This was Mike around lunch time...he hates it when I pull out the camera but I told him I wanted everyone to see how good he looked!!  He kind of smiled for me!  He is doing really well today. He slept a lot yesterday and last night but felt very good this morning! I slept in the hospital hotel for one more night last night...he called me around 8:15 this morning to see if I was up and he sounded amazing!! I wouldn't have guessed he had surgery 2 days ago when talking to him this morning.

He is supposed to walk 3 times a day today. He walked once this morning and went farther than the occupational therapist said.  She said he was doing great!  He is also doing breathing exercises frequently to help his lungs. Our good friend Patrick (soon to be Dr. Patrick) said that is very important so we'll make sure and keep on it!!

       

Here's the view from Mike's room. He has a corner room on the 8th floor. I wish it were spring or summer so the trees would all be green but I'll take what I can get. The view at night is pretty neat!  

Update as of 11:00 Tuesday

Mike's surgery ended around 4 yesterday afternoon, making it a 5 hour surgery!  Dr. Dickerman (surgeon) came and spent 15 minutes or so with us in the waiting room explaining the outcome of the surgery. I will try to explain it as best I know how!!  

They were unable to do what was planned due to the blood vessels...the major blood supply for his heart and liver would have been affected if they had proceeded as planned.  They did completely drain and remove the cysts that were still hanging around.  They did several things to help with the problems he was having: digestion issues and his bile duct not draining.  To help the bile duct drain, they rerouted it to bypass the obstruction from the pancreas. For the digestion, they removed part of his stomach... they found that his stomach was 3 x bigger than it should have been.  They said that since his food hasn't been digesting due to the obstruction, his stomach has been working harder to try and digest and has become enlarged. Reducing the size of the stomach and taking meds to help his digestion will help his food digest properly.  Everything wa s rerouted around the obstructed area since it couldn't be removed.

They did remove his gallbladder.  It could cause complication in the future and is not necessary to keep...as many of you know! :)

Now, when they finally did see his pancreas, they found that instead of being the size of three fingers, it is the size of a pencil.  This is due to the scarring from his pancreatitis.  His pancreas is not doing much due to its damage but Dr. Dickerman said he can take things to help with what the pancreas should do. One is taking insulin, the other is taking pancreatic enzymes.  He is already on insulin and will add pancreatic enzymes to his list.

He is doing well right now. He spent the night in ICU for them to monitor everything. The ICU doesn't allow you to spend the night and has visitor hours in 2 hour increments...2 hours visiting, 2 hours not visiting. Which has been kind of nice. We can go eat and rest without feeling guilty.  During our morning visi t earlier, an occupational therapist stopped by to help Mike get out of his bed and into a chair. He was still sitting when we left.  Dr. Dickerman's associate that assisted with the surgery stopped by and said they will be focusing on his pain management and breathing. There are some breathing techniques that will keep him from developing pneumonia. He should be eating in 3 days or so.

Monday, 2:05 update

Hi everyone!! I'm excited to say that as I was showing my mom how to find a wireless signal on her laptop (she usually uses an Alltel signal), I found a wireless at the hospital!!! YEA!!! They must have decided to add one since our last trip.  I tried using Mike's work computer and did have problems but I'm hoping my laptop will work once my mom leaves tomorrow.  

As of right now (2:05 p.m.), Mike is in surgery and doing well.  We have been getting hourly phone calls letting us know that he is still doing good.  That has been so nice. The surgery will be a long one so the hourly update has been a lifesaver!  

Mike will probably stay at least one night in ICU for monitoring and then move to a regular room.  They hope to have him up and walking (not fast or far) in a day or so.  His incision is going to be pretty big...his entire abdomen area running up and down.

That's about it for now.  I'll try and update often as long as I can get the wireless signal.  You should have seen my excitement to know it is there!!  I'm including a pic of us before he headed off!! Isn't he cute in his little surgery cap!

So far, today has been a very peaceful day. Not many of us are working today and the weather is dreary. It has been nice to have cold weather here...it has helped put me in the mood for the holiday! Although I'm glad we won't be here for the 77 degree weather that is coming for Christmas day!! I don't know what the weather will be like at Mike's grandparents...I need to look that up...but I'm sure it will be cooler than 77 degrees!!

