Three weeks out...tomorrow.

OK, OK, I finally feel guilty enough to write another blog.
I was able to finally bring Gary home Wednesday, June 19.  We were both so glad to be back in Twin.  Gary  has continued to improve daily with both his appetite and energy.  He has enjoyed his recliner, his electric blanket (donated to the cause by JaNae), his journal, and reading his scriptures daily in both German and English with his new IPad.  He is not allowed to drive until four weeks out of surgery so he has endured me as his chaufer with grace.  His surgeon told him he could take short walks and I still have to remind him what "short" really means.  It was wonderful having him attend church with me this morning...he loved it.
We met again this last Friday with his surgeon and he was pleased with his progress.  We will meet with the Oncologist here at St. Luke's, July 8.  Dr. Traverso told us that the Oncology Board there in Boise discussed his case last Tuesday and have recommended both Chemo and Radiation. Even though the cancer was considered contained and did not involve the lymph nodes, the nature of the "invasive cancer" stills requires aggressive therapy.  Dr. Traverso also discussed the probability of having a Chemo port placed in his chest. This therapy will probably start sometime in late July.  Having already gone through this with JaNae this last year gives us both chest tightening anxiety and peaceful assurance that we will make it through.  JaNae has truly been our little hero as she and her little family have been such an example of faith and perserverance.  She has been such a comfort to her Dad these last few weeks.
Gary and I have both been so overwhelmed by all the prayer, fasting and concern offered by all of you.
We both have expressed feelings of, "How can we possible thank everyone for all they have done for us?"  We are deeply grateful and endebted to all of you!  "Thank you, thank you!"

Day 8 - Post Op

Gary has finally been released from the hospital and so happy to have this part of his journey over.

We are here with Jeff & JaNae and loving their little family.  

We figure Chemo will begin some time in August.

As to his request while he has been down, I have been keeping up his journal.  This morning when I walked into his room this is what I saw. His comment, "I'm back and you have been released."  

So good to see him wanting to write again!

So thrilled to see all of you soon.

Again, thank you for your continued prayers.  

We All Came to See Grandpa

Our Walker family reunion was originally scheduled for this last weekend.  Work had been scheduled off and plane tickets had been purchased.   However, cancer didn't have the manners to think about Dad's vacation.  Cancer is really rude and inconsiderate that way.

Even though he was in the hospital, Dad insisted that we all get together anyway.  So the entire Walker family headed to Boise and took turns visiting Dad in the hospital.   

Here we all are in no particular order...except by birth.

Jared and Cara

JaNae and Jeff

Jill and Steve

Jon and Caprice...but without Jon and Caprice.

We only had pictures of their cute boys!

No joke, their boys are REALLY cute!

Jolyn and Dan

While Dad recovered and slowly started keeping down liquids, we swam, played at the park, and ate more junk food than we should have.  We missed you Mom and Dad.  Next year in Oregon with you FOR SURE!

Day 7 - Post Op

Great News!!!
Gary is doing so well.  Dr. Traverso will release him from the hospital on Tuesday.  He is required to stay here in Boise until Thursday.  Jeff & JaNae have graciously & lovingly offered to let us stay with them.  They are even giving up their room on the main floor so Gary won't have to climb stairs.  Thy are wonderful to us.
Gary is enjoying low fat select real food.  He is a happy man...ordering sourdough toast right now.  We realize we still have quite the journey ahead of us, but are living proof of a loving Heavenly Father and answered prayers.  We  love and appreciate all of you, your prayers and concerns.
Gary says, "Life is Good!"

INTRODUCING...."RK"

as in RoadKill.  

Destined to be the family favorite.....and guaranteed to cause a few fights with the Grandkids.  

Dad is just grateful that he smells better than the one below!   

 We love our Dad and Grandpa!  

