New plans

Dear Friends and Family,
Well, Dad has finally gotten over his cold only to succumb to gout in his foot. But, that is not holding him back too much. He continues to see Dr. Anderson as well as others. Dad went for some tests last week, his "long range" blood sugar levels are good and the keratin levels in his kidney were very good.
Anyway, the purpose of this email is to let you know that, 1.) Dad has been re-scheduled for surgery on Jan. 12th and, 2.) he went into the hospital today to begin in-house therapy in order to learn to use his prosthesis. He was admitted to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor this afternoon and they told him he would be there for a week.
We have enjoyed having Mom and Dad spend a few days with us a couple of different times over these past weeks. It is nice to see them trying to get a sense of normalcy again - a new normal, I guess you would say. Because Dad was not in the hospital, they were able to make their annual trip to NH for Thanksgiving (sorry I missed out this year, Scott and Kelly), this past Friday they were in New Brunswick helping Grammy Porter celebrate her 80th birthday and, when Dad gets out of the hospital next week, they are hoping to fly to Wyoming to spend Christmas with the "Western contingent" of the Allen family. All of this between doctors appointments.
We hope that you had a great Thanksgiving and are looking forward to a blessed Christmas season!

Love,Kelly

PS For those of you who don't know, Tim was in the ER on Saturday with a bout of kidney stones. Haven't heard how he is doing but praying that "this too shall pass". :) Also, keep Gigi and Breanna in your prayers as they both lost their jobs recently. Ben is at Academy for a couple weeks for more job training - keep him in prayer. Peter Quimby is having knee surgery on Thursday of this week. Pray that the surgery will be successful, that he would heal quickly and that Sue won't kill him as he recuperates! Just kidding!!! :) That's the latest family news in a nutshell....

Still Not Time!

Dad's surgery has been postponed...he has been struggling with a cold, and can't get rid of the lingering cough. He has been given some antibiotics which will hopefully take care of it quickly. He also had an x-ray at the clinic and there is no sign of pneumonia or fluid build-up. Good!! So now we sit and wait for the surgeon to reschedule. In a way, it will be nice that he's waiting because now he can really enjoy Thanksgiving rather than being in the hospital. Mom and Dad are planning to go to New Hampshire with our family friends, the Loring's, again this year for the festivities. This is a tradition that our family has kept almost every year for close to thirty years! Man, that can't be right!!! Wow, where does the time go.
We trust all our dear friends will enjoy time with family and friends this week, and remember the goodness of the Lord.

Wait No Longer...

It doesn't matter what your personal timetable is...surgeon's will take vacation and they will get the flu! We just have to be patient for God's timing. But, eventually, Dad did get his appointment with the surgeon. All scans and tests showed that the tumor did not really shrink with radiation and that there are definitely cancerous cells.
Surgery has been scheduled for November 19, which, again, doesn't go according to our timetable. Thanksgiving is definitely not as fun in the hospital!
The surgeon will need to do a colostomy which means cutting his stomach, and one other incision. Since they will be cutting his stomach muscles, he will need to stay at the hospital for at least a week for recovery and rehab.
He is scheduled as the first surgery of the day and will be at the hospital by 6:30 a.m.
As for some exciting news...Dad's fittings for his prosthetic are almost complete. One last knee component is in the mail but then Dad should be up and running!
Lastly, please pray for Dad's wrist. He sprained it a bit while pushing himself off the bed the other morning. This doesn't help much with getting around with a walker!
Pray for continued peace for the upcoming surgery. Dad is understandably nervous and covets your prayers. We serve a God that gives "peace that passes all understanding."

Suzanne, for the kids

Forging New Trails on the Frontier of Faith

Dad had an appointment last week with the cardiologist to determine if his heart could handle the "stress" of wearing a prosthetic. The report came back as follows:

• his kidney function was "very good"
• his "long-term" sugar levels were good
• the "squeeze rate" for his heart, in March it was at 20%, is now at 60%!!!
  

Consequently, he has been approved for a prosthetic!

Also, they determined that Dad's heart is strong enough to handle another surgery.

