October 2

Judy was supposed to have chemo tomorrow, but her nutrafil levels were too low so second chemo is delayed until October 10.  In typical Judy fashion, she is looking on the bright side.  She will be able to enjoy Thanksgiving weekend without the effects of chemo.  We are also going to Jersey Boys on Saturday so she will be feeling well for that event as well.  The girls and their significant others will be with us on Sunday for turkey.

On the weekend of October 13-14, the Kolach family is having a little reunion out in Kelvington at Dad's place.  Mom will be there too.  She has already made pies, perogies, and cabbage rolls.  Everyone is pitching in with something.  We are looking forward to celebrating together.  My oldest brother, Vince, turns 65 on October 4, so we will celebrate that milestone as well.

In sporting news, all my hard work in getting in shape for hockey season was not as effective as I hoped.  I was bagged after the first game.  I skated like a wounded duck in the second game.  After all that, I was considering early retirement.  On Sunday afternoon, my third game, I still skated like a duck, but I got a breakaway goal.  Now the sun shines so much brighter and my outlook is greatly enhanced.  I may not retire just yet.

September 20

Judy had her first chemo yesterday.  She felt a little nauseous, but was still up for a ten minute walk.  Today, she was feeling well enough to start organizing closets and make a trip to get her eyebrows braided.  When I got home from work, she was in the garage messin' with my stuff.  I really hope she didn't throw out any of my 8 track tapes.  Judy felt hungry enough to eat baking soda biscuits with cheese sauce and we also had farmer's sausage.  She's eating well.  After each chemo treatment, she has to wear a chemo pump for an additional 46 hours so she has her pump removed tomorrow.  Next chemo is October 3.

September 12

I took Judy to her surgeon appointment today.  The surgeon is happy with Judy's progress.  He also looked at the wound on Judy's tummy.  It is about as large as a dime now, but shallower.  The stuff I thought was pus was actually the mesh that was inserted during surgery.  The mesh will gradually be absorbed by the body.  This makes my job easier because now I don't have to insert packing tape or iodosorb salve.  I just have to irrigate the wound with saline and cover with clean dressing.  I know... too much information.  Bottom line... everything is good.  It is not an infection.  Chemo can progress on schedule next Wednesday.  God willing, Judy's treatments will all be on schedule.

And now, in the world of sports, my ball team is in provincials this weekend.  I feel confident we will win bronze, for sure.  No, I am not being over-confident.  There are only three teams in our age category.  Oh yeah, and training camp for hockey is on Tuesday night.  First game - October 3.  If you see an old guy roller blading through the park stick handling a tennis ball, it's probably me trying to get in shape.

September 9

Sorry, I haven't been updating people on this blog, but there hasn't been much new regarding Judy's condition.  Her wound is continuing to heal; however, it is a slow process...could take a loooong time.  Judy feels great, looks great, and is eating well.

We went to the lake yesterday and winterized the trailer.  Judy really enjoyed the day because it was a getaway.  She is starting to get out more for coffee with friends.

This week, Judy has an appointment with her surgeon on Wednesday and plastic surgeon on Thursday.

Unless something changes, her first chemo is on September 19 and if there are no delays, she would be done chemo in the last week of November.

September 3

Judy continues to do well, in spite of her new home care nurse...me.  I learned how to clean and repack the wound on her stomach.  I also apply clean dressings.  Judy and I went to the lake for the weekend and had a relaxing time.  Mary is back to Foam Lake for the beginning of the school year.

I begin visiting my 28 intern teachers this week.  It is going to be a busy September, but I am really looking forward to being back in the schools working with young teachers. 

My ukulele workshop last Wednesday went really well.  I already have a request out to one school to work with a grade 5/6 class.

My ball team lost out in the city finals.  I have a tournament on September 15-16, then I am done ball for the summer.  Old timer hockey starts at the end of September.  Life is good.

August 28

Judy was to the oncologist yesterday and the news is all good.  No surprises.  He is pleased with the results of the surgery and the margins are all good.  That is to say, he thinks the cancerous tissues have all been removed.  He is such a peach of a guy.  Always gives Judester a hug.  He took the time to look at Judy's pictures even though he is a busy guy.

