Among the details that needed to be taken care of was writing an obituary. It's so hard to summarize a person's life in just a few sentences.
Mr. Anthony (Tony) Nicodemus Geiger, age 74, of McKinney, Texas passed away August
28, 2009, in Frisco, Texas. He was born on October 26, 1934, in Gladstone, North Dakota to Peter and Ottilia (Gieser) Geiger. He graduated from Dickinson (ND) High School in 1953. Tony proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. On July 6, 1963, he married Barbara Ann Taylor in Phoenix, Arizona. In 1965, he completed his B.S. degree from Arizona State University. He worked in sales and management and was a successful entrepreneur. Tony was an avid reader and enjoyed studying the weather. He will be remembered for his quick wit, his love for cars, politics and football and as a loving husband and father. His love for his family was obvious to all who met him. Tony was a member of St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Community in McKinney.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Barbara Ann of McKinney; son, Terence Anthony Geiger and wife Kit of Houston, Texas; daughter, Tena Ann Geiger Worthy and husband Terry of Prosper, Texas; grandson "little man" Eli Taylor Worthy; sisters, Monica Dukart and Florence Pasicznyk and husband Joe all of Dickinson, North Dakota; brothers, Joseph Geiger and wife Kay Marie of Richmond, Virginia, Henry Geiger and wife Vivian of Medford, Oregon and Leonard Geiger of Tucker, Georgia; and numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Leo Geiger, Betty Dukart, Peter John Geiger and Edward Geiger.
The family will receive friends for a vigil service beginning at 7:00 p.m., Monday, August 31, 2009 at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Community Church in McKinney with Fr. Don Zeiler officiating. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 1, 2009, at St. Gabriel. Service arrangements are under the direction of Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Directors. To convey condolences or to sign an online registry, please visit www.tjmfuneral.com.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Sad News
It's like when you're driving down the road and you feel like a car or something is going to hit you from the side. You just don't know when it will happen but you feel like something bad is coming.
Today, I know what was coming.
Daddy passed away peacefully just before 6 pm this evening. We were all with him and we reminded him that we love him as we said our goodbyes. If I were in his shoes, I would want to be surrounded by my loved ones at the last minutes of my life just like he was.
Dad fought a very brave fight against one of the toughest kinds of cancer that exists. He did all of the recommended treatments and tried to beat the odds against this aggressive beast. It's hard to know that with all the treatments and aggravation this summer brought, that he's gone in less than three months.
We've been robbed of many years with Daddy. Worst of all, Eli has been robbed of the gift of more time with Grandad. I haven't told him yet. Every day for the past several weeks, Eli has asked to go to the 'hosipital' to see Grandad. I'm comforted that he's no longer suffering/sick at the hospital but I miss him so much.
Services will be held as follows:
Visitation at St. Gabriel's Catholic Community, McKinney, Texas
7 pm on August 31st
Funeral mass at St. Gabriel's Catholic Community, McKinney, Texas
10 am on September 1st
Online obituary and other info can be found at:
Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home, McKinney, Texas
www.TJMfuneral.com
One of my favorite songs keeps running through my head tonight:
You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
Who abide in His shadow for life,
Say to the Lord, "My Refuge,
My Rock in Whom I trust."
And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.
Today, I know what was coming.
Daddy passed away peacefully just before 6 pm this evening. We were all with him and we reminded him that we love him as we said our goodbyes. If I were in his shoes, I would want to be surrounded by my loved ones at the last minutes of my life just like he was.
Dad fought a very brave fight against one of the toughest kinds of cancer that exists. He did all of the recommended treatments and tried to beat the odds against this aggressive beast. It's hard to know that with all the treatments and aggravation this summer brought, that he's gone in less than three months.
We've been robbed of many years with Daddy. Worst of all, Eli has been robbed of the gift of more time with Grandad. I haven't told him yet. Every day for the past several weeks, Eli has asked to go to the 'hosipital' to see Grandad. I'm comforted that he's no longer suffering/sick at the hospital but I miss him so much.
Services will be held as follows:
Visitation at St. Gabriel's Catholic Community, McKinney, Texas
7 pm on August 31st
Funeral mass at St. Gabriel's Catholic Community, McKinney, Texas
10 am on September 1st
Online obituary and other info can be found at:
Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home, McKinney, Texas
www.TJMfuneral.com
One of my favorite songs keeps running through my head tonight:
You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
Who abide in His shadow for life,
Say to the Lord, "My Refuge,
My Rock in Whom I trust."
And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
I've been waiting
I've been waiting for weeks to get some good news. I've been wishing that the doctors were ALL wrong. I've been hoping that somehow we had an incorrect diagnosis and that radiation/chemo would cure the cancer or at least slow it down.
It hasn't happened. The cancer has gotten worse and has continued to spread like wildfire through Daddy's body. It seems that the good news just won't be coming. Unless you think about Daddy going HOME to be with Jesus. Maybe that's the good news - for him. Definitely not for us.
