I am so thankful to be home this week-end. I spent the whole week in Houston with Roy and it was very tiring. To be truthful I'm not sure how he has done it everyday for the past 4 weeks...everyday...it got really old getting to the different hospitals and doctors.
Although we did have people who helped make it a little more pleasant. We have friends who have just moved back to this area (Fort Worth). I knew Beth (Starling) Paul back in elementary school. Her parents and mine were close friends. Roy knew her husband, Jimmy, at Harding and they work together here in Fort Worth. They were in Houston with Beth's uncle and aunt. So, we were able to have lunch with them one day. Really a good visit and then Beth rode home with us from Houston today...we didn't stop talking. I loved it! Made the trip go so much faster.
On the 4th of July we were able to spend time with one of my college friends, Mitzi, her husband, kids and extended family. We had a cookout and then watched fireworks. That was a really good day also. They did let Roy have the day off from all his procedures, so we were able to sleep in and not be rushed to get places. It's still a matter of hurry up and wait. The problem is you never know when they will take you early or when you have to wait for an hour for your appointment.
The symptoms of radiation were much more prevalent this week. He has a problem swallowing initially. It causes hiccups and chills...I think the chills part is kinda unusual but it happens each time he starts his meal. Usually by the 3rd or 4th bite the symptoms have lessen and he can finish his meal. It has not stopped him from eating which is a very good thing. They still want him to keep his weight up (the only one who has kept "her" weight up is moi!) We realized one of the reasons he does not need to lose weight is the fact they have "tattooed" him exactly where the radiation needs to hit and if he loses weight it will be off and not hit where the cancer is located. The doctor we saw today, who is head of radiology, was very impressed with his "diet" (porkchops, mashed potatoes and green beans last night). She started laughing and commented she thought he would be ok.
So, we are down to 10 scheduled appointments (they do keep adding things to the agenda...stop!) and this is our last week to go back on Sunday...yea!!! Praise the Lord! He has been faithful to us. I will come home on Wednesday again and Ryan will spend Thursday and his last day Friday with him. When a patient finishes radiation they have them ring a bell 3 times. Someone finished today and we heard the bell...such a sweet sound.
Two weeks from tonight we will be on a plane to Russia...we are excited and a little nervous as to how everything will work out. I know that God has put His plan in action for us to minister to the children in Gatchina and I have all the faith that we will see it through.
Just a little bit more trivia...there are 13,000 people who are seen at the hospitals there in the medical city area each day...think about how many people need prayers for whatever they are going through.
God is holding our hand and is in control.
Linda
No comments:
Post a Comment