We left Virginia this past Friday after work and split the 12 hour drive into 2 parts, staying overnight at Montage Mountain, PA. It was a nice opportunity to drive with Bernie & Martha, and their van was also a nice change; more leg room is good!
We pulled into John & Priscilla's driveway at 3pm to see that Mark (John's younger brother) and Becky were already there, with Italian sandwiches from Maine. But Priscilla was crying and John was on the phone with his doctor. His other leg has slowly become swollen throughout the day and by 3pm it was showing discoloration in the foot. John's doctor was very persistent in having John taken to Dartmouth Medical Center's ER, as they had a 24/7 ultrasound dept. We tried to enjoy the sandwiches, but it was obviously a tense situation; John was angry & Priscilla was worried. Not too long after, we had commandeered Bernie & Martha's van to transport John to Hanover, NH and Dartmouth Medical Center.
After quite a while, John was diagnosed with another series of blood clots and admitted to the hospital's oncology ward for the night. The next morning we learned that his blood pressure had dropped to 60/40 and that he was dehydrated to the point of near hypothermia. After a series of blood tests, transfusions, several bags of liquids, etc... he had regained color and was feeling almost normal. Then we had consultations with the doctors.
It's tricky to explain, so I'll give you a nut shell version about John's situation. Due to the polycystic kidneys, John can't have tests normally used to diagnose the progression of his cancer or the location from where his kidneys are bleeding. Blood thinners have been useful and are now necessary for maintaining a fine line between keeping blood clots from forming and must be controlled so that the kidneys will not bleed uncontrollably. The doctors wanted to take John off the blood thinners before starting his chemo pills, as a side effect is internal bleeding (not good when that's already an issue).
After talking with several doctors and specialists, John has decided to maintain the blood thinners and hope for the best. It was also decided that since John is still in the hospital, he should begin his chemo pills (Sutent), so they can monitor and catch any issues that may pop up. This is a great thing: even though he'd rather not be in the hospital, he is getting excellent care & Priscilla is glad to have all the resources available to them there.
John has been getting a suspended dose of pain medication which also helps to control his coughing. A massage therapist will spend about 45 minutes with him 3x this week and that's really helped relax him. The nausea is staying at bay most days due to medication, so he is eating at regular intervals and enjoying it for the most part. We all met with the Palliative Care team which is helping with paperwork for dissability, advance directives, etc. They are great people!!
We praise God for this weekend! Although there are hospitals closer to Rumney, Dartmouth Medical Center is very therapeutic for patients and their guests. Extensive grounds are available for picnic lunches, casual walks, and there's even a trail system for when you just need to step away from it all. John's room is on ground level and has a huge picture window that looks out into a small garden. Down the hall is a waiting area with a patio and picnic table, and the food options are extremely diverse.
John has his own room. We (Priscilla, Mathew, Isaac, me, Bernie & Martha) were able to visit from 9am -3pm almost every day without discomfort or feeling crowded, and would switch out for lunch and to let him sleep. We went to Subway for Mother's Day, at 'Cilla's request, & my parents came for a short stay while we were in the area. The drive home was nice and the work week is already 1/2 over!! That's nice.
Leaving New Hampshire was difficult, but everything in life is uncertain... we have no guarantee that our loved ones will be with us forever. Each day with John was a gift to see God's hand of peace in his heart. It's so much easier for us because John is not trying to evade this part of the journey. And Matt even said that he would not be as much at peace if we hadn't moved here and been growing as God has directed. It's amazing. Nobody wants to loose John, but it's not a good-bye-- only a "see you later."
The second weekend in October was a great opportunity to visit NH again. We traveled with our favorite companions: Bernie & Martha and the van. Saturday was a barn raising, another step in Isaac's summer-long project in central VT. It was a beautiful time of year and an good time with John & Priscilla. We also got to spend a lot of time with Nate, Veronica & the boys. Here's some pics for your enjoyment. For those curious, I've included a video at the very bottom: intense! :D
