Visit to the Surgeon May 12

Hello to all our friends and family,


I last updated you on Tuesday of last week. Since then, we are just taking one day at a time. Slow improvement each day. Whether the sun is shining or not has a lot to do with how much goes on around here. When it's sunny, Brock wants to be on the go and be outside.

On Saturday, we went to the range as there was a shooting match and Brock very much wanted to see the guys. It was the highlight of his week until Sunday when we went to church. Getting back to church after only two weeks was the ultimate. Here is a picture of our "patient" on the way to church.


He doesn't look much like a patient, huh? Looks pretty good if I do say so myself! :)
We had to buy him new clothes, not one thing he owns fits him.

His weight has leveled off for the last 3 days at 217. He is trying different foods each day. So far, so good. Very small meals and still drinking ensure. He gets full easy.

Sleeping is better now, he is able to lay on both sides, but he still wakes up quite often and spends some time on the couch during the night.

You never know when he will get tired and need a nap. It comes on quite suddenly. He naps 2 to 3 times a day.

Eighteen days since surgery. We feel that he has done remarkably well. If anyone would like to come visit, just give us a call. He would love some company.

Today was our first visit to the surgeon. He was very pleased. We were hoping to get the feeding tube removed today, but the doctor said it needs to stay in two more weeks.
Sounds like it has to do with the healing inside. We just have to flush it twice a day with tap water.

Brock thought for sure he would be able to drive, but four weeks from surgery would be minimum, so he's stuck with me as his chauffeur till late next week.

This time we both heard what we thought we heard in the hospital, but were afraid to voice outloud. The surgeon said he does NOT think Brock needs chemo or radiation. If fact, he said it twice. It seems to good to be true. Just making it through the surgery and getting this far has, in itself, been a miracle. The fact that they removed all the cancer and feel this confident about it, is simply, a gift from God.

We do have appointments with a radiologist and an oncologist. That will be the final answer. I know people are split right down the middle, those that think he should have chemo (just to be sure) and those that feel he doesn't need chemo if the man removing the cancer says there is nothing else lurking in Brock's body. We are going into it with completely open minds. We won't make any decision until we hear all sides. Ultimately, it's up to Brock and I will back him on whatever he decides.

One thing has cropped up that I haven't mentioned to you all. Since the moment Brock came out of surgery, he has had high blood pressure and fast pulse. At first we thought it was related to the surgery itself, then later to the fact he was so stressed being in the hospital. Then after getting home and home health care took his pressure, he did have swollen ankles, so the high pressure was thought to be fluid retention. Now that his ankles have returned to normal, he's home, not stressed, his blood pressure is still quite high. At 3:00 today we are returning to our family practitioner to talk to him about it and see what to do. We have been told that a traumatic incident, (an accident or major surgery) can sometimes make a problem like this show up. It may have happened later in life, it was just brought out sooner. There is a lot of high blood pressure in Brock's family, so this might just be the way it is from now on. I'll let you know after our appointment today.

In the meantime, we are asking for prayer for our brother-in-law, Bill, who had a heart attack on Saturday evening. Bill is the husband of Brock's sister Brenda. Many of you met her as she stayed with me during Brock's surgery, and for a few days afterwards. We got the word a little while ago that he has 4 blocked arteries and will need bypass surgery, probably tomorrow. Brock's mom had cataract surgery today and it went very well. This family is sure going through some trials.

Thanks again for staying with us. Your notes of encouragement, your prayers have kept us at peace and willing to accept God's will, regardless of what it is.

We all wish we could manage these trials on our own time, but one thing stuck out in the sermon at church yesterday....the right time is God's time. You never know the who, what, where, when why or how.

Our God is an AWESOME God!

We love you,
Chris & Brock

Recovery Journey

Hello to family and friends that are staying with us through this recovery journey.

I last wrote on Tuesday. It's surprising how fast time is going. It's already 2 weeks today since surgery. One thing for sure, the body is an amazing thing. The healing is coming along. Brock is moving better every day. He finally had a shower today. I think he was really enjoying those sponge baths. :)

The home health care came in last evening and put a smaller aparatus on his tube feed tube. Since we're not using it, it was really in the way and hindering his getting comfortable for sleep. We are hoping the doctor takes it out at our appointment on Monday.

