Surgery

Monday, 8 February 2016

This is the day of my colon cancer surgery.  Fluids only yesterday and nothing since midnight.  We needed to be at the OU Medical center by 7:30 AM.  We left the house by 6:30 AM...we arrived about 7:00 AM.  We sat in the lobby for only a few minutes before they took me into pre op.  Blood work was done along with 2 IVs put in my hands for medicine drips.  Then I was given a free ride on a gurney to the surgery floor.  I was placed in a cubical to await surgery.  The anesthesiologist and several medical students introduced themselves to me.   Finally my doctor showed up.  He had an eye patch on....I couldn't believe it.  My surgical doctor had a patch on an eye he scratched, nightmare begins.  He introduced himself to me and I said, "You are not my doctor, you are a pirate!"  He assured me he had lots of helping hands and he & I would do fine.  He was right.

The surgery took 2 hours and they removed not quite 7 inches of my colon.  I haven't seen Doctor Dunn since the surgery.  He did come out and visit with Art and Heather when the surgery was over.   I hope your eye heals quicker than this surgery line on my belly, Dr. Dunn.  I awoke to a cut from my belly button to my "bikini line".  They kept me in recovery for 4 hours.  Yah, I was in big pain...I'm sure I was a big pain!

I was finally taken to room 407 where I resided for four days until I got the pain under control.  

This is a picture of the assistant doctor and another medical student who looked after me for three days.  Thanks to Dr. Dunn and these doctors and the OU nursing staff I am healing well.    

I was blessed to have great nurses.  This is one of my favorite.  Kara was very through and I found out she was the main nurse for the floor.  I was watched over.  Thank's to all the medical teams that helped me in such a stressful time.

Our children spoiled me with flowers and phone calls and texts.  President Gray, The Hutto's, Mary Newman and the Bithells, Ryan, Sarah, Cannon & Heather visited with me in that healing room. I was not up to visiting really, but their smiles and support cheered me on.

The Oklahoma Capitol building was outside my hospital window along with the helicopter pad.

It was great to know that I had a Nephite warrior facing my healing room!

This casting was done by an Indian named Enoch!  Too awesome.

I got out of bed at the end of the day and walked the halls.  Heather was a great encouragement for me.  I was one blessed Grandma.

This I V looked so grose, but my arm healed quickly once it was removed. Oh, the joy and ode' to needles and hospital stays.

My Grandson visited with his mom Sarah, he was brave to come to the hospital to visit me.  I love you Cannon.  His dad, Ryan, visited me each lunch hour.  I am blessed.  Cannon you helped grandma feel so happy!

So I was home by Friday, 12 February 2016.  I have watched lots of tv, taken many naps and lots of pain pills.  Grandpa Arthur bought me walking sticks for Valentines and I have been hitting the road between Heather's and our home several times a day.  Sarah and the children put all kinds of valentines on my back door.  It was so fun to read them.  I feel loved.

We brought a lot of the flowers home.  They have made my days joyous and delightful.  They smelled good too.

I've tried to be graceful with the walking sticks...still working on it.  I phoned Heather on Saturday night and begged her to go purchase my favorite pizza...I'm spoiled.

Art and I walk the road between Heather's and our cave at least twice a day.  We sure look like an old couple in this photo...I guess we are.

I loved having white roses in my bouquets...reminds me of Charlotte Berry and her white roses funeral.  I felt those on the other side giving me support to be strong and finish my mission here.

I'm still working on being a patient.  After surgery it has been easier because I just hurt!  I surely appreciate all the cards, calls, texts, visits and prayers, bread and flowers.  I have never felt the power of prayer as much as I have felt your prayers during this surgery.  I know without a doubt that I am being protected.

