CancerCompass message board discussion started by Barkley on 2/19/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21124,0.htm Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ February 19th:One week ago today dad had his surgery.  Dad had three grape juices last night and three today.  Not one drop of grape juice showed up in his chest tube drain or came out of his neck incision.  No leaks.  Today they took away dads pain pump.  He was started on a liquid diet along with the Nestle Nutition pack through his J tube.  The gout is better and dad was up walking again.  Dr. Anderson said Dad will be going home on Thursday.  I am now trying to get everything in line for his home care at my house. Dad had two bowel movements today.I am so amazed at what my father has done.  He has the will and drive and fight that Dr. Anderson said he must have for someone 83 years old to undergo what he has gone through.  He also has had the prayers of all of you.  You were all in my prayers today at mass.  I so appreciate your kind words, thought and prayers.  I tell dad about all of you each day.Today we talked about his first night in the SICU.  I will never forget that night.  Dad did it again.  This time he called us at 4:00 A.M.  I gave him the phone numbers of my children and told him to call them if he wakes up and just wants to talk to someone.  He also had a case of the giggles.  The littlest things would happen in his room and he would start laughing.  I called them the post surgery giggles.I will keep you all posted.  Thank you all again for your support.  Tomorrow more questions for his Dr. and the home Health care nurses. We continue to take it one day at a time.  Thank you again.Steve Barkley Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thank you Steve for starting my morning off on such a positive note!!  Today is my Dad's 1st birthday since his death.  My Mom and all of us don't know what to do.  It is certainly not a happy birthday, yet, he was such an extraordinary person and so deeply loved by us and all who knew him, so, of course, we want to acknowledge his Birthday.  This birthday will be  I assume the hardest.  My Mom is 76 and spent 54 years married to my Dad and they knew and/or dated each other for 9 years prior to marriage.  So, you do the math.  Almost my Mom's entire life was spent with my Dad and of course, I'm 48 and my entire life was shared with my Dad, same with my Brother's and my kids.  We are  struggling with the "firsts" of everything without him and today, his Birthday, is the last of the "firsts" for the year but possibly the hardest.  We will do the best we can in our agonizing search for a new "normal" without my Dad.  Anyway, your post is the first thing I've read this morning and it made my heart smile!!  Your Dad's victories have become my Dad's victories and all EC patient's victories.  Tell your Dad I said thank you, especially on this day but every day too!!  He IS amazing!!  Thank you for the updates Steve - you have no idea what they mean to all of us!  Now, if we can just get you a good night sleep :-)    God speed - karen    Worriedsick Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Great news Steve !          I believe your Dad is the best thing to happen on the board in a long time.Don't get me wrong, I am so sorry that he had to get this awful cancer, but he is such an inspiration to everybody. I know you and he both can't wait for him to get out of the hospital. I wonder who he will call at night when he gets to your house. I am so happy for you and your Dad. Tell him to keep up the good work. Thanks for the update.Will keep the prayers going.                                               Pat Patty5 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Steve,No leaks - that's a big milestone. Going home 9 days after surgery - that's  AMAZING!Over the past months we've all seen lots of questions about the surgery and the possible outcomes. Now we can point out your posts to people and they can see a truly great story.Tell your Dad to keep it up. Again, do your best to keep up with him,Steve   Cyclist Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT What a wonderful story!!!!!  And how great it is that you share the success with us.  We, survivors and the care givers, are so thrilled when someone does well and this give hope to those still struggling.  This road to complete recovery is a long, hard journey, but your dad and you seem to be up for it.  Congratulations!  You, and all who love your dad are in my prayers each day.Gerri Gerri Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Dear Steve:  It sure is wonderful to hear such great news!!!  Unfortunately, my son's journey and so many others on this board are full of sadness, it is wonderful to hear about someone who has done so well.  I will continue to pray for your Dad - what a fighter.  My son, Robbie, was a fighter too, but unfortunately his disease had spread too far.  Godd Luck and Best Wishes for a full recovery for your Dad!!!Hugs to you and yoursLynn Momlynn Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT