Apple Picking Is Coming!

Fall is truly in the air as the gang is heading out for a day of NYC apple picking. And this year, wisdom has proclaimed that we hold down the various ports of call in the neighborhood.

This decision has absolutely nothing to do with surgeries, recoveries or anything of the like. To be honest, this decision was made last year! At the last apple picking adventure.

(Actually, the decision was a possibility that became reality. Boring!)

But the excitement of the day and the joy that it brings to those going plus to the newbies about to take part is beyond explanation. And the apples folks are bringing us when they return! Fellowship being fellowship among people you love, how can you beat it?

We'll miss the folks, laughter, the cider and apple donuts. Sometimes ya gotta keep the home fires burning for the coming home folks. Trust me, that makes sense somewhere in the universe.

A dear family friend has paved the way for all of us to come home. He passed away last Saturday. He and Raymon had some touching goodbyes throughout the Summer, some of the facts of their friendship leaning toward revisionist history. But glory and honor, peace and joy was their relationship no matter what. They did not have to say good-bye. Or see you later. Or wait for me.

For them, a space in time is nothing.

But we have to wait a year for fresh apples. He'll have apple donuts waiting...

I can't believe that it has been over a month since I've updated Raymon's progress. Sorry all!

My only excuse is that it would be the same thing, better.

But I must add a caveat: He is still doing physical therapy and seeing the new docs. And guess what. Yesterday the PT told him that he was doing better than he thought he was doing! He needs to give himself a break, after all, he has been through two surgeries in less than 7 months and at his age. My big guy has come so far and I am so proud of him.

Now the real healing has to take place. And the patience that come along with it. Um, that neither of us are very good at.

But it is sure time that we begin to reestablish our lives. It is so exciting to remake yourself, a clean slate so to speak. It's our eyes that have the clean slate, not anyone looking our way!

Dear friends, without your prayers this experience would have been unbearable. Your prayers and support pulled Raymon forward when he was not even aware of the need. With your help, I was the wife he found by his side, refreshed even if tired, supportive, even if concerned and just me when I really did not want to be.

I've said thanks before but hey, thanks again.

Call him, call me, let us know your lives again.

We love ya.

Turning Point in Providers

The letter came yesterday.

By law, on and after October 1, a veteran without a war wound and with medicare needs to be aware that he is covered for some service at VA Hospitals at his own expence after Tricare.  No VA Hospital excepts medicare. All veterans with medicare are requested to seek Tricare-4-Life providers before October 1.

That is a summation and it took several readings to figure that much out. Plus a call. And I am not sure the call center understood the letter!

Between us we have four college degrees. Surely we understood some of it. What we know for sure is that God's timing is perfect.

Raymon has had two major surgeries, numerous tests and labs, squads of doctors, physical therapy, two MRIs and consultations all before this ruling came down. And that is only this year. Prior to this year, he has had physicals, general doctor services, screenings and other medical treatments.

At this stage of the game, new eyes are a good idea.

We embrace this twist with open arms.

As the Summer is further from its beginning, the surgery side effects continue to recede slowly. The numbness in the legs and right hand fingers remains the same. Frustration is the king hinderance! I am guessing that it would be easier if he felt or looked bad.

Thanks for hanging in with us.

Raymon has already begun set-up visits with new doctors. :-) 

Dove Bars

Tonight we had a tasty treat, a Dove Ice Cream bar. 

That single luscious indulgence is a trip down memory lane for us.

Walking NYC's 5th Avenue from lower Manhattan to the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center on Christmas Eve became our tradition back in the 1980s. One of those years, we tasted roasting chestnuts, yuck. Trust me, the song is so much better. 

Some time around 1985 I think, we were approached by a rolling refrigerated cart and a young man, equally refrigerated. As I recall, we all were refrigerated. It was freezing but no one seemed to mind. It was the perfect weather for Christmas Eve in New York City.

[You know, this could have been a street festival in China Town. Christmas Eve makes a better story. Proceed.]

The young man approached us with a test product called Dove Bars. They were not yet on the market. He was passing them out, asking folks to give them a try and what they thought.

Its been almost 30 years since that original Dove Bar. My 1st in NYC. Tonight was my 2nd in NYC. 

I'm glad we got to try it all those years ago. Kinda makes you wonder if something we said had anything to do with them being here today. 



excuse me, my mind is going to wonder now...

