He is in room 59 on 4th floor of UIHC. Don't come up on Elevator D - I discovered this morning when Rocky, Christina and Austin came to visit, that Elevator D is only for staff. So come up on Elevator E, go right and where signs indicate Elevator D is, go there. The second entrance leads to the wing for thoracic surgery patients and will take you to Jim's room.
My personal suggestion is to park in Ramp 4. I think the skywalk from Ramp 3 to the hospital is way long and tiring, but some may differ. You can choose from Ramp 1, 3 or 4.
His cell phone is (319) 210-1628 - and his phone for room 59 is (319) 353-9187. It's a wireless phone, so either number he should be able to answer.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Thankfulness
Thank Him
for where you are
what you have
today
tomorrow
Look to Him
and go
where He directs
do
what He instructs
We seek
opportunities
not considering
the moments
for development
and growth
that exist in
surgical procedures
and long periods
of recovery
He is there in the midst
but our fears
often take precedence
and we fail
to recognize
Everything HE IS
Thank Him
for showing us
how to pray
and enabling us
to do so for all
day in, day out,
continually.
Thank Him
for the pain
from which
we receive
blessings
Thank Him
for friends and family
who come alongside us
and give support
in whatever way they can
Thank Him
for every reminder
keeping us
close and closer
to Him.
Thank Him
for moments
of rest,
however brief,
that renews
our stamina
as we press on.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the way of God, in Christ Jesus for you" ~ I Thessalonians 5:18
for where you are
what you have
today
tomorrow
Look to Him
and go
where He directs
do
what He instructs
We seek
opportunities
not considering
the moments
for development
and growth
that exist in
surgical procedures
and long periods
of recovery
He is there in the midst
but our fears
often take precedence
and we fail
to recognize
Everything HE IS
Thank Him
for showing us
how to pray
and enabling us
to do so for all
day in, day out,
continually.
Thank Him
for the pain
from which
we receive
blessings
Thank Him
for friends and family
who come alongside us
and give support
in whatever way they can
Thank Him
for every reminder
keeping us
close and closer
to Him.
Thank Him
for moments
of rest,
however brief,
that renews
our stamina
as we press on.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the way of God, in Christ Jesus for you" ~ I Thessalonians 5:18
Recovery - Day 1
Jim called me at 7 this morning. I don't know how well he slept through the night... I'm thinking probably not real well. He has a lot of pain on right side of chest, so the pain medication he receives through an IV was increased this morning.
Dr. Parekh, the surgeon, has scheduled a colonoscopy for him 8 to 10 weeks out -- it will be July 21. I'm just positive Jim will thoroughly enjoy taking that delightfully tasting prep drink again (NOT)!!
It's going on 1 p.m. I arrived at 10 a.m. He has had pain in the mid-chest area. His day nurse, Ashley, said it could be the chest tube poking whenever he moved a lot. Eventually he was given more medicine more frequently through the IV button - like every 6 minutes. He had a visit from the pharmacy guy regarding his meds and how many are or are not available in liquid form. He cannot take flomax so are looking into something different - possibly a tablet that can be crushed and dissolved into the feeding tube. The flomax helps with bathroom duties, so the catheter will probably stay in until things can be better managed.
Two goals were set today. One - Tube feeding begins on Friday. Two - to go home by Sunday.
Today is Day 1. Yesterday, the day of surgery, was Day 0. If everything is okay, the earliest he will go home is Sunday afternoon, but it might be Monday.
Several visitors have come this morning - the Dunnahoos from Wilton Baptist, where Jim has preached occasionally; Rocky, Christina and Austin - our adopted family ... they brought flowers and a get well balloon and cards. Austin picked out a card just for Papa with a giraffe on it, because he knew Papa liked giraffes. It was so sweet. Austin didn't quite recognize Jim as his voice was rather hoarse. A longtime friend, Joel, who loves Hannibal almost as much as Jim does, came to visit too.
At 5 p.m., Jim had a chest x-ray. That revealed the nose tube was tangled up inside him, making it no longer user friendly, so the tube was removed.
Another test is scheduled in the morning that will show how things are progressing for the planned tube feeding on Friday.
Dr. Parekh, the surgeon, has scheduled a colonoscopy for him 8 to 10 weeks out -- it will be July 21. I'm just positive Jim will thoroughly enjoy taking that delightfully tasting prep drink again (NOT)!!