I'm hoping to take some time at Keith and Jackie's to relax and journal. I really want to start journaling again but have to get the habit started. I know once I start, I probably won't be able to stop. The Bryant's house is such a good place to start. The only distraction is the TV and as long as we don't get hooked on a marathon or movies, I should have some time to get away. Last year at Thanksgiving I had the same plan but it was WAY too cold to sit on the porch and everyone was stirring around inside so I didn't get much alone time in. Maybe it will be warmer this year.

We are getting prepared for Mike's surgery. Well, for the return from Mike's surgery. I'll finish up tonight on getting the house in order so we don't come home to chaos! Everyone here has been so good to offer help in advance and I'm going to try and ask for help when I need it once we get back! I'm planning on taking a few days off when we get back to help Mike adjust to being home. His dad may come stay with us some too. I'm glad we've had this week to prepare for the surgery and recovery...at least as best we know how!

I don't think I'll get to post again before Christmas so here's you "MERRY CHRISTMAS!!" Talk to you on the other side!!

Hello everyone!  I don't know who all reads this so some of you may already know this info.  Here's the latest on Mike.

Mike had another MRI and scope yesterday to find out the health of his pancreas.  The easy/short version is that his cysts are not refilling but his pancreas does show signs of damage. His pancreas is inflammed and scarred and will not improve on its own. It is causing obstructions to his pancreatic duct, bile duct, and intestines.  Any procedure other than surgery would be a temporary fix.

Mike will be having surgery Monday, December 29 in Dallas.  In an ideal situation, a portion of his pancreas, bile duct, and intestines will be removed and then everything will be reconnected together. There are a few things that Dr. Dickerman will look for once he is in surgery that could cause that to change--blood vessels in the way could cause more damage if the above is done so they will have to go another route.  We met with Dr. Dickerman before we left Dallas yesterday and he explained everything to us. We feel very confident in him as a doctor. He believes Mike will not have any major problems after this surgery. One common problem for patients is developing diabetes, but Mike already has that on his resume! 

He will spend at least 1 week in the hospital and then have a 4-6 week recovery time at home.  Thankfully, he'll be able to do some work from home and can still teach on Wednesday/Sunday nights when he regains strength. He is so ready to begin feeling well again! 

Please pray for Mike's body to react well to the surgery, Dr. Dickerman and his team, that the doctors will find an ideal situation during surgery, for Mike's spirits to remain positive during his hospital stay...and all of ours as well!!

Any of you new to our hospital visits, the hospital does not have internet available other than in their library.  They are only open for specific hours during the day and it is not always possible to get an update out as often as I'd like.  I will do my best to keep everyone updated often.  Also, cell phones work well in the patient rooms but not so well in waiting rooms and such that are located on the interior of the building, so please keep that in mind if texting.  Also, if you plan on texting and have Mike's number, text his phone--he has a lot more unused texts than I do!! I'll have his phone with me! Thanks!  

Thanks for all the thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement.

Susie Homemaker

Well, it's finally happened...I am officially Susie Homemaker!!  I didn't realize it until Angela called me Susie today but I have...AND I LOVE IT!!

I spent all weekend baking goodie trays for coworkers, friends, and a little for ourselves and then cooked a good home cooked meal for two of Mike's single friends tonight--chicken fry, home made mashed taters, YUMMY!! It wasn't my best meal but they said if that wasn't my best, they'd love to try my best. It was such a good compliment!

Mike and I are headed to Dallas tomorrow for more tests.  We'll drive to Dallas, have tests Wednesday, have dinner and catch a movie with Angela, and then a scope on Thursday.  We hope to head home on Thursday. 

We are REALLY enjoying things here!  The folks are so encouraging and caring.  Oh, and we got a new couch.  I'll post a picture below. As my dad said, "NOW THAT'S A COUCH!!"  We love to entertain and it has helped. We can sit and chat with people and not be squashed on one couch!!

Well, have a Merry Christmas and keep your eye out for an update of Mike's dr. appt. 

 

My blessed weekend!

This weekend was a great one! We started out with dinner and a movie with our friends Robert and Heather on Friday...then Greased Pumpkin with the youth on Saturday (picture). Greased Pumpkin is a game Mike played as a youth and has ALWAYS

 wanted to play with youth groups but has never gotten the chance to play.  It is Ultimate Frisbee that you play with pumpkins covered in Crisco! Lots of fun!

I got to talk to my mom and sister this afternoon on the webcam and was so happy! I've talked to my mom a few times but this time I got to talk to my sister too!! I love the bond my mom, sister, and I have. Talking to them together face-to-face made my weekend! 

