Recovery Day 21

Well, we are thankful for the progress that Dad is making.  Early yesterday morning his NG tube was removed and he was able to start on a clear liquid diet.  This is the first thing to hit his stomach in over a week, so the staff at the hospital are being extremely conservative.  I spoke with him this morning and he told me, "they won't even let me have a cracker".

Dad is geting a little stronger every day. Yesterday he was up to 5 exercise sessions and making better speed on each lap around the floor.

I just talked with Melody and she said Dad is very discouraged with his lack of progress.  He was given a high protein drink today, but couldn't get it down without upsetting his stomach.  So for now, he continues the bland liquid diet and receives the actual nourishment via catheter.

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Please pray specifically that Dad's stomach will wake up and smell the coffee.  He needs nourishment by mouth in order to have the catheter removed.  Also,  please pray for his spirit, as well as Mom's, that they both would be encouraged and strengthened.

Recovery Day 18

I'm writing this from Georgia with input from Dad and Mom.  Dad should have the NG tube in place for another two days.  Dr. Visser stressed patience with the process, but I think Dad is still a little discouraged.  His stomach will be x-rayed soon with the tube in place to make sure suitable progress has been made.  They are trying to avoid re-inserting the tube once it is removed.

Dad's last x-ray was this past Tuesday.  The process was slow and there was a lot of waiting down in the x-ray department.  To say "we're sorry to make you wait", the hospital gave Dad a $5 gift card for Chevron gasoline.  Not something you expect out of your hospital.

The main prayer request is for Dad's stomach to begin operating on it's own with reintroduction of foods later this week.  Also, that the abdominal spasms that he is still experiencing will subside.

Recovery Day 16 - Sacramento Airport

Today's the day I head home.  I hate to leave without Dad being settled at home, but Mom has a very strong support group around her.  The 'Shuffle Board Gang' (I've heard gangs are a real problem in this area) has talked about going down to see Dad this week.  Others have called to offer Mom their time and energy for whatever is needed. Although I'd like to be here personally,  Dad and Mom have a terrific group of friends who will quickly step in to help  --- and for that I am very grateful.

We did get to talk to Dad's surgeon last night before heading home.  The stomach issue that Dad is experiencing is encountered in about 15% of his cases, and while frustrating, will not prevent a full recovery in time.  He admitted that he didn't have all the answers as to why Dad's stomach was so slow in emptying, or why Dad was still experiencing hiccups.  He did stress patience in following the protocol that would yield the best chance of recovery, and that this too shall pass.

Here is what Mom wanted me to say.  Many of you have been lifting Dad up to the Lord in prayer.  Dr. Visser may not have all the answers, but we know that Dad's Heavenly Father is not surprised by any of this and has Dad right where he needs to be.  We really can rest in this  -  God really is God, and we trust Him.  Thank you all for prayers on Dad's behalf.

Recovery Day 15

Mom and I came to visit with Dad today.  He is very uncomfortable talking, so we are reading his comments as he writes them.  He has pretty crummy handwriting when he's feeling good.  Not much conversation taking place, but we are able to walk with him and show him we love him.

He's due to have the stomach line for 1 or 2 more days, then a day of rest, then reintroduction of foods.  Please pray that his stomach responds.  He is getting nourishment via a catheter that runs from under his left bicep through a main artery to his chest area.

I'm sure many of you thought I was joking about the dog and the recliner.  Not so. See??

 

Bella on her throne after her daily mid-day
snack of ham.

 I have finished the chores Dad gave me to do.  The shed has a fresh coat of paint and I was able to patch a couple of holes in the roof as well.

I told Jessica I am happy to let our painter continue
 to do the painting on our jobs.  Omar, your job is not at risk.

 

One more note before I leave.  Mom took me out for the absolute world's best lunch the other day.  I'm not just being kind  -  this was legit.  See below and drool.

This is a landmark in downtown Sacramento.

