We have a flight booked for tomorrow morning at 8:00 going into Grand rapids, then we will rent a car to drive home. We haven't heard yet when surgery will be.
I've not felt good today with intestinal issues and aching. Please pray I feel better for the trip home tomorrow. Thanks!
After 3 tests on Tuesday, 1 this morning and the surgeon appointment we are feeling good. It's a go for surgery!
Downside is the Dr's schedule is pretty full... looking at about 3 weeks out. Also it will need to work in another surgeons schedule in case he is needed depending on what they find when they get in there. We will hear from the person that does the scheduling tomorrow or Monday for the date.
Next up is booking a flight to go home, hopefully this weekend.
Asking for continued prayers in scheduling flights, surgery, continued good health and safety in travels.
Oh and Jim gained 10# in 2 weeks!! That's a really good thing going into this type of surgery. Dr is very pleased with him running 2 miles now too.
Thank you all for your love and prayers!
The last couple days we have enjoyed walking on the beach and hiking a trail, all thanks to Chris wanting to get in some workouts, we were able to tag along at a more leisurely pace. It has really cooled down...Friday evening we ate outside at Clearwater beach and it was windy and cool, I was wishing for my sweater before we got done eating. This morning when we started out it was 55*. October is great here! Warm sunshine, cool air.
May God bless and keep you in his care.
We've had a good week taking it easy and enjoying the beautiful weather. We've been getting out in the mornings walking and running...Jim ran 2 miles this morning without stopping which made him feel good. The last couple evenings we've went for a leisurely walk. It's so nice outside that its hard to just stay inside.
Jim has been doing some work online and by phone in the afternoons. It's surprising how fast the days go by but I guess it makes a difference when we get a later start to the day.
Tuesday we will be at Moffitt for 3 tests to make sure his organs are good for surgery, then on Thursday morning is another test and appointment with the surgeon. Hopefully surgery will be scheduled at that time.
We are so thankful Jim is feeling pretty normal by now...good energy, good appetite, eating normal.
Please pray for good test results and good health leading up to surgery. Thank you all so much!
The tests that Jim needs to have done to make sure he's able to go through a major surgery are scheduled for October 25. We have decided to stay in FL since it would only be a week at home before coming back. It just doesn't seem worth the time and cost to go to IN and back in a week.
So far the days go by quickly. We are staying with Chris this week and next. We've been going out for some exercise in the morning, Jim is able to do some work online and I have done some cleaning, laundry, embroidery work, reading and whatever else we decide to do.
There's some little granddaughters anxious to spend some time with us so plan to spend Sunday afternoon and evening with them. After the appointments Tuesday afternoon we went home with Lindsey. Jim took a nap and I went with Lindsey and girls to ballet class. That was a lot of fun watching the girls practicing for a Christmas performance.
So we wait patiently..trying not to question the timing of waiting on appointments. May God keep paving the way before us and may we continue to have faith and trust him.
We met with the surgeon this morning. The good thing is the tumor has responded to the chemo...has shrunk and not grown. He will not know until surgery exactly what it looks like or what the extent of surgery will be. The size and location will determine the type of surgery. Both are obviously major, but one will have extra steps which would add to the complexity.
Jim will need to have a few tests done to make sure he's physically fit for surgery, then we will go back to the surgeon after test results are in and hopefully set up the surgery date at that time as long as everything looks good.
Dr encouraged walking and staying active to best help with surgery and recovery. We have been going out to walk/run each day... I do the walking and Jim walks then runs 2 half miles with walking in between.
Surgery needs to be 4-5 weeks after the end of chemo to allow it to all be out of his system and to have full strength back. It has now been a little over 2 weeks.
The oncologist said that he did his job...to shrink the tumor. He is pleased with how it looks, so next up is to see the surgeon on Thursday.
A good friend gifted this "faith" bracelet to me and I love wearing it as a reminder. We are truly walking by faith knowing God's got this! We have no doubt he has answered many of your prayers on our behalf.
Prayer request...
*To have surgery as soon as possible
*That Jim's body will stay strong through surgery and recovery
Thank you all for your prayers, love and support!!
We arrived in FL around 11:00pm last night...had a smooth flight. Chris picked us up and we will stay with him this week.
This morning we walked 3 miles to and from Panera Bread for breakfast. It was a lovely morning... 64, sunny with a little breeze.
On our walk we passed utility workers digging and now discovered the water is shut off. Hoping it will be back on soon.
We need to be at the hospital at 7:00am tomorrow to start the day with getting labs drawn then prepping for the PET scan.
We are so grateful for safe travels last night and praying for good results tomorrow.
