First, I must say that if you are only reading this via email – you are seriously missing out on some quality content. I personally am a fan of the photos…
Today is an update written with a sigh. Most of you intuitively filled in the other half of the title; “So close… yet so far.” While the estimated discharge date for Dad was this Saturday the 23rd, there has been a set back. Last night Dad was cold and uncomfortable and was exhausted this morning. We assumed, hoped, prayed that this was only due to a particularly rough night and finicky thermostat. Unfortunately we were wrong. Dads daily blood draw came back with an elevated white blood cell count, which is indicative of an infection. A few short tests and a CT scan later; pneumonia. It is only impacting the lower lobe of Dads left lung, and he has already started IV antibiotics so we are hopeful that it will not progress any further.
Though I am traditionally a Thoreau / Emerson fan, Mark Twain summed this up nicely when he said:
βThe miracle, or the power, that elevates the few is to be found in their industry, application, and perseverance under the prompting of a brave, determined spirit.β ~ Mark Twain
Dad will persevere. Spirits will be reset, and new goals of discharge dates proclaimed. This may sound like an unreasonable emphasis on Dads current situation and short term goals especially with the use of words like perseverance and determination of spirit, all related to a few more days in the hospital. I would ask you though, to consider the first posts that went out. To consider the immense weight and gravity of the situation and information that has been taken in and attempted to be processed by us all. Then consider how you would take on a challenge so large. Likely piece by piece.
To illustrate this industry of a determined spirit, Dad worked through the feeling of exhaustion after all his body has been through these last 12 days – including the recent reduction of IV nutrition and the lack of complete compensation for it yet – and walked his “new minimum” distance to the nursing station and back. I applaud him for adjusting on the fly and continuing to push when the light at the end of this first tunnel was so close yet is now that much further away.
There have been so many comments about Dads tenacity and fighting spirit – thank you! It is great to see Dad reaffirmed by those who have seen a different side of him than much of our family is witness to during weekend barbecues.
As my wife said on FB “…follow, leave a comment, and get a colonoscopy π …”
More updates as they come available.
Much Love,
Richard
The Upside of Down - an update on hope, love, and oncology 
Stay Strong. Your family is blessed by you as much as you are by them! Amazing Dad – Amazing Son – Amazing Wives!! π Love you all. Thanks for your insights and sense of humor – and love the pics! Appreciate you taking time to post updates. It does our hearts good to hear.
LikeLike
I did not give you the gift of life but life gave me the gift of you. And you are the best gift I ever received
LikeLike
Xoxo l love you!
Thank You,
Kevin Harless BD Medication Management Solutions Medication Solutions Architect O 623-572-8181 / C 623-229-0164 Kevin.Harless@carefusion.com
Sent from my iPad
>
LikeLike
Ok Kevin, this is just like June 30th at 9:00 am when Scripps told us they were not going to sign our MS4000 conversion because they needed the John Armstrong Discount. Less than 10 hours later I was in Ed Jai’s office watching him make photo copies of the signed agreement all because we were determined to bring in Scripps & ring the bell. You made it happen, you dug deep and now you are going to have to dig deep again to kick pneumonias ass and get stable for your discharge. Let’s do this! Eye of the Tiger! CARPE Diem
Tera
LikeLike
Yep! Small setback…I’m already back on track. PT set a walking goal of 340ft…I said why 340′? Well, that’s how long our hallways are. So, lap 1 = 300, 3= 350, Lap = 640 ft. Pushing hard.
Thank you so much for your love and encouragement .
Thank You,
Kevin Harless BD Medication Management Solutions Medication Solutions Architect O 623-572-8181 / C 623-229-0164 Kevin.Harless@carefusion.com
Sent from my iPad
>
LikeLike
Kevin- You & Mary both are two of the most wonderful humans I have the pleasure to know. True story! Just GOOD people. I want you to know I am praying & praying & praying every chance I get. Please stay so strong and hopeful. We are willing to help. Anything that we can do- a good meal, a walked dog, a clean house, a hug- anything please let me know! I hope & pray you get to go home very soon! Sending lots of love, hugs & above all, hope π
Richard & Jeremy- As I heard this devastating news from your mom I am left heartbroken. For all of you. Richard, your words in this blog are just beautiful and I found myself in and out of tears through every entry. Thank you for taking the time to write & update. I love your positivity and the pics! I know your parents are so proud of you both and everything that you are taking on- it is truly an inspiration. Love & hugs to you both, your spouses and children.
-Kendyl π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kevin – I have never met anyone with more energy, creativity, determination, and charm.
You are like a Sherman Tank
Use your power to make progress everyday
We are all behind you
#KevinHarlessPower
LikeLike
Thanks MG tt DD. I’ll go after this like no other prize in the world!
Thank You,
Kevin Harless BD Medication Management Solutions Medication Solutions Architect O 623-572-8181 / C 623-229-0164 Kevin.Harless@carefusion.com
Sent from my iPad
>
LikeLike
Hi Richard,
You are awesome!! Because of your message about email I finally figured out I should be on the blog!! Now IΓ’ΒΒve spent most of an hour going through all the old entries with PICTURES!! I love learning new things but such a challenge for Grammy.
Pam and Jorja are driving over Tuesday and will stay with me Tues and Wed night. Pam will leave Jorja with me and drive to Flagstaff Thursday and return Sunday. This is an annual visit with her high school friends. I will drive back to CA with her on Monday Aug 1st and stay the week, returning Aug 6th.
I will no doubt see you before I go.
Love you,
Grammy xoxo
LikeLike
A disheartening setback, yes, but not a stop. When the going gets tough(er), the tough get going, and you all are!
Sending more love, hugs, encouragement and strength,
Jeff & Sheri
LikeLike
62-1223
The Reproach For The Cause Of The Word
And God sets a time and has a purpose for everything that He does. There is nothing happens just accidentally to those who love the Lord and are called according to His calling. See? We are predestinated. And everything works just right, for that, because He cannot lie. And He said that was so, that everything has its time, its season, and it has its way. And God is behind every move. And sometimes you think that everything is going wrong. It’s up to us. Those things are put upon us, trials and wonderings. It’s testing, to see how we will react on an action.
LikeLike
I will not forget you. I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Isaiah 49:15-16
LikeLike
Kevin aka MR. PYXIS,
I was so sorry to hear about your illness. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers.
I know today was a little set back, but as you know from working with Pyxis, it is often times 1 step back, before a giant leap forward. You got this!!!!
Thank you to Richard for sharing your progress.
LikeLike
Good to see you today and in such good spirits. Looking forward to doing our exercises together. I did mine today. We can get stronger together. Love you
LikeLiked by 1 person