 

This is a dungenous crab sandwich  -  no fillers.  As good as it gets.
 

 

Mine is the big one. A Jersey sundae.  Toasted almond ice cream with chocolate/malted whipped cream.
 

This lunch would be perfect for a 26 year old.  I am 30 years too late, but it was good anyway.  Thanks Mom.

Recovery Day 14

Dad is still at Stanford.  We are still at home in Cameron Park.  We have not had an update from his surgical team since Tuesday afternoon.  His nurse reported today that he is sleeping well even with the NG tube still in place.  We've talked with Dad by phone a couple of times, but it's a bit of an effort for him.  We're content to let him rest and recover for now.

This shed has now been fully repainted for Dad.

We plan on going down to see him tomorrow, and then Saturday is my scheduled departure.  I have about finished the repairs/chores Dad gave me to do (at my request).  I've painted a shed for him and helped to clean up the garden.

Mom may be short, but Dad's sunflowers are still on the huge side.

Recovery Day 13 - Back to Stanford

Dad is back at Stanford Medical Center.  He fought abdominal muscle spasms for several days which left him exhausted as he was unable to sleep and us at a loss as to what to do for him.  After several phone consults, we returned to Palo Alto for a CT scan.  It showed Dad's stomach packed with food and nearly 4 times it's normal size.

Dad was readmitted to the hospital yesterday at about 5 pm.  He was fitted with a tube which went through the nose into the stomach.  It has been about 22 hours and the staff is still slowly pumping out the contents of Dad's stomach.  This is tricky business so soon after stomach surgery, but things are working as they should and Dad is resting much better.

Melody, Mom and I came home last night. We did not expect a readmission and were not prepared to stay for several days.  The doctors initially said 4-5 days of treatment, but are waiting for an update now.We plan to go back down on Friday.

Please pray that Dad's stomach will begin to work as it should and that his strength will return.

Recovery Day 11

It's been a few days since I posted anything.  Last Friday  the hiccups and indigestion really took it's toll on Dad.  We had to take about 5 steps back and return to a liquid diet and careful monitoring of all his functions.  Yesterday saw him gain back a tiny bit of strength, and we're looking for the same today.

Dad has very little pain, but does have frequent stomach spasms which make prolonged rest difficult.  The doctors have said that wierd stuff happens with this surgery and to be encouraged with little steps.

Specific prayer requests  -  Dad (and Mom) would be able to rest.
                                           Dad would continue to take in nutrition to build him up.
                                          Dad's strength would improve daily.

My schedule is to return to Georgia this Saturday.  We're trusting in the Lord that patient and nurse are on firm footing by then.

Thanks for remembering us.

Recovery Day 8 - at Home

Made it home safe sound yesterday after a 3 1/2 hour drive.  Dad enjoyed sitting outside and relaxing in the shade.  Thanks to his neighbors for getting the mail, watering plants and generally keeping an eye on things.

After a light meal last night, Dad developed some intense indigestion which kept him unconfortable all evening.  Then, around midnight, he started with hiccups which have persisted into this afternoon. You can imagine how little rest he has had.

There is no cure for hiccups and no new meds can be introduced.  So, we are trying all the traditional remedies  -  icewater, hot tea, spoonful of honey, breathing into a paper bag,  etc, etc.  The only thing we aren't going to try is to scare him real bad -  not advised at this point.

Russ and Vera brought the dog back.  Bella is the only dog that I'm aware of that travels with her own lazyboy recliner.  No kidding.

Dad has received many cards, well wishes and a huge flower arrangement with balloons from his office.  Thanks for all the prayers and concern.

Recovery Day 7 - Going Home

Dad has cut 4 days off the average hospital recovery for this procedure. But then whoever said our Dad was average, right Melody?? We're all packed up and ready to go, waiting on that hospital administrative stuff.  We'll trade this great 70's weather for the 100's farther away from the coast.
Mom and I will also have to eat our own cooking again.