That being said, I don't know how the next few days will play out. The doctors have said that Daddy won't be able to transition off the respirator to a trach as we had thought. I know the doctors aren't always correct but I just don't know what options we have.
So I will leave you with this:
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
John 14:27
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee.
Psalm 56:3
It hasn't happened. The cancer has gotten worse and has continued to spread like wildfire through Daddy's body. It seems that the good news just won't be coming. Unless you think about Daddy going HOME to be with Jesus. Maybe that's the good news - for him. Definitely not for us.
That being said, I don't know how the next few days will play out. The doctors have said that Daddy won't be able to transition off the respirator to a trach as we had thought. I know the doctors aren't always correct but I just don't know what options we have.
So I will leave you with this:
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
John 14:27
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee.
Psalm 56:3
Report
We got some of the pathology reports from Dad's surgery over a week ago. It shows that the cancer is now in his pleuris. (That's the space between his lungs and chest wall where all the fluid has been building up.)
Last night, he got a new chest tube for the other side so more fluid could be drained from that area. We're hoping that will help him breathe better - on his own.
Speaking of breathing on his own, he wasn't able to do that for very long yesterday. There were many different factors - like the machine settings weren't the same and the staff was different and also that he had more fluid in his chest. So, I don't know whether it's bad that he didn't breathe on his own for very long or good considering the differing factors.
I'm going to choose indifference. I'm going to have faith that we'll get some good news soon.
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
Blessings to you!
Last night, he got a new chest tube for the other side so more fluid could be drained from that area. We're hoping that will help him breathe better - on his own.
Speaking of breathing on his own, he wasn't able to do that for very long yesterday. There were many different factors - like the machine settings weren't the same and the staff was different and also that he had more fluid in his chest. So, I don't know whether it's bad that he didn't breathe on his own for very long or good considering the differing factors.
I'm going to choose indifference. I'm going to have faith that we'll get some good news soon.
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
Blessings to you!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
A new week
I think we (collectively the nurses, the respiratory therapists, the doctors and us) probably took Daddy off the respirator too quickly. Who knew, though, how tough that surgery would be on his lungs and that he would still have need for the chest tube a week later? Now that he's had to be back on the respirator since Thursday, they are being cautious about taking him off again. It's my understanding that this waiting is normal after being put back on a respirator.
That being said, Dad was able to breathe on his own for 2 hours and 25 minutes last night and for 4 hours and 10 minutes this afternoon. To clarify, this means the respirator was turned 'down' and Dad was able to breathe through the tube. He's still on the respirator but he was able to keep his vitals at the appropriate levels and is getting 'stronger' as the respiratory therapist said. Apparently, there is some measure of breath strength and his diaphragm that they are collecting info about. It seems that ALL his levels are being recorded: pulse/oxygen, repirations per minute, temperature, blood pressure, etc, etc, etc. Talk about being data driven!! haha
This afternoon, my brother and Kit headed back to Houston. We expect Terry to come back this weekend for another visual check-in and more analysis after his further research, of course! He's great at researching from wherever he happens to be!
(Near or Far!)
We're optimistic that each day will bring a longer time for Daddy to be off the respirator and we'll be able to transition away from the machine before too long. He still has pneumonia and the fluid is still draining from his chest but those are both improving.
Thank you for your prayers and love! We appreciate you!
Blessings,
Tena
That being said, Dad was able to breathe on his own for 2 hours and 25 minutes last night and for 4 hours and 10 minutes this afternoon. To clarify, this means the respirator was turned 'down' and Dad was able to breathe through the tube. He's still on the respirator but he was able to keep his vitals at the appropriate levels and is getting 'stronger' as the respiratory therapist said. Apparently, there is some measure of breath strength and his diaphragm that they are collecting info about. It seems that ALL his levels are being recorded: pulse/oxygen, repirations per minute, temperature, blood pressure, etc, etc, etc. Talk about being data driven!! haha
This afternoon, my brother and Kit headed back to Houston. We expect Terry to come back this weekend for another visual check-in and more analysis after his further research, of course! He's great at researching from wherever he happens to be!
(Near or Far!)
We're optimistic that each day will bring a longer time for Daddy to be off the respirator and we'll be able to transition away from the machine before too long. He still has pneumonia and the fluid is still draining from his chest but those are both improving.
Thank you for your prayers and love! We appreciate you!
Blessings,
Tena
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Blessings
We are so blessed to have such wonderful, caring friends. Thank you so much for your prayers, emails, calls, letters, meals, gift cards, everything! We are so thankful for your support!
We are so blessed to have doctors available to treat US as well as Daddy as we maneuver our way down this road.
We are so blessed to have the family we have. We are supportive of each other and our needs even as we support Daddy. We've been blessed that my parents have been willing and able to keep Eli for us while I've worked the past two years.
