Saturday, September 10, 2011
Fire in Laneville!
We had a fire less than 2 miles form Mom's house yesterday. We could see smoke billowing up over the trees and fire department airplanes flying overhead. There was a news report on TV yesterday evening about it, which said that about 150 acres had burned. This morning Mom and I drove over to see where it had been and it was along both sides of FM 1798 east of Laneville. There were still some flames but it was all under control.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Update from Laneville
I have been here since Saturday and Mom is doing great. she seems to alternate between good days and days feeling "puny." The doctor (and his surgical nurse Debbie Carlyle) both said that is pretty much to be expected for the next few weeks.
I got to meet Dr. andrews and he is everything everybody says. I learned some new things in listening to him talk including a new word ("teleological"). But nobody ever said anything about Debbie, who seem to be half his secret for success.
the physical therapist came to the house yesterday and gave Mom a good workout and several exercises to do, including walking around the house, which has been easy to do because the weather has been very nice this week. It has not reached 90 degrees since I have been here, and one night got down to 50 degrees. No rain though, and it is so dry the place is like a powder keg. Mom and I went out and watered all the plants around the house yesterday, but I sure hope for a good soaking rain soon.
You would think I was the one convalescing for all the babying I am getting. Wilma is a great cook and last night she made chicken fried steak, purple hull peas, squash, mashed potatoes and gravy, just for me but I let Mom have some of it too.
I got to meet Dr. andrews and he is everything everybody says. I learned some new things in listening to him talk including a new word ("teleological"). But nobody ever said anything about Debbie, who seem to be half his secret for success.
the physical therapist came to the house yesterday and gave Mom a good workout and several exercises to do, including walking around the house, which has been easy to do because the weather has been very nice this week. It has not reached 90 degrees since I have been here, and one night got down to 50 degrees. No rain though, and it is so dry the place is like a powder keg. Mom and I went out and watered all the plants around the house yesterday, but I sure hope for a good soaking rain soon.
You would think I was the one convalescing for all the babying I am getting. Wilma is a great cook and last night she made chicken fried steak, purple hull peas, squash, mashed potatoes and gravy, just for me but I let Mom have some of it too.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
She's out!
Mom got to go home from the hospital on Thursday August 25th and is very happy to be home again. This note is from Ernie:
"That's the good word. Jo Anne is home in Laneville! Free at Last! Free at Last! Have to thank you all for the sea of good thoughts and prayers which carried her through the surgery and recovery this far. Guess those Rice Institute boys like Dr. Andrews with the blessed hands are a pretty good bunch, too. Now she is at home where our younger sister, Wilma, is feeding and fanning her.
"That's the good word. Jo Anne is home in Laneville! Free at Last! Free at Last! Have to thank you all for the sea of good thoughts and prayers which carried her through the surgery and recovery this far. Guess those Rice Institute boys like Dr. Andrews with the blessed hands are a pretty good bunch, too. Now she is at home where our younger sister, Wilma, is feeding and fanning her.
Don't know if they got rain in East Texas today, but we got a nice little shower at 4:30 pm. It won't end the drouth, but it did at least sort of wash everything off.
I'm so glad that Captain Courageous finally got to go home, Now we'll see if Will can keep her out of the flower beds."
Mom sends her thanks again to all the messages of love and encouragement. I am looking forward to a visit to Laneville starting a week from today.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Afternoon update
Mom rested very peacefully last night for 8 hours, wakened only to have some blood drawn. Fortunately, she is blessed with the ability to go right to sleep,or go right back to sleep when wakened.
After breakfast this morning, her blood sugar was a little out of range on the high side (168). As you probably know, she and the medical staff were hopeful that she could control her diabetes with diet alone. That has turned out not to be the case, unfortunately. She has been taking one Ameryl a day, and as of today, she is to take two Metformin daily. The good news is, these are both very inexpensive, easy to come by, and vastly preferable to insulin. (Virtually the first thing Dr. Hassan told her was to throw away all her insulin, which she did with glee. BTW, Dr. Hassan's contract is up, and he has gone back to his country of origin. Mom thinks that's Dubai, not sure.)
Mom took a long walk with her physical therapist this morning, without a cane or a walker, just her own two feet. She had to stop occasionally and lean against the wall to catch her breath, but made it the whole way unassisted.
