Sunday, September 28, 2014

PRAYER FOR MY DAD


Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. [ III John 2 ]

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. [ Mark 11:24 ]

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
[ Philippians 4:6,7 ]


I only desire two things-

I pray for my Dad's health. I ask you to heal him and make him whole again. Give him the freedom to serve you with his mind, soul, and body.

God, I also pray we will be content and at peace, and seek to give you glory in the midst of all situations.

 

Friday, September 26, 2014

Bob & Betty

MOM & DAD... TOGETHER
  Mom & Dad.  82 & 83 years old... umm, I mean young... here we are in the hospital at Presbyterian in Charlotte.   The nurse took this pic for me.  They've been through an ordeal the past ten days, being 5 days in Rowan's hospital, and 5 more days in Charlotte.  I started staying 12-hour days at our local hospital, but Friday (9/19) when they were admitted here in Charlotte, I came down & have stayed with them ever since, 24 hours a day.  Mom will not often leave the room.  She tries to stay by Dad's side all day and all night.  It has not been easy, but it has been a bonding experience for us.

  I've been the gopher, go-for-this, go-for-that.  It doesn't bother me at all, in fact, it allows me to get to know a new and different environment here at Presbyterian Hospital, which is like a city within a city.  I have gotten myself lost a couple of times, but only for a minute, and I get back on track.  There are so many "left's" and "right's" in hospitals, if you take a left when you should've taken a right, then it can be difficult.

   I am going to upload a few of my Facebook posts about my Mom & Dad, and our stay here in the hospital.  Hope you don't get bored, reading about medications and procedures.  There are a lot of them here.  Blood work, IV tubes, meds, get up, walking, bathing, propping pillows, go-for-food, eat, sit down, get up, walk again, more meds, potty time, take vitals, get up & get in bed, ... as you can see, this goes on & on & on... and on again!  It may not exactly be exciting, but it is continual activity.

  Okay- suffice to say, none of us expected this experience, it surprised all of us.  But we're making the best of it, and growing close together.   Hope you enjoy reading about our journey together.


The Journey :: Day 12

Friday, 9/26 @ 4:20 pm :: @ The Laurels


   It's been about 24 hours since my dad arrived yesterday afternoon at The Laurels Rehab and Retirement Center in Salisbury,  NC.  He was transferred after six days at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte.  We requested a private room, but because this facility seemed to be so far ahead of others in the area, we settled on dad being here in a double room.  His roommate has a leg problem of some kind. 

The Laurels at Salisbury, NC
   When I walked into this facility yesterday afternoon, I was impressed with how new and clean it looked, and how cheerful the atmosphere was here.  Somehow you just get a "feel" for a place, and I was immediately glad that my dad had come here.

   The room is not as big as the one at PH, but our last room at Rowan (Dad called that one "the Hilton") was bigger and nicer than the one at PH.  But we're not complaining.  The main thing is the treatment and care that he is getting, and it has been nothing short of amazing.  Everyone not only exhibits a high degree of professionalism, but also incredible doses of care and compassion.  My dad calls everyone he's had the privilege of meeting "his little angels."  One of the staff said to him today, "Now, that's not gonna get you out of physical therapy."  But he means it-- he does appreciate every single one of them.

Dad does his Physical Therapy in this room
   The plan will probably change, but it seems that Dad will be here at least a week or two, and go from here to any scheduled doctor visits.  He had his first physical therapy today, exercising his arms and legs, and breathing.  Then --ta da!-- he got a haircut for the first time since May.  I am going to download a couple of "BEFORE" and "AFTER" pics for you to see.  He feels so much better now.  It makes a -BIG- difference to him.  Later, he will get a shower, and that will cap it all off. 

   When dad left Presbyterian, one of the last things done was to go over his records, and make copies for us and the rehab center.  It was stated that we had four doctor's appoint-ments over the next four weeks.  We will be meeting with the oncologist, cardiologist, and pulmonologist.  We will be discussing the results of his tests and also any proposed treatment plans.  We appreciate your prayers for wisdom as we move forward.  We've not stopped praying for healing, and we really do believe in the power and presence of God in my dad's life, and the possibility of a miracle.  So please keep on praying. 