We are so blessed to live where we live with available water, food and other necessities/things we like to have - including working computers, sewing machines and the internet!
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (Mat 5:3-11)
We continue to be blessed even as we wonder when Daddy will get off the ventilator and we can get on with his treatment. He's still responding to us when we're talking to him and he's able to follow our commands. Tonight, the nurse asked if he was in any pain and he told her that he wasn't. I'm gonna take that as a good sign and progress.
Blessings to you!
Tena
We are so blessed to have doctors available to treat US as well as Daddy as we maneuver our way down this road.
We are so blessed to have the family we have. We are supportive of each other and our needs even as we support Daddy. We've been blessed that my parents have been willing and able to keep Eli for us while I've worked the past two years.
We are so blessed to live where we live with available water, food and other necessities/things we like to have - including working computers, sewing machines and the internet!
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (Mat 5:3-11)
We continue to be blessed even as we wonder when Daddy will get off the ventilator and we can get on with his treatment. He's still responding to us when we're talking to him and he's able to follow our commands. Tonight, the nurse asked if he was in any pain and he told her that he wasn't. I'm gonna take that as a good sign and progress.
Blessings to you!
Tena
Comments
To leave a comment on this blog, please click on the word 'comments' at the end of the latest post. It will open another window in which you can post your comment.
Of course, we don't mind you emailing us with comments but thought I'd post this here so you'd have an option or weren't sure how it worked.
Blessings!
Tena
Of course, we don't mind you emailing us with comments but thought I'd post this here so you'd have an option or weren't sure how it worked.
Blessings!
Tena
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Who knew?
These pics aren't new but are a couple of my favorites of Mom and Dad with Eli. The update is at the bottom of the pics.
I know Mom didn't let us blow bubbles in the house when we were younger. Wait a minute, were there bubbles in abundance when we were younger? In any case, here she is caught in the act of blowing bubbles with Eli - inside the house!
Here's Daddy with his 'little buddy.' Eli wasn't yet a year old but he knew he could get Grandad to do anything for him! Did you know that Dad can't stand it when Eli cries? (Really, who does?) If Eli cried when it was naptime, Daddy would pick him up and let Eli nap in his arms. It was the sweetest thing. Now, of course, that would never happen.
After being so 'pumped up' that Dad was off the respirator on Tuesday, it's hard to say that he's back on it today. Yes, you read that right, Dad's back on the respirator. Who knew he'd need it ever again let alone about 48 hours later!?!?!!?
He had been struggling to breathe some so the docs had put him on a Bi-Pap machine and also given him a couple of new meds to help. But even with all of that, this morning, the respiratory therapist and the pulmonary doctor decided it was in his best interest to put him back on the respirator. I can attest to the fact that Dad was having some pain from his incision site and that he was having a hard time getting a deep breath. He wouldn't tell my mom and I that he had any pain but he wasn't shy about telling the nurses. Just yesterday, I asked him if he was hurting very much and he said, 'Not right now.' A few minutes later, the nurse came in and Dad asked for pain meds...
Because of the tube in his throat, the docs have him sedated a bit so he won't pull out the tube, he gets adequate rest for his body to heal a bit better and he can't talk to us at all. He is responding to our questions and he opens his eyes when we talk directly to him.
My brother and Kit came up from Houston tonight so we'll get to spend some 'quality time' in the ICU. We want to make sure Daddy gets his rest but we also want him to know that they came back up to check on him.
Every day, Eli has been asking for Grandma and Grandad. (Yes, he even says at the 'hosipital' when he's asking! The little smarty!) I was really hoping to take him to the hospital to see Daddy this weekend. But, as long as he's in ICU, Eli can't visit him.
Hint for today: I learned this morning that Dad didn't have his thyroid checked at his regular physical in April. It isn't something that is automatically checked and Dad had no history of thyroid problems in his family, so it wasn't done. Please, please, please when you have your annual exams, have your thyroid checked. It's a simple test and it would be worth the time.
I know Mom didn't let us blow bubbles in the house when we were younger. Wait a minute, were there bubbles in abundance when we were younger? In any case, here she is caught in the act of blowing bubbles with Eli - inside the house!
Here's Daddy with his 'little buddy.' Eli wasn't yet a year old but he knew he could get Grandad to do anything for him! Did you know that Dad can't stand it when Eli cries? (Really, who does?) If Eli cried when it was naptime, Daddy would pick him up and let Eli nap in his arms. It was the sweetest thing. Now, of course, that would never happen.After being so 'pumped up' that Dad was off the respirator on Tuesday, it's hard to say that he's back on it today. Yes, you read that right, Dad's back on the respirator. Who knew he'd need it ever again let alone about 48 hours later!?!?!!?
