Day 34... Update on Mom's scheduled surgery. We were notified today that the time of surgery has been rescheduled for tomorrow Friday, 10/01 at 2:30pm and Mom will be picked up for transport from her hospital room to Surgery between 12:30 and 1pm. Yesterday afternoon during my visit with Mom, she was visited by and introduced to her Ostomy Nurse, Nancy who said, "I'm here to look at your tummy and mark the area for Dr. Zane where the ostomy should go. I'll also be checking on you after your surgery on Friday and training you on the care of your ostomy area." Mom's eyes grew huge... though she remained silent it was apparent the 'reality' that her life was soon to alter dramatically was sinking in. We just looked at one another and held hands while Nurse Nancy did her job...
Earlier that day, Dr. Zane visited with Mom and said he was going to order her catheter removed because he wanted her "up and about". When Monica and Jeanette arrived later, Mom's catheter had indeed been removed BUT with Mom attached to the Cardiac Monitor on the right side of her bed, attached to the IV lines on the left side of her bed PLUS her legs wrapped up and attached to a circulation pump at the foot of her bed... HOW THE HECK WAS SHE SUPPOSED TO GET "UP & AROUND"?!?! =D
Today when I saw her the leg circulation devices had been removed so Mom was able to sit up and dangle her legs off the side of the bed... I had her 'writing ABC's' in the air with her feet to stimulate her leg muscles... my clients will appreciate this :-) ... She asked me, "Capital, lower case, print or script?" to which I answered, "All of the above. Do a different set each time you sit up." Then she made a face at me! She did do it though, one set on each foot... She chose to print. Afterward she said, "Whew! Now I'm tired." She sat up for a total of 45 minutes, did her 'workout' set then laid down to rest...
We're counting hours now until they take her in for surgery... We understand after surgery she may be 'sicker' than she's been this whole time. The doctors have explained the 'war' her body will be undertaking once the infection is no longer 'contained'. We hope and pray she is strong enough for the battle she'll soon be waging!! We'll be with her before they take her and we'll stay until Dr. Zane finishes his task and we can see her... We hope with his skill, your prayers and God's intervention all will go well...
A Long Journey....
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
September 28, 2010
Day 32... Dr. Zane notified Mom today that her Colorectal Resection surgery is scheduled for this Friday, 10/01/10 at 1pm. We are feeling good about this because this is part of Dr. Zane's regular Surgical schedule and like an athlete's 'Game Day' we're hoping he'll be 'pumped and focused' for the task at hand... Also we'll have ended the 'nightmare month' of September (Yeah, superstitious but... :-/) AND it's 1st Friday, the student body of St. Philomena School will be at 1st Friday Mass and hopefully will have Mom in their collective thoughts and prayers.
Today Mom is in good spirits overall... No Fever, her blood pressure good at 128/76, her blood sugar not so good at 177 but this is due to the IV Vitamin Supplement she's on. Mom is such a character! When she heard what her blood sugar level was she told her Nurse, "OK. That means you need to give me 5cc's of Insulin" Which got a chuckle out of her Nurse :o) ... she's so funny! When I got there after work she was sleeping... 20 minutes later she woke, saw me and said, "I was dreaming.... I dreamed Fred was parked and behind the wheel of a fancy sports car and Barbara was in the passenger seat... He was taking her for a spin!" Then she asked, "Lori, what day is this?" I told her, "Mom, today is Tuesday September 28th" She said, "Oh my! I missed Mary's (Niece) birthday on the 17th... Joey's (Godson/Nephew) birthday was on the 26th and today is JoAnn's (Goddaughter) birthday!! So much going on.... Lori, please let them know I didn't forget!" I promised her I would let you know... She cares and loves all of you so much!!
Three days and counting.... Mom is okay with the Colorectal Resection surgery she is about to undergo. Her words, "I'm just looking on getting better and this is just a step toward that end." As we've said before, Mom is a 'Gentlewoman' but do not mistake her gentleness for lack of strength... She is the Strongest Woman we know... She is our example, our mentor and most of all our Hero!
