Everything happens for a reason

Our deer collision has caused us to stay in Coeur d'Alene longer than expected so we decided to check into a couple of medical issues since there are better health care facilities here than at home in Brookings where we have to drive three hours for them.

Medical Report!

Helga has had some very painful foot problems and made an appointment at the Foot and Ankle Clinic.  The diagnosis led to a recommendation to have some corrective surgery and we decided to proceed with surgery which was scheduled for last Tuesday.

George, who had thyroid cancer and a thyroidectomy in 1996, noticed a lump in the thyroid area that seemed to be more prominent.  He had an ultrasound a year ago and everything seemed okay but because of the apparent change, had it checked out at an urgent care facility.  It was suggested they make an appointment for him with an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist which he agreed to do.  After an examination, the ENT explained what he found and diagrammed his recommendations for removal.  Since in 1996 biopsies were inconclusive George agreed to go ahead with surgical removal with the possibility of some lymph node removal if it was cancerous.  His surgery was scheduled for Wednesday and Helga decided to postpone her's until Thursday which, hopefully, would let us be able to drive for each other after the surgeries.

George's surgery went well and did involve the lymph node removal.   He is doing fine and was able to drive Helga to her surgery which also went well.  It is very painful for Helga to walk currently but not very much pain when laying down which she has to do with her feet elevated for a while.  George doesn't have any pain but some soreness.

We both have followup appointments on Monday when we will find out how long we will stay in Coeur d'Alene and what our next steps will be.  Most likely we will be able to travel in a week or two and George will have Radioactive Iodine tests in 6-8 weeks to determine if he is cancer free.

Why?

We're so thankful we had the opportunity to check this out now.  If we had not had the accident we both would have probably ignored our symptoms until they got much worse.

When George first had thyroid cancer, before he knew what it was, he prayed, telling God that He knew what it was and whatever it was George was ready for whatever outcome.  If George had longer to live, that he needed to tune in to what God wanted him to do.  If not, he was at peace about that outcome.  Today, he feels the same way and is so thankful for "the peace that surpasses all understanding!"

Coeur d'Alene

Coeur d'Alene Resort and boats from the boardwalk

This part of Idaho is beautiful.  Coeur d'Alene fronts on the lake of the same name.  Boat rides, which we did the last time here, are well worthwhile.  There are lots of waterfront restaurants which many patrons visit with their boats! Good shopping.  Great summer weather!  Good RV Park, Etc.............

On Tuesday we drove up to Sandpoint, about an hour north, which is on Lake Pend Orielle (Ponderay.)  Sandpoint is a neat little town, about 6,000 people and the lake, which is the biggest in Idaho, is also beautiful, maybe not as nice Coeur d'Alene.

Lake Coeur d'Alene

We've met a few people, making new friends at the park.  Also, we were surprised yesterday by the arrival Larry & Gina Bird, friends that we met at Four Seasons RV Resort on the Rogue River several years ago.  They are traveling in the northwest with Larry's brother and sister-in-law and we spent some time catching up with them and telling RV tales.

Life has it's ups and downs and we're choosing to look at this as an UP!!!!  We could be in a much less desirable place.....