Happy Camper

Mom just called me moments ago to inform me that Dad is being released this morning. Needless to say, he is "one happy camper". The doctors decided to give his body more time to heal before they begin therapy. Thankfully, they are lining up in-home care for a while as well.

Thank you for praying! We will continue to keep you posted on Dad's progress.

Kelly

Jan. 20th Update

Dad had to be moved out of his private room and is now in Rm. 320 phone is (207) 973-5320. Dad has asked us to pray that he would be able to go home soon. One of his doctor's wants him to start therapy right away and another wants him to wait to give his body more time to heal. They will be making this decision tomorrow, Lord willing. Dad would like to be in his own bed so that he can get some real rest before he has to begin therapy. Appreciate your prayers on his behalf.

Kelly

Jan. 19th Update

"My tongue shall speak of Your righteousness and of Your praise all the day long." - Ps. 35:28

Dear Friends,

Today we have much to praise the Lord for...

The lab report came back this morning - the tumour was classed as a T2 (fairly large) and had invaded the wall of the rectum. So, the surgery that was done was definitely the right thing to do. There was NO cancer found in the lymph nodes.

Dad was released from ICU yesterday morning but, since there was not a bed available, was not moved out until 11 p.m. last night!

Yesterday they had weaned Dad's oxygen down from 8 litres a day to three litres. At that time they wanted to keep him on the oxygen so as not to "stress" his heart. Not sure what today will bring in this regard.

Dad woke Mom up this morning at 5 a.m. to tell her that he has a beautiful room! He was so thrilled that the Lord had answered his prayer for a private room. But, as we know, the Lord LOVES to give good gifts to His children, so not only is it a private room but it has a large window and is painted a lovely shade of blue. And, although it is close to the nurses station, it is in an alcove so is a fairly quiet room as well! Mom informed me that Dad is ready to "hold court" :) so if you are in the area please stop by Room 310 to visit with him. If you can't stop by, he would love to speak with you on the phone and can be reached at (207) 973-5310.

We are not sure how long Dad will be in the hospital but he has already asked Mom to start making plans for their move out West!! Guess that he is ready and raring to go! He will be doing some physical therapy and will probably need to do more therapy so that he can learn to walk on his prosthesis without any aids.

Thank you again for all your prayers on behalf of our family and specifically our Dad. It has truly been overwhelming to us the number of people around the world lifting us up before the Throne of Grace. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!! We know that you will be blessed for having spent time on your knees before the Lord.

May you have a most blessed day!

Kelly

Jan. 17th Update

Dad continues in ICU. Of course, having another heart attack during the night didn't help - this one causing some damage. Mom was expecting better news when she went to the hospital today since Dad had such a great day yesterday - sitting up some more, eating his first solid foods, being more alert, etc. Dad continues to be agitated - trying to remove probes, monitors and/or the oxygen mask. He seems to do well during the day but gets quite agitated, sleeping very little at night.

Mom continues to do well. We are so thankful for the Winningham's opening their home to her so that she only has a 5 minute drive to the hospital each day. The days are quite long for her as Dad has been sleeping alot during the day since he doesn't sleep much at night.

Although visits are limited in ICU, Dad is in room 143. Even if you can't see Dad, I know that Mom would appreciate the company - it is a very quiet, subdued place. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers on our behalf. A special thanks to all those who forward these updates on to others - your thoughtfulness means so much to us.

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."
Psalm 139:14

With praise to my Creator,
Kelly

Day 3 - Update

Here is the latest information I have received from Mom about Dad:

"Dad was on the ventilator all night and when they took him off of it this morning, his levels were able to stay up with just the oxygen tube (so far). They removed his epidural line this am as well. Hopefully, he will be moved from ICU tomorrow."

Thanks again for your continued prayers.

Day 2 - Update

Dad had a mild heart attack the day of his surgery. That is one of the reasons he is in ICU longer than originally expected.

Mom says dad is more clear headed today than he was yesterday. They have had him on oxygen all day to due to his low oxygen levels and fluid in his lungs. He is having a difficult time adjusting to the masks due to claustrophobia. Please pray that he can adjust and find comfort in the oxygen treatment and that his levels will return to normal soon.

Thanks for your prayers on dad's behalf.

For the family,
Tim

Post Surgery Update

I just spoke with Mom and found out the following details:

• Dad's surgery began 8:15 and did not finish until 1:15. They removed all of the cancer and he was in recovery what was suppose to have been an hour and a half, but due to blood pressure issues and cardiac concerns, he was there until 5:15.
• He is now in ICU where they can monitor his heart. They said he would most likely be in the ICU for another day or two.
  
• Mom was told to bring his prosthesis in so that they can get him up and going as soon as possible.

We will get a room number and phone number posted as soon as he is moved to a regular room.

Thanks again for your prayers!!

For the Family,
Tim