Today Mom is in good spirits overall... No Fever, her blood pressure good at 128/76, her blood sugar not so good at 177 but this is due to the IV Vitamin Supplement she's on. Mom is such a character! When she heard what her blood sugar level was she told her Nurse, "OK. That means you need to give me 5cc's of Insulin" Which got a chuckle out of her Nurse :o) ... she's so funny! When I got there after work she was sleeping... 20 minutes later she woke, saw me and said, "I was dreaming.... I dreamed Fred was parked and behind the wheel of a fancy sports car and Barbara was in the passenger seat... He was taking her for a spin!" Then she asked, "Lori, what day is this?" I told her, "Mom, today is Tuesday September 28th" She said, "Oh my! I missed Mary's (Niece) birthday on the 17th... Joey's (Godson/Nephew) birthday was on the 26th and today is JoAnn's (Goddaughter) birthday!! So much going on.... Lori, please let them know I didn't forget!" I promised her I would let you know... She cares and loves all of you so much!!
Three days and counting.... Mom is okay with the Colorectal Resection surgery she is about to undergo. Her words, "I'm just looking on getting better and this is just a step toward that end." As we've said before, Mom is a 'Gentlewoman' but do not mistake her gentleness for lack of strength... She is the Strongest Woman we know... She is our example, our mentor and most of all our Hero!
Monday, September 27, 2010
September 27, 2010
Day 31... We met with Mom's Surgeon earlier this evening, Robert E. Zane, M.D. After meeting with him we feel better (if you can call it that) about the next part of the journey we are about to embark upon... Now, preceding our meeting Mom was visited the night before by her good friend Corrine and Fr. Bill from St. Philomena Parish. She received the anointing of the sick and took communion, a VERY SMALL piece as she's not supposed to eat or drink ANYTHING!! :-] Earlier today the Sisters from St. Philomena School visited with her, sang and prayed with her. They brought her a HUGE poster signed by all the 8th graders and informed her that Carmelites have been notified of Mom's situation all across the United States... The power of prayer at work! :-)
Sooooooo that brings us to tonight, our meeting with Dr. Zane and this is the basic rundown to our questions:
When will surgery take place? He's hoping to schedule Mom's surgery for this Wednesday 9/29, however we won't know for sure until tomorrow (9/28). If not Wednesday then Sunday 10/03. He has a lecture he's giving at a Medical Conference in Santa Barbara on Saturday, but will return to do it on Sunday if need be. Right now the leak is contained, the pocket of infection is the same size and not draining well which is why we have no other option than to do the surgery. Dr. Zane's main worry after surgery is what mother nature has so far contained, he will have to unleash... Hopefully not bad but unknown. How Mom's body deals with all of this and the risk of sepsis is a part of the laws of nature.
How long will Mom's surgery be? About 2 hours
Is a Colostomy a 'for sure' thing? Yes, but only temporary. If everything goes well with little to no complications, Mom is looking at 6 months before living life back to normal.
Is Mom strong enough to undergo this procedure? Yes, right now she is... If she were to spike fever or show deterioration then surgery would happen immediately. Right now we're trying to clear out as much as possible in the intestinal area.
How big will the incision be and where? Approximately 4-5 inches and will use her existing C-Section scar.
How soon after surgery will they get Mom up and walking around? Right away, the sooner the better. Movement and ambulation is key to recovery.
How long in the hospital after surgery? We're looking at 10 days if all goes perfect. We won't let her go until she's eating food and able to care for herself.
After speaking with Dr. Zane we are feeling better. Along with Internet research and hearing personal recommendations from Physician friends of ours, we appreciated the time he took to meet with us, answer all our questions and gave us visual details of the procedure involved. Though we learned he is only one of two physician/surgeons who would undertake this procedure, he was very humble about his accomplishments but confident in the task at hand.
Now we wait to hear when Mom's surgical procedure will be scheduled and in the words of Dr. Zane, "Once the job is done, it's your Mom's strength and Mother Nature" ... and to quote Jeanette's husband Fred, "May God be with you Doctor, in guiding your hands" ... Amen.
Sooooooo that brings us to tonight, our meeting with Dr. Zane and this is the basic rundown to our questions:
When will surgery take place? He's hoping to schedule Mom's surgery for this Wednesday 9/29, however we won't know for sure until tomorrow (9/28). If not Wednesday then Sunday 10/03. He has a lecture he's giving at a Medical Conference in Santa Barbara on Saturday, but will return to do it on Sunday if need be. Right now the leak is contained, the pocket of infection is the same size and not draining well which is why we have no other option than to do the surgery. Dr. Zane's main worry after surgery is what mother nature has so far contained, he will have to unleash... Hopefully not bad but unknown. How Mom's body deals with all of this and the risk of sepsis is a part of the laws of nature.