   I was just encouraged this morning from a Christian TV show guest, who pointed out that Jesus arrived four days' late for Lazarus' funeral.  Time sometimes causes us anxiety, but God is never late for an appointment.  Sometimes, we just don't know when that appointment is going to be.  Faith is always ready to meet any challenge.  He also spoke of the Israelites being chased by the Egyptians to the Red Sea.  God told them to dip their feet into the water and it was only after their feet were wet that he dried up the sea.  I'm sure that it was a lot easier for those following behind to go across than it was for that first one who took a step of faith.

  --MORE UPDATES LATER--
 
 

Thursday, September 25, 2014

The Journey :: Day 11 :: HOME BOUND

Thursday 9/25 @ 9am :: GOING HOME TODAY!
    
  Greetings from Charlotte !   We've been aware for a day or so that we were getting close to going "home".  Well-- TODAY -- is the day !   Our cardiologist came in early this morning, followed by the surgeon's PA, and both were in agreement, and subsequently discharged my Dad.  We are officially going home !  We are still in the hospital room, but leaving as soon as we can get ready, and have a way home.  A pastor friend is coming, and my sister may be following, to pick myself and my parents up and transport us back to Salisbury.

   Even with being discharged, we still are "up-in-the-air" as far as securing a Rehab Center for my dad to go to.  We have been planning to take him directly there, instead of going home first.  But so far, there are no -PRIVATE- rooms available at the facility that we are preferring.   The staff and my sister (who works for this medical group) are working to find us a suitable room for him.  Please pray that will be worked out by the time we get home.

   Though it hasn't been an ideal situation, we have actually enjoyed being at Presbyterian Hospital.  The staff has been friendly and helpful.  The doctors have showed my dad their care and compassion, as well as their knowledge and wisdom.  The nurses have been available round-the-clock to cater to every single need and desire.  I cannot speak enough praise for everyone on the staff here at Presbyterian.  This also goes for the cafeteria and housekeeping staff as well !

   THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS !
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Thursday 9/25 @ 10:55 pm : Update.

    Around 10 or 11am, it became apparent that we were definitely leaving today and going home.  We had to find a definite rehab center for my dad to go get training and gain more strength.  We were able to secure a place at The Laurels.  It is a nice place, and is actually managed by a member of my church.  The care pastor at our church volunteered to come pick us up and take us back home today.  He arrived around 11:30, but it was not until 1pm that we were ready to go.  A lot of paperwork had to be signed, and phone calls made, and hoops jumped through.  We were back in Salisbury by 2:30, and Dad (with my Mom accompanying him) was able to check into the rehab center and get settled in for the night.  He has a double room at this point, but hopefully a private one will open up soon.

   I will be staying at home tonight, but probably going out to visit Dad tomorrow.  Looking forward to seeing his new surroundings, and encouraging him.  Actually, oftentimes -we- are the ones that end up getting encouraged by him.  He has really passed all of these challenges so far with flying colors!

  We have multiple doctor appointments set up for the next couple of weeks.  There will be quite a bit of discussion, test results shared, and decisions will have to be made.  We need your prayers, first for God's guidance and healing hand.  We still believe in a miracle happening.  We want God's touch on Dad's life.  We also wish your prayers for the doctors' guidance and wisdom as well, that they would be working alongside God's Spirit in helping my dad.  Thanks for all of you, how wonderful you have been in stating your intention to pray, and for your sweet spirit of compassion toward him.  We all appreciate you so much!

--MORE UPDATES COMING SOON-- 


Wednesday, September 24, 2014

The Journey- Day 10

Wed 9/24 @ 7:30 am- Update.

   Early morning in Charlotte... Dad seemed to rest (and sleep) much better this past night, after both my parents getting -NO- sleep on Monday night.  Dad's heart rate soared up over 120 bpm, and often peaked up over 150 bpm.  (This was terribly disturbing to me; I woke up, and literally locked my eyeballs on the monitor for a solid hour).  But this night was different.  He was more relaxed, and his heartbeat was usually under 100, mostly in the 80's and 90's.  Granted, much of this normalcy and peaceful rest is drug-induced, but nevertheless, it was needful.  The cardio doctor put him on another heart med, Digoxin, along with his Lopressor, Xarelto, etc.  It seems to have had a dramatic effect, at least for now.

   I forgot to mention earlier that Dad had developed, along with everything else, a urinary tract infection, perhaps due to him using a catheter for urination for awhile. They also took out the fluid drainage tube yesterday, and cleaned and dressed it with bandages.  Hopefully, it's healing up.

