Good News, Bad News

First the good news. Before heading out of Madison, we had to stop by Clasen's European bakery in Middleton.

Of course I had to buy a few Morning buns. I just can't help myself. I love those things!

Now the bad news. My dad could not come home from the hospital today. He will remain in Madison. Even more complications! He will remain in the hospital until the doctors can repair everything that has gone wrong in the last three days. We ended up leaving dad there in the hospital, while my mother tearfully said good-bye to my dad. This has been the most emotional time for my family that I can ever remember.

My twin sister has now arrived and will take over for next week. Not sure when dad will be released from the hospital. I'm sure I will be returning back to my parents house later next week. I think we are in for a long haul.....and it has only just started!

Cows & More Cows

Cows are everywhere you look here at the UW-Madison hospital!

Yes, I said hospital. Poor dad...more complications with the bladder tumor, kidney and bleeding. I ended up taking dad to his local hospital emergency room at 3:30 am. The medical staff at the local hospital could not do anything for my dad since the nesphrostomy procedure was done in Madison. What a mess.

By 6:30 am Bike man, my mother and I where headed back to Madison. I was relieved we could handle driving dad to Madison verses going by ambulance. So, it's been a long day. Believe it or not, dad is still waiting to go back into surgery and have the nesphrostomy tube replaced.

One more night in Madison, then hopefully back home tomorrow if everything goes well. Changing of the guard tomorrow. My twin sister is coming to take over parent duty for the next 4 days and then Bike man and I can drive home.

Honestly, my dad just wants to go home and the doctors assured him today that they will try their best!

Lots of Waiting

I don't want to see another waiting room for a while! The waiting is the hardest part. Not knowing is even harder. We didn't come closer to any further answers today, but we do know that ultimately it will come down to dad's wishes and what he feels he can endure for cancer treatments and further surgeries. It's never easy trying to figure out the best strategy for prolonging your life after being told you have cancer. And where does the "quality of life" issue fit in? Do you give that up in order to hopefully live longer? These are all questions mom and dad will have to figure out. I will stand behind them in whatever they decide is best.

We are headed home tomorrow, but will probably return in a week or so if dad is feeling better.

On a side note, any trips to Madison are always nostalgic for me since it's been 30 years that I lived there and knew my way around the city streets. It's fun to see my old stumping grounds and where I spent my time while living in the city. The only thing that has changed is that Madison is way more bicycle friendly than back in 1980. Thumbs up to Madison and Middleton for blossoming into a bicycle friendly metro area.

Long Day

Long day, but things are ok. Of course some pain and discomfort, that's too be expected with a nephrostomy procedure. Life will be different from now on, but within time my dad will adjust......until the next procedure. I'm hoping we can take dad home tomorrow. As for my mom, she's being brave!

My thoughts on the UW-Madison hospital, very, very LARGE. The hospital staff is great too.

My Dad

Left work around 3 pm and drove south to my parents home in Southwest Wisconsin. My dad is feeling pretty good, despite he will have a nephrostomy procedure done tomorrow at the UW-Madison hospital. Because of future hospital stays, my dad treated himself to a new iPad. Dad LOVES his iPad. That's all I heard about last week at my library conference and how iPad's are selling like hot cakes and people are using them for down loadable books and movies.

I have the coolest dad ever!!!!! How many 82 year old dad's do you know that are up on all the latest technology. If you met my dad, you would love him! He is experienced in nature photography, Biology, song birds, wildflowers, etc. My dad was a teacher for 52 years. Wow. I'm excited my dad bought an iPad. He certainly deserves it.

Enchanted Travels

Enchanted Travels

Nothing could be better than riding through a dark, damp and cool tunnel. When you come out the opposite end, it's always bright and refreshing. I love these tunnels. Dreaming of tunnel rides, but not until next summer. Darn

Words of Encouragement

Philippians 4:4-7 (NLT)

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Today was one of those hard days where I tried to understand God's plan when it comes to my dad's cancer. My pastor helped put it all in perspective and told me to read Philippians, chapter 4 and that my family could find peace after reading the bible verses. If anyone is struggling with something in their life, please read the verses over and over. I promise you will find inner peace and strength to get you through it. It's ok to ask the Lord for help because he does listen and he does hear you. Just call out and ask for help.

Next week, Bike man and I will be traveling back to my parents house in Southwest Wisconsin to take dad to his second surgery. It will be a tough week for all of us, but I'll be praying for peace in our hearts and minds.