Mom and I were here before 6 this morning so that we didn't miss rounds with the surgical residents.  Dad was already awake watching the news. The surgeons finally came parading in a little after 7am. They didn't really share anything new. They just reviewed what had been "discovered" during surgery yesterday with the involvement of the hepatic artery. They confirmed for dad that tumor removal was not a viable option anymore. When they left it was a very quiet room, to include lots of head rubbing, analyzing, and thinking.  At that point, I took Mom out to get some coffee, and let Dad alone with his thoughts for a little while.

A medical oncology fellow with Dr. Jiang's office visited, as well. I really liked him, and he reminded me of my own medical oncologist. He checked on Dad's pain and incision and asked some general questions about family histories of cancer. He said the team is going to work together to determine next steps.

Right now, Dad's in pain. He can push his button every 8 minutes, so I've set a timer for that and wake him to push it. He's going to be permitted clear liquids later today. Right now he's got the ice chip thing going on.  He's been rocking out to bluegrass on Pandora, which helps drown out the hallway noise of pagers, phones, and inane chatter.

This  blog is getting over 200 hits a day, and I hope that volume of interested individuals helps me with a little something fun. My mother's 70th birthday is January 27th, next Sunday. When my dad turned 70 last year, we had a big surprise party for him at my house. It was so much fun! The plan has always been to do the same for Mom, but when this stupid cancer thing came up, that changed things. So, then we hoped that Mom's best gift would be to have Dad home cancer-free for her birthday next week, but now this stupid cancer thing wrenched up that plan too. I know that all of you want "something" to do to help support my parents right now. Here's your task: Find a card store. Look for funny and/or humorous get well cards for Dad. He is not easily offended, so have fun with whatever you find. Then, go to the birthday section of said card store, and find a funny/humorous birthday card for my Mom. My goal is for Mom to receive at least 70 cards for her 70th birthday. If you do not directly know my parents, please feel free to participate as well, and just share your relationship in the cards. I foresee Dad being discharged mid to late next week. Carrying this heavy feeling home will bring on a new host of emotions, but how wonderful it will be to experience overwhelming support (and humor....the humor thing is important) when the mailbox cannot handle the load of get well and birthday wishes just waiting to be opened and read. It will be a good distraction and redirection from reality, even if just for a little while.

Mom's pastor was here this morning. We prayed together around Dad. What a warm feeling. I ask my prayer warriors to keep on keeping on. I'm not giving up on surgery. I'm not giving up on cure. I'm not giving up on a miracle either. Keep on, keeping on!

Thanks for the comments and emails. I love you guys!
Jen