   There is talk of us being able to go home today. Dad has been wanting to go back home since he got here, but frankly is unsure about that eventuality.  He knows that he is unable to care for himself, and that my Mom is unable alone to help care for him.  My sister and I will definitely be available, but not around the clock.  The doctors here are talking to the doctors back home about my Dad going to a rehab facility where he will get some advanced physical therapy for walking and other simple tasks.  When we return, we will also be meeting with a team of doctors to discuss lab test results and diagnosis of the lung cancer, and also their plans for treatment.

   My dad said just this morning, "I'm going to fight this and beat it".  Although he does get discouraged at times, he definitely has a positive attitude.  I believe it is his spiritual faith in Christ that helps him overcome the tendency to be discouraged.  He has a relationship with God, and knows that through Christ, he has already been "passed from death unto life" (John 5:24).  Having a security about death helps you cope with life and its difficult moments.  Dad also has remarked that none of us really expected this whole situation to happen.  It just seems to have taken us all by surprise.  But God has had a plan all along, and he knows the end from the beginning.  We all desire to trust in that realization.

   == SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS ==

   There have been little irritations during this week.  I went down to the cafeteria the first night here, and my debit card was declined.  It was a $15 transaction, and I knew my account should cover it without any problem.  But we tried it again, and it declined again. After a phone call confirmed that it was not a problem with my account balance, I went back and we tried it a third time.  DECLINED.  Eventually, I went to an ATM and spent about $25 to get $20.  So I had to borrow money from my Mom, until Tuesday, when I called my bank and they discovered that the problem was with the processing center in Texas, which for some reason was tagging my card's transactions with a "red flag".  They got is straightened out, and I was able to buy our dinner tonight.

  There were musicians in the lobby several times during the week.  As I was fulfilling my role as "gopher" to get our meals, I would walk by as volunteers were serenading the hospital staff and guests.  First, there were three bluegrass players, on two fiddles and a banjo.  Then today, there were two separate pianists playing in the main lobby.  I say this to say that when I heard them, I not only appreciated the beauty of their playing, but wished in my heart that my Mom and Dad could come down and listen too.  However, unfortunately, that wasn't really possible.

   Our doctors and nurses have been wonderful to us.  We see more of the nurses and CNA's, and therefore, I give a special shout-out to them.  Katie, Elizabeth, Michelle, Cynthia, James, Henry, Sonya, and the list goes on.  Back in Salisbury, there were Kim and Brian, and a host of others.  We get new nurses all of the time, and each one is unique and special in their own way.  One of them gave him a bath. Another went down after hours and scavenged up a couple boxes of 'Boost' for my dad (that's been a staple source of nutrition for him here). 

  My dad likes to refer to all of these as "his angels".  Of course, whenever he calls one of them that, they often laugh or brush it off.  But he really believes that.  The Bible calls it the "gift of mercy".  And we have seen several nurses that exhibit that calling on their lives.  They seem to flow through their tasks with effortless energy, all the while maintaining a smile and loving spirit. 

   My dad's hair is so long.  You can sorta tell from the picture that was posted.  But it's probably worse than you realize.  He and Mom went down to the shopping center to get his hair cut a few weeks ago, and Dad started having bowel problems, and they had to turn around and go back home.  A friend even gave him a gift card.  But here he is, looking more like a "hippie" every day.  I told him we were going to have to start calling him "Ringo" if he didn't get it cut soon.

   A couple of the doctors came in this morning, and gave us hope of returning back to Salisbury either today or tomorrow.  That's definitely not definite, but it's something to look forward to.  One of them encouraged me to possibly go home today to get some rest. I'm considering it, but I also know that Dad has often asked me to help Mom, and without me, they really have no "gopher" to go get meals, make phone calls, look up info on the Internet, and a host of other little chores.  So-- it's a hard call.

   My mind has drawn a blank, so for now, I'm going to close, but you can count on another UPDATE soon.  Thanks for taking an interest in my Dad's health, and your prayers are appreciated.  I believe it is even more powerful than the medical care.  So continue lifting up his name to our heavenly Father.

   Until later... Blessings!

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

The Journey : Day 9

Tues 9/23 @ 1pm : Hi Everyone !

