It is time to get out something bigger than sparklers and fire crackers....maybe not rockets just yet...but we do need to celebrate!!!
I called Brian about noon to let him know I would be on my way soon, and his news made me cry. He said Stan had squeezed his hand on command several different times!!! He would ask him questions and tell him to squeeze or NOT squeeze, and Stan "obeyed." Not a very hard squeeze, but a gentle but definite pressure. I know....because he has done the same for me several times today. I could hear Rick Elliot in the background telling Stan to squeeze his hand. I can't wait to hear what Rick says!!
He also opened his eyes several times today in recognition. I was a little sad by the look that he seemed to have....like he was scared. It must be awful to wonder what is going on and where you are. But he seemed to search my face. I hated to leave, but I keep getting all the advice to "get some rest," "take care of yourself," etc........
I am anxious to return tomorrow!!!
He is having some tummy problems with his food stuff...so they have quit feeding him for a couple of days. Seems mighty drastic to me, but I sure want to trust they know what is best!!
He does have the infections....lung and blood, but his "numbers" stayed good today. He is on a powerful antibiotic....
Dr. Lee wants him more stable before transferring him to the LTAC. But what a thrill to know he is "there." I don't know what the future holds, but I DO KNOW WHO HOLDS THE FUTURE!!
Hmmmmm....the morning after the anointing... Anyone think there is a correlation???
Love, M
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Day 37
To you "non" Alaskans.... we had two or three of those really beautiful blue sky white world days this week....they are COLD but so pretty. We were having a "heat wave" when Grace and I left the hospital after midnight last night.... the sign by the hospital said -12C and 12F....interestingly...they hit the same number minus and plus at 12!! This is a lot warmer than the -22C the night before!!
Andy came in and stayed with Stan during the morning so I could try to catch up at home a little. The boys are taking turns doing this, so I have to comply and stay home mornings. I seem to be even more rushed instead of less. I used to get up shower and hit the road. Now I try to get things "done" so still end up hurrying with the "shower and hit the road" part. Bless them.... With their help and Kathy's, I have managed to get packages mailed to OH, WI, MN, and OR. Grace took the cards I bought in October to mail "early" .... and addressed, signed, stamped, and stuck return labels on them for me. Now I need to write a note...especially for those who don't have email and are outside the loop of you who do, so don't know about Stan....and get them mailed. I waivered big time about NOT sending this year. But I hae enjoyed receiving... thank you for taking the time to read my updates, encourage me in so many ways, and keeping Stan in your prayers.
When I got to the hospital, there was the dreaded sign on the door, telling me to see a nurse before entering. I had to gown and glove, as he was again in isolation while they determined if his staph was MRSA. It wasn't long before Dr. Lee came in to talk to Andy and me, and he said he was taking the order of isolation off. Stan does have a new staph pneumonia, tho, and also a bacteria in his blood, so he remains very sick.
He looks "good"......his color is good. Last night when Grace and I were getting ready to leave, his oxygen level was at 88, so I didn't want to leave until I knew he would be okay. I fiddled with his "mask" and suctioned his mouth a little in an attempt to get him to cough and hopefully dislodge any "plug" that might be obstructing his air way. Grace asked how low before the machine would beep. I told her when it got to 84. I did get a medium sized glob with a cough, and his number said 89 for a second. But almost immediately the beeping started and I saw he was at 83. The nurse came right in...the fastest response I've witnessed in 37 days!! The RT also appeared and together we worked on him. The RT did a lot of deep suctioning but his numbers kept going down. The lowest point was 76.... We turned him, pulled him up in bed, etc...turned his oxygen percentage up... He finally went to 90 and the nurse and RT left...telling me to let them know when I was left.
He did dip to 89 some more, so Grace and I were nervous about leaving him....but with kisses and fiddling and I can't remember what else....he reached 91 and 92 pretty stable, so Grace went out to warm both our cars....spoiling ME. (Two nights ago Isaac did this, one night ago I had to do it myself, and so Grace said it was her turn!! I'm glad it was "warm" for her. My night it was minus four, and I sat in the car for 10 to 15 minutes before driving...holding my hands over my mouth so it wouldn't hurt to breathe!)
Speaking of which....I'm going to tell on Kathy!! I told her my nose hairs were a good temp gauge...they freeze at 10F and below, so I can tell if it is below or above ten degrees. I just breathe normally or very shallowly because the cold hurts if you take in a bunch....and the resulting nose freeze IS obvious. She left about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night and took several BIG breaths on the way to her car....testing my "theory." Thursday her throat is sore and hoarse....and it is all MY fault!! I would say "teehee" except I can't laugh at her hurting!!! So if any of you are tempted to test my theory, just take tiny breaths!!
Grace didn't leave to start the cars until Stan had hit 93 to 94 for a few minutes. When I left, he was pretty stable at 96. PTL
I do NOT know what caused the oxygen levels to drop so suddenly or so stubbornly. That part still has me worried.
He has opened his eyes on occasion....I haven't felt the hand pressure.
Deryl, Tim, and John Toms did pray specifically for him while we all held hands...with him, too...and then Tim anointed him with oil yesterday. As Tim prayed, "this is not to test God" but to try to carry out His will according to the scriptures. There is no "magic" in the oil, but the more I study on the subject, I think the anointing is more of a dedication of the person receiving it. We all appreciate any thoughts any of you may have on it.
My tree outside my window is "decorated" with live birds...rather neat to see... a large one is sitting on the very top like where you would put an angel or a star on your Christmas tree! Just had to share that with you as there are several other birds sitting on lower branches and it just looked decorated!!
I need to get busy and do my rushing around, so I can get to the hospital to see my guy. Brian is there now with him.
He may get to go to St. Elias soon. Dr. Lee wants him a little more stable first. It is a wonderful facility....new, spacious, and beautiful...but also great nursing care and the step above the floor he is on now, we believe. There are too many "goof ups in care" here...i.e. sticking the unsterile tube into his trach....3 times that we observed.
I did have a talk with the nurse who kicked me out yesterday.... and have resolved that issue. She is one of the "best" and has never used the unsterile thing in his trach.
It is 3 minutes to ten and the sky is just getting light, with some really pretty pink swirls of clouds creeping over the mountains. It looks like another gorgeous (cold?) day. Yesterday (Thursday) was a "black and white" picture day...the sky was a solid gray/white and the trees were dark so appeared black where there was no snow. There is heavy snow on the top of the limbs of the spruce, and the alters and birch are totally white. The only color is when you can spot a newspaper orange bag, or a glimpse of someone's colorful house or a light left on, etc. It has its own beauty and I was wishing I had taken the camera! Okay...in the couple minutes I took writing the above paragraph...the sky is now almost solid pink out my window!! I do wish you could all see it!!
Love, M
Andy came in and stayed with Stan during the morning so I could try to catch up at home a little. The boys are taking turns doing this, so I have to comply and stay home mornings. I seem to be even more rushed instead of less. I used to get up shower and hit the road. Now I try to get things "done" so still end up hurrying with the "shower and hit the road" part. Bless them.... With their help and Kathy's, I have managed to get packages mailed to OH, WI, MN, and OR. Grace took the cards I bought in October to mail "early" .... and addressed, signed, stamped, and stuck return labels on them for me. Now I need to write a note...especially for those who don't have email and are outside the loop of you who do, so don't know about Stan....and get them mailed. I waivered big time about NOT sending this year. But I hae enjoyed receiving... thank you for taking the time to read my updates, encourage me in so many ways, and keeping Stan in your prayers.
When I got to the hospital, there was the dreaded sign on the door, telling me to see a nurse before entering. I had to gown and glove, as he was again in isolation while they determined if his staph was MRSA. It wasn't long before Dr. Lee came in to talk to Andy and me, and he said he was taking the order of isolation off. Stan does have a new staph pneumonia, tho, and also a bacteria in his blood, so he remains very sick.
He looks "good"......his color is good. Last night when Grace and I were getting ready to leave, his oxygen level was at 88, so I didn't want to leave until I knew he would be okay. I fiddled with his "mask" and suctioned his mouth a little in an attempt to get him to cough and hopefully dislodge any "plug" that might be obstructing his air way. Grace asked how low before the machine would beep. I told her when it got to 84. I did get a medium sized glob with a cough, and his number said 89 for a second. But almost immediately the beeping started and I saw he was at 83. The nurse came right in...the fastest response I've witnessed in 37 days!! The RT also appeared and together we worked on him. The RT did a lot of deep suctioning but his numbers kept going down. The lowest point was 76.... We turned him, pulled him up in bed, etc...turned his oxygen percentage up... He finally went to 90 and the nurse and RT left...telling me to let them know when I was left.
He did dip to 89 some more, so Grace and I were nervous about leaving him....but with kisses and fiddling and I can't remember what else....he reached 91 and 92 pretty stable, so Grace went out to warm both our cars....spoiling ME. (Two nights ago Isaac did this, one night ago I had to do it myself, and so Grace said it was her turn!! I'm glad it was "warm" for her. My night it was minus four, and I sat in the car for 10 to 15 minutes before driving...holding my hands over my mouth so it wouldn't hurt to breathe!)
Speaking of which....I'm going to tell on Kathy!! I told her my nose hairs were a good temp gauge...they freeze at 10F and below, so I can tell if it is below or above ten degrees. I just breathe normally or very shallowly because the cold hurts if you take in a bunch....and the resulting nose freeze IS obvious. She left about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night and took several BIG breaths on the way to her car....testing my "theory." Thursday her throat is sore and hoarse....and it is all MY fault!! I would say "teehee" except I can't laugh at her hurting!!! So if any of you are tempted to test my theory, just take tiny breaths!!
Grace didn't leave to start the cars until Stan had hit 93 to 94 for a few minutes. When I left, he was pretty stable at 96. PTL
I do NOT know what caused the oxygen levels to drop so suddenly or so stubbornly. That part still has me worried.
He has opened his eyes on occasion....I haven't felt the hand pressure.
Deryl, Tim, and John Toms did pray specifically for him while we all held hands...with him, too...and then Tim anointed him with oil yesterday. As Tim prayed, "this is not to test God" but to try to carry out His will according to the scriptures. There is no "magic" in the oil, but the more I study on the subject, I think the anointing is more of a dedication of the person receiving it. We all appreciate any thoughts any of you may have on it.
My tree outside my window is "decorated" with live birds...rather neat to see... a large one is sitting on the very top like where you would put an angel or a star on your Christmas tree! Just had to share that with you as there are several other birds sitting on lower branches and it just looked decorated!!
I need to get busy and do my rushing around, so I can get to the hospital to see my guy. Brian is there now with him.
He may get to go to St. Elias soon. Dr. Lee wants him a little more stable first. It is a wonderful facility....new, spacious, and beautiful...but also great nursing care and the step above the floor he is on now, we believe. There are too many "goof ups in care" here...i.e. sticking the unsterile tube into his trach....3 times that we observed.
I did have a talk with the nurse who kicked me out yesterday.... and have resolved that issue. She is one of the "best" and has never used the unsterile thing in his trach.
It is 3 minutes to ten and the sky is just getting light, with some really pretty pink swirls of clouds creeping over the mountains. It looks like another gorgeous (cold?) day. Yesterday (Thursday) was a "black and white" picture day...the sky was a solid gray/white and the trees were dark so appeared black where there was no snow. There is heavy snow on the top of the limbs of the spruce, and the alters and birch are totally white. The only color is when you can spot a newspaper orange bag, or a glimpse of someone's colorful house or a light left on, etc. It has its own beauty and I was wishing I had taken the camera! Okay...in the couple minutes I took writing the above paragraph...the sky is now almost solid pink out my window!! I do wish you could all see it!!
Love, M
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Day 35
I spent the better part of the morning writing yesterday's update, only to have trouble with hotmail and losing the entire update along with messages from Galen and Flossie. I recovered my email once, and sent it to myself because the edit line had also disappeared from my screen. Since then the computer has reverted back to before I started my email and won't budge. Aargh!!!!
Perhaps I wasn't supposed to send the update I wrote. It was pretty stressed. I will try a simpler version and see if I can send it.
Also, I have been getting messages from different individuals that you are not getting my updates. I am sending them every day to all of you. I don't know what happens. I am sorry about the mess ups.
Yesterday had good and bad times!! It was perhaps my most stressful day yet.
I arrived at the hospital to find Stan's room EMPTY....not even his bed!! He had been transferred from ICU to PCU (progressive care unit.)
At 11 we had the meeting with Doctors, social workers, family members, and two friends (Deryl and Kathy.)
It was determined that we would leave Stan on DNR regarding a "catastrophic occurence" causing his heart to stop or him to quit breathing. Otherwise he is continuing on all support (oxygen, feeding, etc) and a wait and see time. He may be eligible for the LTAC ...long term acute care... here in Anchorage. Kathy and I visited it the other day and it is very nice.