Wilma and Stephanie came by for a visit early this afternoon, and also took me out to lunch. Mom had a tortelloni with meat sauce and a salad, all of which she said was very good.
I saw a little more of Tyler than I wanted to see this morning, and didn't get to the hospital until about 11:15, but we had a nice visit before lunch, and after lunch we went for a long "walk." Mom rode in the wheelchair, doing the vast majority of the pushing on the way to our destinations. She was ready for me to push on the way back.
We saw the garden on the 4th floor of the Ornelas Tower. It is very lovely, and despite the heat,most of it was in the shade and we spent a few minutes outdoors, looking out over the city. Then we made our way down to the chapel. It is very ornate and very Catholic, reminds me a lot of the pictures I have seen of the church at Panna Maria. I learned for the first time that mom sang in her church choir (Carlisle Methodist), from the time she was about 12 until she graduated from high school.
Mom just exclaimed, "It's raining!" and sure enough, a nice little shower is coming down, sprinkling big drops on her window. She said, "I didn't know if I would live long enough to see rain again," so I guess that's one more thing she can cross off her Bucket List.
I apologize to all for my post last night of "Unknown" origin. I had assumed that, since I had logged in through Google, the computer would know my identity and supply it somewhere. Wrong again. ( Sigh ) Don't know what the time stamp will say in this one, but th actual time is 5:19 CDT.
Mom is using her iPad now, to catch up on her emails. More later, if there is any news fit to print.
Love to all,
Phil
After breakfast this morning, her blood sugar was a little out of range on the high side (168). As you probably know, she and the medical staff were hopeful that she could control her diabetes with diet alone. That has turned out not to be the case, unfortunately. She has been taking one Ameryl a day, and as of today, she is to take two Metformin daily. The good news is, these are both very inexpensive, easy to come by, and vastly preferable to insulin. (Virtually the first thing Dr. Hassan told her was to throw away all her insulin, which she did with glee. BTW, Dr. Hassan's contract is up, and he has gone back to his country of origin. Mom thinks that's Dubai, not sure.)
Mom took a long walk with her physical therapist this morning, without a cane or a walker, just her own two feet. She had to stop occasionally and lean against the wall to catch her breath, but made it the whole way unassisted.
Wilma and Stephanie came by for a visit early this afternoon, and also took me out to lunch. Mom had a tortelloni with meat sauce and a salad, all of which she said was very good.
I saw a little more of Tyler than I wanted to see this morning, and didn't get to the hospital until about 11:15, but we had a nice visit before lunch, and after lunch we went for a long "walk." Mom rode in the wheelchair, doing the vast majority of the pushing on the way to our destinations. She was ready for me to push on the way back.
We saw the garden on the 4th floor of the Ornelas Tower. It is very lovely, and despite the heat,most of it was in the shade and we spent a few minutes outdoors, looking out over the city. Then we made our way down to the chapel. It is very ornate and very Catholic, reminds me a lot of the pictures I have seen of the church at Panna Maria. I learned for the first time that mom sang in her church choir (Carlisle Methodist), from the time she was about 12 until she graduated from high school.
Mom just exclaimed, "It's raining!" and sure enough, a nice little shower is coming down, sprinkling big drops on her window. She said, "I didn't know if I would live long enough to see rain again," so I guess that's one more thing she can cross off her Bucket List.
I apologize to all for my post last night of "Unknown" origin. I had assumed that, since I had logged in through Google, the computer would know my identity and supply it somewhere. Wrong again. ( Sigh ) Don't know what the time stamp will say in this one, but th actual time is 5:19 CDT.
Mom is using her iPad now, to catch up on her emails. More later, if there is any news fit to print.
Love to all,
Phil
Thursday, August 18, 2011
More good news
I arrived at the hospital about 6:30 tonight, to find Mom having a modest supper of tomato soup and crackers. We spent an enjoyable hour and a half talking before I left right around 8:00.
Mom continues to recover rapidly. Dr. Becker, the hospitalist, asked her today how she would feel about going home next week, but she's not buying that until she hears it from Dr. Andrews. Still, it's one more very good indication.
As you probably recall, Mom had been taking appetite stimulants for a few days. Evidently, they worked really well. She told me that she ate "like a little piggy" yesterday, and even had some acid reflux at about midnight. They took her off the appetite stimulants today, yet she ate a big breakfast and a big lunch, so she tells me, and just decided to have a light supper tonight.
