Glory to God....Dad is being discharged today and should be home around 2:00PM. Dr. Harpole and Dad's nurse both said that he is only the 2nd patient that they have seen go home in a 5-6 day timeframe following this surgery. Dr. Harpole has been employed at Duke since 1983 and Dad's nurse has been employed there since 1987 so both are long-term employees. Both were very impressed with Dad's healing and speedy recovery.
Jackson & I are going to go over to my parents house and welcome Dad home. We arn't going to stay too long but I imagine that this will be our last visit over there for a couple weeks due to BGP's forthcoming arrival. Dan has a meeting until 7PM so he won't be able to come with us.
BGP is still hanging tight. Lots of contractions last night during American Idol. Of course, they didn't lead to anything. I did wake up several times with strong contractions in the middle of the night. During the day, for whatever reason, not too much seems to occur. Perhaps now that Dad is coming home, I won't be so stressed and I will be able to relax.
Induction is on Friday and we have to be there at 6AM. Dr. Lee thinks the laboring process will be very quick so hopefully by 6PM on Friday, we'll have Miss BGP outta there and taking lots of pictures of her!
Much love and thanks for your continued prayers and support! God sure is good!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
Quick update....
I know I just provided an update a couple days ago on Dad & BGP. But, I had an OB appointment this morning and wanted to provide you all with that information.
I am now officially 4 centimeters dilated! My OB isn't sure what on earth is holding BGP in there. I am still sitting at 80% effaced and +1 station (her head is extremely low in my pelvis). Keep in mind that a baby is delivered at +3 station!
I am hopeful that BGP will stay put until Thursday or Friday. Dad will likely be discharged on Wednesday or Thursday. As long as they are heading home, Mom will be able to get to the hospital for the delivery. Not that I can't do it without her, mind you, but Dan and I both (yes, Dan wants her to be there perhaps even more than I do....smile) really want her to be there. A mother provides comfort and strength -- 2 things I'll definitely need while birthing BGP. It also helps that my mom is a nurse and keeps tabs on what the nurses are doing.
Oh yes, and Mom just called to let us know that Dr. Harpole came by to check on Dad and he said that Dad is doing "GREAT!" He thinks he'll have Dad discharged in a couple days. And, the big news is that Dad walked a mile today! Hard to believe he lost a lung 4 days ago. God sure is good!!
I am now officially 4 centimeters dilated! My OB isn't sure what on earth is holding BGP in there. I am still sitting at 80% effaced and +1 station (her head is extremely low in my pelvis). Keep in mind that a baby is delivered at +3 station!
I am hopeful that BGP will stay put until Thursday or Friday. Dad will likely be discharged on Wednesday or Thursday. As long as they are heading home, Mom will be able to get to the hospital for the delivery. Not that I can't do it without her, mind you, but Dan and I both (yes, Dan wants her to be there perhaps even more than I do....smile) really want her to be there. A mother provides comfort and strength -- 2 things I'll definitely need while birthing BGP. It also helps that my mom is a nurse and keeps tabs on what the nurses are doing.
Oh yes, and Mom just called to let us know that Dr. Harpole came by to check on Dad and he said that Dad is doing "GREAT!" He thinks he'll have Dad discharged in a couple days. And, the big news is that Dad walked a mile today! Hard to believe he lost a lung 4 days ago. God sure is good!!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Update on Dad & BGP
Just got back from Duke Hospital and wanted to update you all.....
I know you all have been praying for my father and trust me, we can really feel them. Dad did beautifully during the surgery. He did require 4 pints of blood (more than the 1-2 pints that they had predicted) and the surgery took 4 hours. Dr. Harpole said that he removed ALL the cancer and that it was stage 1 (no lymph node involvement). Dr. Harpole feels fairly confident that he can "erradicate" this cancer with 5 weeks of pin-point radiation treatments and 3 rounds of chemo.
Dad is healing well. The nurses had him up and walking the day following his surgery. He's been up and walking tons and thus far, the issues he has are not really related to the actual lung removal. He has an epidural to help control the pain and that is making him constipated, his private area itches terribly from the catheter (day 4 for the catheter), itches all over from the epidural and he has a fairly painful kink in his neck from the way they positioned him on his left side during the surgery. They can't give him any narcotics because they decrease his respiratory rate (don't want to do that after lung surgery) so it's been a little difficult to try to get his pain under control in his neck. Today was the first day he could have food and yesterday was the first day he could have any liquids due to the risk of him aspirating.
They had to remove the sympathetic nerve chain in the lung, which is responsible for maintaining control of his blood pressure. Since it was removed, his blood pressure is and always will be low for the rest of his life (90-100/60-70mm Hg). Dr. Harpole wanted his blood pressure around 75/50mm Hg for the first couple of days. Dad's body has now stabilized his blood pressure and is now consistently around 85/90 over 50/60mm Hg. He also has an irregular heartbeat due to his heart being positioned differently in the body. They did an EKG and determined that this new, irregular heartbeat will likely become Dad's new heart pattern. It is not a cause for concern.
The doctors did say that this was one of the largest operations that they do at Duke. It ranks right up there with a heart or lung transplant. There was 1 in 20 chance that he would die. Given those stats, Dad was very emotional and scared before the surgery. Lots of tears were shed (and my Dad NEVER cries) and he read off what he wanted my brother & I to have in case he died (talk about sad/emotional -- whew!). It was very emotional when Dad came out of surgery: he kept saying, "I told ya'll I would be back, I told ya'll I'd make it, I can breathe with one lung....I can really breathe." Lots and lots of tears! Dad was terrified that he might not be able to breathe or breathe adequately with one lung so he was elated as soon as he realized that he was breathing beautifully with just one lung. It was a very emotional moment for our entire family. We all broke down, crying tears of relief and joy. Shortly thereafter, we gathered for a prayer to thank the Lord above!
Dad will likely be discharged on Wednesday. Two more days of rest at the hospital. His doctor really wants to get him home because he's a firm believer that the best healing occurs at home (as long as he's in great condition to go home).
BGP is still hanging tight. At my appt on Wednesday, I was 3cm dilated, 80% effaced and +1 station. My OB isn't sure what is holding BGP in! I did have lots of strong contractions early this morning (2AM-6AM) but they stopped when I got up to use the bathroom. Frustrating but I'm hoping she hangs tight until my induction on Friday so that my mom can be there for the birth! I have another OB appt tomorrow!
That's about it! Just wanted to provide you all with some info since I know many of you contacted me to let me know that my Dad was in your thoughts and prayers!
38 week belly shot (and perhaps my last one):
I know you all have been praying for my father and trust me, we can really feel them. Dad did beautifully during the surgery. He did require 4 pints of blood (more than the 1-2 pints that they had predicted) and the surgery took 4 hours. Dr. Harpole said that he removed ALL the cancer and that it was stage 1 (no lymph node involvement). Dr. Harpole feels fairly confident that he can "erradicate" this cancer with 5 weeks of pin-point radiation treatments and 3 rounds of chemo.
Dad is healing well. The nurses had him up and walking the day following his surgery. He's been up and walking tons and thus far, the issues he has are not really related to the actual lung removal. He has an epidural to help control the pain and that is making him constipated, his private area itches terribly from the catheter (day 4 for the catheter), itches all over from the epidural and he has a fairly painful kink in his neck from the way they positioned him on his left side during the surgery. They can't give him any narcotics because they decrease his respiratory rate (don't want to do that after lung surgery) so it's been a little difficult to try to get his pain under control in his neck. Today was the first day he could have food and yesterday was the first day he could have any liquids due to the risk of him aspirating.
They had to remove the sympathetic nerve chain in the lung, which is responsible for maintaining control of his blood pressure. Since it was removed, his blood pressure is and always will be low for the rest of his life (90-100/60-70mm Hg). Dr. Harpole wanted his blood pressure around 75/50mm Hg for the first couple of days. Dad's body has now stabilized his blood pressure and is now consistently around 85/90 over 50/60mm Hg. He also has an irregular heartbeat due to his heart being positioned differently in the body. They did an EKG and determined that this new, irregular heartbeat will likely become Dad's new heart pattern. It is not a cause for concern.