He had been struggling to breathe some so the docs had put him on a Bi-Pap machine and also given him a couple of new meds to help. But even with all of that, this morning, the respiratory therapist and the pulmonary doctor decided it was in his best interest to put him back on the respirator. I can attest to the fact that Dad was having some pain from his incision site and that he was having a hard time getting a deep breath. He wouldn't tell my mom and I that he had any pain but he wasn't shy about telling the nurses. Just yesterday, I asked him if he was hurting very much and he said, 'Not right now.' A few minutes later, the nurse came in and Dad asked for pain meds...
Because of the tube in his throat, the docs have him sedated a bit so he won't pull out the tube, he gets adequate rest for his body to heal a bit better and he can't talk to us at all. He is responding to our questions and he opens his eyes when we talk directly to him.
My brother and Kit came up from Houston tonight so we'll get to spend some 'quality time' in the ICU. We want to make sure Daddy gets his rest but we also want him to know that they came back up to check on him.
Every day, Eli has been asking for Grandma and Grandad. (Yes, he even says at the 'hosipital' when he's asking! The little smarty!) I was really hoping to take him to the hospital to see Daddy this weekend. But, as long as he's in ICU, Eli can't visit him.
Hint for today: I learned this morning that Dad didn't have his thyroid checked at his regular physical in April. It isn't something that is automatically checked and Dad had no history of thyroid problems in his family, so it wasn't done. Please, please, please when you have your annual exams, have your thyroid checked. It's a simple test and it would be worth the time.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Off the ventilator!
I was so hoping (praying) today would be the day that Daddy was able to get off the ventilator and breathe on his own. And, he did! I wasn't there when they took the tubes and stuff out of his throat but Mom was, of course. I went over at my lunch break to see him for myself. I just couldn't wait to kiss his cheek and remind him how much I love him.
He was sitting up and responding to my silly questions and stories about Eli's latest antics. Yeah for Dad! I hated seeing him sedated like that for the past couple of days but I knew it was necessary since he still had the tubes in his throat. Just doesn't make it easy to see.
Dad's getting breathing treatments from the respiratory therapists to help his lungs expand - before surgery it was every 8 hours. Those were stopped on Friday night in preparation for the surgery but they started those same treatments today after the ventilator came off.
I'm thinking Dad will be in ICU until the weekend, at least, since the doc said it would probably be 7 days or so before he went into a regular room. Every day further away from a ventilator is that much closer to coming home!
For the past week when I've picked Eli up from preschool, he asks if we're going to see Grandad and Grandma. That's been so much of our routine for the summer that it's something Eli expects each day to include. (Who can blame him, right?) Since Dad's been in ICU, they haven't seen each other since Saturday morning before surgery. Mom saw Eli on Sunday when we coaxed her to our house for a home-cooked meal! I know they are all going into withdrawal, of sorts, since Mom and Dad have been the main caretakers for Eli while I've been teaching for the past couple of years. So now that school has started they would be spending much more time with him - without me - while I was at work. Eli's been doing great at school and I know he'll have a great year but it's really different.
Thanks for the visits, calls, prayers, emails, cards, and hugs. We need them and appreciate them all - and all of you, too!
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Blessings to you!
Tena
He was sitting up and responding to my silly questions and stories about Eli's latest antics. Yeah for Dad! I hated seeing him sedated like that for the past couple of days but I knew it was necessary since he still had the tubes in his throat. Just doesn't make it easy to see.
Dad's getting breathing treatments from the respiratory therapists to help his lungs expand - before surgery it was every 8 hours. Those were stopped on Friday night in preparation for the surgery but they started those same treatments today after the ventilator came off.
I'm thinking Dad will be in ICU until the weekend, at least, since the doc said it would probably be 7 days or so before he went into a regular room. Every day further away from a ventilator is that much closer to coming home!
For the past week when I've picked Eli up from preschool, he asks if we're going to see Grandad and Grandma. That's been so much of our routine for the summer that it's something Eli expects each day to include. (Who can blame him, right?) Since Dad's been in ICU, they haven't seen each other since Saturday morning before surgery. Mom saw Eli on Sunday when we coaxed her to our house for a home-cooked meal! I know they are all going into withdrawal, of sorts, since Mom and Dad have been the main caretakers for Eli while I've been teaching for the past couple of years. So now that school has started they would be spending much more time with him - without me - while I was at work. Eli's been doing great at school and I know he'll have a great year but it's really different.
Thanks for the visits, calls, prayers, emails, cards, and hugs. We need them and appreciate them all - and all of you, too!
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Blessings to you!
Tena
Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday, Monday
Dad is still in the ICU. His vitals are good but he's still on the ventilator. This afternoon, the nurse had Daddy follow all kinds of commands (move your arm, raise your leg), which he did without problem. He was agitated when the nurse was changing his dressings and taking his temperature and stuff. He opens his eyes when one of us talks to him. And, he held Mom's had off and on today. He's never been big with public displays of affection and, after a few minutes, would move his hand. Nothing different at all about that behavior!
We're hoping that tomorrow will be the day when the ventilator is turned off and Daddy is breathing on his own. I'm sure he'll have a sore throat but there will be another medication for that!
