Weeks 59-62

October 5, 2009

Week 59

-----Original Message-----
From: "Danny & Diane Waller"
To: "Austin Waller"
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2009 09:30:47 -0400
Subject: Week 59

Hi Elder Waller,

I am feeling much better. I walked a great deal around the beaver pond yesterday during conference break. I am paying the price today. It is the drainage tubes again. Two weeks today those things were put in and are not scheduled to come out until Thursday morning. Also I have skipped a couple of days of iron tablets and I think I need to work them in although they make me sick. But the surgery sites look good.

If all incisions are closed on the 14th, I'll start chemo on the 21st. It will take about 19 days to lose my hair. It actually breaks off rather than come out at the roots. So once the treatments stop, my hair will grow again.
Many people experience thicker hair than they had before. The oncologist plans to give me my treatments slowly. It may take up 8 months, then I'll have about 7-8 weeks of radiation. Then my last surgery, breast reconstruction.

That is all about me. Now about you. Where is this stomach illness coming from? You really need to wash your hands often and when it is not possible use some hand disinfectants. Do it for the people you shake hands with if not for yourself.

I think aunt Cindy is from Kearns and are you in the new Oquirrh Temple district? Do you have anyone you are teaching?

Conference was great (as usual). President Holland's testimony of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon was my favorite. Dad reported that the Priesthood session was wonderful.

Dad wanted me to tell you about grandpa's current hobby. He feeds the fish at the beaver pond. The fish expect him. When he pulled his truck onto the dam you could see something start hitting the water from underneath. Then when he walked onto the dam the water activity picked up. He tosses pellet fish food out to the fish and it is like a bunch of piranha attacking. Dad thinks it is brim and perch. We thought we saw one small bass jump out of the water. Dad commented that this was like feeding the cows without calling out coosukey. I have asked if that term used to be actual words but grandpa only remembers the term as It is used today.

One last sad piece of news. Mr. Cooper died last week. While answering the door at home he fell and broke his shoulder and hip. He was hospitalized (actually at the same time I was in for my surgery) then had to go to a nursing home. He was there only a day or so when he developed pneumonia and was admitted to OMH where he passed away at the age of 90.

I have a heart scan today at 1:30pm (to make sure I am healthy enough for
chemo) so I might not be available for a chat, if you are still able to do that.

Love you much, MOM
Hey,

We don't have a car and it takes a little bit to get to the Stake Center. I am in the Oquirrh Temple district but in the Kearns Zone. Aunt Cindy might be from Kearns? Cool!

Losing hair sounds fun...especially when you know it will come back thicker, or at least a good chance of it. We are only teaching two people. One is a foster child who has to wait till she is 18, her parents wont let her till then. The other lady is gung-ho about the spirit. Really cool.

I liked Elder Holland's talk alot, but my favorite was Elder Scott's. His message had more Spiritual Learning than any of the other talks. Speaking of conference, I was at the Preisthood Session. Yse, I physically saw the apostles, prophet, Seventies. It was neat. Dad now knows the Seventy who lives in our area, Elder Gonzalez. He talked at that session.

I am doing what I can to be healthy. I really don't have any conclusive reason why I got so sick. I only know that I felt horrible. Garndpa likes to feed the fish in the pond huh? Neat. It sounds like the pond is being populated a lot now. It is sad that Mr. Cooper died. He was cool. Oh well, time comes for us all and we need to look forward with an eye of faith and hope to get through the thickest of things.

My new companion, Elder Feriante, and I get along great. He thinks I am weird, which I do not deny, but it is cool. We have many of the same interests. Ummm.....not sure there is much more to report on. We have to wear suits now, full-time. Err...There really isn't much of anything now. Our area is tiny, but I really need a car. We have to walk, but because of the steep hills (although there are some that are steeper) my knee feels wierd. Uhhh....that is really all I can think of right now.

Take care, have fun, and know that I am always praying for you.

With love,

Elder Austin Waller

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October 12, 2009

Week 60

-----Original Message-----
From: "Danny & Diane Waller"
To: "'Austin Waller'"
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:58:34 -0400
Subject: Week 60

Hello Elder Waller,

I attended the 1st two meetings of church yesterday. It was familiar and strange. Familiar because I knew everyone and strange because when Sacrament was over, the teachers and leaders are released first and then the rest of the congregation leaves. I can't remember the last time I was in the 2nd group. The end of sacrament always triggered my busiest time of the week.
Then I became engaged in a conversation in the hallway with Kim Carpenter and missed Sunday School. Danny and I came home after that because I needed to take my big antibiotic with a meal.

I was started on a longer course of antibiotic when another fever and swelling showed its' ugly face. Seems my body is adjusting to all the recent changes and has a few complaints. But the recovery appears to be on track again as are my energy levels. Yeah! I have one drain tube left and it should come out Thursday. Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Chemo has been delayed again because of the drain tube staying in a week longer. So now our 1st chemo date is October 28th and we are planning on 8 months of it. Uncle Mike wants me to get reconstruction before we do radiation.

