointments. He usually has enough energy to make it from the house to the car, but by the time we get to the appointment he is worn out and needs a wheelchair. And we learned yesterday not to rely on a hospital wheelchair because they are not readily available all the time.
The other thing we learned is that we need a "treatment bag" to stay in the car. This is a bag I made composed of a roll of paper towels, Ziploc freezer bags (for nausea), bottles of water, a towel and gum. This has been so helpful in our car rides as dad tends to get sick in the car after his treatment.
Also.... I had a couple of people that wanted to donate, but weren't comfortable using PayPal. You are more than welcome to email me (Priscilla) directly @ cillashope@gmail.com and I can give you further instructions. THANK YOU!
That's all I can think of for now.... I will update later after the Hospice nurse comes!
MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU for your prayers and concerns! Love to all!
God is good all the time and all the time God is good!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Random Thoughts
Once again, my mind is not focused enough to "write". Here are the random thoughts and updates.
- First, one of my dad's best friends, who was also going through a fight with cancer, went to be with the Lord suddenly this morning. This family has been more than friends to us, they are our extended family. We weep with them for the loss of their father and husband, and yet we rejoice with them that this wonderful man is in the Arms of Jesus tonight.
We have chosen not to tell dad this yet, as he is already in a fragile state of mind. The main reason for this is that we know the information will upset dad greatly and we HAD to get him to the hospital today for a doctors appointment and radiation. Mom plans on talking to dad about it tonight. - Yesterdays Radiation really made dad weak. He threw up on the way home (thankfully we were prepared) and slept most of the afternoon.
- Today's radiation went better. He didn't throw up until we got back home. The hard thing is, it literally takes 2 extra people to get mom and dad back and forth to appointments. One person has to stay with mom at all times for 2 reasons: 1. she is emotionally fragile and 2. you have to listen to the dr. for her because she is not retaining all of the information. The second person has to stay with dad to push his wheelchair (he is too weak to walk right now) and to help him when he vomits.
- I am so thankful I do not have a job right now and that we have a nice comfortable car so that I can tote mom and dad everywhere. Mom is not thinking clearly enough to drive and someone has to help dad with the vomiting.
- Dad has radiation Thursday and Friday.
- He is having a feeding tube put in on Monday as he is not able to eat and drink enough to keep his energy up.
- Chemo starts next week.
- I need to say a quick thank you to Paula for my birthday flowers! They truly brightened my day! And, thank you, Aunt Kay for the candle... it smells delicious in our bedroom! LOVE YA'LL!!!
- THANK YOU, Sharon, for volunteering to clean the house for mom and dad. You cannot know what a blessing this is. We don't take it for granted.
- Words cannot express how grateful we are for the gracious donations you all have made towards dads treatment. You cannot fathom how this has helped... no matter how big or small, any donation goes a long way. You cannot possibly understand how much this helps and there is NO WAY we can express the thanks that is deserved. May Our Great Provider bless you 10 fold for your sacrifice. thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!
Please continue pray for strength and endurance for our family. I will update again tomorrow after Radiation.
God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Celebrations
There was alot to celebrate this weekend: Dad came home from the hospital and my 29th birthday! 
If you want to read more about my thoughts on my b-day, you can click here!
Welcome Home, Dad! We are so glad to have you back! We really missed you!
Mom gave dad a shave and haircut!
Dad made my birthday so sweet. He got me the sweetest card in the world, was able to eat some cake and was sweet enough to even be excited about my requested photo shoot!
If you want to read more about my thoughts on my b-day, you can click here!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Picture Post
Thank you, Fran for the Rose of Sharon and Lily of The Valley!
Mom, seeking comfort in The Word.
On dad's way out of the hospital he asked mom for a picture and then smooched her at the last minute! So cute!
Dad became a favorite of the nurses!
Dad became a favorite of the nurses!
Welcome Home, Dad!
As I am sure you noticed, I did not update the blog yesterday. Sorry. I was so worn out and emotionally drained. I needed time to go to my house and clean. (Thank you Aunt Pat and Uncle Gary for staying with mom!)