A quote for today:
When you think about it, what other choice is there but hope? We have two options medically and emotionally: Give up or fight like hell.
~~ Lance Armstrong
Blessings to you!
We're hoping that tomorrow will be the day when the ventilator is turned off and Daddy is breathing on his own. I'm sure he'll have a sore throat but there will be another medication for that!
A quote for today:
When you think about it, what other choice is there but hope? We have two options medically and emotionally: Give up or fight like hell.
~~ Lance Armstrong
Blessings to you!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
A Trooper
Dad is being such a trooper. He's still on the ventilator today and is a bit sedated. It's best to be sedated while you're on the ventilator, I think. That way you won't pull on any of the tubes or IV's. His blood pressure is fine and he's receiving some pain meds today. This surgery was pretty stressful on his body. The docs will consider taking him off the ventilator tomorrow if his vitals remain strong. He has a good medical team watching over him. Please pray that they continue to do their best for him.
My dad has always been a trooper. I've been a Girl Scout since elementary school. Mostly, it was my mom that participated in my events with me. She was our troop leader so she attended campouts, parades and such. However, there was one yearly event that Daddy had to attend with me. It was the Father-Daughter Dinner near Valentine's Day with our service unit. The first year, I made us a box to hold our dinner. It was white with red hearts and little doilies on it. We used that box every year for probably 11 years. Dad attended that dinner with me faithfully. He would patiently watch all of the entertainment by the Girl Scouts and eat his dinner with me and the other scouts in my troop and their dads who were enduring the same thing as him. (Maybe he saw that as a right of passage for being a good dad?)
I know that when I started driving he thought he wouldn't have to attend anymore. But, I would just meet him there rather than go together. I would pack our dinner in that same box and wait for him at our designated spot. He was a trooper all through those events.
The message today is to be a good sport and be a trooper through it all. The payout will be well worth it!
Thanks to all for the prayers, visits, calls, emails and cards. We appreciate it so much! Blessings to all,
Tena
My dad has always been a trooper. I've been a Girl Scout since elementary school. Mostly, it was my mom that participated in my events with me. She was our troop leader so she attended campouts, parades and such. However, there was one yearly event that Daddy had to attend with me. It was the Father-Daughter Dinner near Valentine's Day with our service unit. The first year, I made us a box to hold our dinner. It was white with red hearts and little doilies on it. We used that box every year for probably 11 years. Dad attended that dinner with me faithfully. He would patiently watch all of the entertainment by the Girl Scouts and eat his dinner with me and the other scouts in my troop and their dads who were enduring the same thing as him. (Maybe he saw that as a right of passage for being a good dad?)
I know that when I started driving he thought he wouldn't have to attend anymore. But, I would just meet him there rather than go together. I would pack our dinner in that same box and wait for him at our designated spot. He was a trooper all through those events.
The message today is to be a good sport and be a trooper through it all. The payout will be well worth it!
Thanks to all for the prayers, visits, calls, emails and cards. We appreciate it so much! Blessings to all,
Tena
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Here we are
The surgery started later than planned and it took longer than had been anticipated.
My brother was able to get to the hospital before the surgery began so he could spend some time with us (Daddy) before the surgery.
My layman's assessment is that the surgery was successful and did exactly what it was supposed to do. This was a pretty tough surgery so Dad will have a difficult couple of days but we are hopeful that it improves his breathing at the very least.
Dad will be in ICU tonight and he'll be watched closely. We'll be back in the morning to check in again.
Continue praying, please, all of you prayer warriors! We need you!
My brother was able to get to the hospital before the surgery began so he could spend some time with us (Daddy) before the surgery.
My layman's assessment is that the surgery was successful and did exactly what it was supposed to do. This was a pretty tough surgery so Dad will have a difficult couple of days but we are hopeful that it improves his breathing at the very least.
Dad will be in ICU tonight and he'll be watched closely. We'll be back in the morning to check in again.
Continue praying, please, all of you prayer warriors! We need you!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Settings
I just wanted you to know that I'm having some trouble with these blog settings. I'll work on them again soon - maybe tomorrow when I update...
Tena
Tena
New procedure
Dad has had a pretty good couple of days. But having said that, are we going home yet? No. His pneumonia is improving, his oxygen level is improving but his body is still creating this weird fluid.
So, tomorrow morning, he'll have a procedure called a 'talc pleurodesis' to help alleviate some of that fluid. I haven't researched it myself, but my brother tells me that it will help create some scar tissue within Daddy's chest cavity and force the fluid to go into his blood stream instead of just collect in his chest cavity. (That's the layman's interpretation from memory of a couple of hours ago!)
While I was visiting tonight, the Father came by Daddy's room and performed the sacrament of annointing of the sick. The anointing of the sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness. A sacrament is an outward sign established by Jesus Christ to confer inward grace. In more basic terms, it is a rite that is performed to convey God’s grace to the recipient, through the power of the Holy Spirit. It was a very moving experience and I know I was comforted by it. I'm sure Daddy and Mom were, as well.
