It's hard to believe that we are coming up on the one month anniversary since Eldon had his liver transplant. Man, how time flys.
The first week was a tough one, we were at the hospital everyday. We were either seeing a medical professional or getting lab work or having some other procedure. We were both exhausted just driving back and forth dealing with these visits. It seemed like all I did was drive Eldon back and forth to the medical appointments, care for his needs, do the laundry and do dishes. Yes, I did feel a little sorry for myself. That didn't last long. I remembered how blessed we are to be where we are now.
Since then things have gotten better. The blood work continues to improve, Eldon has little or no pain. I think he's only taken 1-2 pain pills since he's been home. The staples were removed, the last drain was removed. Eldon's vital signs remain stable and he looks great, his outlook on life is improved and now we look to see what it is the Lord has for us to do with the rest of our lives.
I will return to work on October 28th and Eldon will be able to return on January 1st, 2014. It will be great for Eldon to start to return back to his normal life. We are planning for next summer, when we will go fishing as often as possible, not because I have developed a love for fishing but, because Eldon has gone through so much and I feel he deserves this time. He was so patient for 20 months as we traveled down this pre-transplant road. He submitted to doctor visits, blood tests, additional procedures and did it all without complaint. So I can support him by going fishing, something Eldon loves to do.
We will continue to praise our Father in Heaven and His son, Jesus Christ, for watching out over us as we have walked this road. We will always be grateful for our Savior walking with us on this path and many times holding us up while we waited for this wondeful blessing, a new liver. We will also be forever grateful to all of our family and friends, who have become family, for their love and support while we traveled this road. Without their encouragement, love and support it would have been a dark and difficult road to travel.
We also look forward to see what is coming our way. The good and bad times, hopefully, we will endure them as we have done this past 20 months. We also hope that we will be able to hope those that have lost their way find their way back to God. We love you!
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Monday, October 7, 2013
The 10th Florr
After leaving ICU we were transferred to the 10th at IMC. We had a great view of the west side of the valley from Eldon's ICU room, this time we had a room on the east side of the hospital. When you would open the blinds it looked like someone had taken a huge picture of the Wasatch Mountains. Absolutely magnificent. All the staff on this floor were just as wonderful as the ICU staff. So kind and positive, not one unkind word and not one person with a bad attitude.
The staff would always ask if they could do something for us. They too didn't mind that we set up house in Eldon's room. I didn't want him to be alone. He never really had been hospitalized before and I was concerned he might feel a little scared or abandoned. I slept in his room Wednesday and Thursday night, sleep is really relative, it was broken sleep. So I ask Heather, the oldest daughter, to stay with her Dad. She slept there on Friday and Saturday night. It so helped me to be able to come and sleep. It was Sunday night that I had to leave Eldon there alone. He did just fine, I think I was more concerned than he was.
On Monday September 23rd, I went to work in the morning to attempt to do some work and get ready for Eldon coming home. The plan was initially to discharge Eldon on Tuesday. The doctor came in and said they were going to discharge him on Monday. So I was at work on Monday for about 3 hours. Finally, we left the hospital at 4PM. It took forever to get home because of traffic and when we did get home Heather was there and she was so kind to make supper. What a relief! Eldon is home and now we start moving forward on this life path we are on.
Today is October 4th, we have been home almost two weeks now. The last drain is out, the staples were taken out and he continues to get better. We had a little set back today. His Prograf is too high and his hands are showing the side effects, shaking. I think that's bothering him. Not to mention "cabin fever". The clinic called and said to cut back on his meds. The liver is working really well and they are pleased. I pray we continue to keep forward like we have so far.
We are grateful for the care and guidance that our Father in Heaven has given us. There is obviously something we are suppose to do in this life. Once, Eldon is feeling better we will need to ask the Lord how and where we can serve him and do those things we have been sent here to do.
Thanks so much for all the love and support.
The staff would always ask if they could do something for us. They too didn't mind that we set up house in Eldon's room. I didn't want him to be alone. He never really had been hospitalized before and I was concerned he might feel a little scared or abandoned. I slept in his room Wednesday and Thursday night, sleep is really relative, it was broken sleep. So I ask Heather, the oldest daughter, to stay with her Dad. She slept there on Friday and Saturday night. It so helped me to be able to come and sleep. It was Sunday night that I had to leave Eldon there alone. He did just fine, I think I was more concerned than he was.
On Monday September 23rd, I went to work in the morning to attempt to do some work and get ready for Eldon coming home. The plan was initially to discharge Eldon on Tuesday. The doctor came in and said they were going to discharge him on Monday. So I was at work on Monday for about 3 hours. Finally, we left the hospital at 4PM. It took forever to get home because of traffic and when we did get home Heather was there and she was so kind to make supper. What a relief! Eldon is home and now we start moving forward on this life path we are on.
Today is October 4th, we have been home almost two weeks now. The last drain is out, the staples were taken out and he continues to get better. We had a little set back today. His Prograf is too high and his hands are showing the side effects, shaking. I think that's bothering him. Not to mention "cabin fever". The clinic called and said to cut back on his meds. The liver is working really well and they are pleased. I pray we continue to keep forward like we have so far.
We are grateful for the care and guidance that our Father in Heaven has given us. There is obviously something we are suppose to do in this life. Once, Eldon is feeling better we will need to ask the Lord how and where we can serve him and do those things we have been sent here to do.
Thanks so much for all the love and support.
Post Transplant October 7, 2013
It's been three weeks since the surgery and two weeks since we have been home. Eldon is doing so good. He talkes his meds when he's suppose to and he follows all the instructions. We go to the hospital every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for blood tests. He can't eat until he had his blood drawn and he take his meds until then either. He's been so good about doing this. We have seen the surgery team twice since the surgery, the staples are out and the incision looks nice, well, as nice as an incision that goes clear across your abdomen can look.
He's feeling good and this is causing a problem, he thinks he can do more than he's suppose to. The doctors said to take a nap in the morning and in the afternoon. Sometimes he gets to going and he forget the naps. Like this weekend, we have Corey, Ruth, the kids (Clayton and Cheyenne) and Heather here most of the day Saturday. They helped get the outdoors ready for winter. They took down the canopy and put all the lawn chairs away, they helped prune the bushes front and back. They helped rearrange some stuff inside, Corey put two book shelves together for us. Then on top of all the work they did they cooked supper. FABULOUS!
The blood work is showing that this liver is working great. I expect we might have some little bumps in the road, they say that happens to everyone, however, I believe we will get through those as well.