Wednesday, 17 Februrary 2016
This afternoon we finally got the phone call we have been waiting for.  My cancer did not spread!
We also learned they took 6.8 inches of my colon, not 12 like we were told.  17 lymph nodes were negative for metastasis.  Histologic Type : Adenocarcinoma...words I will be learning more about.  So I need to stop and thank our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, our brother, for this miracle that I have been blessed to receive.  It is true that all religion's offer blessings to their saints.  Today I declare the power of the priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  I have had so many priesthood blessings that have comforted me during this surgery.  I want my own children and grandchildren to know that the gift of the Holy Ghost and the power of the priesthood that Jesus gave to his apostles is still on the earth and blessing lives.  An Ensign article in the February magazine expresses my thoughts at this time.  "Landing Safely in Turbulence" by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"We can’t always control the storms that life puts in our path. Sometimes things simply don’t go our way. We may feel shaken and blown about by the turbulence of disappointment, doubt, fear, sadness, or stress.

During those times, it is easy to get caught up in everything that is going wrong and to make our troubles the center of our thoughts. The temptation is to focus on the trials we are facing instead of on the Savior and our testimony of truth.

But that is not the best way to navigate through our challenges in life.

Just as an experienced pilot keeps his focus not on the storm but on the center of the runway and the correct touchdown point, so too should we keep our focus on the center of our faith—our Savior, His gospel, and the plan of our Heavenly Father—and on our ultimate goal—to return safely to our heavenly destination. We should trust God and make staying on the track of discipleship the focus of our efforts. We should keep our eyes, heart, and mind focused on living the way we know we should.

Showing our faith and trust in Heavenly Father by joyfully keeping His commandments will bring us happiness and glory. And if we stay on the path, we will get through any turbulence—no matter how strong it may appear—and return safely to our heavenly home."

This is my final destination and Our Savior Jesus Christ and all of your prayers and blessings have helped keep the landing gear ready.  I am focusing on the center of the runway and the healing power that has been offered this Grandma Gene.
Having colon surgery is painful, but the blessing far out weigh the pain.  Thanks to each of you for your love and support as Grandpa Arthur and I have learned many powerful lessons of family, friendship and love and the power of the priesthood in our lives.
The Young Women of the OKC 7th Ward taped Valentine get well hearts all over the front of our cave last night.  That kindness have given me lots of hope and joy this morning.  Thank's Lily for sharing your Grandma's distress with your friends...I feel loved!  How can I not feel better with such kindness surrounding us.  Grandpa Arthur and I feel loved.

The "blogging gene" will close for now.  Remember to hug your children and tell them they are loved.  "To God Be The Glory".  We all are made from good genes!
Hug's always,
Arthur and Gene
Grandpa Arthur and Grandma Gene

New Beginning

THURSDAY, 4 JANUARY 2016

Today is a NEW BEGINNING for our friend Dee Bithell.  He is in surgery as I write this.  It looks like we will be at the OU hospital at the same time.  I have four more days to go till my surgery.  Are we having fun yet Dee?  Our love and prayers are with you this morning.  (Dee was in surgery for 7 1/2 hours.  I heard from other friends he is already walking the halls of the hospital...Feb. 6, 2016..Our love and prayers are still with his family.  I will visit with him after my own surgery.  This stage of life is interesting.

Last Sunday evening we shared dinner with our two youngest children and their families.  I am so thankful for those get togethers.

It takes more than one photo to get good pictures of everyone, right?  Ha!

Our youngest granddaughter was in sorrow because her parents made her eat her dinner.

Grandma Gene slipped her a napkin and told her to spit in it, but she said, "no I must obey my parents".  Good job Rachel!  

Silly dinners that get a grandbaby so upset!

The beautiful flowers that Sister Stowell sent are still beautiful.  My daughter-in-law Allyson sent me a sunshine care package and it had this scarf in it.  This is the same color of yarn that our Seminary Class has to remember that the scripture stories are not yarns...I love this crocheted reminder!  Thank you Todd, Allyson and children.  Love you!

Our Wisconsin Granddaughter sent us these drawings...good job Hannah!

A couple of our granddaughters are participating in the New Beginnings program for Young Women of the Church.  As I listen to the programs they are participating in I keep thinking of the surgery I am waiting to have.  This too is a New Beginning for me.  I have all the meds & drinks ready for my surgery next Monday.  They are a New Beginning of learning to be a patient..yucky.