Our prayers for a disappearing tumor have been answered with a "no" or "not yet." When they checked Dad to see if the tumor had shrunk from the radiation, they discovered it had not shrunk as much as they hoped. Due to the size and location of the tumor, dad will have to have a colostomy bag after the tumor is removed.

Yesterday, the doctor ordered a CT scan because she was concerned that the cancer might be spreading. The scan showed a nodule on Dad's lung which the doctor feels is probably benign. To be on the safe side she has ordered a PET scan which will take place next week. The doctor has not yet set a date for the removal of the tumor.

Mom and Dad's plans to go to Cheyenne are on hold as of now.

Dad continues to grow stronger physically as he tries to get around without the wheelchair.

Thank you for your prayers, cards, and calls and may the Lord strengthen your faith as He is ours!

For the family,
Tim

"Will work for fun!"

Well, we've put Dad back to work. I hope he wasn't expecting to have it easy for too long. Mom and Dad were visiting me the other day, and I realized that my lawn needed mowing...! It didn't take long to convince him to do it. It did, however, take awhile to actually get him ON the mower. It was probably amusing to see three relatively intelligent adults staring at a lawn mower like it had just talked to us. But, we rose to the situation, and the lawn got mowed.
Another praise...I know aren't we getting sick of those. There are soooooooo many!!! Anyways, Mom and Dad got a new-to-them vehicle last week. It is a Ford Escape, kind of a smaller version of an Explorer. It is so much more comfortable for Dad and much easier for him to maneuver in and out of. Yeah! Also, he is back behind the wheel a bit. He is so enjoying this new freedom.
Something humorous...a new doctor was checking up on Dad the other day and had never seen him before. The doc was reading Dad's chart out in the hall and then came into the room for the visit. He took one look at Dad and said, "Wow, you look good!" He had assumed from the chart and all Dad's issues that he'd look much worse.
Prayer requests...one week from this Friday, Dad meets with the surgeon to decide about removing the tumor...do we or don't we. Pray that the tumor will be gone!
Also, we are waiting to hear about an appointment with the cardiologist. This is important to Dad because a comment has been made by another cardiologist that just came on to Dad's case that maybe he should not get his prosthesis. She felt that using one would be too much of a strain on Dad's heart. My reply to this was, "Hopping around on one leg isn't a strain?!" Anyhoo...Mom and Dad are going to try talking to this other cardiologist about it as it will be his decision. Pray really hard...Dad had been so excited about getting started on therapy with his new leg.

Thank you so much for all your love and prayers,
Suzanne, for the family

Home at last!

Just wanted to let you know that Dad DID make it home on Friday - and he is THRILLED!!! I asked him how his first day at home went and he replied "Interesting". Not sure if that was a good or bad thing but I didn't have time to pursue it. :)

The "Maine" Allen's all got together today (Saturday) to help Mom celebrate her birthday. We met in Bangor at Olive Garden as it is most centrally located for all of us. It is a little hectic with 4 little ones under 4 but we managed. And, Dad managed very well also. He is quite adept with his walker but felt more comfortable using his wheelchair for this outing.

Dad is looking forward to getting his prosthesis. He will not be able to get this until they remove the stitches from his stump. So, that would be our next request - healing of his leg so that he can go on to the next "step" (pardon the pun - I am my father's daughter!) of getting his prosthetic leg. Also, remember Dad as he continues his radiation treatments every day.

What a blessing to see Dad pain-free and enjoying life and his family again! Thank you so much for all of your prayers on our behalf.

Love,
Kelly

WOW!!!

That's all I can say. I know we should expect great things because God is in control. BUT, when great things happen, I still find myself shaking my head and being utterly speechless.

So, which one of you do I accuse for having your prayers mightily answered, and so quickly, too! I admit I was stressing just a little about getting this ramp made for Dad. I had lovingly volunteered my hubby to do the task, and he was more than willing, but just didn't know WHEN to do it before Friday. So mom and I called the pastor in Searsport (where they'll be staying) to ask about something different altogether, and he informed us that the ramp was almost complete...in just 24 HOURS!!!!

Okay, I can't talk anymore...I'm still shaking my head!

Thank you so much!

For the kids,
Suzanne

There's no place like home!