A VIEW OF DOWNTOWN CHARLOTTE
   Day 5 in Charlotte now at Presbyterian Hospital. Day 9 in the Hospital overall. They put my Dad on Xarelto and Cardezen for his heartbeat, he has been in Atril Fibrilation (a-fib) pretty much since he's been here, it fluctuates from 80 to 160 bpm, it's crazy, it will be in the 80's, 90's, and then a few hours later, jump into the 120's and 130's, with spurts up to 140-150, even up to 160 bpm. Both Mom & Dad went all night without sleeping, with pain and anxiety.

   They hope these med's will regulate the heartbeat, so we can go home. When back home, we will meet with the local oncologist, as well as the cardiologist, to get a complete and full diagnosis of his lung cancer, and hear their ideas for a plan of treatment. We are still hoping and praying for healing, and believe God is able! (Eph. 3:20)


VIEW OF CHARLOTTE FROM OUR WINDOW
  The cardiologist just came in while I was typing this post, and he is adding Digoxin to my Dad's meds, along with the Xarelto and Cardezen, plus Lopressor, and drugs for pain and anxiety at times. One positive- those of you that know about CoQ10, my parents are major believers in it, and they increased his dose of it from 30mg to 300mg. I gave Dad some green tea awhile ago. They also took out his drain tube from the heart, and patched up the opening. One of the nurses also put him into the shower, and he's all cleaned up now & feeling much better.


  Dad also walked a complete lap around the 5D wing here, which is like four hallways. He did it for the second time, he went out & did it at midnight, and then did it again this morning. The first time he walked, a couple of days ago, he didn't even get to the end of the first hallway, and had to turn around and come back to the room. So it seems his strength and endurance are getting better with time. 


A VIEW OF THE CHARLOTTE SKYLINE
  The skies are overcast, and it is going to rain today. Yesterday it was sunny, and I got out for a second walk. The first one was only a mile or two. I left Monday afternoon with the idea of walking downtown. I've been in Charlotte many times, but the last time I was here, it was for a Panthers game, and we went directly to the stadium, ate dinner two blocks away, and then drove back home. It is amazing walking underneath those skyscrapers. I've never been to NYC in my life, been to Philadelphia once, but it is a thrill to look straight up at a building called the Bank of America Center, which is 60 stories high. I continued walking to the Carolina Panthers stadium, and then back to the hospital, round trip was around 5-6 miles. Great walk and got back just as the sun was setting!

Monday, September 22, 2014

The Journey : Day 8

Mon 9/22 @ 9:14 am :  Good Morning !

   Mom & Dad fast asleep in their beds. I'm trying to rest in a straight chair. Last night, I confiscated a spare bed from a storage area (with the nurse's knowledge) and toted it down the hall to a lounge. I was awoken by a security guard in the middle of the night, who had to check my credentials with the nurse. Rest & sleep are a premium commodity here, usually up past midnight & up at 6am or 7am.

  We probably find out today when we are returning to Salisbury.... Dad taking several med's and getting stuck with tubes and taking blood for tests constantly. He is weak at times, but doing his best through it all.
 
Thanks for your prayers.
__________________________________________________________
 

Mon 9/22 @ 11:12 am : Hello.    

   PA came by awhile ago, and very adamantly suggested that my Dad would not leave this hospital until they were able to regulate his heartbeat. He has what is called a-fib, or "atrial fibrillation", where the heartbeat is elevated and irregular. It has usually been anywhere from 105 to 120, with a high of up to 150 bpm. She said that a team of doctors would be coming by soon to discuss options with us.

   Among those that they will recommend include shock treatment, ... which will utilize anesthesia, and more med's, a combination of three drugs to thin the blood, and regulate and maintain a balanced heartbeat. We are all opposed to the shock treatment.
Please pray for God's peace, wisdom, and discernment in weighing and making the decisions later today. I know that Mom & Dad have been used to a lot of natural health & nutritional substances, such as CoQ10, magnesium, etc. The doctor allowed the CoQ10, but denied him taking magnesium. Another option will be for us to sign out of the hospital and go home, but I'm sure the doctors will not be in agreement with that choice.
   Please continue to pray for this and our situation going forward that Dad will be cared for, and given the best treatment possible. And we continue to (and ask you to) pray for God's healing of his body.
 
 
Thank You !
_________________________________________________________

Mon 9/22 @ 2:07 pm : Update.

   A cardiologist (with Presbyterian Hospital) came by and recommended that my Dad take Xarelto (blood thinner) as a by-mouth replacement for the IV-fed Heparin that he's getting now. He's on several other medications for his heart, plus pain and/or anxiety meds. I'm planning on asking the nurse or PA for a print-out of all of the meds that he is on here. 

   The doctor said that if the Xarelto brings his heartbeat into line, we could go home on Tuesday or so. Then we would consult with both cardiologists and oncologists there in Salisbury. We have requested that Dad be allowed to take the natural substances that he was on at home, namely CoQ10 (he was on 300mg, he's getting only 30mg so far), and Magnesium (he was taking 1,200 mg). Thank You for all of your continued prayers, support, and encouragement.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

The Journey : Day 7

  Sunday 9/21 @ 5:12 pm : Update

  Return home may be tomorrow, or it may be delayed a day. Not sure. Chaplain came by today & visited & prayed with us after I met him at the Sunday chapel services. Services here are only 15 minutes long, not too many people fall asleep here. {ha} Nice guy who has some ties to one of my dad's boyhood schools and towns.
   
Dad & Mom ... Together
  Dad up during the day now, sitting in chair, eating more, {HERE'S A PICTURE OF HIM & MOM -thanks to one of our nurses}. His bowels started working after be...ing locked up for five days. He's still got a bit of fluid draining from his heart. He seems more normal than he did earlier in the week.
 
  We're going to talk to a doctor tomorrow & see when we will be able to return home & what's next. Thanks for your continued prayers, which are very much appreciated. 
 -- Love Bob
 
p.s. Dad said earlier in the week that he didn't feel like watching TV or the Panthers game, but now he says that he may be able to watch tonight. It will be the first game I've watched with him in several years. (!)

 

Saturday, September 20, 2014

The Journey : Day 6

Sat 9/20 @ 12:19 am : LATE NIGHT UPDATE :

  From a very nice, spacious, comfortable visitors' Lounge at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte. Charlotte is a huge city, and "PH" seems like another city within the city. After the test results today, they decided to transfer my Dad here to Charlotte, they made the decision pretty quickly, and within 90 minutes or so, Dad & Mom were in an ambulance heading down the highway to their new destination.

  I stayed behind, went home, blew & raked leaves in the front yard, then went to the "Y" and took a shower, changed clothes. Then at 7:30 pm, I took a train down to Charlotte, then a bus to the hospital. The train was a quick 48-min. ride, but the bus included a trip to the main station, and a transfer, and seemed to take another 30-45 minutes to go the three miles or so to the hospital.
  
  I met a nice man at the depot, and we chatted while waiting a few extra minutes as the train was delayed. He was a war veteran, and told me a few stories of his experiences overseas. We also found out that he had bought clothes from my Dad, who was a men's retail clothing manager for 35 years. I also met a kind and friendly young lady on the train, who stopped in a fast-moving line of exiting passengers to let me out into the aisle. As we moved from the train to the terminal, she shared that she was a political aide from Washington, D.C., and she had a job interview in Charlotte tomorrow {actually now today}. Both of my new acquaintances promised to check out my website, and write me a personal note.
 
  I didn't arrive until around 9:30 pm, and was pretty tired. Like I said, it's a big hospital with several buildings, and each building has multiple units and wings. I took a few wrong turns along the way, but found their room and my dad was fast asleep, with an oxygen mask supplying him air, and Mom sitting by his side, relaxing. She has been by his side for six days & five nights now, (sounds like a "vacation", doesn't it?)
 
  Mom provided me a turkey sandwich, and I went back down five floors to the Cafeteria and picked up a soda, bottled water, pineapple, and a newspaper. Had a mini-meal, chatted with mom awhile, and then decided to find this lounge and get online, maybe watch a bit of TV before calling it a night. So, with Jimmy Fallon as the background, I'm updating you all on my Dad and new twists to the surreal experience of this past week.

  While it wasn't sure whenever they left to come here, Dad had the procedure to drain fluid from his heart sooner than expected, and was resting comfortably when I arrived tonight. This came as a pleasant surprise, because this morning before they left, he had been miserable, finding it difficult to breathe, and not being comfortable or rested. The nurses came constantly, moving his bed up and down, giving him various IV's and meds to help him relax, but none of it worked too well. It is obvious now that the fluid in his chest was the culprit, and having it drained has caused a great difference in his ability to "chill out." He looked so much more relaxed and rested, sleeping comfortably in his bed.