Judy will have six chemo treatments starting around September 18.  Every two weeks as long as white cell counts are good.  Should be done by Christmas.  They will use the Folfury treatment to make sure any microscopic cancer cells are blasted out.  A shot of Roundup after the major cultivation if you understand farming lingo.

In other news, we have had Judy's cousin, Bob Buhr, visit us over the last three days.  Delightful time.  He is Judy's oldest cousin, a medical doctor who has just retired.  He wasn't able to attend Judy's dad's funeral so it has been great to have him along for another trip down memory lane.

And... if you are interested, my ball team, The Rage, has made it to city finals.  We beat out last year's champs, The Road Hawgs, 2-0 tonight.  We play the finals starting tomorrow night.  Sorry, the game isn't being televised, but you can come and watch at Umea #4 behind Lawson Heights Mall.  Arrive early because seating is limited.

Tomorrow, I am off to Circle Drive Alliance to present a ukulele workshop to the teachers of Prairie Spirit School Division.  I hope to proselytise another 30 ukulele converts.

August 26

Life is getting back to normal for Judy.  She was out for lunch on Friday and spent the day at Bartsch's Cabin, Marten's Lake yesterday.  She has one opening in her wound that is still quite deep and continues to drain so home care has been using silver infused surgical tape to aid healing of the incision.  Judy is going out for longer walks every day and she is able to do something new each day like bending over without pain, sweeping (I don't encourage this one), and navigating stairs.  Life with a colostamy is becoming normalized as well.  Judy is learning little tricks that make things more comfortable for her.

In other news, Mary and Haley are back to work tomorrow.  I am taking most of the week off so Judy and I hope to make it to the lake sometime during the week.

Judy's Dad

First things first.  Judy is continuing to get stronger everyday.  She is going for longer walks and is able to bend over without pain.  She had some stomach cramping but not for the last two days.  Home Care has been coming by every morning.  They have been wonderful.

I have a story I just have to tell.  On the day of Judy's dad's funeral, I was asked to read the Prayer of the People right after the homily.  As I sat through the beautiful remembrances of the grandchildren and Judy's brother I was moved to tears.  I felt led to tell a brief tale before I read the prayers.  I had the message all framed in my mind - last minute like - the way I usually operate.  But... the minister was masterful in honoring the life of Ken Opheim so I decided I would just keep my pie hole shut - just stick to the script, but I just have to share the message now.

Judy's dad was injured on the Thursday before he died.  I got to see him in his darkest hours as he suffered.  He kept asking for me, probably because he felt I was the only one stupid enough to bring him coffee or bust him out of the joint.

I visited him on the day he died.  Before I left, he asked for both my hands.  He brought my hands to his mouth like I was holding a cup and he drank from the imaginary cup and said, "Thanks for the coffee." That was his last words to me.

My last time with my father-in-law.  I got to serve him.  If you knew Ken Opheim, you knew he liked coffee and you knew the first words he would utter when you entered their home was, "Would you like a coffee?"

He lived his life to serve others.  I tried to describe his passion for serving in the obituary I wrote for the Star Phoenix.  I also tried to turn attention to the legacy he left.  His message...serve.  If boy scouts will discontinue because there is no one to lead, volunteer.  If there is no one to organize a fundraiser for your school, volunteer.  If there is no one to teach Sunday School, volunteer.  If canvassers are needed for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, volunteer.

Moreover, if there is someone in need who needs help or a listenting ear, be a servant. This is true religion that you look after orphans, widows, little old ladies, neighbours, boy scouts/cubs, anyone with a bump, scrape, bleeding nose, or sunstroke, children in your community, your children, and your wife.  There were so many people that he served.  Fifty three years with St. John Ambulance ... over 40 years as Sunday School teacher - only the tip of the iceberg.