Which is precisely where Dad may be in just four days!! When I made the phone call to Dad today, he had some exciting news that he couldn't wait to share. His therapy sessions have been coming along quite well, and "they" feel that Dad may be ready to go home on Friday...just in time for Mom's birthday on Saturday.
Dad has been working diligently at whatever the therapists have given him so he could make his way home. So...in preparation, please pray for: 1. All details to work out for a ramp to be built at the trailor in Searsport (Dad can't go home if one isn't built), 2. for Mom as she does some quick packing, and for some help with moving, 3. for both as they learn to adjust to this new change. Also, continue to pray that the radiation treatments are being effective.

Thanks,
God is so good!

Making Progress

It was so nice to walk in to Dad's room at the hospital and see his smiling face. He was sitting up in his wheelchair wearing "real" clothes and was smiling and conversing with those around him. It was so nice to see! Dad is almost finished his first week of rehab which includes: speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. And already, he has graduated from speech therapy!! Yeah, Dad!! His other therapists are praising him for "being ahead of the curve" so to speak. Everyone is very pleased with his progress. Dad was disappointed to find out that they want him to stay in the hospital for 3-4 weeks of therapy. He is hoping, and asking everyone to pray with him, that he will continue to progress faster than they anticipate so that he can get home quicker. Radiation continues to be a daily event. Dad still does not like his trips down to "the dungeon" but he remains on schedule with these treatments. He has broken out in a rash which Dad blames on the radiation - the doctors are not sure what has caused this but it is uncomfortable for him. The church in Searsport has once again offered Mom and Dad the use of their trailer. So, Mom and Dad will be moving down there shortly. This will be a big help since everything is on one level and it won't take 14 steps to get there!

Moved To A New Room

Dad's room has just been changed; he is now in
Room 370.
His new number there is
(207) 973-5370.

August 7th Update

Dad is making small improvements and they have taken him off of a lot of medications. As a result he is more coherent and feels more pain, which adds to his anxiety.

Mom spoke with a doctor about the heart attack that dad had around the time of surgery and he stressed the severity of each heart attack due to the weakness of Dad's heart.

Dad is scheduled to remain in room 425 through this weekend and then he will be moved to acute care unit. We will post a room and phone number as soon as we have it.

Please pray that dad will have peace that only the Lord can give and the world can't take away. Pray for mom for strength and endurance for every moment.

Monday Evening Update

Just got off the phone with Mom...here is the latest as I know:

Dad was moved tonight to room 425 out of the Cardiac Care Unit. His direct phone number is (207) 973-5425. They determined that he did have a heart attack around the time of his surgery.

Saturday Update

Early this morning dad experienced some chest pain and he was running a fever, so they decided to keep him under closer observation by moving him to CCU. He is still experiencing a lot of pain and that makes it difficult to sleep. I will update the blog with a new room number once I have it. Thanks again for your continued prayers!

For the family,
Tim

Prayer and Praise

We are praising the Lord:

1. For a successful surgery
2. For no problems with the heart
3. That Dad was transferred to a private room

Please pray:

1. For Dad's healing - with no complications
2. For Dad's rehab - he will remain in the hospital for two more weeks, at least.
3. For adjusting to life with one leg.
4. For continued strength for Mom as she travels back and forth to the hospital.

Answered Prayer!!!

Just a brief update: Dad came through surgery with a strong heart and no infection at the site where they amputated. He is not back to his room yet but should be in 30 minutes or so. The surgeon was optimistic about Dad's recovery. I will post more when we learn more later.

God is faithful! Thanks for your prayers!! We appreciate all of you!!

For the family,
Tim

Surgery Update

Although surgery was scheduled for 3 pm today, Dad was not taken from his room until nearly 5:30 pm. They are saying that the surgery should last about an hour to an hour and a half. I will post more as soon as I know it.

Thanks for your prayers!

Tim for the family

We need prayer!