For those of you that used to ride in this family wagon in your younger years....I thought you might enjoy seeing how Grandpa Arthur has used it this winter.  We have enjoyed many good fires in the cave with this wood supply!

As I watch all the snow around the nation I decided I need a better attitude about the leaves that keep appearing in our garage.  I get the joy of cleaning up these fall leaves all winter too.  Never ending.

Last Monday evening we had our Home Evening with the Hutto's and Sister Newman.  We studied the Conference talks given by Elder Dallin H. Oaks.  The first was last April, "The Parable of the Sower" :
"It is up to each of us to set the priorities and to do the things that make our soil good and our harvest plentiful."

The other talk given in October 2015 was so good for me to review right now.  Thank you Elder Oaks!
"Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ"
"Because of His Atonement, the Savior has the power to succor—to help—every mortal pain and affliction."
"One day all of these mortal burdens will pass away and there will be no more pain (see Revelation 21:4). I pray that we will all understand the hope and strength of our Savior’s Atonement: the assurance of immortality, the opportunity for eternal life, and the sustaining strength we can receive if only we will ask, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
"Where can I turn for peace....
Who, who can understand?
He, only One."

Thank's Hutto's and Mary for the great discussion we had about these two conference talks.
Mary also shared a box of books for me to read and this great odor eliminator spray.  Ha!  My husband, grandchildren and children thank you.  We have already used it several times!  I am loved especially when I'm not stinky!

Saturday, 6 February 2016
So this week my granddaughter Cecily is still eating jello and pudding.  She got a dry socket from her pulled wisdom teeth.  We hope you feel better soon, Cecily.
Our grandson Brandt had to get blood samples for his dr. appointment next week.  He suffers with bowel conditions also.  He and his dad called me on "Face Time" last night.  He showed me his little arm where they took blood.  He is such a brave boy.  We love you Brandt.  His dad was watching a "transformer" movie with him.  You are the best dad ever Eric!  Love you and your family.
Our daughter in law was a sponsor for the Russell Dougherty Elementary school Valentines Dance for our granddaughter Rachel and our grandson Cannon.  Great job Sarah...it looked like all had a fun time.  I asked Sarah how she is feeling..she just had surgery last week.  She told me she is a little tired...and yet she put on a dance for a whole student body, over 300 attended..Get well soon, Sarah, we love you!
Yesterday was our son in laws 41st birthday.  Happy Birthday Michael!  He spent the day and the weekend at the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy doing volunteer dentistry for people in the Oklahoma City area.  This is the seventh year he has done this on his birthday.  Thank's for your great example Mike, we love you!
This is a picture as Mike and Heather's family saying farewell to their van.  I think my daughter, Heather, received a new van for her husbands birthday!  Thank's for trading in this van for one more reliable, Michael.  We are so thankful your family will be safer now.  Its funny how attached we get to an automobile.  They have had many good times in their gray van.  Now they have a new car with
a NEW BEGINNING of car memories.

My last memory for the week is another NEW BEGINNING for the Bushman grandparents.  We have had many play sets in this yard for our grandchildren.  Our last swing was placed on a pole between two trees.  The grandchildren have had fun swinging there for many years.  We noticed, after the last ice storm, that the swing was becoming unsafe and the nails were almost through the pole.  Grandpa took the pole off between the trees and then removed the swing.  It is now sitting in the back of the pickup waiting for a new home.  Memories are a good thing, right?  This little plastic swing has brought many fun memories to our family.  Really, most of the grandchildren have outgrown it anyway.  Thank's little swing for all the adventures into the sky!

Well, I'm going to spend the rest of this sunny Saturday watching Family Discovery Day from Rootstech online family research.  I will index and arbitrate records as I listen and learn.  We hope you all have an extraordinary week.  Our NEW BEGINNING awaits.  Thank you, again, for prayers, texts, phone calls, flowers and prayers in my behalf.  We are staying focused as the winds of life blow this new trial our way.  May each of us be kinder, wiser and more aware of our family, friends and associates.  Remember this is the month of hearts and love.  Hug your children and grandchildren and learn to be patient. As I become a patient I too will be more aware of the goodness of all around me.  God Bless!  Thank's Grandpa Arthur for your love and support too.  You are the best of the best.  We thank, in advance, Doctor Gary D. Dunn and the Surgical Staff and Associates at the OU Medical Center and the Stephenson Cancer Center Colorectal Oncology Clinic.  As we follow the example of Jesus Christ, "He will guide us safely home again!"