A couple of quotes for today:
Psalm 27:14
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the
Lord.
Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my
heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
Psalm 31:24
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.
Please continue to pray for Daddy as he walks this difficult path. Please also pray for all who are caring for him and for all of us.
Blessings to you!
Tena
So, tomorrow morning, he'll have a procedure called a 'talc pleurodesis' to help alleviate some of that fluid. I haven't researched it myself, but my brother tells me that it will help create some scar tissue within Daddy's chest cavity and force the fluid to go into his blood stream instead of just collect in his chest cavity. (That's the layman's interpretation from memory of a couple of hours ago!)
While I was visiting tonight, the Father came by Daddy's room and performed the sacrament of annointing of the sick. The anointing of the sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness. A sacrament is an outward sign established by Jesus Christ to confer inward grace. In more basic terms, it is a rite that is performed to convey God’s grace to the recipient, through the power of the Holy Spirit. It was a very moving experience and I know I was comforted by it. I'm sure Daddy and Mom were, as well.
A couple of quotes for today:
Psalm 27:14
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the
Lord.
Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my
heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
Psalm 31:24
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.
Please continue to pray for Daddy as he walks this difficult path. Please also pray for all who are caring for him and for all of us.
Blessings to you!
Tena
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Synopsis
I wanted to catch everyone up with where we've been. Of course, we all know where we want to go: Cancer free and healthy again!
June 3rd: all is well (or so we thought)
June 4th: Daddy notices a lump on the left side of his throat (it hurts!) and goes to the doctor to have it checked out. At the same time, Daddy has a horrible headache that doesn't go away. The doctor thinks it needs to be looked at by someone else but orders a couple of tests.
June 5th: Daddy has a couple of tests and a cancer diagnosis is discussed. We begin to gather information and talk to people about thyroid cancer. We hear that it's mostly curable and is one of the easiest kinds of cancer to treat. We are encouraged by that news. Headache continues.
June 9th: Mom and Dad meet with an ENT surgeon/specialist who confirms the cancer diagnosis and discusses the type of cancer he believes it to be. He orders a couple of more tests - MRI of head/neck/chest and does a needle biopsy.
June 11th: Test results come back early. This can only be really good or really bad. It was really bad. He diagnosed it as anaplastic thyroid carcinoma but he hasn't done any surgery on that type of cancer. Refers to another specialist at UT Southwestern in Dallas.
Terry (my brother) and I do a TON of research online to read all we can about this diagnosis. I'm intimidated and scared by what I read. My brother, being so analytical about these things, continues to read and research.
June 16th: Meet with a specialist at UT Southwestern. He tells us that this is stage 4 and has already spread from thyroid to his lungs and lymph nodes. He also says 'aggressive' about 100 times just in case we didn't hear it and tells us he can't operate at this point.
June 22nd: Meet with the oncologist who is on the UT Southwestern team. She will 'head up' the treatment for Daddy. She's positive and we come away feeling like we've got a plan for this.
June 24th: PET scan to look at Dad's whole body and see exactly where the tumor is and how it has spread. It takes longer to prepare for the test than the actual scan.
June 25th: Radiation oncologist at Medical City is consulted. We decide we'd like treatment closer to home and we're referred to another UT Southwestern affiliate in Richardson. At this point, riding in the car is difficult for Daddy. He feels nauseous with all the motion so closer to home is best.
June 26th: Meet with the new radiation oncologist, make a treatment plan and begin treatment that day. Whew! We finally feel like we're on our way!
June 30th: Dad's heart is racing and he feels like he may be having a heart attack. Mom takes him to the ER and he's admitted for observation and some tests. Of course, his heart turns out to be fine! We miss a couple of days of radiation while he's there and the speech therapist does the first swallowing study since Dad's throat seems a little 'tight' when he eats.
July 2nd-9th (weekdays): Dad receives radiation treatments each day. Mom is his chauffeur and the care-taker making sure he gets to all of his appointments and takes the right medications at the right time. July 6th is their 46th wedding anniversary. They celebrated it by going to radiation. We pray that next year's anniversary is better than this one and maybe they'll be on another cruise!
July 9th: Meet again with the oncologist who will manage Daddy's chemo. She describes the meds she will use (Taxol and Carboplatin) and the course she'd like to take: once a week treatment for three weeks, one week off and then another round or two of that. A starting date of July 16th is set.
July 13th: Radiation is complete. We feel 'jazzed' that Dad has done so well with radiation. However, over the next couple of days, his throat really closes up and he starts having more trouble swallowing. He's also spitting up more phlegm than before.
July 16th: chemo day 1. He has 7 medications to take before and after his chemo treatments. In addition, he has 4 IV's of pre-chemo drugs and then 2 IV's of the chemo drugs. It takes all day but again, we are 'jazzed' that he seems to be doing fine. No nausea, just tired that night.