Andy, Isaac, and I had some issues with the "quality" of Stan's care yesterday. Maybe my talking about this made my previous attempt to send an update not acceptable??? Basically it was about the way a couple of nurses neglected using sterile suction methods on his trach.
Kathy took me shopping so I could send things to our grandchildren out of state. This had been a "biggie" on my stress level....I want them to know we love them and are thinking about them, too!!
Stan developed a very high fever in the late evening, his oxygen levels had problems, and his heart rate was way out of control. I wasn't able to leave him until about one a.m. Isaac stayed there to wait for Andy to come get him after work about 2:45 a.m. Andy called me at 2:50 to tell me that Stan's fever was finally down to 97.9. It had been 105.4 about 11 p.m. He was put on a cooling blanket, had ice packs under his arms and in the groin area, and Isaac and I sponged his face for quite a while.
The doctor ordered blood cultures, and they had difficulty getting the two amounts....many pricks for the one, used the IV pic for the other.
I know this is brief...and doesn't even have my "joke" of the day included...but it is now "rush" time for me to get going. I had tried to email you all when I got home about 2, but the internet wouldn't let me log on. I don't know what is going on, but I am hoping I can send this now.
Love, M (It was minus one when I came home last night, it is minus 3 now!!)
Perhaps I wasn't supposed to send the update I wrote. It was pretty stressed. I will try a simpler version and see if I can send it.
Also, I have been getting messages from different individuals that you are not getting my updates. I am sending them every day to all of you. I don't know what happens. I am sorry about the mess ups.
Yesterday had good and bad times!! It was perhaps my most stressful day yet.
I arrived at the hospital to find Stan's room EMPTY....not even his bed!! He had been transferred from ICU to PCU (progressive care unit.)
At 11 we had the meeting with Doctors, social workers, family members, and two friends (Deryl and Kathy.)
It was determined that we would leave Stan on DNR regarding a "catastrophic occurence" causing his heart to stop or him to quit breathing. Otherwise he is continuing on all support (oxygen, feeding, etc) and a wait and see time. He may be eligible for the LTAC ...long term acute care... here in Anchorage. Kathy and I visited it the other day and it is very nice.
Andy, Isaac, and I had some issues with the "quality" of Stan's care yesterday. Maybe my talking about this made my previous attempt to send an update not acceptable??? Basically it was about the way a couple of nurses neglected using sterile suction methods on his trach.
Kathy took me shopping so I could send things to our grandchildren out of state. This had been a "biggie" on my stress level....I want them to know we love them and are thinking about them, too!!
Stan developed a very high fever in the late evening, his oxygen levels had problems, and his heart rate was way out of control. I wasn't able to leave him until about one a.m. Isaac stayed there to wait for Andy to come get him after work about 2:45 a.m. Andy called me at 2:50 to tell me that Stan's fever was finally down to 97.9. It had been 105.4 about 11 p.m. He was put on a cooling blanket, had ice packs under his arms and in the groin area, and Isaac and I sponged his face for quite a while.
The doctor ordered blood cultures, and they had difficulty getting the two amounts....many pricks for the one, used the IV pic for the other.
I know this is brief...and doesn't even have my "joke" of the day included...but it is now "rush" time for me to get going. I had tried to email you all when I got home about 2, but the internet wouldn't let me log on. I don't know what is going on, but I am hoping I can send this now.
Love, M (It was minus one when I came home last night, it is minus 3 now!!)
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
day 34
Okay everyone.....take a really big, deep breath, let it out, tell God "thank you," and rejoice with me a "little."
The EEG shows activity on the left side of Stan's brain. The activity on the right side is "slowed." The MRI has NO significant damage to the left side. The right side is severly damaged by the stroke. The top and bottom areas of the right side look "normal" but they have to travel through the center right to be useful....and since the center of the right side is virtually gone, they may not be able to connect. The right side controls the left side of the body and vice versa.
The neurologist tells me she can see NO reason for Stan to not wake up. She is very guarded and makes no statement that could be miscontrued as a "positive" or a promise. She also emphasizes that he may never wake up, but nothing on his MRI or EEG tells her he can't. She also says that IF he does wake up, it could be partial. The wonderful part is, this is not the bleak picture told to me last night by the intensivist. Tonight we had a different intensivest...who has read the neurologist's report. He said with her statement that the brain is active, he feels we should wait another one or two weeks to see what happens, and then reassess Stan's progress or lack of.
It isn't the earth shattering news we'd like to hear, but definitely better than yesterday.
It was pretty special to have a good friend doing the MRI and allowing Andy and me to watch (while eating a piece of Christmas candy he and his wife had made the night before!! and getting a hug from him as we left the area.....now that IS service!!) It is very comforting to have a friend in "court." Talk about being blessed....a retired RT, an MRI tech, and a few thousand praying friends (those two included in the number) keeping Stan's name before the Lord.....I can't help but think of George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life." I can't wait to share all this with Stan.
I do think I'll sleep a bit better tonight.
We will be having a meeting with various persons in the morning at 11 Alaska time to discuss options of future care, financial options, physicians' reports or prognosis, etc. It is a time when the kids can ask questions, voice opinions, etc. I really wasn't aware of such things, but one of Stan's nurses insisted this is the next step.
Nope, we aren't lighting any fireworks yet, but I sure feel more like doing so!
Brian and Angie started my car tonight and then "baby sat" it while it warmed up while I made one more visit with Stan. I am glad I did, too. There were a couple of care items he needed attended to that got taken care of because I was there to mention them. Because the kids were waiting for me, I didn't tarry to help, but would have.
He is coughing up a lot of gunk on his own. While I was visiting with Carol E. I glanced at his "numbers" and noticed his oxygen was dropping too low. I jumped up to check it out, and found the hose about 18 inches or more from the connection! He had coughed it loose.
Oh dear...I cannot stay awake, so I'll tell you my "funny" for the day and go to bed.
Getting ready to leave the MRI area, we were waiting on the lift team. When they weren't appearing, I volunteered Andy to help roll his dad back to his room. ONLY...I said, "Stan can help push." So Dave piped up with, "And Andy can ride."
I am getting silly...so will go to bed!
Love, M
The EEG shows activity on the left side of Stan's brain. The activity on the right side is "slowed." The MRI has NO significant damage to the left side. The right side is severly damaged by the stroke. The top and bottom areas of the right side look "normal" but they have to travel through the center right to be useful....and since the center of the right side is virtually gone, they may not be able to connect. The right side controls the left side of the body and vice versa.
The neurologist tells me she can see NO reason for Stan to not wake up. She is very guarded and makes no statement that could be miscontrued as a "positive" or a promise. She also emphasizes that he may never wake up, but nothing on his MRI or EEG tells her he can't. She also says that IF he does wake up, it could be partial. The wonderful part is, this is not the bleak picture told to me last night by the intensivist. Tonight we had a different intensivest...who has read the neurologist's report. He said with her statement that the brain is active, he feels we should wait another one or two weeks to see what happens, and then reassess Stan's progress or lack of.
It isn't the earth shattering news we'd like to hear, but definitely better than yesterday.
It was pretty special to have a good friend doing the MRI and allowing Andy and me to watch (while eating a piece of Christmas candy he and his wife had made the night before!! and getting a hug from him as we left the area.....now that IS service!!) It is very comforting to have a friend in "court." Talk about being blessed....a retired RT, an MRI tech, and a few thousand praying friends (those two included in the number) keeping Stan's name before the Lord.....I can't help but think of George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life." I can't wait to share all this with Stan.
I do think I'll sleep a bit better tonight.
We will be having a meeting with various persons in the morning at 11 Alaska time to discuss options of future care, financial options, physicians' reports or prognosis, etc. It is a time when the kids can ask questions, voice opinions, etc. I really wasn't aware of such things, but one of Stan's nurses insisted this is the next step.
Nope, we aren't lighting any fireworks yet, but I sure feel more like doing so!
Brian and Angie started my car tonight and then "baby sat" it while it warmed up while I made one more visit with Stan. I am glad I did, too. There were a couple of care items he needed attended to that got taken care of because I was there to mention them. Because the kids were waiting for me, I didn't tarry to help, but would have.
He is coughing up a lot of gunk on his own. While I was visiting with Carol E. I glanced at his "numbers" and noticed his oxygen was dropping too low. I jumped up to check it out, and found the hose about 18 inches or more from the connection! He had coughed it loose.
Oh dear...I cannot stay awake, so I'll tell you my "funny" for the day and go to bed.
Getting ready to leave the MRI area, we were waiting on the lift team. When they weren't appearing, I volunteered Andy to help roll his dad back to his room. ONLY...I said, "Stan can help push." So Dave piped up with, "And Andy can ride."
I am getting silly...so will go to bed!
Love, M
Monday, December 17, 2007
Day 33
I did meet with the neurologist this morning and with the intensivist this evening.....
Neither examined Stan at the time, but just talked with me.
They are preparing me for what they believe is the final outcome of this injury to his brain. Neither of them believes he will wake up....
Tomorrow there will be an MRI and an EEG. How I hope there is a glimmer of hope in them. I do appreciate your prayers very much. We will have to leave the decision in God's hands. I have had several beautiful emails regarding my decisions and the need to make a decision. Thank you.
He is no different. His body is definitely alive and healing from the terrible sickness it developed after his surgery. The neurologist did say that the surgery was performed to save his life. It is just that he knew me before, and doesn't after.
He isn't able to quite shut off the oxygen he gets. When it is removed to suction his trach, his stats go down. But he has been breathing on his own for about 36 hours now.
I did give him a pedicure today....something he needed desparately. I survived, too............
His nurse and I had quite a visit today over the Bible. She came in while I was reading. She said she woke up at 2 and was praying for Stan. She recommended the 91st Psalm to me, and I opened the Bible where I had my finger to show her where I had been reading....Psalm 91 !!!!
Love, M
Neither examined Stan at the time, but just talked with me.
They are preparing me for what they believe is the final outcome of this injury to his brain. Neither of them believes he will wake up....
Tomorrow there will be an MRI and an EEG. How I hope there is a glimmer of hope in them. I do appreciate your prayers very much. We will have to leave the decision in God's hands. I have had several beautiful emails regarding my decisions and the need to make a decision. Thank you.
He is no different. His body is definitely alive and healing from the terrible sickness it developed after his surgery. The neurologist did say that the surgery was performed to save his life. It is just that he knew me before, and doesn't after.
He isn't able to quite shut off the oxygen he gets. When it is removed to suction his trach, his stats go down. But he has been breathing on his own for about 36 hours now.
I did give him a pedicure today....something he needed desparately. I survived, too............
His nurse and I had quite a visit today over the Bible. She came in while I was reading. She said she woke up at 2 and was praying for Stan. She recommended the 91st Psalm to me, and I opened the Bible where I had my finger to show her where I had been reading....Psalm 91 !!!!
Love, M
Sunday, December 16, 2007
day 32
And counting!!!!
It is hard to remember what day it is, or how many there have been. It sometimes seems like it all started yesterday...so why am I so tired?? I wish I knew if he could hear me or sense me near him.
I got to the hospital at 8:30 this morning so I wouldn't miss the doctor. She is the neurologist that was very comforting and caring during the first two weeks, before she had to rotate out. I am glad she is the one back on his case, but she came at 8, so I missed seeing her today. However, the nurse did read me her report. At one point she asked me if I wanted her to continue, and of course, I said yes. After she had read all the things I already knew and had observed (i.e. his pupils respond to light, he only responds to pain now in his left foot, he doesn't respond to sound or commands, he doesn't open his eyes, etc.) she then wrote that "prognosis is not good." That is why the nurse asked me.....
She did order an MRI and an EEG for Monday. Hopefully, we'll get some better news from those tests.
Kathy took me to look over a couple of alternative places for when Stan is removed from CCU / ICU unit. He is getting "well" enough that this will happen soon.
She also encouraged me to ask for a Care Conference with the medical staff here. There is one being set up for early in the week. I am to ask questions like "where do we go from here?" Pray for guidance, please.
He DOES continue to heal. He was taken clear off the life support breathing machines today, and was able to breath on his own all day long. He still has oxygen, but no support mechinisms. He has the trach, feeding tube, cathetar, and IV pic....everything else has been removed. It is good to see him without the tubes going down his mouth and nose. He definitely looks more comfortable.
He needs a pedicure....I will try to do that tomorrow.
I do have an actual appt. to see the neurologist tomorrow morning at 8:30.... Today's nurse called and asked for a time that the doctor would be there so I wouldn't miss her. She did tell me to expect to only hear what she had read to me today from the report. I know that, but it will be good to talk to the doctor. She was always very careful to make sure to talk to me each day when she was on call during his first two weeks. And she is the one who gave me her home phone number when she rotated out.
I seem to be repeating myself, so I guess it is bedtime.
Thank you all for your prayers and love!!
