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.