Friends To The Rescue (written earlier)

This posting was written after Raymon, home from the hospital was still sleeping in the front room. He had the pull-out sofa while I had the bedroom and king-size bed all to myself!

It made for a perfect arrangement giving him plenty of equipment and sprawling room. And it was perfect for me as well. One person in a king-size bed, what can I say!
________________________________________________________________________________

Its seems running and jumping into a bed with risers under it really isn't a very smart thing to do. Especially at 3:00 A. M. in the morning.

I sprained most of my leg muscles. Smart, eh?

Yes, with Raymon laid up in the front room pull-out and most of the pillows, I decided I wanted a bit of attention too.

Sunday morning neither of us were moving much.

A blurry of text messages and emails later, two amazing friends sailed to our aid bearing ice cream and tex-mex food. We were 80 % healed by their gifts alone.

They then hit the grocery list, delivered the laundry to the laundromat (to be re-delivery by the laundromat the next day) and performed various house cleaning chores. I think I will sprain something on a regular basis!

Another gift of food by another dear friend came later that day. It will last through today and tomorrow.

Yet again a forth dear friend who lives down the hill and across the city public park answered scrambled voice message. He heard a panicked call that we needed help. He literally ran the hilly mile distance to see if we were okay. I felt terrible. The message we really sent was that "we are okay and do not need help."

_______________________________________________________________________________

Life Changing / Written 3rd week July

This posting is not an update but history. We are past this. I wanted you to see the process.

This posting has been recovered from draft. I did not post it but rather prayed it. God sent some folks to us during this time. Now that the crisis has passed, I want to share with you our valley moment.

Of course there have been other, many other "valley" moments. Without God, his comfort, patience and ever present peace, neither of us would be sane right now. All of you and those not reading this blog who continue to call, text and email enrich us with strength impossible to describe.

Before reading this posting, know that the medical issues remain but the personal focus has vastly improved.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
draft

Up unto this point I have been presenting only general facts. The more specifically painful, I've withheld out of privacy and expedience.

Thank you for your forbearance.

Now I ask for specific prayer for specific issues.

He is overwhelmed by the resulting life changes before him.

Continuing mysterious numbness in his upper thighs are without diagnosis, disturbing and disrupting his will. I believe that his frustration prevents him from doing things he can.

He is not doing his recovery exercises on a regular basis. Without them, he remains weak. These include leg strength, arm and back plus neck and hand.

The number one thing is lack of motivation and what-is-there-to-recover-to. In other words, why recover?

I can hear all of you start typing on that one right now, but I shall answer right away. Most of his volunteer activities are dark for the summer, our work here with Everyday Church Church is on hiatus during a developmental time for the congregation.

We are thrilled that the congregation has been and continues to be so active in these last months. It has been difficult to not be an active part of it!

We are both feeling down about the slowness of the recovery process. Not because of the time needed to heal, but because of the time and opportunities lost within the life of the community.

As many of you have gone through a recovery process, please call and give him advise and wisdom.

Be Proactive

You have heard it other places, from your mom I am sure. I feel its my duty to continue the call. 

Be proactive.

Today we went to the doctor and as it turns out, what we thought was the right appointment date, was not. We were two weeks early. Wait, I am confused. We already have a another scheduled additional appointment for this doctor in two weeks. No, we now know that it is not an appointment for this doctor but a test that this doctor has ordered. Two weeks after the test he wants to see us. Of course we did not have an appointment for that date. We do now.

(us as in Raymon)

What we thought we would learn today, we should rather learn one month from today. Following that, treatment plans. That will be over 60 days without treatment for a situation that may have nothing to do  with the surgery. However, this complication happen following surgery.

Sure the appointment confusion is frustrating yet that sort of stuff happens. One expects glitches here and there. Yet this situation, medical treatment by calendar scheduling is hindering his recovery. 

Sometimes too many cooks do spoil the pot.

And in this case, my pot is too precious to leave to these professionals.  

So, after a brief computer search, I have enough information to be dangerous, attack the NYC medical field at large and find my precious pot a workable agenda. 

Let me explain. After browsing for ten minutes, I had a workable diagnosis name to ask about. After an hour, I had done enough cross checking to know that a print-out was in order and knew of several in-office tests. Proactive? You bet. Right or wrong at least the new guy will get the idea that we need correct information and correct treatment now. 

Apparently what we are looking at isn't that common but isn't unheard of either.

