I noticed I haven't posted anything to this blog in a week. And no news is good news.
Dad continues his recovery process. Being the impatient person that he is, it's not going fast enough for him... but he's doing very well. Every day he feels a little bit stronger, walks a little more, does a few more things. He's adapted well to his new plumbing routine.
While I've always considered us to be a pretty positive family, this has really renewed our outlooks in terms of what's important and what's not. Life changing events have the tendency to do that, I suppose. I'm thankful for every day that I can pick up the phone and give Dad a call and hear how he's doing. Mom and Dad have settled back into a routine that includes working, entertaining, and just plain relaxing.
So, that said, as we return to the minutia of everyday life...this will be the last post on this blog. I cannot even begin to put into typed-out characters how appreciative we are for all the support and love we knew was always there, but shines as a bright lighthouse during our stormy voyage through July and August. I couldn't possibly list out everyone to thank here, because there have been so many people. But if you're reading this -- please know that you're considered a part of our family, and I hope that we will be there for you if you ever need it.
With sincere love and gratitude,
The Gladfelters
Chuck, Nancy, Todd, Darin, Harley, Tico, Jacques, and Benny
Monday, September 10, 2007
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Labor Day
Wasn't it great to have a 3 day weekend? (Apologies and kudos to those who actually have to work holidays...I had to for may years). But man, it was awesome. 24 extra hours without having to go to the workspace or get on plane was pretty nice after the August we all had.
Then, smack...it's Tuesday, and everyone goes back to work. Today -- everyone includes Dad. He got to get in his own car today, go get a haircut, and go into work for a little while. With everything, there's still the weakness and the tiredness that comes along with his recovery. But it sure as hell is a good a start. And when Mom said he got concerned over the normal things that concern him in the store, that was also really good to hear. It means thoughts are shifting away from medical things and over to normal, everyday, stuff-ya-gotta-deal-with things.
Hope your day at work was reason to celebrate too...even though I'm banking it isn't ;-)
Then, smack...it's Tuesday, and everyone goes back to work. Today -- everyone includes Dad. He got to get in his own car today, go get a haircut, and go into work for a little while. With everything, there's still the weakness and the tiredness that comes along with his recovery. But it sure as hell is a good a start. And when Mom said he got concerned over the normal things that concern him in the store, that was also really good to hear. It means thoughts are shifting away from medical things and over to normal, everyday, stuff-ya-gotta-deal-with things.
Hope your day at work was reason to celebrate too...even though I'm banking it isn't ;-)
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Eh
It was a UTI. Isn't there some irony in that? Or coincidence? Or something?
Dad is still feelin' kinda punked out but the fever is down and he said he's movin' around a little bit today. So hopefully some more rest and he'll be gettin' to gettin' better!
Yeesh!
Dad is still feelin' kinda punked out but the fever is down and he said he's movin' around a little bit today. So hopefully some more rest and he'll be gettin' to gettin' better!
Yeesh!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Round the curve, blow a tire
It was supposed to be get home, feel energized, get better even faster....not get home, feel like you got hit by a truck, and then have to deal with being SICK again. Dad got some kind of infection though, and on his full first day home yesterday -- he has a 102 fever and the chills and crap that go along with that. Nasty. Docs think it's possibly a urinary tract infection, which can be common after major surgeries like his. So it's more samples, more doctors, more Cipro, more of everything that we're all entirely ready to be rid of!
This morning, he is feelin' a little better. Fever is down some and hopefully the Cipro is doing its Cipro thing.
Note to mapmakers: We'd really appreciate it if you'd note the potholes on our roadmap to gettin' better. That is all.
This morning, he is feelin' a little better. Fever is down some and hopefully the Cipro is doing its Cipro thing.
Note to mapmakers: We'd really appreciate it if you'd note the potholes on our roadmap to gettin' better. That is all.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Home
After a long 10 hour ride in the car yesterday, Dad is home. He was really tired -- had some dinner and then crashed in his own bed.
Talked to him this morning and he mentioned that he was still extremely tired, probably from having to get up every 2 hours to drain. This will be necessary for the first week as he gets used to using the internal pouch. After that, it will be getting up every 3 hours for the next week...then 4...until it's just once during the middle of the night.
