Tuesday, August 16, 2011

morning news and ross photo

Alden here:
Surgeon came in this morning and didn't really have anything new to say.
No fever during the night which was a big plus. We were woken up many many times by beeps, check-ups, and restocking, but Deb was able to fall back asleep between some of the visits.  Longest stretch of sleep was probably almost an hour.  Waiting now for "Pain Team" to asses situation, and potentially remove epidural.  Depends on how she deals with the liquid breakfast she just ate, and upcoming liquid lunch.  Thanks again for the prayers, books and magazines.  Hearing from family, old friends, coworkers and neighbors has been a true delight.  So great to hear from everyone.  So far the best thing to come out of this current situation..

Mom said I am doing a good job at nursing, but should probably stick to my day job.

Ross sent a picture from Bulgaria, there are a few more on his facebook, which include him and Rumy, but I couldn't post them on here.  We were able to skype with him yesterday which was great.  Not sure if this is Rumy's house, or somewhere else.  Maybe he can post in the comments.

11 comments:

  1. Did she get her milkshake or do I have to drive there personally and speak with the kitchen;)?

    Love,
    Nurse by remote

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  2. Dear Alden,

    Following Allison's birth, my nurse was a guy who asked if I wanted a back rub. :) Best nurse I ever had...just a tip if you want to earn points. Those "nurse patients" may be hard to please, but nothing like a back rub, foot rub, hand rub, etc...

    You better get going 'cause I'll be there Friday and I'm bringing my massage lotion.

    Aunt Krista

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  3. Hello everyone,

    It is nice to check the blog and see updates with positive things. I keep sending pictures to Mom to try and pass her time in that room. That little grape yard is about 20 feet from where they park the car! A nice place to have a BBQ. Soon she will be out of the hospital and eating real food like grapes!!
    It is tough to think about how Mom and Dad could be in Bulgaria with us right now as they had their tickets booked, and would have sat next to us at the wedding on Sunday and met so many people. At the same time, when Rumyana's family comes to visit next summer, I have faith that Mom will be the one showing them as many of the states as possible and it will be even more special.
    I am so glad that our wonderful immediate and extended family and friends are around her with love and support, two things that Mom has displayed over and over again to her family and friends... I guess it's time to pay it back to someone who never asked for it back. She has given so much to her family and the church, I cannot understand why this could happen to her, but my faith has never been stronger. This is something Libby, my cousin, had eluded to in her blog, but I didn't understand until now. When questions like "why would God do this to her?" arise, I think of her taking us to church for now 29 years (even when we don't particularly want to go) and always defending the Lord and the faith we must possess. Never lose faith, and with her as a Mother, you simply cannot. While there may be cancer in her body right now, there is something in her soul that cannot be replaced or removed, and that is the holy spirit.

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  4. Ross,
    So nice to hear a little about your trip to Bulgaria, they are such warm people and I'm sure your wedding was wonderful and Rumi a beautiful bride. You're right your mom is always so generous in helping others, it's her time to sit back and reap the rewards and focus on her own personal recovery. Enjoy the rest of your stay there, I know you are so disappointed that your parents couldn't join you.
    Love,
    Debbie

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  5. Hi Deb,
    Thanks for letting me into the "inner sanctum" of the Hoksbergen/Vermeulen clans today to do a little nursing from a friend. It was so good to sit and visit with you and with all of your company. Your kids are amazing and I am not surprised by that one bit! I know that you and Stan are proud of them, and you should be.
    I'm glad you are recovering so well from the surgery and I'm praying that your news on Friday gives you a specific goal to aim for. Don't forget to name your cancer cells so you can get good and mad at them.:-)Thanks for showing me the tender side of how this is impacting you and please know that all of your friends and loved ones want to help you carry your burdens. Sleep well tonight.
    Love,
    Ellen

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  6. hi debbie I like the thought of naming the cancer cells and then I think of the pac man game...."Go get them"....I hope to see you Thursday....take care my friend....love you and I miss seeing your smile at work....love all of the pictures...

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  7. Hi Deb,
    Just checking in on you and getting the daily update. I am so grateful for this blog, because I want to keep up with you, but so many people love you that it would be impossible to keep up any other way. I hope you are not in pain. Thinking of you!
    Love,
    Crystal

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  8. Dear Deb,

    Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. You have a wonderful caring family and friends who are sending positive thoughts.

    Love,
    Sandy Buller

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  9. This is the third time I've started another comment and then dumped it. For some reason I feel I need to say this to you. If you EVER think you're not strong enough to fight this; if you think that those who say you are strong just don't know the real you; if you EVER start to second guess what you know to be true about God; if you EVER doubt your strength or His...you're WRONG! You are stronger than you think, stronger than you know. Believe it!

    Hey, you learned to play the guitar so we could run around to teach praise songs and face the children's worship kids...girl, after that, you can do anything! Take care my friend.

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  10. Spoke with Mieke a little while ago - such a strong gal - like her Mom. Got a report on your day from Ellen - such a gift. Counting the days till I come to Michigan.

    Tim and I are working out in our very HOT garage, trying to move enough boxes to fit one car in while I am gone. Can't wait to flatten the final box. Getting close. Better get back there...

    Just wanted to say Good-Night, sweetie.

    Love from Tulsa, Krista

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  11. Hi Deb,Continuing to hold you close in heart and prayer. Doctors treat but God HEALS,cling to that Love you Aunt Ike

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