Update 3

This is Joy's next update. It's hard to be so far away. You'll probably see more entries with her name since she's getting the info right from the source so why change a good thing, right?
*** remember some info in this is more general because a blog is more public then the Carepages... if you want to check out carepages.com and become a member or email either of us that works too!
Amy

January 04, 2007 at 12:10 AM EST
Another busy day is drawing to a close. I guess you could say that today was a good day. Compared to the shock of yesterday today has seemed rather peaceful. Dad is doing as well as can be expected. He had quite a lot of awake time today and seems to be in excellent spirits. They had him sitting up on the edge of the bed this morning and attempted to have him stand up but this made his head rather "swimmy" so he was quickly tucked back into bed. He is experiencing alot of sweating and the nurses think it is a side affect of the medication in his epidural. The incision and colostomy appear to be healing well so all is looking good so far. We have all been overwhelmed and humbled by the many offers made by all of you regarding any type of help we may need. It is so wonderful to see the family of God surrounding our family in such a loving and compassionate way. As of right now we have no immediate needs (what a wonderful blessing that is!) and trust me when I say we're not trying to be heros and "doing it all ourselves". We're keeping things rather low key and simple and just focusing on eachother, Dad and of course God. The biggest need we forsee in the future will be needing people to drive Dad to Sunnybrook for his radiation treatments. The timing of this is unknown as it will depend on how fast he heals from this surgery. If you feel that is a way you could minister to dad please feel free to leave a message here and we will keep a list and let you know the dates as soon as WE know. Well, I guess that's about it for today. Thanks to all of you who dropped by the hospital to visit, I know it sure picks up Mom and Dad's spirits too. Several of you have asked how you can specifically pray for Dad so here's the list. - dad will be coming off the epidural either tomorrow or the next day. Pray that his pain will be minimized and that the narcotics given will be effective. - that he will be able to cough deeply to help clear his lungs and prevent pnemonia - that dad's body will be healed and completely restored to health. - that any kind of infection will be avoided especially with the colostomy In closing I'd like to ask for some prayer for me as well. I feel guilty that I'm "hijacking" this post but I sure would appreciate prayer. I'm trying to decided what the next week to week and a half looks like for me and my family. My heart wants to stay here with Mom and Dad and help to take care of things but in reality there are things that need to be taken care of back home in West Lorne. Please pray that I can make the right decisions as to what to do. Continue on in your prayers as this is the way that the Battle will truly be won..... remember.. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. " Ephesians 6:12&13 Although Dad's battle appears to be a battle of the flesh (cancer) lets not forget that the battle is also spiritual. But, like the praise song says "In heavenly armor we'll enter the land, the battle belongs to the LORD!" Dear Lord, Today we give you this battle. We know that you love Dad even more than we do. We know that he is your son and as his Father you desire to give him good gifts. We thank you that you are in control of this and that you already know the outcome. Give us strength to continue, and build our faith so that we can bring you honour and glory through this. AMEN! ~Joy