A new year ... a clean slate ...
Jim's 68th birthday was Jan. 3. Had supper (and a game of Scrabble) the night before with our family and lunch the day of with longtime friends.
And then came Thursday, Jan. 5. Bedtime to be exact.
A scratch on his lower right leg. Nothing abnormal about that ... he's had scratches before. And this was not an open sore. It was healing. But Thursday night the leg was very red, puffy and hot to the touch. At first we put Melaleuca oil on it, but by Friday night, determined that because the oil was so concentrated, it could cause less good and more trouble, so we stopped that treatment.
On Friday, Jan. 6, Jim said he didn't sleep very well. The leg was painful. It hurt to walk on it, especially when getting up from a sitting or laying position. I didn't sleep well, so was aware when his breathing became labored.
Before I continue, I want to share the Scriptures I read that morning. It was a promise God gave to us, that as long as our focus stayed on Him, things would be fine. We were not to worry, not to fret, not to fear. Just trust Him.
From Isaiah 43: 2-3: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not flow over you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, Your Savior."
Originally Jim was going to a walk-in clinic alone, but I decided to work from home, so we both went to the clinic (Hiawatha Urgent Care). We arrived at 9:50 a.m. - there were 7 people ahead of us - it was going to be at least an hour before he could be seen. He mentioned Dr. Butler's name, and lo and behold, there was a cancellation at 10. The Lord orchestrated that just brilliantly.
The usual readings were taken - weight and blood pressure. The BP was not good. It was taken three times - 70/42, 68/42 and 72/50 - all abnormally low. Butler was concerned that the consistent low readings could lead to kidney problems, as in shutting down. Dosage for the midodrine, taken to increase his numbers (which he hates to take, primarily, I think, because of the cost - $100 a month, with insurance), was returned to 3 pills 3 times a day. It seemed he was doing fine with 2 pills 3 times a day, but this new turn of events makes one wonder.
He was prescribed an antibiotic - 2 meds in one - called Amoxicillin / Clavulanic Acid 875-125 mg. Looks like horse pills and he takes one twice a day with food and plenty of water.
Dr. Butler told him that if he became light-headed, felt like he could pass out or had a fever, he should go immediately to the ER. He was to come back in 5 days for a follow-up - that would be Wednesday, Jan. 11.
We got home shortly before 11:30 a.m. Friday. He slept, I worked. He started taking 1 Ibuprofen for pain as needed.
When we had meals, he discovered the antibiotic makes some foods have no flavor. He especially noticed this with hamburgers and waffles / syrup. He could taste the sherbet, the pizza and the beef tips. It's a good thing not every food had lack of flavor, or he wouldn't be eating anything and he certainly doesn't need to stop eating.
On Saturday, Jan. 7, I also worked from home all day. Jim's breathing was not labored through the night, and although his leg still was painful, he was able to rest. Just before bedtime seems to be when we notice changes - Saturday night the redness started spreading to the other side of the leg and it was still swollen. But fortunately, there were no signs of being light-headed, passing out or fever - Thank you Lord.
Sunday, Jan. 8, we returned to Lincoln Street Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant, where we are providing interim pastoral care while the congregation's current interim pastor is out due to health conditions and they are deciding what to do in the future. We thought if need be, we would share driving duties going down, in case Jim's strength wasn't at its best. But he did fine. He didn't notice the pain in his leg, probably because he was preaching. He slept on the way home and most of the afternoon.
I posted on Facebook and the Immanuel email requesting prayer. There were some who suggested we go to the ER, especially since the redness was spreading. We were in a quandary. God told us not to fret, not to worry, not to fear. And all three of those were spouting their ugly heads.
Sunday night, the redness spread to his ankle. He started putting his legs up to reduce the puffiness.
Monday morning, Jan. 9, we called Dr. Butler's office and a return call got us an appointment for 4:30 this afternoon.
His blood pressure is up - 80/44. He was put on a different antibiotic - Levofloxacin 500 mg (Levaquin) and is to take 1 tablet once a day, at a different time than his vitamins. He'll start it at supper tonight. Dr. Butler remains concerned, but not sure a visit to the Emergency Room is warranted. Jim is to return to his office at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to see how he is doing with the new antibiotic.
We appreciate your continual prayers for healing as we strive to stay close to the Lord and proceed as best we can.
Showing posts with label Midodrine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Midodrine. Show all posts
Monday, January 9, 2017
Sunday, January 1, 2017
a new year begins
Today is nearing the end of the first day of the New Year of 2017.
