Saturday, March 31, 2012

Rough two days

I think I'm coming out of it, whatever it was.  Yesterday I still had no energy or appetite, had 3 boosts during the day.  Just had no desire to even try to eat anything, walked between the recliner and bed with my comforter.  Starting to feel like that Charlie Brown character.  Had the shakes and shivers pretty much all day yesterday.  Last evening, I wrapped the comforter around me in the recliner and the wife put another one over me and that stopped the shivers.  PS, never had vomiting through out this ordeal

Gradually I flipped off the top one leaving me just wrapped up in one comforter.  Then I was getting hot and starting to sweat and my wife said you have a temperature.  Great.  So for next 2 hours we kept taking a temp. reading every 15 mins, she got on the phone and called the week end phone number for IU hospital to check in with them on what to do.  I told her I think I just may have overheated my own body. The temp. was slowly dropping during this time and by 9:30 was right at 100, down from a high of 102.  The shivers were over and I would occasionally sweat, but not for long.

The night went ok, just slept under a quilt, not the comforter, shivers gone, and right now am feeling better.  It's 7:30 AM on Sat. morning.  I already know what I want for breakfast, so I feel like eating something, yeah.  Going to take a shower directly to wash  all that sweat off, and put on real people clothes, that always make me feel better.

Just took my temp. and it was 97.0.

Thanks for all your prayers and positive thoughts through this journey, God Bless you all, Captain

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Today I hit the Wall

It's 1:30 PM and I just got out of bed.  I think I have overdone it the last week and it caught up with me. 2 small trips to the grocery alone, mowed a small patch of grass, Musical with first graders at Avon schools ( our grand daughter was in it ) yesterday trip to the hospital and the lunch and the drive around Indy.  Feel like I have a slight sunburn on my face, my arms and legs have been shaky all day, and a cold chill every once in awhile.  NO, I'm not running a temperature. 

And I had planned errands to get done today.  I left bed around 7:30 and went to the recliner with my comforter.  I had a boost for breakfast, didn't have the energy to actually cut and eat anything. Drinking my second Vitamin water for the day, avoid dehydration.  Probably have another boost and crawl back in bed.

Sorry, but I can't sit and type anymore right now.  God Bless, Captain

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Wednesday Morning Updated

7:45 AM  Getting ready to head to the IU Simon Cancer Center for a visit.  Hopefully I will be tube free afterwards, back to a normal person, as if I can be normal.

See you later with an update.  God Bless, Captain

UPDATE  3 PM

Most is good news.  The drainage bag is gone, the tube is still there until next Thursday, just to make sure.  Obviously, once you remove it, you can't just stick it back in there.  So we are pretty much a regular person, but sleeping on my right side is out cause I got this tube still sticking out.

The X-ray scan showed all the bile ducts open and working good, except for one constricted area, and of course we are watching it.  The liver is working fine, it is growing back or I wouldn't be here.  The liver must regenerate that fast in order to keep you alive.  If it was slower, the liver couldn't do it's job and death would follow shortly, that's why 80 % is regrown in the first 3 weeks.

So, the wife and I went to Iaria's for lunch (great Italian food ) then took Meridian st. north and just enjoyed the beautiful day, the flowering trees on houses and landscaping we can only dream about.  Ended up at Trader Joe's with nothing in mind to buy, just looking, and we only spend $11 on frozen lobster meat.

I'm going to take a nap now.  For UPS, I and the Doctor are looking at May 7th to return to work without any complications popping up.

Thanks for all your prayers, God Bless, Captain

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Tuesday Morning

Things are going well, but it is once again cold in Indiana.  Yesterday I could not get warm.  I wrapped up in a comforter, I put on long underwear and wrapped up. Just fought it all day.  I did make another trip to the grocery by myself.  Did just fine.

Tomorrow is another doctors appointment for blood work, a  X-ray of the liver, and hopefully removal of the final drain tube.  Then praying for no leaks internally, and more healing to occur.

Yesterday, the disability people called.  I think I said it had been approved, now they are trying to figure out the amount to send me, I have received nothing yet.  They said we notice you are receiving Social Security, I said yes.  I suppose you are going to have to deduct that from the disability check, she said yes.  I told her the whole process was a pain in the butt and hardly worth it.  I'll be back at work before I get the first check.