The doctors did say that this was one of the largest operations that they do at Duke. It ranks right up there with a heart or lung transplant. There was 1 in 20 chance that he would die. Given those stats, Dad was very emotional and scared before the surgery. Lots of tears were shed (and my Dad NEVER cries) and he read off what he wanted my brother & I to have in case he died (talk about sad/emotional -- whew!). It was very emotional when Dad came out of surgery: he kept saying, "I told ya'll I would be back, I told ya'll I'd make it, I can breathe with one lung....I can really breathe." Lots and lots of tears! Dad was terrified that he might not be able to breathe or breathe adequately with one lung so he was elated as soon as he realized that he was breathing beautifully with just one lung. It was a very emotional moment for our entire family. We all broke down, crying tears of relief and joy. Shortly thereafter, we gathered for a prayer to thank the Lord above!
Dad will likely be discharged on Wednesday. Two more days of rest at the hospital. His doctor really wants to get him home because he's a firm believer that the best healing occurs at home (as long as he's in great condition to go home).
BGP is still hanging tight. At my appt on Wednesday, I was 3cm dilated, 80% effaced and +1 station. My OB isn't sure what is holding BGP in! I did have lots of strong contractions early this morning (2AM-6AM) but they stopped when I got up to use the bathroom. Frustrating but I'm hoping she hangs tight until my induction on Friday so that my mom can be there for the birth! I have another OB appt tomorrow!
That's about it! Just wanted to provide you all with some info since I know many of you contacted me to let me know that my Dad was in your thoughts and prayers!
38 week belly shot (and perhaps my last one):
Monday, January 7, 2008
Christmas Photos
Sorry I'm a little late with the Christmas photos. Believe it or not, this was the first chance we have had to get them up.
Jackson and his "4-Wheeler" -- Don't worry, it only goes 2mph!
Jackson and his vacuum
Playing with his vacuum
Looking at the other stuff Santa brought him (books, a fighter jet, Navy miniture football)
Grandaddy helping Jackson with his 4-Wheeler
Riding his 4-Wheeler outside
A cute photo-op of Mr. Jackson on Christmas Day
Daddy helping Jackson open a gift
Eating Oreo's in his highchair
And he got it everywhere.....a mess but he loved it!
Miss Haleigh-bug with Grandaddy!
37 week belly picture
Hope you enjoyed the pictures!
A little update on BGP --
I had an OB appt on Friday and I am a "good 2cm dilated, maybe 3cm." I am 70-80% effaced. BGP isn't a very heavy baby so she isn't putting enough pressure on uterus so they can't feel my cervix as well as they'd like but I'm trying my hardest to put some weight on her. I did gain 3 pounds this past week and hopefully at my appt on Wednesday, I will have gained more.
Mom, Dad and I leave on Wednesday for Dad's surgery at Duke. His surgery is on Thursday but it's safer for me to ride down with them. We will stop every hour to let me stretch my legs. I'm bringing all of my medical records, in case I go into labor there. I've packed all of my bags as if I were definitely going to have BGP there. I'm also packing Jackson & Dan's bags the same way. Better to be safe than sorry! It will also be nice to only have one vehicle down there so that in case I do give birth there, Dan, BGP, Jackson & I can all ride back together. There is no way I could drive a car all by myself after delivery. Dan and Jackson are going to arrive on Thursday evening or Friday morning. It will be the longest timeframe that I've ever been away from Jackson. I know -- a whole 2 days -- but that is a LONG time considering the longest I've ever been away from him was maybe 20 hours. Knowing me, I'll probably cry leaving him on Wednesday but what can I say....I'm a hormonal pregnant Mommy!! Is that a good enough excuse?;>)
Dan, Jackson and I will more than likely return to Chesapeake on Sunday. If Dad is doing well, we will leave on Sunday. I have another OB appt on that Monday. My induction is scheduled for the morning of January 18th, if BGP is still in the womb at that point. I am finished with work this Wednesday and will not return until mid-March.
We will try to keep everyone posted! The next week or so will inevitably be very busy. We will have our cell phones with us (bear in mind that mine holds very little charge) but it'll probably be better to call Dan if you need anything.
Have a great week!:>) Please pray that my father's surgery goes well and keep him in your prayers for a speedy recovery so he can start radiation treatments ASAP!
Jackson and his "4-Wheeler" -- Don't worry, it only goes 2mph!
Jackson and his vacuum
Playing with his vacuum
Looking at the other stuff Santa brought him (books, a fighter jet, Navy miniture football)
Grandaddy helping Jackson with his 4-Wheeler
Riding his 4-Wheeler outside
A cute photo-op of Mr. Jackson on Christmas Day
Daddy helping Jackson open a gift
Eating Oreo's in his highchair
And he got it everywhere.....a mess but he loved it!