Over 30 years ago, Judy attended a funeral with her father.  The deceased was a pastor and missionary who had served extensively at home and over seas - a truly great man.  Judy's dad was somewhat crestfallen and expressed to Judy that he had his doubts that people would feel his life counted for much.

If anyone wants to be the greatest of all, he must be a servant of all.  Ken Opheim, you were a great man.  You don't have to play second fiddle to anyone when it comes to a life well-lived.  You were a servant of all and I am glad you gave me a chance to serve you your last cup of coffee.

August 20

Well, the dust has settled after Judy's father's funeral.  Judy and her sister have been busy sorting through their father's things.  David and his son, Justin, have also been helping to get Judy's mom's apartment in order.  Eventually, she will be moved into a one bedroom apartment.

Judy is getting stronger everyday.  She is able to take 5 minute walks in the neighborhood.  She has been getting out everyday for a drive to her mom's apartment.

All out of town relatives have returned to their homes.

Judy is becoming more independent.  She is able to shower on her own now.  She is eating well and being careful with what she eats.  There have been problems with stomach cramps over the last two days, but she has had relief as of this afternoon.  Her stomach is becoming accustomed to the idea of having food pass through on a regular basis.

We hope to take a day trip to the lake on Thursday.

I am back to work tomorrow.  I have to work Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday this week as Intern Facilitator with the University of Saskatchewan. 

I shall attempt to create new posts for the coming weeks, but the postings will likely become more infrequent, then we will say so long to the C word and all that goes with the C word.

Thank you to everyone for the cards and messages that continue to pour in.  Judy appreciates your love, prayers, and supports greatly.

August 17

Judy's dad's memorial service was yesterday.  Some people felt the timing was unfortunate because August 16 is also Judy's birthday.  Judy didn't mind the choice of date because it gave her the opportunity to celebrate later in the evening with extended family members that she has not seen in a long time.

The celebration of Mr. Opheim's life was a time of laughter, remembering, and, of course, tears.  He was a character and a great man who affected many lives in a positive way.

Judy is getting stronger everyday.  I still help her get into the shower, but she is able to towel off and look after her colostomy independently.  She was able to get out of the house over the last two days.

Today, we begin the task of sorting through her dad's personal items and clearing some things out of the apartment while Judy's brother is still in Saskatoon.  He flies back to Toronto on Tuesday.

Thank you again to everyone who has prayed for us, supported us, and brought food items over the past week.

We are looking forward to having life getting back to normal as we know it.

August 13

Judy was out for a walk yesterday and today.  She went a little farther today.  Home care has been faithful in arriving right on time.  Judy usually gets up for an hour or less then she rests for 2 or 3 hours.  She has been sleeping well at night.

Her brother, David, arrived today.  Tomorrow, Haley and Dustin are making supper at our place for the whole clan.

It will be a few days before Judy will be in contact with friends who are anxious to see her.

It will be exhausting for the next few days with family members coming in for the funeral and the funeral itself will be tiring for Judy.

She is far from being ready for visitors or even phone calls.

Funeral

Judy's dad's funeral will be 1:00 p.m. at Christ Church Anglican on Thursday, August 16.

Judy is continuing to do well.  Home care is coming in once a day to change dressings and check on the ostomy.

We took a walk to the end of the block yesterday.  She is taking 2 or 3 naps during the day so she is not up for long.  Judy really is a good patient and takes good care of herself.

We had the whole family over last night.  Judy's niece and her husband cooked a meal and brought it over to our place.  It was a good time of remembering Grampa and supporting one another.

Judy's Dad Passed Away

Judy's dad passed away last night around midnight.  He had been struggling to breathe during the day, but was resting quite comfortably during the evening.  The doctors speculate an inflammation of the brain stem caused his respiratory system to shut down.  The family is regarding the passing with obvious sadness, but also with relief because the prospects of surgery combined with a long recovery were daunting.  He was in so much discomfort and distress that his passing was really a blessing.

Judy is doing well.  The events of last night are just sinking in, but right now we are feeling relief that her dad is able to rest in peace.