It's a good thing they didn't ask how much I sold on Ebay last year, or if I sold a car and made a profit, they would want to subtract that.  Jerks...................  Why even bother.  Glad I got that off my chest.

Otherwise all is good, guess I will have to figure my taxes soon. 

God Bless you all, and thanks again.  Captain

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Sunday Morning

Went to church, first time back since surgery on 3/1.  Everybody glad to see me, and I to see them.  This morning was a good first for me.  I gained 3 pounds, yeah.  Am getting my appetite back, had breakfast yesterday, ( 2 eggs, 2 pcs of bacon, hash browns and 2 pcs of toast ).  Sandwich, potato salad and 3 pickles for lunch, warmed up spaghetti for dinner.  Things are looking up.

Friday night, I took the car and went on a small trip to the grocery by myself.  Did fine, I wasn't looking for 40 pounds of dog food, don't worry, I still have a brain. 

I'm no hero, but I'm not an invalid either, every thing I do is one step on the road to recovery.  If it doesn't hurt me, why not do it.

I'm feeling better every day, less naps, a little more energy.  Restless at night though, can't get a complete nights sleep, but I wasn't doing that before surgery.

HEY, All you bowlers, don't forget April 14th, 1 PM .  I know it's been awhile and other events are getting added to our lives but I want to see you all there, and some of you own me $$$$$$........lol

Thanks for all your prayers, God is in our lives each day, look at me, an unworthy sinner. 
God Bless you all, Captain

Friday, March 23, 2012

Friday

Waiting on my buddy Mike to visit me this AM.  You just can't do with too many friends.

Did I say the surgeon gave me the ability to drive again ( a little freedom ).

Finally got my disability time approved from  UPS ins provider.  I'm approved till 4/11, heck I can't even sit for 3 hours, let alone stand for 3 hours.  We'll see, how it works out.

Better go for now, eating good, feeling pretty good, trying to walk upright without hunching over.  Weight loss may have bottomed out.

Luv you guys, thanks for all you do for me, remember there are lots of others fighting problems in their own lives.  God Bless, Captain

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Liver Anatomy 101

Here goes as I understand it in general.  This organ has 8 independent sections that comprise the liver, each section has it's own artery and vein so any section can be removed without much problems occurring for the rest of the liver.  The liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself, but you have to leave some of it for that to happen.

I had an 8 hour surgery, "extensive" as the surgeon says.  I only have 2 sections of the liver left sections 6 & 7, they removed 80% of my liver.  As we speak supposedly it has already regenerated to 80 % of it's size.  That's why all my energy is going to the liver and I'm so nap ready and can't go for long periods of time.  Of course that will change, the whole process takes 6-8 weeks.  That's probably also why I'm not gaining weight at the point, because everything I eat is going to the liver.

Here is a drawing that the surgeon made yesterday showing what's left of the liver and the bile duct routing.

Well, fudge, I can't seem to upload an Adobe file.  So anyways, I have a plastic tube that is protruding from my body, I left the hospital with it, perhaps for this situation.  It is inserted into the bile duct leaving the liver.  So that could be the site of the blockage, some of the bile is getting through, just not enough to keep me from turning jaundice.  In other words some of the plastic tubing is actually blocking the bile duct.  When they remove the tube that could clear up the problem.

But, the surgeon does not want to remove the tube too early as it needs to create some scar tissue.  If you remove it too early the hole in the bile duct may not seal correctly and you end up with a leak inside your body, We don't want that.  Also it could slow down the regeneration of the liver.  So we are going to err on the side of caution.  Next Weds, it will come out and we will watch the results.

I messed with it enough that I got it to work, now my above description may be clearer.  Remember you can click on the picture to enlarge it, if you want.  I will not show any actual photos, might be too graphic.

Thanks for all your prayers, it's not over yet,  God Bless, Captain

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

9 PM Weds night

Sorry this is so late, but I've been napping off and on today.  The results are kind of in, I will have a diagram tomorrow to show what is happening.

The liver is working fine, the liver is creating bile that is the right color, etc.  As seen by my surgeon in the the drainage bag attached to my leg.  He says all things are pretty much in line with what is expected.  He stated that it would take  6-8 weeks to work thru this process,  tomorrow is only 3 weeks from the surgery.  BE Patient, he says.  He says the bile is flowing freely, we just have to get in back inside the body and not outside.  It could be caused by the tube that is coming out, but it is too early to actually remove the tube. 