How long will Mom's surgery be? About 2 hours
Is a Colostomy a 'for sure' thing? Yes, but only temporary. If everything goes well with little to no complications, Mom is looking at 6 months before living life back to normal.
Is Mom strong enough to undergo this procedure? Yes, right now she is... If she were to spike fever or show deterioration then surgery would happen immediately. Right now we're trying to clear out as much as possible in the intestinal area.
How big will the incision be and where? Approximately 4-5 inches and will use her existing C-Section scar.
How soon after surgery will they get Mom up and walking around? Right away, the sooner the better. Movement and ambulation is key to recovery.
How long in the hospital after surgery? We're looking at 10 days if all goes perfect. We won't let her go until she's eating food and able to care for herself.
After speaking with Dr. Zane we are feeling better. Along with Internet research and hearing personal recommendations from Physician friends of ours, we appreciated the time he took to meet with us, answer all our questions and gave us visual details of the procedure involved. Though we learned he is only one of two physician/surgeons who would undertake this procedure, he was very humble about his accomplishments but confident in the task at hand.
Now we wait to hear when Mom's surgical procedure will be scheduled and in the words of Dr. Zane, "Once the job is done, it's your Mom's strength and Mother Nature" ... and to quote Jeanette's husband Fred, "May God be with you Doctor, in guiding your hands" ... Amen.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
September 26, 2010 (part 2)
Day 30, 1pm... The surgeon came in to see Mom and told us they'll be proceeding with the colon dissection surgery. Surgery is being scheduled for this Wednesday... not sure of what time yet. Tomorrow they're inserting a PICC line once again and her surgeon wants to meet with us tomorrow 6pm. For right now her vitals are all good and we'll see what he has to say to us tomorrow evening....
We'll update you when we know more...
We'll update you when we know more...
September 26, 2010
Day 30... Wow... We're a month in and where do we begin.... While Mom was in the ER Friday night they did another CT Scan which showed the end of her abdominal drain was now 'kinked'. The surgeon spoke with us and said the decision was made to remove that drain and insert a 'bigger' drain, then wait and see how it goes for a couple of days. If no more draining then he'll have to go in, surgically remove the bad section of colon and reattach the 'good' ends. The surgeon made it sound like this surgery will eventually have to occur but they ideally would like Mom healthier and as much of the 'bad stuff' drained out because to go in now he would be "unleashing a beast", meaning the risk would be high for the infection to spread throughout her abdominal cavity.
We waited while they took Mom to do the 'drain switch-out' and we were told afterward that everything supposedly went well. They have Mom in a room and in an area they call the Step Down Unit. This is where they have patients that are a 'step down' from ICU level but still require higher monitoring. We were told she'll probably be in the hospital at least 5 days... Her room has a phone she can call out on but receives no calls in at this time and Jeanette has her cell phone. The Step Down Unit also has limited visitors allowed and ask that no flowers be brought into the ward. Mom is back on IV, no food or drink as they're trying to rest and clear out the colon, she's on a urinal catheter and diaper... Please understand why right now visits are not recommended. This morning her Nurse said she's doing better, sleeping now as they have her on morphine. Sadly, she also informed us there is not much coming out of the drain... If this continues, then surgery will likely occur sooner rather than later.
In speaking with the main surgeon Mom has a very long road ahead of her... :-( By the time the infection is handled, the colon resection done, colostomy bag in place, colon healing time, then removal of the colostomy bag and reconnection of the intestinal track with the repaired colon, the surgeon estimates it will be 6 months possibly more before Mom will have her 'life back to normal'.
We know that with all that's happened to Mom from a 'routine colonoscopy' has a lot of you thinking, "Is it worth it?"... Quite honestly that is for you to decide with your physician and in consideration of your health history. This is a link which for those of us who are not familiar with the all the options for colorectal cancer screening and the measure of risk involved (see web link on this page), which may help answer some of those questions or at least offer you a good starting point of discussion with your medical care provider.
As for our sister Barbara, yesterday we found her sleeping soundly. We spoke with the Nurses station to update them on Mom's situation and give our cell numbers for contact. Her Nurse said, she's currently sedated, no fever, just needs rest and is doing MUCH better! She has not had a seizure since Wednesday and her seizure meds are now back at her doctor's recommended level. We heard her cough a couple of times but she seems to be breathing a lot easier.