Health-wise it has been relatively quiet.
In mid-October he decided to reduce the amount of Midodrine he is taking. Midodrine helps to increase his blood pressure. He has been taking 3 pills three times a day. Now he takes 2 pills three times a day. He has had infrequent episodes of shortness of breath, but he does not relate it to the decreased amount of Midodrine. But I always take note of it when he mentions it or I notice he is breathing harder.
Jim had two doctors visits in December.
... lab work followed by a physical at Dr. Butler's office was Dec. 13 - results were good. His weight, fully clothed, added a pound, so he checked in at 139.6 pounds. His blood pressure continues to waiver - 84/60. Thyroid remains normal. Labs showed no abnormalities.
... a CT scan of his chest was ordered by his cancer surgeon, Dr. Parekh. It was done Dec. 13 at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids.
... a visit to Dr. Brooks, his rheumatologist, was Dec. 21. He finished his 5-year plan on Reclast, a once-a-year IV regimen for osteoporosis, last year, so this year the doctor decided two shots annually would be the plan. Insurance approved it, and Jim had the first shot Dec. 28.
... bone density scan was Friday morning, Dec. 23.
Ministries
We continue meeting with friends and members of the church Jim served at in Wilton as interim pastor (1-year through the end of August 2016), keeping up-to-date with news and sharing Scripture and prayer with each other. Sometimes we get together for a meal or a movie too and always lots of visiting.
Since the last Sunday of November we have started serving as "interim" for the interim pastor who is recovering from back surgery at Lincoln Street Baptist Church, a small church in Mount Pleasant.
We have a new website that we have named Glorify GOD Ministries. GOD stands for Go His Way, Obey His Commands, Do His Will ... Glorify His Name. That is our goal. We both liked the name, so I put something together. You can look at it here: http://glorifygodministries.blogspot.com/ It includes Jim's sermons since March, links to my blogs, his resume, contact information, about us, how to be saved.
We are considering the possibility of incorporating Bible study with our visiting and have ordered a book on "Hearing God in Conversation: How to Recognize His Voice Everywhere" to review.
House Work - indoors, outdoors
Jim felt well enough to start cleaning the basement in mid-October. We have talked for more than a year about cleaning out the area underneath the stairs and putting a lot of our Christmas stuff in there. So he started and finished in relatively quick order. The things he found were interesting to both of us, but a lot of stuff was pitched.
He mowed the yard himself much of the summer and when Christina and the boys came over to rake leaves this fall, he mowed and mulched the yard.
One day in mid-November when the temperature was comfortable, he put up our outdoor Christmas decorations and decorated the lamp post. He took them down today without any problems.
It has been an eventful and sometimes troublesome 2016.
But now the slate is wiped clean and a new year begins.
Health-wise it has been relatively quiet.
In mid-October he decided to reduce the amount of Midodrine he is taking. Midodrine helps to increase his blood pressure. He has been taking 3 pills three times a day. Now he takes 2 pills three times a day. He has had infrequent episodes of shortness of breath, but he does not relate it to the decreased amount of Midodrine. But I always take note of it when he mentions it or I notice he is breathing harder.
Jim had two doctors visits in December.
... lab work followed by a physical at Dr. Butler's office was Dec. 13 - results were good. His weight, fully clothed, added a pound, so he checked in at 139.6 pounds. His blood pressure continues to waiver - 84/60. Thyroid remains normal. Labs showed no abnormalities.
... a CT scan of his chest was ordered by his cancer surgeon, Dr. Parekh. It was done Dec. 13 at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids.
... a visit to Dr. Brooks, his rheumatologist, was Dec. 21. He finished his 5-year plan on Reclast, a once-a-year IV regimen for osteoporosis, last year, so this year the doctor decided two shots annually would be the plan. Insurance approved it, and Jim had the first shot Dec. 28.
... bone density scan was Friday morning, Dec. 23.
Ministries
We continue meeting with friends and members of the church Jim served at in Wilton as interim pastor (1-year through the end of August 2016), keeping up-to-date with news and sharing Scripture and prayer with each other. Sometimes we get together for a meal or a movie too and always lots of visiting.
Since the last Sunday of November we have started serving as "interim" for the interim pastor who is recovering from back surgery at Lincoln Street Baptist Church, a small church in Mount Pleasant.
