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7 entries this month
04:43 Feb 27 2009
Times Read: 877
Long, grueling, and heartsick day. The surgery took nearly 6 hours with no word, no updates. The preliminary results from the surgeon were not what we had hoped. The cancer has reached the lymph nodes. I won't repeat the stage he gave us since he's thoracic and not an oncologist. It will take 48 hours for the pathology reports to come in.
On the positive side, my dad looks centered and peaceful in the face of everything. He is worried about my mom and expressing how grateful he is to have his family around him. They kicked us out of ICU at 9PM and mom and I are at the hotel for the night. She's had a shower, a good cry, and is reading her bible before trying to get some sleep.
They've been married 44 years. It's a lot to get your mind around, especially without answers. I managed to talk my way into the hospital library. (I still can't believe it.) I searched for lots of information and images about lung cancer, staging, causes, and treatments. There was even a list of questions for us to ask the doctors.
He should be moved into a room tomorrow. For now, together, we'll just face each day and each new thing as it comes. I am so lucky to have such a good and close family. Please continue to pray for us. Thank you for all the prayers you have sent our way so far. Love you all.
02:34 Feb 26 2009
Times Read: 921
We knew that when things started to move, it would go fast. Well...it's going fast now. The Thoracic surgeon called and got dad in for pre-op today. Tomorrow will be the surgery - the removal of a lobe of his left lung. He'll be in ICU at least one full day. Beyond that, we don't know...things will change day by day since they weren't able to get a biopsy from the scope last week.
So far, all signs point to the cells being contained with the one tumor on his lung. That is our prayer.
I have booked a hotel room two miles from the hospital so that between mom, Erin and I, we'll be able to take shifts, rest, and get a shower. That's right...mom will be there! Her surgery is scheduled tentatively for Mar. 12. That is a prayer answered. they were so worried that they'd have no time together. Maybe dad will even be post-op enough to help mom...we'll see. We still don't know about chemo or radiation. First things first.
My girls, the dog and cat, work, and the class I teach are all handled. I'm nervous as a cat myself and have busied myself all day with projects around the house. I think that by making order here, I feel better and it keeps my mind occupied.
I love you all. I have my cell phone and will be in touch with those that I can. For those that I can't...I'll try to see if Beastt, birra, Morri, Occam, and Irony can keep you all updated. Please keep us in prayers. I may even be able to get on in the evenings if I am at the hotel. I'm going to pack my little Acer Aspire One just in case.
Keep us and the surgeon in your prayers, please.
23:27 Feb 23 2009
Times Read: 964
Thank you. This is beautiful. You know who you are, my dear friend.
"I just want to say... I value You.
For who you are.
For what you stand for.
For your Morals.
For your Wit and charm.
For your support.
For your Wisdom.
Most of all I value you for your friendship.
I just wanted to tell you that. "
21:54 Feb 23 2009
Times Read: 991
Many of you know old Meatball. How lucky am I to travel my days with such a companion? As I type, he is at my feet. I had a rare day off from work today and took a nap. When I woke, I realized that somehow I had closed the door between us. When I opened it, he was asleep at there at the threshold. Those of you who have been loved by a dog understand and I don't have to say much more, but I will say one more thing...
For all their heart and joy, romping and bellyrub begging, to behold the love of a dog is to behold noble love. It is the most humbling experience to look upon such love and ask, "Do I deserve this?" But then, is love ever truly...earned? Dogs get this. They love because it's what they're made of, heart. I want to love with that kind of heart.
02:54 Feb 23 2009
Times Read: 1,026
I know that my friends love me. I'm lucky to have the people in my life that I do...and if I call you friend, know that I only surround myself closely with quality people. Character, mind and heart are what matter to me.
I apologize for my few words lately, and for being closed off. It is a terrible habit, closing away from those who love and want to help, who need to feel that they can at least listen or offer encouragement.
I love you and I KNOW you love me. This is a bump that my family and I will get past and we are all looking forward to even more joyful times ahead. It's just a lot to process and sometimes I need to be quiet...to listen to my own head, God, and the wisdom of the universe. I promise that you are dear to me and I'll be reaching for you over the next few weeks and maybe beyond.