Over the next couple of days, he'll probably still be in serious recouperation mode...but at least he's going it in his own space, with his wife instead of a nurse, and Harley instead of a 'random therapy dog'.
We're all in the geographic places we're supposed to be right now...and that's a good feeling for a change!
Talked to him this morning and he mentioned that he was still extremely tired, probably from having to get up every 2 hours to drain. This will be necessary for the first week as he gets used to using the internal pouch. After that, it will be getting up every 3 hours for the next week...then 4...until it's just once during the middle of the night.
Over the next couple of days, he'll probably still be in serious recouperation mode...but at least he's going it in his own space, with his wife instead of a nurse, and Harley instead of a 'random therapy dog'.
We're all in the geographic places we're supposed to be right now...and that's a good feeling for a change!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
...And All Is Right with the World
It's hard to believe that it's already 3:15, but I guess that when you have a busy day of appointments and meetings with various people in various places at the Cleveland Clinic, time just flies. Here's a re-cap: At roughly 10:15, Dad and I were sitting in the hotel room, constantly telling the maids knocking on the door that we weren't checking out until tomorrow, and watching the local news program that follows The Today Show. We didn't speak until we watched a segment in which two 45-55 year-old broads (with catcher's mitt faces) started to play (or at least tried) their version of Delta Blues (they were called the Delta Swamp Girls or something, and I don't recommend that you ever see them live...or via recording...in fact, just forget you ever heard their name). At that time we simply looked at each other with a "let's go" face and left for appointment #1.
We arrived at the Radiology department in the basement of the H building about a half-hour early. Nevertheless, Dad was quickly led away by a friendly nurse (I must say that there was very little waiting time once we arrived for any of our appointments...kudos to you and your punctuality, Cleveland Clinic) so that they could take some x-rays to see if his Indiana Pouch was a-okay...MISSION: Accomplished. From there it was up to the International Cafe for a spot of lunch and then to appointment #2, where the surgery staples were finally removed, and the now legendary Dr. Fergany came by to make sure everything was tip-top...MISSION: Accomplished. Finally, we went in for the last appointment of the day and were reunited with The Stomettes (that's our name for the Stoma nurses who attended to Dad; with their matching outfits and their almost choreographed in-sync movements, it's like they're some kind of 60's girl-group) who instructed Dad on how to use and care for his Indiana Pouch...MISSION: Accomplished.
We're now back at the hotel and Dad's getting some rest. He had a big day today and it looks like that his tenure at the Cleveland Clinic is done (of course he'll likely come back here for a routine check up in about 6 months, but compared to the current stay he's had, that oughtta be a walk in the park). In a while he'll wake up and probably start to pack some of his things. Later on tonight, his baby brother Tommy will arrive and I'll head back to Chicago. Tomorrow morning, it's likely that Dad and Tommy will wake up early, bid a fond farewell to the Cleveland Clinic and start the drive back to South Carolina. I'd say that around 6:00 or 7:00 PM, Dad will be home and back with Mom as this Cleveland-centric chapter of our family's story comes to a close...and all will be right with the world.
-DG-
We arrived at the Radiology department in the basement of the H building about a half-hour early. Nevertheless, Dad was quickly led away by a friendly nurse (I must say that there was very little waiting time once we arrived for any of our appointments...kudos to you and your punctuality, Cleveland Clinic) so that they could take some x-rays to see if his Indiana Pouch was a-okay...MISSION: Accomplished. From there it was up to the International Cafe for a spot of lunch and then to appointment #2, where the surgery staples were finally removed, and the now legendary Dr. Fergany came by to make sure everything was tip-top...MISSION: Accomplished. Finally, we went in for the last appointment of the day and were reunited with The Stomettes (that's our name for the Stoma nurses who attended to Dad; with their matching outfits and their almost choreographed in-sync movements, it's like they're some kind of 60's girl-group) who instructed Dad on how to use and care for his Indiana Pouch...MISSION: Accomplished.
We're now back at the hotel and Dad's getting some rest. He had a big day today and it looks like that his tenure at the Cleveland Clinic is done (of course he'll likely come back here for a routine check up in about 6 months, but compared to the current stay he's had, that oughtta be a walk in the park). In a while he'll wake up and probably start to pack some of his things. Later on tonight, his baby brother Tommy will arrive and I'll head back to Chicago. Tomorrow morning, it's likely that Dad and Tommy will wake up early, bid a fond farewell to the Cleveland Clinic and start the drive back to South Carolina. I'd say that around 6:00 or 7:00 PM, Dad will be home and back with Mom as this Cleveland-centric chapter of our family's story comes to a close...and all will be right with the world.