This has been a path that I certainly did not expect us to walk, but it is one that has helped me learn to be more patient and accepting of things as they come. I am not one that likes to have others do for me. I believe I should be doing for myself, yet there are times when that just isn't possible. So you have to step back and let other step in to help. I will be forever grateful for all those that have stepped up and helped. They were senstive enough to know how I feel about that and yet strong enough to be there for both of us.
I give praise to a loving Father in Heaven who has helped me along this path. I didn't always get what I wanted when I wanted it but I know he was there with His arms around my shoulders guiding and directing me. I hope He doesn't leave me, I realize I can't do it without HIM.
He's feeling good and this is causing a problem, he thinks he can do more than he's suppose to. The doctors said to take a nap in the morning and in the afternoon. Sometimes he gets to going and he forget the naps. Like this weekend, we have Corey, Ruth, the kids (Clayton and Cheyenne) and Heather here most of the day Saturday. They helped get the outdoors ready for winter. They took down the canopy and put all the lawn chairs away, they helped prune the bushes front and back. They helped rearrange some stuff inside, Corey put two book shelves together for us. Then on top of all the work they did they cooked supper. FABULOUS!
The blood work is showing that this liver is working great. I expect we might have some little bumps in the road, they say that happens to everyone, however, I believe we will get through those as well.
This has been a path that I certainly did not expect us to walk, but it is one that has helped me learn to be more patient and accepting of things as they come. I am not one that likes to have others do for me. I believe I should be doing for myself, yet there are times when that just isn't possible. So you have to step back and let other step in to help. I will be forever grateful for all those that have stepped up and helped. They were senstive enough to know how I feel about that and yet strong enough to be there for both of us.
I give praise to a loving Father in Heaven who has helped me along this path. I didn't always get what I wanted when I wanted it but I know he was there with His arms around my shoulders guiding and directing me. I hope He doesn't leave me, I realize I can't do it without HIM.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
After Surgery
We started our wait at 4:15 AM, yes AM!, the waiting room lights were partially lighted and the room was quiet. Around 7AM we began to have company in the waiting room. People would come, smile at others, and usually wait by themselves. Each person having their own thoughts and concerns. Heather, Corey and I had set up our own little waiting area and we watched as people would come, the doctors would come and talk to them, then finally they would leave to meet up with their loved one who was recovering from surgery. Our breakfast that day consisted for crackers, Oreo cookies and water. I didn't feel much like eating, none of us did, we just sat and waited, silently praying for good results.
It was 1:05PM, when this man dressed in surgical greens came into the roon. He was talking to the Volunteer there and I heard him day "Where are the Auger...." before he could say family. I jumped up and said "Here we are". He lead us into a private room to let us know that Eldon had done well in surgery. The liver appeared to be functioning as expected. He informed us that a small complication presented itsself while in surgery. They had discovered a blood clot in the portal vein, this is a vital vein and without it being a strong structure, without this he would have never been allowed to have a transplant. They were able to remove the clot. The plan was to give him blood thinners to keep a clot out of the vein. He would be transported to Shock Trauma ICU and we would be able to see him soon.
Instead of waiting we went immediately to the ICU and let them that we were waiting in the waiting room. Finally at 3PM we were able to see Eldon again. He was in pain and having residual effects from the anesthesia.
The next post will be about our time in the ICU. Again, nothing has been easy and we have had our trials. Yet, we give thanks to our God above and His son Jesus Christ for standing with us as we walk this path.
It was 1:05PM, when this man dressed in surgical greens came into the roon. He was talking to the Volunteer there and I heard him day "Where are the Auger...." before he could say family. I jumped up and said "Here we are". He lead us into a private room to let us know that Eldon had done well in surgery. The liver appeared to be functioning as expected. He informed us that a small complication presented itsself while in surgery. They had discovered a blood clot in the portal vein, this is a vital vein and without it being a strong structure, without this he would have never been allowed to have a transplant. They were able to remove the clot. The plan was to give him blood thinners to keep a clot out of the vein. He would be transported to Shock Trauma ICU and we would be able to see him soon.
Instead of waiting we went immediately to the ICU and let them that we were waiting in the waiting room. Finally at 3PM we were able to see Eldon again. He was in pain and having residual effects from the anesthesia.
The next post will be about our time in the ICU. Again, nothing has been easy and we have had our trials. Yet, we give thanks to our God above and His son Jesus Christ for standing with us as we walk this path.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Waiting for surgery
I have to tell you that sitting in a waiting room waiting for someone to get out from a major surgery is very difficult. Eldon was taken to surgery at 4:15 AM on Monday morning. The transport person told us to say our goodbyes and then she showed us to the waiting room. When we walked in the room was dimly lighted and seemed like a nice place to attempt to relax and wait. As time went on more people came into the waiting room and at one time it seemed to be pretty full. We took up spots that we thought would be out of the way. The furniture isn't too bad if you are only there for a short while but as the hours passed the seats became less friendly and the sitting part of our bodies became more uncomfortable. We watched people come and go and the more they came and went the more it became frustrating for the three of us sitting there.
It was 1PM when a man dressed in greens walked into the waiting room and I could him ask the sweet older volunteer for the Auger family. It was the surgeon. We were taking into a private consultation room and he told us about the surgery. Eldon had done really well in surgery and things were looking really well. He instructed us to go to the Shock Trauma Intensive Care Unit on the 5th floor. It might be a little bit before we could see Eldon but that is were we would be for the next couple of days. Finally a little after 3PM, we were allowed in the STICU from 504. Poor Eldon he was in so much pain and not very coherent. That first night was very difficult, he was awake frequently and the pain was 9-10 on a scale of 1-10. Tuesday morning we had so many doctors, PAs, nurses, physical therapist, pharmacists, and others to come in and check out Eldon. I was able to see the incision and I can't believe this scar, it was/is impressive. Because of the need for Heparin he was to stay in the ICU for an extra day. Seems when they got into the liver they found a major vessel had a blood clot. If they hadn't been able to transplant him the clot would have made the vessel damaged and not been able to use it. We would have never been able to have a transplant.
Tuesday night was by far more calm and sleep was possible. I did go home on Tuesday for a shower and check on Wyatt. The plan was to get him up and prepare for us to be moved to a regular room on the 10th floor, this is where all transplants come and surgical patients.
Looking forward to having some privacy. The ICU staff was wonderful. I so appreciate all that they did for us, especially for Eldon.
Later, update on Wednesday and the move to the regular room.