Judy's dad just turned 83 on July 19.  Judy's mom and dad celebrated their 60 Wedding Anniversary on Wednesday, August 8 - the day before his fall.

The tentative plan is for the funeral to be at Christ Church Anglican on Thursday, August 16.

My Best Girl is Home

We just got home from RUH.  Judy is enjoying a chocolate milkshake on the deck then she is going to lay down for a nap.  Her choice for supper tonight - a McDonald's Filet O Fish.  The stitches are looking good.  Judy is feeling well.

Judy's Dad Later August 10

Judy's dad had a bad reaction to the morphine that was give to him to ease his pain.  He is having trouble breathing well because his sinuses are so congested.  I am sure the sinuses were affected greatly by the impact when he fell face first.  He is hard to comprehend because his nose and throat are congested.  Please pray for his comfort.  He wants to get out of bed and does not understand that he has to remain immobile. 

Judy is handling her dad's situation well.  Audrey has been very busy providing comfort to her dad and her mom.  Her daughter Michelle has also been helping out.  Pray that Audrey and her family will have strength to cope as well as they have done so far.

On the brighter side.  Judy's staples are out.  The poo train is running so I am confident she will be discharged tomorrow or Sunday.

I will continue this blog after Judy gets home to update friends and relatives who know Judy's family on Judy's father's condition.

August 10

I went up to see my two patients this morning.  Judy will be getting her staples and her abdominal drain out this afternoon.   We went for a long walk this morning and she is feeling good.  On our walk, we went to see Judy's dad who is now on the ward one floor up from Judy.  The plan is for Judy to be out this weekend.

Judy's dad is still in rough shape, but he hasn't lost his sense of humour.  He was telling Judy how to fix her hair.

The plan to put Judy's dad in a halo vest has changed.  The tentative plan is to keep his neck immobile this weekend, then he will have a surgery on Monday to fuse the fractured vertabrae.

Judy's Dad

Now I have two people to visit in RUH.  Yesterday, Judy's dad tripped on the curb outside the building where he lives.  He fell flat on his face - literally.  At first, we thought it was just a matter of stitches to  his face and hands, but x-rays revealed he has a fractured vertabrae C2.  He is undergoing surgery this morning to have a halo vest complete with screws into the skull.  It is going to be a long period of recovery.  His face is really a mess.  I am not sure how many stitches he has.  The end of his nose was nearly ripped off.  So sad.  Poor guy.

August 9

Another good day.  She is hitting the prune juice hard so WATCH OUT! The plastic surgeon was up today and said Judy was progressing very well.  If things stay on track, there is even a possibility of Judy being discharged on the weekend.

Haley and Dustin got home today.  They had a chance to show Judy some of the wonderful things they experienced in Costa Rica.

August 8

When I arrived at the hospital today, Judy already had her hair washed, she was sitting up in her chair, and had been out for a couple of walks down the hallway.  Her cathetor was out and she was no longer hooked up to IV.  She looks great.  She is also eating puddings and cream soups.

I don't know when she is going to bust out of RUH because she still has to move on to solid foods and she has to have her staples removed.

As far as her ability to receive visitors, please email me before you go up to see her.  It is easy to become overwhelmed when 2 or 3 people decide to go up at the same time.  If you need some guidance, sent me an email at ajkolach@sasktel.net

August 7

Judy sent three sticky notes for me to place on today's post.  It goes as follows:

"So, part of this blog is going to be from me, Judy, today, to say my own words of thanks.   I am, once again, humbled by the love, care, thoughts, and prayers from all of you. It's quite overwhelming and to be honest, I can only process small amounts at a time.  My appreciation also goes out to you for the support you've provided to Alvin and the girls.  Words are not enough.  I am looking forward to catching up with everyone after I get home.  Much love, Judy."

In today's news, Judy had 3 staples removed from an area that was weeping a bit.   She felt much better with the three staples removed.  She went for a few walks today and ate lunch sitting in her chair.  She has a specially designed air cushion to sit on.  So far, no pain in the butt.  She climbs into bed with relative ease.  Catheter may come out tomorrow.  She had cream of wheat for breakfast and cream of celery soup for lunch as well as yogurt.