We are having fun doing a complete turn around on diet. For so many years, forever really, all we think about is low fat, fat free, low calorie foods. Now we need to go the complete opposite. He needs over 2,000 calories a day. His weight has dropped to 224. I know the doctor won't want him losing weight, but he still has a way to go. The charts say he should weigh 184, which is crazy. If he weighed 210, I think it would be OK. If anyone would like to contribute to an entire wardrobe, even down to the underwear....

Yesterday we took a short walk, the weather here isn't cooperating. It's rainy and around 60. We did take a ride through Foster Park to look at the world renowned tulip gardens. I've only wanted to do that for 9 years. We were almost too late this year, but it is pretty.

Sleeping is better. We are in our own room now. Although I woke up twice last night and Brock was gone. He moves from his recliner, to the couch, to the bed. Wherever he wants to sleep is fine with me.

Our biggest plan for this week is making it to church on Sunday. If he keeps improving the way he has the past 2 days, we will be there glorifying God.

During Brock's recovery we can't help think of the others that are in need of prayer at this time. Brock's Dad had a minor surgery and his Mom is having a cataract removed next week.
Becky White, during her recovery from successful back surgery for a likely benign tumor on her spinal cord, Tracy Ropp and Tammy Stultz, both young ladies, while they are going through medical problems right now. At the risk of missing someone, there are many more that can use prayer and God's blessing during medical trials.

God's blessing on us throughout the diagnosis, waiting for surgery, surgery and hospital experience was made easier by all of you praying for us and being there for us. It is just too cliche to say, there are not enough words to thank you for your faithfulness and your support. I wish I could come up with something new, but I'm quite speechless. Brock and I love you all.

I will update after the doctor appointment on Monday May 12.

Thanks again and keep in mind...
Our God is an AWESOME God!
Love,
Chris

Time to recover

Hello everyone,

I have been telling Brock for the last 24 hours that I need to get something out to you. I know some of you are wondering.

We were both so happy to arrive home on Sunday. Minutes after arriving, along come our daughter and son-in-law with the 2 grandkids to put up a welcome home banner for Grandpa. They couldn't believe we were home already. We had a nice short visit.

When we left the hospital we had a surprise. The discharge nurse had a lot of written instructions and was going over everything. We were shocked when she said "diet as tolerated". We had no idea he would be able to eat whatever he felt like eating. Before surgery, we had the idea he would only tube feed for weeks while his body healed. Not so! He ate pudding, yogurt and broth, but got brave and had saltines with it! He's also drinking juices.

Later in the afternoon, home health care came by to teach us how to use the tube feed equipment that was delivered by another company. It was quite tiring as it took a couple of hours. Brock was set up to have the pump running from 6 pm to 8 am. The food is a lot like ensure (if anyone is familiar with that). Just really good nutrition. Well, he couldn't sleep much the first night. He says it makes him feel full and he couldn't get comfortable. Every time I woke up, there was Brock just standing there. It was a long night. We ended up turning it off 3 hours early. It's easy to use, and all I have to do is flush the tube with tap water. (I feel like a nurse. :) The tube actually was surgically implanted in his intestine, not his stomach.

On Monday we were both tired from not sleeping the night before, but did manage to take one walk outside and one ride in the car. I went grocery shopping and also picked up Motrin so we could get him off the strong pain meds that just don't agree with him. We both slept some. He ate a lot more, including an ensure to make up for the tube feed he couldn't take in, oatmeal, frosted flakes, a donut, pudding, juice, milk, and topped it off with a Wendy's chicken to go wrap. We were so proud.

He wasn't able to lay down, only recline, so we called the home health nurse and he said that is common. Many people cannot lie flat. So throughout the day, he practiced on the couch and bed to try laying flat. Finally today he is able to lie on his left side only (not his back or right side yet.)

On Monday evening I know Brock was dreading getting the tube feed going. Well, Monday night went worse. At 12:30 a.m. he woke me up and said he couldn't take it anymore, so we turned it off.

He still didn't sleep well the rest of the night.

This morning Brock called the surgeon's office and talked to them about just eating by mouth and they gave him permission to try. We were so happy. He really feels like he can get adequate nutrition by mouth. After that he took a nap and has slept 3 times today. Praise the Lord! That's a big hurdle.