More tomorrow,  Thanks for the continued prayers, Captain

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Tuesday Afternoon

Sorry about the delay in some postings, it seems like I get tired and uncomfortable sitting at the computer.

My wife, my caregiver says my yellow is about gone, really dim.  We seem to be collecting a lot of bile in the outside my body collection bag.  I say that because at this point if we were collecting less bile, than the inside bile tube would be working better.  I have a follow up appt. tomorrow at 9:30 with the surgeon where more blood work will be done and consultations, but I'm sure the bag will remain at the present time.  Common sense tells me if we remove the outside bag, bile will just start backing up inside again. So anxious to hear what the options are.

I'm eating better, my little episode of puking Sunday night was I think caused by my diet of grease, grease and onion.  I'm down to 1 pain pill a day and I take it before bedtime just for the heck of it, thinking I may sleep better.

So tomorrow will be a later post again after seeing the doctor. 

Thanks for your prayers, God Bless you all, Captain

Monday, March 19, 2012

Struggling the Last Few Days

This may be short, but I wanted to give you an update.  The week end was hard with not much energy.  Seemed to empty a lot of bile out of my external bile bag. Not quite so yellow, but wondering what the future will bring.  NO cancer, just trying to get thru little gremlins left over from surgery.

Ate good yesterday, but too much, last night couldn't get comfortable and threw up, felt better after that, slept for 4 hours straight.  Just took a nice shower, and have trouble catching my breathe afterwards.  It just takes all my strength to dry off and get dressed so I can sit down and recover.  Weight on March 1 was 163 ( morning of surgery ) yesterday it was 145.   Don't try this diet at home..............lol

My daughter is here for a Harry Potter movie-thon.  We have never seen the final 2 movies.  See you later. Any bets on how soon I fall asleep?

Thanks for all the prayers, God Bless, Captain

Saturday, March 17, 2012

A Little Tension Yesterday

It is now Sat. AM, my birthday March 17th and I'm glad to be home celebrating it.  Wasn't so sure yesterday.  They say that cancer is a long roller coaster ride with ups and downs, Yesterday I hit a small bump and seem much better today.

Thursday was a normal day, and my best friend Mike was sitting on the porch with me, we had taken a walk and enjoying the day of 81 degrees and sunshine.  My wife returns from errands and she says why do your eyes look yellow?  I looked at her and said, "What the heck do you mean ?"  I mean we fought this liver cancer all the way from beginning to end and never any signs of jaundice which is one of the signs to look for with this cancer.  I just couldn't believe it.

She immediately called one of those emergency phone numbers they give you when you leave the hospital.  And they weren't too concerned, but since we were going to be at the Hospital to see our friend Cindy ( also battling this disease ) they said to stop by for blood work.  There was no vomiting or temperature so again, calm down.  Obviously we tried to keep the worst thoughts out of our heads, but we sure didn't want an infection, or anything to set us back with another stay in the hospital.

We saw Cindy around 11AM and then went to Surgical Outpatient for blood work.  While there they then decided that they wanted to do a x-ray of the bile ducts and they used that tube that had been left in and extending from my side. So we just waited and waited for the result to come back. Don't ask me how it is used, guess I'm glad it was still there.

Finally, we saw Dr. House, our surgeon, at around 3 PM and learned the results.  One of my bile ducts had a small constriction ( or kink ) that was allowing bile to leave the liver but not fast enough.  And therefore it was backing up and causing the jaundice look. So they hooked up another drainage bag to the tube extending from my side to free up the flow of bile.  Have another appt. next Weds to check on the progress as the bile duct inside my body un-kinks itself and becomes normal again during the regrowth of the liver.  Last night I regained my appetite, eating the most food between the hours of 4 PM and 10 PM since the surgery.  My wife, nurse, emptied about 475 cc's of bile fluid from the bag last night and early this AM.  It appears to have slowed some now.

So I think we have turned that corner and proceed forward again.  So Happy Birthday to me " 65th" and only good things for the future.

Thanks to the healing hand of God for continuing to be with me, the Drs. and there fast responses and knowledge.

God Bless you all and thanks for the prayers,  Captain

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Checking IN

Doing pretty good, starting to eat better, still taking boost every once in a while.  The last 2 days have been spent napping, but they told me that weakness and fatigue is common with this recovery as my liver is rebuilding itself.  Of course now the problem is not wanting to sleep so much at night.