Love, M (Yupik Johnny and his brother may get to go home on Tuesday! PTL)
It is hard to remember what day it is, or how many there have been. It sometimes seems like it all started yesterday...so why am I so tired?? I wish I knew if he could hear me or sense me near him.
I got to the hospital at 8:30 this morning so I wouldn't miss the doctor. She is the neurologist that was very comforting and caring during the first two weeks, before she had to rotate out. I am glad she is the one back on his case, but she came at 8, so I missed seeing her today. However, the nurse did read me her report. At one point she asked me if I wanted her to continue, and of course, I said yes. After she had read all the things I already knew and had observed (i.e. his pupils respond to light, he only responds to pain now in his left foot, he doesn't respond to sound or commands, he doesn't open his eyes, etc.) she then wrote that "prognosis is not good." That is why the nurse asked me.....
She did order an MRI and an EEG for Monday. Hopefully, we'll get some better news from those tests.
Kathy took me to look over a couple of alternative places for when Stan is removed from CCU / ICU unit. He is getting "well" enough that this will happen soon.
She also encouraged me to ask for a Care Conference with the medical staff here. There is one being set up for early in the week. I am to ask questions like "where do we go from here?" Pray for guidance, please.
He DOES continue to heal. He was taken clear off the life support breathing machines today, and was able to breath on his own all day long. He still has oxygen, but no support mechinisms. He has the trach, feeding tube, cathetar, and IV pic....everything else has been removed. It is good to see him without the tubes going down his mouth and nose. He definitely looks more comfortable.
He needs a pedicure....I will try to do that tomorrow.
I do have an actual appt. to see the neurologist tomorrow morning at 8:30.... Today's nurse called and asked for a time that the doctor would be there so I wouldn't miss her. She did tell me to expect to only hear what she had read to me today from the report. I know that, but it will be good to talk to the doctor. She was always very careful to make sure to talk to me each day when she was on call during his first two weeks. And she is the one who gave me her home phone number when she rotated out.
I seem to be repeating myself, so I guess it is bedtime.
Thank you all for your prayers and love!!
Love, M (Yupik Johnny and his brother may get to go home on Tuesday! PTL)
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Day 31
I started out the day going to the Native Hospital to check on Phil. He was being released, so I decided I better just wait for him. It took them until noon to get all the paper work, etc ready. I was going to take him home (to get his sax) and then back to school for a final, and THEN finally go to Regional Hosp. to see Stan.
Phil's girlfriend arrived just as we were leaving, so she "took care" of Phil for me. I made it to Stan's hosp. at 12:30.... of course, anxious to be there. I had called before I left home to see how his night went. The nurse was just preparing his first feeding in the stomach tube when I called.
Phil is "fine." Meaning, his esophagus is working, I guess. The second look we thought was scheduled for today (Friday) didn't happen. A different doctor signed him out. His follow up is for sleep apnea (they noticed during his stay) and not for anything to do with the problem he had encountered. So we don't know for sure just why the bite of steak got stuck so firmly. He tells me he did fine on his final in the afternoon.
When I got to Regional I was pretty "shaky," a symptom of my blood sugars hitting rock bottom....so I had to get something to eat. I went to the cafeteria with my body, while my mind was longing to be seeing Stan. As I sat down to eat, I checked my pocket for the cell phone and found it wasn't there. I had to eat...so of course, was on pins and needles wondering where I had lost the phone. I had to go back out to the car, retracing my steps and checking all the way, hoping I didn't have to go back to the other hospital. It had fallen out between the front car seats! So....FINALLY I made it to Stan's room, a complete WRECK!! I had a mini-melt down....mostly because I was asked by staff 3 or 4 times "how are you?" So I guess they now know I am "human."
The RT on duty and Kathy were both very excited that Stan had been taken off the ventilator and put on a BI-PAP machine. It is a step down from the vent. He is breathing with a "push" from the machine. They did try him on just oxygen, but he wouldn't or couldn't breath that way, so they added the "pressure" that this machine gives. I know that is very simplified....but it's the best I can do.
He is "eating" again around the clock. They had turned off the food for almost 18 hours to get ready, to install, and to let the stomach tube settle in.....
He appears to be sleeping very peacefully, he has no sedatives or pain meds at all being administered.
His blotches are no better and no worse. Still a bit of a mystery. His numbers are still "good."
His original neurologist will rotate back in Saturday morning and I will be there early so I can be sure to see her. She was always available to me, even giving me her home phone when she rotated out. The next "set" of neurologists were a brother sister team whom I saw each day. When their rotation ended the brother told me who to expect. (The Santa Claus look a like). He never showed ONCE! I have since had rolled eyes and a guarded comments from some of Stan's doctors and nurses....so I guess we didn't lose anything by NOT seeing him. (Maybe he is busy this time of year, getting ready for his sleigh ride???)
I am told Dr. Madden will be doing a thorough exam. She was never able to do a good assessment of his brain because he was on the induced coma. I am anxious to see her.
I sure do wish he would wake up. I need HIM....
The weather has turned cold (ER) and the sky was bright blue. We had such a beautiful sunset (after a week of grey days) that the RT came to tell me to check out the window. I am glad she did. It was good to see God smiling again.
I am writing this on Saturday morning because I couldn't stay awake last night. Sorry to disappoint those who enjoy my sleepy time additions!! heehee
I am "out the door" to catch the Doctor and get her report. Hopefully, I'll have some good news tonight.
Love, M
Phil's girlfriend arrived just as we were leaving, so she "took care" of Phil for me. I made it to Stan's hosp. at 12:30.... of course, anxious to be there. I had called before I left home to see how his night went. The nurse was just preparing his first feeding in the stomach tube when I called.
Phil is "fine." Meaning, his esophagus is working, I guess. The second look we thought was scheduled for today (Friday) didn't happen. A different doctor signed him out. His follow up is for sleep apnea (they noticed during his stay) and not for anything to do with the problem he had encountered. So we don't know for sure just why the bite of steak got stuck so firmly. He tells me he did fine on his final in the afternoon.
When I got to Regional I was pretty "shaky," a symptom of my blood sugars hitting rock bottom....so I had to get something to eat. I went to the cafeteria with my body, while my mind was longing to be seeing Stan. As I sat down to eat, I checked my pocket for the cell phone and found it wasn't there. I had to eat...so of course, was on pins and needles wondering where I had lost the phone. I had to go back out to the car, retracing my steps and checking all the way, hoping I didn't have to go back to the other hospital. It had fallen out between the front car seats! So....FINALLY I made it to Stan's room, a complete WRECK!! I had a mini-melt down....mostly because I was asked by staff 3 or 4 times "how are you?" So I guess they now know I am "human."
The RT on duty and Kathy were both very excited that Stan had been taken off the ventilator and put on a BI-PAP machine. It is a step down from the vent. He is breathing with a "push" from the machine. They did try him on just oxygen, but he wouldn't or couldn't breath that way, so they added the "pressure" that this machine gives. I know that is very simplified....but it's the best I can do.
He is "eating" again around the clock. They had turned off the food for almost 18 hours to get ready, to install, and to let the stomach tube settle in.....
He appears to be sleeping very peacefully, he has no sedatives or pain meds at all being administered.
His blotches are no better and no worse. Still a bit of a mystery. His numbers are still "good."
His original neurologist will rotate back in Saturday morning and I will be there early so I can be sure to see her. She was always available to me, even giving me her home phone when she rotated out. The next "set" of neurologists were a brother sister team whom I saw each day. When their rotation ended the brother told me who to expect. (The Santa Claus look a like). He never showed ONCE! I have since had rolled eyes and a guarded comments from some of Stan's doctors and nurses....so I guess we didn't lose anything by NOT seeing him. (Maybe he is busy this time of year, getting ready for his sleigh ride???)
I am told Dr. Madden will be doing a thorough exam. She was never able to do a good assessment of his brain because he was on the induced coma. I am anxious to see her.
I sure do wish he would wake up. I need HIM....
The weather has turned cold (ER) and the sky was bright blue. We had such a beautiful sunset (after a week of grey days) that the RT came to tell me to check out the window. I am glad she did. It was good to see God smiling again.
I am writing this on Saturday morning because I couldn't stay awake last night. Sorry to disappoint those who enjoy my sleepy time additions!! heehee
I am "out the door" to catch the Doctor and get her report. Hopefully, I'll have some good news tonight.
Love, M
Friday, December 14, 2007
One MONTH!
As Paul Harvey would say, " And now for the rest of the story....!"
While I wrote last night, my mind was very much on another event unfolding a few miles away in the Native Hospital ER.
When Isaac, Pete, and I got home about 11 p.m. Phil and his girl friend Kacee were having a late dinner of steak. Phil looked a bit peaked, and admitted to Pete that he had "followed his example" and took five Aleve tablets. (Pete says that when someone asked him why he took five excedrin at once, he told them "because I can't swallow seven."
Then Phil noticed on the bottle that it says "no more than 3 in a 24 hour period." (Phil has a pinched nerve in his lower back or something...causing pain down his leg and in his hip.)
Pete decided he would take Phil to the ER, but before he could, Phil started "vomiting"....with nothing coming up. He wretched so hard that the blood vessels in his face around his eyes, on his upper cheeks, and on his forehead burst...so he has a "purple rash" there.
At the ER, the doctor said the overdose of Aleve wouldn't really hurt, just DON"T do it again. But when Phil con't. to vomit with no results, the doctor had him take a drink of water. It wouldn't go down. She told Phil he had an esphogeal blockage.... So while I was writing to you, and later pacing the floor waiting for some word on Phil...and getting more and more sleepy....Phil was getting ready for surgery. I did get to talk to Pete about 2a.m. and discovered that surgery was in the plans for Phil. I went to bed because I HAD to, but I woke up at 6:30 and found the boys were not home...so knew he must have had surgery.
Pete called me about 7, I got showered, Pete came home and showered...and we began our hospital "rounds."
Stan was due for surgery at 12:30. I wanted to be there. But first I needed to be sure my "baby" was okay. He was so sleepy. He is in room 413, but will hopefully be going home tomorrow. He missed a class tonight, and has his Master Class test tomorrow if he gets "out" and is able to play his sax.
Phil did manage to drink a couple of sips of water while we were there....and they did go down. So we gave him a kiss, met Andy for some bfst before I got sick....and headed for the next hospital.
Phil's blockage was the only bite of steak he had taken. It was so difficult to get out that the surgeon had to bring in the "big guys" to dislodge it...meaning, after trying the nice easy flexible "grabber" and failing, she used a rigid "pipe" that required securing his head in a position that made the trip thru his mouth to his esophagus a straight line. She told Pete it was VERY difficult to get out. She is pretty sure the bite was stuck because of some scarring that occurred when he was a toddler. At 14 months he was helping Julie unload the dishwasher and scooped up some of the dw soap that had disolved but not washed away (activated lye)...and proceeded to eat it. Nursing him probably saved his life or at least his esophogus. We spent the day in the hospital while they put him out and took a look. The doctor must have missed seeing a burned spot back then. The diagnosis then was that if it was burned they would have to replace it with a piece of colon.
They are going back "in" tomorrow to take a better look at what is there. So he is lounging in bed in room 413 tonight.
Back to Alaska Regional....Stan had a good night. Preparations for his surgery began in his room. They brought in a couple of "crash carts" etc...a flouroscope and screen...whatever it is where they can see what is going on inside. After everything was in place, including the assistant doctor, the "prima donna" walked in and ousted me!! (I shouldn't call him that...he was so nice...but it is so funny. Hey, he had on an absolutely lovely necktie that complimented his peach colored shirt perfectly!) Instead of the "half hour or less, don't go far" time, it took a little more than 45 minutes. But he said all went well. My boys weren't at all curious to see the tube....but I may very well be having to feed him, and I wanted to see it. The doctor also left me two sheets of pictures... so if you are curious, just ask. I'll show you. Again my very very big boys opted to NOT look at them. LOL
There is a light on a tube that goes thru the mouth into the stomach and locates the place closest to the outside of the body and farthest from other vital parts. That is where a 1/2 inch incision is made. Then the feeding tube is inserted thru the mouth to that incision spot and out thru the incision. There is a "button" on the end of it that fits inside the stomach against the wall of the incision area. The tube is pulled thru the incision and another "button" is placed on the outside of the stomach. He was taken off the nose tube at midnight last night, and won't get anything into the stomach tube until tomorrow. It will stay in him for at least six weeks...even if he gets where it isn't needed anymore. That is because it takes that long for the area to scar together...stomach and outer wall... so that when the buttons are removed there won't be a gap between where food could escape into his innards. Aren't you glad for a layman's biology lesson!!!
This will be much easier for him and his "feeder." Many people live active lives with them intact.
The doctor (intensivist) said his lungs are healing, and it looks like they will be taking him off the ventilator soon, and putting him just on oxygen thru his trach. When that happens, he will probably be transferred to PCU or to St. Elias long term care hospital. I do not know if I make that choice, or they do. You'll have to wait for that installment. (So will I.)