Basically, yesterday was a good day. Dad slept all night the night before, he held down clear liquids, he had his porta-cath put in and the doctor informed him he could go home the next day (Sunday) if he continued to hold down his clear liquid diet.
At some point on Saturday Dad asked me what I want for my birthday on Monday. I told him I just wanted him to be home. I didn't think much of the conversation, but this morning Dad called me on my cell phone from the hospital room and said they were going to discharge him. I was so excited and then he said, "Well, darlin', you said you wanted me home for your birthday and I told you I would be there." How precious is he?
Todd and I went to Party City and bought some balloons and a welcome home banner. We decorated mom and dads house, picked up Aunt Patti and Uncle Gary and then met mom up at the hospital. Dad was discharged about an hour after we got there.
I am telling you, I have never seen a man more thrilled to be getting out of the hospital!!! I got several sweet pics and video, but the cord to get them off my camera is at home (I am currently at mom and dads). So, I will post those later!
Dad got a little car sick from the ride home (still hasn't thrown up, though!) so he walked around the house a little and then went to try out his new memory foam mattress pad. He practially threw himself on it and let out a deep sigh of relief.
Aunt Debbie and family - Dad LOVES the pad on the bed. He hasn't slept on that bed in about 1 1/2 months. He is back there now sleeping soundly on it! THANK YOU SO MUCH! :)
Here are our prayer requests for this weekend:
Basically, yesterday was a good day. Dad slept all night the night before, he held down clear liquids, he had his porta-cath put in and the doctor informed him he could go home the next day (Sunday) if he continued to hold down his clear liquid diet.
At some point on Saturday Dad asked me what I want for my birthday on Monday. I told him I just wanted him to be home. I didn't think much of the conversation, but this morning Dad called me on my cell phone from the hospital room and said they were going to discharge him. I was so excited and then he said, "Well, darlin', you said you wanted me home for your birthday and I told you I would be there." How precious is he?
Todd and I went to Party City and bought some balloons and a welcome home banner. We decorated mom and dads house, picked up Aunt Patti and Uncle Gary and then met mom up at the hospital. Dad was discharged about an hour after we got there.
I am telling you, I have never seen a man more thrilled to be getting out of the hospital!!! I got several sweet pics and video, but the cord to get them off my camera is at home (I am currently at mom and dads). So, I will post those later!
Dad got a little car sick from the ride home (still hasn't thrown up, though!) so he walked around the house a little and then went to try out his new memory foam mattress pad. He practially threw himself on it and let out a deep sigh of relief.
Aunt Debbie and family - Dad LOVES the pad on the bed. He hasn't slept on that bed in about 1 1/2 months. He is back there now sleeping soundly on it! THANK YOU SO MUCH! :)
Here are our prayer requests for this weekend:
- Dad needs to stay comfortable.
- We have to have a home health care nurse come in. Please pray God sends us someone who will be a blessing.
- Mom and I need strength.
- Please pray for provisions as medication is expensive.
We love you all, our family and friends! Keep the prayers coming!
Friday, May 22, 2009
10 Were Bad and 2 Were Good
God reminded mom of the passage in Numbers 13-14 where the Israelites were trying to take over the land of Canaan. 12 spies went in to Canaan to scope out the land. 10 came back with bad reports and 2 came back with good reports. The important thing to remember is that they all saw the same land. Their report was based on their perspective. The 2 men that gave good reports weren't ignorant of the danger of over-taking the land. They just chose to believe the Word that Lord had given them and it was their belief that brought them into the land. They understood that their God was bigger than the situation at hand.
There are 2 ways of looking at dads situation as we face the day in and day out reports. We can look at the situation from a medical and realistic perspective or we can look at it from God's perspective.
Does looking at it from God's perspcetive mean that we are ignorant to the facts? Does it mean that we don't understand the severity of the situation? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
It does mean that we look at the situation (reality and all) and then say, "But, God...". It means that underneath it all we have hope that God brought us here for a reason. It means that we know He will carry us through and see us to the other side, not matter the outcome!