We have a new website that we have named Glorify GOD Ministries. GOD stands for Go His Way, Obey His Commands, Do His Will ... Glorify His Name. That is our goal. We both liked the name, so I put something together. You can look at it here: http://glorifygodministries.blogspot.com/ It includes Jim's sermons since March, links to my blogs, his resume, contact information, about us, how to be saved.
We are considering the possibility of incorporating Bible study with our visiting and have ordered a book on "Hearing God in Conversation: How to Recognize His Voice Everywhere" to review.
House Work - indoors, outdoors
Jim felt well enough to start cleaning the basement in mid-October. We have talked for more than a year about cleaning out the area underneath the stairs and putting a lot of our Christmas stuff in there. So he started and finished in relatively quick order. The things he found were interesting to both of us, but a lot of stuff was pitched.
He mowed the yard himself much of the summer and when Christina and the boys came over to rake leaves this fall, he mowed and mulched the yard.
One day in mid-November when the temperature was comfortable, he put up our outdoor Christmas decorations and decorated the lamp post. He took them down today without any problems.
It has been an eventful and sometimes troublesome 2016.
But now the slate is wiped clean and a new year begins.
Monday, December 21, 2015
Updates - Day 220
It was Thanksgiving and now it is nearly Christmas. It has been a busy month for us as it has for many of you.
Today, Dec. 21, Jim and I both had appointments. I know some of you have said you prefer to know what is going on with Jim than with me, but we are a couple, so our life is about us, not just him and not just me. You can always skip those parts that dwell on me.
I had an epidural in my back this morning at St. Luke's Pain Clinic. Some of the muscle and joint pain of recent months that I thought was related to my left hip and leg was actually in my low back.
Jim had a one-week follow-up with his primary care physician, Dr. Todd Butler. Last week on Dec. 15, his visit with Dr. Butler revealed his blood pressure to be 70/42 and weight 132 pounds. He increased Jim's dosage of midodrine from 5 mg three times a day to 7 1/2 mg three times a day and suggested a MRA (angiogram) of chest muscles might be in order. Today, after the increase in medicine, Jim's blood pressure was 80/50 and weight 130 pounds. His waist, which had dropped from 33 inches to 31, now measures 29 inches. The doctor was concerned about the lower BP readings, but decided not to do anything about the MRA at this time. He would wait to see what Jim's cardiologist, Dr. Stephen Bailin, has to say. We see him on Jan. 15. Jim has not had any signs of dizziness or lightheadedness; his lungs are clear, heart and kidneys fine. Lab work was scheduled this past week, and results were normal. Jim is to return to Dr. Butler in 8 weeks.
We also received a phone call from the office of Jim's rheumatologist, Dr. Michael Brooks. We had to return to MedLabs mid-afternoon so Jim could have an INI of calcium. Jim is scheduled to have a Reclast, an annual IV injection for osteoporosis, on Wednesday morning, Dec. 23, but that procedure may be delayed a week if calcium results are not received by early Wednesday. He was low on calcium, and earlier this week, was told he also was low on Vitamin D. Both of these supplements were stopped from May to July, when he was having various procedures at UIHC.
Jim still is tired, probably because of the ischemic stroke and arthritis, but the Lord enables him to accomplish many things.
On Nov. 29, he decorated the lamp post in front of our house and set up the vintage sleigh, reindeer and Santa my parents made many long years ago. He also set up lights so passersby could see it and the nativity in the evening hours. Most of the decorating indoors was done by Dec. 1, and on Dec. 5, Jim started baking for our open house. I helped with decorating sugar cookies, writing and printing the Christmas newsletter, setting up the food display, etc. We had 35 people come to our Open House Dec. 12, including four members from Wilton Baptist.
We have over 50 nativities (as well as multiple Christmas trees, angels and Santas) and 10 of them were obtained just this month. Among them: a silver nativity from Ron and Carla Dunnahoo at Wilton, a glass nativity with Merry Christmas across the top from church members at Wilton and one from a hospice client Jim visits in Central City.
Various Christmas programs we attended were Cedar Rapids Washington Madrigal Singers during evening services Dec. 13 at Immanuel, Austin's preschool musical Dec. 15 at Taylor School, and Immanuel's youth choir during evening services Dec. 20, also at Immanuel.
