"Getting Back to Normal"

Just when we figure that things are "getting back to normal," something happens to change that concept. We have become adjusted to moving at a bit slower pace since 1HW's surgery. He has done so well, but we now realize that there is definitely a reason for the doctor's telling us that recovery will take at least six weeks and maybe longer. It will just take a while to get his strength and endurance back. He has been an uncomplaining, model patient throughout the hospital stay and the time here at home, but he is getting a bit bored with the sitting and lack of activity. Sudoku, Solitaire, and the Kindle occupy his days, along with some old movies. Max is back home, so he is walking Max for fun, too. Everyone in the park is keeping an eye on him when I am working, making sure he is not over-doing it. But, this morning we were able to attend church, which was wonderful!

On Thursday night our owner/manager Don was rushed to the hospital emergency room, where they did exploratory surgery and ended up removing a foot of his small intestine due to blockage. That was a big shock to all of us, and we have scrambled to figure out how to do the many things which Don handles. Some challenges will undoubtedly face us in that regard. Yesterday a friend went to see him and said he was pretty-well sedated with morphine, but no one has heard anything today. So the definition of "normal" is completely upset around here, made even trickier by the upcoming July Fourth weekend with a totally packed park ready for a festive party.

Normally, we do not receive too many family visitors down this way, especially in the summer. What fun that three different groups will be in our area this year! Jerry, Marlene and their children will be here right after the Fourth of July, staying here at the park and also in San Antonio for some summer fun at Six Flags and Schlitterbaun Water Park. We are so excited about that! During the third week in July, Kimberly will be in Austin for five days to attend and play at the International Clarinet Conference, and Christian (6) will be with her. What fun that will be! Our third visitors will be Kristy and Tim with their five, staying here during the third week of August. We are so looking forward to seeing them again!

Our usual mail is limited to a small packet from Escapees once a week. However, with 1HW's surgery so many thoughtful people have sent cards, notes, and flowers, and he has also received many phone calls from family and friends. The outpouring has been wonderful and has boosted his spirits so much. Many thank you's to all of you!

Meanwhile, our cabinetmaker has been on a cruise to celebrate his 40th birthday, so we still have big plastic boxes of food and cooking supplies on our bedroom window seat. Maybe not QUITE normal, either! Hopefully, they will be installed this week, and at least one thing will go back to "normal!"

If we ever get back to some semblance of "normal" any time soon, I'll let you know!

Challenges Ahead

Yesterday when I left the hospital, it seemed as though 1HW was really making good progress, thus his blog later. However, once the catheter with the drug drip was removed, the challenges began.

The gas used during the surgical procedure tends produce horrible pain, which I remember from a previous surgery, and it continues until it is either released or is absorbed in the body. As a result, he has spent a most uncomfortable 24 hours. He has been attempting to help it find a way out by sitting in a chair or "walking around the block" with a walker, which he has done several times. But so far, it is still there, and they are easing his discomfort with Demerol, which also makes my poor sweetie quite drowsy. My job has just been to keep an eye on him, cover him, get more water, encourage him to eat, help with the walking, and talk with him when he is awake. The meds also cause his mouth to be quite dry, and he has had no appetite at all, especially for bouillon and Jello. However, at least he has the room to himself right now, so it is (most thankfully) quiet!

I have to admit it is quite frustrating not to be able to do anything else to help him or alleviate the pain. Hopefully, it will soon be over! I will be most thankful to be able to take him home for a restful recovery! It does seem as though I may be walking Max for a while, though. There are many challenges ahead, it seems, which will require time, patience, support, and faith for the healing process to be completed. Again, part of the journey.... and we thank all of you for the continued prayers, thoughts, and support! Happy travels.

A Wonderful Hospital!

Fredericksburg is a city of under 10,000 people, so we think it is quite amazing that it would have a new, extremely modern, and wonderful hospital. When we arrived early yesterday morning, there was a volunteer in a golf cart to take us from the car to the hospital door. The staff has been caring, professional, extremely competent, cheerful, and wonderful! Yesterday while I was in the waiting room, Dr. Jones's surgery nurse Leah continued to call me from the surgical room to give me periodic updates on what had been done, the results seen, and what was remaining to be completed. That was such a thoughtful gesture which continued to give me confidence and reassurance that all was going well. Immediately after the surgery, Dr. Jones came to see me in the waiting room and talk about the entire procedure, which was also reassuring. When he was moved from post-op recovery to his room, they called me to come to the room then, as well. A hospital chaplain has come by to visit and give a blessing, which we appreciated. They have shown me the Nourishment Center with snacks, bouillion, coffee, and tea available. All of that has helped so much!

But there is one special thing that has really endeared this hospital to me. Yesterday when I was walking down the hall, I heard the first few measures of "Brahm's Lullabye." A little further down the hall, and I saw the sign that explained it. Every time a baby is born in the hospital, "Brahm's Lullabye" is played. It serves as a lovely reminder that in the midst of people needing healing and help, there is a wonderful new little being joining us! What a wonderful way to celebrate a birth and bring a smile!

And A Time to Heal...

Until my Sweetie is back into the blogging business, I decided that I had better get with the program! So while he is snoozing, this a good time to bring everyone up to date.

First, you cannot imagine what a wonderful support group we have had, including our families, friends here in Kerrville, and friends across the country. We both fully believe that it has been those notes, cards, encouraging thoughts, and uplifting prayers which have made it so much easier to go through this whole procedure. Our pastors John and Rob call it, "steps in the journey," and, indeed, that is true. We both say thank you with all our hearts, for we truly love and appreciate you so much! A special thanks to our friends who are also our co-workers for their constant encouragement, support, and assistance through this! They are wonderful!

As of the moment (2:20 PM on June 11) he is resting comfortably, which is greatly due to the epidural catheter which is continuing to supply him with pain meds. What happens when that is removed remains to be seen, and we are not quite sure when that will occur, but most likely they will remove it this afternoon.

We were so relieved that the surgery went so well, with minimal blood loss and no transfusion necessary, as well as the biopsy of tissue around the prostate being free of cancer. The lymph nodes are being biopsied to make sure they are also clear. Then we just need some time for recovery. Right now, we are unsure of when he will be released from the hospital. Hopefully, his annoyingly loud and talkative roommate will be discharged today, and the room will be more quiet! Even just out of surgery yesterday, 1HW was making wise cracks and jokes with the nurses, so you can see he is not doing too badly!

I will continue to update the blog at least daily so all of you can know what is happening. I think, though, that I will spare you some of the gory details! TMI! And so now our prayers are moving from knowledge, skill, peace, and comfort through surgery to strength during the time to heal. And we continue to thank the Good Lord for all of you, as well! Blessings, and, happy travels!