Miss Haleigh-bug with Grandaddy!
37 week belly picture
Hope you enjoyed the pictures!
A little update on BGP --
I had an OB appt on Friday and I am a "good 2cm dilated, maybe 3cm." I am 70-80% effaced. BGP isn't a very heavy baby so she isn't putting enough pressure on uterus so they can't feel my cervix as well as they'd like but I'm trying my hardest to put some weight on her. I did gain 3 pounds this past week and hopefully at my appt on Wednesday, I will have gained more.
Mom, Dad and I leave on Wednesday for Dad's surgery at Duke. His surgery is on Thursday but it's safer for me to ride down with them. We will stop every hour to let me stretch my legs. I'm bringing all of my medical records, in case I go into labor there. I've packed all of my bags as if I were definitely going to have BGP there. I'm also packing Jackson & Dan's bags the same way. Better to be safe than sorry! It will also be nice to only have one vehicle down there so that in case I do give birth there, Dan, BGP, Jackson & I can all ride back together. There is no way I could drive a car all by myself after delivery. Dan and Jackson are going to arrive on Thursday evening or Friday morning. It will be the longest timeframe that I've ever been away from Jackson. I know -- a whole 2 days -- but that is a LONG time considering the longest I've ever been away from him was maybe 20 hours. Knowing me, I'll probably cry leaving him on Wednesday but what can I say....I'm a hormonal pregnant Mommy!! Is that a good enough excuse?;>)
Dan, Jackson and I will more than likely return to Chesapeake on Sunday. If Dad is doing well, we will leave on Sunday. I have another OB appt on that Monday. My induction is scheduled for the morning of January 18th, if BGP is still in the womb at that point. I am finished with work this Wednesday and will not return until mid-March.
We will try to keep everyone posted! The next week or so will inevitably be very busy. We will have our cell phones with us (bear in mind that mine holds very little charge) but it'll probably be better to call Dan if you need anything.
Have a great week!:>) Please pray that my father's surgery goes well and keep him in your prayers for a speedy recovery so he can start radiation treatments ASAP!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
A quick update...
First of all, Merry Christmas! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed their Christmas.
I will update with the pictures of our Christmas tomorrow or Friday, when I have a bit more time. I mainly just wanted to update everyone on my OB appt today.
I saw Dr. Lee, a true obstetrician and not the nurse practitioner this time. Needless to say, Dr. Lee was much more knowledgable. Here is the abbreviated version of the appointment:
**BGP has definitely dropped, according to Dr. Lee. She says that BGP's head is very low and that is why I am measuring a little behind (her head is so far down in my pelvis).
**I am 2cm dilated and 50% effaced. I will be 36 weeks on Friday so I guess this is really good news for being 36 weeks. I was only 1cm dilated with Jackson at 36 weeks. Hopefully I'll be a good 3-4cm by 38-39 weeks. The more I can dilate without being in active labor = much better for me.
**I lost 2 pounds since last week. Not sure how that happened, as I've eaten boatloads with the holidays. I honestly thought I had put on at least 5 pounds. But, my OB isn't worried. She feels like BGP is taking whatever she needs from me. That was reassuring because I was a little more than upset when I saw that I had actually lost weight.
**Dr. Lee doesn't think that BGP is that small of a baby. She thinks she'll be about 6lbs at birth, just like Jackson. She wasn't worried at all about her size. I just don't have a big babies, which is nice when it comes to pushing!
**Dr. Lee and Dr. Thibodeau both granted me permission to go to Duke University in Raleigh, North Carolina for Dad's surgery on January 10th. It's about a 2.5 hour drive but I just have to stretch my legs and walk each hour. I will be almost 38 weeks and they prefer that you not travel after 36 weeks but both thought that this was not "elective." I told them that I really would like to be there if they would agree to it and they gave me their blessings and said, "Absolutely, without a doubt -- GO." They are going to give me my records, just in case I go into labor at Duke hospital. And they actually said they felt like there was no other place they'd rather me deliver. The care there is so specialized and Dr. Lee even jokingly said, "It's probably best case scenario, especially with all of your family being there anyway." So, I'll be prepared for BGP's arrival in North Carolina, just in case.