It's going on 1 p.m. I arrived at 10 a.m. He has had pain in the mid-chest area. His day nurse, Ashley, said it could be the chest tube poking whenever he moved a lot. Eventually he was given more medicine more frequently through the IV button - like every 6 minutes. He had a visit from the pharmacy guy regarding his meds and how many are or are not available in liquid form. He cannot take flomax so are looking into something different - possibly a tablet that can be crushed and dissolved into the feeding tube. The flomax helps with bathroom duties, so the catheter will probably stay in until things can be better managed.
Two goals were set today. One - Tube feeding begins on Friday. Two - to go home by Sunday.
Today is Day 1. Yesterday, the day of surgery, was Day 0. If everything is okay, the earliest he will go home is Sunday afternoon, but it might be Monday.
Several visitors have come this morning - the Dunnahoos from Wilton Baptist, where Jim has preached occasionally; Rocky, Christina and Austin - our adopted family ... they brought flowers and a get well balloon and cards. Austin picked out a card just for Papa with a giraffe on it, because he knew Papa liked giraffes. It was so sweet. Austin didn't quite recognize Jim as his voice was rather hoarse. A longtime friend, Joel, who loves Hannibal almost as much as Jim does, came to visit too.
At 5 p.m., Jim had a chest x-ray. That revealed the nose tube was tangled up inside him, making it no longer user friendly, so the tube was removed.
Another test is scheduled in the morning that will show how things are progressing for the planned tube feeding on Friday.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Today is the day
"This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." ~ Psalm 118:24
That was my first thought shortly after getting out of bed at 4:07 this morning and my devotional reading led me to Exodus 33:14, which said "... 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' "
It was a long walk along the skywalk from Ramp 3 to Elevator H and 6th floor (especially for friend Jani Ford and I, as Jim had wheel chair privileges), but we checked in at the surgery waiting room area on the 6th floor at UIHC right on the dot at 6 a.m. Within minutes, we were transported to a room on 5th floor, where Jim was readied for surgery.
Pastor Dan came by at 6:45 -- we were surprised to see him on his day off. He read from Psalm 121 and prayed with us. It was much appreciated that he took the time to come. Jim's sister, Dianne Weldon, arrived at 7:30.
Jim had his hair clipped from chest to groin. No more fur.
At 7:15 a.m. I learned Jim had failed to communicate some aspects of the surgery with me. First it was going to be minimal-invasive, then traditional, .... he couldn't seem to make up his mind. And then last week he changed it back to minimal-invasive. I was ready to shoot him.
So, instead of a 4-hour procedure, it would be up to 7 hours, possibly longer. He was in the operating room from 8:15 a.m. to 2:44 p.m. We talked with Dr. Parekh at 2:15 - he said everything went well, no complications. For the next 10-15 days, the risk of infection where the stomach and 1-2 centimeters of esophagus connect is high. Don't want any redness or drainage.
The thoracic epidural that had been suggested for pain control didn't happen because of neurofibromatosis (bumps on his body) and the brain tumor surgery he had in 2006. He receives pain medication through an IV and can push a button every 10 minutes.
And then because of his hiatal hernia, he had to numb the throat area himself with a lollipop swab (disgusting stuff) - I think the anesthesia team called it awake fiber optic. It was supposed to help him not aspirate.
He was in the recovery room from 2:44 to 5:15 p.m., and then taken to 4th floor, right around the corner from Eleavor D. His room number is 59. He can have visitors. Dr. Parekh said depending upon how things go, he could come home on day 4 or 5.
It is now 9:30 p.m. Jim just called me on his cell phone. His nurse already has him sitting up on the side of the bed. Tomorrow he will be up walking. He can talk, but his voice is hoarse. He didn't talk much above a whisper several hours ago. He wants to get better soon, so we all have to be positive.
And now for a little trivia we learned from other "waiting" people ... there are 2,400 bathrooms through the hospital.
We thank you for your prayers along the way and continuing in the long days ahead.
That was my first thought shortly after getting out of bed at 4:07 this morning and my devotional reading led me to Exodus 33:14, which said "... 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' "
It was a long walk along the skywalk from Ramp 3 to Elevator H and 6th floor (especially for friend Jani Ford and I, as Jim had wheel chair privileges), but we checked in at the surgery waiting room area on the 6th floor at UIHC right on the dot at 6 a.m. Within minutes, we were transported to a room on 5th floor, where Jim was readied for surgery.
Pastor Dan came by at 6:45 -- we were surprised to see him on his day off. He read from Psalm 121 and prayed with us. It was much appreciated that he took the time to come. Jim's sister, Dianne Weldon, arrived at 7:30.
Jim had his hair clipped from chest to groin. No more fur.
At 7:15 a.m. I learned Jim had failed to communicate some aspects of the surgery with me. First it was going to be minimal-invasive, then traditional, .... he couldn't seem to make up his mind. And then last week he changed it back to minimal-invasive. I was ready to shoot him.