In other words, a new approach begins tomorrow. The appointment with a new doctor in a different field at a new location is at 11:00 A. M.

Oh, We have a Blog, I Forgot...

Sorry about that, its been crazy.

Not really of course, but when one goes from an army of nurses, a bevy of residents, interns, consulting doctors and the chief surgeon, a slew of housekeepers and who knows who those other people in scrubs were...down to me and the big guy; you get the picture. 

The computer was neglected as was my hair, the shower, grocery shopping and picking up the mail! Some things just aren't that important in the grand scene of things. 

Since he has been home from the hospital we both were on a huge learning curve of how to do this and what to do with that. And today, at the post-op visit, this and that stayesd at the hospital! Rejoicing in the air, do you hear it. 

For example: Those of you who know what a J. P. Bulb is, why didn't you tell me? I will happily tell those of you who want to know and then that you may file it away in the trusty file 13. For the rest of us, just skip the rest of this paragraph. 

A J. P. Bulb is a plastic bulb with a tube attached to it that hangs out of your body collecting the body fluid that fills up the cavity left behind after a surgery. And Raymon's collected a lot of fluid. "Wow Mr. Fullerton, that's the most fluid we've ever seen!" (that was so comforting...)

This tubie thing protrudes out of the side of the body.  Raymon's job was to monitor the J. P. and empty it when it got full, write down the time and amount. Remember the quote? Thus we set the alarm for 12:30 AM and 3:30 AM too. It helped. Some.

I am really happy the J. P. Bulb is no longer in this apartment. (FYI:  J. P. invented the thing and no one in the hospital remembered his name. I don't think they liked the thing either.) 

Oh, now we have new stuff to learn. No problem. 

And he is now on a full regimen on physical reboot! 

Curiously, we have been on the surgical circuit since February, either thinking, testing, doing or recovering from it. You have been along with us. 

The recovery / adjustment period for Raymon is already taking on a life of its own. We see a new lifestyle ahead. But as with all such things, it is a reinvention. 

May God cover you with his mighty hand.

We're Home....

As in the old college days, we pulled an all nighter!

Or it seemed like it. 

He in his room and I in my newly assigned Hos-tel room for wives! How about that? Since Raymon had to stay longer than expected and I was traveling back and forth... well, the staff took pity on me. 

The room was clean, had the basic needs and I was glad of the quiet. But as they say, home is best.

His night, like the night before was restless until the "shot". Then he slept well. I gotta get me some of those!

Raymon really wanted to go home but we were unsure. On advise of his surgeon we left. All of his nurses and several other care assistants suggested that he stay.

So the opening act is concluded. 

Its a New Day..# 2.

Same ol', same ol'... except for surprising discoveries.

Why would a 6 foot 4 inch guy have low calcium? 

Where did that leaking bump on the back of his head come from?

When told that his still had numbness in his legs, his surgeon said, "um, never heard of that before."

Didn't I tell you that Raymon was two in two billion. We've traveled this road before. 

Everything seems okay only some things are not cooperating like they should, yet. No one is particularly concerned. In fact, with some exercises, nutrition and time, all should be fine. 

Currently there is no agreement as to a coming home date. However, majority does not rule here, the surgeon does. He thinks tomorrow may work given this and that. 

That fact that high wind and rains are predicted will make for an interesting time.


Note: They most graciously brought me a dinner tray. Big mistake. Sweetie has had nothing but ice chips for 2 days. I gave it all to him. :-)

It Went Well

Yesterday, June 10, 2013 was the surgery.

Raymon says to say "Hi."


Since I overnighted in the room, I could not get to the ol' computer to blog my great wisdom. As you remember, the hospital does not have WIFI so blogging isn't possible. Or emailing. Or as so many as of learning via my phone server, calls over one minute. 

But watching over my guy is / was.

So it is later Tuesday and I am home. Typing away.

After surgery he was put on the after surgery floor. Somehow this makes a major difference. During the last surgery, the hospital was tremendously overcrowded and he was put on the seventh floor. Those 7th floor poor folks were run ragged with the needs of post-op and regular patients.

With Raymon on the post-op floor, which appeared designed with post-op in mind, he also received more timely (in my mind) care. But as the wife, I really have to be fair...no one could be good enough!

But these folks came close last night.