-DG-
Boozin' It Up
Dad and Darin split a bottle of wine tonight at dinner. I heard there may have also been a mojito consumed. Lindsay Lohan would be proud.
Drinking is a good thing. Alcohol and chemo don't mix. And because I am a scientist (my college told me so), I can deduce through reasoning that there will be no chemo for Dad. That, and he told me that's what the doctor told him.
So tomorrow, it's the switchover to the surgically-created Indiana Pouch, which means sheddin' the 'clear purse'.
And Wednesday, a cancer-free drive home with Uncle Tom to Greenville.
Cheers (clink).
Drinking is a good thing. Alcohol and chemo don't mix. And because I am a scientist (my college told me so), I can deduce through reasoning that there will be no chemo for Dad. That, and he told me that's what the doctor told him.
So tomorrow, it's the switchover to the surgically-created Indiana Pouch, which means sheddin' the 'clear purse'.
And Wednesday, a cancer-free drive home with Uncle Tom to Greenville.
Cheers (clink).
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Drive
The roads here in Cleveland are pathetic. Seriously bad. This is coming from someone who rode in the backseat of a Buick LeSabre station wagon in the mid 80s on Detroit's I-275 (much of which could barely pass for 'paved'), learned that much of Oklahoma STILL barely passes for paved once outside of the cities, and currently navigates the streets of Boston -- convinced that my car could sink right down into a spontaneously created section of the harbor at any moment.
Yet they've been perfect to navigate for the last couple of days as Dad and I have attempted to get out of the hospital/hotel/campus environment and wander aimlessly. Funny thing is, this could have been any weekend day 20 years ago. I remember countless times, Dad saying 'let's go for a drive', which meant we had a roundtrip ticket to nowhere in particular. I remember one said drive during the excruciatingly hot drought-summer of 1988 in Illinois, where we drove out to Dixon (boyhood home of Ronald Reagan), sat on a bench in some state park that should have been lush and green but was roasted into a yellowy-brown earthen, and ate a lunch from a cooler that he had packed earlier. There were probably a billion other places I wanted to be as a 14 year old. I like that I have that scorching hot day burned into my brain instead.
Friday, we took a drive to nowhere in particular...through Shaker Heights for a some lunch; down through Southeast Cleveland's suburbs to get the car washed; through a hilly area down by the river where we saw one of Dad's favorite cars he owned - a '67 Pontiac Grand Prix convertible; then back through one of the most blighted areas in Cleveland's east side, up 93rd street. Yesterday, we took another aimless wander over to the West side of Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie, through areas called Rocky River and Lakewood. I chose that area to wander in because I like architecture -- and this place seriously looked like a bunch of architects did some quality drugs and then started building. So many styles -- from New England Farmhouse to Spanish California -- we both really enjoyed it.
We stopped off for lunch at a place called Bearsden's, a staple since 1948. I had a peanut butter burger...only because it was on the menu, begging to be tried. It was...interesting, to say the least. And after a couple of days of driving around away from hospitals and the same surroundings we've known for the month of August -- it tasted like normal.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Downshifting
I haven't done this little in a long time. I got a good 8 hours of solid sleep. I had some breakfast with Dad and Uncle Fritz. I did some work while Dad napped, but didn't move much from this spot on the couch. The TV was and is still off. I haven't read any news, nor I do I really care what's going on. That's a nice feeling every now and again, to just take things down a notch.
Dad has had to do that too, especially in his recovery. He's still moving forward just fine. But never in my life have I seen him get up at 8-ish, have breakfast, and have to take a 2 hour nap. I know that is part of the body's way of healing and repairing. It's just very odd to see, for someone that you know typically rises early and doesn't do a whole lot of sitting down until the dishes are washed and put away and the nightcap is poured.
Dad is doing well with his recovery. He's been doing the recommended walking and exercise on the treadmill, figuring out how construction cranes work (hell of a project outside the hotel window -- Mom says he was the 'foreman' in the days before the surgery). His appetite has come back strong, and we're just about to go get some lunch.