The charge nurse, Shannon Rice (whom Rick calls Miss Good Spring,) seems to think the acid reflux was a result of eating a little too much zuchini. Mom had the same stir fry dish two nights in a row. Shannon is very energetic and engaging. She grew up in Dallas, and moved to Good Springs with her husband about 10 years ago -- quite a culture shock, despite the short geographical distance. "Had to learn to slow down," she says.
Mom said she wouldn't go home as soon as Monday, even if they offered to let her. Doesn't feel strong enough yet. There is still one more tube in her side. It was put there in case she had any difficulty eating normally. As of today, I think we can safely rule that out! So at some point, there will be a 5 minute procedure to remove that last tube. They probably won't even schedule it, just whisk her away, put her under general anesthesia, pull the tube and whisk her back to her room.
Her abdominal muscles are getting stronger. She can now turn onto her side by herself. That's all the news I learned in my brief visit today, except for one thing.
She thinks her endocrinologist, Dr. Abdul Hassan (obviously a terrorist) saved her life by taking the trouble to find out why an 82 year old woman with diabetes wasn't obese. That, and Dr. Andrews' skill.
So let's hear it for Muslim terrorists who destroy America by saving the lives of feisty old liberals! ;-)
Mom continues to recover rapidly. Dr. Becker, the hospitalist, asked her today how she would feel about going home next week, but she's not buying that until she hears it from Dr. Andrews. Still, it's one more very good indication.
As you probably recall, Mom had been taking appetite stimulants for a few days. Evidently, they worked really well. She told me that she ate "like a little piggy" yesterday, and even had some acid reflux at about midnight. They took her off the appetite stimulants today, yet she ate a big breakfast and a big lunch, so she tells me, and just decided to have a light supper tonight.
The charge nurse, Shannon Rice (whom Rick calls Miss Good Spring,) seems to think the acid reflux was a result of eating a little too much zuchini. Mom had the same stir fry dish two nights in a row. Shannon is very energetic and engaging. She grew up in Dallas, and moved to Good Springs with her husband about 10 years ago -- quite a culture shock, despite the short geographical distance. "Had to learn to slow down," she says.
Mom said she wouldn't go home as soon as Monday, even if they offered to let her. Doesn't feel strong enough yet. There is still one more tube in her side. It was put there in case she had any difficulty eating normally. As of today, I think we can safely rule that out! So at some point, there will be a 5 minute procedure to remove that last tube. They probably won't even schedule it, just whisk her away, put her under general anesthesia, pull the tube and whisk her back to her room.
Her abdominal muscles are getting stronger. She can now turn onto her side by herself. That's all the news I learned in my brief visit today, except for one thing.
She thinks her endocrinologist, Dr. Abdul Hassan (obviously a terrorist) saved her life by taking the trouble to find out why an 82 year old woman with diabetes wasn't obese. That, and Dr. Andrews' skill.
So let's hear it for Muslim terrorists who destroy America by saving the lives of feisty old liberals! ;-)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
My first shower
When I felt that warm water across my back this morning, I realized that a good shower is not to be scorned. Today I was free of all tethering lines and could walk around the room fully without having some one come untie me from something. So I had a shower and dressed in my own clothes. It felt wonderful. Then I read the paper, ate my breakfast, had a talk with my doctor, and rested a little while.
There are all these things they do to me every day. Some take a little while, like blood pressure and temp, some a little longer,like breathing treatments, but most are just routine stuff that has to be done. The staff here is wonderful and my doctor is the best.
Then I read my mail. Thanks for sending it and also thanks for all this powerful good thought you have been sending my way
I feel better and stronger every day, thanks to all of you.
There are all these things they do to me every day. Some take a little while, like blood pressure and temp, some a little longer,like breathing treatments, but most are just routine stuff that has to be done. The staff here is wonderful and my doctor is the best.
Then I read my mail. Thanks for sending it and also thanks for all this powerful good thought you have been sending my way
I feel better and stronger every day, thanks to all of you.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Free at last
Today the last tube tethering Mother to the bed was removed. She is feeling free as a bird! She can now walk around her room without assistance and without having to notify someone that she is getting up. Her balance is pretty good as long as she takes her time.
She was pleasantly surprised to look up this morning to see Debi and Phil at the door. They made a surprise visit on their way back home from a singing engagement in Mesquite. They had a nice long visit before they needed to leave for Buda. Phil is planning to return to East Texas late on Thursday and stay for the weekend.