It was 1PM when a man dressed in greens walked into the waiting room and I could him ask the sweet older volunteer for the Auger family. It was the surgeon. We were taking into a private consultation room and he told us about the surgery. Eldon had done really well in surgery and things were looking really well. He instructed us to go to the Shock Trauma Intensive Care Unit on the 5th floor. It might be a little bit before we could see Eldon but that is were we would be for the next couple of days. Finally a little after 3PM, we were allowed in the STICU from 504. Poor Eldon he was in so much pain and not very coherent. That first night was very difficult, he was awake frequently and the pain was 9-10 on a scale of 1-10. Tuesday morning we had so many doctors, PAs, nurses, physical therapist, pharmacists, and others to come in and check out Eldon. I was able to see the incision and I can't believe this scar, it was/is impressive. Because of the need for Heparin he was to stay in the ICU for an extra day. Seems when they got into the liver they found a major vessel had a blood clot. If they hadn't been able to transplant him the clot would have made the vessel damaged and not been able to use it. We would have never been able to have a transplant.
Tuesday night was by far more calm and sleep was possible. I did go home on Tuesday for a shower and check on Wyatt. The plan was to get him up and prepare for us to be moved to a regular room on the 10th floor, this is where all transplants come and surgical patients.
Looking forward to having some privacy. The ICU staff was wonderful. I so appreciate all that they did for us, especially for Eldon.
Later, update on Wednesday and the move to the regular room.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
It Happened, Finally! We have a new liver.
Just when we began to wonder if we would ever get the new liver it came. Sunday night, September 15th, at 9:11PM. The phone rings and it's an LDS Hospital number pops up. We are on stand-by, again! It was the 9th time we had been put on stand-by. At 10pm we just figured we will go to bed and see what happens. I had just turned off the TV and the lights around 10:30PM. It was about 10:50PM and the phone rings. Eldon and I had made an agreement if the hospital called and said to come in that he would point at the bathroom so I could hurry and take shower. So he starts pointing and I looked at him and said "Seriously?" It was our turn and the liver was coming from out of state. We were to come to the hospital immediately.
I called Heather, #1 daughter, and told her to call her siblings and to meet us at the hospital. We arrived in the parking lot at 11:23PM. We made our way to the 10th floor. Everything seemed to be happening so fast. My thoughts running through my head of how this journey began and where would it take us. I knew I had to be positive and have my emotions in control. Eldon was so scared, I couldn't act stupid now. My Mom use to say, pull up your boot straps..do what needs to get done and when it's all over you can fall apart then. She was right.
When we walked up to the nurse's desk and she asked how she could help us we told her we were the Augers and here for Eldon's transplant. Her eyes widened and her lips parted in surprise. She said he was the healthiest looking transplant patient she had ever seen. It one of those hurry up and wait things. We were taken immediately to a room, then lab work, IV, Chest Xray, EKG, then they did something they had not done before. The nurse shaved his chest hair and had him do this Hibiclens scrub. Oh good heck! this is the real thing. It's going to happen. In the back of my mind I still had this lingering doubt. Maybe they would walk in and say 'sorry, liver went else where". I mean it had happened before, numerous times before. All the paperwork was signed, the PA, Kristi, came in and went over all the details and what was going to happen. Finally, at 4AM the surgical transport person showed up to take him to surgery.
Heather had met us there and Corey was called. It was really happening. He made it from Vernal about a half hour before Eldon was taken to surgery. We said our good-byes and we will see you later. He had tears in his eyes and that really upset me. He went to surgery and we went to the waiting room.
I will write more later, right now I have some things that I need to take care of. Thanks for reading.
Just when we began to wonder if we would ever get the new liver it came. Sunday night, September 15th, at 9:11PM. The phone rings and it's an LDS Hospital number pops up. We are on stand-by, again! It was the 9th time we had been put on stand-by. At 10pm we just figured we will go to bed and see what happens. I had just turned off the TV and the lights around 10:30PM. It was about 10:50PM and the phone rings. Eldon and I had made an agreement if the hospital called and said to come in that he would point at the bathroom so I could hurry and take shower. So he starts pointing and I looked at him and said "Seriously?" It was our turn and the liver was coming from out of state. We were to come to the hospital immediately.
I called Heather, #1 daughter, and told her to call her siblings and to meet us at the hospital. We arrived in the parking lot at 11:23PM. We made our way to the 10th floor. Everything seemed to be happening so fast. My thoughts running through my head of how this journey began and where would it take us. I knew I had to be positive and have my emotions in control. Eldon was so scared, I couldn't act stupid now. My Mom use to say, pull up your boot straps..do what needs to get done and when it's all over you can fall apart then. She was right.
When we walked up to the nurse's desk and she asked how she could help us we told her we were the Augers and here for Eldon's transplant. Her eyes widened and her lips parted in surprise. She said he was the healthiest looking transplant patient she had ever seen. It one of those hurry up and wait things. We were taken immediately to a room, then lab work, IV, Chest Xray, EKG, then they did something they had not done before. The nurse shaved his chest hair and had him do this Hibiclens scrub. Oh good heck! this is the real thing. It's going to happen. In the back of my mind I still had this lingering doubt. Maybe they would walk in and say 'sorry, liver went else where". I mean it had happened before, numerous times before. All the paperwork was signed, the PA, Kristi, came in and went over all the details and what was going to happen. Finally, at 4AM the surgical transport person showed up to take him to surgery.
Heather had met us there and Corey was called. It was really happening. He made it from Vernal about a half hour before Eldon was taken to surgery. We said our good-byes and we will see you later. He had tears in his eyes and that really upset me. He went to surgery and we went to the waiting room.
I will write more later, right now I have some things that I need to take care of. Thanks for reading.
Monday, September 9, 2013
September 9th
Welllll, it happened again. On Sunday nights we sit outside with some of the neighbors, just talking and getting to know each other. Last night was no different.
EXCEPT..............as we were walking into the house Eldon's cell phone went off. He said he didn't recognise the number and I told him he should answer it.
I can always tell when it's the transplant team because he goes into this monotone type voice and his responses are "Okay" over and over again. "Alright" over and over again. He will stare into space. Valerie, the coordinator, called and told him to pack a bag, there was a liver in California, if the liver came to Utah it would be Eldon's. The coordinator said she could call us in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning. We did manage to sleep just fine, woke with the alarm, got ready for work and off we went.
Around 9AM I encouraged Eldon to call the transplant team and find out what was going on. They said the liver was staying in California. AGAIN?????? we didn't get this liver either. I hope the person who got it is so happy and I hope they live a long and happy life.