Mom went home on Wednesday afternoon...and I think that was a big part of the recovery process too -- recovering her world known as home! It should come as no shock to any of us that one of the first things she did was have her hair done. Princess indeed. She's now been home for two nights in her own bed and her own world with a cranky cat and a content dog and her brother Ed. Only thing missing is Dad, and he'll be there soon enough...in fact, one week from today, everyone will be back in South Carolina.
So we continue driving forward, only in a little lower gear that I'm used to. And I'm content to let it all pass by with some time to stare out the window and enjoy watching it all go by.
Dad has had to do that too, especially in his recovery. He's still moving forward just fine. But never in my life have I seen him get up at 8-ish, have breakfast, and have to take a 2 hour nap. I know that is part of the body's way of healing and repairing. It's just very odd to see, for someone that you know typically rises early and doesn't do a whole lot of sitting down until the dishes are washed and put away and the nightcap is poured.
Dad is doing well with his recovery. He's been doing the recommended walking and exercise on the treadmill, figuring out how construction cranes work (hell of a project outside the hotel window -- Mom says he was the 'foreman' in the days before the surgery). His appetite has come back strong, and we're just about to go get some lunch.
Mom went home on Wednesday afternoon...and I think that was a big part of the recovery process too -- recovering her world known as home! It should come as no shock to any of us that one of the first things she did was have her hair done. Princess indeed. She's now been home for two nights in her own bed and her own world with a cranky cat and a content dog and her brother Ed. Only thing missing is Dad, and he'll be there soon enough...in fact, one week from today, everyone will be back in South Carolina.
So we continue driving forward, only in a little lower gear that I'm used to. And I'm content to let it all pass by with some time to stare out the window and enjoy watching it all go by.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Time to Start Packing
I have never been away from my home this long ever I think. It's time to start collecting, and packing and making that delicious trip back. The best part of the ride home is the turn into the driveway...everything that was taxing and troubling sorrowful or bothersome suddenly melts away.
At one point I felt I couldn't bear to walk thru that door because I didn't know what would be on the other side. Yes I truly felt that way. Cleveland will become a distant but extremely poignant memory for all of the Gladfelter family. We will be back for visits in 6 months, and then some far down the line. The good news...we will be coming back...the better news...I cannot wait to open that back door.
Talk to you all in due time...but for now...shhhh...he's napping right now, and I need to start packing.
At one point I felt I couldn't bear to walk thru that door because I didn't know what would be on the other side. Yes I truly felt that way. Cleveland will become a distant but extremely poignant memory for all of the Gladfelter family. We will be back for visits in 6 months, and then some far down the line. The good news...we will be coming back...the better news...I cannot wait to open that back door.
Talk to you all in due time...but for now...shhhh...he's napping right now, and I need to start packing.
The Rain
People don't get why I have this mysterious love affair with Seattle. While I can go on and on about the majestic beauty of the Cascades watching over a vibrant and progressive city which has strangely always felt like I had been there in some previous life, most people retort with "but it always rains there". This isn't true -- summers are beautiful and I like to point out that Greenville gets more annual rain than Seattle (even though Greenville has far fewer cloudy days overall). But I've never minded the rain anyway. I love being confined indoors, with nothing to do but watch a movie or take a nap, clean up or just do nothing.
So it's probably been a good thing that it's been pouring rain in Cleveland the last couple of days, because Dad wouldn't fare very well in Seattle. While he has plenty of indoor things that can keep him moderately happy in his usual day-to-day life, Chuckles is far too outdoorsy to really want to stay inside unless he's given a reason. So it's been nice for him to rest, relax, walk on the treadmill a bit, and get used to feeling just a little bit different than before he went in for the surgery. When I talked to him this morning, he said he was feeling some soreness -- but at least he could pinpoint where it was, as opposed to in the hospital when he'd just feel it all over. Best part of all is the appetite is returning -- Dad has always been a big breakfast guy (on the weekends anwyay, do we still own that terrible griddle that would destroy waffles?), and both yesterday and today he ate things like eggs and I think some bacon (or sausage?) or somethin' like that. Eating is good -- I think both Mom & Dad have lost a little weight over the last couple of weeks!
Tonight, Uncle Fritz will get into Cleveland...which means tomorrow, Mom can go home. I'm sure she is thrilled. If she hasn't counted the days, it totals 21 now. That's a lot of days to be away from home. And next week, by this time, Dad will be just a few days away from making his own journey home.
