Latest on Pappaw

From my Mamma today:

"The doctors seem to be surprised at how well Donard has done in only 4 days post surgery, and we give God all the glory! It is possible that he won't have to be in the hospital for the expected two weeks. Being in a significantly weakened condition for some time before surgery has made getting out of bed, sitting, and standing require even more effort than would have resulted from surgery alone. The smallest tasks are exhausting, resulting in extra sleep during the day as well as at night. We have to keep reassuring him that family members are there to assist when he needs help and not to visit. It is okay to sleep, and visiting can come when he is well again.
MD Anderson is strong on pain control, and for that we are very grateful. Donard has experienced no nausea and is in good spirits. Thank you so much for all your prayers and expressions of love!"

Joel

Random quotes from Joel today:

"My nose is running out!"

"Oh it's the Muffits!" (Muppets)

"It's not lipskip it's makeup." (lipstick)

6:30 (ish) Update on Pappaw

This was a bit longer of an update because the main doctor was finishing up and came out to personally fill the family in. He says overall his part went well, took longer because the tumor had to be drilled out of the bone (usually the bone is softer in radiation patients and can almost just be scooped out). He had to have a small infusion of blood, some extra platelets because of the length of the surgery (it is much longer than anticipated). The titanium cage was not needed, only two ribs were removed and some sort of concrete filling was made to go in the place of the ribs. The doctor was very optimistic and said things went very well and says Pappaw should be back up on his feet in no time (hah hah!). He did say that the cancer was invading one of the ribs quite a lot and expanded it to 3 to 4 times it's normal size which could be what Pappaw had been interpreting as gall bladder pain. This is good news in that it seems a lot of Pappaw's pain should be relieved after the recovery. Plastic surgeon started about 6:30. His job is to somehow pull the muscles up over the concrete so that it does not rub directly against Pappaw's skin. If he is able to do it the preferred way it will take him two hours, but if he has to do something they referred to as a flap it could take three to four hours so we are definitely still in this awhile longer. Thank you for your continued prayers!!!

Pappaw's surgery

Pappaw's surgery begins around 7 AM tomorrow morning. Your prayers are greatly appreciated! I will try to keep updates posted on my facebook/twitter status as they are available.

This cracked me up

lots of sick kids :(

We have had lots of sick kids around here lately!! Starting on Friday last week several of them began running fevers and coughing. By Sunday six of them were sick from Luke all the way down to Joel. They've been pretty pathetic and the couches have been covered with invalids huddled under throws. ;-) Reuben in particular has been spiking some high fevers several days in a row (in excess of 103). The others seem to be mostly better although there are a few fevers here and there.

Me: "Why aren't you watching Macgyver with Joel?"
Reuben: "I'm going to throw up on Mom's bed!"
Me: "You think you're going to throw up??"
Reuben: "Yes."
Me: "Micah can you give him a bucket?"
*a few minutes later, Reuben has a bucket and goes upstairs to watch TV with Joel who shows up shortly thereafter*
Joel: "I need a bucket too."
Me: "Why?"
Joel (in his most pathetic voice): "I'm sick."

surgery scheduled for my Pappaw

Here is the latest update from my grandmother about Pappaw.

February 1, 2009


Numerous complications have delayed updates, a downed computer being just one. Thanks to Micah’s efforts (our oldest grandson), we are back online again.

Donard is scheduled for surgery on February 10, 2009. The projected 8-hour surgery will involve removal of the 10th rib (right side) and one to three vertebrae.

A titanium cage with rods on each side held in place with screws will replace the vertebrae. The hospital stay is expected to be two weeks with additional rehab possible. A variety of neurological symptoms led doctors to the conclusion that this area must be addressed through surgery, since chemo had no positive results there and all other options are exhausted. Delaying surgery could ultimately result in paralysis. Disease in the lungs will continue to need treatment after surgery recovery.

Needless to say, we may be out-of-touch for a lengthy period of time. There may be opportunities to read e-mail, so please continue to send us your news. We may have little or no time to reply, but we will welcome any connection with the outside world. We are grateful for your notes of encouragement and for your prayers on our behalf.



“This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

Great is Thy faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:21-23