Do you like the picture of Dad and his lobster? I would have to call that a hug from heaven. He had just joked a couple hours before that he forgot to order lobster for his supper. Then Mom and I went to the cafeteria to get a snack and there they were staring back at us! We asked how often they have lobster and we were told that this was the first time in several years that they have served lobster. Coincidence...I'd like to think not!
Anyways...tomorrow, August 1, at 3:00, Dad will be going to surgery to have his left leg amputated. This is high risk for him, but the alternatives are worse. They will be doing a "block" from the waist down and minimal anesthesia to sedate him. This should be less stressing for his heart.
Kelly, Janna, and I will be with Mom for the whole day. Pray that we'll be able to take some of the burden from her. Pray for God's peace for our whole family, especially Dad.
Pray for strength for the days ahead, and grace for the present moment.

For the family,
Suzanne

More info on Dad:

1. Dad made it through camp. Although, as the week went along, he grew noticeably weaker. This could be because... a.)he is still losing blood, b.)he is not able to sleep at night, or c.)he is losing his appetite. But, Dad wanted me to pass along the fact that five young people made decisions for the Lord this week. And, in Dad's words, "that's what it's all about."

2. Dad finally got an appointment with the oncologist. Actually, he got two appointments. One with the oncologist and one with the radiologist. One appointment is for August 1 and the second for August 14 (Mom couldn't remember which one was which.)

3. Dad FINALLY got approved for MaineCare so this will help with medical expenses. Also, it will help in the purchase of some durable equipment, and possibly some in-home care.

Please, continue to keep Dad in your prayers. Also, remember Mom as Dad is needing more and more care/help. Without going into great detail, this is becoming more of a burden each day and Mom really DOES need some help.

All for now, Kelly

PS Just so you know, Dad is getting around with a walker now and we are beginning to think that a wheelchair might be better for being in public.

Like old times!

Dad had an appointment with the cancer specialist yesterday, July 14. The only thing decided then was that the specialist would confer with the surgeon and decide on a course of action. So Mom and Dad still don't know anything definite. Keep praying! Maybe the cancer won't be there by the time they take another look at it!
Also, Dad is doing what he loves best this week. He is speaking at River of Life Bible Camp in Howland. Which brings up a few things that you can be praying about...1) That decisions would be made for the Lord. These children could be saved from much heartache if they decide to give their lives to God now. 2) Safety as Dad walks across the uneven ground. There are many humps, stumps, and roots to trip over. 3) That Mom and Dad would find some rest and rejuvenation. Life has been quite a merry-go-round in the recent months. It's good to get off every once in a while and take a deep breath. 4) For Dad's spirit. That he will continue to persevere and have a desire to keep being used of God.

God desires to use each of us until our final breath...IF we will only let Him!

Not sure how to pray!

Hi, friends! We are continuing to ask for your prayers but are unsure what to have you pray for! First things first...how 'bout I update you.
Late Friday night, June 6, Dad was taken by ambulance back to the hospital. He had been experiencing some chest pain most of the night and finally woke Mom up to help decide what he should do. When the medics arrived, they said they couldn't take Dad to St. Joseph's (where he had been before). They always take heart patients to EMMC. Hmmm...interesting! Upon arrival at EMMC, the doctors said Dad was not having a heart attack but they still wanted to admit him. Over the next couple days,they decided to do an MRI and colonoscopy. Dad had other issues that they also wanted to address. The MRI, which caused some apprehension due to claustrophobic tendencies, showed that at some point in the past Dad had had some "starbursts". No, not the delicious, fruity candy! This term referred to several small strokes.
Preparation for the colonscopy made Dad quite miserable and weaker than he already was. Thankfully, it was only one day. Results from this procedure showed three things. First, a lesion which had been bleeding since before any of this stuff happened and had been making Dad anemic. They cauterized this. Second, there were several polyps. And third, a tumor which is quite large and they believe to be malignant.
SO...tomorrow, June 17, in celebration of his granddaughter, Millayna's, first birthday, Dad will be having a biopsy on the tumor!! If it proves to be cancerous, they will attack it with radiation. If it is NOT cancerous, they feel that they should operate to remove it. However, surgery is not a good thing for Dad right now. His heart is so weak, and the procedure would be moderate to high risk. So, in this situation, we almost want the tumor to be cancerous. Weird, huh? It's kind of hard to get your brain wrapped around that thought.
Now you know why it's difficult to know how to pray. God is the Great Physician and knows what is best for all of us. He wants us to be full of peace and hope in every situation. And we can be when we allow the Holy Spirit to have full control of our hearts and minds.