So, instead of a 4-hour procedure, it would be up to 7 hours, possibly longer. He was in the operating room from 8:15 a.m. to 2:44 p.m. We talked with Dr. Parekh at 2:15 - he said everything went well, no complications. For the next 10-15 days, the risk of infection where the stomach and 1-2 centimeters of esophagus connect is high. Don't want any redness or drainage.
The thoracic epidural that had been suggested for pain control didn't happen because of neurofibromatosis (bumps on his body) and the brain tumor surgery he had in 2006. He receives pain medication through an IV and can push a button every 10 minutes.
And then because of his hiatal hernia, he had to numb the throat area himself with a lollipop swab (disgusting stuff) - I think the anesthesia team called it awake fiber optic. It was supposed to help him not aspirate.
He was in the recovery room from 2:44 to 5:15 p.m., and then taken to 4th floor, right around the corner from Eleavor D. His room number is 59. He can have visitors. Dr. Parekh said depending upon how things go, he could come home on day 4 or 5.
It is now 9:30 p.m. Jim just called me on his cell phone. His nurse already has him sitting up on the side of the bed. Tomorrow he will be up walking. He can talk, but his voice is hoarse. He didn't talk much above a whisper several hours ago. He wants to get better soon, so we all have to be positive.
And now for a little trivia we learned from other "waiting" people ... there are 2,400 bathrooms through the hospital.
We thank you for your prayers along the way and continuing in the long days ahead.
Monday, May 11, 2015
The night before
Jim started his colonoscopy prep at 12:30 p.m. today. The effects of it hit him around 5 p.m., so staying close to the bathroom was most beneficial. I think he's cleaned out now.
Before heading off to bed and a restful (??) sleep of few hours, he had to take a surgical shower using Hibiclens soap, which the hospital provided for him. It's supposed to prevent infections. Jim only read the instructions three times to make sure he got it right.
The surgery is definitely major, but the shower instructions brought some laughter ...
Use a clean wash cloth and clean towel each time he showered - tonight and also in the morning when he gets up at the bright and early hour of 4 a.m. Tonight, in addition to clean underwear, he needed clean pajamas.
Use a clean wash cloth and clean towel each time he showered - tonight and also in the morning when he gets up at the bright and early hour of 4 a.m. Tonight, in addition to clean underwear, he needed clean pajamas.
Remove all body-piercing jewelry ... I don't think he has any.
Our friend Jani spent the night. We decided it was better if we all wake up at the same time in the same house than get up earlier and drive to her house and discover maybe she wasn't awake yet. That happened several years ago for another surgery Jim had.
Off to bed now. Morning will come way too soon.
The opportunity is here
Do not resist
Do not run
from pain-filled days
that enter
and stay for a time
Do not rely
on yourself
your reasonings
Come to the Lord God
who sees all
hears all
understands all
trudges beside you
before you
behind you
in all days
of uncertainty
You ask
seek opportunities
to serve
Do we know ...
How can it be
the problem
the burden
the trial
the difficulty
the stress
is an opportunity
to show another
the way
of Jesus
We asked
We said
we would go
we wanted to serve
together
The opportunity is here
The door opens
and we step in
a choice made
to rely on
Jesus
for the strength
desperately needed
He is our everything
in the midst of
every thing
that comes
Every situation, circumstance
undergone
can make us stronger
when the way we travel
is the way
He instructs us
Our human emotions
make us crumble
but it is still
to the Lord
we look
for stability
and security
Jesus
Oh how we need Jesus
There is nothing to be gained
without Him
We are lost,
floundering
We look to Him
for hope
with hope
in Hope
and we pray
the opportunity
that is here
He will bring us
safely through
together.
Do not run
from pain-filled days
that enter
and stay for a time
Do not rely
on yourself
your reasonings
Come to the Lord God
who sees all
hears all
understands all
trudges beside you
before you
behind you
in all days
of uncertainty
You ask
seek opportunities
to serve
Do we know ...
How can it be
the problem
the burden
the trial
the difficulty
the stress
is an opportunity
to show another
the way
of Jesus
We asked
We said
we would go
we wanted to serve
together
The opportunity is here
The door opens
and we step in
a choice made
to rely on
Jesus
for the strength
desperately needed
He is our everything
in the midst of
every thing
that comes
Every situation, circumstance
undergone
can make us stronger
when the way we travel
is the way
He instructs us
Our human emotions
make us crumble
but it is still
to the Lord
we look
for stability
and security
Jesus
Oh how we need Jesus
There is nothing to be gained
without Him
We are lost,
floundering
We look to Him
for hope
with hope
in Hope
and we pray
the opportunity
that is here
He will bring us
safely through
together.
