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View Full Version : A different kind of empty nest syndrome!


Linda Paulson
07-03-2007, 02:49 PM
Oh my gosh...I just now kissed my sweet husband goodbye and watched him drive off to work!!!!!

I'm so happy for him, but feeling a sweet sadness too. For the past 7 months we've been constant companions. During his 5 months in the hospital I only left his side to sleep a few hours each night in the hotel across the street, and since his discharge to home recovery we've done everything and gone everywhere together!

Yesterday we spent much of the day back at the hospital in Seattle having a CT scan and blood work done. His final appointment was with the surgeon who was the head of his treatment team. Upon reviewing the CT scan (which I got to see as well), Dr. Ryan saw that the space between the 2 disconnected parts of the pancreas has shrunk to about 6 by 2 cm. A few weeks ago the 200cc per day drainage stopped abruptly and with the doctor's direction I removed Bob's last external drain. The Ct scan shows there is still some internal drainage but somehow it's finding a path to drain through...possibly via the other section of pancreas. It's not clear exactly what's happening but it is clear that it's not causing any acute problem and probably will not in the future either. The detached distal portion of the pancreas may eventually seal itself off and erode with no further intervention.

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this incredible turn of events is the direct result of prayers on Bob's behalf offered up by hundreds of believers all across the nation and even in many areas around the world.
God has touched Bob with miraculous healing...and we give Him the honor and praise!!!

So with a relatively clean bill of health (there are still a few residual complications) Bob is eagerly returning to his job today - at least part time for now.

And I'm sitting here missing him so muich after only 10 minutes!!!! :(

MommySpice
07-03-2007, 02:54 PM
Awwww Linda, this is great news!!!!! But yet bittersweet for you, I know! Its hard to have him gone now, isn't it? But it means he's healthy, and for that we can praise God! ((((hugs)))) to you my dear friend!

lilysmama
07-03-2007, 03:01 PM
Oh, I am so happy for you! Like Kara said, what a bittersweet moment - but God blessed Bob with such an amazing wife to take care of him in this situation...and He blessed you both with this amazing outcome. I have been praying for you both, and will continue to pray for you as you enter this new phase in his recovery and in your life together. God bless you - I'm so happy for you!! :)

-Jodie

Amy Eileen
07-03-2007, 03:26 PM
Aww a very bittersweet moment! More sweet then bitter though!! :D Its so good to know that Bob is back at work. You all must be walking on Cloud 9 these days. Your family had such a rough road to travel this year and its so good to know that things are smoothing out for you. Continued thoughts for you and yours Linda. {{HUGS}}

lvg4him
07-03-2007, 06:52 PM
HOW WONDERFUL!!! WOW!!! What a blessing. I STILL have pictures my girls made you and your husband that I would love to send you. They prayed for you and your husband frequently and wanted to make him a get well card. They made the cards but life got in the way and I never got around to sending them.

vanillalatte
07-03-2007, 07:52 PM
Oh, Linda!!!! This is simply WONDERFUL news!!!! Praise God! Yes, I'm sure you will have some adjusting to do, but like Amy said...more sweet than bitter, I'm sure :) :) :)

You'll have to let us know how Bob's first day back went!

Bek, aka opeysmama
07-03-2007, 08:14 PM
This is a modern day miracle from God himself. I'm so overjoyed to hear of this wonderful outcome for you and Bob. Prayer is a wonderful thing. Praise the Lord that you and Bob have continued to glorify the Father even through the most awful times. This is a time to celebrate! :) I know you'll miss him at first, but you'll get used to it again...hehe...

Donna
07-03-2007, 09:24 PM
Ahhhhh .....Linda --- I'm so happy for him............I know it will take time to get his stamina back.......but you know how a man needs to work......I bet his buddies at work are equally thrilled!!!

As for you............I can tell we are going to have to KEEP YOU BUSY!!!!!

I think we can do that, right girls???? :D :D :D

Hmmm...........even this sounds like a scrapbook page-- can't wait to see it!

HUGS HUGS HUGS!!!

Donna
( OH I just remembered-- YOU are going to be very busy pretty soon ;) )

Canay
07-03-2007, 10:22 PM
Congratulations to Bob! I am so happy for the both of you. I want to jump for joy at the good news that the power of prayer has brought to your family.

May God continue to bless both of you. Now...time to start (oops, Freudian slip, I meant stop!) missing your hubby and get scrapping:)

wen2tap
07-04-2007, 07:26 AM
things are returning to normal Linda, its wonderful news . I bet he had a spring in his step!!! I can feel some pages coming out of this hope you grab your camera to catch the smile on his return....

Stephanie
07-04-2007, 01:10 PM
WEll? How did it go?

ArtcTrish
07-04-2007, 03:07 PM
How wonderful! What an amazing story you have to share! BIG HUGS!!!!!

Birgit Kerr
07-04-2007, 04:54 PM
Wow I can't believe he's going back to work! First of all .. that is AWESOME !!! SO much has happened in the last few months!! And {{{{HUGS}}}}} for missing him! He'll be back home soon! And yes, I guess "normality" is returning to your lifes ... in all it's sweet, wonderful, boring and "missing" ways! But considering where you were just a few short months ago, that is an amazingly wonderful thing !!

TiffanyJewel
07-04-2007, 05:34 PM
ohhh that is such wonderful news! I'm so glad he is doing so well! the power of prayer!

Sandersmr
07-04-2007, 11:13 PM
Ummm Linda - how pervese am I - when my first thought was now you have all that scrapping time - teehee. Seriously, I'm so glad that he has come so far. He is a strong man as you are such a strong woman.

Debilitating diseases affect more than just the patient and I don't think a lot of people realize the toll they take on the family as well.

sandilyn
07-05-2007, 11:14 AM
Another big step, Linda- so happy Bob is well enough to go back to work! Hope it went well!

rlma
07-05-2007, 03:27 PM
What an amazing blessing! How did his first day go?