July 17th: Dad can't keep liquids down and he's coughing more and more
July 19th: Dad's having a hard time breathing. Gets a new prescription for an inhaler which helps. He can't sleep laying flat in the bed and stays in his recliner all night long.
July 23rd: Should be chemo day 2. His throat is raw and sore. He's got lots of mucus and phlegm. Doctor advises giving his body a rest through the weekend and coming back on Monday.
July 25th: Dad has a fever. Go to the ER. He's given IV fluids since he's dehydrated. This is a direct result of the throat being so closed up and all the mucus. He's lost a lot of weight.
July 26th: Back to the oncologist. She advises no chemo today. Daddy is given fluids by IV and is set up for a PICC line (permanent port in his arm/chest to receive chemo/fluids) for the next day.
July 27th: PICC line is put in. He receives IV fluids at the doctor's office and a home health nurse meets us at the house to discuss how total nutrition will be administered to Dad at home. He is still trying to eat as much as he can while still receive his nutrition from the IV.
July 30th: PICC line is clogged. Nurses try to fix it.
July 31st: New PICC line put in.
August 1st: Daddy's heart is racing again. Head to the ER where they decide to admit him - again! The pulmonary doctor takes 2L of fluid off Daddy's chest. They add antivertigo meds to help with some of the mucus. Discuss whether he has pneumonia.
August 3rd: We continue to be concerned that Daddy isn't getting enough calories. It's recommended that he get a stomach tube to get his nutrition. Since Dad has lost some more weight, he agrees to have this done.
August 4th: PICC line fell out of Daddy's arm. Within a couple of hours, a new one is put in.
August 5th: The pulmonary doctor comes in and removes more fluid from Daddy's chest.
August 6th: In preparation of the stomach tube procedure and a procedure to add a chest tube and because Daddy has some internal bleeding, they give him 2 units of blood.
August 7th: The anesthesiologist doesn't feel comfortable with Daddy's vital signs so doesn't want to put in the stomach tube. However, the chest tube is put in and hooked up to a motor to help pull fluids from Daddy's chest.
August 8th: Daddy is moved to ICU so they can keep a better 'eye' on him and he also receives 2 more units of blood.
August 9th: Daddy looks better today and the doctor says the internal bleeding has 'slowed' so he's improving. Yeah for Daddy! Also, the stomach tube procedure is scheduled for the morning of the 10th.
August 10th: Stomach tube inserted without issues. Dad is moved back to the regular floor.
August 11th: Dad gets to 'eat' through his stomach tube. We're hoping this helps him gain some weight and helps him get stronger. He still has the chest tube although the fluid has slowed.
So, there you have a (little) synopsis of what's been going on during the past few weeks. I tried to keep the explanations brief and didn't add too much 'fluff.' The purpose of this blog will be to keep people updated and I'll add a couple stories about my dad as we go along. Please come back often, comment if you'd like, but pray, pray, pray for all of us - and Daddy's doctors/nurses that they help us make the right decisions for his health.
Please don't be too critical of my medical jargon and improper use of such. I'm not an expert at that kind of stuff!
Blessings to you!
Tena
June 3rd: all is well (or so we thought)
June 4th: Daddy notices a lump on the left side of his throat (it hurts!) and goes to the doctor to have it checked out. At the same time, Daddy has a horrible headache that doesn't go away. The doctor thinks it needs to be looked at by someone else but orders a couple of tests.
June 5th: Daddy has a couple of tests and a cancer diagnosis is discussed. We begin to gather information and talk to people about thyroid cancer. We hear that it's mostly curable and is one of the easiest kinds of cancer to treat. We are encouraged by that news. Headache continues.
June 9th: Mom and Dad meet with an ENT surgeon/specialist who confirms the cancer diagnosis and discusses the type of cancer he believes it to be. He orders a couple of more tests - MRI of head/neck/chest and does a needle biopsy.
June 11th: Test results come back early. This can only be really good or really bad. It was really bad. He diagnosed it as anaplastic thyroid carcinoma but he hasn't done any surgery on that type of cancer. Refers to another specialist at UT Southwestern in Dallas.
Terry (my brother) and I do a TON of research online to read all we can about this diagnosis. I'm intimidated and scared by what I read. My brother, being so analytical about these things, continues to read and research.
June 16th: Meet with a specialist at UT Southwestern. He tells us that this is stage 4 and has already spread from thyroid to his lungs and lymph nodes. He also says 'aggressive' about 100 times just in case we didn't hear it and tells us he can't operate at this point.
June 22nd: Meet with the oncologist who is on the UT Southwestern team. She will 'head up' the treatment for Daddy. She's positive and we come away feeling like we've got a plan for this.
June 24th: PET scan to look at Dad's whole body and see exactly where the tumor is and how it has spread. It takes longer to prepare for the test than the actual scan.
