Home and the Bruno Art Gallery (may he not rest in peace)

Hello Friends and Family,

I’m so pleased to report that Josh came home last night (Monday).

On Sunday, I was able to go to church, and my MIL met us there with the kiddos. We sure have missed our kids and being all together. Church was edifying and refreshing; so good to be with the family of God. After church, our dear friends drove me to the hospital and dropped me off. They later came back for a visit, as did Josh’s sweet grandparents (I meant to grab a picture of these special folks). Sunday night, our friend led us and Josh’s dad in communion, since Josh missed out on that in the morning at church. What a sweet time together and with the Lord. Nothing like taking the Lord’s supper in a hospital gown in the waiting room of his unit!

Before he could leave on Monday, we had one more lesson with Wound Care. Our nurse took ample time with us, and I recorded the process, should we have any questions about the steps in changing the colostomy bag. Anyone who has experienced this before knows that changing and emptying a colostomy bag can be a bit intimidating at first. At the end, I asked Josh to recap the steps in front of the nurse, and he did better than I could!

Josh, his dad, and I also started playing Phase 10 together on Sunday. I’m happy to report that I won the first game! We began a second game, but didn’t complete it. Craig and I were at the same phase, with Josh trailing behind just a tad. I won’t be able to rest well until I have secured a second win. So, rematch anyone?!

We also got to see Josh’s amazing surgeon one more time before discharge. Josh and I have often commented that while some surgeons and doctors can at times exude a certain arrogance and pride in his craft, this man has shown himself to be humble, compassionate, and at the same time full of knowledge; he’s good at his craft, and is able to blend the medical expertise with sincere concern for his patient. We’re so grateful.

We are waiting on a call from the surgeon to give us the pathology report results. While we know the tumor (Bruno) itself has been removed, we are anticipating hearing the final report explaining to us the overall state of cancer in Josh’s body. Until then, we cannot firmly say if the cancer has been eradicated from his body. We don’t want to speak too soon or get our hopes up in this way, but by all accounts, things are looking good at this point.

As you know from reading this blog, our kids named the tumor Bruno. Well they created some wonderful artwork for Josh to have up in his hospital room of Bruno being put to death. These visuals are amazing! Great job, kids! Josh’s sister, Abbie, also created a lovely picture for him!

For kicks and giggles, I visited the fifth floor to grab this picture for Josh’s mom, who delivered Josh and his brother Jon in the same hospital where Josh had this surgery!

Thanks, everyone, for your continued prayers. We know that the Lord and these prayers are sustaining us so beautifully!