Still not having a lot of pain, just being uncomfortable.  My scar and stitches start just under my sternum, goes south towards my navel, and then turns towards my right side.  Last night in bed it just felt like a large flat pizza laying there all stuck to my abdomen, and every time I moved my abdomen was one large flat piece of cardboard moving with me.  Hope that is not too confusing. 

The weather has been marvelous here in Indy, like 82 yesterday, some rain showers today, but still warm.  Then warm for the next 5-7 days, very nice for this early in the year.

Remember others in your prayers, prayers work as you can see with me.  Thanks, God Bless, Captain

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Never Got Back, Sorry

Was talking about appetite and feeling good.  Last night I felt like some KFC chicken and it tasted very good, didn't eat a lot, but to me it is always good cold.  Today is my son's birthday and he is coming over for lunch to celebrate, as he works nights this is a good schedule for him.  So " Happy Birthday " son.

My parents arrived for a visit yesterday, it was the first time since Sunday after my surgery.  While we were talking my oldest sister stopped by for a visit at the same time.  Had a nice time, maybe 3 hours and I was ready for a nap afterwards.  I'm doing fine, no temperature, bowels are working fine, energy and appetite are slowly coming back.  I now weigh 15 pounds less than I did on the morning of the surgery, do not attempt this diet at home.......lol.

I'm now drinking at least 2 bottles of boost a day to help keep nutrients flowing thru my body.  I have been up and down the stairs to the second floor of our house at least twice, so again I'm getting around fine.

Prayers to my niece today has she is having laparoscopy gall bladder removal.

Thanks for your continued prayers and thoughts being sent my way, but let's not forget our friends and neighbors.  God Bless, Captain

Monday, March 12, 2012

Maybe appetite coming back

This am I ate 2/3 of a 2 egg omelet and 1 1/2 piece of toast.  That's the most I felt like eating at 1 time since surgery.

My parents just showed up for a visit.  I will finish later.

Captain

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Doing Good

Feeling fine, just fighting restlessness.  I get tired of laying down and I stand of and walk around the house, then I sit down and try to get comfortable and that works for awhile but then I feel like laying down and so it goes, around and round and back and forth.

I'm eating, but very lightly, all body functions are working.  Taking 1 pain pill 2 a day, which is about 1/2 of my allotment ( can take every 6 hours ), just don't feel pain, just uncomfortable.  Drinking plenty of water.  The wife and I have gone on 2 short walks outside the house, walking on my own, no cane, walker or any other device.  Reading and watching sports, guess this is the next 2 big weeks for March Madness.

Thanks for all your prayers and positive thoughts, God Bless, Captain

Friday, March 9, 2012

Mildly Uncomfortable Night

Nothing to worry about, just couldn't get comfortable flat on my back, multiple trips to the bathroom, Maybe some apprehension, about what I don't know, maybe that I'm doing so well and wondering what is coming next.  I also did take that walk, not far, maybe 2 blocks outside.  I maybe overate just a little at dinner.  Some of the wife's friends brought some stuffed pepper soup over and it tasted so good, I had a second serving, now remember these are small servings to begin with, but it may have been too much.  Seems like I drank more water yesterday and it had to go somewhere.  Again nothing big, maybe just a combination of all of the above.

Here is a picture of our front door, that was decorated by a neighbor, Welcoming us Home from the Hospital.











We are so blessed with friends and family that mean so much.  I'm going to go slower today.

I'll talk to you over the week end. Thanks for all your prayers.  God Bless, Captain

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Doing Very Well, Thank you

Last night was good, got some sleep, the wife slept very good, lots of snoring was heard ( guess I'll hear about that ).  I am laying down and pretty much falling asleep.  Last night I laid down around 5 PM trying to watch some missed shows on Infinity On Demand.  I woke up with my wife in the room checking on me, the room was dark and I was anticipating that I had slept for a long while.  For some reason I was thinking 2 AM and I asked her what she was still up for?  She said it was 7:50 PM and totally burst my bubble. Maybe my whole mind is not back yet. 

I'm not trying to be any hero here but my last pain pill was 2 AM, and I just feel more discomfort than pain.  I have a pad of gauze on my side where there is 1 tube still hanging out of my body, and the tape that holds the pad is sticky and pulling on skin and you know what I mean.  Just uncomfortable.  I got up this AM at 7:30 and fixed my green tea, and let her sleep.  I've been walking around the house ( inside ) and sitting in chairs and laying down again ( 2 hour nap ).  Just trying to tell my backbone to start getting to used to changing positions again.  Using muscles that were dormant for about a week, etc.