**If no baby by 39 weeks, they will induce me. Dr. Lee doesn't think I'll make it to 39 weeks. She thinks I will go into labor on my own by then but just in case, we are going to schedule a 39 week induction. I had the placental abruption with Jackson at 38 weeks so I'm a little nervous about waiting it out until 39 weeks but I know the Lord will keep us safe.
Here are a couple of almost 36 week belly pictures:
And one picture from 33 weeks, so that you can compare and see how much BGP dropped. Notice how I was carrying higher at 33 weeks and more "all-around."
Okay, look for the Christmas pictures and video within the next few days.
Much love,
Wee 4 Peters
I will update with the pictures of our Christmas tomorrow or Friday, when I have a bit more time. I mainly just wanted to update everyone on my OB appt today.
I saw Dr. Lee, a true obstetrician and not the nurse practitioner this time. Needless to say, Dr. Lee was much more knowledgable. Here is the abbreviated version of the appointment:
**BGP has definitely dropped, according to Dr. Lee. She says that BGP's head is very low and that is why I am measuring a little behind (her head is so far down in my pelvis).
**I am 2cm dilated and 50% effaced. I will be 36 weeks on Friday so I guess this is really good news for being 36 weeks. I was only 1cm dilated with Jackson at 36 weeks. Hopefully I'll be a good 3-4cm by 38-39 weeks. The more I can dilate without being in active labor = much better for me.
**I lost 2 pounds since last week. Not sure how that happened, as I've eaten boatloads with the holidays. I honestly thought I had put on at least 5 pounds. But, my OB isn't worried. She feels like BGP is taking whatever she needs from me. That was reassuring because I was a little more than upset when I saw that I had actually lost weight.
**Dr. Lee doesn't think that BGP is that small of a baby. She thinks she'll be about 6lbs at birth, just like Jackson. She wasn't worried at all about her size. I just don't have a big babies, which is nice when it comes to pushing!
**Dr. Lee and Dr. Thibodeau both granted me permission to go to Duke University in Raleigh, North Carolina for Dad's surgery on January 10th. It's about a 2.5 hour drive but I just have to stretch my legs and walk each hour. I will be almost 38 weeks and they prefer that you not travel after 36 weeks but both thought that this was not "elective." I told them that I really would like to be there if they would agree to it and they gave me their blessings and said, "Absolutely, without a doubt -- GO." They are going to give me my records, just in case I go into labor at Duke hospital. And they actually said they felt like there was no other place they'd rather me deliver. The care there is so specialized and Dr. Lee even jokingly said, "It's probably best case scenario, especially with all of your family being there anyway." So, I'll be prepared for BGP's arrival in North Carolina, just in case.
**If no baby by 39 weeks, they will induce me. Dr. Lee doesn't think I'll make it to 39 weeks. She thinks I will go into labor on my own by then but just in case, we are going to schedule a 39 week induction. I had the placental abruption with Jackson at 38 weeks so I'm a little nervous about waiting it out until 39 weeks but I know the Lord will keep us safe.
Here are a couple of almost 36 week belly pictures:
And one picture from 33 weeks, so that you can compare and see how much BGP dropped. Notice how I was carrying higher at 33 weeks and more "all-around."
Okay, look for the Christmas pictures and video within the next few days.
Much love,
Wee 4 Peters
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Christmas Pictures
As promised, here are our Christmas pictures (don't forget that you can click on the actual picture to get a closer view of it):
One of only 2 family pictures where Jackson smiled. Taking family pictures was extremely difficult.
We had to hide Jackson's pacifier in the tree to get this picture. He wasn't interested in the Christmas tree at all until we stuck his pacifier in there but it was a real challenge to get him to look back at the camera and give us a half-smile whilst searching for his paci.
Jackson had a ball in the sleigh and the photographer really captured his excitement in this pic.
In the sleigh....
On Santa's lap! If you ask me, I think he looks a lot like Grandaddy Chitwood in this picture (and maybe a bit like me too!).
One of only 2 family pictures where Jackson smiled. Taking family pictures was extremely difficult.
We had to hide Jackson's pacifier in the tree to get this picture. He wasn't interested in the Christmas tree at all until we stuck his pacifier in there but it was a real challenge to get him to look back at the camera and give us a half-smile whilst searching for his paci.
Jackson had a ball in the sleigh and the photographer really captured his excitement in this pic.
In the sleigh....
