Focusing on Hope


April 8, 2011

I called the hospital this morning and was able to talk to Dennis. He had been moved to his room around 10 p.m. last night. He was still experiencing pain, but it was being managed much better. He still wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything yet. He sounded tired, but was able to carry on a full conversation - which was more than he could do last night.

I went to see him late morning. It was such a relief. He was still experiencing discomfort and looked really tired, but he was sitting up watching TV. He is hooked up to all kinds of different machines. His lifeline is the epidural. He is allowed to push for medicine every ten minutes and he has needed to. By then he was allowed to sip water and eat some Jell-O. He had a moment of nausea, but it passed. I only stayed for about an hour since he was so sleepy.

I spent some time at my parents' house talking with my grandma and then doing schoolwork with the kids. I went back to the hospital around 3:30. He was watching golf. The staff wanted him to try to get up, so he got up out of bed, stood for a minute and then sat in a chair for quite some time. We talked and watched TV for a while. He was getting tired around 6 p.m., so after he got back in bed, I left him. The pain medicine makes him tired. And he can't get any real sleep with people coming in to check on him all the time.
He is very discouraged about his ostomy bag. I reminded him that almost everything so far has been in 6-week increments, so we would cross off the days and count down the weeks like we've done before. Tomorrow when I go to visit we have to watch a DVD on the care of his bag and on Monday we will meet with the nurse specialist for some training.

Dennis called tonight to say good night to the kids. He said he had been feeling nauseous, so the nurse gave him something to help calm his stomach. He was also glad to hear that he wouldn’t be bothered so much tonight – just around midnight for a vitals check. Hopefully he’ll be able to get some real rest.
My emotions are still bubbling over. I am so grateful for Dennis’ reduced pain and for the positive report from the surgeon. I was relieved to see him doing so much better. I am happy that the kids have done so well with my parents. Dennis’ recovery from cancer is our ultimate goal and it is getting closer. I am praying for the ability to continue to encourage him, especially during this difficult recovery time. I had a few Scriptures on hope come to mind and found a couple others while I was looking them up. Here are the ones that really spoke to me tonight:

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:31a

“For I know the plans I have for you, . . . plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Please continue to pray for Dennis’ pain management and for his recovery.

Hopeful,
Carolyn

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