Brock wanted you all to know he was up to voting this morning and it was a good feeling. I hope all you Hoosiers got out to vote today too.

So we are taking one day at a time. Easy does it.

We haven't had many visitors yet as he just doesn't know when he's going to have to sleep. When he wears down, it comes on suddenly. We are thinking of all of you and very thankful to have you in our lives.

Matthew 28:20 And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.

or as our Grandson age 4 (almost 5) says, "Jesus said, " I will be with you always.""

Our God is an AWESOME God!

Have a great week. We have a follow up appointment with the surgeon on Monday, May 12, but I'm planning to blog before then.

Love,

Chris

Here he is!!

Hello to everyone!

Here is the man of the hour, on his way home. That's my father pushing him out of the hospital. Believe me, he would've been walking if they would've let him. My dad was a rock during this whole hospital experience. He was beside us every step of the way and we appreciate him and love him dearly.

This is the time to thank all of you for all you've done. In no particular order, prayer, mowing our lawn, prayer, cleaning my house, prayer, bringing the grandkids to see us, prayer, taking our garbage out to the street, prayer, taking me to lunch, prayer, staying with Brock late at night when I couldn't be there. Cards, emails, phone calls and good wishes and visits. Being there for both of us and pouring out your love to us. And especially to our surgeon, his knowledge, expertise and ability, afforded us this opportunity to grow old together. We are so grateful. We love each and every one of you.

We are very tired tonight. I will write tomorrow and go into more detail when my mind is clearer. Right now I just want to sit beside my husband, with his remote in hand and watch whatever HE wants to watch on TV.

As we drove out of the circle drive of the hospital, with tears in our eyes, we thanked God for this beautiful spring day, for the flowers and trees blooming, for the glory of life. We will cherish every day He gives us. Then we turned on the CD and played, "Our God is an AWESOME God."

Sleep well and have a great week.

Love,

Chris

HOME !!

We just got the word, we are going home!

Praise the Lord!!

You are an AWESOME God!!

Love,
Chris

Day Ten Mid-Morning May 4

Well, here it is 10 days out. When we originally saw the surgeon and he explained the Whipple Procedure, he had told us to expect 1-3 days in ICU and 10 to 11 days in the hospital, so needless to say we are hoping to go home today. He hasn’t been in yet to give us the word.

I didn’t write yesterday, not because it wasn’t a long day cause it was.

On Friday night I got to sleep about 10 pm. At 1 am Brock called. He was awake and sounded good and said he was doing ok. At 2 am he called again. I wasn’t back to sleep yet. This time he asked if I would come, he couldn’t sleep, couldn’t get comfortable and I think he was just plain lonely, so I pretty much just left the house. Didn’t take anything with me, (computer, lunch, etc.) He was sound asleep when I got there. I soon realized he seemed to be sleeping about 10 minutes at a time. I found out what he means about a dungeon. Why is it everything seems worse at night? As the sun rose, our hospital room looked bright and perfectly comfortable. I’m realizing now, I probably should’ve moved on into the room before now. It might have helped more than I know. I didn’t sleep very well at home anyway.

When the doctor was in, he said Brock could probably go home tomorrow (today, Sunday). He wanted to watch the drain that was showing infection, although nothing had come out of it for quite some time. They removed the drain on the left side and all the rest of the staples. He went to pills instead of shots for the meds he is still on. (pain meds are, motrin and darveset. He is finished with the nasty narcotics).

No fever at all on Saturday. He went on soft foods instead of just liquids. Oatmeal, crème soups, puddings, ice cream. He is tolerating them very well so far.

I will stop here as the morning is getting quite busy on the floor. A lot of noise and interruptions.

Hopefully I’ll be writing from home next with Brock there with me.

Our God is an AWESOME God!

Happy Sunday to you!

Love to all,
Chris

Day Nine Late Afternoon May 3

I'm sure there are a few of you out there that are wondering about us.

It's just been a busy, busy day.

Well everyone, it most probably will be tomorrow.

Homecoming!!

I will write a complete blog later this evening. I am staying the night as I received a call at 2 am last night to please come keep him company.

Our God is an AWESOME God!

Love to all,
Chris