Dodging Bullets

Seems that tho we've felt a little like we can't catch a break lately, we do seem to be dodging the really big bullets that want to keep coming after us.

Thankfully, John stabalized last nite and today was a really good day for him. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the healing will continue exponentially every day from here forward.

When we all arrived, John and Taryn both were in good spirits. John looked much more healthy, lots of energy, pink skin and he was ready to be on the move. At some point during the day, I took Taryn out for coffee and John's restlessness overtook him and he got out of bed, out of the room and walked down the hallway! It's amazing how a short walk can be such a victory, but it made him feel so much better to have done it. He was tired and achy at the end of it and he was grateful for his little self medicating button when it was over, but everything continued to work just fine.

The NG tube still runs a little red. When they get the lab results tomorrow, they will decide if he needs another unit of blood. I don't want to venture a guess either way, but I know that if he needs it, he'll get it. In looking over all the other lab results this afternoon, we were happily astonished by all those astronomical numbers from last week getting down to almost normal levels since the surgery. What a blessing and what a relief!

I've been asked by more than a few people about the pathology reports. We won't have any information on any of that just yet. I think it will be another 4 or 5 days till we know anything about what kind of cancer they took out, what kind of steps need to be taken next, what oncologist we will be refered to or anything like that. Even while doing our best to continue to manage expectations, we are still hoping for only the best news. Personally, I am anxious to know what will come next, but I'm assured by the surgeon and by almost everyone else that this is the time for healing the surgery and the rest will come soon enough. I would like to have plenty of time to research any decisions that need to be made, without feeling that I have to rush into something just to get it going.

Nevertheless, John looked GREAT today. His face looked healthy and his smiles came frequently and easily. Young Elliot had his first chance to visit his Dad today and I think that made everyone feel great.

Special thanks this evening go to Pat for his intense concentration on the details of John's care and his absolute tenacity in demanding that things get done correctly and on time. Without that, the bullet we dodged might have been alot worse this time.

Super extra special thanks to Matt L, Babaloo and Eden J for even thinking of the kind of help they've given. Without you, the anxiety level (and alot of really ugly bullets in the form of bills) would be off the charts. I can't thank you enough for all you've done for my family. For the rest of my life I will be looking for ways to pay that kind of friendship and care forward.

Vicki