Danny and I had a funny experience last week. I was driving myself to another medical test when it began to rain just a bit. I turned on the headlights and all the inside lights went dark. It was startling and upsetting thinking now we had car repair issues looming. I called Danny and told him. The cars drives just fine and all the safety lights seem to work fine, so I continue. Now Danny is worried and I find out later, is picking out our next vehicle (mentally). He meets me at the hospital after my test and takes me to the car. It starts just fine with all the inside lights working. I begin my journey home and become curious. I turn on the headlights and yup, the dash lights instantly darken. I'm thinking hard and decide to play with the light adjustment knob by the headlights. My inside lights and headlights are all working now. Then I remember taking the car in to have it cleaned just before my last surgery. As they were cleaning, they reset my light controls. Whew! That was a close call because I would have called the mechanics when I got home and Danny was ready to go car shop.

Has it become cold yet? We saw stories on the news saying you have experienced some chilly days. I hope the cold this winter is not so bad on you. Have your knees held up? I hope so.

Remember, it is time to get your teeth cleaned. Let me know when you get it done.

Dad loves telling everyone what you want for your 21st birthday. "What you wished you knew before you got married" counsel. He gets a lot of, wow, that is a wise request.

Love you lots, mom

Hey!

This week has been hard...again. Mostly because it is getting dark earlier and people are going to bed earlier for some reason! AHH! I also hate proselyting on Mondays. Family Home Evening is not good at all for Missionaries. Still have blisters coming up everyday and they do not seem to be going away...quickly. Really wish they would.

I know that Dad would kinda panic at the thought of getting a new car. I wish I had a car. Speaking about my knees, because we are walking up hills my knees are getting kinda painful. And of course, blisters.

We will be eating a lot better now. I got tired of eating all this junk for lunch. So, I bought a rice cooker! YAY!

It has become colder. Today is nice though. Not too cold and you have a wind. The only problem with the teeth cleaning thing is that we can't find anyone to give us a ride! AHHH! Wait...Our landlord is a dentist. (Thought Process occurring) I should ask him!

Why did I have that feeling that Dad likes to share that? Oh well...it is what I want and it will help me for the rest of my life...after marriage. Man...I come home in a very short time. Less that 11 months! I remember when Elder Peters had only single digits left. He didn't like it. I kinda don't also, but I realize that I have a broader role in missionary work after this.

I had an interesting thing happen a couple days ago. We were driving around and we came across some interesting street signs. All of the signs in the neighborhood had names from Lord of the Rings! Some examples are Rivendell, Bree, Brandy Buck, Gandalf, Treebeard, and Mirkwood. I took a picture of the Rivendell one so people cannot say I lied! MWAHAHAHA! Yes...you know I am alright when I start putting in long words that make almost no sense to anyone but me. HA!

Anyways see you later,

Elder Austin Waller

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October 19, 2009

Week 61

-----Original Message-----
From: "Danny & Diane Waller"
To: "'Austin Waller'"
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:26:31 -0400
Subject: Week 61

Hi Elder Waller,

Uncle Chuck said you called him about your knees. We have been earnestly praying for the health of your knees and feet. Don't forget to do leg lifts.
That is a miracle cure for my bad knee.

I am doing very well except for my power port area. I have been on antibiotics twice and now 5 days off. It is starting to swell again. But, no fever. Good sign. If everything holds up I will start chemo on the 28th.
I've got to try to get the flu shot this week. Seasonal and H1N1 if it is available.

I came home with a wig last week and was trying it on for dad. I have to lean forward and bend down to slip it on. Ace thought I was playing with him. It is a miracle my wig is still intact. He livens up each time it is in his proximity. Dad was cracking up.

Another dad and Ace interaction. I have been telling Danny that Ace's back leg s have become more weakened which became apparent when Danny witnessed Ace struggling to lift himself up and he starting talking about the final trip to the vet. But the next day, Ace was running around the house and outside like he was on speed. Danny noted it looked like Ace was declaring, "I am not dead yet!".

I attended church again yesterday and the Suniga's have returned (I haven't seen John or Sarah). Bobbi agreed to be my walking partner. Aric Peterson is back and was asking about you. He and Sally brighten up any space they are in.

It has turn cold. We have frost warnings for tonight but only for 1 night.
It should warm up nicely for the rest of the week. I hope so. Last week the sun stayed hidden. It was a dark and gloomy week. Speaking of gloomy, Ryan has asked Anita for a divorce. She and the kids are devastated. I have talked with her a few times and it appears the split was taking place while I was going through the surgeries. She didn't want to add to our pain with the bad news. Anita has asked for our prayers for comfort and solutions.

I need to go shopping. Yup, I am well enough to shop by myself again. Yeah!
No drain tubes.

