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!
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