A sad post, and a little rambling

Whoever said that trouble comes in threes certainly has me worried.  I hope one of the three was the massive amount of work that needed to be done to the car due to Hubby hitting a giant pothole and/or the dishwasher going kaput.  The last couple of weeks have been quite stressful as we await more test results from Hubby's father.  There are still some tests pending - but it appears he has pancreatic cancer.  Father-in-law has been obviously sick for close to a year, having severe stomach pains when he eats and lost a large amount of weight without trying (he's a small guy, really couldn't stand to lose too much).  Many, many tests have been run by several different doctors in his hometown and at the VA center and the only conclusion was that he had gall stones so they removed his gall bladder in January which did not seem to relieve any symptoms.  I don't know all the details but he eventually was seen by more well versed specialist - I think my Sister-in-law bullied him into it - and the results were not good.  Father-in-law is supposed to go back for more testing this week and they are going to rush the results to an oncologist, I don't know what or if any treatment will be prescribed.  I pray this is some horrible medical error, but with the lingering illness I doubt it.

Surprisingly FIL is in quite good spirits according to Hubby and says that he's led a full life and is not upset.  I haven't spoken with him myself.  Hubby is doing well considering the snowball effect of all the stress in our lives currently, though his blood pressure is high enough to worry his doctor, and that was before the news of his dad.  Sister-in-law is doing well too and knowing she will be the main caregiver is full of the same practical questions I have about what the next few weeks/months will bring.  Our children know that Grandpa is sick and likely will not get better and SIL has explained to her eldest.

Hubby feeling the understandable need to be with his father has us traveling again this week.  We will spend a couple of days in the Twin Cities while Hubby calls on clients and then we will travel north to be with family through the weekend.  Mom is going to stay here at our house.

In other less grim news the guy we thought was very interested in Mom's house hasn't reappeared at all, nor have there been any showings on the house.  Practically giving away the place and not even getting looky loos.  Mom is getting stronger by the day.  Today was a fairly warm day (though according to her still "cool") but I made her get out and walk around the block.  She made it!  In the uphill direction and without having to stop due to hip pain.  Now, I'm not a doctor, but I do google a lot and I had decided from the way she described the hip pain she was having that it was not actually IN the joint, but muscular from so much sitting.  A few weeks of stretching and hip exercises and we have some success.  Mom still complained of her calves hurting on the uphill, but that just simple weakness showing up and will improve with more walking.  She's on her way!  Mom decided to let the house behind us go on without her in it.  Probably a good move financially since nobody is taking the bait on the house back in Arkansas and she doesn't have a job.  She is getting job interviews - 2 last week - but no offers yet.

Well it's late and tomorrow proves to be a long day, along with a long weekend ahead. Please keep FIL in your thoughts and prayers.