Now,when will it be our turn for real? Who knows, it will happen when it happens. I just feel so bad for my sweet little farm boy as we ride this roller coaster. He's not a roller coaster fan. So we wait, we do our best to live our lives the way we should. We make plans and do fun things to make life enjoyable. We also give thanks to our Lord above and know that He is watching out over us.
EXCEPT..............as we were walking into the house Eldon's cell phone went off. He said he didn't recognise the number and I told him he should answer it.
I can always tell when it's the transplant team because he goes into this monotone type voice and his responses are "Okay" over and over again. "Alright" over and over again. He will stare into space. Valerie, the coordinator, called and told him to pack a bag, there was a liver in California, if the liver came to Utah it would be Eldon's. The coordinator said she could call us in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning. We did manage to sleep just fine, woke with the alarm, got ready for work and off we went.
Around 9AM I encouraged Eldon to call the transplant team and find out what was going on. They said the liver was staying in California. AGAIN?????? we didn't get this liver either. I hope the person who got it is so happy and I hope they live a long and happy life.
Now,when will it be our turn for real? Who knows, it will happen when it happens. I just feel so bad for my sweet little farm boy as we ride this roller coaster. He's not a roller coaster fan. So we wait, we do our best to live our lives the way we should. We make plans and do fun things to make life enjoyable. We also give thanks to our Lord above and know that He is watching out over us.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
August 27th
Last night was an interesting one. We had a meeting about the final fund raising activity for 2013. I explained the change in the rules to some of the people there. We have decided to just take it as it comes. Just around 10PM, the phone rings, it's IMC transplant team. We were put on "alert", we were told that the final decision would not be made until morning. They weren't even sure the liver would stay here in Utah. So we went to sleep, yes we did go to sleep. I had a feeling like this was not the one for us.
At 11:20PM, the phone rings. It's the transplant team again. We were no longer on alert. Seems the donor had some issues and the liver was no longer an option.
I feel bad for the family that lost their loved one. I feel bad for those that are desperate to get a new liver. We are doing well, we can wait a little while. I wish more people would be aware of the need for organ donations and be willing to help those in need.
September is just around the corner. Our ward is sponsoring a "Fathers and Sons" event on the 13th and 14th. Eldon will meet up with Corey and Clayton, son and grandson, he will have a good time then. It will make all this waiting and on alerts, not on alerts much better.
So we move on, we wait and we praise our Father in Heaven.
At 11:20PM, the phone rings. It's the transplant team again. We were no longer on alert. Seems the donor had some issues and the liver was no longer an option.
I feel bad for the family that lost their loved one. I feel bad for those that are desperate to get a new liver. We are doing well, we can wait a little while. I wish more people would be aware of the need for organ donations and be willing to help those in need.
September is just around the corner. Our ward is sponsoring a "Fathers and Sons" event on the 13th and 14th. Eldon will meet up with Corey and Clayton, son and grandson, he will have a good time then. It will make all this waiting and on alerts, not on alerts much better.
So we move on, we wait and we praise our Father in Heaven.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
August 2013
It's almost the middle of Augus and it's been awhile since I have written. Last week was a tough week. On Wednesday the 7th, we had to have our sweet little dog, Angel, put to sleep. She was in a lot of pain and suffering. When the Vet said ther was nothing more he could do we knew the time had come. It was so hard to say goodbye, she has been such a wonferful addition to our lives. We know she's now with Dee-O-Gee and they are running through the fields.
Then on Thursday Eldon called to make sure we could go to Idaho for our family reunion, he talked with our nurse coordinator and she said to go ahead. She also told him that the rules for transplants have changed and now Utah must share livers with California. On the Utah list Eldon is #2 on the regional list he's #33. I guess this means that the transplant will take longer to happen if it even happens. With affordable health care staring in 2014 I worry whether he will get the transplant or not. A person must go before a medical review board and it will be determined what kind of health care you will get. Eldon will be 61 in October and I am not sure we will ever see a new liver. At least the tumor is dead and there is no evidence that it has shown up anywhere else.
We were ready to go to Idaho, the car was packed on Friday night. At 1:15AM the transplant team called and said there might be a liver. Talk about confusion, we had been told just two days before it might be some time before we get a liver. So we cancelled our trip to Idaho, missed our family. We waited around all day only to find out at 5PM that the night coordinator had forgotten to tell the day coordinator that she had contacted us. Come to find out we could have gone to Idaho. It was so frustrating for us to go through this.
However, with all that we will move forward. We will give thanks to our Father in Heaven. We give thanks to our family and friends for their love and support. AND we wait.
Then on Thursday Eldon called to make sure we could go to Idaho for our family reunion, he talked with our nurse coordinator and she said to go ahead. She also told him that the rules for transplants have changed and now Utah must share livers with California. On the Utah list Eldon is #2 on the regional list he's #33. I guess this means that the transplant will take longer to happen if it even happens. With affordable health care staring in 2014 I worry whether he will get the transplant or not. A person must go before a medical review board and it will be determined what kind of health care you will get. Eldon will be 61 in October and I am not sure we will ever see a new liver. At least the tumor is dead and there is no evidence that it has shown up anywhere else.
We were ready to go to Idaho, the car was packed on Friday night. At 1:15AM the transplant team called and said there might be a liver. Talk about confusion, we had been told just two days before it might be some time before we get a liver. So we cancelled our trip to Idaho, missed our family. We waited around all day only to find out at 5PM that the night coordinator had forgotten to tell the day coordinator that she had contacted us. Come to find out we could have gone to Idaho. It was so frustrating for us to go through this.
However, with all that we will move forward. We will give thanks to our Father in Heaven. We give thanks to our family and friends for their love and support. AND we wait.
Monday, July 29, 2013
End of July
It's the end of July and we are still waiting. I asked Eldon last night if he felt like anything was in the works, is he felt any inspiration. He said "No, I have nothing".
We have a very close young friend in the Missionary Training Center and in his last email he said he prays everyday that the new liver will come and he feels that it's coming soon. I sure hope he's right.
We have this young couple in our neighborhood who is facing a very horrible experience. The young father is dying. It started with melanoma and has now spread to his brain and lung.I feel so fortunate that we will make it through this experience. His young children are going to grow up without their daddy. We are doing to help as much as we can with fund raising events. We pray for the mother and children.
The Auger Family Reunion is only 11 days away. It's pretty sad that we can't take the trailer, go and camp. Maybe next year, however, that's not even for sure at this point. As the time goes on, the ability to do things get pushed further back. That includes camping, fishing and vacationing. So is life.