Sunny thoughts like those are better than any umbrella.
So it's probably been a good thing that it's been pouring rain in Cleveland the last couple of days, because Dad wouldn't fare very well in Seattle. While he has plenty of indoor things that can keep him moderately happy in his usual day-to-day life, Chuckles is far too outdoorsy to really want to stay inside unless he's given a reason. So it's been nice for him to rest, relax, walk on the treadmill a bit, and get used to feeling just a little bit different than before he went in for the surgery. When I talked to him this morning, he said he was feeling some soreness -- but at least he could pinpoint where it was, as opposed to in the hospital when he'd just feel it all over. Best part of all is the appetite is returning -- Dad has always been a big breakfast guy (on the weekends anwyay, do we still own that terrible griddle that would destroy waffles?), and both yesterday and today he ate things like eggs and I think some bacon (or sausage?) or somethin' like that. Eating is good -- I think both Mom & Dad have lost a little weight over the last couple of weeks!
Tonight, Uncle Fritz will get into Cleveland...which means tomorrow, Mom can go home. I'm sure she is thrilled. If she hasn't counted the days, it totals 21 now. That's a lot of days to be away from home. And next week, by this time, Dad will be just a few days away from making his own journey home.
Sunny thoughts like those are better than any umbrella.
Monday, August 20, 2007
From "The Horses Mouth"
Notes From The Halfway House
Well, yesterday they finally sprung me from the “Big House” to the hotel. Aside from being told I am cancer free, this is one of the happiest days in recent memory.
Obviously I am delighted with the result of my hospital stay and am very appreciative of the excellent care received, but each passing 24 hours became more and more like “Ground Hog Day”, an endless repetition of blood drawings, taking of vital signs, hooking up new IV lines, and various tests. I have grown to love the idea of being awakened several times in the middle of the night to have someone stick more needles in my arms.
“So Happy Together”
The best recollection so far is being able to say goodnight to “Naaan” (wife Nancy) and awaking to say good morning to her in the same bed.
“Up Your Nose With A Rubber Hose”
The worst experience is being awake while a couple of nurses wrestle a hose to drain your stomach through your nose. You don’t want any more details.
I will now stay at the hotel through August 28th. Nanc will return to Greenville on Wednesday the 22nd to make sure we still have our house, business, and dog and cat. My stay here will variously accompanied by my brothers Fritz and Tom, and sons Todd and Darin. Tom will drive me home on the 29th.
On the 28th I will:
Have the final external drain tube removed
Learn how to drain my new bladder
Find out from the Oncologist if I will need Chemo upon returning home (my surgeon doesn’t think I will but perhaps it will be a preventative measure)
I sincerely appreciate all your thoughts and prayers, I know they have helped both Nanc and I get though this. I am looking at some 6 weeks of recovery, regaining strength to the point that “The Legend” can add more antidotes to his storied past.
Love you all, Chook
Well, yesterday they finally sprung me from the “Big House” to the hotel. Aside from being told I am cancer free, this is one of the happiest days in recent memory.
Obviously I am delighted with the result of my hospital stay and am very appreciative of the excellent care received, but each passing 24 hours became more and more like “Ground Hog Day”, an endless repetition of blood drawings, taking of vital signs, hooking up new IV lines, and various tests. I have grown to love the idea of being awakened several times in the middle of the night to have someone stick more needles in my arms.
“So Happy Together”
The best recollection so far is being able to say goodnight to “Naaan” (wife Nancy) and awaking to say good morning to her in the same bed.
“Up Your Nose With A Rubber Hose”
The worst experience is being awake while a couple of nurses wrestle a hose to drain your stomach through your nose. You don’t want any more details.
I will now stay at the hotel through August 28th. Nanc will return to Greenville on Wednesday the 22nd to make sure we still have our house, business, and dog and cat. My stay here will variously accompanied by my brothers Fritz and Tom, and sons Todd and Darin. Tom will drive me home on the 29th.
On the 28th I will:
Have the final external drain tube removed
Learn how to drain my new bladder
Find out from the Oncologist if I will need Chemo upon returning home (my surgeon doesn’t think I will but perhaps it will be a preventative measure)
I sincerely appreciate all your thoughts and prayers, I know they have helped both Nanc and I get though this. I am looking at some 6 weeks of recovery, regaining strength to the point that “The Legend” can add more antidotes to his storied past.