Day 6 - Post Op

"Happy Father's Day!"
Gary is doing so well.  Dr. Burton, the surgeon's partner, was in this morning to see Gary.  He told Gary, "You are well ahead of the curve."  They allowed Gary this morning to start low fat full liquids, which is basically broth, pudding, yogurt, cream of rice & skim milk.  It was last Sunday noon that Gary last ate anything.  He has just eaten a few bites here & there and then is done.  Gary's epidural was removed yesterday and he continues to do well with the oral narcotics.  His incision is about 7" long and has 23 staples.  It runs vertical from the sternum to the belly button.
When Jeff, JaNae & kids came up to visit this afternoon, we all got to walk with him twice around the loop.  We all noticed how thin Gary's legs are looking,  We hope he doesn't loose too much more weight.  The Johnsons brought him a "get well helium balloon" tied around one of the arms of a little stuffed raccoon.  Gary & the kids named the raccoon "RK" for road kill.  Our family has laughed over a U-tube picture of a dead raccoon on the side of the road with his little paw held up in the air with a "get well balloon."  Sorry...just Walker humor.
Jon, Caprice & boys were also up to visit this morning before driving back to Washington.  We love to see those cute little boys.  Dan & Jolyn are also on their way back to Missouri today.  It has been so comforting to have all our children here in town.
We continue to feel so uplifted by everyone's love and prayers.  We are grateful for all of you.

pictures of dad from this past week

Mom has done a great job keeping us siblings updated on Dad's progress and recovery.  I think it's a full time job for her just answering the phone and texting all of us.

By the end of Dad's stay, she might even need a secretary!

Here are a few pictures she texted us during this past week to let us know how dad was doing.

 This was taken when Dad was still in the ICU and had just started taking short walks.

 Dad's neighbor Blake after seeing this picture declared that Dad was doing a fine job perfecting his nursing home hair.

We got a good laugh about that one...and maybe a few chest clutches.  

(Gary Walker and nursing homes do not belong in the same sentence.)

Still in the ICU but without the nursing home hair.

(This picture may or may not have sent my sister Jolyn and I into a crying fit.  Seeing Super Man in the hospital is not easy.)

This was taken yesterday.

Two thumbs up!

Dad is looking more like himself.  All he needs is some hiking boots, a hat, and a mountain and he is good to go...almost!

Love you Dad!

Wish we could wish you Happy Fathers Day in person!

Love you too Mom!

Thanks for keeping us all updated.  

Day 4 - Post Op

Friday, June 14
Gary has done very well today.  They started him on clear liquids and he doing great with that.  He definitely prefers the ice chips and popsicles.  He is only allowed to drink 60 ml per hour.  He did need  a little zofran for nausea this evening.  He felt like shaving this morning and I even washed his hair with one of those fancy put on your head shower caps.  Pretty ingenious.
Dr.  Traverso said to me in the hall, "Gary is the perfect Whipple patient.  I can't tell you how well he is doing."  He mentioned that if he continues to improve as he has he may release him from the hospital on Monday.  We would need to stay in Boise for 1-2 days to make sure he does ok.  We'll take that.
Jim & Juline came up to visit.  It was so good to see them.   Gary & I recommended Winger's  sticky finger salad in Mt. Home on their way home.   Ilene was also here and seemed so relieved to see Gary looking so well.  She was here in Boise at a Vision Source meeting for the office.
The kids all met at JaNae's this morning.  They are taking family pictures and JaNae will be serving a gluten free lunch.  We are so thrilled to have all our kids together.  Wish we could be with them, but so happy they are having a fun time.  This week was supposed to be our family reunion in Oregon.  Plans change and everyone adjusts.  That is just a fact of life.
Again, we are so grateful for wonderful friends and families.  Your prayers have been felt and answered.  Thank you, thank you for all your love and concern.

