Philip & Tanya

Some of you haven't met Tanya, so here she is with Phil.

Sad & Sudden News

Friday afternoon we received news that Philip's wife Tanya's dad passed away suddenly. Tanya's parents live in Rochester and were so gracious and hospitable to our entire family while we were recently at Mayo Clinic with our mom.

Tanya, Lou Ann and family, we love all of you. We, too, grieve for the sudden loss of your husband, dad and grandpa...our dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dick's funeral is Tuesday, June 30, at 1:00 PM. For more information, visit http://www.ranfranzandvinefh.com/

Out & About

Mom made it out of the house yesterday...she went to church with Dad on Father's Day. It tired her out, but it was good for her to leave the house for a little while.

Mom continues to feel a bit stronger each day and we remain both amazed by and grateful for God's goodness.

Sisters, Sisters

Linda and Pat came from Illinois to visit Mom today. They brought some beautiful flowers (from Marilyn, too) and talked Mom into playing Upwords with them. Apparently Mom's medications haven't messed with her mind too much, because she beat them the first game. Of course, they could've been taking it easy on her...

Chef Linda and Chef Pat have whipped up Mostaccoli and garlic bread for dinner, and strawberries & cream trifle for dessert. Wonder what it would take to get them to hang around a while longer?

I'm no Alton Brown, but thems good eats!

Keep the Cards & Letters Coming

If you wish to send Mom a card now that she is home, please send it to:

760 Grand Ave
Marion, IA 52302

Thanks!

Day by Day

The weekend found Mom in a bit of discomfort, but she is doing better today. She was able to get outside for a short walk and it was a perfect day to be out.

She was caught folding laundry and had to be scolded. She just can't stand doing "nothing."

We have to keep trained eyes on her at all times! :)

Up Stairs

Mom climbed steps today for the first time since her surgery. She had to take it slow but she made it on her first attempt! Bravo!

Chef Stephen

Mom said she had the best breakfast ever today and Stephen made it for her. I envisioned strawberry waffles or an omelet with toast. Nope! Corn flakes!

It's great to see Mom so excited about eating again...corn flakes for breakfast, pasta salad for lunch and pizza for dinner. Her appetite has returned!

Recovery & Chemo

Mom is to take it easy for the next few weeks. She's not quite sure how she will handle letting someone else do her housework, laundry, grocery shopping and cooking. Grandson Andy told her today to keep an open mind...she might find out she likes doing nothing! We'll have to monitor this closely!

She will start chemo the end of June or the first part of July, and will have chemo every three weeks for 18 weeks.

She is also scheduled for a 6-week post-op visit the middle of July.

Things have gone extremely well so far and we give God the praise and credit for Mom's healing. We know there are more hurdles ahead, and we humbly ask for your continued prayers.

Home...Sweet, Sweet Home

Mom was able to leave Mayo Clinic today. It took a while to get all the discharge tasks completed, but she was on the road by 12:45. She had a short van ride to the Rochester Airport where our friend Perry was waiting to fly Mom home. Her flight lasted about an hour and she landed safely at 2:11.

Mom is a bit tired from her big day, but she says, "It feels so good to be home!"

A Note From Mom

"Even In The Valley, God Is Good" - That is a song my daughter Bethany has been singing as she tours with the OBC Melodies this summer. How true it is! God has certainly been good to our family as we've been in the valley the past few weeks. Praise Him for His goodness.

The outpouring of love and concern from family and friends (some of whom we've not heard from in years) has been overwhelming. You never know how much people care until a time like this. Thanks to each one for the many acts of kindness shown to us and most of all for the prayers. They are a big help as we journey through this valley. Keep praying! We have passed one hurdle, but there are more to come!

Steady She Goes

Mom began eating liquids yesterday and tolerated them well, so today she is transitioning to soft foods...so far so good.

Her progress the past couple of days has been remarkable. She has been removed from her pain medication drip and IV. Her pain is under control now with oral medication and she has cleared most of the major hurdles necessary for her discharge...possibly tomorrow.

Very good news indeed!