What numbers he still has "going" are all continuing to be very good. The BIG question is his head!!! If he will just PLEASE wake up and show us he is "there" all will be wonderful!!
There are lots of other entertaining things going on in his room, but I am not sure how "graphic" I should be. After all, you ARE a mixed audience! But suffice it to say, bags ballooning up to where we fear they'll pop, does keep us awake and hopping.
We are still going with the injection site theory of his spots....they are not getting any better or worse right now. We are watching new injection sites to see if they develop these blotches.
Pete was going to cut his toenails, but didn't get it done. And now he is on his way to the airport to go to Carson City / Reno to take care of some needs there. He will be back, probably after Christmas with his family.
New people keep coming to the CCU.....the beds that were vacated are full again. A lady in the waiting room whose husband had heart surgery today gave Isaac a hand held Poker game. She cried when I thanked her and told her about his mom. I told her that gift showed him that there is still unselfish love around. She was helping Yupik Johnny find a phone number in the book. So while I am spending more and more time sitting in Stan's room hoping for some sign of waking, she has taken on the task of helping Johnny thru this confusing place and time. God IS good!!!
Phil will be fine. He may have to have some corrective surgery. Stan WILL be fine!!
Lane and Leigh did get to Tulsa to collect Jeanne. They have decided to NOT do the last chemo. That seems to me to be a very wise choice. I hope their trip was not too hard. I am assuming they are home now. I hope she is enjoying the first night in her own bed since the last of August!!
I think that Roger is no better, maybe worse.... I am getting my updates third or fourth hand.
Please let us all pray for him and these others.
Love, M
While I wrote last night, my mind was very much on another event unfolding a few miles away in the Native Hospital ER.
When Isaac, Pete, and I got home about 11 p.m. Phil and his girl friend Kacee were having a late dinner of steak. Phil looked a bit peaked, and admitted to Pete that he had "followed his example" and took five Aleve tablets. (Pete says that when someone asked him why he took five excedrin at once, he told them "because I can't swallow seven."
Then Phil noticed on the bottle that it says "no more than 3 in a 24 hour period." (Phil has a pinched nerve in his lower back or something...causing pain down his leg and in his hip.)
Pete decided he would take Phil to the ER, but before he could, Phil started "vomiting"....with nothing coming up. He wretched so hard that the blood vessels in his face around his eyes, on his upper cheeks, and on his forehead burst...so he has a "purple rash" there.
At the ER, the doctor said the overdose of Aleve wouldn't really hurt, just DON"T do it again. But when Phil con't. to vomit with no results, the doctor had him take a drink of water. It wouldn't go down. She told Phil he had an esphogeal blockage.... So while I was writing to you, and later pacing the floor waiting for some word on Phil...and getting more and more sleepy....Phil was getting ready for surgery. I did get to talk to Pete about 2a.m. and discovered that surgery was in the plans for Phil. I went to bed because I HAD to, but I woke up at 6:30 and found the boys were not home...so knew he must have had surgery.
Pete called me about 7, I got showered, Pete came home and showered...and we began our hospital "rounds."
Stan was due for surgery at 12:30. I wanted to be there. But first I needed to be sure my "baby" was okay. He was so sleepy. He is in room 413, but will hopefully be going home tomorrow. He missed a class tonight, and has his Master Class test tomorrow if he gets "out" and is able to play his sax.
Phil did manage to drink a couple of sips of water while we were there....and they did go down. So we gave him a kiss, met Andy for some bfst before I got sick....and headed for the next hospital.
Phil's blockage was the only bite of steak he had taken. It was so difficult to get out that the surgeon had to bring in the "big guys" to dislodge it...meaning, after trying the nice easy flexible "grabber" and failing, she used a rigid "pipe" that required securing his head in a position that made the trip thru his mouth to his esophagus a straight line. She told Pete it was VERY difficult to get out. She is pretty sure the bite was stuck because of some scarring that occurred when he was a toddler. At 14 months he was helping Julie unload the dishwasher and scooped up some of the dw soap that had disolved but not washed away (activated lye)...and proceeded to eat it. Nursing him probably saved his life or at least his esophogus. We spent the day in the hospital while they put him out and took a look. The doctor must have missed seeing a burned spot back then. The diagnosis then was that if it was burned they would have to replace it with a piece of colon.
They are going back "in" tomorrow to take a better look at what is there. So he is lounging in bed in room 413 tonight.
Back to Alaska Regional....Stan had a good night. Preparations for his surgery began in his room. They brought in a couple of "crash carts" etc...a flouroscope and screen...whatever it is where they can see what is going on inside. After everything was in place, including the assistant doctor, the "prima donna" walked in and ousted me!! (I shouldn't call him that...he was so nice...but it is so funny. Hey, he had on an absolutely lovely necktie that complimented his peach colored shirt perfectly!) Instead of the "half hour or less, don't go far" time, it took a little more than 45 minutes. But he said all went well. My boys weren't at all curious to see the tube....but I may very well be having to feed him, and I wanted to see it. The doctor also left me two sheets of pictures... so if you are curious, just ask. I'll show you. Again my very very big boys opted to NOT look at them. LOL
There is a light on a tube that goes thru the mouth into the stomach and locates the place closest to the outside of the body and farthest from other vital parts. That is where a 1/2 inch incision is made. Then the feeding tube is inserted thru the mouth to that incision spot and out thru the incision. There is a "button" on the end of it that fits inside the stomach against the wall of the incision area. The tube is pulled thru the incision and another "button" is placed on the outside of the stomach. He was taken off the nose tube at midnight last night, and won't get anything into the stomach tube until tomorrow. It will stay in him for at least six weeks...even if he gets where it isn't needed anymore. That is because it takes that long for the area to scar together...stomach and outer wall... so that when the buttons are removed there won't be a gap between where food could escape into his innards. Aren't you glad for a layman's biology lesson!!!
This will be much easier for him and his "feeder." Many people live active lives with them intact.
The doctor (intensivist) said his lungs are healing, and it looks like they will be taking him off the ventilator soon, and putting him just on oxygen thru his trach. When that happens, he will probably be transferred to PCU or to St. Elias long term care hospital. I do not know if I make that choice, or they do. You'll have to wait for that installment. (So will I.)
What numbers he still has "going" are all continuing to be very good. The BIG question is his head!!! If he will just PLEASE wake up and show us he is "there" all will be wonderful!!
There are lots of other entertaining things going on in his room, but I am not sure how "graphic" I should be. After all, you ARE a mixed audience! But suffice it to say, bags ballooning up to where we fear they'll pop, does keep us awake and hopping.
We are still going with the injection site theory of his spots....they are not getting any better or worse right now. We are watching new injection sites to see if they develop these blotches.
Pete was going to cut his toenails, but didn't get it done. And now he is on his way to the airport to go to Carson City / Reno to take care of some needs there. He will be back, probably after Christmas with his family.
New people keep coming to the CCU.....the beds that were vacated are full again. A lady in the waiting room whose husband had heart surgery today gave Isaac a hand held Poker game. She cried when I thanked her and told her about his mom. I told her that gift showed him that there is still unselfish love around. She was helping Yupik Johnny find a phone number in the book. So while I am spending more and more time sitting in Stan's room hoping for some sign of waking, she has taken on the task of helping Johnny thru this confusing place and time. God IS good!!!
Phil will be fine. He may have to have some corrective surgery. Stan WILL be fine!!
Lane and Leigh did get to Tulsa to collect Jeanne. They have decided to NOT do the last chemo. That seems to me to be a very wise choice. I hope their trip was not too hard. I am assuming they are home now. I hope she is enjoying the first night in her own bed since the last of August!!
I think that Roger is no better, maybe worse.... I am getting my updates third or fourth hand.
Please let us all pray for him and these others.
Love, M
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Day 29
Dear Ones....
I don't want to write today....
Stan is still "out" but his numbers are staying "good." He is having the feeding tube inserted into his stomach and taken out of his nose tomorrow. He has a new rash...kind of measley looking on his arms between his wrists and elbows. This has nothing to do with the blotches. The only doctor I saw today was the surgeon who will be inserting the feeding tube. I had questions to ask, but the only one I was able to ask is "can the tube wait until after Friday?" That is because we are hoping to have him wake up, and if he is re-sedated, it will be a step backward. The doctor assured me that it will be a tiny bit of short lived sedative, and a local thing to deaden the area on his stomach where they make a 1/2 inch incision. So I signed.....
Both occupational therapy and physical therapy were taught to me today... I am to do 3 reps 3 times a day on his feet and legs, and 5 reps 3 times a day on his arms. His muscle tone seems to be nonexistant. I have been working on his fingers and arms and a little on his feet all along. We need to keep his joints from stiffening.
We seem to be allowed to stay even during the shift change in the evenings now. I'm not sure that is an encouraging sign.... But I will NOT lose hope!!
My heart is aching pretty badly tho. Both Amy (expected) and Eddie died. I didn't have much contact with Amy's son, but Nancy I have been very close through this last month. Eddie just died about 8 tonight.
Johnny, my little Yupik friend, is now able to stay in his brother's room. They moved him from CCU to the heart floor today. They put in a roll a way bed for Johnny. I am so glad that God blessed me with the ability to get him a room for the last four nights. All day long he sits in his brother's CCU room and looks so worried. Today he has a smile, and again prayed for Stan and thanked God that God let him meet me. Isn't that wonderful!!! He held my hand and Pete's and Andy and Brian were there with us and joined in a circle. I just love the way he prays for my white man and asks God to "fix" him. I love all your prayers, but this simple little man is such a gift from God.
I wish I knew Amy's son's name, but I don't. I told Nancy that you would be praying for her. In her 34 years of marriage they even worked together, so were almost never apart. This will be very hard for her. They have no children because he wasn't able, but she told me she knew that but decided she would rather have him and no children than no him. It is so wonderful to see such dedication and love. She was with him all day every day.....for 28 days here.
I would really appreciate it if you would keep my sister Jeanne in prayer, too, especially tomorrow (the 13th) because she will be traveling home from Tulsa. That is the plan anyway. But I understand she is very weak right now. (For any who don't know, she has lung cancer and is just finishing another round of chemo. She lives in Oregon. Her husband and daughter in law have traveled to Tulsa to get her. Lane did tell me that it took people to replace me. It is hard for me to not be there for her.)
There is another prayer request.... Roger Buck had a heart attack a few days ago, and I just heard he has taken a turn for the worse. He and his wife Sue are Christians in Eugene....many of you know them.
Thank you for keeping this vigil with me and my kids. We are told that the road ahead is a very long one. I won't do daily emails for years, but for now, I hope you all don't mind staying in tune with me. I am comforted by all your support. Thank you.
Love, M
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I don't want to write today....
Stan is still "out" but his numbers are staying "good." He is having the feeding tube inserted into his stomach and taken out of his nose tomorrow. He has a new rash...kind of measley looking on his arms between his wrists and elbows. This has nothing to do with the blotches. The only doctor I saw today was the surgeon who will be inserting the feeding tube. I had questions to ask, but the only one I was able to ask is "can the tube wait until after Friday?" That is because we are hoping to have him wake up, and if he is re-sedated, it will be a step backward. The doctor assured me that it will be a tiny bit of short lived sedative, and a local thing to deaden the area on his stomach where they make a 1/2 inch incision. So I signed.....
Both occupational therapy and physical therapy were taught to me today... I am to do 3 reps 3 times a day on his feet and legs, and 5 reps 3 times a day on his arms. His muscle tone seems to be nonexistant. I have been working on his fingers and arms and a little on his feet all along. We need to keep his joints from stiffening.
We seem to be allowed to stay even during the shift change in the evenings now. I'm not sure that is an encouraging sign.... But I will NOT lose hope!!
My heart is aching pretty badly tho. Both Amy (expected) and Eddie died. I didn't have much contact with Amy's son, but Nancy I have been very close through this last month. Eddie just died about 8 tonight.
Johnny, my little Yupik friend, is now able to stay in his brother's room. They moved him from CCU to the heart floor today. They put in a roll a way bed for Johnny. I am so glad that God blessed me with the ability to get him a room for the last four nights. All day long he sits in his brother's CCU room and looks so worried. Today he has a smile, and again prayed for Stan and thanked God that God let him meet me. Isn't that wonderful!!! He held my hand and Pete's and Andy and Brian were there with us and joined in a circle. I just love the way he prays for my white man and asks God to "fix" him. I love all your prayers, but this simple little man is such a gift from God.
I wish I knew Amy's son's name, but I don't. I told Nancy that you would be praying for her. In her 34 years of marriage they even worked together, so were almost never apart. This will be very hard for her. They have no children because he wasn't able, but she told me she knew that but decided she would rather have him and no children than no him. It is so wonderful to see such dedication and love. She was with him all day every day.....for 28 days here.
