Thursday, November 29, 2007

Horray, Home at Last!




Well I'm very excited to return home after the second surgery. Whew. It is incredible how you see your home, job or family as the place to invest your life. I sure enjoyed getting to my home. I have to say that the City of Hope was fantastic. I believe that many of the parts of my very detailed and difficult surgery were done fantastically. Everyone that works there is amazing. I was so impressed with meeting and chatting with the doctors, nurses and everyone else there. They were all incredible. I have to also say that previously I was very unexcited about investing 4 hours of my life to get to City of Hope and receive my 30 - 45 minute procedure, but after being there, I can't think of any other place I'd rather be to care for me. After being in the fire department for so long if you need more experience, more knowledge or a specialist they are all immediately activated and you have a group that will continue to grow right at the scene. This is the same for the individual who has such a disease. One doctor will call another and all three or four of my doctors will be there to discuss and solve the solution for me. Unlike the other world where a doctor sends info to someone else and then maybe another gets it. Anyway I need the team to continue to work together to extend my years. I have also included a pic for all to see my new and improved surgery scars. I'm now a y-scar. Pretty cool.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Eric,
So good to hear that you still have your sense of humor! LOL I think it looks Cool! I really enjoy hearing and checking on you, keep up the good work. Stay on the positive and healthy track. We are thinking and praying for your whole family :-) Cindy and Carlos

Anonymous said...

Holy Moly! You're more beautiful than ever! This blog has been awesome, we check it all the time. I'm glad you're home, Eric. Our church is also praying for you guys.
Blessings...Dan and LeeAnn in Podunk, Washington

Anonymous said...

You are one crazy guy! It is awesome that you have such a positive attitude as that is so important in your recovery. Keep it up! Really enjoy reading all the updates as it sure beats the telephone game and missing alot of good information. You know how that works. Keep up the good work and may God Bless and Keep YOU, Hallie & Hunter in his loving arms. It is your armor!

Peace, Love, HUGS & more PRAYERS!
Lyn Sherman

Anonymous said...

Dear Halle & Eric,
Your precious family is in my heart!!! Please know I've been praying for all of you since I heard the news. May God's love continue to strengthen and encourage you.
In His love,
Heidi

Anonymous said...

FrankenBotkin LIVES!
Eric, don't lose sight of the name of the place you went for care: City of Hope. A city for you and others such as yourself full of Hope. With Hope comes Faith. Don't lose Hope and you will find Faith!
All of my thoughts and prayers,
Doug

Anonymous said...

Dear Hallie & Eric,

What a journey keep the faith. There are many of us praying for your healing.

God Bless,
Liz McCaughey

James Reynolds said...

Hey Eric, Jen and I are so glad to hear that you are back at home after a successful surgery. Your blogs are an inspiration to read and show your strenth and courage. Keep fighting the fight. You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you and your family. James & Jennifer Reynolds

Anonymous said...

Hey Eric, Remember the "Ladder 13" motto! Well...actually, as you know, we really don't have a motto. But if we did I'm sure it would be something short (so we can remember it), and macho, like "FIGHT ON!!!" or something. So for you, "FIGHT ON!!!"

You have shown us amazing spirit and determination. Your positive attitude is truely an inspiration.

"FIGHT ON!!!" Eric,
John Russell

Anonymous said...

Eric, Hallie and Hunter,

Just wanted you to know how much you are on my mind and in my prayers. You, Hallie and Hunter mean a lot to me. I am blessed and lucky to be in your life. I know you will get through this and any other obstacle that may arise. I have everyone I know praying for you and it must be in the 100's by now with more each day.

You and Hallie are being so strong because you have to be and eventually you will have a chance to rest with less stress and get more energy. Just know your Mom and I are there for you in any way that you may need us for. I wish it were me instead of you beacuse you are still so young and have so much more life to live and you will. Family has been the one thing that has kept me together in times of troubles and know everyone is cheering you on. When I married your Mom, I inherited two great loving kids who always made me feel an important part of your lives. I couldn't ask for the best, most loving seven kids a man could have. All your siblings are thinking of you and we call them almost daily to keep them up to date. They all will call you when you are feeling better. They all look up to you are their big brother and when you hurt, they hurt.

You are in very good hands with City of Hope, your doctors, medical staff, friends and family, and of course, God. Please know that your Mom will get to see you whenever she can. It is a priority and when you need her she will be there. I know I can't see you for a while as I have health issues and you need to be in top shape with no chance of getting any germs since I am with 20 germy students each week. It takes all my energy to not be sick as it is.

We are with you in every way and we feel your pain and heatache but remember God doesn't give you anymore than you can handle and everything is in His time. I am proud of you and Hallie and Hunter and the life you have and the home and love that you have built together. You are role models even for me in some ways. You are always the first thing I speak about with my friends and colleagues and they are all rooting for you so you can become overcome this illness.

You are a future great author and will write about your challenge and give inspiration to others that may not have the strength or abilities that only you possess. I will buy your first book hot off the press. I know your journey is still in process but we will be with you all the way. Please come out and stay with us when you are feeling better and are out of immediate danger of getting sick from someone else.

Let us take care of you and your family for a while.

In times of being down just know it is temporary because God has a plan for you and you have to be strong and ready for whatever that is. As part of your extended parents, I want the best for you always and I love all seven of you.

Looking forward to a great Christmas and a positive new year.

with all our love and admiration,
Jeffrey and your Mom too!

Anonymous said...

Hey Eric,
Cool scar!

I like Russell's "Fight On!" motto. It might be better than the one we had when you were on probation; "Night Drill On...and on, and on!" But that was fun too, well maybe not so much for you, but you made it!

Keep the faith, brother! I'll see you soon.

God Bless,

Todd Gooch

Anonymous said...

Eric my Brother! It was soooo good to see you and share a hug tonite. You need to know that your visit to the Big House was uplifting to us. You could've stayed around a little longer to help us with the monthly report, air and oxygen inventory, ladder maiten.... oh never mind. Hope you have a great time at the RCFA party tonite. Know that you are becoming the "Rock" for those of us that look on and wonder how you keep smiling, joking and sharing with the world. God bless you and keep you strong. Your brother, Steve J

Anonymous said...

Eric,
They are making you look better and better each operation. Maybe you can get on Dr. 90210? :) Keep up the humor, that is the best medicine. We pray for you each day and my daughters small group are praying for you too. Hang in there Eric. We love you man

John, Julie, Nicole, and Lauren Peurifoy