  It's now after midnight, and getting close to bedtime. Another update will come tomorrow, thanks for following my Dad's progress or experience through my posts each day, and also for your prayers for his recovery and health. We still have hopes that he will fully recover, and be well again. But it may be a long road, and nothing is really set in stone yet. But we wish to surrender it all to God, and trust in his goodness and love.


Thanks Again for all of your Prayers !  
 
____________________________________________________________

Sat 9/20 @ 10:37 am : Update

  Continue praying for my Dad. He was sleeping like a baby last night, but today he had an early morning chest X-ray, but has been in good spirits, singing songs, quoting Scripture, light-hearted and talking to everyone who comes into the room. We've had to ask him to quiet down on occasion, just because he gets carried away, and gets tired from continually interacting with everyone.

 
____________________________________________________________

Sat 9/20 @ 5:42 pm : Update

  They got Dad out of his bed today & let him sit in a chair, and also got him up with a walker to take a stroll down the hallway. He had been in bed every since Monday. He is constantly talking & joking. This is all good, however none of this addresses or changes the presence of the masses in his lung. We will be crossing that bridge very soon. Please keep praying for my Dad & the situation going forward.

 Thanks to All of You !
 
 

Friday, September 19, 2014

The Journey : Day 5

Fri 9/19 @ 10:19 am : Good morning !


  I'm sitting in the hospital room with my Mom & Dad. Thanks for all of your prayers for my Dad. He enjoys talking to all of the nurses and doctors and telling them about his faith in Jesus. Today is a climactic time. The test results from his lung biopsy will probably be back today. Dad's doctor has stated his opinion that the results may not be as good as we hope. However, those results are not back yet.

  There is some fluid around my dad's lungs and h...eart that is causing pressure and elevating his pulse. They are awaiting the results, and then will do a procedure to remove the fluids. Dad & Mom are talking about looking into other clinics or doctors, like a thoracic surgeon. Pray that I can be a help to locate and evaluate places and doctors, as well as some of our close relatives.

  We still have our hearts open to a miracle, and are so thankful that so many of you are praying in that direction. Also pray that God will be glorified and we will all draw closer to him, and also have opportunities to be a blessing and witness to others here.
This is definitely becoming a life-changing experience for me. It is both encouraging and sad to be around my dad and be so near to him, watching him smile and laugh and talk to everyone, but then to see his pain and exhaustion from this experience of being confined to a bed, and all of the tests and procedures that are so constant and unending.

  Today is just a waiting game. The biopsy results may be in today, but we do not know exactly at what time. Please keep on praying. I know that hundreds of people are praying for my Dad, all over the country and world. Your comments are so encouraging. If you have any questions, let me know. Thank You.


_____________________________________________________________
 
Fri 9/19 @ 10:48 am
 
  Folks- the doctor's PA just came into our room with the test results and said that it was Non-Small-Cell Cancer. so-- we go in a different direction today, my Dad is going to probably be transferred today to Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, your continued prayers are appreciated. They are going to drain fluid from around my dad's heart, and then try to determine if the cells have spread, and what to do from there. 

Thank You again for your prayers on my dad's behalf. Thank You Bob.
 
_____________________________________________________________
 
Fri 9/19 @ 2:10 pm

  Going by Amtrak to Charlotte at 7pm tonight to join my Mom & Dad at Presbyterian Hospital. Pray for us. Thanks Bob.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

The Journey : Day 4

Thurs 9/18 @ 10:07 am : Update

Here is a quick update on my Dad. He was moved last night at 9pm, sorta strange, they said it was due to his progress. This morning we heard results back from analysis on fluid that was extracted from around his lungs, it was negative, nothing unusual or bad found. Dad is now being given a biopsy on one of the two masses that were detected in his lungs. Pray for the procedure { going on NOW } and we will await the results, which may come back on Friday. Thank you for your continued prayers and love for my Dad and our family. Some of you are praying for a man you've never met, but I assure you, your prayers are felt and heard, and appreciated by my Dad. I love all of you wonderful friends. 
 Thanks Again- Bob


Thurs 9/18 @ 10:25 am : Update

Hey Everyone who's following my posts about my Dad. I just posted an update, and am going to be returning to the waiting room with my Mom and sister to wait for my dad to come out of his biopsy procedure. Pray for the procedure to go well, no collapsed lung, and then for a "negative" result. (which is actually good). Whatever happens, my heart's desire, as is my Mom's and Dad's, is to trust God in everything. It's not always what we do, but it's what we desire to do.  Love you all- Bob

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

The Journey : Day 3

Wed 9/17 @ 2:22 pm : Hey Folks- THIS POST IS REGARDING MY DAD : 

   One of you asked for his name, he is also "Bob", actually "I am also Bob", he was Bob Wingate before I was Bob Wingate. So "Bob Sr". anyways...
 