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Dad made it back safely from Baptist Downtown where he had the Radiation Mapping done. He was tired from the trip when we got back to his room. He said he was able to sleep all night! Praise The Lord!
He just left the room for his first radiation treatment and is scheduled to have the porta-cath put in later today.
I will post an update when dad gets back.
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
There are 2 ways of looking at dads situation as we face the day in and day out reports. We can look at the situation from a medical and realistic perspective or we can look at it from God's perspective.
Does looking at it from God's perspcetive mean that we are ignorant to the facts? Does it mean that we don't understand the severity of the situation? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
It does mean that we look at the situation (reality and all) and then say, "But, God...". It means that underneath it all we have hope that God brought us here for a reason. It means that we know He will carry us through and see us to the other side, not matter the outcome!
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Dad made it back safely from Baptist Downtown where he had the Radiation Mapping done. He was tired from the trip when we got back to his room. He said he was able to sleep all night! Praise The Lord!
He just left the room for his first radiation treatment and is scheduled to have the porta-cath put in later today.
I will post an update when dad gets back.
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Random Update
I am so tired and frustrated today. I can't think very clearly so I am just going to post some random updates.
- An ambulance is coming to pick dad up from the hospital tomorrow at 8:30 am. They are taking him to Baptist Downtown to have Radiation Mapping done. This will allow them to pinpoint exactly where the radiation needs to be focused on. The radiation will happen here at Baptist South starting tomorrow or Saturday.
- Dad has Pneumonia in his lower left lung. He is on an antibiotic for this.
- The doctors still aren't sure why he is vomitting blood when he eats. The x-rays he had done yesterday to try to figure this out were clear.
- I asked dad if he is processing everything ok and he said he is. His main complaint is that he doesn't like to lay around. He keeps thinking about everything he has to get done. He is SO ready to get out of here.
- We are still hoping he can have the porta-cath inserted later today.
- His oxygen levels are still low, so he is on an oxygen tube. This could be due to the pneumonia.
- It is looking like he might not make it home until Sunday or Monday.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
End of the day
As the day progressed dad was becoming more and more agitated. He has so many cords hanging from his body. If a nurse isn't coming in and "bugging" him, then a machine is beeping. He had to drink a couple of Barium's for the x-rays he had done today. He was able to hold these down... no vomitting today. Thank You Jesus! The x-rays were to watch the Barium travel through his system in order to figure out why he is vomitting so much. We should have the results of these tomorrow.
After his last dose of pain medicine he was able to finally rest. We are sitting in his room now. Jane and mom are quietly visiting, Todd is resting on the couch in the room and I am typing. It's quiet and dad is still. He is getting a dose of Adavan in a little while; this will help him relax and hopefully to sleep well without needing sleep medicine.
Todd and I are taking mom to get some dinner and then I will be staying with her again tonight. Mom is not afraid to stay by herself, but I am sure she would get lonely. I give her space by staying in the guest room. She doesn't ask for space, but I feel like she needs to "be by herself" and yet have someone close. Plus, it makes me feel better to know that she is ok!
Tonight's prayer request is for DEEP, restful sleep.
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
After his last dose of pain medicine he was able to finally rest. We are sitting in his room now. Jane and mom are quietly visiting, Todd is resting on the couch in the room and I am typing. It's quiet and dad is still. He is getting a dose of Adavan in a little while; this will help him relax and hopefully to sleep well without needing sleep medicine.
Todd and I are taking mom to get some dinner and then I will be staying with her again tonight. Mom is not afraid to stay by herself, but I am sure she would get lonely. I give her space by staying in the guest room. She doesn't ask for space, but I feel like she needs to "be by herself" and yet have someone close. Plus, it makes me feel better to know that she is ok!
Tonight's prayer request is for DEEP, restful sleep.
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
Today's Plan
As I walked in dad's room this morning I realized right away how much more alert he was. The dr. changed his pain meds up so he is not so sedated. His eyes weren't as wide and his speech was much more clear. Praise the Lord!
