Made it to Sunny Phoenix

After waking up this morning to 7 new inches of snow and near blizzard conditions, we headed to the airport on our first leg of our journey to Phoenix. Praying most of the way to the airport, we took it easy and without any mishap except when parking our car, I got stuck just trying to park, but we still got to our gate with plenty of time. And since it was the first flight of the day, we headed out ON TIME stopping in Portland then Sacramento before arriving in Phoenix, get this, a half hour early! The airport was a happening place with all kinds of people and Super Bowl trinkets. Susan was a very good passenger. She slept most of the way and took a nap already Jack and Mary Carol's house.
It is sunny and beautiful here, for all you that are back in the Idaho Snow storm. Susan says it feels pretty good. She is doing well thanks to all of you that have prayed us down here. We look forward to communicating with you as the weekend progresses.

ER visit

We are getting excited to go to Phoenix although we just love all this snow and hate to miss the next storms. About two feet of snow in the past four days. You can be sure though that the sun and 60+ degree warmth will feel good to the bones.
I had another heart episode yesterday landing me in the ER. Was at a movie with friends and my heart started racing. Eventually we decided maybe we should go to the ER since I felt so bad. On the way down, I got all sweaty, clammy and passed out the rest of the way to the hospital. I was with Dan and Debbie Morris and they were so wonderful with me. Heart had settled down by the time we got to the ER and the doctor just attributes the whole thing to heart arythmeas (sp?) that cause a chain reaction. Doug eventually made it to the ER from work and then I was discharged. I'm unnerved about the trip and what if it happens again. Please pray that I would calm my thoughts, rest in the Lord, not be anxious about the "what if's" and just ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY. We will definitely update the blog while we are down there so you will know what is going on. We will let you know how nice it is (weather).

"I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies." Psalm 18:1-3

Phoenix Bound!

Had a very encouraging doctor visit today with Dr. Burnett. He was very pleased with the chest x-ray and how it looked. There is still a small pocket of fluid by the left lung but it looks so much better than the before. He feels the procedure worked very well for doing it all without anethesia. He said no problem with flying and Hospice Care took care of all the oxygen formalities for the plane trip and while in Phoenix. We are so excited and oh my Mom and Dad can't wait. Thank you for your prayers today.

"I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders. I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High." Psalm 9:1-2
Susan and Laura (now 10 yrs old)

Doctor Visit Today

Today I go in to have my iv port taken out since it is no longer being used and has been a source of infections anyway. That should be pretty fast. Then I will go see my cardiologist and get a chest x-ray to see how effective the procedure to drain and seal the pleural space around my lung was, from two weeks ago. Pray that he will permit me to travel (fly) to Phoenix this Thursday to visit parents, family and friends. His concern might be the cabin pressure effects on the lung while flying. Will update the blog with the answer later today.
Over the weekend, we had 14 inches of snow dumped on us. We had wonderful times inside playing games, watching some movies and sitting by the fire drinking tea. On occasion I had to watch as the family shoveled snow. But we celebrated Kayla and Laura's birthdays on Sunday. That was a special time.
"All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts. He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Praise for Pain Control

"And He will yet deliver us, you also joining in helping us through your prayers, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed upon us through the prayers of many." 2 Corinthians 1:10-11

We doubled the dose of pain patch medicine yesterday and I slept through the night and woke up comfortable. I still take oral pain meds 3 times a day. It felt so good mentally and physically to feel the relief of the pain patch.
Doug and I were able to attend our Small Group Thursday night. I was so teary the whole time being surrounded by these dear couples we love so much. We are looking forward to this next snow storm(s) the next couple of days. Pray for the doctors visit on Monday that everything will be clear for our trip to Phoenix next Thursday.

Complete the Task

"I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me." Acts 20:24

I have been praying about the end of this verse and asking the Lord to show me "what and if He has more for me to complete." In the meantime, my focus is to finish the race well and continue to Glorify Him through this.
The last couple of days the pain in my torso has increased but Hospice Care has been good about my pain management. My days are full with visiting loved ones, bible study and kids activities.
All of this is hard stuff but through it, your encouraging and uplifting words of support are carrying us through this. It is all so precious to us.

I'm Home with all my Loved Ones!

We have had 2 really nice days here. Doug was off work so we all relaxed and enjoyed the sun and each others company. Doug, Nathan, Michelle, Leah and Jared snowshoed up to the top of Canfield Mountain. Was a gorgeous view on top.
Feeling pretty good. Increased pain from the procedure but breathing and sleeping well. Next Monday, Jan 28th we'll do a chest x-ray to see if there is any fluid. We bought our tickets for Phoenix.
There is a small concern from the doctor about flying with a pressurized cabin and the effects on the space in the lungs. Didn't understand it all and the decision will be made next Monday. Pray if its the Lord's will that I could still go. My mom, dad and I are so excited to have this opportunity to see each other.

Coming Home Today!

Today Susan should be coming home. After having to do the procedure again on Saturday, for sealing the pleural space around her lung, the cardiologist surgeon believes that the second time will allow Susan to come home to her family. He said that it is not uncommon to do the procedure again. So now we can love her and totally care for her right here at home. Thank you all for your prayers and for your concern for the family.
"Thy lovingkindness, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Thy faithfulness reaches to the skies. Thy righteousness is like the mountains of God; Thy judgments are like a great deep. How precious is Thy lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Thy wings." Psalms 36: 5-7

Another day

Susan is resting comfortably in the hospital. Yesterday the doctors did not have to reposition the drain tube to her pleural space around the lung. The reason being that the amount of fluid did not warrant the extra procedure. So in the afternoon, they injected a chemical into that space to attach the two pleural surfaces together so that no fluid can accumulate between them. Not sure if the doctors used talc powder or another liquid to do this. I'll find out more today. Pray that this whole procedure works and that Susan can get out of the hospital in a few days. They will keep her in to observe whether there is a return of the fluid buildup. She is an excellent patient and is doing well at KMC. We are enjoying sweet times, laughing and enjoying. Thanks for your prayers.

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

Hospital Stay

Susan was admitted to the hospital after visiting with a cardiologist surgeon on Wednesday. They put in a chest tube to help drain the area around the left lung. Once that is all clear and no more draining then the second part of this procedure is to seal off that pocket where the fluid is accumulating. All of it is very uncomfortable. The tube end is in an area of many nerves within the lining of the lung. So it is uncomfortable. Susan will be in the hospital for about 5 days. Pray that this would be successful and have no complications. An update this morning: There is still a pocket of liquid that has not drained properly. So as I type this, Susan is going back into Radiology where the doctors will reposition the tube end and possibly have to put in another tube to help drain the liquid. Pray for the surgeon that the tube would be placed in the right spot so that there is no doubt in the proper drainage of that area.
We are all having a nice time with Nathan. He is finally getting use to the time change (12hr change). I am trying to take Susan to Phoenix, AZ the first weekend in Feb to visit her parents. Pray also that she will be stable and up to traveling. She is so looking forward to that trip.
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God , in whom I trust!" Psalms 91: 1-2

Our Marine is HOME!

Nathan made it back on Sunday night. We all met him at the airport and escorted him back home. His plan right now is to be here for two weeks before he'll head back. We are having sweet family time when we can.
My chest x-ray on Monday showed some return of the fluid to the left lung lining. A procedure is being scheduled for the end of this week to seal off the area that is allowing the fluid to accumulate. This will require a short hospital stay but should show promising results. In the meantime, I am comfortable, sleeping very well at night and having sweet family time. Thank you all for the meals that have been so delicious and for your tender encouraging emails and letters. You all are a blessing to me and the family.
"The Lord gives strength to His people, the Lord blesses His people with Peace." Psalms 29:11

He fills us with the endurance we need. He enables each of us to face whatever difficulties that come into our lives. He will give you a restful heart; not for your glory, but for His.

Susan is back home!!

I am sorry I haven't written in the last couple of days. I came home on Friday at 11am and been having too much fun. I just kept forgetting. Friday was Leah's boyfriend's birthday. Doug and I were invited out with Leah, Jared and his parents to Wolf Lodge for dinner. The girls went to friends homes so it was such a refreshing evening for me to be "wife" to my husband. We all had a real nice time and of course the steak was delicious. Saturday we regrouped as a family in the morning and then all headed up to Schweitzer Mountain for night skiing. It was fun to be a part of the scene even if I didn't snowboard. Michelle came and we played games in the lodge.
Skiing Schweitzer Mtn 1/12/08


The big news right now is Nathan is enroute from Iraq to be at home with me. Dr. Tezcan and Red Cross made the decision to bring Nathan home for a visit. He will be home in the next couple of days. We are so looking forward to holding him in our arms and having a wonderful time. Pray for his safe trip home.
I truly am feeling good. Sleeping flat in my husband's arms at night. I use oxygen for sleeping and when I am up and about. I have a big unit for the house with a long leash and then a portable tank unit when out of house.
Monday we will x-ray the lungs and see if there is any new fluid around the lungs. Otherwise the plan is just to enjoy. I truly feel I owe each of you an apology on how the news was shared with you (how long I have). We try to be so sensitive on how and what I write for all of you. I feel so bad how blunt it came out. I truly don't even remember writing it with all that was going on. I thank you so much for your faithful reading and prayers for all of us.
"Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself..." Matt 6:34

Like To Clarify!

Dear Everyone,
I talked to Dr Tezcan (Oncologist) on Thursday further about "having weeks". He explained that if the cancer continued at the rate it is going and things continued to deteriorate, it would be weeks. However, if I stabilized then it would be longer. In the past few days, we all agree that I have somewhat stabilized. Again, we all know my day are numbered and so we have peace. Praise the Lord!
Thursday morning I sat on the edge of my bed at 6am looking out at the snow falling and all the beauty of it. I said to the Lord, "Weeks, what do I do with weeks?" Of course my answer was easy; To keep doing what I am doing, taking care of my family and enjoying them. So to sum this all up, let us not focus on "weeks" at all, but instead focus on trusting the Lord for His timing and live each day to the fullest, not being anxious about tomorrow or what the future holds. God has it all worked out. AMEN!