   Dad is 83, he's been having extreme pain all over his body for several weeks, and perhaps I should have pushed more for him to check it out sooner. He's been mostly confined to his bed and chair in his room. It's been weeks since he's really been "out." He hasn't felt well at all for awhile. Monday, he was having severe pain in his stomach area, he was nauseous, and couldn't eat anything. Right now, it's been 2 1/2 days since he's eaten, and only drank water.
 
   They did a cat-scan and then several X-rays of his front chest and stomach areas, and found two masses, one is about 2.5 cm long, in his lung. They are on the same side, but in different lobes. The fluid was drained, and it was being analyzed, but after the doctors reviewed the pictures, they decided to go ahead and do a biopsy of Dad's lung today, and get tissue from the actual mass. They will do that later this afternoon. The results will most likely be back tomorrow or Friday.
 
   It is definitely preliminary, but the nurses are beginning to speculate that it is probably worse than expected. It may be that the fluid is an expansion of the masses, I want you to pray for my Dad, he says that "he is ready to go anytime", but that he wishes also to get better, he does not want to leave my mom, and the rest of us, and he says that he would like for us to go on a couple of trips before he goes to meet our Lord. I understand, he is sentimental about certain places, plus he has been confined with all of the pain he's been experiencing, and has not been able to travel, except to the doctor, or an occasional drive around town.
 
   If any of you have known my dad, you know he is quite a character. He said to us (and a nurse) yesterday, "My mind and my body are about worn out, but my mouth still works fine." He always has a story to tell you. He was sharing that he had witnessed to a young boy in the emergency room the night before about God's love and grace. The boy had come in after being hit in the knee repeatedly by his "friends", Dad said the boy said he had knifed one of his attackers. Wow-- but anyway, Dad says he loves to tell others about the Lord.
 
   I believe in miracles, I believe in prayer, and it is not a pie-in-the-sky kind of a belief, not a wishing-well, not even a Santa-Claus kind of belief, but a strong Belief in a God who loves us to a degree and scope that is totally beyond our understanding. It is unconditional and based on Jesus his Son, who gave his life for us. and God is concerned for our physical as well as our spiritual health. Bottom line is, God can raise my dad up, and I'd like you to pray for that, but also pray for his love to be demonstrated and experienced by all of us, and for us to trust him. It's not easy, because of our temptation to doubt and question and also try to work things out on our own. I hope this experience will bring me closer and allow me to trust him more.
 
God Bless You, Dad. I Love You.

 

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

The Journey : Day 2

Tues 9/16 @ 12:20 pm : Update.

  This is a shout-out to all of my Praying Friends on Facebook. Please pray for my Dad. He was admitted to the hospital last night. 
 
   He has been experiencing a lot of constant pain throughout his body for several weeks. Yesterday, he had severe pains and nausea in his stomach area. He was not able to eat anything. After a doctor's visit determined that his white blood cell count was extremely high, he was sent to the emergency room, where they hooked him to monitor, took blood for tests, and eventually admitted him for the night.
 
  I hope to visit him later today. Please pray for his comfort and safety, and for his improved health and healing. Thank You!

Monday, September 15, 2014

The Journey : Day 1

  The day started out like any other Monday.  Today is always the day when I teach guitar classes to older adults (50 & over) at the local Senior center.  We have three classes from 1:30 to 5pm.  After classes were over, I went to my parents' house.  Everything seemed like normal, even when I saw my sister's car parked on the curb, and her talking to me, even though I couldn't hear what  she was saying yet.  When I got out of the car, she said something like, "We're taking Dad to the emergency room".  Everything changed in that brief moment.

  It was determined that I would stay home, and the three of them would head to the hospital.  Later that night, I discovered that my Dad had been admitted to the hospital, and was undergoing tests.  He had been complaining that afternoon of severe abdominal pains.  In performing several chest X-rays, they located a couple of suspicious spots on his lungs.

  So began the first night of a journey... one that we didn't plan or ask to travel... but one which we will go on together... pray for us, and keep updated and informed here about all of the experiences and developments along the way.

 
PLEASE PRAY
FOR MY DAD