Except for the clock. That thing could have been removed. In fact when I find the suggestion box or a strong screwdriver, I think I just might make some adjustments. It was silent movement, no problem there. It was simply large with one of those cage faces on it. And it is the first thing your eyes see when you open them, so matter where you are in the room. It would be helpful if taking a pulse, but since nurses wear watches that take fork lifts to put their arms anyway...this clock is simply for decoration. And it is most annoying. 

Why? Bbecause it shows every minute you are laying in the bed, even if you believe you have successfully navigated a slice of time, that clock tells you plainly that it has only been 20 minutes since you last looked. Trust me, that did not help Raymon through the night. Every time he opened his eyes, half awake even, he was jerked alert to see only one hour had passed since he last looked. 

Those of you who have seen Raymon of late know that he remains his tall self. Only add a few more pounds to that. Not much, only middle-age stuff. Then remember the charmer, maker of self- appreciation, and knower-of-forthrightness within him. Add it up and just try to refuse to give this sweet man a hand. Yeah, right, like you could either! 

My solution? Kiss him bunches, put him to work on his new exercises, glance at the clock and then go home!

Tick Tick Tick...

Everybody ready?

We are almost ready. I think we are delaying the inevitable. Oh, the big stuff is done, like agreeing to do it! But I just realized that we need to stop the paper for a couple of days. And I need to really clean the house, not the straighten up kinda clean; the mop / dust / and bleach the bathtub clean, ho hum. Oh, and a manicure.

So much has been going on here between surgeries. A young couple gave birth to their first, a beautify baby boy yesterday. Another first born, our new ECC Creative Group took its first steps last Sunday. We joined the Creative Group--it is the fourth home group of the Everyday Christian Church. (When we arrived, there were two. God has really blessed the work here. It has been a joy to witness.) The recent Memorial Day picnic turned into a bunch of folks from church gathering for an afternoon together. The day of baptism, five, was astronomical. And that number grew to seven as the day continued. The math tutoring and tennis camp happened we hear! I enjoyed a weekly ladies bible study and together we were blessed by visiting angles.

The brand spanking new juicer we purchased this week to begin our super healthy new life style has been returned. I ordered the wrong juicer. It's jet size motor looked efficient but somehow the squishier part was bigger than the refrigerator and thus a tad too big for our NYC kitchen.

In truth, I think I ordered the wrong juicer subconscienously in order to sabotage the juicing prospects. Don't let me mislead you, truly we both are seriously looking forward to this. We've purchase the fruit and veggies, played around with recipes and everything, except the actual juicing part. Blended veggies make a decent dip by the way.

These last days prior to hospital hour include a play, a luncheon with long-time NYC friend we've not yet gotten to visit since we've been here, another friend's granddaughter's 1st piano recital, post-surgery clothing, laundry, banking, meal delivery for couple with new born in the church, last full worship service for a while for Raymon and depending on weather (rain coming though), outdoor stuff.

Raymon is ready.

So many have been praying here and in Texas.

Praise God for His glory.

New Schedule

Correction, previously I said something about an appointment to talk about surgery at the end of June.

An additional posting full of words of wisdom followed the "appointment posting" // totally irrelevant now, thus deleted.

Happy (?) to announce the date for round two, the Prostate Cancer surgery is now scheduled for June 10th. 

This is another God-thing. No, really. Let me explain.

Raymon went to the hospital to pick up his records, completing some research. While there, he bumped into his surgeon. They talked over the past and upcoming surgeries. The doctor then discovered that the surgery day that he had scheduled was not in the hospital computer. 

We had no surgical date, only the appointment for two weeks following what he had scheduled as the surgery. It would have been quite a surprise for all of us!

It shall be over two weeks earlier. That's better!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yesterday was one of those days of smile news followed by horrific news. After getting the new surgical date, we turned on the TV for national news and were met with live video feed from Moody, OK. The tornado aftermath, 3 hours old had begun to tell its story. Today, that story, its telling far from complete, will require our listening and prayers. 

Round One Thank You's

It's time I think.

Thank you cards are being penned today. He is not finished with the recovery process and the mundane is catching up (bills I forgot to pay :-) ). But the next "task" is upon us. The true joy of thank you cards.

How do I tell so many people that from the bottom of my heart, I am so very grateful, thankful and in truth, stand amazed at their selflessness in our behalf. We will never know the prayers lifted up in Raymon's behalf or for me for that matter. On a regular basis, people asked by all means possible how he was doing, through this blog, through voice mail, text, email, face-to-face and when they could get through, by phone.

