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