Louanne has to leave on Wednesday late afternoon, so the timing is close to perfect for Phil's visit. Mother won't have to go more than 24 hours without one of her kids around to make sure she's following orders (hah!). She is back to having daily physical therapy now that the weekend is past.
Mother has been having quite the social day today, in fact. Roy Bass called to visit with her, and so did Lisa. She had nice long talks with both of them. She has also gotten emails from some of her favorite students from long ago.
Keep those emails coming to her, because she is wired to the www now and loves to play with her new toy. We have been having trouble getting her outgoing email to work, but Louanne is going to hook the iPad up to Mother's home computer tonight to get that fixed.
Mother is feeling so much better, she's thinking about making a run for it now that she's not connected to all those tubes. But she thinks
maybe she'll stay around a while since they treat her so well here. Her flowers are so nice that people walking down the hall want to come in and look.
And that's the news from Tyler, Texas, where all the children are smart, and it's so hot we're not sure if we're in Texas or Hades.
She was pleasantly surprised to look up this morning to see Debi and Phil at the door. They made a surprise visit on their way back home from a singing engagement in Mesquite. They had a nice long visit before they needed to leave for Buda. Phil is planning to return to East Texas late on Thursday and stay for the weekend.
Louanne has to leave on Wednesday late afternoon, so the timing is close to perfect for Phil's visit. Mother won't have to go more than 24 hours without one of her kids around to make sure she's following orders (hah!). She is back to having daily physical therapy now that the weekend is past.
Mother has been having quite the social day today, in fact. Roy Bass called to visit with her, and so did Lisa. She had nice long talks with both of them. She has also gotten emails from some of her favorite students from long ago.
Keep those emails coming to her, because she is wired to the www now and loves to play with her new toy. We have been having trouble getting her outgoing email to work, but Louanne is going to hook the iPad up to Mother's home computer tonight to get that fixed.
Mother is feeling so much better, she's thinking about making a run for it now that she's not connected to all those tubes. But she thinks
maybe she'll stay around a while since they treat her so well here. Her flowers are so nice that people walking down the hall want to come in and look.
And that's the news from Tyler, Texas, where all the children are smart, and it's so hot we're not sure if we're in Texas or Hades.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Login no longer required
With mom's permission, I removed the requirement to log in to read this page. Now if we want to let anybody else read the page, we just give then the address http://jonesix.blogspot.com and they should be able to go to it (but we will still have to log in to post). I can add new contributors if you send a message to me at russ.jones@ieee.org.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
More excellent news
Yesterday, Mother got the news that although they found a small cancerous pocket in the middle of the large mass they removed, it was contained by the mass and was only 8mm in size. All the tissue at the margins tested OK. So they are certain they got all the cancer that was in there, and she will probably not have to undergo chemotherapy or radiation. Another hurray!
Mother had a bit of trouble on Thursday, experiencing sudden and prolonged chills. Rick to the rescue! He knew where everything is, and covered her up in lots of blankets. He told the nurse about it, who told Dr. Becker. The doctor said this was a symptom of post surgical sepsis, so he ordered several tests and put her on antibiotic immediately. He confirmed last night that she had a UTI called pseudomonas. She has felt so much better since the antibiotic started that she is back to being the star patient.
Mother had a bit of trouble on Thursday, experiencing sudden and prolonged chills. Rick to the rescue! He knew where everything is, and covered her up in lots of blankets. He told the nurse about it, who told Dr. Becker. The doctor said this was a symptom of post surgical sepsis, so he ordered several tests and put her on antibiotic immediately. He confirmed last night that she had a UTI called pseudomonas. She has felt so much better since the antibiotic started that she is back to being the star patient.
August 13, Saturday
Time for another update! Mother ate her first breakfast at breakfast time since she bots out of surgery. She had breakfast for supper last night, too. Phil and Debi sent some beautiful roses today, which I just finished arranging. She is talking on the phone with Rick now.
We saw Dr. Becker last night, and this morning the famous Dr. Andrews. I'm glad I finally arrived in time to meet him. Though it was only because he did a surgery this morning. Then we had a visit from Dr. Arce from endocrinology. All reports were pretty good. They think the UTI developed from bacteria from the catheter. The catheter also malfunctioned last night about 3:00 a.m. last night, making for a night without good rest, so Mother is a bit sleepy today. Dr. Andrews & Dr. Becker agreed they should remove the catheter, which should happen later today. The wound drain should come out on Monday, and then she will be free to move about the cabin with assistance.