Thank you everyone for supporting and caring for us. It's that support that helps keep us going. We thank our Father in Heaven for caring and watching out over Eldon.
We have a very close young friend in the Missionary Training Center and in his last email he said he prays everyday that the new liver will come and he feels that it's coming soon. I sure hope he's right.
We have this young couple in our neighborhood who is facing a very horrible experience. The young father is dying. It started with melanoma and has now spread to his brain and lung.I feel so fortunate that we will make it through this experience. His young children are going to grow up without their daddy. We are doing to help as much as we can with fund raising events. We pray for the mother and children.
The Auger Family Reunion is only 11 days away. It's pretty sad that we can't take the trailer, go and camp. Maybe next year, however, that's not even for sure at this point. As the time goes on, the ability to do things get pushed further back. That includes camping, fishing and vacationing. So is life.
Thank you everyone for supporting and caring for us. It's that support that helps keep us going. We thank our Father in Heaven for caring and watching out over Eldon.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Today we had a message from Eldon's cousin Julie, she said she had read the last blog and was wondering how Friday night/Saturday morning turned out. Then it dawned on me that I had not posted the current happenings.
The hospital did everything needed to prep Eldon for surgery, the surgical papers were sitting in the room. Eldon slept a little bit during the night, Heather and I were wide awake. Around 4AM, I was walking down the hall and heard the nurse ask about the surgical papers and if they were signed. So I was thinking, "Yep, this still can be a go". At 4:20AM, the nurse, Michael, came in and said the liver was going out of state. He said we could stay and sleep some or we could go home. Eldon said he wanted to go home to his own bed. By 5AM, we are both crawling into our bed for some much needed sleep.
This is the farthest that we have ever been, we also know what to expect pre-surgery wise. I am hoping the next time will be "the time". Just hoping that it's not another two months before we get the next call.
Thank you everyone for all the love and support. We are grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who watches out over us and cares for us.
The hospital did everything needed to prep Eldon for surgery, the surgical papers were sitting in the room. Eldon slept a little bit during the night, Heather and I were wide awake. Around 4AM, I was walking down the hall and heard the nurse ask about the surgical papers and if they were signed. So I was thinking, "Yep, this still can be a go". At 4:20AM, the nurse, Michael, came in and said the liver was going out of state. He said we could stay and sleep some or we could go home. Eldon said he wanted to go home to his own bed. By 5AM, we are both crawling into our bed for some much needed sleep.
This is the farthest that we have ever been, we also know what to expect pre-surgery wise. I am hoping the next time will be "the time". Just hoping that it's not another two months before we get the next call.
Thank you everyone for all the love and support. We are grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who watches out over us and cares for us.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
June 25th, 2013
It's been one year officially that we were put on the transplant list. It has been a different year in our lives. Every three months Eldon has to have a CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. Check! Every month he's had to have blood work. Check! We have been put on stand-by three times and called into the hospital once, still keeping a good attitude. Check! It's not been easy, Check! Check!
We have the next CT scan on July 5th. It takes about two and a half hours to get this all done but then we can start our weekend. We will also get blood work done that day too.
I think as people of faith we have the knowledge/faith that God will take care of things for us in His own time. We believe He is watching out over us and knows when the right time will come for us to have this major life altering surgery. Occasionally the human or worldly side slips out and we wish things would happen much faster. I want to move on and accomplish more things. I hate to see my sweet little farm boy worry every time he has blood taken that maybe something is going wrong in his body or each time they do a CT scan he has to drink this awful tasting liquid and then he's concerned that something might show up. What a relief it is when we check our medical files to find out that he's holding his own. Those are the tender mercies of God.
So we are heaing in July, a wonderful month. We celebrate Independence Day and here in Utah we celebrate Pioneer Day. How glad I am that we don't live in those times. Eldon's would be over by now if he had a tumor then. The medical care isn't wasn't nearly as wonderful as it is now.We would have had no chance of a long life together. So we celebrate what these earliy people did to make this a wonderful country to live in now, in 2013, to have the advances that we have and the opportunities that we have.
There are a few that have said this a punishment from past sins/mistakes. I don't believe God operates that way. I think this is a result of being a spiritualy being that at this point in time is dwelling in a human/earthly body with all it's frailties and imperfections. I believe we agreed to deal with things like this prior to coming to this earth so that we can be made stong and worthy to return back to the presence of a loving Father in Heaven and His son, Jesus Christ.
I don't have the answers for everything. I am lucky if I have the answers for a few things. This is something I do know. That God lives, He loves us. Eldon and I have been the recipients of many of the blessings I like to call the "Tender Mercies of God". So we will wait and we will continue to praise God and His Son. We will be stong, together, and come out better on the other side.
Thank you for all your love and support, our family- whether by blood, marriage or just 'cause, we love you and appreciate your support and prayers.
Linda and Eldon
It's been one year officially that we were put on the transplant list. It has been a different year in our lives. Every three months Eldon has to have a CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. Check! Every month he's had to have blood work. Check! We have been put on stand-by three times and called into the hospital once, still keeping a good attitude. Check! It's not been easy, Check! Check!
We have the next CT scan on July 5th. It takes about two and a half hours to get this all done but then we can start our weekend. We will also get blood work done that day too.
I think as people of faith we have the knowledge/faith that God will take care of things for us in His own time. We believe He is watching out over us and knows when the right time will come for us to have this major life altering surgery. Occasionally the human or worldly side slips out and we wish things would happen much faster. I want to move on and accomplish more things. I hate to see my sweet little farm boy worry every time he has blood taken that maybe something is going wrong in his body or each time they do a CT scan he has to drink this awful tasting liquid and then he's concerned that something might show up. What a relief it is when we check our medical files to find out that he's holding his own. Those are the tender mercies of God.
So we are heaing in July, a wonderful month. We celebrate Independence Day and here in Utah we celebrate Pioneer Day. How glad I am that we don't live in those times. Eldon's would be over by now if he had a tumor then. The medical care isn't wasn't nearly as wonderful as it is now.We would have had no chance of a long life together. So we celebrate what these earliy people did to make this a wonderful country to live in now, in 2013, to have the advances that we have and the opportunities that we have.
There are a few that have said this a punishment from past sins/mistakes. I don't believe God operates that way. I think this is a result of being a spiritualy being that at this point in time is dwelling in a human/earthly body with all it's frailties and imperfections. I believe we agreed to deal with things like this prior to coming to this earth so that we can be made stong and worthy to return back to the presence of a loving Father in Heaven and His son, Jesus Christ.
