"You gave me a mountain this time.." and "In the arms of an angel"

As most of you know this last week Dad has been trying to occupy his time watching concert DVDs. We watched Elvis Lives, the 25 yr special that combined his image and voice from past concerts with his band members still living playing live for him. It was a great concert. There was one song that was particularly touching to Dad and very fitting. The song was "You gave me a mountain" and the chorus goes as follows:
But this time, lord you gave me a mountain
A mountain you know I may never climb
It isn't just a hill any longer
You gave me a mountain this time

Then we watch the Carlos Santana concert he performed with Sarah McLachlan in her song "Angel." Some of you may remember it from City of Angels with Meg Ryan and Nicholas Cage.
In the arms of an angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here

Dad has had a lot of time to reflect on the things he has seen and the music he has heard. Friday was a particularly rough day. It started great, a few twinges when would move, but nothing horrible. He decided it was time to get up to walk and go to the bathroom. In order to walk he needs his back brace and in order to get into it he has to be flat. This was very rough for him. Every time we moved a little flatter, his back would spasm. Anytime he would cough or hiccup, he would spasm, thinking about these songs would make his back spasm from the emotion of them. We tried for an hour to get him into his brace and had to stop. The spasms weren't getting any better, and the pain was getting worse. Dr. Kazhdan called the neurologist and a pain specialist to see him. Instead he had to content himself with staying in bed and trying to stay positive. Friday was a rough day to stay positive for any of us. He was very disappointed knowing he would have to stay the weekend and was even more upset when he couldn't get into his brace.

Saturday was a miracle. The pain specialist had come by and given him a patch for pain as well as a couple of patches on his back for pain. This combined with all the new medications he had allowed him to get into his brace pain free and WALK! He walked the length of his rather large room 10 times upright and pain free. He did use the walker for support, but this will only be temporary to rebuild his strength and heal his bones. He actually decided to show off and walk figure 8's. He was so happy and we were all overcome with emotion. He had Andrea Bocelli in the background to help motivate him. His student nurse told me that listening to him must be what it is like to hear God sing. I think God was listening to all of our prayers and we are all so happy. He visited with Roger and Eric who came to visit. He also got up again in the evening and was able to help get himself cleaned up.

Sunday has also been great. He got up again this morning and walked. He said his back doesn't hurt him at all and the brace didn't hurt either. Just so that you all understand how fragile his bones are.....he has a new rib fracture from using the brace. The first day Mom tightened the brace as she was told and when it was released it caused his fragile rib to break.

Monday morning at 815 he will get his portacath placed. He won't be able to eat anything after midnight, but the procedure doesn't take long. Around 15 minutes. Then he will be able to eat. If they will release him Monday, we aren't sure. We hope, but it may be Tuesday. Dad will need physical therapy after he gets home. They might come to the house, or he may have to go to rehab. He will probably need the walker until his strength is regained and he will need to take it easy as he gets ready to start his intensive chemo treatment.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!! All of the cards, calls, emails and prayers are so appreciated.