I would really appreciate it if you would keep my sister Jeanne in prayer, too, especially tomorrow (the 13th) because she will be traveling home from Tulsa. That is the plan anyway. But I understand she is very weak right now. (For any who don't know, she has lung cancer and is just finishing another round of chemo. She lives in Oregon. Her husband and daughter in law have traveled to Tulsa to get her. Lane did tell me that it took people to replace me. It is hard for me to not be there for her.)
There is another prayer request.... Roger Buck had a heart attack a few days ago, and I just heard he has taken a turn for the worse. He and his wife Sue are Christians in Eugene....many of you know them.
Thank you for keeping this vigil with me and my kids. We are told that the road ahead is a very long one. I won't do daily emails for years, but for now, I hope you all don't mind staying in tune with me. I am comforted by all your support. Thank you.
Love, M
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Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Day 28
I was a little late getting started today....and had to clean snow off my car before leaving home. It snowed all day, but didn't mount up to that much. Downtown is more "mush" than snow! At our house it is pretty....but it is a very wet, snowman making snow. Ashley and I want to build one, but I just can't take the time or energy right now. We usually get powdery dry snow that won't stick together. I guess here is a good time to let you all in on a "big secret."
For those of you who are familiar with Springfield, OR ...you know that large white statue of a horse and rider as you enter Springfield from the south???? Well.... I built that!!! Just ask Andy, and if Julie were still alive, she would definitely insist that I did! They were about 4 and 5 when we drove into Springfield from Cottage Grove one Sunday, and as we passed the statue, they both exclaimed, "There's that horse that Mama built!" The only explanation we could come up with was when they watched me build a cowboy snowman when they were one and two!! I did DO that...impressive guy...taller than I am!!! In their minds they must have connected the two. Julie insisted right up to her last summer that in her head she knew I didn't, but in her heart she believes I did!
Okay, enough trivia!!!
Stan just won't wake up!! Kathy hollared in his ear...(she's a better hollarer than I am!)....but no response! Guess I can't blame him.... he's getting his feet rubbed, music played (Galen, we're listening to your CD now!), fed continuously (no chocolate yet, tho), waited on hand and foot... What do you think!!!!
There is "talk" of his maybe getting the ventilator off soon. If that happens, he may even get out of CCU....even if he hasn't woke up.
He will be getting the feeding tube out of his nose and inserted into his tum this week.
I have a NEW advocate in Mandy Titus. She was very insistent that I make sure the doctor knew the Pic (a special type of IV) had not been changed today. He had ordered it last night. I was showing her the red spots and also how the pic looked. She agreed with me that it looked infected. We didn't have to tell the doctor...he figured it out and was not too happy.
I was allowed to stay in his room after seven tonight. The nurse shut the door and said she would pretend I wasn't there, so I could be available to see the doctor. When he came in, he wasn't too happy because his orders to change Stan's pic hadn't been carried out. The nurse walked in about then and he did tell her to get it out tonight. It looks pretty sore at the insert site, but when I asked about it today, she had said she didn't think it needed changing. Whoops!!!
I was kind of surprised..... he really does have great nurses. What they have to do for him several times a day is way way beyond too much!!! And they are always so loving!
Anyway, I asked the doctor what he thought about the red blotches, and he wasn't aware of them. The first thing he said was that they looked like they were caused by an injection, and asked where he got his insulin. Sure enough, the nurse pointed to every spot there was a blotch!!! I do think he may be "on to something." I can't remember just what his order was, but it was something about using a spot that wasn't blotchy and watch to see if it breaks out. Maybe even change the type of insulin...this one started with an L.....
I hope all that makes sense...I was there, so I have an idea of what went on!!
I am finding out that Women really ARE the stronger sex!! The "lift team" yesterday consisted of a guy and a gal. They are both very large individuals. The gal (and the tiny nurse) didn't bat an eye during "clean up" but the guy couldn't handle being there. I suggested a mask and he immediately got himself one. But when a lift person was needed elsewhere, he quickly said he'd volunteer.
He had to "lift" alone today and came in with a full face mask. When that didn't really work, I suggested he put a little dab of powder right under his nose. Since he had gloves on, I offered to do it...and it did help. His was not a pleasant task (but he was just doing the lifting...the nurse did all the "work"). He had a cute little dab of white powder under his nose, and laughed when he said people might wonder about him....! LOL
Well ... all that is probably more than you wanted to know, but that is what my day is like. I took my box of Christmas cards with me to start addressing envelopes, but only got ONE done. That was because Sondra came to visit, and we have this "contest" to see who sends to whom first. She said she had mine addressed at home, but not mailed yet. I decided she probably is the winner, since she actually came and collected hers........but then we agreed it must be a tie!
I wonder what Stan thinks of all this going on in his room.....!!
Andy, Grace, and kids are spending the night. Andy had to work, and why drive home in this mess if you are just coming back in tomorrow!! He doesn't get off work until after one a.m. (If I have the time wrong, Grace will accuse me of lying, but really it is just a senior moment for me!! I know it is late when he gets off.)
I was holding Stan's hand this afternoon and feeling a little bit discouraged and was praying that God would help me not lose faith or hope but to continue to trust Him. When I got home tonight I found the following email from Molly. She usually writes encouragement in the morning. For her to have this waiting for me tonight was "just what the doctor ordered." I told her she must have a direct line into my brain!!! What a blessing. I thought you all might enjoy her words and be comforted by them, too.
Love, M
Hi Madeline - I'm about 12 hours late and I'm sorry.
I really appreciate your telling us about the regulars in the hospital. This is so great, so have people praying for these people.
When you get home tonight, I hope you'll be able to get good, long, sweet, restorative sleep.
All right, a verse or two before bed, my girl:
Colossians 1:11-12. May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father. When you pray the Word of God, you know you’re praying according to His will, and therefore you can be confident that He will give you what you’re asking. In this case, I’m asking for you to be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might. The only source of strength for the Christian is God the Father. God’s glorious power is at work in your life so you may obtain endurance for what you’re required to do, and patience for those with whom you’re required to do it. When we come to God for this power and when God the Father strengthens us, our lives will reflect joy, not bitterness, and we will have a thankful heart, not a resentful or angry heart. We will know it is our heavenly Father who is taking care of us in every way, every moment, and we will tell Him, “Thank You. Thank You that God is my Father, and Jesus is my Savior.” And the Holy Spirit lives inside of you to make the Christian life possible . . . to make it possible for you to keep going to the hospital, to keep waiting, to keep being patient.
Tell the gang at the hospital to hang in there, people are praying for THEM.
Love,
Molly
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For those of you who are familiar with Springfield, OR ...you know that large white statue of a horse and rider as you enter Springfield from the south???? Well.... I built that!!! Just ask Andy, and if Julie were still alive, she would definitely insist that I did! They were about 4 and 5 when we drove into Springfield from Cottage Grove one Sunday, and as we passed the statue, they both exclaimed, "There's that horse that Mama built!" The only explanation we could come up with was when they watched me build a cowboy snowman when they were one and two!! I did DO that...impressive guy...taller than I am!!! In their minds they must have connected the two. Julie insisted right up to her last summer that in her head she knew I didn't, but in her heart she believes I did!
Okay, enough trivia!!!
Stan just won't wake up!! Kathy hollared in his ear...(she's a better hollarer than I am!)....but no response! Guess I can't blame him.... he's getting his feet rubbed, music played (Galen, we're listening to your CD now!), fed continuously (no chocolate yet, tho), waited on hand and foot... What do you think!!!!
There is "talk" of his maybe getting the ventilator off soon. If that happens, he may even get out of CCU....even if he hasn't woke up.
He will be getting the feeding tube out of his nose and inserted into his tum this week.
I have a NEW advocate in Mandy Titus. She was very insistent that I make sure the doctor knew the Pic (a special type of IV) had not been changed today. He had ordered it last night. I was showing her the red spots and also how the pic looked. She agreed with me that it looked infected. We didn't have to tell the doctor...he figured it out and was not too happy.
I was allowed to stay in his room after seven tonight. The nurse shut the door and said she would pretend I wasn't there, so I could be available to see the doctor. When he came in, he wasn't too happy because his orders to change Stan's pic hadn't been carried out. The nurse walked in about then and he did tell her to get it out tonight. It looks pretty sore at the insert site, but when I asked about it today, she had said she didn't think it needed changing. Whoops!!!
I was kind of surprised..... he really does have great nurses. What they have to do for him several times a day is way way beyond too much!!! And they are always so loving!
Anyway, I asked the doctor what he thought about the red blotches, and he wasn't aware of them. The first thing he said was that they looked like they were caused by an injection, and asked where he got his insulin. Sure enough, the nurse pointed to every spot there was a blotch!!! I do think he may be "on to something." I can't remember just what his order was, but it was something about using a spot that wasn't blotchy and watch to see if it breaks out. Maybe even change the type of insulin...this one started with an L.....
I hope all that makes sense...I was there, so I have an idea of what went on!!
I am finding out that Women really ARE the stronger sex!! The "lift team" yesterday consisted of a guy and a gal. They are both very large individuals. The gal (and the tiny nurse) didn't bat an eye during "clean up" but the guy couldn't handle being there. I suggested a mask and he immediately got himself one. But when a lift person was needed elsewhere, he quickly said he'd volunteer.
He had to "lift" alone today and came in with a full face mask. When that didn't really work, I suggested he put a little dab of powder right under his nose. Since he had gloves on, I offered to do it...and it did help. His was not a pleasant task (but he was just doing the lifting...the nurse did all the "work"). He had a cute little dab of white powder under his nose, and laughed when he said people might wonder about him....! LOLWell ... all that is probably more than you wanted to know, but that is what my day is like. I took my box of Christmas cards with me to start addressing envelopes, but only got ONE done. That was because Sondra came to visit, and we have this "contest" to see who sends to whom first. She said she had mine addressed at home, but not mailed yet. I decided she probably is the winner, since she actually came and collected hers........but then we agreed it must be a tie!
I wonder what Stan thinks of all this going on in his room.....!!
Andy, Grace, and kids are spending the night. Andy had to work, and why drive home in this mess if you are just coming back in tomorrow!! He doesn't get off work until after one a.m. (If I have the time wrong, Grace will accuse me of lying, but really it is just a senior moment for me!! I know it is late when he gets off.)
I was holding Stan's hand this afternoon and feeling a little bit discouraged and was praying that God would help me not lose faith or hope but to continue to trust Him. When I got home tonight I found the following email from Molly. She usually writes encouragement in the morning. For her to have this waiting for me tonight was "just what the doctor ordered." I told her she must have a direct line into my brain!!! What a blessing. I thought you all might enjoy her words and be comforted by them, too.
Love, M
Hi Madeline - I'm about 12 hours late and I'm sorry.
I really appreciate your telling us about the regulars in the hospital. This is so great, so have people praying for these people.
When you get home tonight, I hope you'll be able to get good, long, sweet, restorative sleep.
All right, a verse or two before bed, my girl:
Colossians 1:11-12. May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father. When you pray the Word of God, you know you’re praying according to His will, and therefore you can be confident that He will give you what you’re asking. In this case, I’m asking for you to be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might. The only source of strength for the Christian is God the Father. God’s glorious power is at work in your life so you may obtain endurance for what you’re required to do, and patience for those with whom you’re required to do it. When we come to God for this power and when God the Father strengthens us, our lives will reflect joy, not bitterness, and we will have a thankful heart, not a resentful or angry heart. We will know it is our heavenly Father who is taking care of us in every way, every moment, and we will tell Him, “Thank You. Thank You that God is my Father, and Jesus is my Savior.” And the Holy Spirit lives inside of you to make the Christian life possible . . . to make it possible for you to keep going to the hospital, to keep waiting, to keep being patient.
Tell the gang at the hospital to hang in there, people are praying for THEM.
Love,
Molly
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Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Day 27
Just three more days and it will be an entire month. I really felt weary today....and I actually had at least an hour's more sleep last night.
Andy, Pete, and Isaac installed the new toilet in the master bath today. Before Stan was in Providence Hospital for his A-fib (just previous to this problem) we went together to purchase the needed object. We have wall hung toilets, so you can't just go to your nearest Home Depot to replace the thing!! The clerk told us they'd be on sale that coming Saturday so we thanked him and made plans to return on Saturday to make our purchase. Stan ended up in the hospital for the A-fib/cardio version, so yours truly was left to go buy the toilet. We had the paper work on the model we wanted, so that part wasn't too hard. And to give me credit for a little knowledge, I knew that replacing a toilet meant needing new bowl wax.............well, at least I thought so. But this kind needs a gasket instead. However, the salesman knew what was needed when I asked about bowl wax....so I had all the right stuff. As you can see, Stan never got to install it....but I have grown very weary of toilet "donking" so am really blessed to have the boys fix this problem. (You have to remove the lid and "DONK" the air cylinder inside...which means hit it with the side of your fist as hard as you can....sometimes more than six or eight times before it behaves. Our "adopted" granddaughter Abigail called it donking when she was only about six.)