Suzanne, for the kids

The Results are in...

The doctor did find a placque build up in the left carotid artery and in the left leg just below the knee. What are they going to do about it? Nothing at this time. The doctor said that the build up is not bad enough yet to take the risk of doing a catheterization. Basically, at this time, the risks outweigh the benefits. But, Dad is to keep a watch on his foot and, if sores develop, he is to call the doctor right away. Although tired, Mom and Dad both seemed to be handling this news well, at this time.

Kelly

Tests Today

Some folks were asking what time Dad's tests were. The first one is at 2 PM and the second at 3PM. Also, there was a change of plan regarding the catheterization. They are not going to do that due to the effects of the dye on Dad's kidneys and are instead doing two ultrasounds. One on his leg and the other of his carotid arteries. After the tests Dad will see the doctor.

Kelly

The Doctor said...

After having to wait for over an hour for the surgeon to get out of surgery, Mom and Dad were finally able to see him. Mom said that he asked Dad many questions, reviewed his file and lab work. The course of action that he wants to take is to first find out were and what the blockage is. He will do this by use of an ultrasound as well as a catheterization of the leg. He mentioned several other things that could be done then asked if Mom and Dad had insurance. Upon hearing that they didn't, he decided that those tests wouldn't change anything so they didn't all need to be done anyways (now we know why our insurance premiums keep going up!).

The doctor then told Mom and Dad to see his secretary for the appointment to have this testing done. When the secretary told mom that Dad couldn't be seen until the end of July she asked, "Don't you have anything sooner? I think the doctor wanted him seen right away." She referred back to her schedule and found a 15 minute slot later in June! Mom said, "I think the doctor needs more time than that." So the secretary phoned the doctor, reminding him how packed his schedule was and that he only had 15 minutes available. We don't know what the doctor said to her but, praise the Lord, she found a 3 hour slot for next Tuesday (June 3rd)!!!

Thanks alot "gang", as Dad would say! This happened as a direct result of your prayers!!!

When Mom and I were talking, she made the observation that Dad goes into these appointments thinking the worst. So, when the doctor doesn't tell him the "worst", he comes out feeling like it was a "good" appointment. Kind of made me chuckle. :) Pray that Dad will keep his mind "stayed on the Lord" during these days before this next procedure.

Kelly

Item of Praise!

Just wanted to let you know that Dad was finally able to get an appointment with the surgeon for today at 11:45 a.m. Please be praying that they will be able to do something to restore the circulation to Dad's foot and leg.

Will let you know as soon as I can what the doctor had to say.

Kelly

Of concern...

This was written last week and emailed to everyone. So, if you get the email updates this news is not new:

We really need you all to be in "much" prayer for Dad. Mom has been getting more and more concerned about the color of Dad's left foot (the one that is "dropped") so Monday she got the doctor to look at it. They were very concerned as well and sent Dad to a vascular lab. At the lab, they put blood pressure cuffs on from the top of Dad's leg down to his big toe. They discovered that there is absolutely no activitiy in the foot at all. (I'm sorry, I forgot to ask at what point they DID find the blood circulating.) They are trying to get an appointment with the surgeon for this next week (he is booked solid through the month of June) but with the holiday weekend Mom and Dad probably won't hear from them until Tuesday. Other requests:
Dad has applied for MaineCare - please pray that he would be accepted into this program as it will cover most of the cost of his health care.
Also, Dad has applied for disability. Again, pray that he would be approved. We are told that no one gets approved the first time but Mom and Dad don't need to go through the hassle of contesting/re-applying.
Pray for Dad's spirits - they are quite low right now as he fears that he will lose his foot.

Just an update...

Oops! We are falling behind again! I was hoping that Suzanne had added something but I guess that she has been as busy as I have been (imagine that!). :)



The kids and I (Kelly) were down and spent a couple of days with Mom and Dad since I was asked to speak at the church's Mother/Daughter Luncheon (May 3rd). We enjoyed our time there but, as always, it was too short. Suzanne and her two came and spent a night as well. Also, Mom and Dad enjoyed a short visit from Janna last week. They love having company so don't be afraid to drop in. I would advise that you call first to make sure that they are home.