Her blood sugar levels are a little higher than desired, hovering near the 180 mark. Dr. Arce says this is normal for someone in hospital. He is hopeful she will not have to take any diabetes meds at all.
We went for a wheelchair walk today because there is no physical therapist on the weekend. They said I could not take her for a walk but we could go for a ride. Mother wheeled herself down to the elevators, and we went to visit a roof garden on the fourth floor of the neighboring tower. It is quite nice, with a big fountain in the middle and plants around the outer walls. It was too hot to stay out there long, but we may go back in the morning. We also saw the chapel, which is small and pretty in an ornate catholic way.
Can't think of any more news fit to print at the moment, so hasta luego from Tyler.
We saw Dr. Becker last night, and this morning the famous Dr. Andrews. I'm glad I finally arrived in time to meet him. Though it was only because he did a surgery this morning. Then we had a visit from Dr. Arce from endocrinology. All reports were pretty good. They think the UTI developed from bacteria from the catheter. The catheter also malfunctioned last night about 3:00 a.m. last night, making for a night without good rest, so Mother is a bit sleepy today. Dr. Andrews & Dr. Becker agreed they should remove the catheter, which should happen later today. The wound drain should come out on Monday, and then she will be free to move about the cabin with assistance.
Her blood sugar levels are a little higher than desired, hovering near the 180 mark. Dr. Arce says this is normal for someone in hospital. He is hopeful she will not have to take any diabetes meds at all.
We went for a wheelchair walk today because there is no physical therapist on the weekend. They said I could not take her for a walk but we could go for a ride. Mother wheeled herself down to the elevators, and we went to visit a roof garden on the fourth floor of the neighboring tower. It is quite nice, with a big fountain in the middle and plants around the outer walls. It was too hot to stay out there long, but we may go back in the morning. We also saw the chapel, which is small and pretty in an ornate catholic way.
Can't think of any more news fit to print at the moment, so hasta luego from Tyler.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Update from Little Lulu
I notice that Rick did not report on one of the significant events of last evening. In a rare moment of insanity, he pulled the chair out from under Dr. Becker. And the good doctor was just here to see Mother and talk to her about the chills she had. Dr. Becker didn't fall all the way to the floor; apparently he is fairly fit. He caught himself as he realized the chair was not there and stood back up. Boy, did the doc have a surprised look on his face for about 30 seconds! But he recovered quickly, and went right on to ask questions about Mother's little set-to.
This incident was a great source of merriment to all of the night staff, to whom nurse Josslyn told the whole story. Rick was mortified, of course. We all pretended he did it on purpose. Actually, he thought he was just moving the chair out of the way for the doctor, who rarely sits during his visit.
Dr. Becker did say he was going to stop praising mom's recovery, since after 2 nights of telling her how remarkable she was, she went and got the chills. But he clearly likes her, as do all the folks who work here. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. Rick had made fast friends with the charge nurse, whom he calls Miss Good Springs, before my arrival, along with several other members of staff. Mother has been enjoying playing with her new toy this afternoon and now is having a good chat with Ethel. Hence my ability to get my hands on the toy and post this little story.
This incident was a great source of merriment to all of the night staff, to whom nurse Josslyn told the whole story. Rick was mortified, of course. We all pretended he did it on purpose. Actually, he thought he was just moving the chair out of the way for the doctor, who rarely sits during his visit.
Dr. Becker did say he was going to stop praising mom's recovery, since after 2 nights of telling her how remarkable she was, she went and got the chills. But he clearly likes her, as do all the folks who work here. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. Rick had made fast friends with the charge nurse, whom he calls Miss Good Springs, before my arrival, along with several other members of staff. Mother has been enjoying playing with her new toy this afternoon and now is having a good chat with Ethel. Hence my ability to get my hands on the toy and post this little story.
Solid Food!
