So we dropped Hobkin off with his godmom, tossed the last minute sundries into the suitcase, and I was burning Escape Pod podcasts to a CD for the long drive, when we got a call from fosteronfilm‘s brother. In what can only be described as a miraculous recovery, my dad-in-law got better!*
It seems his system isn’t able to expel carbon dioxide properly anymore, and it had built up to a toxic level, resulting in this recent scariness. But with him on the respirator and them doing whatever it is they do to purge the CO2 out of him, he started perking up. They took him off the respirator, and as of yesterday, not only was he breathing on his own, but he was sitting up, lucid, and talking, and they’re expecting him to be able to go home soon! He still can’t get rid of CO2 on his own, but apparently they’ve got ways to deal with that.
Matthew called his mom, and she’s so confident in his recovery that she’s planning on going back to school next week**. After much discussion, fosteronfilm and I decided to postpone our exodus to Illinois until July–when we were planning on visiting originally–unless Dad-in-law worsens again.
Off we went to retrieve Hobkin, who was pretty excited to see us, although I’m sure also a bit puzzled at what all the to-and-fro-ing was about, and today I’m installed back in my office, happily working away.
This has been quite a week. I’m dazed and drained, but also delighted and very, very relieved. Thank you to everyone who sent your thoughts, concerns, and support. Y’all are wonderful.
*My opinion of their GP has plummeted to an all time low. It strikes me as egregiously irresponsible, callous, and incompetent to tell someone not to expect their loved one to recover, that there’s nothing left they can do, when there’s obviously still a reason to hope and procedures to try. I just want to slap that man into orbit.
**Although technically retired, my mom-in-law enjoys working and she teaches 2nd grade at a private academy–which is a way nicer job than her pre-retirement one, which was for a public school.
Writing Stuff
Started compiling references and material for the article I’m writing next for Writing-world.com.
Received:
– Galley proofs from Paradox for “The Archer of the Sun and the Lady of the Moon.”
– 91-day pass from OSC’s IGMS with a “we would like to encourage you you to send more of your work to us for consideration”
Phew.
I am so happy for you and Matthew, because I know what it’s like to be agonising over a sick loved one.
You haven’t been far from my forebrain for the past couple of days.
Thanks, sweetie! I’m pretty giddy with relief.
That’s wonderful! I’m so glad to hear it!
Thank you. Me too!!
Glad to hear of the father-in-law recovery! 🙂
Thanks!
That’s fantastic!
*big hugs*
Happy relief. *hugs*
this is wonderful news – hope everything continues to go well.
Me too! I’ve had enough emotional plummets and peaks to last a looong time. I’m hoping for a period of nice, non-eventfulness.
Oh, Eugie!!!
That is wonderful news! And I know what you mean about how some doctors give out only doom and gloom. They should never do that–miracles happen all the time. I’m not saying they should tell you that everything is going to be fine when they know that is not the case, but the way they word things can make all the difference in the world. And doctor’s aren’t “God”.
One of my husband’s uncle has cancer and the doctor told him it that he had a form of “terminal” cancer and that he probably only had a few months left. My husband’s uncle told him–why not say instead, “you have an uncurable cancer”, and went on to tell him that they should never take away a patient’s “hope”. The doctor actually thanked my husband’s uncle for saying what he did. He said he hadn’t looked at it that way before.
They didn’t know if my husband’s uncle would make it to Christmas. Well, Christmas has come and gone and his uncle is still doing okay. He may not live to be 80, but none of us know when our time will be up. We shouldn’t go through life thinking that death’s door is near, we should have hope instead and be thankful for every day we’re here.
Anyhow, I am so happy to hear that your father-in-law’s condition is treatable! You all must be so relieved!
Gisele 🙂
Relieved beyond the telling of it! Glad to hear that your hubby’s uncle is still going strong, despite the dire and doleful initial prognosis. Thanks for sharing his experience with me; it’s enlightening and inspiring.
How relieved you both must be!
*emphatic nods* And how!
What incredible news! All hail the mysterious “they” for saving his life.
And many {{{HUGS}}} to you.
*hugs* There is a certain mystery to who exactly was involved in the medical procedures, but I’m assuming it was one of dad-in-law’s specialists rather than his idiot GP. It’s frustrating how hard it is to get detailed information during these stressful episodes.
Hurray!
Ye verily!
Oh, yay! I am so relieved for you. That’s wonderful news. You go ahead and slap that doctor! I’ll provide an alibi.
“Crazy Asian woman slapping you? Don’t know what you’re talking ’bout, Mr. Doctor Man. I was with the whole time. ‘Sides, all us Orientals look the same to you, don’t we?” 
Oh, thank goodness. You and must be reeling.
Reeling like a pair of yo-yos! But I’m way happy to be on the up part.
Still more evidence: Escape Pod has healing powers!
Oh wait… That probably wasn’t what you were getting at. >8-> But I’m very glad to hear that your DIL’s doing better and that everyone has a chance to de-stress.
It’s true, it’s true! I also burned Escape Pod podcasts when we went up in March, and DIL pulled out then too. Ooo, magical podcastic goodness!
I’ve lost so much faith in medical “professionals” after hearing about the problems many of my friends have had in simply getting a correct diagnosis, let alone some help. I’m just glad it worked out for you all!
Thanks! Me too! On all counts.
Great news to hear!
Ye verily!