Mission Accomplished

Mom just finished her last walk for today. She was up and walking eight times! Way to go, Mom!

Mm, Mm, Good!

It is evident that many are praying for our Mom. She is doing quite well in spite of the extent of her surgery. She was able to get up and take a shower today, and is now on a clear liquid diet. Mom was excited to finally get to eat. Her color is excellent, and she is talking a lot more. Her new goal for today is to take eight walks. Dr. Reynolds (Dr. Cliby's assistant) told Mom that they would be coming in later today to discuss chemotherapy treatment with her. We are encouraged by all the thoughtful comments that are being left and also by all the many prayers being prayed on our Mom's behalf.

Little By Little

Well, Mom got off to a good start today. She was able to have her catheter removed, and was up and walking three times before noon. It looks like she will make her goal of six walks today! She was also taken off of one of her antibiotics, which was making her feel sick.

Mom had a great visit with her sisters! They were only here briefly, but they really boosted her spirits.

One Lap Down, One To Go!

Mom has had a rough time getting up and around today. She has been in a lot of pain. At about 2:30, the nurse came to take her for a walk. She was able to make it all the way around the nurses' station one time! She is worn out from that, and is resting now.

Mom's sisters, Marilyn and Pat arrived this afternoon. It is so nice to have them here to spend some time with Mom.

Steady Progress

Dr. Cliby's assistant came in first thing this morning and removed the tube from Mom's nose. She was so glad to have that out! Now she is able to take some of her pain meds in a pill form. Dr. Cliby came in a little later, and said things were looking very good. He did notice that Mom was a bit anemic, and said they may give her a unit of blood to help with that. Dr. Cliby then challenged Mom to walk twice around the nurses' station today. She will attempt that later, after some of her grogginess has worn off.

Sisters, Sisters, There Were Never Such Devoted Sisters

Sisters make such great friends. Mom has three sisters and two of them are coming to spend the weekend with her.

Please pray for their safety as they travel from Missouri and Illinois tomorrow.

On The Move!

We have been trying to get Mom moved into a private room. We were told that if one became available, Mom would be moved. As I was sitting with her this evening, the nurse came in with good news. She said that a private room had opened up, but that there was a catch. She told Mom that she would have to walk all the way to her new room. Mom was skeptical, but said she'd try. She made it all the way! The nurses (one of whom was following closely behind with a wheelchair) were amazed! Mom is now settled in her new room, but the trip there has left her pretty worn out.

For those of you who asked for an address to send cards to, please see the new address posted below:

Carol Teaney, Room 5-402
Rochester Methodist Hospital
201 West Center Street
Rochester, MN 55902

Just Keep Walking

Mom's second walk went better...she made it out of her room into the hall. Go Mom!

Baby Steps

A word from Sarah......My sister, Melissa and I just got back from visiting with Mom in her room. While we were there, the nurse came in to take her for a walk. This was Mom's second attempt, and after trying earlier this morning, she was dreading it. This time, however, she was able to take several small steps before returning to bed. She is now exhausted, and is resting. Thank you all for your continued prayers.

Slow Goin'

The nurses tried to get Mom up this morning to walk, but she about passed out. She is still very groggy from the anesthesia and nauseated. They are going to try to get her up again soon.

Mailing Address

Some have inquired about sending cards. Mom's address this week is:

Carol Teaney, Room 5-408
Rochester Methodist Hospital
201 West Center Street
Rochester, MN 55902

Thanks for the words of encouragement!

Leaving Comments

I just changed a setting on the blog so leaving comments will be easier. We love hearing from you.

Doctor's Report

Dr. Cliby and his assistant came to see Mom this morning. They discussed the surgery with her and answered her questions. It turns out she won't be able to wear her bikini any more!

They checked her incision and said everything looks good. They want her up and walking six times today...YIKES!

Just Kiss It & Make It Better

Mom made it through a long, pain-filled night. Steph & Bethany stayed with her and she came out of her grogginess enough to ask lots of questions. You'd be proud of Steph...she told Mom what she could AND made it without crying. (We're very proud!)

