My friend, Kim, will finally have surgery tomorrow, Monday, in Spokane. She has not been well at all these past few weeks--she's in pain, has lost a lot of weight, and can't eat. The doctors will perform a colostomy, remove her stomach and create a temporary one, and possibly do something to help her esophogus work better.
The scleroderma has really taken a toll on her system, and I ask your prayers and positive thoughts that she may be strong enough to come through it well. Also, that the surgeons hands will help to overcome her many challoenges.
Frank and I are going to visit her in awhile before the family leaves. Daughter Ashley will stay home, as she is beginning a new job.
Kim anticipates her hospital stay will be at least a week, then she has to stay in Spokane awhile for follow-up. Fortunately, a nearby motel provides patients' families a special rate of just $55 per night, so that will help.
When she does come home, her husband will need to be off work for some time, as she will have a feeding tube and will need home care.
A business person who owns properties has hired Ashley part-time, and he also may be able to rent them a home in the months ahead, at a rate they can afford. Kim should start receiving Social Security Disability in the months ahead. At least she was not denied, which usually is automatic for folks applying.
The little article in the newspaper generated calls from around 10 people, and donations have allowed the family to catch up on their electric bill, buy groceries, and some wood to burn in their wood stove to keep down the electric heat bill. A young single mom took her young boys door to door to collect food donations! Wow! What a positive model for her children!
My dear friends, you have been so generous with your prayers and donations, and I thank you sincerely. The weeks ahead will be tough for the family.
If you would like to donate non-perishable food, I will be gathering that. In addition, if you would like to provide a meal or two for the family when they are home, that would lighten their load. They will all be struggling without their mom providing the strength she has for so long. Even when sick she would make sure they had a hot meal in the evening.
Thank you for your kindness and prayers. I will give an update when I hear something after the surgery.
Sincerely,
Gayle
Gayle,
ReplyDeleteI have a friend with scleroderma and she has overcome so much. She has had it for several years, and was able to fly to New Jersey for her son's wedding this summer. When things seemed the grimmest, she would surprise everyone with her tenacity and come through that crises. I wish the best for your friend and hope there are the same miracles for her.
I will pray,I will cook. Tell me when. CCC
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