Friday, May 8, 2015
The tears still flow
The tears still flow
Is it wrong
Can I not be concerned
about the ordeal
and still trust the Lord
Should I hide my face
from you and another
so you do not see
God knows
He sees my every thought
every emotion
every movement
He knows my pain
He hears my cry
He does not condemn me
but covers me gently
with His Love
His music
His words of wisdom
The tears still flow
Is it wrong
My trust is in the Lord
I know He is with me,
with us
yet I fervently wish
what has come
had not
I want him beside me
I want me beside him
for days and weeks and years
to come
The tears still flow
Is it wrong
I know whom I believe
and whom I trust
The Lord Jesus is He
and He is with me
walking
talking
along every path
The tears still flow
of sadness
of joy
Is it wrong
Can I not be concerned
about the ordeal
and still trust the Lord
Should I hide my face
from you and another
so you do not see
God knows
He sees my every thought
every emotion
every movement
He knows my pain
He hears my cry
He does not condemn me
but covers me gently
with His Love
His music
His words of wisdom
The tears still flow
Is it wrong
My trust is in the Lord
I know He is with me,
with us
yet I fervently wish
what has come
had not
I want him beside me
I want me beside him
for days and weeks and years
to come
The tears still flow
Is it wrong
I know whom I believe
and whom I trust
The Lord Jesus is He
and He is with me
walking
talking
along every path
The tears still flow
of sadness
of joy
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Trust Me
The still small voice
of the Lord
came to me
"Trust Me"
He said.
Have faith
in
Who I AM
What I CAN DO
When I COME
Where I GO
Why I SAY
How I DELIVER
Trust Me
Do not fret
Do good
Commit yourself to Me
Wait patiently for Me
I will uphold you
Keep My way
I AM your strength
I will help you
I will deliver, rescue you from the enemy
Trust Me.
(taken from Psalm 37)
His voice
in the stillness
of early morning
I heard
"Trust Me," He said.
I will take care of Jim
I will take care of you
Turn to Me
everytime
whenever the enemy digs
Do not give in to his maneuvers
He is up to no good
Turn to Me
Talk to Me
Share your every fear with Me
and I will be with you through it all
Hold on to Me
I will guide you
I will keep you safe
I will bring calmness and peace
to your soul.
Trust Me child,
Trust Me.
of the Lord
came to me
"Trust Me"
He said.
Have faith
in
Who I AM
What I CAN DO
When I COME
Where I GO
Why I SAY
How I DELIVER
Trust Me
Do not fret
Do good
Commit yourself to Me
Wait patiently for Me
I will uphold you
Keep My way
I AM your strength
I will help you
I will deliver, rescue you from the enemy
Trust Me.
(taken from Psalm 37)
His voice
in the stillness
of early morning
I heard
"Trust Me," He said.
I will take care of Jim
I will take care of you
Turn to Me
everytime
whenever the enemy digs
Do not give in to his maneuvers
He is up to no good
Turn to Me
Talk to Me
Share your every fear with Me
and I will be with you through it all
Hold on to Me
I will guide you
I will keep you safe
I will bring calmness and peace
to your soul.
Trust Me child,
Trust Me.
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
A snag in the road; surgery rescheduled
"You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away. Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I AM your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." ~ Isaiah 41: 9b-10
A setback
a snag
Jaw pain
realized Thursday, April 30
Fullblown
Saturday, May 2
A call
On-call dentist
of little value
yet
$200 charge
just for a look-see
Another call
On-call doctor
at UIHC
concern in our wake
IF infection
no surgery
Tylenol taken
for pain
and Orajel too
as we waited
for Monday
to come
First thing
7:30 a.m.
Monday, May 4
the day before
scheduled surgery
Jim
at his dentist's door
X-ray taken
worst case scenario
revealed
A major infection
Root Canal needed
No surgery
to be that very next day
More phone calls made
He to UIHC
me to the endodontist
A root canal
scheduled and accomplished
3 p.m. that day
and surgery rescheduled
8:15 a.m. Tuesday, May 12
We wondered why
But God knew
A reason always
for everything
that comes
Perhaps,
as Jim considered,
it was because
his sister,
the family R.N.,
couldn't be there May 5
but she can May 12
God knew Jim
wanted her there
Perhaps another reason
Perhaps we will know
along the way
or at another time.
God knows
God is in control
We must Trust
in all He does
He is with us
at every turn.