Hug's always,
Grandpa Arthur and Grandma Gene
Arthur and Gene

Lost in the Fifties- Another Time, Another Place - SafeShare.TV

Lost in the Fifties- Another Time, Another Place - SafeShare.TV

YUCKY WEEK

MONDAY 25, JANUARY 2016

Well, this YUCKY WEEK has begun.

We had a great Stake Conference weekend.  The satellite went out as President Gray was giving his final points of his talk, but we got the gist of it and we heard his great message on Saturday night.  Basically our message was be nice and look for those who are lonely or need our help as we visit with those in our congregations.  

After the Sunday meeting which we attended in Edmond building, we went home and discussed what we had learned together.  It is always fun to question Grandpa Arthur to see what he got out of the meetings compared to what Grandma Gene heard.

Then Patriarch Hutto came over and helped Grandpa Arthur give Grandma Gene a priesthood blessing for my procedures and doctor consultations this week.  It's nice to have friends.  Thanks Kenneth & Grandpa Arthur for the very wonderful blessing.  I feel like I can face all the needles and tubes etc. this disease is bringing with it.

I'm writing this as I snack on Dulcolax stool softeners and Gatorade with Miralax.  I know you all would like to join me, right?

I did swim this morning and that felt marvelous!

Last evening I opened the blanket that Sarah and Ryan, our youngest son, brought me & found out it was warm snuggly pajamas!  They will be good to have around for this cool rest time.  Pink Polka dots...too fun, and socks to match.  Thank's Ryan and Sarah!

We also walked up and had a little dinner with Heather and her family last evening.  She gave us some yummy soup with lots of filling pasta and veggies included.  Then three of her children and the dog walked home with us.  Helen McKay told me the best thing I can do after surgery is start walking as soon as the doctor tells me to do so.  I don't mind walking so started early..ha!

As we walked home we passed the neighbors horses.  The sun was just setting and I handed my phone to our granddaughter Lily and she took this shot.  The horses were just turning around to leave.  I love this picture.

Then we got home and Grandpa Arthur thanked the children for walking us home.

They posed for a picture...and they scurried back up to their home with the dog in the lead.  I am so thankful we have 7 grandchildren that live close to us.  They all just pop in occasionally and it is a delight when they do so.  Oh, the energy of grandchildren...wish we could bottle this!

FRIDAY, 29 JANUARY 2016
Happy Birthday to John Darrell Bushman.  Grandpa Arthurs older brother turns 73 today!  Last weekend their youngest daughter got married.  We know Uncle Darrell and Aunt Darla danced at the wedding and surprised all how agile they are.  We weren't able to attend, but have been at many dances with this awesome couple and they have rhythm!  Enjoy this 73rd year Darrell!

Well this Yucky week has been moving along.  I agreed to hire a new surgeon..via..my husband and daughters request.  I have chosen Dr. Dunn to do my Colon surgery on the 8th of February.
Thank's for answering all our questions Dr. Dunn.  We really don't  want to experience this YUCKY procedure, but you have helped us be more comfortable with our dilemma. I will be at the OU Surgical unit by the OK Capital Building in the downtown OKC area.  Please remember
this kind doctor in your prayers...and his surgical team....here we go!

Heather and Grandpa Arthur asked all kinds of questions about this upcoming surgery.  Heather keeps me entertained so I won't get nervous.  She climbed up on the examination bed and totally enjoyed entertaining Grandpa Arthur and me till the doctor came into the exam room.  She opened all the cupboards in this photo.  We found the first green cabinet is just for show and when she pulled the knob the whole front came off!  Ha...got to love this baby girl of ours.

