4th of July, Craig Family Style

So even though it's only been about 2.5 weeks since Dad's hernia surgical repair, the annual Craig's fireworks show went on!!! He had some help from his son Jonathan and son-in-law Chris too. We all agreed this was the biggest show yet. Thanks Dad!!!

Another good day

Sorry for the gap in the posting but between Facebook and texting, I couldn't keep up! Anyway, Dad was in surgery until about 10:30AM, we met with his surgeon about 10:45AM, and we got to see him in his room about noon. The surgeon said it went well just a little longer than usual due to the scar tissue from his surgery last April-they used the same incision area-and the size of the hernia. They also let us know that things looked good with no signs of any cancer - what a bonus!

Once we were in his room, we knew he was doing ok because he sent me to the car to get his 2 rolling cases with his cell phones, laptop, etc. We stayed with him in the room for an hour or so and then Chris, Mom and I went to get lunch finally. After lunch I said a quick hello before heading off to work for a couple of hours. Chris stayed with Mom and Jonathan got there a little bit after I left. Dad is in good spirits and seems to be handling his pain ok...around a 6 on a scale of 1-10 vs. off the charts when he had his cancer surgery. They will keep him overnight at least and see how he's doing to determine if he goes home Friday or more likely, on Saturday.

Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers! We are a very blessed family!

Hernia Repair Surgery

Hi all,

Dad is having his abdominal hernia repaired via surgery today at Baylor Southwest Hospital. Patient check-in was at 6AM and they took him from his room to surgery just after 7AM - his surgery was scheduled for 7:30AM. About 8:10AM Mom got a call from the nurse to let us know that he was doing well. It's supposed to take about an hour and a half but they are also doing some scar tissue removal from his Whipple procedure last April. So we'll let you know when we know more.

Thanks!
Jennifer

1 Year Anniversary!

Hi Everyone,

Things have been going so well that I have been VERY absent from blogging since late last year. What they say is true in this case, no news is good news! Dad did have some recent tests and a prostate biopsy but everything came back ok and he doesn't have any follow ups until this fall.

But I thought it was fitting to do a 1 Year Anniversary post since April 27, 2010 marks 1 year since Dad had his surgery down at MD Anderson in Houston, TX. My husband Chris told me all along that we had many more good times, great meals, and holidays to share with Dad but it was often hard to believe him at the time. This is 1 case where I am very glad to admit he was right.

In recognition of this special day, I encourage you to take a few minutes to let everyone you love know how you feel. Life gets busy and hectic - believe me I know - so it's nice to take a break from it all and enjoy the ones that we all work so hard for in the first place.

And...Happy Birthday wishes to Mom who will be celebrating her birthday this Thursday!

Results of Dad's Recent Follow Up at MD Anderson

Hi everyone,

As you know I haven't been blogging much since Dad has gone back to a pretty "normal" life and schedule with work and all. But Mom & Dad were in Houston recently combining Dad's business trip for a helicopter trade show with his next follow up appointments at MD Anderson. We're pleased to report that things are looking good...

• Ultrasound of neck/thyroid indicates everything is stable - still no plans for surgery, just continued monitoring
• Chest x-ray is fine
• CT of abdomen and pelvis looks good - no evidence of recurrent cancer!!!

On a different note, Dad's PSA levels are up so he'll be having another prostate biopsy at the end of March to check things out and see if he needs additional treatments. I'll keep you posted as we learn more on this front. Have a good day!

"Normal"

Dad is back to what he calls "normal" while the rest of us would say he's still slightly off center, but that's "normal" too. Anyway, Pappadeaux's is running all-you-can-eat-lobster on Tuesday's for about $45 bucks per person. So Dad and Brandon, a co-worker, did their best to get their money's worth by consuming 5 lobsters a couple weeks ago. (Chris out did them by 1 last week when we went by eating 6 or 6lbs worth!)

October has been busy with business trips for Dad and will be topped off by attending Katie and Brian's wedding in S. Padre Island. Mom tagged along with Dad last week when they had to go to Orlando, Florida for the week. I'm sure he had to twist her arm to go hang out in the sun!

November is looking to be just as busy with trips to Ann Arbor, Michigan to see the "Northern" Craig's, Mom's cousin's daughter's wedding in Cancun, and Grandma Louise's 91st birthday.

Hope everyone is doing equally well and have a safe and happy HALLOWEEN! BOO!

Thyroid Surgery Postponed

I got a faxed copy of Dad's pathology report from his thyroid biopsy (couldn't make anything of it) and an email message to call him. Of course I called him right away and was relieved to hear that the doctors are simply postponing his thyroid surgery for now. So no Houstion trip after Turkey Day after all. He was traveling when I talked to him so I'll follow up with more info when I learn more. Stay tuned!