If all goes very well, Judy could be out around the weekend.

Mary and I are off to the Ex.  Audrey is doing evening chores for me tonight.

August 6

Judy was on her feet today - twice.  The effort really tired her out, but that can be expected after what she has been through.  Her plastic surgeon, Dr. Thomson will be back tomorrow so he will give more direction on how frequently she should be up and moving.  Apparently, she may even be able to sit for a short period of time.

Thanks again to all the wonderful people who have shared meals with Mary and I, prayed for our family, and shown kindness in numerous ways.  We are truly blessed.

August 5

Judy gave me the night off so I went to the lake.  That's why there wasn't a post yesterday.  Judy is really doing well.  The bowels are moving!  Lotsa roar.  She is looking less like an octopus.  Only one abdominal drain left.   She is eating more albeit the menu is only jello and broth.  I am sure pudding is in Judy's food future.
They may try to get her up tomorrow.

She is really looking good.

Oh yes, and I beat Lisa Mason in Indian Wrestling last night.  Kelvington 1/Porkypine 0.

August 3

The hair is washed and, if you can imagine this, everything is organized on her table.  It was another one of those days when you could see progress.  Two of her 3 abdominal drains were removed today.  She is off oxygen.  The ng tube will come out either tonight or tomorrow.  Incisions are looking good and the pain is manageable.

The puffiness in her face, hands, arms, and feet is all but gone.  She is feeling well enough to read for short periods of time.  She is even talking about how she plans to be up to the lake for a visit before the end of August.

Sister Audrey took The Queen Mother up to see Judy today.  I will get a report from Judy on the royal visit later this evening.

I am off to meet Mary (A.K.A. Anastasia) at the airport.  Haley (A.K.A.) Drizelda is having a blast in Costa Rica.  She took surfing lessons and actually rode a wave 5 times.

Until Later,
Cinderella

Later August 2

Here's progress.  Judy has had her ng tube capped off for 6 hours and no throw up. And...she drank her beef broth tonight.  Her servant also washed her feet.  She's living the life, I tell ya.

The other good news is that there is very little coming out of the 3 drains in her abdomen.  Hopefully the drains will be out soon.

Gotta get to bed early tonight because Her Highness wants her hair washed tomorrow morning.

August 2

NG tube still in today, but they are clamping it off for a few hours at a time because things won't get moving if they drain away all the gastric juices.  Catch 22.  If tube is in, Judy gets relief, but the bowels don't move.  It was clamped off for 6 hours today and just before I got to RUH, Judy threw up a bunch.  I had the pleasure of emptying the kidney dish.

Judy is also getting a little restless with being prone for so long.  Necessary evil, I guess.

Mary gets back from Alberta tomorrow and Haley gets back from Costa Rica on Wednesday.

The dog and I still find lots to talk about.

Actually, I do get a good amount of human contact.  I have been invited out for supper every night this week, then I go up to the hospital for a second visit.

Judy is still not ready for visitors.  She just finds the prospect of receiving visitors too overwhelming at this time.

August 1

About 3 a.m. last night, Judy asked for the nasal gastro tube.  Instant relief.  They drained about a litre of the green stuff from her immediatly.  Today, she is less puffy in the face.  Food intake will be limited until she is up and moving next Tuesday.  Bowels still not moving.  Stomach quite distended, but the gas is moving through to the exit.  A good sign is: she is starting to feel hungry.

I washed her hair today.  Another good sign...not the clean hair, but the fact she is starting to boss me around again.  Seriously though, she is managing the pain quite well and is looking forward to more comfortable rest.  I can see improvements every day.

She also got a visit from the stoma nurse.  Stoma turned out really well.  Flush with the surface - an inny not an outy. (My observation, not the nurse's)

I will be seeing the little lady again later this evening.