God has chosen us
He does not throw us aside
I AM with you
is His reply
Do not fear
Do not be dismayed
Come to Him
The strength you do not have
to face every trial
The Lord will give you
He will help you
He will uphold you
It is His Strength, His Power, His Love, His Peace
we need
to overcome the pain of life
God has chosen you
He does not cast you to the wolves
You are His
Live your life as His child
God is the one ultimately in control
Look to Him
Abide with Him
Trust in Him
Believe in Him
Worship Him
Praise Him
Be reconciled to Him
Pray to Him
Listen to Him
Respond to Him
Be obedient to His instructions
God has chosen you
for eternity
He does not cast us aside
Why would you choose your way
over His way
when His way is best?
He gives us the strength we need
in our every weakness.
A setback
a snag
Jaw pain
realized Thursday, April 30
Fullblown
Saturday, May 2
A call
On-call dentist
of little value
yet
$200 charge
just for a look-see
Another call
On-call doctor
at UIHC
concern in our wake
IF infection
no surgery
Tylenol taken
for pain
and Orajel too
as we waited
for Monday
to come
First thing
7:30 a.m.
Monday, May 4
the day before
scheduled surgery
Jim
at his dentist's door
X-ray taken
worst case scenario
revealed
A major infection
Root Canal needed
No surgery
to be that very next day
More phone calls made
He to UIHC
me to the endodontist
A root canal
scheduled and accomplished
3 p.m. that day
and surgery rescheduled
8:15 a.m. Tuesday, May 12
We wondered why
But God knew
A reason always
for everything
that comes
Perhaps,
as Jim considered,
it was because
his sister,
the family R.N.,
couldn't be there May 5
but she can May 12
God knew Jim
wanted her there
Perhaps another reason
Perhaps we will know
along the way
or at another time.
God knows
God is in control
We must Trust
in all He does
He is with us
at every turn.
God has chosen us
He does not throw us aside
I AM with you
is His reply
Do not fear
Do not be dismayed
Come to Him
The strength you do not have
to face every trial
The Lord will give you
He will help you
He will uphold you
It is His Strength, His Power, His Love, His Peace
we need
to overcome the pain of life
God has chosen you
He does not cast you to the wolves
You are His
Live your life as His child
God is the one ultimately in control
Look to Him
Abide with Him
Trust in Him
Believe in Him
Worship Him
Praise Him
Be reconciled to Him
Pray to Him
Listen to Him
Respond to Him
Be obedient to His instructions
God has chosen you
for eternity
He does not cast us aside
Why would you choose your way
over His way
when His way is best?
He gives us the strength we need
in our every weakness.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Pressing on, Looking ahead
Lord, I pray
Keep the steps
taken steady and sure
so we don't falter
along the path
Keep my focus
our focus, our thoughts
on you
away from the situation
around us
gathering momentum
It is not about me
It is about You
and in the midst
my beloved one
whom You also love
He is Yours
I am Yours
You are with us
Yet our minds
travel down paths
bringing one question and another
so many unknowns
Thinking -- the questions weaken us
Willing our minds to You
brings strength
In You we can do all things
Everything that needs done now
and in days, weeks following
surgery and after
Jim's return home,
will be accomplished
according to Your will, Your plan, Your purpose
Help me Lord, to know
Help us both Lord, to know
what is unnecessary
Keep us away from getting flustered
Keep us mindful of You
See Your beauty
See the good
See the steps of progress being made
Help us Lord to look toward You
in all we do
To not get agitated with each other
To not dwell on the pain
and how far we have to go
One step at a time
One step in front of the other
Looking ahead to the prize
Keep the steps
taken steady and sure
so we don't falter
along the path
Keep my focus
our focus, our thoughts
on you
away from the situation
around us
gathering momentum
It is not about me
It is about You
and in the midst
my beloved one
whom You also love
He is Yours
I am Yours
You are with us
Yet our minds
travel down paths
bringing one question and another
so many unknowns
Thinking -- the questions weaken us
Willing our minds to You
brings strength
In You we can do all things
Everything that needs done now
and in days, weeks following
surgery and after
Jim's return home,
will be accomplished
according to Your will, Your plan, Your purpose
Help me Lord, to know
Help us both Lord, to know
what is unnecessary
Keep us away from getting flustered
Keep us mindful of You
See Your beauty
See the good
See the steps of progress being made
Help us Lord to look toward You
in all we do
To not get agitated with each other
To not dwell on the pain
and how far we have to go
One step at a time
One step in front of the other
Looking ahead to the prize
"I press on ... forgetting those things which are behind
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.
I press toward the goal for the prize
of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:12-14
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.
I press toward the goal for the prize
of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:12-14
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