Talk to you soon. Love mom

Hey,

My feet and knees are better, eyes are going though. I am going to be seeing the mission doctor on Wednesday, so I will ask him. Anita and Ryan are divorcing?! Hmmmm......the only thing I can say is have them come to church. Many people there know them and will provide support. I know that if they do, they will feel the spirit comfort them. I have seen people do this all the time out here. They always say when they go to church, "I felt a great sense of peace." Talk to them also about personal prayer. If they want, they can e-mail me and I will answer their questions. I am what you call a veteran missionary now. A scripture you can share is Mark 4. The last couple verses are about Christ stilling the storm. Everybody in the ship at that time is panicking. Christ is asleep in the back. They wake him up asking him if he doesn't care that they die. Christ stands and stills the storm to a point that there is a great calm. He then said, Oh ye of little faith. They then marveled that he could command the winds and the seas to obey him. What we can learn from that is that when we have faith in Christ and believe that he can calm our personal storms, we will be able to overcome our obstacles with renewed strength. Never doubt. D&C 112:10 says, "Be thou humble, and the Lord thy God shall lead the by the hand." I hope this helps. You can also share Mark 4 with Helaman 5:12, it also talks about storms and having trust in Christ.

I got to go to the conference center again and see President Monson. It was neat. It was really good and they talked about temples, modesty, trusting the prophet, and rescuing those who do not know about or have faith in Christ. It was Elder Feriante's first time there.

We are doing really good now. We are eating really well, no junk food, and are getting in plenty of exercise (we walk the entire day). Uncle Chuck said that he is going to be serving a Church Service Mission. WOO! That should be fun.

I am having a great time in this area. They have the best leaders I have seen and the people we teach pay attention. We are teaching a foster girl named Elaina who grew up in Russia then moved to Georgia. She is really gung-ho about the gospel and we really don't have to teach anything. She goes to Seminary everyday and pays lots of attention. Elaina is the only one we are teaching right now. I am very happy to be teaching her. If all goes well today, we should be picking up some more people to teach. Pray that we will be able to find people, since that is our hardest thing right now.

Oh! So the Suniga's and the Peterson's are back! Cool! I wonder where Bro. Jones is. His son is Max. I'd like to write him.

If there is any help you need, just ask. I am capable of giving a lot of help...scriptural really. Also, remember to ask Heavenly Father. He is capable of giving us all the help we need, even when we don't know that we need it.

Love to all,
Elder Austin Waller

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October 26, 2009

Week 62

-----Original Message-----
From: "Danny & Diane Waller"
To: "'Austin Waller'"
Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:38:57 -0400
Subject: Week 62

Hi Elder Waller,

I hope your week went better than mine. Monday evening I started having chills. They continued into Tuesday along with fever and lots of throwing up. We were thinking it was the flu. Crystal Ayden (works with Dad) suggested we come into the Emergency Department before 24 hours. So we can receive the Tamaflu shot. But cultures showed I did not have the flu. It was another kind of infection, probably coming from my power port. Not good. I was hooked up to intravenous anti-biotics. Then a Dr Patel came along and took me off the antibiotics, but wanted me to stay overnight for observation.

So I am taken upstairs where I go into the most severe chill I have heard of. I actually pulled a back muscle which hurts like crazy. My temperature climbed to 102.5 several times. Now they are worried it is a serious infection. But over the next couple of days, they find out it is not a resistant bacteria. YEAH! I came back home yesterday with more pills to take. UUGH!

I will have to get another power port put in so I can get chemo. Please let it be a clean one.

They gave me a pain pill for my back which is making my head bob like one of those wobble dolls. I am having to really work hard to focus on your letter.
Maybe I'll be feeling better next week and write a more appropriate letter.

Love you so much, mom

Hey,

I just sent you a package today. It contains some books and three things for you. Also a Christmas ornament for the year! YEAH! WOO! Now you don't need to search for one.

Guess what? My knee is hurting more than before. I am supposed to go to a knee specialist, but Dr. Laro (the new mission doctor) hasn't told me yet. If I don't get a call, I will call T.O.S.H. myself! AGHH! We haven't been able to work much. I really want to, but working will only make it worse. I hope the others in the mission don't think I am just bumming time. I am just in the path of a double-edged sword.

Had a baptism from my last area Saturday. It went well. Not much else going on. We were able to teach someone new. I told President Laney, because I had to call him because of my knee, and he sounded really happy. We have a lot of potentials out here, we just need to get to them. The Stake President here was just notified that we are having a rough time. At least the leadership knows.

You are like a bobble-head now? Wow. Must be some powerful pain medication. I reallly wish I could have some right now. Not as powerful though. I'd pass out. Other than my knee, we are still doing good as far as food. Got some more rice today and are beginning to have more meals with the members. That is about it. If you are going to pray for me, pray that I will get in to see the knee specialist very soon.

Take care,
Elder Austin Waller