Email: (from me to our Bible study small group)

Hey all,

Really appreciate all your support/concern/love/& prayers with all that’s been going on with my dad.  Means so much, truly!  He was transferred to rehab last night which was very encouraging (out of the hospital for him! & not so far to drive for us!).  Saw him today and he’s doing okay.  Still pretty uncomfortable and discouraged, but not quite so bad as before.  Was able to bring Little M in to see him and that definitely helped bring a smile (or two or three) to his face.

The pathology report came back indicating the tumor type was an anaplastic astrocytoma (yeah, quite the mouthful).  It’s not the worst type of brain cancer, but not the best either.  Typically this type of tumor grows back in the same location within 3-5 years.  Starting in a couple weeks, he’ll have 6 weeks of radiation and then be part of a new nationwide trial for chemo (probably lasting 6 mo. – 1 yr.).  This chemo is in the form of a pill & is supposed to be better tolerated than most.  For the present, he’ll stay at rehab at least until radiation begins.  That’s the plan as of now, anyway.

Definitely feeling more at peace with things than I was a few days ago – I’m sure a lot of that is because of the prayer we’re being surrounded with.  Trying to be grateful for the present while not looking too far into the future.  Quite the roller-coaster ride……..

Thanks again, and enjoy these last days of summer!  

– Kari

My Reflections:

Little M and I visit Papa & Nana in the rehab facility.  It’s so nice to have Papa closer to home without a long drive through city traffic to contend with each time I visit.  And the atmosphere in the rehab center feels so much more relaxed than a hospital setting.  This place came highly recommended and we’re so glad it worked out for Papa to get his treatment here.  In the hospital, a representative had come and talked with us about the facility.  She talked up the amenities; a gazebo and butterfly garden being a couple of the top attractions.  I inwardly chuckled at the thought of Papa getting excited over such things.  Even when he was healthy, a gazebo and butterfly garden wouldn’t have done much for him, but now?  In his current cantankerous state?  Yeah, I just don’t see Papa being overly anxious to hang out in a gazebo or watch butterflies flit around anytime soon.

All that said, my first visit confirms this is a good place for Papa to be, butterflies and all.

When I enter the rehab facility today, I tentatively ask the staff at the front desk about bringing Little M in to see Papa.  Will germs be an issue?  The staff reassures me that it’s fine and highly encouraged, and I’m reminded that we’re in a place where people are receiving therapy for a host of reasons, but not for contagious illnesses.  I’m glad for the chance for Papa to see Little M and Little M doesn’t disappoint in sharing his charm.  It’s great to see Papa light up with smiles of his own in response.  It seems like a long time since we’ve seen Papa smile like this:

Leave it to the baby to bring some added sunshine to the room : )