I don't have the answers for everything. I am lucky if I have the answers for a few things. This is something I do know. That God lives, He loves us. Eldon and I have been the recipients of many of the blessings I like to call the "Tender Mercies of God". So we will wait and we will continue to praise God and His Son. We will be stong, together, and come out better on the other side.
Thank you for all your love and support, our family- whether by blood, marriage or just 'cause, we love you and appreciate your support and prayers.
Linda and Eldon
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
June 4th
Still no word on the new liver. We were on stand-by three weeks ago but nothing since then. I know all this waiting is getting on both of our nerves. We have an appointment with the transplant clinic next Tuesday. In December when we were there the PA said he thought we would be a post transplant patient by the June appointment. Doesn't look like we are going to be.
I am concerned, and I do my best not to let Eldon know, that if we don't get this new liver by 2014 we may not get one. The new affordable health care act has a stipulation that if you are older than 45 you have to have a review of the medical treatment being offered to you. If that happens we just may not get a liver because Eldon is 60 years old. Not old to us, but there are some who feel that at this age a person is not a contributor to society. Now, tell me our country hasn't taken a turn for the worse.
We keep praying and hoping that soon something will happen and good times will be coming our way. We continue to put our faith in our Savior and our Father in Heaven to help us and to sustain us on a daily basis. Thank you everyone for all your love and support.
Still no word on the new liver. We were on stand-by three weeks ago but nothing since then. I know all this waiting is getting on both of our nerves. We have an appointment with the transplant clinic next Tuesday. In December when we were there the PA said he thought we would be a post transplant patient by the June appointment. Doesn't look like we are going to be.
I am concerned, and I do my best not to let Eldon know, that if we don't get this new liver by 2014 we may not get one. The new affordable health care act has a stipulation that if you are older than 45 you have to have a review of the medical treatment being offered to you. If that happens we just may not get a liver because Eldon is 60 years old. Not old to us, but there are some who feel that at this age a person is not a contributor to society. Now, tell me our country hasn't taken a turn for the worse.
We keep praying and hoping that soon something will happen and good times will be coming our way. We continue to put our faith in our Savior and our Father in Heaven to help us and to sustain us on a daily basis. Thank you everyone for all your love and support.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
It's the end of May and so many thoughts are going through my head. We had a stand-by on Wednesday the 15th, it lasted until 6:30PM when the coordinator called to say the liver was going to someone else. I pray for the family who received the new liver and the family who was so generous to donate their loved ones organ. Then, I wonder if it will ever be our turn. I felt like it would happen sometime between mid-April to mid-June, but now that we are looking at the end of May sometimes I wonder and worry.
I know I must keep a positive attitude for Eldon. He too is feeling the strain of all this waiting, being called for stand-by and then being taken off of stand-by. The hospital/transplant team told us this was possible, I guess we just didn't think it would take so many times. They are so kind and understanding with us.
Then maybe I shouldn't wish for the surgery to come, there are a whole new set of issues to deal with then. Going through the surgery, the recovery and life long limitations not to mention testing and the possibility of rejection. It just seems like we don't have any control over our lives, we are chained to our house. We can't go more than 2 hours away and we must have a phone with us at all times. Well, this is life. I believe it could be worse. I am praying for things to be better.
Thank you everyone for all your love and support. Thank you Father in Heaven for enduring my endless prayers and requests for help, blessings and understanding.
I know I must keep a positive attitude for Eldon. He too is feeling the strain of all this waiting, being called for stand-by and then being taken off of stand-by. The hospital/transplant team told us this was possible, I guess we just didn't think it would take so many times. They are so kind and understanding with us.
Then maybe I shouldn't wish for the surgery to come, there are a whole new set of issues to deal with then. Going through the surgery, the recovery and life long limitations not to mention testing and the possibility of rejection. It just seems like we don't have any control over our lives, we are chained to our house. We can't go more than 2 hours away and we must have a phone with us at all times. Well, this is life. I believe it could be worse. I am praying for things to be better.
Thank you everyone for all your love and support. Thank you Father in Heaven for enduring my endless prayers and requests for help, blessings and understanding.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
May 9th. 2013
April was sure a quite month. We did the routine lab work and had a CT scan completed but no word from the Transplant Unit about a possible transplant. It's been 3 months since we were put on call and brought into the hospital. It's very hard to wait, Eldon says he's not a big fan of this roller coaster that we are on but he does recognize that there's not much we can do about it. We just have to wait until it's our turn. Then it's a whole different path that we will be walking down.
Yesterday we went in for routine lab work and the results showed that he's holding his own. No big increase or decreases in the blood work. So we wait! We also give thanks to all our family, friends and neighbors that continue to show such great love and support. Especially we thank our Father in Heaven for sustaining us at this difficult time.
April was sure a quite month. We did the routine lab work and had a CT scan completed but no word from the Transplant Unit about a possible transplant. It's been 3 months since we were put on call and brought into the hospital. It's very hard to wait, Eldon says he's not a big fan of this roller coaster that we are on but he does recognize that there's not much we can do about it. We just have to wait until it's our turn. Then it's a whole different path that we will be walking down.
Yesterday we went in for routine lab work and the results showed that he's holding his own. No big increase or decreases in the blood work. So we wait! We also give thanks to all our family, friends and neighbors that continue to show such great love and support. Especially we thank our Father in Heaven for sustaining us at this difficult time.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Back at the hospital
We are here, at IMC, today for routine lab work again. We started with blood work, then to the heart institute for an Echo-cardio gram. Now we are waiting for the CT scan to be done. We have been at the hospital for 2 1/2 hours. What is so amazing is that we have already seen the lab results and the Echo results and we haven't left the hospital. I am sure that all the results will be okay. They are not normal, at least normal for you and I, but for Eldon they are holding their own.
I feel that we are getting closer to getting our new liver. I know we will be trading one set issues for another but then we heading to having a "normal" life.
Thank you everyone for all your love and support. Thank you God for watching out over us.
I feel that we are getting closer to getting our new liver. I know we will be trading one set issues for another but then we heading to having a "normal" life.
Thank you everyone for all your love and support. Thank you God for watching out over us.
Monday, March 25, 2013
It's been two weeks since the fund raiser at Chik-Fil-A, it was a wonderful time. I have attemptedt to post pictures but I have had a hard time getting them off of my phone.
We had standing room only. We have family, friends and co-workers with us that night. We had a wonderful turn out with friends and a great result to add to our medical fund. We are off to a good start.
