In Surgery

We (Mom, Dad, Jonathan and I) arrived about 5 am at MD Anderson so Dad could check in. They took him back to the surgery prep area about 5:20 am with about a dozen or so other patients and their caregivers. Jonathan and I were able to see him with Mom for a few minutes before they wheeled him off for his epidural and surgery. As usual, Dad was in very good spirits. I think he's ready to get the surgery over with so he can get on the road to recovery.

Then we headed off to grab some food in the cafeteria - breakfast tacos and coffee. So now we are hanging out in the surgery waiting area. Mom is crocheting a baby blanket for a friend of mine that just had a baby in Houston last Monday. Jonathan is reading the packet on Dad's surgery and I'm, well you know, blogging. After this, I'll be on Facebook, my newest time waster!

Stay tuned...

Mom's Party

We had quite a turnout for Mom's Birthday Party yesterday at Esperanza's Cafe. In fact, we took over half the restaurant so it was good we were there off-peak. Here are a couple of photos from our camera.

Jennifer, Anita & Jonathan

Vince, Jakob & Ray

Chris, Barbara & Manuel

Sally, Diana & Anita

Anita, Al & Vince

(Al is the Physician Assistant that helped Dad a lot when he was 1st hospitalized back in Oct '08, he was having dinner at the restaurant with his family)

Surgery Time

Just heard back from Dad...check-in is 5:15 am on Monday and surgery will start approximately 2 hours later. He'll be in surgery 6-8 hours, maybe 10 but I will post an update for you as soon as I can Monday. Thanks!

Counting Down...

So not only has this been a crazy busy week, as many of them are these days, we still don't know what time Dad's surgery is. I know they say patience is a virtue but it's not one I have actively developed. I wonder where I get that from...Anyway, I just checked in with Dad and he is supposed to call MD Anderson between 3 and 5pm today to find out what time we have to be a the hospital on Monday AM. I'm sure it will be bright and early.

In the meantime, we're gearing up to celebrate Mom's 60th Birthday tomorrow just a few days early since they'll be in Houston on her actual birthday 4/29. So stay tuned for photos from the party tomorrow night or Sunday before I hit the road.

Dinner with Matt, Jessica, Leila & David at Fogo de Chao

We had dinner with family friends at Fogo de Chao in Addison last night. Here's the connection...Jessica's parents used to hang out with mine back in the day. In fact, her folks are my godparents so Jessica and I say we're "godsisters." Matt is her musically talented husband and Leila is their adorable daughter, who is soon to be a "big sister." David is the proud uncle that joined us since he lives in the NorthTexas area now. A good time and great food was had by all. We were all amazed at how well Leila did during our 2-hour dinner! Cute and smart...Mom & Dad better watch out!

SURGERY

I'm so going to regret staying up this late tomorrow, esp. since we are going to the Mavs game tomorrow night but that's what coffee is for, right?

So, Mom & Dad arrived home around 8pm this evening from their morning of appointments at MD Anderson by way of a wedding in Fayetteville, TX over the weekend. (Congrats again Kelley & Gabe!) Anyway, all systems are go for Dad to have his "pancreatic duodectomy" on Monday, April 27th. The 3rd date must have been the charm!

Short version is that Dad will be in surgery 6-8 hours, maybe up to 10 depending on how things go. He'll be in ICU 2-3 days with a feeding tube, breathing tube, and IV. If he's up and moving around well, they will then transfer him to a regular hospital room where Mom can spend the night if she wants to. They say the median hospital stay for this is 11 days, so it could be less or more. My bet is on less knowing Dad. Anyway, after he's discharged, then they will be hanging around Houston another week or so until the Docs say they can head home.

Yes, I will be in Houston for the surgery and possibly all that week with laptop & Blackberry in tow so I can keep you posted as much as possible. Thanks again for all the love, support, well wishes, and most of all, prayers! Please keep them coming...

April Update

I know, I know...I've been a slacker on keeping you posted on "what's up with Vince." But you know how it goes, right?

Anyway, I wanted to let you know that he is heading to Houston/MD Anderson for appointments on Tuesday AM by way of a family friend's wedding this weekend. He'll meet with the surgeon again where I imagine they will see how his protein levels are doing since his last visit and if they are sticking with the April 27th surgery date.

Other than that, I hope you and yours have a wonderful Easter or Passover weekend!