May he rest in peace

Louis on his 93rd birthday. Just a note to thank everyone for their prayers and words of sympathy on the passing of John's dad, Louis. The entire week unfolded perfectly, as was God's plan. We are tired but at peace that he lived a long, full life, had the Sacrament of the Sick just before he passed, and we were all with him.

John's dad passed away

We received a phone call Monday from the nursing home, where John's dad has been staying the past few weeks since his hospitalization in Feb. They said he didn't look good and wasn't acting right. The doctor told them to call the ambulance and transport him to the hospital for evaluation. We got there before the ambulance arrived and he told John "I'm cashin' out". He was very weak and could barely talk. We thought it was due to his recent bout with diarrhea and vomiting, and perhaps he was dehydrated. So we expected that he'd get rehydrated and sent back to the nursing home. But it was not to be. They did a cat scan of the abdomen and found a large abscess on his intestines--which lead to necrosis (dead tissue), plus he was in renal (kidney) failure. Needless to say, he was not a candidate for surgery or dialysis. They were going to put him in a room and keep him comfortable, but he didn't live long enough to get to a room from ER. Father came and gave him the Sacrament of the Sick and he was awake and joined us in the Lord's Prayer and thanked Father for coming. After that, he just slowly slipped away over the next few hours. We were all with him and he went peacefully. The funeral is Saturday (today) at 10am at Little Flower Church. We are comforted by the fact that he spent 7 out of the last 8 months with us and only had a brief stint in the nursing home. Now he is with Edie.

better image of Pike's Peak

Better image of Phyllis' house

Back Home Again in Indiana

This is Phyllis' house in Woodland Park, Colorado. I spent a week with her, getting her port-a-cath put in, starting her chemo therapy, and getting all the education regarding her chemo; plus going back for a neulastin injection the day after chemo. She did great--felt nauseated and had a headache. But was able to minimize these side effects the first three days by taking prescribed meds. But day three was the worst. She just wanted to lay around. However, she did eat and drink and take her medicine--she even took a bath and got dressed every day. I was very proud of her. By the time I had to leave to return to Indiana, she was on the upswing again. Talked to her yesterday, and she said her hair is falling out. While I was there, we shopped for hats. She does not want to wear a wig. We found some darling hats--she really looks cute in them. Keep her in your prayers. Sounds like this past week went fine--she felt better and her headache and nausea were gone.

Thursday, she had her second treatment. Hope she is no worse this time than the last--maybe even better.

Colorado or Bust

I am leaving for Colorado at 5pm today--barring anymore unforeseen problems. I feel much better about this trip than if I had gone last week as previously planned. ( Knowing that the cancer has not spread--instead of not knowing the results of the tests the better part of my trip--plus not being able to stay long enough to be with Phyllis when her port is placed and chemo begins...) The Holy Spirit knows what He is doing--what is best for us--and makes everything work out as it should. I am also relieved that John will not have Louis 24/7 with no relief while I am gone. He can really wear on a person, talking incessantly.

Thanks Be to God

After all the tests this week, Phyllis met with her oncologist Friday eve. The good news is that the cancer has not spread to any other part of her body!!! There was a hot spot on her thyroid which they will biopsy. She gets her port-a-cath put in on Tuesday and starts Chemo on Wednesday. I fly out there tomorrow and will stay 8 days. I'll keep you posted.