Thank you, everyone, for coming and helping us. It was so humbling to see all the people there. It was a spiritual event, so many people and everyone was happy and smiling. It was great!
We had standing room only. We have family, friends and co-workers with us that night. We had a wonderful turn out with friends and a great result to add to our medical fund. We are off to a good start.
Thank you, everyone, for coming and helping us. It was so humbling to see all the people there. It was a spiritual event, so many people and everyone was happy and smiling. It was great!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
It's been quiet now for about two weeks. I know I want this surgery to happen I am just hoping it will happen the end of April to the end of May. It will give me time to get the house almost done, I can work some more and earn more time off, we have some fund raising events happening and then the weather will be better so Eldon can get out and walk.
Last week was a pity week I think for the both of us. We both were on edge and a little quick to snap at things, even inanimate objects. LOL! This week is better.
This coming Monday is a big fundraiser that our good friends Mike and Kathy Jensen have organized for us. It's at Chif-Fil-A from 5pm to 7pm. I am very excited about this. It's so humbling to see that so many people care about us and want to help. I so appreciate all that they do.
I am selling these scarves that I make to raise money, I hope it will help us.
I thank thee God for all that Thou has given me, the blessings and the rough times that make me strong.
Last week was a pity week I think for the both of us. We both were on edge and a little quick to snap at things, even inanimate objects. LOL! This week is better.
This coming Monday is a big fundraiser that our good friends Mike and Kathy Jensen have organized for us. It's at Chif-Fil-A from 5pm to 7pm. I am very excited about this. It's so humbling to see that so many people care about us and want to help. I so appreciate all that they do.
I thank thee God for all that Thou has given me, the blessings and the rough times that make me strong.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
It happened again, on Sunday February 24th, we were put on stand-by for a possible liver. This time we got the phone call around 8AM. We had our phones on all through church and worried that it would go off at the wrong time, like during a prayer?
Finally around 2PM we were taken off of alert. We were told this could happen and we understand, however, it's hard when you think have some time and then the call comes. You wait and wait only to be told it won't work. I wonder how we will feel once it's a go. This time we didn't put every thing in motion. Only a few people knew so we didn't have to tell everyone and get people on the roller coaster with us.
March 11th is going to be a wonderful day. Our good friends, Mike and Kathy Jensen, are sponsoring a fund raiser for Eldon at the Chik-Fil-A at the District in South Jordan. They are raising funds for us and we will have a silent auction there so raise money. I am looking forward to this event.
Our Papa Murphy's pizza card is doing well and I think the popcorn will be a good event as well. The big one will be in June on the 8th with a dinner and silent auction. We need to work on some entertainment.
It's getting closer and I can feel it. I just keep praying things will go well, no complications and healing will be quickly. Thank you, everyone and to our Father in Heaven for watching out over us and caring for us.
Finally around 2PM we were taken off of alert. We were told this could happen and we understand, however, it's hard when you think have some time and then the call comes. You wait and wait only to be told it won't work. I wonder how we will feel once it's a go. This time we didn't put every thing in motion. Only a few people knew so we didn't have to tell everyone and get people on the roller coaster with us.
March 11th is going to be a wonderful day. Our good friends, Mike and Kathy Jensen, are sponsoring a fund raiser for Eldon at the Chik-Fil-A at the District in South Jordan. They are raising funds for us and we will have a silent auction there so raise money. I am looking forward to this event.
Our Papa Murphy's pizza card is doing well and I think the popcorn will be a good event as well. The big one will be in June on the 8th with a dinner and silent auction. We need to work on some entertainment.
It's getting closer and I can feel it. I just keep praying things will go well, no complications and healing will be quickly. Thank you, everyone and to our Father in Heaven for watching out over us and caring for us.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Today was a good day, the transplant team called to let Eldon know that the tumor is dead. It has been successfully treated by the Theraspheres. The liver still have to go but the worry about the cancer/tumor is really gone down.
A year ago I worried almost every day about whether Eldon would defeat this tumor. I worried about being a widow after only 10 years of marriage. Today I feel a bit more assured that he will be around for many years to come.
The transplant team also said they feel that the transplant will happen sooner than later. I will be glad when this is behind us, we can then start to look forward to the future. We can make plans for vacations and family get-togethers. Today I feel some of the weight of world has been lifted. I can see the blessing the Bishop gave us a year ago coming true, bit by bit.
Praise God! I am grateful for all that His has done for us.
A year ago I worried almost every day about whether Eldon would defeat this tumor. I worried about being a widow after only 10 years of marriage. Today I feel a bit more assured that he will be around for many years to come.
The transplant team also said they feel that the transplant will happen sooner than later. I will be glad when this is behind us, we can then start to look forward to the future. We can make plans for vacations and family get-togethers. Today I feel some of the weight of world has been lifted. I can see the blessing the Bishop gave us a year ago coming true, bit by bit.
Praise God! I am grateful for all that His has done for us.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
At 10:35 PM last night we received a phone call from the IMC transplant team. They thought they had a liver for us but they wouldn't know until the morning. Great! how I am suppose to go back to sleep. Finally, around 1AM I was able to get back to sleep. The phone rings at 4:23AM, a family member called, concerned, about what was happening. That it I was up.
I folded clothes, figured out the check book and started preparing mentally to travel down this road. We got ready for church and at 8:30AM we were walking out the door to head to church when the phone rang. PLANS CHANGED! we were heading to the hospital. They wanted us at the hospital and if the liver was a good one the doctor wanted Eldon at the hospital and waiting.
We hurried, changed our clothing and headed out the door. We arrived at the hospital a little after 9AM. We sat, talked and waited. Finally around 11AM, the coordinator called and said that the liver was not a good one, it was too fatty, that would not be a good one for Eldon.
So we came home. not really too disappointed. Eldon said he felt like this was not a go. Maybe the third time will be the charmer. Ourtime is coming. I use to think it won't happen until April or May but now I am thinking more like March. We will see.
I know the Lord is with us and watches out over us. I feel His presence along this journey and I know He's watching out over Eldon very closely.
I folded clothes, figured out the check book and started preparing mentally to travel down this road. We got ready for church and at 8:30AM we were walking out the door to head to church when the phone rang. PLANS CHANGED! we were heading to the hospital. They wanted us at the hospital and if the liver was a good one the doctor wanted Eldon at the hospital and waiting.
We hurried, changed our clothing and headed out the door. We arrived at the hospital a little after 9AM. We sat, talked and waited. Finally around 11AM, the coordinator called and said that the liver was not a good one, it was too fatty, that would not be a good one for Eldon.
So we came home. not really too disappointed. Eldon said he felt like this was not a go. Maybe the third time will be the charmer. Ourtime is coming. I use to think it won't happen until April or May but now I am thinking more like March. We will see.
I know the Lord is with us and watches out over us. I feel His presence along this journey and I know He's watching out over Eldon very closely.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
IT'S BEEN ONE YEAR
One year ago today we sat in Dr. Anna Beck's office and she told us that Eldon had an enlarged spleen and liver. She ordered a contrast CT of the chest and abdomen for the next day, January 25th. This the day that our lives changed forever.
As I sat in her office as heard her say enlarged liver I did my best to push the though of luekemia out of my mind. I know we weren't the best eaters so I worked to convince myself that it was just a fatty liver. Even the doctor thought that's what we would find because Eldon just didn't look sick. She said she didn't think it was cancer.
We were only into this process for three weeks and I had no idea what was about to happen.
As I sat in her office as heard her say enlarged liver I did my best to push the though of luekemia out of my mind. I know we weren't the best eaters so I worked to convince myself that it was just a fatty liver. Even the doctor thought that's what we would find because Eldon just didn't look sick. She said she didn't think it was cancer.
We were only into this process for three weeks and I had no idea what was about to happen.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Today was the first procedure for the new year, 2013. We had an IV CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. I just read the report and nothing has changed. This is good news. The report does show that the tumor has responded to the radiation treatment and it's dying/dead. Now we just need to get a new liver.
I am planning to re-organize "Team Eldon" so we can start some fund raisers. I also need to be better organized for the surgery, my businesses and my house. We are moving forward. I am grateful to everyone who has been there to watch out over us and help. I owe more than I can ever repay to my God in Heaven.
I am planning to re-organize "Team Eldon" so we can start some fund raisers. I also need to be better organized for the surgery, my businesses and my house. We are moving forward. I am grateful to everyone who has been there to watch out over us and help. I owe more than I can ever repay to my God in Heaven.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Today started off as any other Saturday, we had the day to ourselves and we decided to help out Heather by helping her get her new snowblower home. We went to Heather's house and as we were heading out the phone call came from the IMC Transplant Team. They asked us to stay in town, asked how Eldon was feeling and said they might have a liver for us. So we started on this "stand-by" adventure.
Heather was with us and so she was first to hear the news. We made the phone calls we needed to make to family, close friends and church leaders. Everyone was so excited and praying that this would happen.
We were suppose to go out to dinner and then to the hockey game with some friends. We just didn't know what to do. At 4PM I called the transplant team and asked if it looked like a go. Rosemary, the coordinator, said it was a slight chance. There was a patient at the University of Utah that was in greater need. She said we could go ahead with our plans for the evening. Then she asked us to wait until she called the doctor, about 15 minutes later she called back and said not to go out to dinner and that Eldon couldn't eat anything. So the anxiety level goes up and we wait again. Around 7PM they called and said to go ahead an eat. The liver was going to a patient at the University of Utah.
At the Orientation class we were told this could happen. We even heard of some people this happened to three times. So now we are on the waiting list again.
I didn't think it could/would happen now. We, Heather and I, were thinking maybe April but now there is a good chance it could happen much sooner. I didn't think I would be so emotional over this. I so want this operation to happen so Eldon can heal and we can move on with plans in our lives. I also thought of the fear of the surgery, what if something goes wrong. There is such a range of emotions, happiness and fear seem to be the biggest and strongest emotions.
Now, I believe we are better prepared. We have some knowledge of what to expect. I think I am better prepared now.
To all our family and friends, thank you for your love and support. I know we couldn't get through this without everyone's love and support. Also, without our Father in Heaven watching out over us and caring for us this would be something I am sure I would not be able to endure and handle.
All I can say is "Thank you"
Heather was with us and so she was first to hear the news. We made the phone calls we needed to make to family, close friends and church leaders. Everyone was so excited and praying that this would happen.
We were suppose to go out to dinner and then to the hockey game with some friends. We just didn't know what to do. At 4PM I called the transplant team and asked if it looked like a go. Rosemary, the coordinator, said it was a slight chance. There was a patient at the University of Utah that was in greater need. She said we could go ahead with our plans for the evening. Then she asked us to wait until she called the doctor, about 15 minutes later she called back and said not to go out to dinner and that Eldon couldn't eat anything. So the anxiety level goes up and we wait again. Around 7PM they called and said to go ahead an eat. The liver was going to a patient at the University of Utah.
At the Orientation class we were told this could happen. We even heard of some people this happened to three times. So now we are on the waiting list again.
I didn't think it could/would happen now. We, Heather and I, were thinking maybe April but now there is a good chance it could happen much sooner. I didn't think I would be so emotional over this. I so want this operation to happen so Eldon can heal and we can move on with plans in our lives. I also thought of the fear of the surgery, what if something goes wrong. There is such a range of emotions, happiness and fear seem to be the biggest and strongest emotions.
Now, I believe we are better prepared. We have some knowledge of what to expect. I think I am better prepared now.
To all our family and friends, thank you for your love and support. I know we couldn't get through this without everyone's love and support. Also, without our Father in Heaven watching out over us and caring for us this would be something I am sure I would not be able to endure and handle.
All I can say is "Thank you"
Friday, January 4, 2013
Today is an interesting day, it's been one year today that we began this journey learning more about liver disease. One year ago today we first met with Dr. Anna Beck. She ordered some tests and had her office draw 8 tubes of blood and then the next day another 10 tubes of blood. We both had no idea what was ahead of us and we certainly did not expect that Eldon had cancer. We had momre testing to be done and then the truth slapped us in the face.
It was such a whirl-wind when it all started and I felt so overwhelmed. This was something I never thought I would face and I can imagine how Eldon felt. He had such few episodes of sickness and to have all these tests and monthly blood work. This has totally changed our lives and our plans.
So now we wait, we are the point where we watch and make sure there are no complications and then hope and pray that everything will go according to the Lord's plans. Things still are a bit unnerving and uncertain. We can only trust in Jesus, lean on each other and wait.
It was such a whirl-wind when it all started and I felt so overwhelmed. This was something I never thought I would face and I can imagine how Eldon felt. He had such few episodes of sickness and to have all these tests and monthly blood work. This has totally changed our lives and our plans.
So now we wait, we are the point where we watch and make sure there are no complications and then hope and pray that everything will go according to the Lord's plans. Things still are a bit unnerving and uncertain. We can only trust in Jesus, lean on each other and wait.
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