The nurse came in shortly after we arrived and said that dad's hemoglobin (blood) level was 5.7. Yikes. That's not good. The dr. ordered another blood transfusion for today. If his hemoglobin's level out and stay up, they will continue with the porta-cath this afternoon. If they do not, we will have to wait and have it put in later.
The dr.'s aren't sure yet why dad is losing blood. But, they have a feeling it has something to do with all of the procedures he has had done to his esophagus. They are planning another upper GI after his hemoglobin's are stable to see if they can figure out why he is losing blood.
Todd is off today and mom has a friend coming to sit with her in the hospital today. Mom insisted I take some time off and go hang out with Todd. We are going to run a couple of errands and then come back up later this afternoon. I will update again then.
The nurse came in shortly after we arrived and said that dad's hemoglobin (blood) level was 5.7. Yikes. That's not good. The dr. ordered another blood transfusion for today. If his hemoglobin's level out and stay up, they will continue with the porta-cath this afternoon. If they do not, we will have to wait and have it put in later.
The dr.'s aren't sure yet why dad is losing blood. But, they have a feeling it has something to do with all of the procedures he has had done to his esophagus. They are planning another upper GI after his hemoglobin's are stable to see if they can figure out why he is losing blood.
Todd is off today and mom has a friend coming to sit with her in the hospital today. Mom insisted I take some time off and go hang out with Todd. We are going to run a couple of errands and then come back up later this afternoon. I will update again then.
Formal Introductions
When I started this blog I thought it would be written by various people, but as the days progress I see that God has me writing the most! I love doing it and am usually the "nerd" (in my own right) sitting behind the computer anyway!
Since this blog has readers that are friends of my parents that I am not well aquainted with, I thought I would take a quick minute to introduce myself.
I am Doug's daughter, Priscilla. To family I am affectionately known as Prissy and to friends I am (and prefer to be) called Cilla. (Let me help you pronounce this! The "i" sounds like the "i" in igloo! or the last half of my name) I am 28 years old (29 on Monday)... oh my, I am going to be 29? Yikes! My husband and I have been married for 6 years and we currently live right around the corner from Mom and Dad.
I am NOT a writer. I like to type as if I were talking. I don't profess to be articulate, have proper punctuation, nor do I spell everything correctly (and yes, I am aware of spell check but normally forget to use it!).
You can read more about Todd and I on our blog: www.thehicksfamily2003.blogspot.com
It is so nice to meet each of you through your comments (which I read to mom and dad everyday) and I hope we can continue to see great miracles done through my dad along this journey!
Since this blog has readers that are friends of my parents that I am not well aquainted with, I thought I would take a quick minute to introduce myself.
I am Doug's daughter, Priscilla. To family I am affectionately known as Prissy and to friends I am (and prefer to be) called Cilla. (Let me help you pronounce this! The "i" sounds like the "i" in igloo! or the last half of my name) I am 28 years old (29 on Monday)... oh my, I am going to be 29? Yikes! My husband and I have been married for 6 years and we currently live right around the corner from Mom and Dad.
I am NOT a writer. I like to type as if I were talking. I don't profess to be articulate, have proper punctuation, nor do I spell everything correctly (and yes, I am aware of spell check but normally forget to use it!).
You can read more about Todd and I on our blog: www.thehicksfamily2003.blogspot.com
It is so nice to meet each of you through your comments (which I read to mom and dad everyday) and I hope we can continue to see great miracles done through my dad along this journey!
Dad's Inner Core
They say that when you are heavily sedated your inner person comes out. You say things you normally would not and your demeanor can change.
Dad has been under ALOT of heavy medication this week. The 2 things I have seen come out of his inner person are joy and peace. Of course he is suffering from the normal side effects. Yesterday in his sleep he was talking about jet propellers or something! But, in general, he is peaceful and joyful.
This kind of peace and joy only comes from a deep walk with Jesus. It comes from a trust and dependence on Him that only a deep relationship can produce.
My dad walks daily with God. He engulfs himself in God's Word. He prays fervently. These are things we tend to see on the surface of ones life and think "Man, he is so spiritual". Now I can see that dad is not spiritual at all. He has a deep relationship with our Most Holy God. At a time like this, when dad NEEDS God, He is already close.