Non-stop prayers, food, physical labor, fellowship, long distance trips, car rides and pleads for more at our disposal.

Round two is coming up. And two more people within our circle are also facing major medical sagas, births. The first for one, second for another. With three medical issues happening in one month for our small group, it will be a challenge.

We have learned of a dear friend who is fighting his fifth round of chemo. Another who's daughter has had her first born. Another who's son has move in the family home as his father's Alzheimer has progressed. One who has had two deaths in her family. One who has had eye surgery. To our dear friends and families who's lives have continued as our's stopped for a brief moment, we are glad to rejoin your path.

This blog will most likely be silent for a while. He'll be in rehab, building up that left side muscle (nothing to do with the surgery).

We will take new steps, we'll put something out.

Thanks to everyone in the most sincere words that words allow.

It Was A Good Day :-)

Perhaps great day covers it better but I am saving that word for the absolute final, we-are-done-with-all-of-this!

The tumor / mass on the adrenal gland has been declared benign. It may or may not have had some cancer cells within it, but there was nothing aggressive and it has all been removed.

There is no longer additional blood pressure hormones being produced, thus he no longer needs to monitor his blood pressure at home. (Did I tell you that we were doing that?) Nor will the Endocrinologists be monitoring him from the hospital.

Baffling to all was that he was asymmetric of anything prior to surgery. Still the hormone that causes BP was just too dangerous to fool around with, thus the necessary removal. Yesterday his BP was just right.

And there is no longer a danger for the prostrate surgery from the right adrenal gland!

Neurology has ruled out all negative brain disorders that might have occurred during and after the surgery. As Raymon likes to say, "I still have a brain!"

The diagnoses for his left leg weakness is a pinched nerve. With testing to locate it and physical therapy, that will be taken care of.

And by accident, we learned that his "means test" showed him to be rated "8C". I wish! We learned that it had to do with his category of benefits. 8C meant he was to receive only the most basic Veteran benefits and that he had the means to handle the rest. And the "rest" was a fairly long list.

So, it was a very good day.

1. Benign!!!
2. Regular Blood Pressure.
3. Approval for next surgery.
4. Neuo diagnoses pinched nerve.
5. And corrected "means test benefits" from basic to all 

Raymon just a received phone call, now I am confused again. Physical Rehab just called with an appointment for this Thursday. We didn't think that was to happen before July. Okay---now that is great. Get 'er done.

I really thank all of you for sticking with us through all of this. It's not over but the first layer is Now that he is on the upside of surgery #1, we will have some time before #2. He looks good and is working to get his stamina back.

#2 is looking to be around the end of June (did I tell you?)


Your prayers have made all the difference.
And I will continue to keep you posted.
Do keep us in the loop as to your going-on.

Love to all

Therefore

Many sermons and even more bible studies have taught me that if you ever read the word "therefore" preceding a scripture, the following words are important.

Therefore, yesterday...

That was so much fun we did it again today!

14 Days

Its is hard to believe that it has been 14 days since the 1st surgery happened. Actually, it really isn't that hard to believe.

Folks, our Raymon is Raymon. Today for the first time, he has been up and at 'em all day thus far; reading, talking with guests, eating, attending to landlord business, watching the T.V. news and all at the same time. He had coffee and a bagel earlier.

Oh, he will tire out soon enough, take a good nap and be at it again. What would have been Glee Club night is now rest night. Tackling the subway that far isn't in the cards yet. But he is getting there.

So to the medical summary: Last Sunday morning he was weak and pale. Sunday afternoon, his color returned and stamina with it. Sunday night, that Raymon humor caused laughing, which although painful, sounded great.

Monday was mostly at the hospital meeting appointments, turning in forms, running tests and getting more information. We even stopped by a familiar waiting room to take a break from all the business. I think the staff was surprised to see people not wanting to see anybody...

The neurology staff came and looked over him while he was in the hospital. They did not like some weakness on his left side before and after surgery. So they ordered a MRI after the staples were out. That was last Friday. Monday, the new guy ordered MRI number 2 when he pin-pointed the possible instigator area. The MRI machine was supposedly not available for at least a month.

As directed, we went down to make the MRI appointment. But no one was there except the attendants. Um....do you have any cancelations today? Why yes we do, one just canceled, why?