Mom and I split this coconut cake yesterday.  Yummy.

Special thanks to Russ and Vera for keeping Bella(Dad and Mom's Jack Russell). Their only fear is that Bella may have picked up some bad habits and will need some serious behavioral adjustments.

From here, we bring Dad back over next week to get his 27 staples removed, then a 2 month check-up, and then an annual scan thereafter.

Recovery Day 6 - Great News

Dr Visser's associate came in not too long ago and reported that pathology reports covering the tumor which was removed and samples of 40 lymph nodes show NO SIGN OF CANCER. Praise the Lord for another huge answer to prayer.

Recovery Day 6

We thought this might be our going home day, but not to be.  While Mom and I were enjoying a scrumptous Italian dinner last night, Dad had an episode of irregular heart beat.  By the time we got back to tuck him in, he dad gone through two blood draws and two EKGs. The blood work is normal, there are no heart distress symptoms, but the docs want him to hang around one more day for observation.

Dad did in fact get his last stomach drain pulled yesterday.  Contents of the stomach drainage show no fluids leaking from his new plumbing connections. Internal healing is sound.  Big answer to prayer.

Dad was on pain pills all day yesterday, but has not asked for anything as of yet today.  He's feeling much better and stronger.

Yesteray, Mom and I took a good walk to the nearby shopping complex.  Back home in Georgia we're in the midst of the dawg days of summer, and you don't take walks without getting sweat soaked. The weather here is glorious. A real treat for me.

This is the shopping area that Mom and I walked to yesterday.

We just looked.

Rcovery Day 5

Dad struggled with pain quite a bit yesterday, but is doing some better today.  His menu options have expanded again, but he is still taking it slow and does not have much of an appetite.  His gut is still under repair. 
We weren't here long this morning when Dad said, "wow, I really stink."  We couldn't help but agree.  Our nurse Cherrie got him prepped and sent him to the showers.  He got a good scrubbing and is now in pajama pants instead of that breezy hospital gown.

The only attachments Dad still has are one stomach drain and an IV port. His stomach drain is supposed to be removed this afternoon.  He's still using a walker due to the pain medication, but his speed makes him look like he's going somewhere.

Dr. Visser came by this morning for a consultation, but not what you might expect.  He wanted to review the electrical schematic Dad had done for him for his home project.  He's very pleased with Dad's progress.

Thanks again for the help back home which is making it possible for me to be here with my folks.  Cindi is handling things at home(including changing flat tires) while Jessica, Bill and Mike continue to book more work at the shop.  More prayers answered.



Jessica's To Do List

 

Good Stuff on Day 4

Lots of progress today - way ahead of schedule.  The anesthesiologist stated that he has never seen a patient heal this fast after the Whipple procedure. Answered prayer.

Dad is now off of IV fluids since he is taking in enough by mouth.  He should lose one of his two drains and his catheter by the end if the day.  The average in-hospital stay after this procedure is 11 days.  Should beat this.

Lunch for him today is cream of chicken soup, V8 juice, vanilla ice cream and vanilla pudding.  He's cleaning his plates.

Recovery Day 4

Dad brushed his teeth this morning to chase away that doggy breath.  His supervisor shown with him is all about quality control.

This day has brought good news again.  Dad said he slept well last night and he was given the green light on the next level of diet progression.  He feasted on cream of wheat and real coffee.  Believe me, he was glad to have it.

Another milestone  -  Dad has had an epidural in his back since surgery for continual delivery of pain medication.  It came out this morning and Dad is taking pain meds by mouth as needed. This also eliminated one of his IV rolling carts.  We'll be able to pick up some speed on our regular jaunts.

Cherrie is looking after us today.  More great staff.

More Day 3 Stuff

Dad actually had lunch today. It was clear vegetable broth(no taste), herbal tea and a few cubes of orange jello.  He successfully kept it all down and had no complications.  Prayer answered.