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
Dad has been under ALOT of heavy medication this week. The 2 things I have seen come out of his inner person are joy and peace. Of course he is suffering from the normal side effects. Yesterday in his sleep he was talking about jet propellers or something! But, in general, he is peaceful and joyful.
This kind of peace and joy only comes from a deep walk with Jesus. It comes from a trust and dependence on Him that only a deep relationship can produce.
My dad walks daily with God. He engulfs himself in God's Word. He prays fervently. These are things we tend to see on the surface of ones life and think "Man, he is so spiritual". Now I can see that dad is not spiritual at all. He has a deep relationship with our Most Holy God. At a time like this, when dad NEEDS God, He is already close.
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Today's Verdict
Dad's Oncologist came in this afternoon. He was the one dr. we were waiting to talk to and he had been on vaca for several days.
Mom and dad told him that they had discussed treatment and dad decided that he wants to try chemo. Dr. D said he thought this was a great idea. He told dad that he is young enough that he should at least try and fight this cancer. He also said that he was so impressed with the volunteer work dad does and with the positive outlook on life that dad has. He said that he was telling someone over the weekend (while he was on vaca) about how impressed he was with dad and the work that he does.
Dad is having a port-cath put under the skin on his chest tomorrow so that when he starts chemo next week they can give him the medicine without having to enter his veins.
The doctor is also going to adjust dads meds again. He said that dad still looks like he is not getting the right balance of pain meds. It is getting better.... but not quite there yet.
Tonight's prayer request is again for peaceful, healing sleep. We are praying for dad's procedure tomorrow and that he can hold food down tomorrow.
Until tomorrow,
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
Mom and dad told him that they had discussed treatment and dad decided that he wants to try chemo. Dr. D said he thought this was a great idea. He told dad that he is young enough that he should at least try and fight this cancer. He also said that he was so impressed with the volunteer work dad does and with the positive outlook on life that dad has. He said that he was telling someone over the weekend (while he was on vaca) about how impressed he was with dad and the work that he does.
Dad is having a port-cath put under the skin on his chest tomorrow so that when he starts chemo next week they can give him the medicine without having to enter his veins.
The doctor is also going to adjust dads meds again. He said that dad still looks like he is not getting the right balance of pain meds. It is getting better.... but not quite there yet.
Tonight's prayer request is again for peaceful, healing sleep. We are praying for dad's procedure tomorrow and that he can hold food down tomorrow.
Until tomorrow,
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
Picture Post
From Todd and Cilla -
Thank you Aunt Debbie, Uncle John and Family!
Sweet Sisters
Aunt Patti and Mom
Happy Sunday Morning, Dad!
Reading the Sunday Paper.
Good Morning!
Good Morning, Friends and Family! This is the day the Lord has made, we are rejoicing and being glad in it!
God is good to us, He heard our prayers. Dad slept all night with out any aid from medicine. They lowered some of his meds and he didn't push his "extra pain med button" all night! Thank you, our Great God! How mighty and good You are! Bless You!
Dad is currently sitting in the recliner the hospital staff put in his room. He is eating French Toast, a bananna and drinking his coffee while watching The Today Show. Mom decided to hop in Dad's bed and take a rest while he was eating!
God is good to us, He heard our prayers. Dad slept all night with out any aid from medicine. They lowered some of his meds and he didn't push his "extra pain med button" all night! Thank you, our Great God! How mighty and good You are! Bless You!
Dad is currently sitting in the recliner the hospital staff put in his room. He is eating French Toast, a bananna and drinking his coffee while watching The Today Show. Mom decided to hop in Dad's bed and take a rest while he was eating!
I asked for a smile and got his silly face! :)
Today's prayer request is that Dad will be able to hold food down so that he doesn't have to have a a feeding tube.
God is good all the time and all the time God is good!
---Cilla
Monday, May 18, 2009
Today's Thoughts
Dad didn't sleep well last night. It was the first night he was really "awake" from the meds and by himself at night. We think he just needed a night to process things byhimself. Understandable.