New Quarters

I was up to see Judy tonight.  She has been moved to a private room.  Now she will have more peace and quiet.  She filled her bag with gas again tonight.  The nurse was listening to her stomach and said there is lots of action there so hopefully things will continue to get moving.  She was also encouraged to eat.  So far, she has been ignoring the yummy broth, Jello cubes, and juice that are on her meal trays.  No appetite whatsoever.  Brushing her teeth still makes her throw up.  She continues to retain fluid.  The compression stockings will help to lower the swelling in her legs.

July 31

I was up at noon today.  Judy filled her bag today - with gas.  Still waiting for the solids to go through or, as we say in camping parlance, "the black tank" still needs to be emptied.  Judy is still a bit puffy from the fluid retention.  I helped her to brush her teeth and do the mouth wash and she threw up again.  She is having her dressings changed now.  The plastic surgeons are pleased with the progess being made.  Judy is a trooper.  She will have to be because I think she will be restricted to the air bed until after the long weekend.  She still has compression stockings on and she has to exercise her toes.  They are removing the epidural today so she will have one less hose running out of her arms.

July 30

Judy was doing better today because she did not have gas pains.  She threw up once, but it was because she was brushing her teeth.  For those of you who have seen Judy brush her teeth, you will know that she also brushes her tonsils so... no surprise.  Her bowels have still not awakened so if things don't get moving, she may need the NG tube inserted.  Today, she was actually laying on her right side.  That's amazing because the main incision is on her right side.  The fact that she can rest on her left or her right side is encouraging because she is going to be laying down until at least Friday.  Judy is retaining a bit of fluid so her face is puffy, her fingers look like sausages, and she has guns.  In spite of all that, she looks beautiful.  The staff in obs are amazing.  Judy says this is the quietest obs she has been in so she is getting much needed rest.  Again, no visitors, please until I get the green light from Judy.

Thank you to all the angels of mercy who have invited me for a meal or a beverage.  I am well cared for.  The dog continues to be good company too - even at 1:30 in the morning.

July 29

I was up to see Judy earlier in the day.  Her intestines haven't reactivated so she is having severe gas pains and burping up bile.  They may have to insert an NG tube to give her some relief.  She is very tired.  The blood pressure situation has improved greatly.  Still nowhere near being able to have company.
Mary and Morgan left today for Grand Prairie and will return on Friday so it is just me and the dog for the week.
I am going to hop on my bike now and head up to the hospital for a short visit.  If there is anything different to report, I will include the info in tomorrow's post.

The Day After Surgery

I was up to see Judy twice today.  She is progressing well.  Morphine is doing the trick in keeping her comfortable.  Her blood pressure was a bit low, but that situation is improving.  She is in a specially designed air bed and will be on her back for the next 6 days.  During that time, she will be in the obs ward. The plastic surgeon was in today to check on her progress and he is pleased with the progress. She is very tired, of course, and is in no shape to have visitors other than family at this stage.

Later Friday Night

I just got home from the hospital.  Judy was still in recovery because her blood pressure was a bit low.  Looks like they got that straightened out.  She was on her way up to obs when I left.  Judy looks quite good considering the long operation she had today.  Her arms were asleep so Mary and I had to do some massaging for her.  She has an epidural in and a morphine pump.

She is going to have a rough stretch ahead because she has to stay on her back for several days.

She has three drains hooked up to drain fluid from her abdomen and other areas that were invaded.

In true Judy fashion, she is firing questions at the staff left and right and staying informed.

She's doing well, but pray that she will have comfort and rest.

Good night.

Good News ... Finally

Well, Judy's surgery just ended at about 8:30 p.m.  Ten and a half hours on the operating table.  I had the chance to talk to the surgeon, Dr. Kanthan.  He was very pleased with how everything went.  Everything is as follows:
1. Removal of uterus and ovaries.
2. Creation of ostomy in a location where Judy will be able to wear the kinds of clothes she likes to wear.
3. Moving the stomach muscle into the space created by the operation.
4.  Installation of a mesh on her abdomen to limit possibility of hernia.
5.  Removal of the cancerous tumor.  The surgeon said the tumor was quite small (20-25 mm).  Dr. Kanthan felt quite good about the removal of the tumor.
6.  Removal of 3 lowest vertebrae.