June 25th: Radiation oncologist at Medical City is consulted. We decide we'd like treatment closer to home and we're referred to another UT Southwestern affiliate in Richardson. At this point, riding in the car is difficult for Daddy. He feels nauseous with all the motion so closer to home is best.
June 26th: Meet with the new radiation oncologist, make a treatment plan and begin treatment that day. Whew! We finally feel like we're on our way!
June 30th: Dad's heart is racing and he feels like he may be having a heart attack. Mom takes him to the ER and he's admitted for observation and some tests. Of course, his heart turns out to be fine! We miss a couple of days of radiation while he's there and the speech therapist does the first swallowing study since Dad's throat seems a little 'tight' when he eats.
July 2nd-9th (weekdays): Dad receives radiation treatments each day. Mom is his chauffeur and the care-taker making sure he gets to all of his appointments and takes the right medications at the right time. July 6th is their 46th wedding anniversary. They celebrated it by going to radiation. We pray that next year's anniversary is better than this one and maybe they'll be on another cruise!
July 9th: Meet again with the oncologist who will manage Daddy's chemo. She describes the meds she will use (Taxol and Carboplatin) and the course she'd like to take: once a week treatment for three weeks, one week off and then another round or two of that. A starting date of July 16th is set.
July 13th: Radiation is complete. We feel 'jazzed' that Dad has done so well with radiation. However, over the next couple of days, his throat really closes up and he starts having more trouble swallowing. He's also spitting up more phlegm than before.
July 16th: chemo day 1. He has 7 medications to take before and after his chemo treatments. In addition, he has 4 IV's of pre-chemo drugs and then 2 IV's of the chemo drugs. It takes all day but again, we are 'jazzed' that he seems to be doing fine. No nausea, just tired that night.
July 17th: Dad can't keep liquids down and he's coughing more and more
July 19th: Dad's having a hard time breathing. Gets a new prescription for an inhaler which helps. He can't sleep laying flat in the bed and stays in his recliner all night long.
July 23rd: Should be chemo day 2. His throat is raw and sore. He's got lots of mucus and phlegm. Doctor advises giving his body a rest through the weekend and coming back on Monday.
July 25th: Dad has a fever. Go to the ER. He's given IV fluids since he's dehydrated. This is a direct result of the throat being so closed up and all the mucus. He's lost a lot of weight.
July 26th: Back to the oncologist. She advises no chemo today. Daddy is given fluids by IV and is set up for a PICC line (permanent port in his arm/chest to receive chemo/fluids) for the next day.
July 27th: PICC line is put in. He receives IV fluids at the doctor's office and a home health nurse meets us at the house to discuss how total nutrition will be administered to Dad at home. He is still trying to eat as much as he can while still receive his nutrition from the IV.
July 30th: PICC line is clogged. Nurses try to fix it.
July 31st: New PICC line put in.
August 1st: Daddy's heart is racing again. Head to the ER where they decide to admit him - again! The pulmonary doctor takes 2L of fluid off Daddy's chest. They add antivertigo meds to help with some of the mucus. Discuss whether he has pneumonia.
August 3rd: We continue to be concerned that Daddy isn't getting enough calories. It's recommended that he get a stomach tube to get his nutrition. Since Dad has lost some more weight, he agrees to have this done.
August 4th: PICC line fell out of Daddy's arm. Within a couple of hours, a new one is put in.
August 5th: The pulmonary doctor comes in and removes more fluid from Daddy's chest.
August 6th: In preparation of the stomach tube procedure and a procedure to add a chest tube and because Daddy has some internal bleeding, they give him 2 units of blood.
August 7th: The anesthesiologist doesn't feel comfortable with Daddy's vital signs so doesn't want to put in the stomach tube. However, the chest tube is put in and hooked up to a motor to help pull fluids from Daddy's chest.
August 8th: Daddy is moved to ICU so they can keep a better 'eye' on him and he also receives 2 more units of blood.
August 9th: Daddy looks better today and the doctor says the internal bleeding has 'slowed' so he's improving. Yeah for Daddy! Also, the stomach tube procedure is scheduled for the morning of the 10th.
August 10th: Stomach tube inserted without issues. Dad is moved back to the regular floor.
August 11th: Dad gets to 'eat' through his stomach tube. We're hoping this helps him gain some weight and helps him get stronger. He still has the chest tube although the fluid has slowed.
So, there you have a (little) synopsis of what's been going on during the past few weeks. I tried to keep the explanations brief and didn't add too much 'fluff.' The purpose of this blog will be to keep people updated and I'll add a couple stories about my dad as we go along. Please come back often, comment if you'd like, but pray, pray, pray for all of us - and Daddy's doctors/nurses that they help us make the right decisions for his health.
Please don't be too critical of my medical jargon and improper use of such. I'm not an expert at that kind of stuff!
Blessings to you!
Tena
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