Day 3 - Post Op

This is Ardith and my first time at blogging.  Nothing fancy or cute, so here goes.
Gary has finally been moved to the 6th floor.  Dr. Traverso was in early this morning with great news from the pathologist.  The Tumor was 1.2 centimeters with no involvement in the lymph nodes.  The tumor also involved the duodenum or where the duct drains into the small intestine.  That indicates that the tumor was localized.  The Dr. recommended chemo and radiation, but the final decision will be left to the Oncologist in Twin.  We are so relieved.  Prayers are truly answered
Tomorrow they will start him on some clear liquids,  He hasn't had anything by mouth since Sunday lunch.  So far today, he has been up walking 5 times.  This morning he walked past a room where a patient was eating scrambled eggs and had to restrain himself from strangling the poor guy.  Considering it was hospital scrambled eggs...I think he is getting pretty hungry.  The kids are all here in town having a grand time playing.  It has been so wonderful having all our children come and visit.  It has been so good for their Dad's spirits.  Jared and his family came and took me to Red Robin to eat dinner with all 19 grandchildren and 10 adults.  It was so fun and relatively calm.  When I got back Gary told me he really missed me and I smelled delicious.
Again, we want to thank everyone for their prayers and positive thoughts.  We have truly been blessed by such wonderful friends and family.  We love you all!

The 48 Hour Update!

Dad has done well in the 48 hours following surgery.  

We cannot fathom how fast time has gone, but yet it has dragged on at times.   We are being sure to take care of Mom as I know that it is exhausting for her.  The Dr. has asked her a few times about what she is doing to take care of herself.  We hope that she is getting enough sleep.  We are supplying her with some non- hospital food, which we hope helps! :)

Day 1:  (exciting stuff!)

Mom met him at about 7 in the morning from her guest suite in the hospital.  She came early and was able to talk to the Surgeon and have some questions answered.  Dr mentioned that Dad is doing well and wanted him to try to sit up and then walk a few steps to the chair across the room.  An hour later with the help of my Mom, Dad followed the Dr's orders.  Dad made it to the chair and then started feeling really light headed.  Mom described that his eyes rolled back into his head and he went limp and passed out.  He started sweating profusely and was not doing well.  His heart rate dropped to about 40.  After a few minutes he came to.  Mom was really shaken up and scared.  The Drs (Surgeon and Anesthesiologist) came in and ordered an EKG and an Echo cardiogram as well as some other tests to determine how well his Epidural was working......They all came back with normal results and they feel like Dad had some kind of Vasovagal response.  After a few hours and more rest he was able to try moving to the chair with some success!  He has such a positive attitude and wants to be strong and fight to feel better!  They were able to remove his NG tube and get him off his oxygen.  It felt freeing to have all of those tubes off of his face.  

I was able to go visit with my 3 youngest children and Mom's sister Charlotte and her husband Lew came by as well.  We think he looks great!  

Day 2:

Dad slept well last night and again looked well this morning.  We were anxious to get the results of the pathology report, although we may have to wait until tomorrow.  The Surgeon mentioned that they will take as much time as they need and he feels comfortable not rushing them.  We want the results to be correct!  

Dad's epidural is still working and pain has not been an issue, although he keeps requesting Benadryl for itching.   He is a maniac at his little breathing machine, and is working hard at keeping his lungs strong. I am impressed!  (I hated that thing when I was in the hospital a year ago.)  We are also pleased as the Dr. was thinking of removing his JP drain tonight.  The drain was placed right where the reconnection site is....Dr. Traverso was positive and happy that the site looked great and was not leaking.  (A huge blessing as with the Whipple procedure, leakage and complications have a high rate!) We feel blessed that things have gone so well.  Mom sent us some pictures of him walking around the unit.  Dr wanted him to do 1 lap....he did 2!  He also felt good enough to brush his teeth and to have his hair combed, and is waiting to be transferred to a different floor and away from ICU!  

He is a trooper and has become a favorite of nurses in the ICU.  When he is not sleeping the nurses gather around to hear hiking stories and to pick his brain on the good places to go.  Mom and I cannot believe how well he can remember names of trail heads and lakes, let alone how long some of the hikes take!  I am sure he will be missed by a few when he is moved! :)

My brother Jonathan and his family arrived today from Washington for a visit.  I am sure it will boost his spirits to see them and their adorable little boys!

Addendum as of 8:00 tonight:
Dad will stay in the ICU tonight again, because there is not an available room for him on the medical floor.  So....he will continue to be neighbors with a few patients that we have lovingly labeled as Jailbait, Crazy and Flasher.
(My least favorite is Flasher....My eyes will never be the same!) 

Surgery Complete!

As of 2:00 this afternoon, Dad's surgery was complete!  