We continue to serve at Wilton Baptist Church and love our time there. We are in no hurry to have it end, but that is all in God's timing, so we will enjoy whatever He gives us. Jim and I drive to Wilton every Sunday and sometimes Jim or both of us (if it works out) go there mid-week to visit members or lead a service. He also visits members who have had procedures in the hospital. A Christmas Eve candlelight service will be Thursday, Dec. 24, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Today, Dec. 21, Jim and I both had appointments. I know some of you have said you prefer to know what is going on with Jim than with me, but we are a couple, so our life is about us, not just him and not just me. You can always skip those parts that dwell on me.
I had an epidural in my back this morning at St. Luke's Pain Clinic. Some of the muscle and joint pain of recent months that I thought was related to my left hip and leg was actually in my low back.
Jim had a one-week follow-up with his primary care physician, Dr. Todd Butler. Last week on Dec. 15, his visit with Dr. Butler revealed his blood pressure to be 70/42 and weight 132 pounds. He increased Jim's dosage of midodrine from 5 mg three times a day to 7 1/2 mg three times a day and suggested a MRA (angiogram) of chest muscles might be in order. Today, after the increase in medicine, Jim's blood pressure was 80/50 and weight 130 pounds. His waist, which had dropped from 33 inches to 31, now measures 29 inches. The doctor was concerned about the lower BP readings, but decided not to do anything about the MRA at this time. He would wait to see what Jim's cardiologist, Dr. Stephen Bailin, has to say. We see him on Jan. 15. Jim has not had any signs of dizziness or lightheadedness; his lungs are clear, heart and kidneys fine. Lab work was scheduled this past week, and results were normal. Jim is to return to Dr. Butler in 8 weeks.
We also received a phone call from the office of Jim's rheumatologist, Dr. Michael Brooks. We had to return to MedLabs mid-afternoon so Jim could have an INI of calcium. Jim is scheduled to have a Reclast, an annual IV injection for osteoporosis, on Wednesday morning, Dec. 23, but that procedure may be delayed a week if calcium results are not received by early Wednesday. He was low on calcium, and earlier this week, was told he also was low on Vitamin D. Both of these supplements were stopped from May to July, when he was having various procedures at UIHC.
Jim still is tired, probably because of the ischemic stroke and arthritis, but the Lord enables him to accomplish many things.
On Nov. 29, he decorated the lamp post in front of our house and set up the vintage sleigh, reindeer and Santa my parents made many long years ago. He also set up lights so passersby could see it and the nativity in the evening hours. Most of the decorating indoors was done by Dec. 1, and on Dec. 5, Jim started baking for our open house. I helped with decorating sugar cookies, writing and printing the Christmas newsletter, setting up the food display, etc. We had 35 people come to our Open House Dec. 12, including four members from Wilton Baptist.
We have over 50 nativities (as well as multiple Christmas trees, angels and Santas) and 10 of them were obtained just this month. Among them: a silver nativity from Ron and Carla Dunnahoo at Wilton, a glass nativity with Merry Christmas across the top from church members at Wilton and one from a hospice client Jim visits in Central City.
Various Christmas programs we attended were Cedar Rapids Washington Madrigal Singers during evening services Dec. 13 at Immanuel, Austin's preschool musical Dec. 15 at Taylor School, and Immanuel's youth choir during evening services Dec. 20, also at Immanuel.
We continue to serve at Wilton Baptist Church and love our time there. We are in no hurry to have it end, but that is all in God's timing, so we will enjoy whatever He gives us. Jim and I drive to Wilton every Sunday and sometimes Jim or both of us (if it works out) go there mid-week to visit members or lead a service. He also visits members who have had procedures in the hospital. A Christmas Eve candlelight service will be Thursday, Dec. 24, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Appointments - Day 174
The first of many appointments today was a visit with his primary care physician, Dr. Todd Butler. Weight is 128.6 pounds with clothes on. Blood pressure is 70/46. Jim's plan of action to reduce the frequency of taking Midodrine was curtailed by Dr. Butler, who said he really needs to be taking it three times a daily so it will last all day and raise his blood pressure. Otherwise the medicine only lasts a few hours and is of little benefit. Results of blood work drawn indicated his thyroid is fine and he is a little anemic.
The consultation with his dentist, Dr. John McGrane, resulted in an appointment Wednesday morning at 11:10 to remove the infected tooth. Then, on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m., he will have two fillings repaired.
The consultation with his dentist, Dr. John McGrane, resulted in an appointment Wednesday morning at 11:10 to remove the infected tooth. Then, on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m., he will have two fillings repaired.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Second opinion informative - Day 164
Today is Saturday, the 164th day after Jim's esophageal cancer surgery. It has been a mostly quiet day, except for the occasional beep of the heart monitor he is to wear for the next 29 days.
