WEEK 16 ~ APRIL 16-22, 2015

There were days of improvement and days of deterioration in Dad's condition but we were encouraged that he communicated with hand squeezes, eye blinks, head movement and wiggled his toes when asked. We were grateful that Kim helped us learn this new "silent" form of communication. This was definitely something we could apply to our lives in the hospital but also implement in the world when we will undoubtedly come across someone who is not able to verbally communicate. We wish that more people could realize just because a person can't walk or talk does not mean they are unable to communicate...they just communicate in different ways then what we may be familiar with. 

We met with Dad's team of doctors and updated friends and family following our meeting,

Dear Family, This afternoon Dad K's team of doctors was able to meet with all six children and some in-laws. After hearing reports from hematology and the ICU doctors we are now better able to work through decision and plans. After being intubated for 10 days it is now necessary to consider moving towards a tracheotomy. Intubation does cause complications when used for an extensive period of time. This will likely happen sometime during the next 24-48 hours. Hematology spoke about the Lymphoma being a treatable cancer, but that administering further chemo would depend on his condition improving. The ICU doctor spoke about his overall condition and the measures that are being used to support him. Dad K. has cancer, pneumonia, some tumor lysis, occasional irregular heartbeat and requires ventilation support for breathing and requires dialysis of his kidneys. His condition is grave and the future uncertain. As family we are extremely grateful for the care he is receiving and the respect they have for the family's desires and beliefs. Above all we are grateful for the loving care of our heavenly Father who is giving grace day by day as we journey through this. Thank-you also to all of you who are faithfully praying and supporting us during this time. We covet your prayers for Mom & Dad K. Please pray for a miracle of healing, peace, patience, and grace to say, "Your will be done, Lord!”

While Mom had difficult moments, we were encouraged with some good moments when she looked at scrapbooks, talked with us and enjoyed holding Logan...what an answer to prayer!

Each grandchild receives a bike for their 10th birthday from Oma and Opa and Savannah was ready to start looking for her birthday bike. Bikes are a little hard to find on sale in February so we waited til the weather warmed up a bit and Savannah began her search for the "perfect bike". Savannah enjoyed her one on one time with Mom and Dad but she decided to wait until her bike goes on sale.