Mom, however, has a long night ahead of her. She is staying overnight with Dad, but since it's in the step-down unit, there was no bed for her. Just a couple of padded chairs, which didn't look very comfortable! We're hoping they're able to bring in a recliner or something for her. I guess we'll find out in the morning how well she slept! Thankfully, it will only be for one night, as Dad will be getting out sometime tomorrow.
We did find out that Mom and Dad are meeting with the neurosurgeon and a whole team of other support staff (radiologists, oncologists, etc.) early next week. (Most likely Monday or Tuesday). Dad will get fitted for his radiation helmet at that time, with the hope that treatments will start by the end of the week (they're thinking Friday). As I type this, it still all feels a little bit surreal - almost like it's not quite happening. It was so good to see that Dad was doing so well tonight, and especially that his sense of humor is still intact! It feels good to still be able to laugh and joke around and enjoy life, even in the midst of all the turmoil.
Anyway...here are a few pics of Dad from this evening. He has to wear a wonderful pair of white compression stockings to help with the circulation in his legs. We joked that he's keeping in touch with his feminine side! And of course, I have to include a picture of the staples, which surprisingly don't look all that bad.
He hadn't had a ponytail in all day, so the hair's a little messy. :P
The wonderful white stockings!
The staples! We didn't count how many there are....
6 comments:
Gerald and Arlis,
This poem from Jane Kenyon came to mind this week:
Otherwise
I got out of bed
on two strong legs.
It might have been
otherwise. I ate
cereal, sweet
mild, ripe, flawless
peach. It might
have been otherwise.
I took the dog uphill
to the birch wood.
All morning I did
the work I love.
At noon I lay down
with my mate. It might
have been otherwise.
We ate dinner together
at a table with silver
candlesticks. It might
have been otherwise.
I slept in a bed
in a room with paintings
on the walls, and
planned another day.
But one day, I know,
it will be otherwise.
Gerald and Arlis, that day has come and we wish it were otherwise. As you deal with this deathful intrusion, may you know that our prayers join with yours and the chorus of many others, lifting you up before our loving God. May Christ’s presence walk you through this valley. We love you.
Bill & Linda
Amazing! The terse account and vivid images down to the last staple! It gave me a queasy feeling, as if we were right there in the hospital recovery room.
Thank you for keeping us uptodate, Dana. We send you all, especially Gerald and Arlis our supportive care and love,
Ines and Cal
This note is for Dana.
Hi Dana, you don't know us but our son is dating Kristin Folkerts (we adore her by the way!).
We lived in Wpg. and remember when Jared, Janis, and Jessie were born. Arlis even taught Christopher Kindergarten.
When we moved away our paths as families crossed for a bit but, as it can happen, our lives drifted apart. However when we did have a chance to connect there was always hugs and warmth.
Now with this huge path before Gerald and all of you I can't tell you enough just how much we appreciate this monumental task you are doing of keeping us posted. I'm sure all who are sending notes feel the same. Your notes bring tears, and the love and support shown by so many brings blessings and strength.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
We are praying with all we have.
With love
David & Dorothy Ryzebol and family
gerald
i know you have faith and loving family and friends to support you through this new journey
i know from my own share of staples and neurosurgeons and emergency surgeries and waiting for CT scans in hospital hallways that the journey can be a little nerve wracking but also full of interesting visuals
i trust you to make the most of it
i hope your family can live through this with the grace and courage you inspire
thanks to dana for all her details
take care
teresa burrows
thompson manitoba
P.S. i was down in winnipeg this week and would have come up to visit but i only checked my emails upon getting home tonight
Just wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything you need just call me.
I read the blogs daily to keep abreast of things.
Just think of all these new experiences that will come out in Gerald's art now! TTYL
You're in my thoughts and prayers, Gerald...keep fighting the good fight!
~J
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