Yesterday - Friday, he had a second opinion appointment with Dr. Stephen Bailin, a cardiologist at UIHC. We like Dr. Bailin - he explains things so you understand what's going on and what isn't and he doesn't give you the impression whatever he says is what you should do. He listens to the patient and the family. He's going to be Jim's new cardiologist going forward. Good-bye Dr. Li.
We arrived 30 minutes early for our appointment. Weight and blood pressure were taken right away - 129 pounds fully clothed and BP was low.... 78/43. The EKG was normal.
We discussed not resuming the Coumadin - he has been off it since Oct. 1, when he was diagnosed with a bleeding ulcer that resulted in another 5-day stay in the hospital. The multiple periods of dizziness and lightheadedness in a given day have been absent. He was feeling better. There have been two brief moments of dizziness, however, in recent days - one was Oct. 18, the other Oct. 19. If there were others, Jim hasn't said.
It was determined even though he had one episode of a stroke (ischemic), he has not been in AFib since his June surgery for the bowel obstruction. It was decided he didn't need to be on Coumadin, just a baby aspirin.
We discussed an alternative medicine to the Flomax taken for the prostate. Flomax can cause low blood pressure / dizziness too. Even though he has been on the medicine for a long time, it may possibly be causing problems in his body now. So the medicine Alfuzoin was considered as one less likely to cause hypotension. But we didn't end up going that route, at least not right now.
Another potential medicine is Midodrine which can raise blood pressure. Dr. Bailin asked if Jim had had an ultrasound. He did have an endoscopic ultrasound March 31. Apparently Jim has a congenital defect, with a flap-like opening in the wall of the heart. Usually this flap closes at birth, but there are some cases where it stays open. It appears Jim is one of those "cases."
Jim had his blood pressure taken laying down (84/49), sitting up (76/43) and standing (80/45). Then he had blood drawn for a cortisol stimulation test, which shows an excess or deficient amount of cortisol and how the adrenal glands are functioning. I'm not sure what his results mean. The preliminary numbers were 8.4. On Monday, Oct. 26, we found the final numbers to be 22.0 - elevated from the standard range. By Friday, Oct. 30, we learned the numbers were not abnormal, so I'm guessing the adrenal glands are functioning just fine.
The doctor wants to try him on the Midodrine, the smallest dose of 2 1/2 mg 2 to 3 times a day - morning, noon and supper time. The round pills are very hard to cut in half, even with a pill splitter.
Also, Jim is to be on a heart monitor for 30 days to see how he is doing. Records will automatically transmit to UIHC. Whenever he has an episode (dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath), he is is push the button on the monitor.
Interim Pastorate
Jim began serving as interim pastor at Wilton (Iowa) Baptist Church in October. We started traveling to the Wilton area Tuesday, Oct. 13, to visit church members. The next time was Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Jim went by himself. He did just fine driving to and from.
Sunday, Oct. 18, was Pastor Appreciation Day. All pastors who have ever served at Wilton Baptist were invited to a luncheon after worship. On this day, besides Jim and me, there was Mike and Ginny Roberts. Mike used to serve in the Cedar Rapids area, but now is in southeast Iowa as director of missions. Craig Horning, a former Cedar Rapidian and Immanuel member, who now lives in Deming, N.M., came with us. I had the afternoon off from work, so was able to enjoy more of the festivities.
Sunday, Oct. 25, Jim will preach from 1 Peter: 2:11-25 on "The Nitty-Gritty of Every Day."
Awana and Canning
Wednesdays are special - we take our grandson to Awana - Austin, who will be 4 in a few short weeks, is in Cubbies. He seems to enjoy the time there and is learning about Jesus.
Jim often is tired. I can't imagine why sometimes - he has taken up the art of canning and has come to be pretty good at it, via instructions from the internet. On Oct. 14, he canned 4 pints of tomatoes and 2 pints of applesauce. On Tuesday, Oct. 20, while I did Gazette work at home for six hours, Jim made homemade vegetable beef soup and homemade bread. We delivered the homemade goodies, including applesauce, to Cathy's adopted mommy, Miss Anna, and had a nice visit.
Follow-up visit Nov. 11
Jim's 3-month follow-up visit with Dr. Parekh, his cancer surgeon, has been scheduled for Nov. 11. It may be his 3-month visit, but it's 6 months after surgery.
His next appointment with Dr. Bailin, his new cardiologist, is Jan. 15, 2016.