Pete also got my car washed for me two days ago...............Soooooooooooooo today it rained, and it is as dirty as ever!! UGH ......... this weather is truly frustrating. It doesn't look like we'll have a white Christmas, either. We did get some nice snow falls in October and in fact, a couple the first week Stan was in the hospital, but it has been gone for a couple of weeks, and now we are getting rain, which freezes at night and gets nice and slick. It melts in the daytime and sprays as you drive. I like my winters white and cold enough to stay white until time for summer. For you "non" Alaskans....spring, when the snow is supposed to melt and go away, is called "break up" because that is what is happening....a very messy time of year. We don't need a dozen or more break ups in Nov to March!!
Well... enough about the weather....on to the "good stuff." I just wish it were better. Stan has several of his tubes and wires removed, he is off more stuff, and had a CAT scan today that was a "little" bit better than the last one. I was down on floor one looking at his CAT scan pix when the doctor (another new one) came in to the room and explained all about it. Kathy was there, and she quizzed him for me....and she does know questions to ask that I wouldn't even know should be....I am so blessed to have her in my corner!!
I was hoping to hear the number involved with today's scan. It didn't show on the screen yet. The scan on the 22nd showed a 12.2 cm bulge (that's not an official term for it) of the right side of the brain, crossing over the mid line. On the 29th it measured 9.89, and today it was 8 something...so it is improving. And the bleed looks like it is absorbing nicely. It hardly shows on today's scan. What I didn't "see" but was explained by the doctor is there is chronic changes in Stan's brain. These MAY be "old" ...caused by years of high blood pressure... We won't know what is going on until he wakes up.........which brings us to another point. It is possible he won't wake for another 3 days. With the length of time he was on the sedation, and the size of him.....he has been pretty inundated with meds. They need to be gone before he can have a regular meal. (Okay...for all you who are missing my "funnies"...I just wrote one. Of course, I didn't mean meal!!)
Oh dear...I meant they have to be gone before he will wake up, and they are in his fat cells, and must be processed thru his liver or something. I'll have to have Kathy explain that to me again. The meal thing was my brain on "remote control" while I slept!
Back to the meds...the doctor said we could plan on them being gone by 7 days...which will be this Friday we figured. (7 days after being taken off ALL sedatives.)
Re: the meal again........... He is fed through a tube in his nose!! I think it will be more than three days before he gets a "regular" meal! John and Paula Toms, and with Kathy's help, are making suggestions of how to slip him some chocolate. I am positive this is the longest he has gone without chocolate in his life....or at least our married life! They figure the whole problem is he's having withdrawal problems.
I got an email from Janet today with a suggestion from someone on her mailing list, asking about latex allergy...regarding the red spots. That sounds very plausible, but I am thinking hospitals don't use latex any more...they don't allow latex or mylar balloons in the hospitals here. I was told that the areas can't be tape, as NO tape was used. They are bigger and angrier looking today...and there is one developing on one hip. Some really look like very sore burns. So...please feel free to throw in any and all ideas.... we do want to solve this. I plan to ask about the latex tomorrow.
I guess my going home early last night caused a "hulabaloo".......John and Paula came about 8 and I had just left. The nurse was convinced I would be in to kiss him good night. She didn't know that I had done that before getting "kicked" out at 7. She was making the doctor wait to talk to me!! (another "doc missing" on my part!)
When she came on duty tonight, she gave me a big hug and told me she almost called me she was so worried about me....because "I'm always there."
I learned some interesting things today about some of Stan's tubes...or I should say one of them. He might be upset if I tell EVERYTHING, tho. But it was interesting....
He's still having the hiccups and lots of yawns, but these are all involuntary movements.
OH... he was "off" the ventilator today. It was set on S for spontaneous (spontaneous breathing by himself). The machine was there to help if he failed, but mostly he just did it on his own.
I did tell God it was okay with me if he didn't take the entire week to wake up!! I am anxious to have him open his eyes and see me.
Bed time +..............Thanks for your prayers.
Love, M (the little Yupik gentleman sang and played his harmonica for Kathy, Brian, and me during the 7 to 8:30 evening break. He does very well.)
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Andy, Pete, and Isaac installed the new toilet in the master bath today. Before Stan was in Providence Hospital for his A-fib (just previous to this problem) we went together to purchase the needed object. We have wall hung toilets, so you can't just go to your nearest Home Depot to replace the thing!! The clerk told us they'd be on sale that coming Saturday so we thanked him and made plans to return on Saturday to make our purchase. Stan ended up in the hospital for the A-fib/cardio version, so yours truly was left to go buy the toilet. We had the paper work on the model we wanted, so that part wasn't too hard. And to give me credit for a little knowledge, I knew that replacing a toilet meant needing new bowl wax.............well, at least I thought so. But this kind needs a gasket instead. However, the salesman knew what was needed when I asked about bowl wax....so I had all the right stuff. As you can see, Stan never got to install it....but I have grown very weary of toilet "donking" so am really blessed to have the boys fix this problem. (You have to remove the lid and "DONK" the air cylinder inside...which means hit it with the side of your fist as hard as you can....sometimes more than six or eight times before it behaves. Our "adopted" granddaughter Abigail called it donking when she was only about six.
)Pete also got my car washed for me two days ago...............Soooooooooooooo today it rained, and it is as dirty as ever!! UGH ......... this weather is truly frustrating. It doesn't look like we'll have a white Christmas, either. We did get some nice snow falls in October and in fact, a couple the first week Stan was in the hospital, but it has been gone for a couple of weeks, and now we are getting rain, which freezes at night and gets nice and slick. It melts in the daytime and sprays as you drive. I like my winters white and cold enough to stay white until time for summer. For you "non" Alaskans....spring, when the snow is supposed to melt and go away, is called "break up" because that is what is happening....a very messy time of year. We don't need a dozen or more break ups in Nov to March!!
Well... enough about the weather....on to the "good stuff." I just wish it were better. Stan has several of his tubes and wires removed, he is off more stuff, and had a CAT scan today that was a "little" bit better than the last one. I was down on floor one looking at his CAT scan pix when the doctor (another new one) came in to the room and explained all about it. Kathy was there, and she quizzed him for me....and she does know questions to ask that I wouldn't even know should be....I am so blessed to have her in my corner!!
I was hoping to hear the number involved with today's scan. It didn't show on the screen yet. The scan on the 22nd showed a 12.2 cm bulge (that's not an official term for it) of the right side of the brain, crossing over the mid line. On the 29th it measured 9.89, and today it was 8 something...so it is improving. And the bleed looks like it is absorbing nicely. It hardly shows on today's scan. What I didn't "see" but was explained by the doctor is there is chronic changes in Stan's brain. These MAY be "old" ...caused by years of high blood pressure... We won't know what is going on until he wakes up.........which brings us to another point. It is possible he won't wake for another 3 days. With the length of time he was on the sedation, and the size of him.....he has been pretty inundated with meds. They need to be gone before he can have a regular meal. (Okay...for all you who are missing my "funnies"...I just wrote one. Of course, I didn't mean meal!!)
Oh dear...I meant they have to be gone before he will wake up, and they are in his fat cells, and must be processed thru his liver or something. I'll have to have Kathy explain that to me again. The meal thing was my brain on "remote control" while I slept!
Back to the meds...the doctor said we could plan on them being gone by 7 days...which will be this Friday we figured. (7 days after being taken off ALL sedatives.)
Re: the meal again........... He is fed through a tube in his nose!! I think it will be more than three days before he gets a "regular" meal! John and Paula Toms, and with Kathy's help, are making suggestions of how to slip him some chocolate. I am positive this is the longest he has gone without chocolate in his life....or at least our married life! They figure the whole problem is he's having withdrawal problems.
I got an email from Janet today with a suggestion from someone on her mailing list, asking about latex allergy...regarding the red spots. That sounds very plausible, but I am thinking hospitals don't use latex any more...they don't allow latex or mylar balloons in the hospitals here. I was told that the areas can't be tape, as NO tape was used. They are bigger and angrier looking today...and there is one developing on one hip. Some really look like very sore burns. So...please feel free to throw in any and all ideas.... we do want to solve this. I plan to ask about the latex tomorrow.
I guess my going home early last night caused a "hulabaloo".......John and Paula came about 8 and I had just left. The nurse was convinced I would be in to kiss him good night. She didn't know that I had done that before getting "kicked" out at 7. She was making the doctor wait to talk to me!! (another "doc missing" on my part!)
When she came on duty tonight, she gave me a big hug and told me she almost called me she was so worried about me....because "I'm always there."
I learned some interesting things today about some of Stan's tubes...or I should say one of them. He might be upset if I tell EVERYTHING, tho. But it was interesting....
He's still having the hiccups and lots of yawns, but these are all involuntary movements.
OH... he was "off" the ventilator today. It was set on S for spontaneous (spontaneous breathing by himself). The machine was there to help if he failed, but mostly he just did it on his own.
I did tell God it was okay with me if he didn't take the entire week to wake up!! I am anxious to have him open his eyes and see me.
Bed time +..............Thanks for your prayers.
Love, M (the little Yupik gentleman sang and played his harmonica for Kathy, Brian, and me during the 7 to 8:30 evening break. He does very well.)
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Sunday, December 9, 2007
Day 26
Boy oh Boy, how the days roll by......
The young man whose mother is dying called over to me as he got off the elevator, and asked me if I remembered him. I told him I knew I should, but had to get closer to really recognize him. His mom is Amy, that I mentioned a couple of days ago. She is still on the verge of having life support turned off.
I checked on Johnny....my little Yupik friend. He said he stayed in the room last night, and I assured him he could again tonight. His brother isn't in the hospital bed, but is in a reclining chair beside the bed. I'm not sure why.... no matter how early or late I see him. The two Yupik girls, Darlene and her cousin, were singing today in their language. They were in very good spirits, too, because Pauline has started waking up and responding to them. She can't talk, but nods her head to their questions. Also, she was taken out of "isolation" today. Those gowns and gloves are a pain.... we only had to do them for about four hours one day for Stan.
Nancy said Eddie is doing so good today that they are taking him off a lot of stuff!! PTL... His improvement started after you all were asked to pray for them.... I told her that for the last two days a lot of people were asking God on his behalf! What a testimony your prayers are!! Thank you...
The mother of the gal that was shot stopped to see me today and ask about Stan. Her daughter is one floor down now...and may get to go home on Thursday. That is a real miracle. The mom was going home tomorrow, but has decided to stay and get her daughter settled at home.
Shelby (age 5) had Brian drawing her more pix today, but I didn't get to see them. They had to leave while I was in Stan's room. Brian draws and she colors them. What a neat set up!! Pete had him draw a fancy truck on his back pack because someone else here had a pack exactly like his.....BUT, no more!!!
There was a soup "potluck" at church today for those who stayed to tear up old carpet. Pete and Kathy said they were exempt from the work, but got to eat some because they were bringing me some!! (Looks like I'm good for something...even if it is just getting them exempt from work!!) (The soups were delicious!!) Gwen, one of your rolls was the perfect companion to the soup. Thank you again!!
Stan's numbers stay stable and good...except for a slight raise in BP today. He has taken pills for his blood pressure for years, and for some reason they took him completely off the meds for it this morning. He was put back on this evening, tho. Otherwise, every machine looks super. He does keep having the hiccups. He gets a little rest from them now and then, but back they come.
Stan's bump on his head (I only had ONE person guess as to how he got it! Could be you are right, Molly!! heehee) disappeared, only leaving a dark red splotch for a couple of days. BUT speaking of red "spots" he has been sporting a few for 3 or 4 days now that are a mystery. "We" think we've solved it, today, but of course don't know for sure. A couple of people were even guessing "shingles," but I really don't hold to that theory. Kathy suggested maybe the doctor who is so mean to his head, whipped him with a belt....That IS what it looks like. What he has is two long narrow red welt looking spots on his left front about navel height from side to mid tum.... they are about two inches wide and maybe 8 inches long...with a completely clear strip between them. On each upper arm he has a welt like spot that is round and about the size of a silver dollar, and another spot below the circle that is about the same width, but twice as long.........with a bare spot between them. They resemble floor burns more than anything else I could suggest. They appeared the day after his last proning....and they seem to get redder and angrier looking each day. They are touching NOTHING for these last few days, often not even a gown or cover. Pete finally suggested today that maybe when they proned him, they used tape to secure his wires and tubes in those spots, and he developed an allergy to the tape. This seems to make sense when you see the clear area between two "rashes" in each place. It looks like a tube or wires were placed where it is clear and then taped on each side to hold them secure while he was turned. It is still a mystery why they keep getting worse, but no one has come up with a better explanation so far....not even doctors or nurses.
I guess I better take the camera tomorrow and photograph them. Wonder why I haven't thought of that before?????
This was day 3 of having all the stuff turned off so he could wake up. I am getting antsy!! No waking today!! But like Scarlet said, "Tomorrow is another day."