Tuna Salad on Pita! What a feast! Especially after a week of cream of wheat and tomato soup :-). Good progress continues. I am off to California in an hour, as soon as Little Lulu gets here; so am turning over correspondent duties to my baby sister. Thanks for all the good wishes and nice messages you all have sent; it has meant a great deal to Mom. Get the latest video update here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgWi76G3oM0
Little Episode; All Resolved
Last night Mom got a chill. Several blankets later, the nurses decided she might have had a reaction to some new pain medication they had switched her to. Then the night doctor came in and said maybe she had sepsis (blood infection) and they would check her out for that. She was pretty pooped from a long day so Lou and I went home without hearing the results. When we got here this morning, her overnight nurse and her surgeon were here, and they have pronounced that she has a urinary tract infection and so have started her on antibiotics. She is sitting up and taking nourishment and is back to her normal lovable self this morning. All is well, again, in room 418 at Trinity Mother Frances.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Off to New York
Well the Manhattan Beach Jones a.k.a. Jones-Tokushiges are off to NYC for 12 days to see our baby. We will be following this story line though, and maybe post some pics.
From the source herself
Today I am sending this message from my brand new iPad2 which will allow me to keep in touch with my world. This iPad was given to me by my kids. Today was another good day for me. I went for a pretty long walk and did some exercises. And they took another tube out, always a good thing.
I want to thank all of you for sending those great thoughts my way. The power of positive thinking really is powerful!
And now I have new toy to let me keep in touch with all of wonderful you
I want to thank all of you for sending those great thoughts my way. The power of positive thinking really is powerful!
And now I have new toy to let me keep in touch with all of wonderful you
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Best News Yet
Dr. Andrews just left. He brought the best news we've had in this week of good news. He said Mom's tumor was some multisyllabic something-or-other, the bottom line of which is that it was not the kind of bad actor that often presents itself in the pancreas. Her tumor instead was a very slow moving type that takes years to develop. He said he thinks she is in no danger from it.
We took this as exceptionally good news, and wanted to share it with all of you. Mom is doing exceptionally well
For a message from Nana, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G80chwL9LBQ
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
In other news . . .
Doctor Andrews came by again this morning and spent a fair amount of time with Mom, as he always does. He removed her heart monitor, so that is one more tube out of the way. He told us that probably tomorrow she would start getting some calories via her feeding tube, and would work up to 2000 per day or so. She's only had ice chips since the surgery, but does not seem to be hungry or thirsty. She has been getting fluids intravenously, mostly electrolytes but no calories.
He got her out of bed and into her chair; got her socks and compression hose off her feet and legs so her skin could breathe, combed her hair and generally made her feel like she is his only patient; which she most assuredly is not.
In the most excellent news of the morning, he said her blood sugar counts indicate that her pancreas is working and making adequate amounts of insulin, and that she will not need to take insulin going forward. So how do you like that? We are pretty pleased with that news. In fact, we haven't had any bad news yet, knock on wood, so keep your fingers crossed. Every day the news gets a little better and she has more mobility. Once the calories start, of course she will also have more energy.
She slept about 12 hours last night and is doing very well this morning. We are continuing to read "Nothing Daunted" but haven't made much progress just because of all the people who are in and out and the calls and flowers that keep coming in! Never a dull moment around here, in fact.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Bulletin!
She's up! Dr. Andrews came by a little while ago and decided it was time for Mom to get out of the sack. So she is now sitting in the recliner, where she is supposed to stay for a couple of hours. Additionally he took the stomach tube out of her nose, even though it was quite attractive, and took away the oxygen. Tomorrow he says she will lose the heart monitor and pretty soon he will start her on nutrition through her feeding tube. She has not had any calories since Wednesday night, but is neither hungry nor thirsty. Occasionally her mouth gets dry so she gets one (1) small ice chip per hour; she also has a supply of fresh wash cloths that we wet and she holds to her lips.
Ernie is here now and these two are just gabbing away. They seem to enjoy each other's company. They are also quite enamored of Dr. Andrews, who is a charming fellow indeed.
In one further development, it turns out that Dr. Andrews is NOT an ordained minister, though some of his family members are. But they do call him "St. Andrews" around here, but in the most reverential way. People really do admire him. When he comes around, he spends time just chatting and telling stories about the old days. Great guy
Mom is doing terrific. She has begun to receive flowers and occasional phone calls, and her spirits are high.
Physical Therapy Has Begun!
Saturday around 1 pm, the physical therapist showed up. The big news is that Mom stood by the bed for about a minute, which the therapist deemed "excellent" and also "very good". She also sat up in the bed and scooted herself to the edge. She had no problems with balance, but was a little bit dizzy. This was the first time in 3 days that she has not been on her back, so her progress continues to be outstanding.
