First of all, thank you so much for all your continuing prayers, calls, emails, and comments here on the blog – you can’t imagine what a difference you all make.
To recap where we are right now, for those of you asking or who may have missed the posts below, we will be going to the University of California at San Diego for Steve’s surgery on March 15. The surgery will be done by Dr. Andrew Lowy who is an internationally recognized expert in treating this rare form of cancer (pseudomyxoma peritonei). Also, the post surgery team at UCSD is trained and experienced in caring for recovering patients that have had this type of rare and extensive surgery. The surgery can be from 8-15 hours long and recovery time in the hospital is expected to be anywhere from 10 days to 3 or 4 weeks, depending on the length of the surgery and what they have to do. We’re so thankful for answered prayers and a quick Kaiser referral to USCD and Dr. Lowy.
A couple of things to note: 1) to read details of what the surgery entails scroll down this page to the post below from Jan 27. Surgery details are highlighted in yellow. 2) to read more about Dr. Lowy and his qualifications go to http://health.ucsd.edu/news/2007/7-11-Lowy.htm
I’ll be staying at the hospital the whole time, and Joelle will be taking classes in Pasadena but plans to be at the hospital the first few days and then as often and regularly as possible. We are getting a condo right across the street from the hospital that they make available at a low cost to families in these situations.
While we wait for March 15th we are balancing working through a medium sized “to do list” with spending lots of time just being together and enjoying friends, family and each other.
While we wait for March 15th we are balancing working through a medium sized “to do list” with spending lots of time just being together and enjoying friends, family and each other.
Our friend, Debbie, is a nurse who has worked pediatric oncology and we have taken her input to heart. She writes, “As much as possible in the weeks before the surgery, find time to just be - with each other and with friends. Ask for help if you need it ……
And rest in the Lord for He loves and cares for you both.”
Reminds me of a verse I learned when I was about 3 yrs old …. “Casting all your cares upon Him, for He careth for you.” (I Peter 5:7) Who knew that some 60 years later (ok ~ 61 years later) God would use these words, so child like in their simplicity, to be such a comfort in these days of just waiting.
We're so thankful that Steve is in no pain at all though does have some discomfort as the fluid in the abdomen keeps building back up. He doesn't have much of an appetite, though he's eating anyway :-) We get out and about most days, sometimes running errands, eating at favorite places, visiting SoCal sites, talking, generally enjoying the beautiful weather these days and just being together. We also do a fair amount of laying around the house, watching tv, reading, puttering in the yard (well, Steve does this), and taking naps :-)
We're so thankful that Steve is in no pain at all though does have some discomfort as the fluid in the abdomen keeps building back up. He doesn't have much of an appetite, though he's eating anyway :-) We get out and about most days, sometimes running errands, eating at favorite places, visiting SoCal sites, talking, generally enjoying the beautiful weather these days and just being together. We also do a fair amount of laying around the house, watching tv, reading, puttering in the yard (well, Steve does this), and taking naps :-)
We love you all, and again, thank you SO much for your prayers, calls, comments here on the blog, and emails.
~ Keren