During the night, Mom said, "Owie!" Bethany asked if she needed a Band-aid and Mom said, "Just kiss it and make it better." How we all wish we could!

The Skinny

Dr. Cliby just came to meet with us...nice man.

He did a complete hysterectomy and bowel resection and removed cancer cells from Mom's diaphragm, colon, rectum and other tissues. He also removed eight lymph nodes. Her lung was deflated while they worked to repair a patch of her diaphragm and has now been reinflated. Dr. Cliby said this looks good right now, but it is something they will need to watch closely as fluid can accumulate and/or the lung could collapse. The other area of significant concern right now is the colon/bowel resection. Both areas can cause complications for Mom in the next few days.

There were many cancer cells throughout Mom's abdomen and the surgical team did their best to get everything they could. However, the were some cancer cells on her small intestine that they were unable to remove. Each cell that was left behind is smaller in size than 1/3 inch, which allowed the surgical team to achieve optimal results with this surgery. They are hoping Mom will respond to chemo and the remaining cells can be eradicated then.

We continue to covet your prayers! Blessings!

In Recovery

Mom is now in recovery. She will be there until around 6:00 PM, then she will be taken to her room.

Dr. Cliby is on his way to talk with us. More soon.

Home Stretch

We just received word that Mom has had a complete hysterectomy and a bowel resection. They are wrapping things up, but she will still be in surgery for a couple of hours.

Going In!

We were just given an update that Dr. Cliby did find the cancer as expected. He is continuing the operation, which will include removal of several female organs as well as any other areas he finds cancer in. So, the big incision has been made and he is going in.

It is expected Mom will be in surgery another 4 hours.

We are so thankful for this answer to prayer.

Exploration

Mom made it into surgery at 11:15. Dr. Cliby said he would begin with small incisions and exploration to see how far the cancer has spread. If he thinks he can get it all, he will make the big incision and go in. If the cancer is too widespread, he will close up the small incisions and send Mom home for several months of chemo, then try surgery again at a later date.

So we wait and pray.

And find some lunch!

And She's Off...

Mom just got moved to the pre-op room. She's ready when they are.

Peace

Nine years ago while delivering Kylie, her vitals deteriorated so quickly that I was rushed to emergency surgery. I became separated from Jim in the flurry of activity and Kylie was taken from me to NICU once she had been delivered. As I lay in recovery, I did not know Kylie's status. I had so many questions, but I also had a tremendous peace I couldn't explain with words. I felt God's presence and it comforted me to know that I wasn't alone.

I see that same peace in Mom today, and I know she isn't headed into surgery by herself. The Great Physician is going with her and he promised, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

Mom is in good hands today...God's hands. And there is peace in knowing he is near.

O Dark Hundred

Mom is to report at 7:00 AM to begin prep for surgery. We don't know yet when she will have surgery...it depends on when the patient ahead of her gets out of the OR.

Mom shared Exodus 33:14 with us this morning..."My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." All eight kids made it here at different times during the late night and early morning...and Mom joked she will be the one getting rest today.

Green Means Go

Mom's labs are fine, so she has a green light for surgery tomorrow morning in the Methodist Building at Mayo.

Please pray for Mom, her surgeon Dr. William Cliby and his team, and for those who are traveling to be with her during this time.

Blessings!

Waiting

Mom saw Dr. William Cliby @ Mayo this morning. She is having lab work done today and, depending on her albumin level, one of two scenarios will occur. She will either have surgery tomorrow morning, or she will come back home for a couple of months of chemo, and have surgery at a later date. We will know more this afternoon when the lab results come back.

For now, she's off to a pre-op and registration with admissions.

Off to Mayo Clinic

So many have asked about Mom that I thought blogging about her progress would be an efficient way to keep everyone informed.

Mom has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and will visit Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota tomorrow to get a second opinion and schedule surgery. I will post the details here once we know more.

Mom recently encouraged our family with Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths." God picked this path for Mom and she wants all of us to trust him with the outcome.

We covet your prayers. God bless!