Bobby and Ethel came for a visit today and stayed about an hour or so; it was very pleasant and everyone enjoyed themselves.
We have begun to read Nothing Daunted, a true story about two wealthy young women who in 1916 took jobs teaching school in a small town in NW Colorado, Elkhead. Mom is not up to reading yet, so I am reading it to her. It is my first time reading aloud since my children were small. It is a good book and we are enjoying it.
We are expecting a visit from Ernie this afternoon, which we are looking forward to.
Saturday Morning
Mom had a good night last night; got some sleep. No doc yet today; he normally comes in early, we are told. The number of people who have offered unsolicited praise of Dr. Andrews continues to grow and is quite heartening. Mom is attached to a variety of tubes and machines but is in good spirits and is tolerating them well. Her favorite tube is the one that delivers her "joy juice"; this is her on-demand pain medication; all she has to do is push a button and the relief is instantaneous. Why don't we all have that?? She told me that last night she slept well except for one period where she was in a lot of pain and couldn't get comfortable. She called the nurse's station and explained the problem, and the nurse said "have you tried pushing your button?" She hadn't -- she had forgotten about it! She tells that story somewhat sheepishly. She likes that button quite a bit.
Rumor has it she is going to be sitting in a chair today, and perhaps getting a bath too.
An interesting bit of history about this hospital, Mother Frances. It opened in 1937. The opening was to be marked by a fancy ceremony. But the ceremony got cancelled, and the hospital opened a day ahead of time, due to the New London school explosion. See http://www.newlondonschool.org/ for a description of that disaster.
Friday, August 5, 2011
News Flash! We are moving!
Doctor Becker just came in and said two very significant things:
1. We are busting a move; in an hour, we will be breaking out of ICU and heading to Continue Care! This is at least a day early, and is because she is doing so well. Continue Care is on the 4th floor and the new room number will be 418. This is to be a temporary room until something bigger comes up, in a couple of days.
2. He said he had never seen a Whipple do so well, and that my mom is a "remarkable woman"; like we didn't know that already, since she's been telling us the same thing since about 1952.
He also said that Dr. Andrews is the finest surgeon he knows and that he is also a wonderful human being and is an ordained minister.
ok it was a long day yesterday! But a good one. Here's the update from Tyler, as of mid afternoon on Friday.
Russ's summary of what the doctor said was excellent. Some further details: he said there was a lot of inflammation; that there was a blockage of the pancreas; that it had been blocked for some time; that when they removed the tumor, all the built up fluid behind the blockage came out "like a gusher" and that they spent some time cleaning that up. He said everything had been reconnected and that it appeared to be "a favorable surgery", meaning, I think, that he thinks it went well and that he does not expect internal complications to arise.
He said she lost a pint of blood and they gave her a unit, but that that was not of concern. He said the pathologist had found that the margins of the removed tissue did not have cancer cells, and that they would be doing further testing on the removed tissue. He said the results would be known probably by next Wednesday, Aug 10, and that "this one could be a head scratcher"; he could not tell by looking whether the mass was cancerous or not.
He finished by saying we could find her in Medical ICU room 127 in an hour or so, after she spent some time in recovery.
In less than an hour, she came rolling down the hall en route to ICU. I spoke to her and she responded appropriately, to my amazement; the nurses said she had been responding for some time, even though she appeared to be asleep.
Ernie and Wilma and I got to go into ICU to see her for the first time around 8 pm. Unbelievably, she was awake; she saw us coming from some distance and waved. Then she recited several phone numbers for the nurse and carried on lively conversations with the 3 of us. Louanne happened to call just at that moment, so she got to talk to Lou too.
We all left around 9 or so, I guess; Wilma went home to Troup and Ernie and I made the drive back to Laneville in about an hour. We were both exhausted.
This morning, I went back to the hospital; arriving about noon. She is continuing to do well, though is feeling pain in her back. They have given her some pain medication, which she can call for whenever she needs it, subject to some quantity/time restrictions.
She gets tired easily but is alert and competent. The nurses keep telling her how well she has done, given that she’d had major surgery.
She looks good though is experiencing a bit of dry mouth, which Wilma began treating with a damp cloth. She is allowed a few ice chips every hour. It is kind of noisy here; will provide more info shortly, as she has awakened and wants to see her mail!