Dad delivered the results of his bloodwork to Dr. Anderson but I have not yet heard what his opinion is. Dad has missed a couple of therapy sessions due to elevated blood-sugar counts. He was able to get part of a session in on Monday and I haven't heard how the rest of the week went.



Last week was a rough week as far as Dad's "drop foot" goes. Because his leg doesn't always cooperate, this throws him off and he falls. Last week he fell about 4 times. This is scary for those who are around when it happens and, I'm sure, hard for Dad. But, he does handle it well.



Mom is looking quite tired. The driving, the stress, keeping up with the meds, doctor appointments, etc. is very wearing. Continue to uphold her in your prayers too. Suzanne tries to get over once a week to help them out. This week she took Dad over to Winslow for his appointment with Dr. Anderson and gave Mom the afternoon off. Mom used her time to sort through some boxes and get rid of some more "stuff".



Hopefully, now that we are done homeschooling, I will be able to keep up with this better. Thank you for your patience. :)

Your point of view

Dad was to the cardiologist's on Monday (wow! That was just yesterday! It now seems AGES ago.). This gentleman is the head of cardiology at St. Joe's, I assume (forgot to ask, sorry!). Anyways, after a lengthy discussion with the Phyisican's Assistant, the doctor came in for a "chat". The long and short of it is, they decreased Dad's potassium, increased his "heart strengthening medication" (this will be happening approx. every two weeks), have made an appointment for him with a "kidney" doctor and told him that his case is not hopeless.



The reason that I titled this post "your point of view" is because, it IS all in your "point of view". Dad came out of this appointment feeling very encouraged because the doctor gave him some hope. Mom came out of this appointment feeling very overwhelmed because of the adjustment to the meds and because there is now another doctor added to the mix. This reminds me of a "rabbit trail" that missionary, Phil Hunt, took while at our church a couple of weeks ago. He reminded us that our "point of view" is the here and now while God's "point of view" is all of eternity. He used the analogy of a painting saying that our lives are like a brush stroke on God's canvas. If we are not doing what God has called us to, would that brush stroke be missed? "Would you notice a missing brush stroke on the Mona Lisa?" The answer would have to be "Yes!" So, no matter what God has called you to at this moment, what is your "point of view"? Are you doing what matters for eternity? Or, will your "brush stroke" be missed? Even though this isn't what they asked for, Mom and Dad are doing what God has called them to at this moment in time. Let's continue to lift them up in prayer that their "point of view" will continue to be one of praise, honor and glory to our God. I know you weren't counting on a sermon but, there it is. :) I hope that it will encourage someone along the way.



Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers.



Kelly

Did he pass the test?

On monday, Dad had some blood work done, along with checking his blood pressure, oxygen, etc. Pressure looked normal...now we are anxious to see what the results of his blood tests are. His therapy sessions with Dr. Anderson will hopefully show their results in his blood numbers.
Please, continue in prayer for Dad's foot. He is still having some trouble getting it to cooperate. It would be good to see Dad get out for some golf sessions this summer!
Also, pray for Mom as she tries to keep all the appointments and pills straight! And, that she will find even the small tasks to be fulfilling during this challenging time.
Thank you, again, for all your love, prayers, and phone calls.

Suzanne

Into Overtime

Well, I guess some people have been complaining that we haven't added anything new - guess we haven't felt like there was much "exciting" happening to be worthy of adding. But, to satisfy all you bloggers out there, here goes.

Dad completed his first full week with Dr. Anderson and Dr. Anderson has decided that maybe a couple more sessions would be beneficial. So, Dad has now gone into overtime and is back in Skowhegan for a couple more sessions on Dr. Anderson's super sonic herbal heart belt. (Actually, at this writing he has now completed these sessions.) We won't know until his next blood work whether these sessions have been effective or not. The hope (and prayer) is that this will strengthen his heart and possibly even open his arteries up.

Dad continues to have trouble with his "drop foot". We can always tell when he is getting tired because he drags his foot more. Pray that this would rectify itself as the doctors have said that it would.

