Broken Hip

My sister-in-law in Dallas is 96 years old and in Assisted Living. She fell this morning and broke her hip. She is in surgery now. Her daughter will keep in touch with me. At the age of 96, this is a critical matter. We are praying for her.

Cancer

It seems like it used to be that there were only a few known types of cancer.  But today, new ones seem to be popping up almost weekly or monthly.  My neighbor was discovered to have a very rare form of cancer in a growth on his forehead. They basically thought it was probably skin cancer, perhaps melanoma.  However, it turned out to be a very rare cancer and the very doctors in the cancer center had to check it out themselves before they would know how to treat it.  He has had to go through a great many tests and his surgery is finally set up for Monday.  They will have to go into the growth and go deeper to the bone by his hairline.  He will probably lose that part of his hair forever.  Not only that, but it has spread down both sides of his face and under his chin near his thyroid.  They will have to open his face on both sides to take out the cancer and also under his chin.  It will be a 7 hour surgery. He is also diabetic which adds to the complications. I think he is 74 and I hope he is able to come through this major surgery alright.

Soft Brace

I got my cast off my right hand yesterday after five long weeks. The incision looks real good and now I have to massage the skin over it to soften it up so it will move like on the other hand. Also do an exercise, palm up as far as I can turn it level or more and that's about it. Went to the physical therapist today and she apologized because the appointment was so short because I was doing above average and doing so well. I could do everything she wanted. I can squeeze 50 with my left hand with this thing and 20 with the surgical hand. She said that was good too, Just be careful and take it slow and no heavy lifting with it. She said most people she sees with this kind of surgery are in terrible shape. Praise the Lord! I go back to the doctor again August 15th.

Repairman

A nice repairman came this morning to fix our sky angel satellite dish. The connections were corroded. He rewired them and it works very well now. He was young and in business for himself from Mason City. It just rained, poured, lightning really hard twice while he was here but he ran to the garage each time, he said, and didn't get very wet. that was good. He had a hooded sweatshirt on. Larry called when we got home from Mexican and said he would be at the hospital in the morning for my surgery. I know he wants to see John and Sandy, probably John especially. Dad was glad as we don't see him much.
There was a baby Robin sitting between the slats on the side of the deck when we got home. Dad thinks it is just learning to fly and he finally went out and pushed him off. He might have been stuck. That way the mother could feed him on the ground. Sure glad the mowing got done yesterday. Pat is going to let Holly out in the morning and then she and Melissa are leaving with the Girl Scouts by bus to Washington DC.

Counting Down

Took Holly into the Vet and had her nails buzzed and picked both kinds of dog food we feed her. Got her flea treatment so she is all set. Trying to get everything done ahead of time as my hand surgery is only 7 days off now. There are really alot of things you can't do without your right hand especially if you are right handed. I have learned to run the mouse on the computer better with my left hand than with my right. It's awfully hard to brush your teeth, getting the toothpaste all over. Hard to dress and even hard to eat some things. Sounds like a month recovery this time. Was a week last time and that seemed like forever. Oh well, this too shall pass.

Doctor Appointment

Had my pre-op checkup this morning at the doctors so I am all set for my big hand surgery next Thursday. The doctor told me when she had her hand fixed, the second day they sent her to the physical therapist who works with the doctor and she took off all the wrappings, and dipped her hand in warm wax. Then the therapist had her work her fingers into a fist and she thought she was going to pass out and told the therapist that. So they laid her down and then had her move the hand. Guess it hurt that bad. Ouch! Wonder if I will have to do something similar??? Yikes!