We thought we were seeing light at the end of this long tunnel, but sadly at this point we feel like we're in more of a maze with all the twists and turns we come up against.... Please continue sending your good wishes, thoughts and prayers... You will never know how much you all mean to us! xoxoxo
We waited while they took Mom to do the 'drain switch-out' and we were told afterward that everything supposedly went well. They have Mom in a room and in an area they call the Step Down Unit. This is where they have patients that are a 'step down' from ICU level but still require higher monitoring. We were told she'll probably be in the hospital at least 5 days... Her room has a phone she can call out on but receives no calls in at this time and Jeanette has her cell phone. The Step Down Unit also has limited visitors allowed and ask that no flowers be brought into the ward. Mom is back on IV, no food or drink as they're trying to rest and clear out the colon, she's on a urinal catheter and diaper... Please understand why right now visits are not recommended. This morning her Nurse said she's doing better, sleeping now as they have her on morphine. Sadly, she also informed us there is not much coming out of the drain... If this continues, then surgery will likely occur sooner rather than later.
In speaking with the main surgeon Mom has a very long road ahead of her... :-( By the time the infection is handled, the colon resection done, colostomy bag in place, colon healing time, then removal of the colostomy bag and reconnection of the intestinal track with the repaired colon, the surgeon estimates it will be 6 months possibly more before Mom will have her 'life back to normal'.
We know that with all that's happened to Mom from a 'routine colonoscopy' has a lot of you thinking, "Is it worth it?"... Quite honestly that is for you to decide with your physician and in consideration of your health history. This is a link which for those of us who are not familiar with the all the options for colorectal cancer screening and the measure of risk involved (see web link on this page), which may help answer some of those questions or at least offer you a good starting point of discussion with your medical care provider.
As for our sister Barbara, yesterday we found her sleeping soundly. We spoke with the Nurses station to update them on Mom's situation and give our cell numbers for contact. Her Nurse said, she's currently sedated, no fever, just needs rest and is doing MUCH better! She has not had a seizure since Wednesday and her seizure meds are now back at her doctor's recommended level. We heard her cough a couple of times but she seems to be breathing a lot easier.
We thought we were seeing light at the end of this long tunnel, but sadly at this point we feel like we're in more of a maze with all the twists and turns we come up against.... Please continue sending your good wishes, thoughts and prayers... You will never know how much you all mean to us! xoxoxo
September 25, 2010
Day 29... Not the best scenario..... Barbara underwent a procedure yesterday morning where they put a tube through her nose and into her lungs to drain them. Normally a 'routine' procedure but in Barbara's condition, considered 'Risky'. We met with the doctor who performed the procedure before and after... He said her right lung was filled with fluid, her left lung the two lower lobes were filled. More fluid than they'd anticipated, they removed most of it and now waiting for the culture results which will take about a week. Nothing we can do now but wait and her doctors hope her lungs don't fill up again....
As for Mom, as strong as she can be things take a toll... Yesterday her temp started spiking and last night Jeanette and Monica took her to Emergency where it was decided to admit her... As of 7:50am today, she was still in the ER waiting transport into a room. She will be in room 2068, but they said it would be an hour or so until they had her in and settled. As of right now Jeanette has Mom's cell phone so we're not able to speak with her however, I spoke with the Nurse who cared for her through the night and he said they've got her on fluids, her BP was good this morning but her Heart Rate is still up at 105 but lower than it was last night... Her fever spiked at 103.5 but as of 7:40am it was 99.1.
Not sure what today is going to bring us but it's going to be a looooooooonngg one!
As for Mom, as strong as she can be things take a toll... Yesterday her temp started spiking and last night Jeanette and Monica took her to Emergency where it was decided to admit her... As of 7:50am today, she was still in the ER waiting transport into a room. She will be in room 2068, but they said it would be an hour or so until they had her in and settled. As of right now Jeanette has Mom's cell phone so we're not able to speak with her however, I spoke with the Nurse who cared for her through the night and he said they've got her on fluids, her BP was good this morning but her Heart Rate is still up at 105 but lower than it was last night... Her fever spiked at 103.5 but as of 7:40am it was 99.1.
Not sure what today is going to bring us but it's going to be a looooooooonngg one!