I also got to catch up with Angela! I love this pic!  It was taken at the State Fair last month, which reminds me...I need to post those pics! I was excited to chat with her and find out what is new in her life.  Our schedules don't cooperate right now so I cherish the times we get to chat. 

The BBB (Bryant Bed and Breakfast) is filling up fast!! We have reservations for December, January, February, and even March!! We have folks from as far away as Bogotá, Colombia making reservations!

Okay, so other than my Colombian friend Andrea, everyone else is from West Texas but still, it sounds good! I’m very excited about Andrea’s visit but there are a lot of details to work out. She’s coming to visit West Texas for a month but I won’t be able to go there while she’s there. She is planning on visiting me on her way out of the country though, which excites me!

My other visitors include my sister! My dad! Mike’s parents! Kate and Bonnie (and hopefully a few of the girls!)!! and I’m sure my mom will make a visit or two during those months!!

HAPPY HARVEST EVERYONE!!
       

                    

Mike and I signing our papers!!

               

SOLD!!!

         

Our "fireplace" before my mom's visit

         

and after!!

           

Another after pic!

Our guestroom

and guess what...we finally got a new car!! It was something we had talked about but hadn't really planned until it happened!  Anyway, we are now the proud owners of a 2009 Nissan Murano!! 

I love this picture...

After much anticipation (and procrastination!), here are the pictures of us at the beach! I finally put them on the computer to be able to put them on the blog for all to see. 

These pictures are from my birthday...that was a GREAT day! We traveled to Port Aransas, ate lunch, and then headed to the beach for Mike to see it for the first time!!  The weather was a little chilly but really nice.  There was a breeze and the water was kind of warm.  Hope you enjoy the pics!

WE ARE HOMEOWNERS!!!

We have joined the group of adults in this world that are in debt for the next 30 years!

I hope get pictures up next week sometime...I need time to get a few things set up, cleaned up, and put up before I showcase our home on the blog. I promise you'll get to see it soon!

I wanted to keep my posts in chronilogical order but I haven't had a chance to post a few and want to give everyone an update!

We aren't homeowners yet but we get to start living in our house today!! The loan is taking longer to get approved due to it being an USDA loan. The USDA requires a lot more info and hasn't approved the loan yet but the bank has...so once it is approved, we're set to go!! We are so thankful that we can start living there today! Our stuff was moved into the house last week and we've been staying in a travel trailor (not as bad as it sounds) but I start work Monday and we're ready to start getting things settled!

We are really enjoying the town! We went to a football game last week and got to meet a lot of people. It is so weird for people to know who we are but we don't know them! A couple came up to us at Chili's today and introduced themselves. She said, "we know you are the new youth minister and wanted to introduce ourselves." I had told Mike that we needed to be on our best behavior because people will know who we are when we don't know they are looking. I thought I'd educate him on the small town aspect of things!

I hope everything is going GREAT in West Texas and elsewhere...Miss y'all!!

We loaded up the U-haul Monday morning and headed out to Barksdale...aka Mike’s grandparents’ house. We had a great but short visit with them. We always enjoy going to their house to visit. Things are so calm and relaxing.  Mike likes to get up early and see the deer catching breakfast in the front yard..I enjoy it too but only when I wake up on my own!

                         

       

                    


        

                            


                       

**Sorry for the format on this blog...I wanted to get it posted and don't have the patience right now to make it pretty!!**

The goodbyes were a bit harder and a bit easier this time around!  We got to spend a year getting reacquainted with those we had lost touch with and also gained a few new friends, which made it hard to say goodbye! It is always hard to goodbye but there was so much to look forward to and so many friends expressed a desire to visit us...I hope that happens because we love houseguests!! and...we want our West Texas friends to ALWAYS be a part of our lives.  

I got several pictures of our goodbyes witth different people. Unfortunately, I didn’t get pictures with everyone so please don’t feel left out!  That just means we have to see each other again to get a picture!

I’m on the airplane to Dallas to meet my sister for our weekend together and I’m FINALLY getting a chance to type a blog! I decided to go ahead and type it up, then transfer it online...that seems to be the only way I can get it done these days. 

I’m hoping to post several blogs this weekend so make sure you read all of them!

We have had quite a time the last 3 weeks...Mike performed 2 weddings, we saw LOTS of friends and moved! We were able to unload our belongings into our future home but because we haven’t closed yet, we can’t unpack or live there!  We are staying in a very nice travel trailor unti we are able to close, which should be Wednesday!!  That’s the over-all update...now for some details and pictures!!

