Dad had a surgery in his stomach last week to make an extension around his cancer tumor. This should now enable food and liquids to go past his tumor and digest. Before, every time Dad would swallow liquid, some would get absorbed and the rest he would throw back up. He threw up for days and days. But now after this surgery, he should be able to drink and eventually eat foods. February 28 was Dad's first surgery to remove the cancer tumor in his pancreas. The doctors in Mexico could not remove it because it was wrapped to tightly around a blood vessel. Dad has not been able to eat much at all since then!!! He's lost about 60 pounds!!! It will take some time to get him back to eating foods. For now, he's only on full liquids. He's been on TPN for months. This is a source of nutrition given through IV. His body is now physically able to digest liquids and eventually foods once again but it will be a slow process. So much of it reminds me of a babies stomach. Only a few swallows at a time is all he can handle.
So, the reason we went to Arizona was to be there for Mom and to see Dad again! He was still in the hospital when we arrived. But before we left for back home, we were able to get him out of the hospital and in an apartment with Mom. Mom is staying at a nice two bedroom apartment that is fully furnished. It is really nice for her and dad! Mike and I stayed with Mom at the apartment while we were there.
On Wednesday, Dad was discharged from the hospital and we took him to a few appointments. He did real good sitting in his wheel chair and grinding out the afternoon! He is so weak. He can talk well now but his energy level is so low and walking even to the bathroom is too much for right now. We got to see what Evita is like that afternoon. Mom had an appointment with the doctor there to reevaluate dad. Dad went to Arizona in March to get treatments and supplements from this clinic, Evita. He feels good on their vitamins and treatments but when he went had to go to the hospital for his stomach surgery, his health declined even more. After being in the hospital for almost three weeks, he needed to now get reevaluated. Mike and I sat in the doctors meeting with Mom and Dad. All the doctors are straight forward with Dad's diagnoses and most of them were hard words for us hear. It hurts so much when you hear words like, "This disease is very progressed in Amos." We know without a shadow of doubt that even if Dad has cancer really bad, we serve a God that can heal!!! Jesus raised people from the dead!!! He made the blind to see and the deaf to hear. He touched so many people and healed them from their diseases. Miracles still happen today and we trust that if God wants to heal Dad here on this earth, He will! We also know that by praying, "God's will be done", brings tremendous peace to our souls!!!
We spent most of time sitting beside Dad's bedside or being with Mom. Mike stayed overnight at the hospital with Dad twice!!! But when we did get out and about for a short time, we enjoyed some foods!!! Mike wanted us to eat at Humble Pie! He loves this pizza!!! Barbara came to surprise Mom and Dad on Monday!!! She only stayed one night but we got to enjoy some pizza and time together.
And they served these hot donut holes that we squeezed warm chocolate into them. So good!
While sitting in the hospital, I picked up one of mom's books called "When You Feel Like Giving Up" from David Wilkerson. It has got to be one of the best books I ever read!!! So full of scripture and truth and encouragement!!!
And of course, we got to see lots of cactus's and mountains. It is so gorgeous there!!!
This is the hospital dad stayed in for his stomach surgery. We were happy to get him out of the hospital and back to a real apartment and bed!
Getting loaded up and ready to go to Evita!
From here .... to there.
By late Wednesday afternoon, Dad was so ready to be back in a bed and rest! He was a champ through the meetings! Mike and I went out to get some meds that Mom needed for Dad and for some supper. When we got back to the apartment, Dad was hooked up on his TPN again. Mom has become a nurse not by choice. Arizona Home Care brought out his TPN and hook ups and then Mom took the position for caring for Dad!
Thursday morning, Mike and I packed up our bags and said our goodbyes. We prayed together and exchanged hugs. Leaving was so hard to do. Letting Mom there with so much responsibility and seeing Dad lying in that bed with such little energy, just breaks my heart. God please take care of them!!!
Our flight home went smoothly and we were so ready to hug our children once again!!! We missed them so much while we were gone and many, many thanks to my parents for caring for them!!! And Jody, Anna Ruth, Gerald and Verna and Jr and Lorene!!! You guys helped us out so much with the children while we were gone!!!
Now, with our hearts and minds still in Arizona, we move on with life here at home. The yard got mowed. Laundry was done. The house floors were cleaned up once again. Getting back to making meals and celebrating our time together is life!!!
The weather was so nice in Scottsdale and with it raining pretty much since we've been home, makes me so ready to see the sun shine once again!!!
Happy weekend to you all!!! God is good! He is so good!!!
