Several people have asked why Royce was in the hospital this week. Because FB limits the amount I can write, I thought it would be easier to post it here on my blog.
In April Royce started having shortness of breath, tightness and chest pains. We went to his doctor who immediately sent us to a cardiologist, who immediately said he had blockages and needed a heart cath to determine the severity. We were sent to Piedmont in Fayetteville. During the cath procedure, the doctor came out and said they had found three blockages and it would take 45 minutes or so and then he would be feeling like a new person. We celebrated and expected quick results. . . Silly us.
He was on the table for 3 1/2 hours that day but when the doctor came out he reported the first blockage was calcified and was so hard they could not break through. Because they were limited as to how long they could keep the x-ray on him, they did not have time to work on the other two blockages. He also had a severe reaction to the anesthesia. It took a couple of days for him to get his thought process clear again.
They were doing all they could to avoid bypass surgery so the next week we went to the big Piedmont hospital in downtown Atlanta. They have more sophisticated instruments for difficult cases.
The doctor explained they would use a diamond tip roto rooter and it should take about an hour. That day he was on the table 3 1/2 hours and when the doctor came out he explained they were only able to cut through the first blockage, even using the roto and the laser. This time he went through it with no anesthesia. Because once again he had been exposed to the x-ray for an extended period of time, they had to wait three months to do the other blockages. They released us, full off meds to slow down his heart and a little bottle of nitro pills to carry with him at all times.
I had of course been praying and seeking God for His assurance. Dealing with heart problems was a difficult area for me. One morning I sat down to read my Bible; not looking for a word, just reading. When I opened the Bible I noticed the following verse underlined and dated:
Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.
And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.
I Samuel 1:17 & 18
The date on the scripture: July 3, 2000 --- the day we were praying for Royce's heart back in UT. The day God brought his heart back into rhythm so the doctors there could operate. Same God, same heart, same promise. Funny thing was, I did not remember being given that scripture. I was using an old Bible that I rarely look at any more and there it was, a reminder of God's faithfulness in our lives.
About a month later, a radiation burn appeared on Royce's back. The doctor was more concerned than we had expected and explained he could not touch him til the burn was completely healed. He was vague about how long that would be. Some burns take several months to heal. Meanwhile, it was business as usual - take it slow - do not exert - no stress ..keep your nitro pills with you at all times...call 911 if the first one doesn't work....etc etc etc. Sure, no prob.
God was good and the burn healed more quickly than the doctor expected so we scheduled his last procedure for last Monday. We were thrilled to be finishing up with this problem that should have been corrected last April.
Then on Friday, Royce's cousin passed away unexpectedly after struggling with heart problems for several years. He and his wife have spent many wonderful visits here at our home and we were devastated at the news. We postponed the surgery and went down to FL for the funeral. We returned about midnight on Wednesday and reported to the heart lab early Thursday morning. They took him down about 1:30 and the doctor said this would only take 45 minutes to an hour and should go well.
Two hours later I was beginning to stress a little. I looked around for the lady from UT; the one who danced in the halls and sang praises to God with faith and trust. She was difficult to find here in Atlanta yesterday. Somewhere deep inside I held on but I must admit; after such a fresh day at the funeral and a long extended downtime with delay after delay, I was struggling inside. Once again, pray-ers held us up and fought with us. The Body of Christ continues to amaze me with such love and patience for Royce and me.
Finally, after 2 1/2 hours, they rolled him out; all smiles; looking great. The doctor said they actually inserted three stents. A new blockage had appeared since his last time so they took care of all of them. The doctor's words were: perfect, perfect, perfect. Of course he was describing Royce's heart but he was also talking about my Jesus and his faithfulness: perfect, perfect, perfect!!!
We appreciate all the prayers and encouragement over the summer. Its been a slow one but a good one with much time to rest, contemplate and mull over who we are and where we are headed. One more season is coming to an end and we are excited to see our next step.
Livin' in the Season...
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