Love you all, Chook
Sunday, August 19, 2007
One Step Closer to Home!!
What a day!! My Superman just got back to the suites after thanking so many wonderful people that took such marvelous care of him. Words again never can express our amazement of the entire staff at the clinic from his Surgical team Nursing Staff, Housekeeping and transport. ing. Dr. Fergany and Dr. Kieffer will forever be enshrined in the hearts of our family.
We have some major strength to get back. The hospital discharge, ride back to the suites, (all of 4.5 minutes, a real shower and we are down for a well deserved nap!! Sure wish I had a pot of my Mom's chicken soup to pour into him, but for now I'll rely on whatever the hotel offers up.
The team is assembled to take over for me starting next Wednesday as I will be heading back to SC. A HUGE thanks in advance to Uncle Fritz, Uncle Tom and of course my babies. I've got some catching up to do, but were it not for our Angel Jenna and my big brother Eddie manning the helm I really don't know what we have done. It is so heart warming to see how people in and out of our lives have stepped us for us. And to my girlies Beka and Shayna thank you for opening your hearts and home to Harley!!! A giant shout out of love and thanks to our friends Beth and Chris for the chauffering and bed and breakfast...best in town I've heard!! Love you Jennifer!!! Do good in school and two hands on the wheel please!!!! Chica we loved the books but I love you more....Aunts Terry and Denise...the flowers were lovely!!! Let's get together soon!!! Jude, Joan and Jim as always thanks for being there for us...back at you as well!!! Good luck to you Joano will be thinking of you tomorrow!! Rabbi Jim...you are the best and thanks go to you for being there mostly for me. It continues to help immensely.
I know this sounded pretty rambling, but such is the whole experience...more thank yous to come!!
Keep the prayers ongoing please, and we'll do the same back atcha'
We have some major strength to get back. The hospital discharge, ride back to the suites, (all of 4.5 minutes, a real shower and we are down for a well deserved nap!! Sure wish I had a pot of my Mom's chicken soup to pour into him, but for now I'll rely on whatever the hotel offers up.
The team is assembled to take over for me starting next Wednesday as I will be heading back to SC. A HUGE thanks in advance to Uncle Fritz, Uncle Tom and of course my babies. I've got some catching up to do, but were it not for our Angel Jenna and my big brother Eddie manning the helm I really don't know what we have done. It is so heart warming to see how people in and out of our lives have stepped us for us. And to my girlies Beka and Shayna thank you for opening your hearts and home to Harley!!! A giant shout out of love and thanks to our friends Beth and Chris for the chauffering and bed and breakfast...best in town I've heard!! Love you Jennifer!!! Do good in school and two hands on the wheel please!!!! Chica we loved the books but I love you more....Aunts Terry and Denise...the flowers were lovely!!! Let's get together soon!!! Jude, Joan and Jim as always thanks for being there for us...back at you as well!!! Good luck to you Joano will be thinking of you tomorrow!! Rabbi Jim...you are the best and thanks go to you for being there mostly for me. It continues to help immensely.
I know this sounded pretty rambling, but such is the whole experience...more thank yous to come!!
Keep the prayers ongoing please, and we'll do the same back atcha'
It's time
Mom & Dad are waiting on the folks to come up and discharge them from the Clinic right now!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Happy CFF!!!!
That is the mantra for today my friends and family...Oh...CFF???? CANCER FREE FRIDAY!! Today will be etched in my life now and forever. Todd's post said it all. Now we can begin the long road back to what I refer to as the "new normal".
It still is so overwhelming for me as I try and put these last few weeks and months together. I would be lying to you all and to myself if I didn't honestly tell you that this has been the most difficult and daunting road I have ever traveled. Were it not for the support, love, and prayers, and my boys, and most importantly my Superman...I'm not sure I could find the strength to take that walk too many more times. You have all been there for me, and I will never ever let any of you down, I promise!!
There will be challenges ahead, we all know that, but we can do this...together. Hang in there Harley and Tico...Momma and Daddy will be home soon!
