Tuesday, February 21, 2012

A weekend of Miracles...

So I had it planned out perfectly, my body has been ready, I have been ready this baby was going to come Thursday night Friday morning.  Yep those were my plans, I did everything I could to get myself to go into labor.  This way the girls would miss Friday at school then wouldn't have to go back until Tuesday.  James wouldn't have to take time off while I was in the hospital only while I am at home recovering.  The plan was perfectly perfect.  I didn't go into labor and I was a bit upset about it. 
Friday afternoon my mom mentioned to me they they had two extra tickets to go see a play that night and asked if we wanted to go.  In some ways we did and in other ways we didn't it was a bit of a debate, but we decided we should get one last date night in for awhile.   So we went and we picked up my parents and went out to eat.  But our plans changed by the time we finished eating.  My mom and I were certain that my dad had just suffered a minor stroke, we said a prayer when we got back in the car for guidance on what we should do and my Mom said go to the IMC hospital.  I thought her choice of hospital odd.  My dad's cancer Dr. has worked with him at St. Marks, my dad has done stuff at the VA hospital (which we were a lot closer to at that moment as well.)  He had no ties or any reason to go to IMC.  But I didn't question her.  We got to the ER and they took him back immediately.  After a short while they sent him back to do a CT scan.  Then came back and told us there was a large amount of bleeding on his brain and they believed it to be inoperable.
Anyways a lot happened Friday night and we were told a huge gamut of possibilities which started rather dim but by the end of the night were sounding a lot more hopeful.  He did not have bleeding on his brain, he had a large tumor in the left side of the brain swelling to the right side. The swelling was so server they were afraid that it would soon effect his lungs and they would have to incubate him. They also found one more small tumor in his brain.  So Saturday a neurosurgeon came in and did surgery.  He said the tumor was the size of a lemon. (That's HUGE)  But the surgery went very well.  He is hopeful that my dad will return to 100%. Turns out the more we hear about the surgeon the more I believe that is the sole reason my mom told us to drive to the IMC, he is an amazing surgeon.  The other small tumor they are going to do radiation on and it will be outpatient services. The tumors are a result of the cancer he had a few years ago.
His recovery has been amazing!  Saturday night he was talking some and could move a little bit.  Sunday morning he asked the Dr. how the surgery went the the Dr responded, "You're sitting here asking me how it went fully aware.  How do you think it went?"  He got up and walked around Saturday.  So while he still needs lots of rest his recovery has been amazing.  So amazing that he is being released from the hospital today.  Yes 3 days after brain surgery he is coming home. 
I am so glad this baby boy decided not to come this weekend.  I needed to be somewhere else.  I am so grateful that the Lord knows what he is doing and blesses us.  I am so grateful for my family, the way I have seen us come together is something that would make any parent proud.  I am also so grateful for James' family and the support they have given us and help with watching the girls so we could be with my dad. 
I feel so blessed and grateful that I am easily overcome by emotion.  For all of you who were aware of our families situation I thank you for your prayers.  Without all the amazing love, support and prayers we have had who knows where we would be instead.

4 comments:

The Maez Mommy said...

That is an amazing story - it is wonderful to hear of God's tender mercies being shown in the lives of his faithful Saints. Thank you for sharing!! Now - go have that baby!!

Washington Washburns said...

We are sooooo happy that things are going better. We got the really bad news Saturday and just praying for you all. Very glad to read this today and get an AWESOME update. Best of luck to you and your whole family.

Bonnie said...

So so thankful for the way things are turning out, Liz. Your mom and dad are so strong, and have raised some amazing kids, too! You can be sure we're sending out lots of love and prayers for y'all, even for the little one who's about to join your family. Love, Aunt B and Uncle Dan
P.S. I think they were afraid they'd have to intubate him, not incubate him.

Katheryn Wiederhold said...

I could feel the emotion in your post. I am glad to hear everything went Okay. And I am glad your baby boy decided to wait. I love you and your family. :)