My dad is starting a series of outpatient procedures on Monday morning. I'm driving up to Tulsa tomorrow so I can take him and then help take care of him afterwards. My mom is pretty disabled and won't be able to do much. I have no idea what to really expect, and the last time he was put under anesthesia for something, his heart stopped twice during the procedure. I'm pretty worried about all of this. He may have to have this done up to 12 times over the next several weeks (up to three times per week!), and I may be missing quite a lot of work. My boss has already said that it will be okay, but I hate that my co-workers will be covering for my clients, and I don't want to get behind. I just found out about this Thursday night when my dad called to ask me to come home, and I've been really avoiding dealing with this.. I did some major shopping therapy yesterday, and have been sleeping alot last night and today so I don't have to think about it... I just needed to vent, thanks if you read this...

You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers

My prayers are with you and your family

You're so young to have to be dealing with this kind of stuff. My heart goes out to you!

The only advice I can give you here is to try to keep yourself at peace with the world around you so you can focus on your folks. Lean on your friends. If you're so inclined, keep praying...

Prayers for your family (((Kelly)))

Vent away dear... we are here for you!

I'm a little freaked out that I'm the only person that's going to be at the hospital with him while he's there, so I'm gonna be in the waiting room by myself, and I'm going to have to remember everything they say... My mom can't come up to the hospital (well, she could, in theory, but it's such a big ordeal for her to go anywhere). He's going to be really confused when he gets out, and I don't know how to handle my dad not being in control of what's going on, you know?

Kel, you know we're all here for you anytime you need to vent or just get overwhelmed. Hopefully you'll be able to access us from your parents home! Try not to worry too much about your work and concentrate on taking care of yourself while you take care of your parents.

we are here for you Kelly.thoughts and prayers to you and yours..

Yeah, I'll have my computer while I'm there, for sure. And the hospital has a wifi network in the waiting area, so I'm taking it with me there, too.

My cat knows something's up, he's been super cuddly the past couple of days. He's going with me, too.

I'm diving into some comfort food... My friends all have stuff going on today, which kindof sucks..

Thanks for all the kind words, guys...

Best of luck to your dad and to you.

..............I am sure he is going to be fine.

Dad's had 2 of the treatments so far, and he's doing fine. The anesthesia makes him super-groggy, but other than that he seems to feel okay. We've got another one to go Friday, and then Monday, Wednesday, and Friday next week. Beyond that, I don't know. I drove to Tulsa Sunday night, and then back to OKC on Monday night. I worked yesterday (almost 10 hours, though I didn't realize it until I went to write down my time!!), and then drove back to Tulsa last night. I got in around 10, showered, and went to bed around 11? Got up at 5 and did the whole bit this morning. Mom's at the salon right now for a haircut, and then I'll go pick her up and we'll get lunch, bring it home to eat, and then I will be taking a NAP. Thanks for all your nice words, I really appreciate it :)

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.