2nd MRI done, we made the neuro appoint for May 6 (rather than possibly 6 weeks from yesterday).

Also on May 6, that hypertension study wants to check on things. (Remember he did not have this even though parts of his body said he did.)

The new date to discuss the prostate surgery will be June 25.

We'll let you know...

Saturday AM walking beyond...

What a glorious day. But when will we realize when things are a bit too glorious? He was all tuckered out before we got back home. No problem, we had already stopped and picked up the day's papers so that encouraged him toward home. The thought of Saturday morning all snug in his big chair reading his papers seemed to do the trick. Why that is almost as cozy as The Sunday Times!

I go for the coupons myself. 

Friday's big step was a full day (or so it seemed) at the hospital. Thank goodness that is where all of his doctors are. What a mess it would be for him to have to transport all over town and country to get tests and meet with various specialists. Instead, the Fullerton team is all at the VA Hospital in the Bronx. Did I mention that the team is growing?

In addition to the curious neurologist in the Bronx, now some lab in Washington has joined the game. As a matter of routine practice, surgical lab work done at the hospital is retested in Washington. Another, "I like that." 

Nobody is adding more pills and all want him to sleep or rest. What more could a wife want at this stage of the game. God is in control so we leave the testing, reports and the doctors schedules to him!

He had a MRI yesterday. Evidently their schedule was to be filled. Had we come a bit later, we would not have gotten in. But we were told to just drop in anyway just in case. So, we did. Early. Good thing! No one was around so he was zipped right in. I dashed (in the pokey elevators) to the 9th floor to deliver some form. Once I returned, he was in the machine but the waiting room was filled with individuals with "appointments". And rather vocal about it. 

Some time later, according to whatever TV show was on in the waiting room, we headed out to another floor, either a thank-you visit or the pharmacy, I forget now. 

Now what would a hospital visit be without the food experience. I've not discussed it before simply because I've other pressing matters. One can say that "he's getting better" only so many times, right?

I recommend the jumbo hot dogs with chili, before noon. Avoid the cafeteria coffee. And the vending machine coffee. They have a Starbucks but if coffee is not your thing, go for the refrigerated bottles of water, juice and soda. Now perhaps you can tell me why the cafeteria closes before 6 PM and Starbucks at 2:30 PM. Visiting hours are 24/7 so it can't be to shoo anyone out.

Sorry for the rambling entry this time. 

Oh, one more thing. We learned that our world did not stop when we did. Our cell phone server and our misunderstood relationship came to a head and we missed it! One week of laundry turned into two and a half. Dust, like sound in the forest, does grow when there is no one to hear or see it. Dear friends across the nation have fallen ill, have grievous loses, gotten married, had babies, had stresses and joys and have had all sorts of goings on and out of love, not kept us in the loop lest it some how impede Raymon's medical saga. As we all rejoin hands, know that the process restarts in the end of June. 

Somehow Raymon's Facebook page has been hacked. Hopefully none of you have been effected. Know that prior to this, he had planned to curtail much of his FB activity anyway. It remains a mystery.

Each Day is a Newbie

As you can read the next column over, Raymon is remembering the days in the hospital as the healing process continues. Every moment of clarity during those initial days of non-Raymon-ness are moments he is clinging onto as if stepping stones toward our renewed Raymon.

And as you can read, he is pretty much back.

Oh, there will be those days when he discovers that walking to the pharmacy might be too much. But a very long nap followed up with cheerful phone calls takes care of overdoing it. Make that two naps.

Tomorrow we return to the hospital. Post-op check ups by the surgeon, the "Fullerton" medical team, (oh yes, there really is a Fullerton medical team) and a whole new paperwork load to work through are on the agenda. Guess who gets to do the paperwork while he is doing fun new medical tests.

While he was in the hospital, a new department decided to join the team. Why not? So, he'll take off for an MRI as well. The metal staples have to come out before the MRI (as Raymon discusses).

Did I tell you about the Social Worker that came by? She was quite a character. I feel sure three quarters of her job is listening. We are extremely grateful that she came, listened to the maze of questions regarding the joys of dealing with all the regulations before and behind us. Her kindness is appreciated.

Anybody ever ridden in the back of a Mini Cooper? I am going to go do my Mini Cooper exercises now. The most thoughtful man ever born is picking us up and taking us to the hospital tomorrow. Raymon will stretch out in the front seat with plenty of room. I ride in the mini!

