D~ just wanted to let you know that you and your Dad are in my thoughts and prayers. Don't forget to take care of yourself too.
A brief update on Gwen - she had surgery on Friday and they removed as much of the tumor as possible. A follow up MRI was not possible because she was too fidgety and could not lay still. She was discharged from the hospital on Monday about 5 pm Hawaii time. She did not have a good day yesterday, but is surrounded by family, so there is lots of help for my brother and nephew. My nephew Mike will be staying for as long as necessary - luckily he can work from home. I spoke with my brother yesterday and he is feeling a bit overwhelmed and I know he is glad Mike is there. The long term prognosis is not good, but Jim still needs to meet with the oncologist to see what steps are next and where they go from here. I am very saddened that I am not able to be there at this time. Gwen's sister is flying in from Chicago to spend some time with her, so there really wouldn't be anywhere for me to sleep, except maybe in the "man cave". Ok, so maybe this wasn't so brief after all. Please keep Gwen and Jim in your prayers.
Tess, thank you so much for checking in. Gwen (and everyone) has continued to be in my prayers. I am sorry that you cannot be with her, but it sounds like she is surrounded by many who love her and care for her - which must be a great comfort. Big hugs to you!
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My dad is doing remarkably well. I am so very thankful - this could have turned out so much worse!
I did the nursing home tour yesterday - and
I HATED the nursing home portion of it - it was a true (depressing/clinical/stinky/sad) nursing home. The attatched Assisted Living apartments were beautiful - and I really liked them though. However, it is in a SUPER busy part of town, and it just wouldn't be safe for my dad to ride his
scooter around that busy area... However, he would be within two blocks of the mall and other places he likes to go - but it just isn't worth the danger of it. But I am glad I was able to go look - so I, at least, had a comparison.
In the end, we have (almost) decided on the nursing home outside of town. There are genuine pros and cons to this home. First off - it is about 30 miles from his church (through the busy city, it's about an hour drive each way) - so it will be rare that he is able to attend church - which is very sad for me and him, as this has been a HUGE support system to him over the years and he is VERY active in many roles there. We are still trying to figure out some logistics, so he can go once in a while - but I don't know how well this will work out? Other than that one HUGE drawback - most of everything else is positive, it is in a very nice town and in a nice quiet neighborhood, so it's safe for him to drive his scooter almost anywhere. The nursing home portion is not icky at all and very homey and nice... I don't love the assisted living area - it's very dated and a little run-down - but the people who live there and run it are very nice. Another big bonus is that he will be closer to my brother and his foster family - so visiting opportunities will be better, especially now that he can't have my brother overnight until he is able to care for both of him. So, there are pros and cons about each place - I just wish I could combine the two.
We just received confirmation yesterday that they have an open bed in the nursing home outside of town - so we are very happy and relieved about this, and it sure makes it easier for me to leave him there.
It looks like discharge will be later today, or tomorrow. It was supposed to be tomorrow - but the Dr. mumbled something about possibly today on the phone yesterday while I was driving home. I was in kind of a bad reception area - so I wasn't able to catch half of what she said.
I came home last night... I was able to repack my bags and do some laundry. It was great seeing the girls, Josh and MM. I am headed out this morning - hopefully just after rush hour. I hope to be back to the hospital by lunch time.
Again - thank you all so much for all of your prayers and support. It means the world to me, most of you I have never met and it just warms my heart to know that people around the world are thinking of my family and praying for them.
Much love to all of you!
D~
Take care
