Even though my schedule is mine right now, sleep seems to have it's own schedule as well. I've been able to reflect on a wide range of things and one is how some things actually work. Throughout this ordeal I have been impressed with the quick and correct preparation and response from the groups in the profession.

I know it's part of their business, but a hour and a half after the first report, a representative from the FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) was at the house with an envelope for expenses, telling the family to get down to Columbus. Before the two hours it took to get there, they had two motel rooms logistically to the hospital, set up and paid for the next three nights.

Erok is going to be totally confused for a while. My son belongs to a K9 group from different area units that meets every two weeks and work out the dogs with different scenarios to keep them all at peek on things they don't get to do every day on the job but have to be ready with. Before the family could get ready to leave, a member of the group was there to take Erok that night, and a different handler (so he doesn't get accustomed to any one person) will feed and 'walk' and 'play' with him every day.

The moral support from every aspect of the local first responders is overwhelming. In this case there were two 'local' areas. Men from his department were down to Columbus and stood watch while he was in surgery. Next day, a number of the Columbus Departments, including the Fire and EMS that had been on the scene visited.

It's refreshing to see part of a bureaucracy do what's needed in a timely manner. Perhaps it's because it is set up and executed from the bottom up rather than the top down, but it woks. I guess it comes with the profession but I better understand the 'brotherhood' aspect. It's like the shared experience with an 'Army buddy'.

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Thank you, PF, for helping to keep us informed. Our hearts go out to your son and to you and all your family and you all will continue in our prayers until we know your son has healed. God bless you!

Yeah, this whole thing is kind of freaky. Not in a good way, either.

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On the kinkometer, my kink measures as a sine wave.

This is my busy time of year and get a free min. and find all kinds of bad news!

DB glad to hear they found the turmor early and things are looking up!

PF sorry to hear about your son and hope hes doing a little better now and you've got some sleep.

and glad to hear Teddybear is back home
all 3 of you have my thoughts and prayers

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The mind never forgets what the hands have learned

PF -- I am so sorry to hear about your son, but glad to know that he is recovering relatively rapidly. I will keep him in my thoughts. I am glad he's so much better.


DB - I am glad to hear they caught your condition early. I fully expect you to be at PAGAN and ready to celebrate!

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Life is too short not to love and be loved....preferably multiple times in one night.

I think men talk to women so they can sleep with them and women sleep with men so they can talk to them. ~ Jay McInerney

As you might guess, I've been preoccupied for a few days to where I actually had to stop and figure out what day of the week it was yesterday, and a few hours later had to do it again. I again thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers. I've talked to so many people and time is playing tricks. Sequence of events and 'progress' is the only indelible marks being made on me right now. I had to go back and read this thread to see where we were. This was too close, ..... at least for MY son.

I'm pleased that in spit of the depth, we think we have found the bottom and it's up hill from here. I came back to Cleveland Saturday night and slept for twice the time that is actually my normal nights rest, so I must feel things are under control. He was moved to a regular room today and taken off the oxygen. I understand they had to put him back on for a while and he will sleep with it, but they are very pleased overall.

He will show the zipper they gave him but says the chest drain is his biggest discomfort. He is still on a lot of pain suppressers and will nod off in the middle of a sentence......... then come right back in a couple minutes. Now that the weekend is over he should get some of the rest he needs. That seems to be what is most needed now.

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She teases us every year that way.

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Life is too short not to love and be loved....preferably multiple times in one night.

I think men talk to women so they can sleep with them and women sleep with men so they can talk to them. ~ Jay McInerney

Thanks for the good wishes, osuche. Definitely planning on PAGAN 09. Think there's any chance you'll be able to make it? The wife and I would love to meet ya!

DB - Im glad to hear you are on the mend...

PF (((((Hugs)))) I am sorry to hear about your son, i hope his recovery will be swift.

much love.

(((((((((((((((((((((((PF))))))))))))))))))))))))) )

(((((((((((((((((((((((DB))))))))))))))))))))))))) )

(((((((((((((((((((((((Teddy))))))))))))))))))))))

my prayers are with each and every one of you..

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I love the night
I love the element of danger and the ecstasy of flight,
I love the night
I love to dance with a stranger and to feel his delight,
And when the dancing is through, I kick off my shoes,
And I listen to the beating of his heart

still sending out good thoughts to everyone. (((hugs)))

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Trees give peace to the souls of men * Nora Waln

The forest would be very quiet if no other birds sang than those who sing the best * Henry van Dyke

some fairly sordid tales, rambles, and anecdotes
Hypothetically Speaking * Something More * Cammy Interrupted * An Experimental Vacation * Masked * so..damn..hot * Thank You * My toy, his idea * no.19 Maple Lane * I Have A Surprise For You * Yesterday * In a Quiet Kitchen * help me decide * untitled prose * more untitled prose

Thank you all very much.

As I just told another special Pixie, for not knowing a little over a week ago if I'd be talking to a doctor or undertaker, he is doing fantastic. They are even talkimg about releasing him this week.

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Talked to my surgeon today. Plans are for surgery to happen on the 14th. At this point, the surgeon believes the surgery can be done laparoscopically which would speed recovery. Obviously, if the surgery requires, the opening can be enlarged and the surgery performed in the traditional manner. Looks like surgery will remove the cancerous colon section and about twelve surrounding lymph nodes. The nodes filter the blood and while showing no sign of cancer, need to be checked to help assure that the cancer has not spread. In any case, I specifically asked if our planned July getaway to Holland, MI should be canceled. Answer was certainly not yet. If the surgery is successful and no spread to the disease has been found, I should be more than healed in time for the vacation. Likely will be a four or five week recovery period although I should be back on my feet sooner than that. Again, if nothing unexpected is found, there may be (Lord willing) no need for chemo.

I thought the meeting with the surgeon was very good and I've great reason to feel optimistic. Actually, I already felt pretty confident and the surgeon did nothing to discourage me.