On Santa's lap! If you ask me, I think he looks a lot like Grandaddy Chitwood in this picture (and maybe a bit like me too!).
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
It's been a while.....
So sorry we haven't updated in a while. Things have been so hectic lately. With Christmas and BGP coming, we've had little to no time.
I have an OB appointment tomorrow. BGP definitely "dropped" so I am going to be inquiring about that. Jax dropped at 37 weeks and I thought that with subsequent pregnancies, babies don't drop until right before labor or a few days before labor. So, I am definitely going to talk to the doctor about that. I continue to have lots of pressure and contractions. I also have this horrible cramp/radiating pain that runs from my uterus down into the middle of my right thigh. I am not sure what is causing this though that's on my list of questions too. Thus far, I've gained 16 pounds and I really tried hard the past 2 weeks gain more. At my last appointment, the doctor told me that BGP was a "peanut" but she wasn't surprised since Jackson was only 6lbs at birth. She also said, "You may just not grow them very big, which is much easier for you during delivery!" Hoping for a bit more weight gain, not that it will matter. I gained the average 34-35 pounds with Jackson and he still was 6lbs; a VERY healthy 6lbs, I might add. I might also add he's now a grand ol' 26pound toddler.
Mr. Jackson & all his glory:
My father & mother went to get a 2nd opinion at Duke University today. They also used this as a consultation for his surgery. Duke University is known as one of the top pulmonary (lung) speciality hospitals in the nation so we know we are in good hands. They usually are at the fore-front of all oncology (cancer) medications and treatments. So, they met with Dr. Harpole, who is a thoracic oncologist (chest/lung cancer specialist). He viewed the slides of my Dad's cells and basically said he couldn't tell whether his cancer was mesothieloma or renal cell carcinoma. He requested my dad's cells from Obici so that Duke's own pathologist could do his own testing and staining on the slides. Apparently their pathologist is one of the best in the nation as well. Dr. Harpole is definitely leaning towards mesothieloma but they absolutely have to rule out the renal cell carcinoma before they do any surgery. He was very perplexed by Dad's case; therefore, he requested permission from my father to present his case at a conference being held on January 2nd at Duke. He said that it's a conference with all the "experts" and "big-wigs." Dad, of course, gave his "okay" and we will be eager to hear what the determination is. It will take about 7-10 days for the pathologist at Duke to formulate his opinion on Dad's cells (determine what type of cancer) and we have to figure in time off for the holidays as well. Otherwise, Dr. Harpole said that they could have done the surgery this week. So, we will wait for the determination from the pathologist, then we wait to see what all the experts say from the meeting on January 2nd and Dad goes back to Duke on January 8th for an ultrasound on his kidney (to rule out any tumors on it). The surgery date is January 10th. He will definitely have some sort of surgery but we are unsure what it will entail -- the surgery will depend on the type of cancer. Please keep my father in your prayers!!
Dan's squadron-mates returned from their 6 month deployment today. He was responsible for setting up some of the activities. Their aircraft carrier returns tomorrow. Dan got to meet almost all of his new squadron-mates. Apparently they indicated to Dan that there would be a "meet and greet" after the holidays. They also alluded that there would be some practical jokes being played on him. I think the direct quote was, "We had a lot of time to think while we were on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.....nothing better to do with our time." Oh boy, this ought to be interesting!
We got our Christmas portraits taken last week. I mailed them out last week as well. Most of you all should have received one. I need to scan them and place them up on here, but again, no time to do so yet. I will try to do that tomorrow since I have the day off.
Jackson is growing like a weed. He's been incredibly fussy the past week and I think it's because his canines are erupting in his mouth. I know these teeth can be quite painful for them to cut, possibly even more so than molars. He's not eating well, not sleeping, very tired and cranky, etc. Hopefully he'll be over this in a few days.
It's been really chilly around here the past few days. Dan and my dad created a little fire in Dad's new firepit on Sunday and I snapped some pictures of Dad & Jackson. I couldn't believe Jackson actually left the stocking cap and the hood on his head.
Crawling all over and laying on Grandaddy's chest is one of Jackson's favorite things to do. Even though Grandaddy's chest is still sore, Jackson gets far too much fun out of it to stop. Actually, I'm not sure who loves it more: Grandaddy or Jackson. Better do it now and get his "fill" before Dad's surgery in January.
