Day one in the books

We have our 'patient' tucked away at Duke Medical Center for the night. I use the word 'patient' hesitantly for a couple reasons. While we were waiting for admissions to find a bed for him (side story: a bed was conveniently found as soon as his lovely wife did some rapid fire questioning to the desk attendant), Dad became fearful that they would make him go in a wheelchair and proclaimed that if so, they would "have a little chat about that." Have no fear, Dad was able to walk to his room. In the words of Mom "no symptoms; no sympathy." We are compassionate people. I promise.

Sorry, after all this talk about Duke, this just makes me feel better.

I digress. We reach the elevators to take us to the neuro floor and are accompanied by a very nice lady. We soon came to find out that she is the nurse manger for this entire floor. (Good karma.) While personally showing us to our room, she turned around, took another look at our motley crew, and inquired who the patient was. I'm taking this as a compliment for Dad and not a shot at Mom and me.

Hospital bed wheels up for surgery at 7:30 tomorrow morning. I think it is safe to say they won't allow him to walk to the operating table.

Thank you again for all of your prayers and happy thoughts. Speaking of happy...

BS Run

Just finished a 2 mile BS (before surgery) with Sarah. Sarah thought it was bs also only because we we went a little quick at the end. Here is the proof:

Seriously?

Someone forgot to tell my Dad that he is being admitted to the hospital today for brain surgery tomorrow. The final thing he said to me last night was "Up at 6. Out the door at 6:15 for a run." 

Classic Dad.

Made it to NC

As you may or may not know, I have made the trip with Mom and Dad to Duke. My parents have been making this trip for 2+ years. They have this trip down to a science.  They know what stops to make (what gas station is close to half way with clean bathrooms and cheap gas) to the best Mexican restaurant within walking distance from the hotel. Dad checks into the hospital tomorrow morning. Blood work starts at 9 am. Surgery is Tuesday.

An oldie, but a goodie. Pops and Claire on her birthday. We FaceTimed with Claire Bear tonight. In between giggling and offering her sippy cup of whole milk through the phone, she sent Pops all her love.

Here We Go Again

Here's where we are: We leave tomorrow (Sunday) for Duke. I will be admitted Monday, sign the paperwork, have another MRI and basically get ready for surgery. Surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, exact time TBD. If all goes well I will be discharged Wednesday, however they have asked us to stay in the area for a couple of days. So, we will probably come home Friday.  As an added bonus, our only daughter and middle child will be making the trip with us. Sarah will handle the blog updates from the hospital.

This week has been quite a bit different than the week leading up to surgery last time. I have honestly felt great and have run just about every day. Last time the week leading up to surgery was all about doctor visits and taking steroids. This time other than working all week, we  have been basically just waiting to get started.

Marti's sister Pat will be here to watch the house and take care of their parents while we are away.

We have a plan of action if the tumor is determined to be cancer. It is too involved to go into here, we will cross that bridge if we have to. If it is scar tissue, then I will go back to the treatments I have been on for the past couple of years.

Sam and his fiancé Sarah Davis (of course her name is Sarah, you can't get enough of a good thing) are here this weekend I think to check me out but to also enjoy the 3rd annual KY barbecue festival.  It will probably come as no surprise that I will be working the beer tent this afternoon.  Please no comments about drinking all the profits.

The only symptom I have had is Marti said I was mowing the yard funny last night. She might have meant because I was mowing it at all. She usually does that.

At any rate let's get started. Thank you for caring enough to muddle through this nonsense.

We're baaaaaaack!

So this wasn't what we were hoping for...clearly. However, Sam and I are thrilled for the blog to be back. We didn't think it should have ever left. Why stop when so many people were constantly offering love, prayers, and support? (Plus, Sam and I were SURE we were on the verge of advertisers begging for some  blog space) So this is where we are. Welcome back to where we make fun of Sam, question John's weird elusiveness, and have a good time all while randomly discussing Dad's health and running.

Also, Todd and I had an adorable daughter. Her name is Claire. We think she's perfect.

The blog is back (damn it)

Just to catch you up a little bit, I have gone for 2 years with no problems. Every month we go to Duke for a vaccination and every other month I get an MRI. Well 2 months ago the MRI revealed some changes in the area where the tumor was originally. A PET scan was done and it was determined that whatever this was it was not cancer. 2 months later and another MRI showed that whatever this is has grown significantly. So, a week from tomorrow we leave for Duke and I am scheduled to have a second surgery on Tuesday 9/10. Going into the surgery 2 years ago, everyone was pretty sure it was cancer. I think there is at least some question this time. That said, whatever it is it needs to come out. The only thing left to do now is set a goal post surgery. Well, the Louisville half marathon worked last time, so why not shoot for it again? I have already paid my entry fee and have maintained my base mileage, so even if it just a couple of months away, I think I can do it. Stay tuned and once again thank you for caring.