The dr. gave him Adavan (sp) this mornign to calm anxiety so he could sleep. It worked like a charm and he has really slept all day.
At 3:30 they took him down stairs for a Bone Scan. We should know the results of this tomorrow.
Aunt Patti headed home this morning so mom and I were at the hospital most of the day by ourselves. Aunt Kay had come up this morning to be with mom thinking that the cancer dr. was coming in today, but it turned out that he won't be in until tomorrow.
I am sleeping at moms house tonight and I think we will let dad be by himself again.
Today's prayer request is that Dad can sleep on his own tonight without any sleep aids. Deep, Peaceful, Healing Sleep.
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
--- Cilla
The dr. gave him Adavan (sp) this mornign to calm anxiety so he could sleep. It worked like a charm and he has really slept all day.
At 3:30 they took him down stairs for a Bone Scan. We should know the results of this tomorrow.
Aunt Patti headed home this morning so mom and I were at the hospital most of the day by ourselves. Aunt Kay had come up this morning to be with mom thinking that the cancer dr. was coming in today, but it turned out that he won't be in until tomorrow.
I am sleeping at moms house tonight and I think we will let dad be by himself again.
Today's prayer request is that Dad can sleep on his own tonight without any sleep aids. Deep, Peaceful, Healing Sleep.
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
--- Cilla
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Praise Report
Yesterday was a rough day. Dad was throwing up from all of the medicine on an empty stomach. The medicine made him a little loopy. It was so hard to see him like that.
Towards the afternoon he started sleeping really well; a deep peaceful sleep. Mom and I left him to sleep and took a walk around the floor to talk. Dad slept all afternoon and woke up around 8:30 pm. He was so much more alert and much more like himself. I spent a few moments with him just talking and asking him questions. After a few minutes he informed me he wanted a shower. wow! Not only was he alert, not in pain (because his pain medicine was more balanced), and talking clearly... but, he had enough energy to get up and shower! Praise Jesus! We brought dads swim trunks for him in case this situation arose (my ever-prepared mother thought of this!). Dad was SO excited about getting up and being "normal"! We all left him int he capable hands of the nurse and a dear, precious friend from mom and dad's church who spent the night in the room with dad last night. (Thank you, sweet friend, and may God bless you for your love and sacrifice for our family)
This sweet friend (whom I am leaving un-named because I forgot to ask his permission to mention him!), told my mom to go home and sleep peacefully and to take her time getting up to the hospital this morning. Mom was so refreshed and peaceful this morning. What a blessing!
Speaking of sweet friends... God has so provided our every need through our friends and family. They have fed us, let us cry, walked our dogs, mowed our lawn.... the list is endless. This is amazing to us. Simply amazing. No more words. Words can't express.
Dad is in great spirits this morning. He is awake and alert. He read the Sunday morning paper and is asking for food. Praise Jesus!
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
Towards the afternoon he started sleeping really well; a deep peaceful sleep. Mom and I left him to sleep and took a walk around the floor to talk. Dad slept all afternoon and woke up around 8:30 pm. He was so much more alert and much more like himself. I spent a few moments with him just talking and asking him questions. After a few minutes he informed me he wanted a shower. wow! Not only was he alert, not in pain (because his pain medicine was more balanced), and talking clearly... but, he had enough energy to get up and shower! Praise Jesus! We brought dads swim trunks for him in case this situation arose (my ever-prepared mother thought of this!). Dad was SO excited about getting up and being "normal"! We all left him int he capable hands of the nurse and a dear, precious friend from mom and dad's church who spent the night in the room with dad last night. (Thank you, sweet friend, and may God bless you for your love and sacrifice for our family)
This sweet friend (whom I am leaving un-named because I forgot to ask his permission to mention him!), told my mom to go home and sleep peacefully and to take her time getting up to the hospital this morning. Mom was so refreshed and peaceful this morning. What a blessing!
Speaking of sweet friends... God has so provided our every need through our friends and family. They have fed us, let us cry, walked our dogs, mowed our lawn.... the list is endless. This is amazing to us. Simply amazing. No more words. Words can't express.