It still is so overwhelming for me as I try and put these last few weeks and months together. I would be lying to you all and to myself if I didn't honestly tell you that this has been the most difficult and daunting road I have ever traveled. Were it not for the support, love, and prayers, and my boys, and most importantly my Superman...I'm not sure I could find the strength to take that walk too many more times. You have all been there for me, and I will never ever let any of you down, I promise!!
There will be challenges ahead, we all know that, but we can do this...together. Hang in there Harley and Tico...Momma and Daddy will be home soon!
No Way
I was taught, as a news reporter, to never bury the lead.
Dr. Fergany told Mom & Dad that it looks like, as of now, follow-up chemo will **NOT** be recommended!
Dad said "Well, I don't want to take this to the bank yet...but finally...some good news!", after eating some semi-appetizing hospital oatmeal.
That, and it looks like we're still on target for a Sunday release from the Clinic.
This is a good day. A very, very, very good day. Keep channeling those good vibes this way.
Dr. Fergany told Mom & Dad that it looks like, as of now, follow-up chemo will **NOT** be recommended!
Dad said "Well, I don't want to take this to the bank yet...but finally...some good news!", after eating some semi-appetizing hospital oatmeal.
That, and it looks like we're still on target for a Sunday release from the Clinic.
This is a good day. A very, very, very good day. Keep channeling those good vibes this way.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Little Saints Everywhere
Howdy and hello out there. I just got off the phone with Mom (it seems like that's a perpetual motion these days) and she told me that she and Dad were going for a little walk. With Dad's progress coming along (even at the slower-than-desired rate) she even manged to sound upbeat, and for those who know her (which I assume is 99.9% of the people reading this blog), it's very easy to detect even trace amounts of tension in her voice. That "tension" was still there, but quite far removed from the intensity it's reached over the past couple of days, weeks, and months. "It looks like we've really turned a corner today" as she put it. Anyway, it was just nice to hear that kind of tone, and in a way, when she told me that they were going for a walk, it almost seemed...romantic. I am all but positive, however, that the 7th floor of the H building at the Cleveland Clinic is far from the tunnel of love, but does make me feel good that right now, an upbeat Mom and thoroughly beat Dad are walking together, making progress.
In any event, as I learned that the date for dad's release is now set for Sunday, my plans to head down there tomorrow are now scuttled. So the call was made to my friend who agreed to doggy-sit Benny that the need for his services would be placed on hold for short while. His response (to what I am sure was a frantic, over-apologetic, babbling stream of consciousness): "Whatever you need, whenever you need it." Those seven words seem to be a common theme when it comes to all of the people who have been helping out myself, Todd, Mom and Dad in this (and there's no other way to put it) strange time. It really is jaw-dropping to learn how much support you really have out there when something goes wrong, and we're blessed to have such caring people in our lives.
Thanks gang!
-DG-
In any event, as I learned that the date for dad's release is now set for Sunday, my plans to head down there tomorrow are now scuttled. So the call was made to my friend who agreed to doggy-sit Benny that the need for his services would be placed on hold for short while. His response (to what I am sure was a frantic, over-apologetic, babbling stream of consciousness): "Whatever you need, whenever you need it." Those seven words seem to be a common theme when it comes to all of the people who have been helping out myself, Todd, Mom and Dad in this (and there's no other way to put it) strange time. It really is jaw-dropping to learn how much support you really have out there when something goes wrong, and we're blessed to have such caring people in our lives.
Thanks gang!
-DG-
Day Eleven
Yuck. Just the sound of that is nasty. Dad's on his 11th day in the hospital after what was supposed to be just 7-10. Now it's officially 'too long'. That's OK though, because it again seems like things are moving in the right direction. The digestive system is still waking up and doing some things it's supposed to be doing. The nutrition bag Dad is getting intravenously is making him feel stronger. This morning, the nasal-gastric tube just 'fell' out of his nose, and the doctors decided not to put it back in. Swelling is down in his abdomen; and today we're trying clear liquids. If the liquids stay down without problem, then it's onto solid food. The doctors talked a little bit about a release day and put it at Sunday for right now. That would be great if it would happen, but we are just focusing on one day at a time for now.
Today is a big day...let's hope everything goes smoothly and continues marching FORWARD!
