The word you never want to hear. Especially about your 47-year-young dad and new papa to multiple grandchildren.
My mom gave me permission to share as our whole church community and family know about the situation personally. It is with tears in my eyes yet hope in my heart that I share this:
Thursday, 2/9: Steve (dad) went the the ER for a worsening infection. He’s had pneumonia twice before but this time was different. He’s had no major health history other than kidney stones and has paid it healthy all his life. He’s super active and an incredible electrician and house flipper and the most sacrificial guy you’ll ever meet. It makes you ask “Why?” while still knowing God has Sovereignty that we can’t even fathom.
He went because he couldn’t catch his breath. They did a Chest CT to see if it was a pulmonary embolism. They found something much worse. A 6.5 x 5 cm lung mass in his right lobe with some spread to local lymph nodes. When we all heard the news, our hearts hit the floor. The worst day of our lives. He was discharged with ABX and scheduled for a PET scan the following week.
Saturday, 2/11: Steve’s breathing and chest pain got progressively worse. He can barely catch his breath or talk. He’s seen at Regions, arguably the best hospital in the twin cities, where the pulmonologist sees him in the ER and he had a full, extensive work up. Blood work shows sepsis and with all his symptoms, he’s admitted. There is some more lymph node involvement. By the grace of God and many prayers, his EBUS and biopsy (to collect to lung tissue for staging and diagnosis) is scheduled for this coming Tuesday. He’s finally had some pain management and IV antibiotics within the hospital setting.
Mom has been a strong rock for her and dad. She’s by his side at this very moment. By a huge blessing of God, dad’s hospitalist is a Christian and is implementing spiritual care into his stay. He said he could just tell by his calm demeanor that dad was a man of faith.
It reminds of this passage, “Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God: I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”
So what now? We wait for more answers. We support mom and dad the best we can. We pray, pray, pray without ceasing. My brother and sister and I have been praying over FaceTime and text and seeing dad today, I know God has His hand firmly on him. Pray for wisdom from oncology, pulmonology, pray for a clear path forward, pray for renewed strength for our family and especially dad. Thankfully my dad has so, so many that love him and we are so grateful.
Feel free to share this if you want. People have asked about meals and as my mom and sister both work and are helping dad in the hospital as much as they can, I’m sure they wouldn’t mind a lasagna or two. Thanks for all the prayers and best wishes and I firmly believe without a doubt God will see dad through. We will keep praying and advocating for him every step of the way.
Steve’s labs are great. Doctors were glad to see him doing so well. He is still recovering and is frustrated at how tired he gets but the doctors said one year until most feel normal and in Steve’s case longer due to the type of chemo and surgeries. We are still thankful for your prayers!!
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Steve Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Steve's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