Tomorrow afternoon, our singing friend, 3 year old Audrey and her pregnant mom will pick us up after a grocery run. These friends are those who make time to give of their lives while taking wive to work, caring for child and renting a car and making sure we get to see the doctor.

This coming Sunday, we will have multiple baptisms at worship service. Please pray for these young brothers and sister. We want to be there if only for a short period.

Yea Day ?

He's well! He is vacuuming!!!

Oh wait, no he just turned it on to use for a classy cane. But he and it are moving around, picking up dust bunnies. That in my mind is truly classy :-)

While yesterday was "stair" day, today in addition to vacuuming, we crossed the street to the local pharmacy. That is across a major intersection folks. Of course, this afternoon was major nap time. But what a victory!

Tonight another dear friend is bringing supper. We've had amazing gifts during this ordeal. Sometime this year we hope to send out thank your notes. Rides, cleaning, errands, food, lifting, prayers, devotionals, phone calls, texts and email--nothing too small or large for the army of friends known and unknown the Lord has sent to us.

Lots of calls came in from the hospital yesterday. The only problem was that his phone was off and all of the calls went to his phone voice mail. The doc. decided to call my phone to alert me to the problem and ask Raymon to start answering his calls! They had to check up on him and make appointments and, and, and...

We looked on Raymon's phone and he had 41 voice messages waiting and 30 something visual voice messages (we still don't know what they are, the same I think). Turns out that most of those calls were prior to when he went into the hospital! All is cleared now. And we are still turning off Raymon's phone when we think we need too.

1st Sunday

No worries, I don't plan on giving a day-by-day report. But several Facebook messages, emails and texts have come in asking for updates and exactly how to get on the blog. In my (pick one) state of brain waves, I inverted the numbers of the blog address. Oops. Now, hopefully most folks can get on.

Sunday. Each day has been better. Today however was a tiny step back back but he then moved passed that as he stretched beyond his own believed "helplessness".  I have to keep reminding him that it is okay to be down for a while.

Four days away from the surgery and he can walk, talk clearly, climb two steps and actually move fairly well. Not too shabby for the big guy.

Yesterday we had five visitors and several long phone calls. I did nip one phone call in the bud. I am learning as we go on that end. I even turned off both phones after 8 PM. And he sat up in the chair, not as long as yesterday, but close!

The visitors tired him but the talking really helped. In fact, that is the best medicine. Of course it clears the lungs and makes him breath deeper. But thinking below the surface, below the pain meds--I like that! And going longer between meds is also great.

Tomorrow is first flight of stairs day, stay tuned!

It's Saturday...

Now the day is over it is fun to report such things as this afternoon, he sat upright in the chair for four hours and three visitors bearing food and scrub brushes came by. And for the most Raymon healing ointment of all, he is telling stories.

But how did this day begin?

Last night actually--being bone tired but so glad to get home, I was too excited to shut my eyes.

But sleep found us both. As did several nightly "hellos". And then we'd hit the snooze button!

As you have already read, the day has been most fulfilling, but I believe my fondest memory of this day will be his first shower. (1st since the surgery that is) Never did I know how delicious a shower could be.

The pain meds are controlling things now much better. His voice is just about back. Coughing is much less and is no longer spasmodic. Of course, it doesn't take too much to get winded, but that will just take a bit longer.

Thanks for keeping up with us. Your prayers, emails and texts to Raymon have been so wonderful.

Our thoughts are with the families in West, TX tonight.

Home

The address is now official changed. He is HOME!

We were checked out at 5:00 PM and I think we left the hospital at 5:01. Not terribly sure about that particular time line.

He is very tired, weak and of course in the later stages of surgery pain. For those of you who have gone through any sort of surgery, well, there really isn't sort of way to express it. It hurts and takes time to recoup, which he is in the process of doing.

Chris and Lindsay, brother and sister from church, came and picked us up from the hospital and made sure Raymon was settled in bed. Much thanks! He is currently watching the news and having finished a coke, looking forward to ice cream later. Dinner is on its way via another church friend.

Me? I am looking for tooth picks to hold my eyes open, :-). Do you think anyone would notice too much if a few of Raymon's pain pills were missing. I understand they make great sleeping pills. However I don't think I'd need one!

Thanks for all the marvelous prayers loves. The journey is beginning anew.

Please focus your prayers on his breathing, leg strength and swelling; all the things laying in bed for a prolonged period of time seems to hit. He wants so badly to be his independence self, but that can't be for a bit longer!