Melody's friend Vanessa from San Jose came for a visit today. She brought with her good cheer, some goodies and continued prayers.

Melody's daughter Donna drove up from Cameron Park this morning.  She took Melody home to prepare for a work week ahead.  Her husband Dennis has been replacing kitchen countertops this weekend, so she is excited to get home.


One of our caregivers this shift has been Rey.  He is a Nurse's Assisstant and has worked here for 25 years.  Like so many others, we really appreciate his talents and his attitude.

Recovery Day 3

This is an exciting day.  After surgery on Thursday and 2 full days of recovery, Dad has been given permission to begin fluid by mouth.  He has had 2 sips of chicken broth (hooray!) and will pause to see if his gut can handle it.

On his surgery, Dad has an upside down 'v' just below his sternum about 10" total length with about 20 staples keeping it shut as well as two drains, one on each side which indicate how he is doing on the inside.  On the inside, his intestine was separated from his stomach and then reattached.  Also, a new line, using his intestine, was run between his pancreas liver. Want more info?????  Google Whipple procedure.

An anestheologist (Reed) visited with us this morning.  According to the information he has received, Dad is healing "as a 30 year old man."  The entire staff is extremely pleased with his progress.  When he returned some time later, with even more forward progress, he threw his fist up in the air and showed his excitement.  Of course, the young doctors can do that sort of thing.  Just another sign of our faithful God (and those exceptional genes).

This guy's St Bernard was drooling on the table.

Us caregivers have it pretty rough here. Yesterday Melody and I walked to a shopping district yesterday and had lunch at an open air cafe/creamery.  Yes, you do that here in August.

Good Progress on Day 2

Day 2 is nearly over and Dad has made good progress.  His last time up walking he took it for three laps.  Didn't I tell you he was motivated?  Thankful that his spirits have been good and that he has been able to sleep for many hours.

Dr. Visser came by today for his LED lights in the kitchen schematic.  Don't think Dad has ever given instructions quite that elementary before.

Here she is getting ready to stick Dad with a little Heparin.

Today's nurse has been Christine.  As with the rest she has been very encouraging and cheerful.  We actually got a two-for-one as she is 8 month's pregnant.  Reminded me of Cassie Robinson back home.

Dad's bandages were removed and the incision cleaned today.  Mom was here and said the staples across his mid-section are lined up just perfect - like maybe a good cabinetmaker helped to lay them out. 

Recovery Day 2

The entrance to the hospital.  Stanford campus is a beautiful place.

Day 2 here at Stanford Medical Center.  Mom and I came over a little after 6 and Dad was fast asleep.  His nurse for the night was Q(sounds like a James Bond movie, huh?)  She said he had a good night with lots of sleep. His pain medication has been increased a bit to keep him comfortable on the advice of Dr Visser.

It's only 10:10 here, and Dad is on his second trip around the floor.  He's pretty motivated.

Dad's glucose levels were great this morning, so he did not need an insulin shot.  Prayers answered.

Nearing the end of our first full day after surgery.  Dad has had difficulty at times getting comfortable, but has been a real trooper. He had a stomach cramp earlier that sent him to the pain meds, but otherwise he is handling things without the hard stuff.
We are thankful beyond expression for all the concern and prayers.  It is a special thing to have so many loved ones.  I am also very grateful to be able to be here.  Jessica, Mike and Bill are filling the gap for me at WebberColeman Woodworks and allowing me to be with my folks for a time.

We are also particularly thankful for the talents the Lord has blessed our surgeon Dr Brenden Visser with.  He came by the room and checked on Dad and was pleased with Dad's overall condition.

Our brilliant surgeon

One of his shortcomings was revealed when he asked Dad to give him a wiring diagram for the 2 led can lights he is installing in his kitchen.  I failed to tell him that Dad could give him a diagram on this entire hospital if needed. 

Dad's eyeing the food cart. He hasn't eaten for close to two days and is feeling it.

