My Dad's Surgery

My dad will have his surgery to remove the esophagial cancer on Thursday, August 28th. It is a five-hour surgery. They will remove the cancer and then most of his esophagus, leaving a small amount at the top. They will then stretch his stomach to make a new esophagus and join it at the top. It is a very complex surgery. Please pray that his lungs will remain clear, that no pneumonia will set in, that he will not need chemo or radiation, and that both of my parents and all of our family will have peace and be comforted throughout the surgery and the recovery. Thanks so much for your prayers!

I've Been Busy!

I am still struggling with pain and fatigue, and I typically am on the couch until noon or so, but I have been able to do some things that I really wanted to be a part of.
I was able to go to Sarah's shower on August 17th and had a great time visiting with some homeschool moms I had not seen in a while.
I have gone to dinner with Bryan a couple of times and to my parents' to visit with some relatives from out of town.
Yesterday, I got a haircut (my wedding haircut) and even had some highlights put in, which make me look more like me. I can' tell you how many times I've seen people out in public who don't recognize me because my hair came in so differently - dark and curly. I'm hoping the highlights will make me more recognizable, and they really gave me a lift - looks aren't everything, but there's something about having hair that you like...
Today was a big event - I was able to do some college shopping with Katie, which meant alot to both of us. We also took Katie's friend, Whitney, so when I had to go sit and rest somewhere, Katie still had a buddy to shop with. I think Katie has almost everything she needs now; it is just a matter of packing it and taking it to Anderson. I am very excited for her, but I will miss her SOOOO much. No matter how old she is, she will always be "my baby"!
Your cards, calls, e-mails, meals, gift cards for restaurants have meant so much to me. It is so comforting to know that so many care and are praying. Hopefully, it is all downhill from here. I know that I will have to be patient, but I am seeing small changes everyday.

A Good Report!

I got the report back and my lungs are cancer-free!!! Praise God!!! I am getting a little stronger each day, and this is a great weight lifted off my mind.

I Made the Shower!

I made Sarah's shower, and it was a great day. My niece, Jessica, and her husband, Jarrod, a chef, hosted the shower in the backyard of their new home in New Albany. The food was delicious, the weather was perfect, and the Disney, Veal, and Speas women all enjoyed the afternoon together.
Sarah and Paul were very excited about the things they received for their new home together.
Sarah has another shower next Sunday that I am determined to make. I also plan to try to shop some with Katie for school as I am able.
My biggest difficulty is sleeplessness - I just can't stay pain free through the night, and I also think meds are contributing to the problem. I have the craziest dreams. I am very fatigued through the day. The anxiety attacks seem to be getting better, thank goodness! Bryan has been taking me out in the evenings just to ride around in the car to help relieve the depression.
We never received a lung report - I have to think that is good news. I don't think they would make me wait so long if there was a problem.
My dad has been given a clear lung report, and they will call tomorrow to get him on the surgery schedule.
Jan

Emily's Birthday/Update

Emily had a great 21st birthday - she received shopping $$$ from Hunter, her friends all bought her gifts, and they had a pool party. They are also taking her to dinner tonight. Sarah baked an awesome cake - Death by Chocolate - and Katie and Whitney Ott collected 21 small gifts for Emily to help her celebrate the big day. I even went with the family to Applebees for her birthday dinner, although I was pretty much just propped up in the booth.

I am feeling a little better, just extremely weak, and still having pain. I have difficulty sleeping at night, and usually end up on the couch. I am also having some trouble emotionally - I am taking about 14 different meds for the colitis, and I think they are contributing to anxiety attacks/tears that I have usually in the mornings. I will be glad to be finished with the meds - hopefully I will get some emotional stability back.
We have not received a report on my lungs yet - I am hopeful that they are cancer-free!
Thanks for cards, calls, meals, etc. I am hoping to have the strength to go to my daughter's wedding shower tomorrow.
Jan

Update

I am home, but extemely weak and in pain. I am also struggling emotionally - wanting to be well to take Katie to school, to go to Sarah's wedding. Emily turns 21 tomorrow - I can't make a big celebation for her. It is hard not to be the mom I was. I am awaiting test results on my lungs - we should know by the end of the week. I know it is all in God's hands - it is just hard to hand it all over sometimes when I want to be the wife and mom that I once was.
No date on Dad's surgery yet. He is very positive and upbeat about everything.
Jan