A Tender Moment; Susan and Hannah dancing

2 Liters

Wednesday morning I went over to radiology to have fluid removed from around the inside lining of my lung between the plura sack and lungs. X-ray showed about 4 Liters but the doctor removed 2 Liters with a needle through my back between my ribs. Hard to believe there was so much fluid. Breathing is so much better. Can lay down almost flat. Boy does that feel good. The edema in my ankles and legs is gone. Dr. Tezcan plans to take more liquid off my lungs today with maybe a discharge on Friday. When I mentioned to Dr. Tezcan we needed to keep in mind our son Nathan, and when to bring him home with all that is going on, he mentioned that I probably won't have months to live but weeks. So now is the time. Hospice is now being setup. Thank you all for your prayers, love and giving to me and the family.

Tough Night

I had to take Susan into the ER last night about 1100 pm. Her heart was racing again. This has happened two other times in the Fall and at that time was prescribed a heart medicine to control the heart rate. We still are not sure what is the cause of it other than tumor related. But she responded right away to her treatment in the ER. Along with an EKG, a chest x-ray was taken. The x-ray showed some fluid in her left lung. This explains some of the breathing difficulties of late. While in the hospital, she was on oxygen and this made breathing much much better. Before we found out about the fluid, we assumed we would be discharged from the ER and sent home. Susan mentioned at one point, "I don't want to give up my oxygen, I like my oxygen", this of course with a big grin on her face. So the oxygen was good for her. The doctor also wanted to keep Susan at KMC over night and into Wed. to remove the liquid in the lung. She slept very well and more in the horizontal position, which was very good and restful. She has been more propped up of late on her back which has been comfortable for her. Also of note is the fact that we contacted Hospice Care of North Idaho for a counseling session. They wanted to get a feel for where Susan is at. They will be taking a more active role in her care. Now we will probably get Susan on oxygen at least for night time sleep. Please see the next blog entry (THE WEDDING with pix) as well since I did both this morning, seperately. We are doing well and resting in the Peace of our loving Savior. "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God" Romans 8:28
Thanks for all your love, prayers, meals and love gifts. Your blessings have meant soooo much to our family.

The Wedding!

HANNAH AND JAKE
The Wedding was so beautiful, everyone. Thank You for all your prayers. It was so Christ centered and meaningful. Hannah, Jake and Pastor Mike did such a good job. All the decorations were so beautiful, with lots of white lights, candles and pine boughs. Hannah pretty much did 99% of the wedding plans and all the decorations. Everything went so smoothly. We were able to go in Friday and do all the setup. Templins was so nice to work with. All my extended family was there and a part of Doug's. We had everyone over for dinner Thursday evening and then when we were at the rehersal on Friday evening, everyone (all out of town guests) came over to our house for a big spegetti dinner. They had a delightful reunion visiting. Saturday we had everyone over for a big brunch here. All these meals gave us opportunities to visit and ekpot cost down for those traveling (21 relatives plus our family). It was fun to say the least. Been a letdown as everyone has gone home now. I still have Doug's sister Judy here who leaves today.

Doug and I are trying to get away this weekend. We never celebrated our 27th anniversary on Dec 20th because of company and wedding etc. Pray for a special, peaceful time for us.

Happy New Year!

We had a wonderful fun-filled New Year's Eve with 3 other dear families. We played Catch Phrase, Guesstures, Apples to Apples and of course lots of visiting. It was the perfect way to usher in 2008.
The hardest part of this blog is writing about me. I love sharing about everyone else but I am so blessed and grateful to have this communication with you all and so I'd love to share this prayer request with you. As we were all taking down the Christmas decorations on New Year's Day, Doug and I were over by the tree taking off the ornaments. I whispered to him how over the years I like to reflect on what might happen in the new year before all the decorations are put back up. Well I mentioned I'm not doing that this year because I probably won't be .... Well, Doug just grabbed me up and gave me the biggest hug and cupped my face and said "But Susan, you are going to such a far better wonderful place." I stepped back and gasped, "Oh Douglas, I haven't been focusing on that at all, have I. I have been so hung up on the kids." Earlier in the disease I quoted all those verses about 'to die is gain' and what heaven will be like over this life. How funny when the rubber is truly meeting the road, these verses take on a serious whole new meaning. Do you believe them or not? Oh, I believe it with all my heart but it's the kids that have been so hard for me to let go. Please pray for me that I would purposely give the children to the Lord and that I would trust that He is in charge of all the details of death and for my loved ones left behind. Also pray for all my other concerns a mother's heart has, that I would release them all. Thank you so much for your prayers.