There were no surprises.  Because of the length of the operation, Judy did require a transfusion, but this is quite normal.

I am going back up at 10:00 a.m. tonight to see her.  Mary will also be there.

It's times like this that God's love abounds.  I have received so many emails, texts, and phone calls offering encouragement and concern.  A cup of coffee, a meal, and a laugh or cry here and there - they all come in God's perfect timing.  Everyone has a different way of demonstrating grace and they are all good.

We are so blessed to have loving friends and family.

I may post another message later this evening.

July 25

We received word today that Haley and Dustin got to Costa Rica safely.

Judy had an appointment with the gynecological oncologist yesterday and a decision was made to remove the uterus and the ovaries as well as the other things being removed and moved.  Judy will definitely have fewer body parts to worry about.

She also met with the stoma nurse and a decision was made regarding the location of her stoma.

Judy is getting in her last visits and phone calls before the surgery.

One thing I forgot to mention was: Judy's surgery will be at Royal University Hospital.  She found out last Thursday when she went to the pre-op appointment at St. Paul's Hospital.  We are actually quite relieved - not that St. Paul's is a bad hospital.  Judy is quite familiar with RUH and many of the caregivers there.  For me, it is an easy 20 minute bike ride to RUH from home.

People ask Judy if she is scared.  The answer is no.  She says she is in very good hands.  Our biggest concern is the painful recovery ahead.  There is no avoiding that.  We know Judy is well-prayed for and the love we feel from friends and family is a like a warm blanket that brings us comfort that is so real we can feel the effects of that love.

People also ask, "What can we do to help."  The answer, from my point of view, is: just be our friend and do as the Spirit leads you.

July 19

We have been in Saskatoon this week for Judy's appointments and to celebrate our Anniversary.  Judy and I went to the plastic surgeon appt. on Tuesday.  The surgeons will perform a procedure whereby they will relocate a stomach muscle to the area where they are removing the troublesome scar tissue.  In recovery, she will not be allowed to sit, but she will be allowed to walk.  The muscle that is being relocated is the muscle that is used in sitting.  She will be under tight controls by the plastic surgeon and will be assisted by OTs.  Surgery runs from 10 a.m. until around 6 p.m. on July 27 so that is the time for everyone to be praying the hardest. Indeed, she will need continued prayer while she recovers.  There are a number of other things that will occur during the surgery, but I will not speculate at this time.  I will report on the actual procedures after the operation.  I can say that the scar tissue being removed is in the area of the sacrum. 
Haley and Dustin are headed to Costa Rica on Tuesday for their honeymoon.  She is worried about being away during Judy's operation, but we assured her things will be okay so travel will be a welcome distraction.
Mary is around Saskatoon for the summer so I will have company while Judy is in the hospital.
Again, I want to emphasize her need for rest and privacy in the first few days following the operation.  If you have any questions or would like some guidance as to when Judy will be up for visitors, just email me at ajkolach@sasktel.net 
Cheers,
AK

July 10

Judy found out yesterday that her surgery will take place at St. Pauls Hospital rather than RUH.  The surgery is on a Friday.  Judy has requested that people take their cues from this blog as to when she is able to receive visitors.  If the past is any indication, she will be in the fog until at least July 31.

Judy's Journey: Okay, so I figured out how to share this blog with...

Judy's Journey: Okay, so I figured out how to share this blog with...: Okay, so I figured out how to share this blog with everyone so I will be emailing all my contacts with the URL.  I look forward to receiving...

Okay, so I figured out how to share this blog with everyone so I will be emailing all my contacts with the URL.  I look forward to receiving your comments.

July 5

Judy found out today that she will be having an operation on July 27 to remove the scar tissue that remained after her second tumor was treated with radiation and chemotherapy.  The operation will take about 7 hours.  Judy will be in hospital for at least 10 days and hopefully have a recovery period of about two months.
Judy is feeling very well right now.  We are trying to get in as much lake time as possible before July 24.