I was so excited that Mike was able to perform a wedding ceremony for my friend Leslie and her now

 husband Cody!!  This was thrown together so fast so that Mike could officiate before we moved but it was intimate, personal, and BEAUTIFUL!!  Leslie and Cody--we were so blessed to be a part of your day! We pray you have a wonderful life together!!

The following weekend Mike had the honor of marrying my sister’s friend (and mine!) Robbie and Jage. This one was planned for a while and was what helped keep us in West Texas a little longer!!  Jage and Robbie had a a great ceremony--despite the wind--and we enjoyed celebrating with them afterwards! We didn’t get a picture while we were all dressed up but glad we got a picture.  Jage and Robbie--thank you both so much for letting us be a part of y’alls day and for all the encouragement! We are excited for you! 

I know this sounds cheesy we bought a webcam yesterday! lol... Our mac computer is kind of old so it doesn't have the camera installed like the new ones, and my mom and his dad have new macs so we wanted to be able to chat with them LIVE once we move!!

We set up the camera last night and visited with Randy and Linda (Mike's dad and step-mom) last night and it was so much fun! I think they were really surprised at how much better it was than even talking on the phone! I'm so excited about being able to SEE them while we talk! I think it will help a lot with helping me not be as homesick. So, anyone who has ichat using aim, or I think you can with regular aim, let me know! We can chat LIVE too!

I'm beginning to prepare to move in a nesting type of way! lol...I hope to use birthday money to get a new digital camera (ours is M.I.A.) so I can send lots of pics of our new home and fun experiences (Mike going to the beach for the 1st time) home to everyone! I've also added a digital camcorder to my Christmas wish list so that I'll have it for when we have kids!! I don't usually have anything I want for Christmas so my family will be glad that I have something on my wish list this early!!

In the HOME STRETCH!!

It is not a secret that I haven't enjoyed living in our apartment from Day One...and guess what! The feeling has not changed! lol...we will finish up our packing tonight (or maybe tomorrow right before the movers show up) and I'm not really sad AT ALL! I've shed an inner tear when we left other places we've lived because they've had some effect on me but not apartment 242...Good riddance!

Have you ever been glad to see the end of something...the end of a job? the end of a relationship? the end of a residence? Please share...

Well, the time has finally come for us to know for sure if Mike will be a full-time youth pastor...

...with an almost unanimous vote, Mike was hired as the new youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Beeville!! We had such a great weekend and met some wonderful people. Although we are always sad about leaving our friends and family in West Texas, we are super excited about this part of our journey!

Mike's first official day will be October 16 (my birthday!) so we will be leaving Midland Monday, October 13...that gives us 3 full weeks here to say goodbye! We are moving out of our apartment this weekend and will be staying with our AMAZING friends, the Swanson family until we leave on the 13th. We have SO much to do this week to get out of our apartment but are hoping to have a little free time once October starts.

We are getting close to knowing where we'll live and I'll share that once it is more official. We REALLY want to have TONS of visitors so PLEASE let us know if you want to come visit!! We have a spare room and would love to see ya!

On a "how's Mike" note, he is doing so well in regards to his pancreas! He hasn't had any problems and will go back October 2 for his stint to be removed and for them to check out his pancreas. Unfortunately, he did get sick with bronchitis last week and was sick this weekend...but he did great speaking with everyone and sharing his testimony in church! He's been to the doctor and is on his way to being better!

So, I'm sitting here waiting on Mike to pick me up...I never thought this week would end!! It's about time! We are headed to Beeville for things to become official...the church will vote Sunday morning on hiring Mike so when we head home, we'll know if we are moving in a few weeks.

We'll be doing several things while we are there...looking at a possible rent house to live in until we can buy our FIRST HOUSE and meeting with a potential future employer for me!! YEA!

It is so crazy how things get built up in our heads...we are filled with anticipation, aren't we? When I read Molly's blog, she reminds me of the anticipation of getting married. MAN! That was such a great time of anticipation! and Kate...she was getting ready to make a move across town for the 1st time in 8 years! I haven't lived in one place much longer than 8 months since I moved out of my dad's house! lol...

There is always anticipation in our lives and I think that's good. I think our lives should change and things should be different but if you aren't able to enjoy your life the way it is...to be content...you shouldn't anticipate something new happening! Have a great weekend!