I finally got the chest tube out today. We ended up running to mayos as it was taking lots of time and going to take multiple visits to get it done in peoria. We are about an hour from home now. It's nice not to have that valve hanging beside me all the time.
People ask me how I'm doing. I'm still going to work when I don't have doctor appointments. I wasn't supposed to be driving as long as I was taking pain meds. I had been sporadic on that, I think the pain I had with this tube was low. Overall it's been a little harder for me lately. Swallowing is not going very good. Some nights I try eating a bite or two but it usually makes me cough a bunch. So some days consist of nothing by mouth. We've figured out how to do all my meds through the tube which makes life easier. I feel like my spirits are staying decent but Leann and I would say we are starting to get weary of the fight. Lainey has brought a lot of joy to our lives. Almost every time she sees me she says "daddy". We went to south bend this last weekend and she was the best traveler of all our kids.
We are looking forward to Hawaii next week. It was our 10 year anniversary trip that we had to reschedule from march due to being in the hospital. The doctor says no problem with flying.
Thanks for all your prayers and help many have given us. We appreciate it very much.
Love,
Derek and leann
We'll be praying you have a safe and wonderful time in Hawaii!
ReplyDeleteAaron, Luann,
Jared, and Rose
Love and prayers for a blessed time in Aloha Land ! God be ever with you and your family. Beth Steffen
ReplyDeleteDerek and Leann
ReplyDeleteI am in Panama again tonight, as I read your blog... not sure if you are in Hawaii, or back - but as I reflect on your situation... there are so many blessings that you are seeing and have experienced, and have given others...
As Jesus taught us... you understand the true meaning of helping your neighbor and who your neighbor actually is... some people spend a lifetime of not understanding this scripture. You understand joy in the presence of physical persecution and difficulty like many will never understand. You understand to a greater degree than many, the concept of the "great physician" - and his ability to heal... or not... this is probably one of the most difficult concepts to grasp in scripture - and I still struggle with it as I deal with my physical challenges.
Well... without going on too long - I wish you God's continued blessing (not ease), understanding (deep insight), and wisdom to see the big picture (ie - your ability to see yourself in a role that is rarely given to many, to reach out to the unreachable).
God's blessing upon you both, and your beloved children!!
Love Dean
Derek and Leann
ReplyDeleteI am in Panama again tonight, as I read your blog... not sure if you are in Hawaii, or back - but as I reflect on your situation... there are so many blessings that you are seeing and have experienced, and have given others...
As Jesus taught us... you understand the true meaning of helping your neighbor and who your neighbor actually is... some people spend a lifetime of not understanding this scripture. You understand joy in the presence of physical persecution and difficulty like many will never understand. You understand to a greater degree than many, the concept of the "great physician" - and his ability to heal... or not... this is probably one of the most difficult concepts to grasp in scripture - and I still struggle with it as I deal with my physical challenges.
Well... without going on too long - I wish you God's continued blessing (not ease), understanding (deep insight), and wisdom to see the big picture (ie - your ability to see yourself in a role that is rarely given to many, to reach out to the unreachable).
God's blessing upon you both, and your beloved children!!
Love Dean
Derek & Leann,
ReplyDeleteWe continue to pray for you often, that God will give you the strength to deal with what comes.
Michael & Rachel Messner