September 22, 2010
At this point we've lost track of the days.... I know on the 28th it will be a month since this ordeal began. Mom is now able to shower, for which she is truly GRATEFUL!! On the other hand, we're a bit concerned because she's lost more weight and not really eating much... The doctors want her drinking 5 Boost nutritional drinks a day. Since coming home she's drank on average 1 1/2... not good. :-/ To the point where we've noticed she'll get 'shaky' in the evening.... We told her yesterday she needs to ingest what the doctors want her to take in, she needs the nutrients! Told her, "Mom, you can sip a Boost drink throughout the day or wind up with an IV back in your arm!" With Andrea, Monica, Jeanette and I 'encouraging' her, she did better today and managed to finish 3 and a 4th one went with her to bed... better! As Andrea told me, "She was not happy when we tried making her drink them. We told her tomorrow she HAS to drink all 5." However, she seemed a bit livelier today... I (Lori) got to her house about 11:30am earlier today and she was 'supervising' Andrea on doing the laundry.... Then she had me folding it!! :-P Like Kevin told me, "Somebody's gotta do it!" :-/
We understand it doesn't help having Barbara in the hospital during this time and she's naturally very worried.... We think this whole situation also now has her angry! She's now feeling anger along with the frustration of this whole stupid situation >:-(
Barbara's status is 'stabilized'... Compounded with the pneumonia is the fact that upon arriving in the ER they did blood work on her and concluded her seizure medication levels were too high. Regardless that her regular physician had her stabilized on the dosage, the medical staff at Glendale Memorial decided to lower it considerably which resulted in her having several long Grand Mal seizures... In frustration we can't help but ask ourselves, "Why are you fooling with her seizure medication without consulting her primary physician?!?!? She was taken in for pneumonia NOT seizure disorder!!"
It's frustrating all the way around.... However, as Jeanette pointed out, the fact that Mom is now showing anger at the whole situation may be an indicator that she's feeling stronger ... she's no longer listlessly weak. Physically weak granted, but her mind is going a mile-a-minute and as the days drag on she's showing signs of being good old fashioned.... pissed!!
An active, energetic individual by nature and physically healthy... She is now going through the frustration of having her life turned upside down because of the misfortune in becoming a 'statistic' of a proactive, routine colonoscopy gone wrong! Awwwwwww.... What're you gonna do?? Finally expressing the 'anger' is part of the recovery process we know, but wish we knew how long this 'healing' phase will be.
Oh!! Just to clear up misconceptions on Mom's abdominal drain .... It's located about 2-3 inches below her belly button. We learned some of you thought it was coming out of her rectal area!! Have to admit, she got a good laugh out of that when we told her! =D
Overall, we're all doing well. Just circling the wagons and getting things done... and still HUGELY Grateful for all your well wishes, good thoughts and prayers!!
We understand it doesn't help having Barbara in the hospital during this time and she's naturally very worried.... We think this whole situation also now has her angry! She's now feeling anger along with the frustration of this whole stupid situation >:-(
Barbara's status is 'stabilized'... Compounded with the pneumonia is the fact that upon arriving in the ER they did blood work on her and concluded her seizure medication levels were too high. Regardless that her regular physician had her stabilized on the dosage, the medical staff at Glendale Memorial decided to lower it considerably which resulted in her having several long Grand Mal seizures... In frustration we can't help but ask ourselves, "Why are you fooling with her seizure medication without consulting her primary physician?!?!? She was taken in for pneumonia NOT seizure disorder!!"
It's frustrating all the way around.... However, as Jeanette pointed out, the fact that Mom is now showing anger at the whole situation may be an indicator that she's feeling stronger ... she's no longer listlessly weak. Physically weak granted, but her mind is going a mile-a-minute and as the days drag on she's showing signs of being good old fashioned.... pissed!!
An active, energetic individual by nature and physically healthy... She is now going through the frustration of having her life turned upside down because of the misfortune in becoming a 'statistic' of a proactive, routine colonoscopy gone wrong! Awwwwwww.... What're you gonna do?? Finally expressing the 'anger' is part of the recovery process we know, but wish we knew how long this 'healing' phase will be.
Oh!! Just to clear up misconceptions on Mom's abdominal drain .... It's located about 2-3 inches below her belly button. We learned some of you thought it was coming out of her rectal area!! Have to admit, she got a good laugh out of that when we told her! =D
Overall, we're all doing well. Just circling the wagons and getting things done... and still HUGELY Grateful for all your well wishes, good thoughts and prayers!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)