I'm going to shower soon, put on real clothes and maybe talk a walk outside.  So still thanks to my prayer partners, God Bless you all, Captain

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Peyton and Me walking on the Same Day

It's 4:30 and I'm home.  Just took a shower and washed my hair, that felt good.  Got home around 2 PM and just crawled in bed with a comforter on me. And that's over a pair of those loose pajama pants, a long sleeve T-shirt and a nylon runners jacket.  Was watching a special on Simon and Garfunkel, very emotional for me.  It's just amazing how they can take a single sentence and someone else adds to it and they come up with a new song. They were talking about "Bridge over Troubled Waters."  And that's not talking about the actual keyboard music, the drums, the piano, etc. Just amazing and emotional for me at this time.  You don't normally think about it.

 
Saw it yesterday on ESPN that Peyton Manning and the Colts were parting ways,  Peyton will be leaving town and playing somewhere else.  I didn't watch ESPN last night but I'm sure that was all they talked about.  Never mind all the College basketball players playing to get into the NCAA tournament.  March Madness is here, can we all focus on something besides Peyton and the Colts.

Anyways, back to my title.  I just got my walking papers to leave the Hospital today.  So on the same day we are both leaving the city, I'm sure I won't make any news, I'm sure I won't be making any waves at the exit from the hospital.  No Fans crowded around to get my autograph or shed any tears to see me going home.

Don't throw your computers at me in disdain for comparing the two of us.  We're just jocks, something to talk about on a Sunday afternoon.

AND remember I'm hallucinating big time everyday. So to all my fans, see you around, I luv each one of you.

God Bless, Captain

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

All things are good................

All tubes have been removed. fingers are now free to move about on the keyboard, I got the mouse working so that is also easier to move the cursor around the screen.  I have only 1 drainage tube to come out tomorrow and then I get to leave this hospital.

I just saw Dr. House, surgeon, and he and the team are all impressed.  As follows, the chemo stepped down my cancer from the beginning at a Stage 3 to Stage 1, hardly ever happens with this cancer at the stage 3 level..  I was extremely healthy and that helped thru chemo and now thru surgery.  I have recovered from this hard surgery faster than anyone had envisioned. They just see no reason not to be optimistic.

Now for the future and what to watch for.  At this point, as of today I am cancer free.  But if this cancer reappears it will most likely do it within the next 2 years  After that 2 year period it will be more unlikely to return.  So we will be watching things closely, with Ct scans and blood work.  I will know more after the surgeon and onc meet to discuss my case leading up to my oppt in late March..as 2 future chemo or not???

I think I have most of my senses returned and am making sense.  I hope I was not too graphic in my descriptions.  Blame it on the drugs..

To all my prayer pals, my friends and family, we have met this head on and kicked some cancer butt.  Thanks to God for his merciful healing.  To God be the Glory, Great things he has  done

I have to go now, cause I'm getting tired and sweating like a dog.  (whatever that means )

God Bless you all,  Captain

Monday, March 5, 2012

Intentions don't count in Revovery...............

Yesterday did not turn out like I imagined, while I thought I could return later in the day and blog, that was incorrect. Amazing but I just could not focus my brain to communicate with my finger tips to type anything understandable. I would blink and I would forget where I had left the cursor, I would retype the same thing over again. I would actually fall asleep at the keyboard, I was having trouble trying to figure out the correct day. So I actually gave up on it.

Today is Monday, finally slept for more than 1/2 hour. I slept for over 2 hours ( soundly ) I think I made it for 4 hours the last time. I woke up around 4:45 AM and the nurse was here to take my temperature, my pulse and blood pressure, then I was able to urinate, then they drew blood for testing. Checked the drainage tubes and in general just bothered me for about 25 minutes. I have already seen a resident and 2 people walking with him carrying little pads of paper to write notes on.