I better get to bed so I can be ready to meet it!!!
Love, m
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The young man whose mother is dying called over to me as he got off the elevator, and asked me if I remembered him. I told him I knew I should, but had to get closer to really recognize him. His mom is Amy, that I mentioned a couple of days ago. She is still on the verge of having life support turned off.
I checked on Johnny....my little Yupik friend. He said he stayed in the room last night, and I assured him he could again tonight. His brother isn't in the hospital bed, but is in a reclining chair beside the bed. I'm not sure why.... no matter how early or late I see him. The two Yupik girls, Darlene and her cousin, were singing today in their language. They were in very good spirits, too, because Pauline has started waking up and responding to them. She can't talk, but nods her head to their questions. Also, she was taken out of "isolation" today. Those gowns and gloves are a pain.... we only had to do them for about four hours one day for Stan.
Nancy said Eddie is doing so good today that they are taking him off a lot of stuff!! PTL... His improvement started after you all were asked to pray for them.... I told her that for the last two days a lot of people were asking God on his behalf! What a testimony your prayers are!! Thank you...
The mother of the gal that was shot stopped to see me today and ask about Stan. Her daughter is one floor down now...and may get to go home on Thursday. That is a real miracle. The mom was going home tomorrow, but has decided to stay and get her daughter settled at home.
Shelby (age 5) had Brian drawing her more pix today, but I didn't get to see them. They had to leave while I was in Stan's room. Brian draws and she colors them. What a neat set up!! Pete had him draw a fancy truck on his back pack because someone else here had a pack exactly like his.....BUT, no more!!!
There was a soup "potluck" at church today for those who stayed to tear up old carpet. Pete and Kathy said they were exempt from the work, but got to eat some because they were bringing me some!! (Looks like I'm good for something...even if it is just getting them exempt from work!!) (The soups were delicious!!) Gwen, one of your rolls was the perfect companion to the soup. Thank you again!!
Stan's numbers stay stable and good...except for a slight raise in BP today. He has taken pills for his blood pressure for years, and for some reason they took him completely off the meds for it this morning. He was put back on this evening, tho. Otherwise, every machine looks super. He does keep having the hiccups. He gets a little rest from them now and then, but back they come.
Stan's bump on his head (I only had ONE person guess as to how he got it! Could be you are right, Molly!! heehee) disappeared, only leaving a dark red splotch for a couple of days. BUT speaking of red "spots" he has been sporting a few for 3 or 4 days now that are a mystery. "We" think we've solved it, today, but of course don't know for sure. A couple of people were even guessing "shingles," but I really don't hold to that theory. Kathy suggested maybe the doctor who is so mean to his head, whipped him with a belt....That IS what it looks like. What he has is two long narrow red welt looking spots on his left front about navel height from side to mid tum.... they are about two inches wide and maybe 8 inches long...with a completely clear strip between them. On each upper arm he has a welt like spot that is round and about the size of a silver dollar, and another spot below the circle that is about the same width, but twice as long.........with a bare spot between them. They resemble floor burns more than anything else I could suggest. They appeared the day after his last proning....and they seem to get redder and angrier looking each day. They are touching NOTHING for these last few days, often not even a gown or cover. Pete finally suggested today that maybe when they proned him, they used tape to secure his wires and tubes in those spots, and he developed an allergy to the tape. This seems to make sense when you see the clear area between two "rashes" in each place. It looks like a tube or wires were placed where it is clear and then taped on each side to hold them secure while he was turned. It is still a mystery why they keep getting worse, but no one has come up with a better explanation so far....not even doctors or nurses.
I guess I better take the camera tomorrow and photograph them. Wonder why I haven't thought of that before?????
This was day 3 of having all the stuff turned off so he could wake up. I am getting antsy!! No waking today!! But like Scarlet said, "Tomorrow is another day."
I better get to bed so I can be ready to meet it!!!
Love, m
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Day 25
That's a lot of days!!!
Stan has been off all sedatives since yesterday morning, but no sign of waking up yet. I am so anxious to see him look at me again!! I remember a prayer in Psalms where David asked God to make haste to answer him. David is called a "man after God's own heart," so maybe it is okay if I ask God to hurry a little.
(Ps.70:1, 5; Ps.71:12; Ps.141:1)
The little Yupik gentleman seemed so confused about all that is going on in this big place. His brother is still in CCU. I asked him where he is sleeping, and I think he has spent one or two nights in his brother's room. He has a friend here, but the friend's wife is now in the Native hospital having surgery. I had Pete check on getting him a room here on the 7th floor. We got him one for a couple of nights and Stan's nurse wrote his room number down on her hand and assured me she would make sure he knew where to go. Pete and I took him up and showed him the room and gave him the key, but he seemed pretty unsure of what to do. I sure hope he gets a good night's sleep. The bed did not look very comfortable, but it has to be better than the chair in the CCU room. He is 75 years old and doesn't speak the best English. His brother is recovering okay I think, so maybe he'll get out of CCU soon. (or ICU...I don't know what the difference is. Stan is in Critical Care Unit, but the Intensive Care Unit is the same area?????)
Nancy is one "tough" sweet lady. She appreciates your prayers....and so do I. Thank you. Eddie was taken off the paralyzing drug today. I hope he has a good night.
I got a call from our "ring bearer" at our wedding tonight. He mentioned his GRANDCHILDREN!! It is pretty special to get encouragement from all of you....but how about from our flower girl and ring bearer!!! (48+ years ago!!!) Pretty cool, huh!!
Kathy came and enticed me away for lunch today. Andy, Pete, and Isaac joined us at yet another NEW restaurant....Ninos. To all you Anchorage people....I recommend it! I do hate to be gone, tho...what if Stan wakes up and I am NOT there!!
The gifts of food we keep getting are amazing. Carmelita brought me some yummy shortbread type cookies all the way from the Philippines!! I will have to hide them from Pete, and be sure to save one for Stan.
When we went in to tell Stan goodnight, there was Christmas music playing instead of his Bert Kaempfert CD. His nurse told me she and two others were singing to him with it while they bathed him. And she said one eye opened for a second. I haven't seen it yet, but I can still rejoice. Not sure it was "voluntary" tho.
I can't remember if I told you how really great his head "wound" is healing. The scar will hardly show at all, even in the bald area towards the top front of his head. He had such a train track of staples, but every day the incision shows less and less. (Is this good??? Don't guys like to show their battle wounds??)
The native gals we visit with in the waiting room are also Yupik, so I am hoping they get to meet the little gentleman. They were very interested in hearing him sing from his hymn book. Oh...he played his harmonica for us (after telling us a story)...and it sounded like he was a duet or a trio. It was lovely.
The one gal is here for her sister (and staying with her cousin who lives in Anchorage). Her sister is very very sick with an infection that has invaded her blood stream. Her fingers and toes are beginning to be destroyed.... we thought it was frost bite, but it is from the infection in her body. She is only 35. Her name is Pauline. Her sister's name is Darlene.
Way past my "hoped for" bedtime, so I'll say goodnight.........Love,M
Stan has been off all sedatives since yesterday morning, but no sign of waking up yet. I am so anxious to see him look at me again!! I remember a prayer in Psalms where David asked God to make haste to answer him. David is called a "man after God's own heart," so maybe it is okay if I ask God to hurry a little.
(Ps.70:1, 5; Ps.71:12; Ps.141:1)
The little Yupik gentleman seemed so confused about all that is going on in this big place. His brother is still in CCU. I asked him where he is sleeping, and I think he has spent one or two nights in his brother's room. He has a friend here, but the friend's wife is now in the Native hospital having surgery. I had Pete check on getting him a room here on the 7th floor. We got him one for a couple of nights and Stan's nurse wrote his room number down on her hand and assured me she would make sure he knew where to go. Pete and I took him up and showed him the room and gave him the key, but he seemed pretty unsure of what to do. I sure hope he gets a good night's sleep. The bed did not look very comfortable, but it has to be better than the chair in the CCU room. He is 75 years old and doesn't speak the best English. His brother is recovering okay I think, so maybe he'll get out of CCU soon. (or ICU...I don't know what the difference is. Stan is in Critical Care Unit, but the Intensive Care Unit is the same area?????)
Nancy is one "tough" sweet lady. She appreciates your prayers....and so do I. Thank you. Eddie was taken off the paralyzing drug today. I hope he has a good night.
I got a call from our "ring bearer" at our wedding tonight. He mentioned his GRANDCHILDREN!! It is pretty special to get encouragement from all of you....but how about from our flower girl and ring bearer!!! (48+ years ago!!!) Pretty cool, huh!!
Kathy came and enticed me away for lunch today. Andy, Pete, and Isaac joined us at yet another NEW restaurant....Ninos. To all you Anchorage people....I recommend it! I do hate to be gone, tho...what if Stan wakes up and I am NOT there!!
The gifts of food we keep getting are amazing. Carmelita brought me some yummy shortbread type cookies all the way from the Philippines!! I will have to hide them from Pete, and be sure to save one for Stan.
When we went in to tell Stan goodnight, there was Christmas music playing instead of his Bert Kaempfert CD. His nurse told me she and two others were singing to him with it while they bathed him. And she said one eye opened for a second. I haven't seen it yet, but I can still rejoice. Not sure it was "voluntary" tho.
I can't remember if I told you how really great his head "wound" is healing. The scar will hardly show at all, even in the bald area towards the top front of his head. He had such a train track of staples, but every day the incision shows less and less. (Is this good??? Don't guys like to show their battle wounds??)
The native gals we visit with in the waiting room are also Yupik, so I am hoping they get to meet the little gentleman. They were very interested in hearing him sing from his hymn book. Oh...he played his harmonica for us (after telling us a story)...and it sounded like he was a duet or a trio. It was lovely.
The one gal is here for her sister (and staying with her cousin who lives in Anchorage). Her sister is very very sick with an infection that has invaded her blood stream. Her fingers and toes are beginning to be destroyed.... we thought it was frost bite, but it is from the infection in her body. She is only 35. Her name is Pauline. Her sister's name is Darlene.
Way past my "hoped for" bedtime, so I'll say goodnight.........Love,M
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Day 24
Today is the first day I actually left the hospital for any length of time during the day. I did go to the bank a couple of times during the past 24 hours, and out to lunch "off campus" 2 or 3 times, but today Pete and I picked up Phil from work and took him to school, took care of some business needs downtown, went to lunch, and then went home for a couple of hours to get the ornaments, lights, etc down for Isaac, Ashley, and Katrina. (and Luke)...I left at noon and didn't get back until 5. He did have a few visitors during that time, so he probably didn't even miss me.
I really got a "kick" out of the note Deryl left me one day when he "beat me to the hospital." He said he had a nice chat with Stan, and that Stan let him do most of the talking. And John T. said Stan didn't complain about his jokes like Paula does. I pressed the point, and found that Stan didn't laugh at them either.
Back to today's lunch outing.... First you all know I am "from Oregon" (even tho I've been here for 25 years!), and second that the Lucky Wishbone is one of our favorite restaurants here. That said.....well, I will confess that I took Pete to Benihana's. If Kathy hadn't taken me there, I wouldn't have known about it, and I would be a few dollars richer now. If you aren't familiar with it, it is Japanese. You watch the chef cook your food.............no, PREPARE your food...right in front of you, doing an exciting floor show as he cooks. He spins his utinsels, throws the condiment shakers behind his back, catching them with the opposite hand, etc....etc. And the best part of all is the taste. Absolutely delicious!!
Our chef looked at me and said, "Are you from Oregon?" I thought maybe with all his talent for twirling and throwing and cooking, he was also psychic!! Then Pete told me I was wearing the Lincoln City T shirt the girls had bought me this summer. As he proceeded to prepare our meal with great gusto and showmanship, he commented about it being much better than Lucky Wishbone. I was clueless!! It was hours later that I realized Pete was wearing the Lucky Wishbone sweat shirt I bought him when we ate dinner there. So much for being psychic!
I was later than usual getting to the hospital today because of another "water" problem. I thought Phil had used all the hot water. He was innocent! While repairing the pipes yesterday, the gas was turned off accidentally for a couple of minutes, but that was long enough for the pilot light to go out on the water heater..........so "the house" was the culprit. I think it is missing Stan, too, and trying to show me how much I need him just for everyday things. I wish it could be convinced that I already KNOW that!!
I was blessed to have Pete here. He had been going to Wasilla with Andy, but decided to stay with Mom that night!! Phil had already left for work, and even tho I guessed to check the pilot light, I had NO idea how or where to light it. God is so good! He takes care of my needs before I know I have a need.
I had to wait for the water to heat. I just can't face the day without my shower.
