Nana’s Notes:

Good day.

Busy therapy.

Special socks for swelling.  

Did a doppler test on legs to check for blood clots – none found.

Papa taught the cognitive therapist how to play “Kings on the Corner.”

Kari & kids visited in the afternoon.

Received more mail at rehab today – birthday & get-well cards.

 

Email: (from Nana to friends & family)

Hi,

This has continued to be a good week for Papa.  He is feeling good and in very good spirits, even though he had an issue yesterday with very low blood pressure and heart rate.  They have changed one of his medications to address that.  He is also having some swelling in his feet and ankles but that is also being dealt with.  There is still the balancing act between cancer/rehab and heart issues.  He seems to agree that he is improving and is encouraged.

He has also decided to pursue radiation and chemo treatment.  We have appointments next week for radiation preparation and a chemo oncologist consultation.  Treatment will likely begin the following week.  Still targeted for discharge from the rehab in a couple weeks.

Thank you for your prayers.  We appreciate your continued support.  We pray for continued improvement in speech and mobility and that treatment will have minimal side effects and positive results!  I praise God for the coordination of Papa’s decision to do treatment and the oncology office calling me and arranging for the appointments.  They happened on the same day without my doing anything about it.  It is the business details that get to me and God worked that all out!  Halleluia!

Love,  Nana

 

Email: (from me to J’s sister)

Thanks, really appreciate your prayers and offer to help out with the boys.  

Have been bringing the boys with me to rehab thus far, and it’s worked out with taking my dad outside, or down to the family-oriented room that’s kid friendly (or the boys have enjoyed playing on Papa’s iPad in his room).  So far the novelty hasn’t worn off on them.  When appointments for my dad come up though, I do need help with the boys.  Not sure what the next months will hold, but I’m sure there will be more apts. and such to come.  It’s good to have back-up to call upon, and I’ll definitely keep you posted on that.  Wanting to be there for my dad, but having to juggle coverage for the kids, is definitely something that stresses me out (don’t want to put anybody out).  Anyway, really appreciate your willingness to help and will be taking you up on that, I’m sure!

Currently, I’m encouraged that things are a bit more stable with my dad.  His spirits are definitely better, and with him talking more understandably and having a bit more strength, he’s seeming more like himself.  Definitely still has a long way to go, but is so much better than he was just a couple weeks ago.  Feel like I go from feeling at peace with things, to feeling anxious/overwhelmed/completely stressed-out, at a moment’s notice.  If I look too far ahead at all the “what-if’s” and medical statistics, I find myself internally freaking out, so I’m trying to just be present in the moment and trust that God will work out the future however He sees fit.  Keeping myself busy with the kids and home projects helps too!  I know there are no guarantees in life, it’s just times like this where that fact stares you in the face more adamantly. 

ALL that to say, thanks for your prayers and encouragement.  Really appreciate it!

Love,

Kari