Mom and I were taken to a room, where the surgeon met us and gave us an update on the procedure and on Dad's condition.  For me, it was the hardest waiting time of the day, although I do not think it was for Mom.  Dr. Traverso came in and mentioned that it was a picture perfect surgery, and that Dad was a perfect patient.  He mentioned that things went so well, he wouldn't mind doing it again. Of course we exclaimed that is NOT how we felt.  We were so relieved that  it had gone so smoothly, and were so thankful for all the prayers that were offered in Dads behalf.  How blessed we feel by the support that surrounds us!  Thank You....Thank You....Thank You!!!  

The surgery lasted only about 5 hours, and Dr. Traverso felt like things looked contained and that the cancer was localized, although we have to wait until Wednesday this week to have the final diagnosis in staging the Cancer.  He mentioned that the tumor was only about as large as his pinky fingernail even though it was small, it was located in "Grand Central Station. "  We hope and pray that it was contained.

After about another hour or so, we were able to go up and see him in the ICU.  He looked great.  His coloring was good and his face was not swollen.  Mom felt like he looked so much better than he did after the last few procedures, especially the one where the external port was placed!  

He was drowsy with heavy eyes but was able to listen to us, and know that everything looked good and that he was doing well.  He is on oxygen, has an abdominal drain and a JP drain. His thoracic epidural will give him pain relief for about 3 days. He unfortunately did not have any crazy dreams to report of, but did mention that his epidural was refreshing! We laughed and were happy to know that he was not in a lot of pain.   We hope it continues to be that way! 

Thank you again for your kind thoughts, well wishes and prayers.  I discussed with Jill the happenings of the day and how blessed our family feels.  Our day of course involved some anxious moments, but for the majority of the time was calm and peaceful. We know that we were lifted up and comforted by our Heavenly Father.  He hears our prayers and is aware of our concerns and heart ache, as well as our happiness.  I know that our family is being watched over and protected.  We are so appreciative of all of your love and support!  Have an enjoyable night.....Love to you all!

The latest update... as of 12 noon!

We are still sitting here and doing well.  We have eaten lunch and had a chocolate and caffeine fix.  Grandma Walker, Dads mom would be proud!  :) We have talked to the nurse 2 times, both with updates and good news.  Dad is doing well.  They figure that his procedure will last another 2 hours.  They got a late start with the surgery because the anesthesiologist had a hard time with the epidural.  We are hoping that it will continue to work well so that he will not feel pain and be comfortable for the next few days.  The nurse also mentioned that the Dr. was able to send in samples of the pancreas to the lab. Dr. Traverso will have a preliminary diagnosis before he closes the surgery.  He will share that information with us when we talk to him after the surgery.  Continue the happy thoughts and send the good vibes this way!

We took a little walk, it is a beautiful day here at St Lukes Boise.....and look who we found!  

Our favorite Chemotherapy Patient. (present company excluded)

She isn't trying to be incognito, she just has another bad headache.  Poor Girl. We have connections in crazy places.  We even scored a cold soda from our friends at MSTI.  They are the best and so is Char!  

Love her and are cheering her on!

We're Back...

Dad has finally been taken back to surgery.  He will be having a pyloric preserving Whipple procedure.  We expect it to be about 7 hours long.  That is a lot of dream hiking for Dad.  The surgeon, Dr. Traverso, loved talking with Dad about hiking on King Hill.  He is an amazing surgeon and we feel so blessed that he will be doing the procedure.  He is humble and wont brag, but we hear that he is one of the top surgeons for this procedure in the nation.  Dr. Hise, the Anesthesiologist  shares his birthday with him.  We consider it a great omen.  He was given a thoracic epidural.  They shooed Mom and I out of the room and would not let us watch.  (Which was probably a good thing, I would be embarrassed seeing how tough he is....some of his daughters scream like little girls!)  He was wheeled back for surgery at about 7:59.  Mom and I are here waiting for the first hourly update from the nurse.  

and you thought chuck norris was tough

I found this on my parents' message board yesterday.

I think it accurately portrays how each of my dad's 19 grandchildren feel about him.