Today is a big day...let's hope everything goes smoothly and continues marching FORWARD!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Tom Petty Was Right
If you've ever had the delightful pleasure of a hospital stay, you know that you are basically in the middle of a giant machine. The nurses, doctors, orderlies, attendants, pillgivers, pressuretakers, ad nauseum are all part of a well-oiled machine. That said, the machine rivals that of an old tube TV from the 70s sometimes where you have to give it a whack on the side to adjust the picture. I learned in a couple of days there that you do have to stay on top of things, because with so much going on -- it's easy to have things slow down a bit, become delayed, or, get mixed up. I'm not talking about major medicine doses or whatever -- it's the orders. Like the fact that even though the doctors/nurses had ordered a bedside X-ray of Dad's abdomen on Sunday, TWICE someone came up with a wheelchair, ready to roll him down to some other floor in the depths of the hospital. Or the fact that when his diet was switched back to liquids only, a cheerful woman brought in a nice tray of semi-appetizing tuna salad (which should never be a liquid).
Last night, the Nutrition Team decided that it was time to get Dad some vitamins and calories since his digestive system SEEMS to want to get started. A doctor (another whose name I can't remember, but he's only like the best nutrition doctor ever) made a special concoction of stuff in a bag to get Dad's strength level back up. The IV was set to begin at 10pm.
However, due to an 'order mixup', it wasn't started. So when Mom came in this morning, the bag wasn't going. And another emotion - anger - gets to come into play. Actually, it was good to hear Dad was angry. He's starting to feel better almost everywhere else and just needs something to bolster his strength! Needless to say, after Dad threw the nurses out of the room and Mom worked it like only Mom can, and just a short while later -- that bag was going. So we're hoping by the end of the day today, Dad will feel stronger. His digestive system has shown more signs of 'waking up' as well, and that's very promising. It's really the last thing left to get kickin' -- since his vitals all look good, white blood cell count is back to normal, etc.
So at the risk being cliche:
The waiting is the hardest part
Every day you see one more card/
You take it on faith, you take it to the heart/
The waiting is the hardest part
True dat.
Last night, the Nutrition Team decided that it was time to get Dad some vitamins and calories since his digestive system SEEMS to want to get started. A doctor (another whose name I can't remember, but he's only like the best nutrition doctor ever) made a special concoction of stuff in a bag to get Dad's strength level back up. The IV was set to begin at 10pm.
However, due to an 'order mixup', it wasn't started. So when Mom came in this morning, the bag wasn't going. And another emotion - anger - gets to come into play. Actually, it was good to hear Dad was angry. He's starting to feel better almost everywhere else and just needs something to bolster his strength! Needless to say, after Dad threw the nurses out of the room and Mom worked it like only Mom can, and just a short while later -- that bag was going. So we're hoping by the end of the day today, Dad will feel stronger. His digestive system has shown more signs of 'waking up' as well, and that's very promising. It's really the last thing left to get kickin' -- since his vitals all look good, white blood cell count is back to normal, etc.
So at the risk being cliche:
The waiting is the hardest part
Every day you see one more card/
You take it on faith, you take it to the heart/
The waiting is the hardest part
True dat.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
This Is The Longest Car Ride Ever!!!!
For those of you who don't know, my Superman and I can be in a car for oh whatever and we just don't have much conversation. Not a problem...music playing...an occasional exchange of words and we continue on our way. Chook has not been real responsive today, but I know he is feeling better if even a little...not much to say to me but then again he usually doesn't have a tube running down his nose to his stomach...he looks better and we went for four walks around the unit today, and the best news is....HE IS GETTING A NUTRION BOOST BAG TONIGHT...although you won't find the recipe in any of his issues of Bon Appetite collection...it will be a 4 star delight in terms of helping him get his strength back. Ido not recommend losing 15 pounds his way to anyone!!
The quote of the day..."I just want to get this thing moving forward."
Chuck Gladfelter
I know that all of you who are supporting and loving us share in that thought for sure. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. It is really really really working, and Todd, Darin, Chook and myself are so greatful to have all of you in our lives!!
Love and kisses and sweet dreams to all my guys!!!
The quote of the day..."I just want to get this thing moving forward."
Chuck Gladfelter
I know that all of you who are supporting and loving us share in that thought for sure. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. It is really really really working, and Todd, Darin, Chook and myself are so greatful to have all of you in our lives!!
Love and kisses and sweet dreams to all my guys!!!
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