Heather has been a great help to Grandpa Arthur and I.  As she has been helping us, her van has been making YUCKY noises and two of her sons have gotten sick.  One has a double ear infection and the other needed to be picked up from school with a YUCKY headache and congestion.  Being a mom and daughter too is hard work!  Thank you, Heather, for helping us this week.  We love the Binky!

Meanwhile since I must wait a few days again, for this YUCKY event, I have chosen to swim each morning.  After all the Seminary students must still get up so I should keep going because of their example, right?  This is my gear I use when I swim.  I take half the house with me...ha!  I will be
forever grateful the city built this YMCA pool just a couple of miles from our cave.  We are blessed.

I have one more blood test, chest ex ray and who knows what all before the 8th.  My arms look like pin cushions.  I learned what rolling veins are.  My veins are rolling and rocking...both arms would not cooperate for the Flex Sig procedure last Monday, so they had to use my wrist.  I should have been a nurse...then I would understand all these YUCKY events I am experiencing.

Meanwhile, Grandpa Arthur, is still cutting up trees that fell during the ice storm.  He put weather stripping on the back door to keep the kitchen warmer.  He is keeping busy as he ponders this YUCKY week.  I caught him on his knees repairing the door knob!

It is a beautiful day in Oklahoma today.  The sky is blue and Grandpa has filled the old wagon with wood for our fire place.  We are blessed to have lived in this home for so many years.  Life is good even when we have YUCKY news!  We hope all of you can endure your trials and remember that this life is what we choose to make it.  We choose to find joy in this day.  Meanwhile it is lunch time and Grandpa Arthur is eating his apple and crackers for lunch.  He is a constant in my life.

I have been indexing a lot lately...I feel I must accomplish something during the day.  Hurrah for Indexing!  Really I am an arbitrator for Oklahoma School Records from 1895-1960 for all the small communities in Oklahoma.  I've arbitrated about 5,000 records so far this year...I do this so I will feel like I have helped someone with their genealogy.  I then watch tv and read books and blog the rest of my free time..ha!

We found this bouquet of flowers on our front porch.  I feel loved.  Thank's Sister Stowell!

Our Grandson Jake measured himself with the markings our children put on the door frame.  Jake is the same height as our son Ryan was at 16.  Jake is 13.

He is too tall for our living room couch.  Ha!

Lily is the same height as her mother was at 14...Heather is still that same size...too fun.  Lily is 11 and still growing.  This was fun to compare with our own babies..love the grandbabies!

Our Cecily had her wisdom teeth extracted, getting ready for college.  Hope you feel better soon Cecily.  We love you.

Our granddaughter, Brenna, texted me before my Flex Sig procedure and told me she had been fasting for me that day.  She is only 12 and fasted while attending school.  That made me cry.  I am a very blessed Grandma.  Thank you Brenna for loving Grandma Gene enough to fast for me.
These are pictures of our Brenna.  She is growing up to be a beautiful young woman.  Time moves quickly!

Well, with this thought I will end this blog.  This YUCKY week ended with less YUCKY than it began.  I'm glad I write my feelings down.  As I ponder this life and the happening this week, I feel protected and loved.  Thanks again to each of you for phone calls, texts, cards, e-mails, flowers and visits.
"I Gene having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceeding in my days."
The first book of Nephi 1:1
&
Blog post # 110 of the last testament of Gene Davida Wade Bushman
Yucky week is over, yea, a record of being a patient patient has begun for Grandma Gene.  Love your families, be kind to all you greet.  Make sure you are kind to yourself also.  You are loved and highly favored of the Lord.  Of this I am sure.  Hurrah for Israel.

The Anakims, the giants, were still inhabiting the promised land, and they had to be overcome. Said Caleb, now at 85 years, “Give me this mountain”.  (Josh. 14:12).
Grandma Gene, at 69 years, can conquer this giant, "Give me this mountain".
So if next week I end up in I "C" U...just remember Grandma Gene says, "Peek a boo, I see you"!
Hug's always,
Grandma Gene & Grandpa Arthur
Gene and Arthur