Blizzard of Oz...

internet photo

 Kansas had a big snowfall (second on record) lovingly named "The Blizzard of Oz", followed two days later by another snowfall; 21” in total which is a new record for us! Our kids were out of school on Thursday and Friday, then again on Monday and Tuesday, six consecutive days out of school!

We were very blessed to have everything we needed during the storms so we did not have to venture out. Our home had electricity the entire time. Our internet never faltered. I did get some exercise while moving snow. I was very thankful to our neighbor; he helped me shovel our drive and walkway, twice! Our 11 year old son Matt cleared the snow today, thankfully without my help because moving snow made me pretty sore and stiff.

This snowfall has caused some chaos with doctor appointments. Our appointment on Thursday 21Feb13 was bumped to Friday 22Feb13. Friday’s appointment triggered four new appointments that cannot be scheduled yet due to doctor offices and facilities being closed due to the storms. Jim tried calling for appointments several times today, but only received answering machines. We are afraid that these storms have added another week to his recovery mission.

My husband Jim is continuing to make healing progress. His pain is now being managed well, after some initial setbacks. His endurance continues to improve, but is not yet where he wants it to be. Jim’s body is recovering at a slow but steady pace, which is exactly what the doctors have told us to expect. Jim walked a short distance in the snow packed street today. He is already tired of being cooped up. Perhaps the weather that caused the appointment delays will be a blessing in disguise because it has allowed Jim an extra week to heal and recover.  Jim continues to keep a positive attitude. As a friend of mine has stated, Jim’s funny bone was not removed. 

beginning, middle, end of Blizzard of Oz 25-26Feb2013

Phase two has begun...

Jim continues to recover from his pneumonectomy on 12Feb13. It is a slow process. Lots of ups and downs, steps forward, steps backwards and one never knows what each day will hold. The surgeons were unable to remove all of the cancer from Jim, even after his left lung was removed. The cancer had encroached upon the heart, and there is a small tumor in the superior pulmonary vein. Jim will require aggressive treatment, in the form of chemotherapy and radiation. 

Jim had an appointment today with his oncologist. It went well. Baseline tests have been ordered and the wheels are in motion to begin Jim’s chemotherapy “soon”. We hear that word “soon” quite often and we are never sure exactly what that means.

It will be a long and difficult journey, but one that must be taken. As a friend said, the goal is not to finish the race first, but it is a race that must be completed. Another friend said: the road to recovery is never straight.

My friends have stepped forward and given us assistance that we did not even realize that we needed. We are very thankful for them. We have each been surprised to receive emotional support from our respective acquaintances, which are now our friends. We are very thankful for our closer relationships. We each have some dear friends that are encouraging us in many ways, as we knew that they would. We are each very thankful for those dear friends.

Phase two of the journey has now begun.

Home...

Wow, What a week this has been; ups, downs, joy, sadness. I am so happy that my husband, Jim, is home now. It seems like just a minute ago he was in surgery, and it seems like ages ago that he was in surgery. I have no sense of time. But, it has been 5 days. 

It will be an adjustment for him, but he is a strong man and I know that he will make it through this current phase. 

Tomorrow we find out about his next set of appointments. Then we find out what will need to be done to continue on this journey. 

Jim's pathology report was not good. As I have said many times, we will play the cards that are dealt to us.