Yesterday - Friday, he had a second opinion appointment with Dr. Stephen Bailin, a cardiologist at UIHC. We like Dr. Bailin - he explains things so you understand what's going on and what isn't and he doesn't give you the impression whatever he says is what you should do. He listens to the patient and the family. He's going to be Jim's new cardiologist going forward. Good-bye Dr. Li.
We arrived 30 minutes early for our appointment. Weight and blood pressure were taken right away - 129 pounds fully clothed and BP was low.... 78/43. The EKG was normal.
We discussed not resuming the Coumadin - he has been off it since Oct. 1, when he was diagnosed with a bleeding ulcer that resulted in another 5-day stay in the hospital. The multiple periods of dizziness and lightheadedness in a given day have been absent. He was feeling better. There have been two brief moments of dizziness, however, in recent days - one was Oct. 18, the other Oct. 19. If there were others, Jim hasn't said.
It was determined even though he had one episode of a stroke (ischemic), he has not been in AFib since his June surgery for the bowel obstruction. It was decided he didn't need to be on Coumadin, just a baby aspirin.
We discussed an alternative medicine to the Flomax taken for the prostate. Flomax can cause low blood pressure / dizziness too. Even though he has been on the medicine for a long time, it may possibly be causing problems in his body now. So the medicine Alfuzoin was considered as one less likely to cause hypotension. But we didn't end up going that route, at least not right now.
Another potential medicine is Midodrine which can raise blood pressure. Dr. Bailin asked if Jim had had an ultrasound. He did have an endoscopic ultrasound March 31. Apparently Jim has a congenital defect, with a flap-like opening in the wall of the heart. Usually this flap closes at birth, but there are some cases where it stays open. It appears Jim is one of those "cases."
Jim had his blood pressure taken laying down (84/49), sitting up (76/43) and standing (80/45). Then he had blood drawn for a cortisol stimulation test, which shows an excess or deficient amount of cortisol and how the adrenal glands are functioning. I'm not sure what his results mean. The preliminary numbers were 8.4. On Monday, Oct. 26, we found the final numbers to be 22.0 - elevated from the standard range. By Friday, Oct. 30, we learned the numbers were not abnormal, so I'm guessing the adrenal glands are functioning just fine.
The doctor wants to try him on the Midodrine, the smallest dose of 2 1/2 mg 2 to 3 times a day - morning, noon and supper time. The round pills are very hard to cut in half, even with a pill splitter.
Also, Jim is to be on a heart monitor for 30 days to see how he is doing. Records will automatically transmit to UIHC. Whenever he has an episode (dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath), he is is push the button on the monitor.
Interim Pastorate
Jim began serving as interim pastor at Wilton (Iowa) Baptist Church in October. We started traveling to the Wilton area Tuesday, Oct. 13, to visit church members. The next time was Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Jim went by himself. He did just fine driving to and from.
Sunday, Oct. 18, was Pastor Appreciation Day. All pastors who have ever served at Wilton Baptist were invited to a luncheon after worship. On this day, besides Jim and me, there was Mike and Ginny Roberts. Mike used to serve in the Cedar Rapids area, but now is in southeast Iowa as director of missions. Craig Horning, a former Cedar Rapidian and Immanuel member, who now lives in Deming, N.M., came with us. I had the afternoon off from work, so was able to enjoy more of the festivities.
Sunday, Oct. 25, Jim will preach from 1 Peter: 2:11-25 on "The Nitty-Gritty of Every Day."
Awana and Canning
Wednesdays are special - we take our grandson to Awana - Austin, who will be 4 in a few short weeks, is in Cubbies. He seems to enjoy the time there and is learning about Jesus.
Jim often is tired. I can't imagine why sometimes - he has taken up the art of canning and has come to be pretty good at it, via instructions from the internet. On Oct. 14, he canned 4 pints of tomatoes and 2 pints of applesauce. On Tuesday, Oct. 20, while I did Gazette work at home for six hours, Jim made homemade vegetable beef soup and homemade bread. We delivered the homemade goodies, including applesauce, to Cathy's adopted mommy, Miss Anna, and had a nice visit.
Follow-up visit Nov. 11
Jim's 3-month follow-up visit with Dr. Parekh, his cancer surgeon, has been scheduled for Nov. 11. It may be his 3-month visit, but it's 6 months after surgery.
His next appointment with Dr. Bailin, his new cardiologist, is Jan. 15, 2016.
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