Also, pray that Dad does not get strep throat. On their way home from NB they stopped to visit with us. I warned them that I had a sore throat but later in the week found out that I actually had strep throat. I did try to keep my distance so, Lord willing, Dad will not get sick from this exposure.

Not much else to add at this time, so I will bid you adieu!

Kelly

Go to the head of the class!

Dad should get a great big sticker! He had his first rehab sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday was just a bunch of talking, blah, blah, blah! And then on Wednesday came the fun stuff. The therapist told him the big workout for the day was going to be going up TWO stairs. Woo-hoo!! (I get excited just talking about it). But alas, the lady was disappointed. Dad had already beat (beaten?) her to that task. See...Mom and Dad have FOURTEEN (count them) steps just to get into the apartment! So, she used the time to show Dad some stretches and exercises to get up his energy level.
Mom says that they are both sleeping much better. They have been working on his sugar levels...snacks before bed and checking his sugar first thing in the morning. But another blessing came yesterday when they visited their family doctor in Bucksport. Due to Dad's 3o-pound weight loss (he gets another sticker!), better eating habits, and different energy levels, they have cut way back on his insulin intake, as well as taken away his glyburide pills. He'll be joining Mom at Curves before we know it (just kidding!).
Pray for continued patience on both of their parts. Pray that Dad will sincerely enjoy the beautiful, healthy meals that Mom prepares and not crave the things that are bad for his heart.
Pray that they will remember that God's mercies are new every morning!!
Thank you for the many cards and calls!

For Kelly, Tim, Jon, Dave, Ben, Pete, and Janna,
Suzie Q

Adjustments

OK, so Suzanne is obviously the more creative one. :) I might be too if I wasn't always writing this when I am tired. LOL Anyways, after spending Easter weekend "on the Miramichi", I am back on the job.

Checked in with Mom and Dad upon our return and found that they had an eventful weekend. They were pleased to have Glen & Libby Ackroyd spend the night with them on Friday. This was truly a God-send as Dad woke up Saturday morning with his blood sugar level at 2. something. Also, God-ordained, was the fact that Mom had just talked with Aunt Myrna (Mom's sister, who is also diabetic) about what to do when Dad's blood sugar drops so low. So, another crisis averted. Mom will be talking with the doctor about adjusting Dad's insulin.

Sunday Mom and Dad enjoyed having Ben, Sue & Peter and kids over for an Easter dinner. Had to adjust the normal menu and served roast beef instead of the traditional ham (where's Steve and Cindy when we need them!?! Miss their awesome ham!!!). Dad did get to church on Sunday to enjoy the Easter service.

Dad was able to get in to see Dr. Anderson, his faithful chiropractor, on Monday to get his left foot/leg adjusted. At that time Dr. Anderson mentioned a treatment that he could do to help with Dad's heart - possibly even open up his arteries some. Dad will go for those treatments next week (there are 4 of them).

Dad started his cardiac rehab today. I wasn't talking with them today so I am not sure how that went.

Keep Mom and Dad in prayer as there are many adjustments that they must make in their lives. Thank the Lord that we have a God that never changes - or adjusts!

Kelly

"Home again, home again, jiggity-jig!"

When I say "again", I really mean "again". Dad had a bit of a rough night Wednesday night. I say "a bit" because I wasn't there.
Mom said she felt that Dad was going through something during the night because he was very restless, fevered, and unstable on his feet. He did try getting up at one point, falling back against the wall, and sliding to the floor.
Mom noticed around 3 a.m. that there was a difference in his behavior and he seemed more settled, but when they got up in the morning he was having trouble with his left leg again. He "slid to the floor" again, and Mom could not get him up off the floor. She could not get him to respond well enough to help her either.
NOT coincidentally, Peter Webb called at that moment and he drove down to help Mom out. Dad's doctor instructed them to go back to the hospital.
By 4 p.m., they were headed back home! The doctors had run a CAT scan with nothing appearing to be wrong. So...they gave Dad the boot!! Really! Okay, "gang", so it was a real boot. He was able to walk out of the hospital on his own with this boot on. It should help stabilize him and make his foot work the way it should.
Praise God that this wasn't something more serious!
Please pray that...
1. Dad will get peaceful rest.
2. His blood sugar will stay even. It has fluctuated from 60-400 in one night!!
3. He and Mom will know his limits. He needs rest, but also needs to get buffed up!
4. Mom will find creative, tasteful ways to change up Dad's menu. Any salt-free recipes out
there?
Do you remember that Sunday School song "God answers prayer in the morning, God answers prayer at noo-oo-oon, God answers prayer in the evening, So keep your heart in tune"? LOVE IT!!