Dad  continues to amaze.  He got up in a standing position for the first time and the nurse asked him how his legs felt.  He bent over and felt his legs, and told her 'fine I guess'.  His sense of humor has not gone anywhere.

 The fun nurse then took him for a walk and he was doing fine except for a minor setback. He was motoring down the corridor and the walker took a hard left.  The nurse thought he was in trouble until she realized that he was headed for the food cart.  She had a good laugh and proclaimed him the 'fun' patient.

A Good Night

Thank the Lord for continued answer to prayer. Dad had a good night last night after spending nearly three hours in recovery.  He still has a spinal block in place which is keeping him 'comfortable', but has taken no additional medicatoin for pain.  He's a pretty tough guy - or a good liar.

Mom spent the night at the hospital with Dad against the wishes of the floor staff.  I guess they knew when they had met their match.  When Melody and I came in this morning, Dad was sitting up, had his hair combed, had good color and met us with a smile.  He was the proverbial 'sight for sore eyes'.

A specific prayer request  -  Dad's glucose level is just one point high, so he had to take insulin.  Pray that his pancreas will kick in and operate as God intended.

He has been up in a chair for about an hour this morning and then back to bed for a nap.  Melody said he treated his roommate to a hearty round of snoring.

Out of Surgery - Praise the Lord

Dr. Visser came out at 6:20 and gave us a very good report. He said that the surgery went 'as advertised' with no surprises. The tumor and a portion of his pancreas were removed with no complication.  Dr. Visser stated that the tumor felt, based on his experience, to be non-cancerous.  The lab work to confirm this will be completed in 5 - 7 days.

At one point during surgery, Dr. Visser looked up to a colleague and said "How old is this guy??? He can't be 82. His tissue is too firm." He said Dad is made of tough stuff.  This is particularly important because Dad was 're-plumbed' between his pancreas and liver  -  soft tissue to soft tissue.  We are very pleased, relieved and excited all at once at this report.  It couldn't have been better.  Once again, as I've said many times before, I'm very glad to have Dad's genes.  This is a direct answer to our prayers and those of all of you who have joined us in praying over this situation.  Of course, we informed Dr. Visser that he had been in our prayers also.  He thanked us and said he thought that was important.  We do too!  We praise God for His answers.  As Melody reminded us this morning, "This is the day that the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it" (no matter what that day holds).

Dad was patient with us while we took his picture.  He's smiling because he's thinking about my ham sandwich.

August 9, 2012 - Surgery Day

Today is going to be a long, long day.  We were up at a reasonable time for a light breakfast and then to the Stanford Medical Center by 8:30.  Paperwork, hospital bracelets and repeated questions regarding allergies, medical history, Dad's date of birth, Etc, etc.  Dad finally progressed to hospital garb and a rolling bed at around 10 am.  They gave him a 'party hat', and Dad tolerated us taking some pictures.  There we all sat telling stories and recounting childhood injustices for an hour. Then it was 2 hours.  Dad's stomach was growling like crazy.  I had to put my ham sandwich out of his reach. Two hours stretched to three and the team finally took him back to surgery at 1:30.
Dad has been his characteristic calm, confident self through it all.  His prayer this morning was "Lord, I'm but clay in your hands today."

The team I referred to was an impressive collection of predominately young medical professionals.  They each one came by(during our 3 1/2 hour wait) and introduced themselves with a firm handshake. They explained their role in Dad's surgery, entertained our many questions, and bouyed our confidence by praising the talents of our surgeon, Dr. Visser.

We expect to be seeing Dr. Visser in another hour or two.  They are 4 hours into this ordeal with a couple more to go.

Cindi, Jessica and I have teamed up to start this story line.  I am traveling to Sacramento today and will drive over to Palo Alto with Dad, Mom and Melody this evening.  Dad's surgery is early tomorrow morning.  Melody and I will keep you all posted on his progress.

Getting ready to rumble!