A big sigh of relief

My dad is doing really well. Thank you God. He had his prostate cut out early Wednesday morning. He finally decided that this was what he wanted in the way of surgery. He was so worried about the whole process though. My mom and him probably didn’t sleep a wink Tuesday night. They left their house at 4:15 to make it down to M.D. Anderson for a 6 a.m. surgery.

Dad wanted my mom there the entire time, even when he was sleeping after the surgery. The hospital recently built these amazing suites, so that family can stay in the same room as the patient. When I arrived on Wednesday, it looked like a really nice hotel room. I could tell mom was anxious but relieved the whole time I was there.

It was sad to me to see my dad like that. His cheeks were puffy and he looked so small in his hospital gown. I walked in and gave him a light hug. He was very drowsy but knew I was there. I brought a card from Matt and I and a box of mint M-N-M’s. When I was younger, he would always stop at the store and bring me home MNM’s. He woke up a couple of times and asked for some ice and some water. They had had a tube down his throat during the surgery, so he had trouble talking. He asked my mom several times how the surgery went. The doc told her that the cancer had not spread to any other part of his body, that there was little blood loss, and that the whole process couldn’t have gone better.  I was thrilled to hear this over the phone before I got to the hospital. Dad asked her to repeat it a few minutes later. I didn’t know if it was because he liked hearing such good news or if he forgot. Maybe it was both.

Mom and I sat on the couch and finished up my benefits for my new job. When we were finished, Dad was becoming more alert. We talked a little about my new job and then I had to go. It was so nice to see him waking up and being more himself. I hugged him goodbye, and turned around to find my mom about to cry. I think she was just relieved to see him ok and to have me there with them.

I checked in with them yesterday, and he was walking down the hall. So far, so good. He also talked to his secretary and did a little work while in the room. Glad to see that things are progressing for him. They came home late yesterday. I believe he will be in bed for 2 weeks. I’m going to go to my parent’s house today to hang out. I’ll bring some dvd’s with me. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind seeing Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Yesterday was my final day on the job. I met my boss halfway to Austin (an hour and 45 minute drive), and gave her my files and computer. We wrapped up a few holds in the plant, and then said our goodbye’s. It feels really weird not to have my computer anymore. We have one here at the house that we use, and it just seems so much simpler. By having the work computer in the house always made me think about work, whether it was in the corner of my mind or whether it was in my face, wanting me to answer 15 emails about ridiculous computer problems and fiascos. It feels so strange that that is now out of my hands. It feels wonderful, actually.

Alright, I’d better get dressed and get some dvds together for my dad. Happy Friday!