On the Fringe of Fear

            OK, it’s Tuesday evening, Aug 27, 2013.  I think tonight’s update may be relatively short because I’m very tired.

            We drove to Atlanta this morning and met with the surgeon who will insert the feeding tube tomorrow.  Waaaa!  Ken’s sad because now he won’t be swimming for the next two months at least, and then it’s winter and then I have to wait until spring!!!

            After the appointment we had a very nice day out and around Atlanta.  We went to the Vortex for lunch; reported to have the best hamburgers in Atlanta.  I had the Voodoo Burger, ½ pound ground sirloin with chipotle sauce, green pepper jelly and bacon served on texas toast. I am officially stating THIS WAS THE BEST HAMBURGER I HAVE EVER HAD!!  I was so full by the time I’d eaten half of it that I should have stopped….but I didn’t.  I ate the whole thing!  It was amazing! 

Voodoo Burger at the Vortex...with tots!

            Then we visited the Hope Lodge here in Druid Hills. The Hope Lodge is the American Cancer Society residence for cancer treatment patients.  An amazing place, and, it doesn’t cost the patients a dime.  Incredible.

            We planned to have dinner with nephew Matt and his beautiful bride Christina in the evening, but in the meantime, we headed for a mall and Muggy enjoyed a manicure and pedicure while Ken did what he loves most and went shopping in the all the mall stores!!  (Huge facetious marks around the part about Ken liking shopping!). 

            We did hit a pretty stressful snafu in the health insurance coordination between 3:30 and 4:30, but even at those times when we’re really upset and we forget who’s in control, He is still in control and everything worked out fine.

            We did meet Matt and Christina in Decatur for dinner and had a wonderful time. 

            Now, the reality of things is beginning to sink in.  I find myself regularly saying, “I don’t want to do this!”  I’m not grooving on having a hole through my belly into my stomach with a plastic port hanging off me. Yes, it does get scary.

            But you know what?  I’m thinking of my CBs (cancer buddies).  The folks I’ve been blessed to be sharing these challenges with.  And I’m trusting God for His will to be done and to sustain us all through the appointments and procedures and challenges and frustrations!!

            And, I’m thankful for support from family and friends that at times is palpable and other times is such a comfort to pause and consider.  And people step up and make statements and offers that are absolutely wonderful and they want to be there to help in whatever way they can and this is an absolutely amazing outpouring of love!

            And, I’m thankful for really, really smart people who are doctors and nurses and staff and social workers and volunteers, and receptionists and how this all works together to overcome these challenges.

            Thanks to everyone!!