Guess that's about it! Again, sorry for not updating but we've been so busy.
Look for me to update with the Christmas pictures tomorrow!
I have an OB appointment tomorrow. BGP definitely "dropped" so I am going to be inquiring about that. Jax dropped at 37 weeks and I thought that with subsequent pregnancies, babies don't drop until right before labor or a few days before labor. So, I am definitely going to talk to the doctor about that. I continue to have lots of pressure and contractions. I also have this horrible cramp/radiating pain that runs from my uterus down into the middle of my right thigh. I am not sure what is causing this though that's on my list of questions too. Thus far, I've gained 16 pounds and I really tried hard the past 2 weeks gain more. At my last appointment, the doctor told me that BGP was a "peanut" but she wasn't surprised since Jackson was only 6lbs at birth. She also said, "You may just not grow them very big, which is much easier for you during delivery!" Hoping for a bit more weight gain, not that it will matter. I gained the average 34-35 pounds with Jackson and he still was 6lbs; a VERY healthy 6lbs, I might add. I might also add he's now a grand ol' 26pound toddler.
Mr. Jackson & all his glory:
My father & mother went to get a 2nd opinion at Duke University today. They also used this as a consultation for his surgery. Duke University is known as one of the top pulmonary (lung) speciality hospitals in the nation so we know we are in good hands. They usually are at the fore-front of all oncology (cancer) medications and treatments. So, they met with Dr. Harpole, who is a thoracic oncologist (chest/lung cancer specialist). He viewed the slides of my Dad's cells and basically said he couldn't tell whether his cancer was mesothieloma or renal cell carcinoma. He requested my dad's cells from Obici so that Duke's own pathologist could do his own testing and staining on the slides. Apparently their pathologist is one of the best in the nation as well. Dr. Harpole is definitely leaning towards mesothieloma but they absolutely have to rule out the renal cell carcinoma before they do any surgery. He was very perplexed by Dad's case; therefore, he requested permission from my father to present his case at a conference being held on January 2nd at Duke. He said that it's a conference with all the "experts" and "big-wigs." Dad, of course, gave his "okay" and we will be eager to hear what the determination is. It will take about 7-10 days for the pathologist at Duke to formulate his opinion on Dad's cells (determine what type of cancer) and we have to figure in time off for the holidays as well. Otherwise, Dr. Harpole said that they could have done the surgery this week. So, we will wait for the determination from the pathologist, then we wait to see what all the experts say from the meeting on January 2nd and Dad goes back to Duke on January 8th for an ultrasound on his kidney (to rule out any tumors on it). The surgery date is January 10th. He will definitely have some sort of surgery but we are unsure what it will entail -- the surgery will depend on the type of cancer. Please keep my father in your prayers!!
Dan's squadron-mates returned from their 6 month deployment today. He was responsible for setting up some of the activities. Their aircraft carrier returns tomorrow. Dan got to meet almost all of his new squadron-mates. Apparently they indicated to Dan that there would be a "meet and greet" after the holidays. They also alluded that there would be some practical jokes being played on him. I think the direct quote was, "We had a lot of time to think while we were on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.....nothing better to do with our time." Oh boy, this ought to be interesting!
We got our Christmas portraits taken last week. I mailed them out last week as well. Most of you all should have received one. I need to scan them and place them up on here, but again, no time to do so yet. I will try to do that tomorrow since I have the day off.
Jackson is growing like a weed. He's been incredibly fussy the past week and I think it's because his canines are erupting in his mouth. I know these teeth can be quite painful for them to cut, possibly even more so than molars. He's not eating well, not sleeping, very tired and cranky, etc. Hopefully he'll be over this in a few days.
It's been really chilly around here the past few days. Dan and my dad created a little fire in Dad's new firepit on Sunday and I snapped some pictures of Dad & Jackson. I couldn't believe Jackson actually left the stocking cap and the hood on his head.
Crawling all over and laying on Grandaddy's chest is one of Jackson's favorite things to do. Even though Grandaddy's chest is still sore, Jackson gets far too much fun out of it to stop. Actually, I'm not sure who loves it more: Grandaddy or Jackson. Better do it now and get his "fill" before Dad's surgery in January.
Guess that's about it! Again, sorry for not updating but we've been so busy.
Look for me to update with the Christmas pictures tomorrow!
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