Hugs for Jo Anne
Mom and I are very happy to hear that Aunt JoAnne is recovering nicely. I think she might need some chocolate pie pretty soon... Give her hugs and love from us. We are also sending love and hugs to all of you there!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Report from the Field
I talked to Rick on my way home from work. They have had a very long day. To summarize what Rick said:
Nana is doing remarkably well. They saw her when she was being wheeled from the recovery room to the ICU and Rick spoke to her and she replied (with her eyes closed). A little while later they went in to the ICU to visit (which is apparently allowed 24 hours a day) and she was tired but awake and alert, answering questions, remembering phone numbers, saying she was hungry, and making jokes about "Gone with the Wind" references (as God is my witness, I'll never go hungry again!). All this is excellent for just having come from such a major surgery.
Rick also talked with the surgeon who said the pathology examination conducted during the surgery looked good (the removed tissue has been sent for further pathological study). He said that the tumor was definitely interfering with pancreatic function in a major was so the surgery was urgently needed, and that his experienced opinion is that it was a very successful surgery.
The next couple of days are very important as her digestive system begins to heal and recover. The doc previously told us that she would have her first juice and maybe jello after a few days (for now, she has a feeding tube) and solid food in about 10 days.
Nana is doing remarkably well. They saw her when she was being wheeled from the recovery room to the ICU and Rick spoke to her and she replied (with her eyes closed). A little while later they went in to the ICU to visit (which is apparently allowed 24 hours a day) and she was tired but awake and alert, answering questions, remembering phone numbers, saying she was hungry, and making jokes about "Gone with the Wind" references (as God is my witness, I'll never go hungry again!). All this is excellent for just having come from such a major surgery.
Rick also talked with the surgeon who said the pathology examination conducted during the surgery looked good (the removed tissue has been sent for further pathological study). He said that the tumor was definitely interfering with pancreatic function in a major was so the surgery was urgently needed, and that his experienced opinion is that it was a very successful surgery.
The next couple of days are very important as her digestive system begins to heal and recover. The doc previously told us that she would have her first juice and maybe jello after a few days (for now, she has a feeding tube) and solid food in about 10 days.
length of surgery
Rick, did they give you any indication why the surgery is lasting so long? I recall their estimate was 5-6 hours, and now she is going into hour 7.
Thanks for the updates.
Russ, you added the tractor crossing! I like ;-)
Thanks for the updates.
Russ, you added the tractor crossing! I like ;-)
Still Waiting
3:40 pm. We've had several status calls, all good. Ernie, Ethel, Wilma and I are waiting for the next update. Mom has been in surgery for about 6 hours now. Presumably it won't be long now.
Expanding Circulation
I invited just 8 of us to be member of this blog. I don't have a current email address for Laura or Ben, and would like to add them and anybody else you want - I just need a list of email addresses to add them.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Lovely Visit
I just finished a lovely visit to the farm. A balmy 110 degrees the day
I left (versus low 70's in Manhattan Beach). Thank God for A/C.
Had fun riding to and fro with Lauren. Mom was in great spirits, lively and
energetic. Thoroughly enjoyable. Visiting the Farm is like stopping at
Tom Bombadill's house on the way to Rivendell.
I left (versus low 70's in Manhattan Beach). Thank God for A/C.
Had fun riding to and fro with Lauren. Mom was in great spirits, lively and
energetic. Thoroughly enjoyable. Visiting the Farm is like stopping at
Tom Bombadill's house on the way to Rivendell.
Tomorrow is the Big Day
Hi everybody, Ernie sent this message today (Wednesday):
Jo Anne's date with Dr. Andrews will begin at 6am tomorrow (Thursday). She will check in to Mother Francis at 6am and surgery will begin at 8am. The surgery will last at least 5 hours, so keep a good thought for Jo Anne and for Dr. Andrews. Thanks for all your concern and good cheer. It certainly is an aide at times such as this.
Will send you a report tomorrow night.
Love,
Ernie
Jo Anne's date with Dr. Andrews will begin at 6am tomorrow (Thursday). She will check in to Mother Francis at 6am and surgery will begin at 8am. The surgery will last at least 5 hours, so keep a good thought for Jo Anne and for Dr. Andrews. Thanks for all your concern and good cheer. It certainly is an aide at times such as this.
Will send you a report tomorrow night.
Love,
Ernie
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