I always fear that one day I'll reach out and you will be gone. That my quiet will cost me the people I hold most dear. Please, please don't mistake my quiet for not needing you.
And keep those prayers coming...they are working. My parents are facing this with so much wisdom, humility, and dignity. I am proud to be their daughter.
18:15 Feb 18 2009
Times Read: 1,090
I can't write too terribly much about this because it's so hard, so forgive my light details. I haven't said much, but those closest to me know about my mom. Two years ago, we made it past breast cancer, but have learned that we will be battling that giant again. We're going to be far more aggressive this time.
My parents are amazing, in their early 60s and incredibly youthful and active. Both are retired teachers and have been doing the world traveling that they've always looked forward to. They even visited Turkey recently! They were getting ready to travel to Germany when they decided to have checkups first.
Yesterday, mom and dad came to visit me at work. They said they wanted me to see their faces and to know that they aren't panicking. Dad's test results were not good and things are moving very fast right now. He is having an endoscopy/biopsy for the nodule on his lung. Tomorrow is a PET scan and an MRI of his head, looking for places where the cells may have migrated. After that, they'll remove a lobe from his lung. Beyond that, we just don't know...everything will change daily for a little while.
Mom and dad won't even be able to be in the same hospital. They're most sad that they won't be able to help one another much as they recover. There is only my sister and myself, so we're likely going to divide them up and work on getting them well. My time is limited in the best of times with two teens and a job that goes beyond the clock. I'll still be peeking in here and journaling when I can, but it may be hard to catch me for a while. If you can pray for us, please do. Love you all.
17:41 Feb 13 2009
Times Read: 1,138
My sympathy and prayers to the families of people on Flight 3407 that went down near Buffalo, NY.
Most of all, relief that my dear friend and yours, birra, was safe in good old Kentucky.
Joli: I'm freaking out...if you're here, say hello
birra: I'm here...1 sec
birra: All is well at home... the approach path to the ariport is about 17 miles north of where I live...
Joli: when you answered, my eyes welled up.
Relief really does wash over you. It's a good description.
birra: awww.. I'm sorry hon
Joli Dy: don't be...I'm so relieved and grateful
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COMMENTS
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PandorasBx
04:47 Feb 27 2009
*Big ass HUG*
imagesinwords
04:56 Feb 27 2009
I've been thinking about this ordeal a lot... it's just really hard for you, I know. All I can say it wow... "On the positive side..." & "I am so lucky..." - that just goes to show the person you are. You can think about that and take a lttle solace in it.
Although it may not be your intention, or even a care in your current topsy turvy world, you're being quite the example for those going through (and who will go through) such heartache.
Beastt17
05:37 Feb 27 2009
I checked here and found your update so I'll refrain from echoing the same information unless you'd like me to do so. I've been thinking about little else all day long and it leads to a very long day, even from my position. I so hoped the news would be better. There is one co-worker who knows a little about this situation and she sent me a TXT letting me know that she's praying for your parents, you and your family. My own hopes and wishes are consistent with everyone else offering their support here. You're likely some of the best medicine your parents could possibly have. You mean the world to many.
Sinora
08:17 Feb 27 2009
*Hugs*.
Nightgame
12:58 Feb 27 2009
There are words much better here than any I could share but you are amazing and your parents are lucky people. Such love and devotion are more rare than you realize and I'm sure they know it. My prayers and heart are with you and your family. Never doubt that miracles happen everyday. *hugs*
birra
18:07 Feb 27 2009
We're by your side... not physically, but in any way you need us.
I can't express much more than my unyielding faith in your spirit and your love for your family. It is the healing kind of love that can help overcome odds and obstacles.
Be strong and draw more strength from those who love you.
Blackheresy
00:04 Feb 28 2009
Ummm, no ass hugs from me, but I will hug your neck ;) You are such a warrior, you know that? Me, I cry when I stub my toe and ask for a kiss for the bobo. In seriousness, keep coming back to us when you need to vent or cry or whatever, we love you Jo.
LadyChordewa
00:15 Feb 28 2009
meeper
00:23 Feb 28 2009
Tenacity through it all. You and your family are in our prayers.
Beastt17
07:17 Feb 28 2009
No new word? :-(
artemka
23:26 Feb 28 2009
Dunno what to say, never know what to say
*hugs*