I just had to take a suppository to try and move the bowels. Sorry to be so graphic at times, but it is normal body functions, that we all take and have to be made before leaving the hospital. I'm not going to be typing much longer, but know that I have more strength and energy then after this surgery on Friday. I will try to return later today. Have a great day, be careful on the roads,

Luv you guys, God Bless, Captain

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Sunday Morning 7:30am

You may say where have you been?  We're waiting, and waiting for an update, what's up?  Why no updates?  As you can see I,m repeating myself......  I'm sitting at this laptop and falling asleep, and then have to figure out where I am. Don't ever change your password during a period that allows you to change passwords while pushing buttons for pain relief.

I'm sitting in a chair typing this.  I'm standing up to urinate, multiple times during the night, I'm walking the hallways to regain strength.   I'm taking a break, I'm just to spacy.

But, all my numbers are fine, I'm good physically, I can't concentrate

See you in a little while

Rev. Deadeye

Saturday, March 3, 2012

OOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCHHHHHHHHHHHH

I'm back in he game and better than ever.  It's 2 AM on Sat. morning after surgery.

I'd like to thank my daughter for doing a fine job keeping you all informed while I was out of it.  I think I'm getting along fine with the excellent staff here at IU Simon Cancer Center.  This is not going to be a long post.  Maybe later today

Thanks for the prayers, God Bless, Captain

Friday, March 2, 2012

The Day After...

 Friday, March 2, 201

Long night... I (Suzanne) didn't get a chance to visit daddy until approximately 10pm...he was doing so well that he was being passed up by more desperate patients to be moved to ICU.  We did finally arrive in ICU- was suppose to be in here for 24 hours...again, he is doing so good they need this room too...he should be going to a regular room this afternoon!

Lots of tubes and cords coming from every direction, but he is doing very well with his breathing exercises and he is up and sitting in a chair right now!

He wants to post...not sure how we feel about that - he's a little grouchy, LOL!  Mom got some sleep - not much.  My brother John and I are here - trying to take care of both of them.

More to come latter.  Thank you again for your continued prayers, love and support.  We love you all!

love,
The family

3.45pm
well, this could be me last post...grouchy dad thinks he will be able to post later today.  I have a feeling that these is a good chance that he could change his password - hopefully he can remember what he changes it to!

He is now in a regular room.  His surgeon, Dr. House has been in and loved the color of the bile that is draining from his tube!  His oncologist, Dr. Helft came in and looked over his charts and said "Mr. Guthridge, you're perfect"!   Mom has had breakfast and lunch and the nurse will be bringing in a cot for her latter today.

If any of his posts don't make sense, please feel free to contact me @ hardysuzanne@yahoo.com - I will be happy to translate! 
PS - copy that address quickly - he could erase it as soon as he reads it!!!  LOL

Again - God Bless you all - your love and support is incredible!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Mom and Dad are both humbled by your continued thoughts and prayers.

xoxo,
Suzanne

Thursday, March 1, 2012

On The Way

4.30 AM  Just about to leave the house for the Hospital.  Lord be with me and my family and my friends as we travel down a new road today.  Watch over the surgeon, give him the knowledge and skill to make the right decisions today.  We love you and praise your name throughout today and this whole journey.
To God be the Glory, Great things He has done.  Captain and family

8 AM
8:15 - it's Suzanne, sorry for the delay, I had trouble with dad's laptop...should have practiced this prior to today!  Daddy is in surgery, mom said he walked into the or - his prayer pants in hand!
Please continue to pray for him and the doctors and nurses taking car of him.  I will update more as we hear.

9:10am
Nurse just came out - laparoscopic part is done, they found some inflammation but the test came back ok - so they have opened him up and are continuing on with the surgery!
More to come.

2.10pm
TUMOR IS OUT!!!!  Nurse just came out and said the doctor is getting ready to close him up!  Thank you LORD - thank you friends for your continued prayers!

3.40pm
Dr. House (our wonderful surgeon) just came out to talk to us - dad is doing great!  He had to take out a little more then he had planned, however, he is doing wonderful.  The tube is out and in about an hour we should be able to go see him.  He will be in ICU for @ least 24 hours.

6.45pm
well, mom and my brother got to go back and see daddy - I took my husband home, picked-up the kids and dropped them all off at home...so I am still waiting to see him.
Mom says he is a little swollen and his voice is horse from the breathing tube...I'm anxious to see him.
If I don't log in anymore tonight, I will be back tomorrow.  I plan on working for a couple of hours in the morning then come back to hang out with dad and mom...someone needs to make sure that she (the Babe) is eating and taking care of her too.

Again, love to you all - and thank you for all your prayers.

Suzanne - the daughter