Operation: Get Cancer Out

Dad’s surgery was today…  And if I ever need to be reminded what it looks like to be a good friend, I need not look further than our own family and friends.  The thoughtfulness and support that poured forth today was nothing short of humbling.  The texts, calls, messages, emails, and gestures were simply amazing.  I am just awed that so many were praying for us today.  And I can’t begin to tell you how much it meant to us.

Dad’s surgery was two hours shorter than they originally told us, and was back in the recovery room after only four hours.  Once in recovery there was some issues with breathing and high blood pressure, but everything soon stabilized enough to get him upstairs.  He’ll be in the trauma/surgical ward until Saturday or Sunday.

The absolute highlight of today was getting to witness “Loopy Dad” as he went into, and came out of, anesthesia.  Before going into surgery, he told Mom and I that he was counting the horses as they passed him in the canyon.  Most people count sheep to fall asleep, but nope, not my dad.  He counts wild horses.  And coming out of anesthesia, he referred to the nurses as coworkers and kept telling them to move their mail carts.  But the best part was once we were all in his room upstairs, and he woke long enough to say, “First of all, I want to thank you all for coming.” Complete with a pageant wave.  And then fell promptly asleep.  I think he might be in the running for Miss Congeniality.

When we stopped by with the Littles tonight, his sassy, rambunctious self was back and tried conning the night nurse into give him more water and ice chips.  Jon and I were laughing so hard as the nurse gave it right back…  I wish I could be a fly on the wall tonight, especially as Mom and the nurse try to outsmart him. 

All in all, a good, smooth surgery.  We expect results to be back in two weeks, and we’ll know more then.  Thanks again for everything, we’re so blessed by you all!