This has been the combined effort of
Kelly and Suzanne :)

"Going Wireless"

Just got off the phone with Mom. Dad is all dressed and ready to go home - just waiting for his "final orders". Mom told me that he was all unhooked and was now "going wireless". :) PTL!!

They have gotten him signed up for cardiac rehab which he will have to attend three times a week starting Tuesday. Mom is planning to stay home with Dad this next week so that she can attend these classes with him. They have information on exercise, food (what to eat and how to cook it), etc. After that, she will try to ease back into the classroom as much as she can.

Mom and Dad already have plans to have Easter Dinner at Sue's place and are hoping to see Dr. Anderson (Dad's chiropractor) on Monday to see if he can help with Dad's left foot.

More News

As Mom had been at the hospital with Dad for two nights and parts of three days, I (Kelly) went down to give her a break. Mom and Dad are both in good spirits. The therapists are working Dad pretty hard getting him ready to head home tomorrow, Lord willing.

While there, I DID find out that the medication they have Dad on is to strengthen his heart. So, with this and the exercises that they want him to do as well as going to cardiac rehab, they might put a defribillator in after three months time.

Dad does have to walk with a cane as he is still a bit unsteady on his feet. And, he must have a "spotter" as he goes up and down stairs. But, praise the Lord, stairs aren't going to be a problem at this time.

The Bottom Line

The results of the catheterization showed that Dad has blockages in four arteries - 100% in three of them and 70% blockage in the fourth. They will not be able to do any type of surgery as Dad's heart is too weak. So, they will be treating Dad's heart condition with medication, exercise and diet.

We are not sure when Dad will be released from the hospital - one doctor said as early as tomorrow.

One area of concern is the fact that Mom and Dad live in a second floor apartment. Not sure if this is the best situation for Dad. We will see what the doctor's have to say.

"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD." Psalm 112:7 This is a verse that I gave to Dad the other day, more for the "his heart is fixed" part. But, what comfort it brings today, that we don't need to be afraid of bad news for God is in control!! Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Kelly on behalf of the family

Late Breaking News!

Just wanted to let you know that Dad has been taken down for his procedure and is scheduled to go in for the 11 a.m. slot. The nurse told me that he probably won't be back to his room again until 3 p.m. Will try to update this as I get more information. Thank you again for all your thoughts and prayers for our Dad and family! It is so awesome how the body of Christ works!!

Kelly

Kidney Kount!

Yes, we can spell. It's just more fun to play with words!
Dad is still scheduled for the catheterization tomorrow, Monday. He will be taking fluids this evening to irrigate his kidneys, ever careful not to damage them.
His kidney count is up a little today...2.0. It should be down to 1.5. Please, pray that this will be down in the morning and shock those doctors! Our God is that big, right?!
The doctors schedule the procedures for 8 & 11 a.m. We're not sure yet which slot he will be in, but it wouldn't hurt to be praying at both times!!
Thank you so much for all your love and prayers. We know that our Dad is awesome but it's nice to hear that everybody else agrees.

Suzanne, for the kids

"Buffing Up"

Today was a quieter day visitor wise but the medical staff was doing all they could to help Dad "buff up" for his catheterization. They had him "practicing" going to the bathroom, walking the halls, knee bends (kind of) and even doing some stairs. If it wasn't for the fact that Mom and Dad live on the 2nd floor they might have let him go home for the weekend! Praise the Lord for this vast improvement!!!

The catheterization is still planned for this coming Monday so please be in prayer.

Until next time....

Things are looking up!

We found out today that the heart catherization is scheduled for Monday. His kidney levels are improving. Please pray that the kidneys continue to improve.