Home sweet home.

Angus, Calvin and I got home on Sunday to be with my parents for my dad's surgery. The flight was OK...a few rough patches, but overall pretty doable. I am tempted, however, to buy the extra seat the next time we fly. We'll see. My little boy is growing up fast and just keeps getting more wiggley. Being squished in the window and middle seat is tough when you have a squirmy worm in your arms. Anyway, it's been nice to be home, but it's been super intense. It's just been really hard to see my parents go through these past couple months. A lot of worry, heartache, adjustment, and preparation. Hopefully this surgery will bring good news and brighter days.

My dad was admitted into the hospital this morning around 11:00. Almost immediately, the nurse started his IV and drew is blood. After that, we waited awhile until he was ready to go to have his central line placed. A central line is an IV port that goes in through a large vein in the neck. They place a catheter down through the vein and the port comes out through the chest. This port will be for dialysis since my dad will need it immediately post-op. The nephrology team will do dialysis from this port until my dad heals from his surgery. At that point, they will set him up for a more permanent dialysis situation. Details to follow... Dad had the procedure to place the central line around 4:00 p.m. It took about an hour, and he came out with few complaints and feeling pretty relieved that this part was over. Angus, Calvin and I left the hospital around 6:00 p.m. since Calvin was getting cranked up and ready for bed. Katy, God bless her soul, is spending the night in the hospital with my dad. It's been great to have her there for support. Also, the surgical team is taking Dad as the first case of the day tomorrow, so he'll be in surgery by 8:00 a.m. I doubt we'll be up at the hospital by then, so it's nice that Katy is there to comfort him as he goes in.

After Angus, Calvin and I left, Dad's surgeon came in to discuss tomorrow. He seemed optimistic about being able to get the cancer out. He, of course, was upset that Dad has to go on dialysis. It will be quite a life change, but I think it is important to take things day by day. I know my parents have so many friends and family members who are being very supportive during this time, and for that, I am so grateful. People are really reaching out and doing what they can to help out. It's really been nice, especially for my mom who is pretty overwhelmed by it all.

That's the update for now...Katy is with Dad, and they are "watching" a movie. Dad is sleepy but he will probably be up all night as they are giving him medicine to empty his system and prepare him for the surgery. All we can do now is hope and pray that it's a success. From there, we'll take it one moment at a time. I'm going to do my best to update this blog since this is a lot easier than making phone calls at this moment. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Much appreciated.