Dad is in great spirits this morning. He is awake and alert. He read the Sunday morning paper and is asking for food. Praise Jesus!
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Just A Quick Thank You
We wanted to say thank you for all of your comments, emails and facebook messages. We are reading everyone of them to dad and whoever else happens to be in the room. They are very encouraging and it truly does help to know that people are praying for my dad. I know this sounds so cliche-ish, but we are truly, truly are grateful.
Keep the prayers coming!
WE LOVE YOU our friends and family! :)
Keep the prayers coming!
WE LOVE YOU our friends and family! :)
Laughter
You have to listen really close to this video to understand. Let me explain.... dad went to the bathroom and when he got in there he started laughing so hard that it was making us laugh out in the room. At first it sounds like he is crying, but don't be mistaken... he was cracking himself up!
Laughter
Thank you God for my dad's laughter and sense of humor. He is so funny and is taking all of this with a grain of salt! Please, God, don't let him lose that sense of humor.
Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.
Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Tonights Journey
Tonights journey should be smooth. Dad's pain medicine is working well. He is able to sleep really deep, which is giving him a good rest. His humor is still in tact and he often keeps us in stitches.
Ray has been staying with dad at night all this week which gives mom peace of mind when she goes home. Todd is going to stay with dad at night over the weekend and I am going home with mom and Aunt Patti (mom's sister who came in town to stay with her this week).
------------
While I was typing the above, dad's new bed just came. The bed that was in here has been so uncomfortable for him. This was a direct answer to prayer. Thank you Jesus!
Ray has been staying with dad at night all this week which gives mom peace of mind when she goes home. Todd is going to stay with dad at night over the weekend and I am going home with mom and Aunt Patti (mom's sister who came in town to stay with her this week).
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While I was typing the above, dad's new bed just came. The bed that was in here has been so uncomfortable for him. This was a direct answer to prayer. Thank you Jesus!
Comfort and Rest
The doctors think they have found a balance to dad's pain meds. THANK YOU LORD. He is finally comfortable and resting. He has not slept well since he has been here.
We are very aware that this is a direct answer to prayer. Thank you for lifting this need up to the Father with us. The hospital is also bringing dad a more comfortable mattress for his bed tonight. This is just another answer to prayer.
We are so thankful for all of you that are praying for us. Sometimes it is hard for us to even think of the words to say. We are truly relying on friends and family to help lift our needs to the Father.
In an effort to let dad finally rest. We have decided to ask for no visitors today and tomorrow.
-----------
edited -
Let me rephrase... we would love for family and friends to come visit us in the Family Retreat Room. We just want dads room to stay quiet!
We are very aware that this is a direct answer to prayer. Thank you for lifting this need up to the Father with us. The hospital is also bringing dad a more comfortable mattress for his bed tonight. This is just another answer to prayer.
We are so thankful for all of you that are praying for us. Sometimes it is hard for us to even think of the words to say. We are truly relying on friends and family to help lift our needs to the Father.
In an effort to let dad finally rest. We have decided to ask for no visitors today and tomorrow.
-----------
edited -
Let me rephrase... we would love for family and friends to come visit us in the Family Retreat Room. We just want dads room to stay quiet!
Praise!
Dad finished an entire Ensure and was able to get up and walk down the hall to give mom a smooch! He is now out of the bed and sitting in a chair in his room. We kept telling him that the doctor said he could get up and walk as soon as he got his strength back. That little goal motivated him!
We love you dad! You are a warrior. You are so strong. I stand amazed at the miracle God is doing through you!
prayer request
Dad did not sleep well last night. He is frustrated and agitated. Please pray that the peace of our Father would reach to his core, even beyond his consciousness and give him rest.
Today the doctors are working on getting him the correct dosage of pain medication. When the pain subsides he should be able to sleep better.
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
Today the doctors are working on getting him the correct dosage of pain medication. When the pain subsides he should be able to sleep better.
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
To Go Home or Not to Go Home
The internal medicine doctor is not releasing dad to go home yet. We have not yet found a good dose of medicine that keeps dad comfortable without knocking him out. Until we can come to this balance, dad is not going home. We are at peace with this and think that it is best for dad right now.
His cancer dr. will not be back in town until Monday. So, there is no more news as far as the cancer (meaning how rapidly it is moving, what we can expect, and treatment options if any).
Right now dad is resting... for the first time all day, really. He has been frustrated today. I don't think he yet has a grip on what is wrong, which could be because of the amount of medicine that he is on. Yesterday it seemed like he understood. Today he asked the dr. when he would be recovering, which leads us to believe the news is still sinking in.
Our new prayer request is for rest and endurance for family as we have to come back and forth all weekend. Also for my mom, Debbie. She is strong and courageous but a little weak today. We are reminding her to eat and rest. She needs strength and rest tonight.
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
--- Cilla
His cancer dr. will not be back in town until Monday. So, there is no more news as far as the cancer (meaning how rapidly it is moving, what we can expect, and treatment options if any).
Right now dad is resting... for the first time all day, really. He has been frustrated today. I don't think he yet has a grip on what is wrong, which could be because of the amount of medicine that he is on. Yesterday it seemed like he understood. Today he asked the dr. when he would be recovering, which leads us to believe the news is still sinking in.
Our new prayer request is for rest and endurance for family as we have to come back and forth all weekend. Also for my mom, Debbie. She is strong and courageous but a little weak today. We are reminding her to eat and rest. She needs strength and rest tonight.
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
--- Cilla
update
Dr. Joseph just came in dad's room and said that the biopsy confirmed Esophogial Cancer.
He is releasing dad tomorrow from the hospital. I think we are excited and nervous about this. Excited because dad can be more comfortable, but nervous because we have become "comfortable", if you will, at the hospital. There are friends and family coming in and out, and doctors and nurses giving fabulous care.
Going home means a new phase; a scary phase. Please pray for peace and guidance.
He is releasing dad tomorrow from the hospital. I think we are excited and nervous about this. Excited because dad can be more comfortable, but nervous because we have become "comfortable", if you will, at the hospital. There are friends and family coming in and out, and doctors and nurses giving fabulous care.
Going home means a new phase; a scary phase. Please pray for peace and guidance.
Todays Passage
This passage was given to Ray, Doug's son, this morning.
2 Corinthians 1:3-12 (New American Standard Bible)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.
6But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer;
7and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.
8For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life;
9indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead;
10who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us,
11you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many.
Paul's Integrity 12For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.
2 Corinthians 1:3-12 (New American Standard Bible)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.
6But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer;
7and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.
8For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life;
9indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead;
10who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us,
11you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many.
Paul's Integrity 12For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.
Stint
Yesterday, dad had a stint put in his esophagus. This will allow him to swallow by pushing the tumor out of the way and keeping his esophagus open so he can swallow. This procedure has proven to be painful. He is taking a little longer than he thought to recover from the procedure.
He started running a low grade fever today, which the nurses said is normal.
We are still waiting on biopsy results so we can thoroughly discuss treatment, if any.
Todays prayer request.... well I should say "this hours" prayer request.... is for comfort in his esophagus and for the biopsy results to come back quickly.
Please feel free to post prayers and thoughts under the "comments" section of the posts. Know that we will be reading them and sharing them with dad, but may not be able to respond to them all.
Thank you for joining us in this journey as we wait to see what our Great God is going to do!
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
--- Cilla Hicks (Dougs daughter)
He started running a low grade fever today, which the nurses said is normal.
We are still waiting on biopsy results so we can thoroughly discuss treatment, if any.
Todays prayer request.... well I should say "this hours" prayer request.... is for comfort in his esophagus and for the biopsy results to come back quickly.
Please feel free to post prayers and thoughts under the "comments" section of the posts. Know that we will be reading them and sharing them with dad, but may not be able to respond to them all.
Thank you for joining us in this journey as we wait to see what our Great God is going to do!
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
--- Cilla Hicks (Dougs daughter)
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