Where has Kathy Been???

Hi everyone.  Wanted to check in and say Hi and how much I miss being on this board with all of you.

I'm been out of state with my parents since Easter w/e.  Dad has his partial neprectomy April 23.  He had the tumor removed from his right kidney and a small piece of the kidney removed too.  He's had complications after surgery and its been a rough road for all of us.  He's in St. V's at Toledo, Ohio.  Me and my 2 brothers are here to help, encourage, and support him and mom.  He now has a blood clot in his lung so they are not allowing him to get up and walk.  

Reading about all of you talk about your daddy's really touched me.  I'm his only daughter and we are extremely close.  I was also called Sissy when I was a little girl as I read someone else post about.  Before dad went in for surgery, he showed me how to use him riding lawn mower to mow the grass for him.  I've not used any kind of mower in years living in rentals as I do.  At the hospital last night he said that I sure surprised him that I just took off with that mower and zip, zip, zip.  I got it done just fine and I actually thought it was a blast to run that thing around the yard.  I guess that's the racing part of me coming out again.    Daddy takes very good care of his yard and maintains everything. 

I'm looking forward to seeing him do all that again.  I'm trying to keep myself encouraged and positive about this but it's been extremely difficult for me.  He is so weak and I know how important getting up and walking is but he can't do that yet.  They do get him in a chair but his oxygen level drops, BP way down, and his dizzy.  He is very disoriented and confused about where he is even tho he hasn't been on much pain meds.  They keep reducing  what he has had.  He also can't breathe well w/o oxygen.  It's so hard for me to see Daddy going through all of this and knowing that I can encourage, love, and support him but he is the one that needs to do the hard work of recovery.  

Please keep him in your prayers.  I've been eating hospital cafeteria food every day  all day long and it's been hard but my weight is stable.  I brought their scale in my bedroom and weigh myself everyday,  I refuse to gain weight and screw up everything that I've worked so hard for the last 8 1/2 yrs. 

I don't get much time on the computer and I miss the connection to my bariatric family very much.  I don't know how people can be successful in their program w/o going to meetings and having this connection because I sure feel lost w/o it.  It's like a part of me is missing.  But I know that daddy and mom need me now.  I don't know when I'll be coming home but I'll keep in touch when I can.  Just know that I am thinking about all of you everyday and I'm encouraging you to keep strong and work your program.    

Love, hugs, and blessings to all of you.
Kathy 

Kathy I have certainly missed your posts.  I am praying for your daddy and all of your family at this time.  Keep your head up and we look forward to your returning to the boards.

Jeannie

I was wondering where you were at.
Your daddies  in my thoughts and prayers.
My dad calls me sissy and in my eyes he never does anywrong and i understand where you are coming from.
Glad you were able to help your dad out its nice to be able to help them after all they do for us.
Take crae and so happy to see you post.

Kathy,

I have you and your family in my prayers, keep us posted, call me if you need anything.  Maybe when you get nback into town we can get together.  Talk soon,

Take care of yourself.

Hugs

Peggy

Kathy, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  I recently went through a surgery experience w/ my dad.  He's 72, has Type II diabetes and a lil weight issue.  He was at St. Vincent in Indianapolis for shoulder surgery.  He had complications w/ his O2 levels and eventually came home w/ an O2 tank for a couple weeks.  I'm an only child and I took care of him too while my mom worked and helped them w/ chores, etc.  It took a few months for him to heal but now he is taking care of me some and mowing my yard and is all in all a big supporter for my recent weight loss surgery.  Your daddy will be back in his element before you know it and It's great you and your brothers are there for him, your mom, and each other.  Take care and we'll always be here for you!


Jamie

Kathy,

I just wanted to let you know that I am keeping your dad, you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

I am soooooo proud of you for getting out there and showing that mower who the boss is.... heck you should come up to Twelve Mile and race lawnmowers on 4th of July...hhahahaha!!!

We missed ya @ support grp....

Please keep us updated and we will talk to you soon.

Hugs
p

Kathy,

I was just wondering about you the other day. I'm so glad you posted and let us know what was going on. Having had been on the recieving end of a daughter's love when going through the surgery with complications thing....I know that your dad really appreciates all that you and your brothers are doing for him. I know how very proud he is to have a daughter that is so compasionate and caring.

You all will be kept in our prayers. Update us when you can...
Love,
Sherri

Thanks so much for your support, love and encouragement.  It's nice to be missed and I certainly miss all of you too.

Daddy's creatine levels have not stabilized so Wednesday at 11:30 they are going to put a stint in the left kidney (his best working kidney).  He had surgery on the right one the 23rd  but the left has an abnormality that they thought would be ok, but obviously not.

They did follow up tests on the blood clots in his calves, thigh, and chest.  The thigh and chest clots are gone due to blood thinners they gave him.  They say the clots in the calves are "old" one's and don't pose a threat. 

He did OT and PT today and was able to do a lap around the corridor with some breathers in between.  Glad he is able to get up and move now.

Thanks for your continued prayers, love, and support. 

Kat

Kathy~

Bless your heart!  Prayers are being sent up for your family now.  It sounds like your dad continues to be a wonderful father.  This must be a difficult time for you, but I'm glad you are able to be with your family during this time.  Blessings to you....and yes, you are certainly missed around here!