Surgery is an Option....

Dad successfully made it through week 1 of chemo and radiation. While Saturday was a bit rough, Sunday was a little better. Dad Is still losing some weight but they think they are learning how to prevent this. Mom found a different kind of Boost that delivers a lot more calories in a smaller package. Dad felt good enough to get a haircut from his barber, Yvonne. She is super nice and even offered to come to the house to cut dad's hair if he wasn't feeling up to coming in to the store. She also offered to give dad a crew cut, which couldn't help but make us think of granddad, my dad's dad.

He met today with the radiologist and oncologist and they both agree, along with the surgeon, that dad needs the surgery. They will proceed as originally planned as he is a good candidate, is getting stronger daily, and he can take it. It is still not a given, but it's back in play which is good news.

Today was a tough day with doctor appointments, radiation,  and appointments with First Command clients, but mom and dad are doing well. They are learning how to work the schedule so as to keep dad from getting too tired. And at least for this week, dad is happy to be able to sleep in his bed almost - last week while doing the chemo, he slept in his big leather chair so that he wouldn't roll over on the chemo pump. Right now he is getting a handle on things from eating through the feeding tube and this has kept him in the chair the last two nights as being more comfortable. They think Prilosec will solve this minor obstacle. They remain strong and believe in God's healing love -- a sure sign today from the surgery news.

While I usually end these posts with a Bible verse, I wanted to end this one a little bit different but just as fitting. My daughter, Payton (3 years old), is in a program here at West Point called Cubbies. She studies Bible verses each week and learns the stories of the Bible. Sunday, when I went to pick her up from her class, she was talking about what she had learned and she brought up how grandpa was sick. She proceeded to tell me that God touches people who are sick and heals them. She said that this was what God was going to do for grandpa. From the mouths of babes...

Please continue to keep dad in your prayers, but we also have some other prayer requests. As dad had requested earlier, please keep my Aunt Barbara and Uncle Jim in your prayers for healing as well as the Greenwells for God's peace and love. Also please add Judy McMillian, her daughters Amber and Holly, and their families to your prayers on the loss of their mom/grandma, and add Sydney Petty and her family to your prayers on the loss of her nephew in the tragic shootings at the Columbia Mall.

Finally, I just want to mention that on Thursday, February 6, Gretchen will be bartending for Piney Orchard's Relay for Life team (her kid's elementary school)  at J. King's Steak and Seafood Restaurant in Gambrills, MD sometime between 7 and 10 pm. Stop by and get a drink from her.....maybe beer, wine or a simple cocktail like vodka tonic or jack and coke. You would be helping out a great cause. Mom and dad are hoping to make an appearance as well, as are the kids and I.