So many adventures rolled up into one day!

To those coffee drinkers among us, the hospital Starbucks closes before 6 PM. This was a revelation! But I digress...

He had a bad night last night. The pain medication apparatus was not functioning properly. He began to get the meds orally and the pain started to subside. However, it doesn't take much to set it off. But he is a trooper and that is not stopping him.

He has made a great deal of progress today. The fever has gone down, blood pressure is returning to normal, he ate some clear liquids tonight and moved with the physical therapist this afternoon. The neurological team met with him for a consult just to be on the safe side.

Four separate doctors are in attendance and they also came.

The manual breathing exerciser is ever present, waiting for Raymon to stretch his lungs every hour. Um, working on that!

Tomorrow looks good to go home. There are a few items on the "not yet accomplished" list before that happens though.

We had our good night prayer and I left him sleeping.

Tomorrow comes early...

Its Been A Long Day / Thanks Everybody!

Surgery went well, no blood loss, everything went smoothly. Dr. McAllister said that the only problem he had was closing due to Raymon's thick skin!

The difficult part of the day was the recovery room. He did not want to wake up and it took a bit longer than expected. He would wake for a few moments and then go back to sleep. 

Rather than go to ICU, they took him directly from the recovery room to his hospital room. 

He is now very uncomfortable, sleepy and has that after surgery cotton mouth.

Tomorrow begins the real work! Tonight, we both crash!

There is no definitive set date on when he is to leave the hospital. Today we were told from one to four days. 

Thanks for your prayers and patience. 

Text or email your questions and I'll try to answer all.

(There is no phone in his room and my phone gets spotty reception. I so appreciate everyones efforts to assist with communication!)

Hospital Eve 4/15/13

With so much upheaval in Boston today, our thoughts and prayers are with those runners, bystanders and supporters injured. We pray that those touched in any way may find some measure of rest tonight.

--------------------------------
Tis the night before we go...

It all seems so anticlimactic. And yet there are still papers to sign, forms to fill out and talks to talk, and talk and talk.

Hearing from so many of you with cards and emails means so much.

The meds he must take before surgery have been making him lightheaded. Very congested too. Sunday two of our Christian brothers stuck out into the streets looking for him before services. It seems he decided to go home--without telling me. (Later he said that he did. Ummmm)

They walked me to our apartment searching hi and low, and no Raymon. As they turned to the elevator, who should they meet but dear dizzy Raymon.

Today has been a last fling downtown and subway riding.

Tomorrow is check-in and an overnight prep.

Wednesday is surgery.  

Why Two for One?

God's intervention.

We and the medical staff have been dealing with this situation for a while. Since I knew what has been going on, I knew all of you could read my mind as to how this all came to pass!

Raymon was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the beginning of this year. It was discovered after routine testing. Further tests were made and surgery was scheduled.

Why remove the Adrenal gland?

Had God not intervened, a rare condition might have gone undetected and negatively affected the prostate surgery.

But it turns out that Raymon has a very rare condition that could easily have been missed.

The Adrenal gland removal had to do with that prostate cancer surgery originally set for March 21. The day before that surgery during pre-op, the surgeon call an "audible" and halted the procedure until further testing could be done. Previously, the Adrenal tumor showed as a blimp and the surgeon believed it was insignificant.

We know God pointed out the necessary repairs needed before prostate surgery.

Stay with us folks. First will be this surgery with a time of recovery. Then the prostate surgery will follow, with its recovery period...or that's the plan:-)

Wed. 4/3 Surgery date

Adrenalectomy surgery is to be 4 /17 / 2013.

His right Adrenal gland is scheduled to be removed laparoscoptically.

He will be admitted into the hospital 4 / 16 /2013 for overnight preparation. 

Bronx VA Hospital

Note: Our phones have no reception in the hospital. 

Update, 4/2 AM

Update:

I always thought Raymon was one in a million but 2% of 7 million? His case is somewhat rare.

Today we learned that his right Adrenal gland has a 3.5 cc tumor that is over producing hormones. It is called Pheochromocytoma, a type of adrenal tumor. He exhibits no symptoms. 

The near plan is for the medical team to monitor.

Long range, the Adrenal gland with tumor will be removed. Following a recovery period, the Prostate with cancer will also be removed. 

We praise God that this rare condition was discovered.