When I got there, I found Stan enduring John's jokes, and keeping his numbers stable in spite of them. In fact, his oxygen had been turned down to 40% and his peep is set at 8! Before all the proning, he ranged from 100% / 16 peep to 70%(rarely) and 10 peep (again rarely....he was mostly at 80 - 90% and 12 peep). He is now completely taken off all seditives...and holding very stable, so we are getting very anxious to have him wake up!!! I hate to be gone at night because I want to be there when he "opens his eyes." I am holding fast to God's coat tail and trying to trust Him completely. I have had a great peace about "whatever" the outcome, because I did put Stan in God's hands early on, and have tried to keep my hands off. I know that God's decision in Stan's life will be best. I continually receive encouragement from each of you. I am saving all the beautiful words being said and written to me in cards, emails, etc. I knew I had a "keeper" when I married him, but it is pretty nice to have that fact reiterated to me over and over. My mother often said, "Aren't we glad we married him." That pretty much sums it up!!!
The kids did a great job decorating the tree. I was told that Luke almost "destroyed" it....by throwing a large Raggedy Andy doll at it from above. But that "disaster" did NOT happen...so all is well. He does have a great throwing arm and good aim for a two year old!
The food blessings continue. Today our nearest neighbor prepared an wonderful basketful of delicious food...including her homemade rolls (that we look forward to every Christmas!!). While I was waiting for the enforced "no visiting" time to end, I met a young man whose mother is not expected to live. I offered for him to share in my "bounty" but he said he wasn't hungry. His mother's name is Amy, and she is a year younger than Stan almost exactly. You are welcome to join me in praying for her. She had an anurism in her brain.
Your prayers are being heard on Eddie's behalf. He was better today. Thank you. I shared with Nancy that there are friends praying for them.
There is so much happening in the CCU unit during the past 3 1/2 weeks. It is heart rending. Like in Tulsa, it is an ongoing issue. One recovers and two more take their place. But we rejoice each time someone goes home.
The wind is raging outside. It must be blowing at least 90 mph gusts, with sustained winds of more than 50mph. I do not like the wind, Sam I Am. I do not like them here or there. I do not like them anywhere.
I left Stan in a "face up" position. The nurse said it didn't look like they'd be proning him tonight. He really does look good....and his nurses are all super. We are definitely on a first name basis with several of them. And they are so personable to him as they care for him.... always telling him what they are doing, without really knowing if he hears or not. Maybe tomorrow we'll find out!!!
Night for now.........Love, Madeline
I really got a "kick" out of the note Deryl left me one day when he "beat me to the hospital." He said he had a nice chat with Stan, and that Stan let him do most of the talking. And John T. said Stan didn't complain about his jokes like Paula does. I pressed the point, and found that Stan didn't laugh at them either.
Back to today's lunch outing.... First you all know I am "from Oregon" (even tho I've been here for 25 years!), and second that the Lucky Wishbone is one of our favorite restaurants here. That said.....well, I will confess that I took Pete to Benihana's. If Kathy hadn't taken me there, I wouldn't have known about it, and I would be a few dollars richer now. If you aren't familiar with it, it is Japanese. You watch the chef cook your food.............no, PREPARE your food...right in front of you, doing an exciting floor show as he cooks. He spins his utinsels, throws the condiment shakers behind his back, catching them with the opposite hand, etc....etc. And the best part of all is the taste. Absolutely delicious!!
Our chef looked at me and said, "Are you from Oregon?" I thought maybe with all his talent for twirling and throwing and cooking, he was also psychic!! Then Pete told me I was wearing the Lincoln City T shirt the girls had bought me this summer. As he proceeded to prepare our meal with great gusto and showmanship, he commented about it being much better than Lucky Wishbone. I was clueless!! It was hours later that I realized Pete was wearing the Lucky Wishbone sweat shirt I bought him when we ate dinner there. So much for being psychic!
I was later than usual getting to the hospital today because of another "water" problem. I thought Phil had used all the hot water. He was innocent! While repairing the pipes yesterday, the gas was turned off accidentally for a couple of minutes, but that was long enough for the pilot light to go out on the water heater..........so "the house" was the culprit. I think it is missing Stan, too, and trying to show me how much I need him just for everyday things. I wish it could be convinced that I already KNOW that!!
I was blessed to have Pete here. He had been going to Wasilla with Andy, but decided to stay with Mom that night!! Phil had already left for work, and even tho I guessed to check the pilot light, I had NO idea how or where to light it. God is so good! He takes care of my needs before I know I have a need.
I had to wait for the water to heat. I just can't face the day without my shower.
When I got there, I found Stan enduring John's jokes, and keeping his numbers stable in spite of them. In fact, his oxygen had been turned down to 40% and his peep is set at 8! Before all the proning, he ranged from 100% / 16 peep to 70%(rarely) and 10 peep (again rarely....he was mostly at 80 - 90% and 12 peep). He is now completely taken off all seditives...and holding very stable, so we are getting very anxious to have him wake up!!! I hate to be gone at night because I want to be there when he "opens his eyes." I am holding fast to God's coat tail and trying to trust Him completely. I have had a great peace about "whatever" the outcome, because I did put Stan in God's hands early on, and have tried to keep my hands off. I know that God's decision in Stan's life will be best. I continually receive encouragement from each of you. I am saving all the beautiful words being said and written to me in cards, emails, etc. I knew I had a "keeper" when I married him, but it is pretty nice to have that fact reiterated to me over and over. My mother often said, "Aren't we glad we married him." That pretty much sums it up!!!
The kids did a great job decorating the tree. I was told that Luke almost "destroyed" it....by throwing a large Raggedy Andy doll at it from above. But that "disaster" did NOT happen...so all is well. He does have a great throwing arm and good aim for a two year old!
The food blessings continue. Today our nearest neighbor prepared an wonderful basketful of delicious food...including her homemade rolls (that we look forward to every Christmas!!). While I was waiting for the enforced "no visiting" time to end, I met a young man whose mother is not expected to live. I offered for him to share in my "bounty" but he said he wasn't hungry. His mother's name is Amy, and she is a year younger than Stan almost exactly. You are welcome to join me in praying for her. She had an anurism in her brain.
Your prayers are being heard on Eddie's behalf. He was better today. Thank you. I shared with Nancy that there are friends praying for them.
There is so much happening in the CCU unit during the past 3 1/2 weeks. It is heart rending. Like in Tulsa, it is an ongoing issue. One recovers and two more take their place. But we rejoice each time someone goes home.
The wind is raging outside. It must be blowing at least 90 mph gusts, with sustained winds of more than 50mph. I do not like the wind, Sam I Am. I do not like them here or there. I do not like them anywhere.
I left Stan in a "face up" position. The nurse said it didn't look like they'd be proning him tonight. He really does look good....and his nurses are all super. We are definitely on a first name basis with several of them. And they are so personable to him as they care for him.... always telling him what they are doing, without really knowing if he hears or not. Maybe tomorrow we'll find out!!!
Night for now.........Love, Madeline
Friday, December 7, 2007
Day 23
I just came home from the hospital. I went in to see Stan after the 8:30 "time out" was over...only I had to wait until 9 because they were doing something. Turned out they have him proned again. Proning is "flipping" him over onto his stomach for 12 hours. This is the third time...Sunday night, Monday night, and now Thursday night. It means being careful about all the wires and tubes and trach etc... They are many and diverse, believe me. They are attached everywhere you can imagine, and places you can't imagine. He has a new "unmentionable" tonight that I was glad to see.
He has wraps on his calves that inflate and massage to stave off clots....so each calf has a tube attached to a machine on the floor at the foot of the bed. He has the feeding tube in his nose............and a jillion other things between the leg and nose tubes. He really DOES look like a "bad plumber" (hmmmm...or is it a bad electrician) has been at work on him.
I was surprised to see him flipped again, because it didn't sound like they were going to. He has stayed very stable ever since the first proning....and I do mean stable. They lower his oxygen, and he continues to thrive. Now if he would JUST wake up!!!! They did tell me again today that he has been "out" for so long, that it will take him a long time to wake. So I will be patient and trust in God.
Mandy told me that Shelby (age five) prays for Stan every day, and last night she asked God to take care of "Mrs. Stan," too. And Luke (our grandson age two) bows his head and prays for Papa. And I know that so many many more are praying for him daily. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
We have seen so many come and go thru the CCU unit during the past 3+ weeks. Thankfully, only one death has occurred. There is ONE man who has been traveling a very similar road as Stan. He came in the day after Stan, and had his surgery the day before Stan. The problem has been both their lungs. He (Eddie) was actually sitting up a little earlier in the week. And "dopily" awake....but today, while things are looking up a little for Stan, Eddie took a turn for the worse. The big difference is............while Stan has had over 100 visitors, Eddie's wife has had NO ONE but us. I like to think there is an outside support group...like so many of you are, but she has been carrying this burden daily by herself. Her name is Nancy, and today she was pretty bleak because they were beginning to prepare her for the worse. I would appreciate it if you would join me in praying for Eddie and Nancy.
A Yupik Indian man was in the waiting room for his brother who had heart surgery. I saw him hold on to the doctor's sleeve and pray for the doctor when he gave his "after surgery" report. After the doctor left he started visiting with me and when Gary and Marilyn Andersen arrived he held Marilyn's and my hand, sang a song about Jesus in Yupik and then prayed for my "white man" husband, asking God to fix him. It was beautiful. At first I wasn't even sure he spoke English, because his wife translated everything the doctor said to him into Yupik. I had told him that I am Coos indian, so I don't know why he "assumed" my husband was a white man.
(However, Bob Plank did dub Stan "mayonnaise legs" our first trip to Hawaii!!)
I was visiting with Paula Toms and Jean Houston when I saw Dr. Downs go into the CCU, so I jumped up to follow and invited the "gals" to come with me so they could see how rough he is on Stan's head. Of course, today he was as gentle as a lamb!!! Two very slow easy head shakes, NO pointy tissue in the eye ball, no jerking his hand toward Stan as tho to smack him...HONEST, those are what he did when there were no other witnesses!! He did say he got some response from Stan, tho. He also told me that he was being rotated out and that "Santa Claus" would be our next neurologist. (Actually, he said, "He has trimmed his beard and got some hair cut off so that he doesn't look quite as much like Santa now."
We three "good, obedient" females were a little nervous about 3 of us being in the room, so we decided that Paula and I were each 3/4 a person, and Jean was 1/2 a person...so we really totalled two. Then Mandy came in, so we decided she was just "wee" and didn't add up to any more, but then Pete walked in....and there is NO way you can call him "wee"...........but doctors and nurses were making regular comings and goings for some reason....and no one said "boo."
Pete is here to help me get at my ornaments....so I better go. Actually, it is bed time....
Love, M
He has wraps on his calves that inflate and massage to stave off clots....so each calf has a tube attached to a machine on the floor at the foot of the bed. He has the feeding tube in his nose............and a jillion other things between the leg and nose tubes. He really DOES look like a "bad plumber" (hmmmm...or is it a bad electrician) has been at work on him.
I was surprised to see him flipped again, because it didn't sound like they were going to. He has stayed very stable ever since the first proning....and I do mean stable. They lower his oxygen, and he continues to thrive. Now if he would JUST wake up!!!! They did tell me again today that he has been "out" for so long, that it will take him a long time to wake. So I will be patient and trust in God.
Mandy told me that Shelby (age five) prays for Stan every day, and last night she asked God to take care of "Mrs. Stan," too. And Luke (our grandson age two) bows his head and prays for Papa. And I know that so many many more are praying for him daily. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
We have seen so many come and go thru the CCU unit during the past 3+ weeks. Thankfully, only one death has occurred. There is ONE man who has been traveling a very similar road as Stan. He came in the day after Stan, and had his surgery the day before Stan. The problem has been both their lungs. He (Eddie) was actually sitting up a little earlier in the week. And "dopily" awake....but today, while things are looking up a little for Stan, Eddie took a turn for the worse. The big difference is............while Stan has had over 100 visitors, Eddie's wife has had NO ONE but us. I like to think there is an outside support group...like so many of you are, but she has been carrying this burden daily by herself. Her name is Nancy, and today she was pretty bleak because they were beginning to prepare her for the worse. I would appreciate it if you would join me in praying for Eddie and Nancy.
A Yupik Indian man was in the waiting room for his brother who had heart surgery. I saw him hold on to the doctor's sleeve and pray for the doctor when he gave his "after surgery" report. After the doctor left he started visiting with me and when Gary and Marilyn Andersen arrived he held Marilyn's and my hand, sang a song about Jesus in Yupik and then prayed for my "white man" husband, asking God to fix him. It was beautiful. At first I wasn't even sure he spoke English, because his wife translated everything the doctor said to him into Yupik. I had told him that I am Coos indian, so I don't know why he "assumed" my husband was a white man.
(However, Bob Plank did dub Stan "mayonnaise legs" our first trip to Hawaii!!) I was visiting with Paula Toms and Jean Houston when I saw Dr. Downs go into the CCU, so I jumped up to follow and invited the "gals" to come with me so they could see how rough he is on Stan's head. Of course, today he was as gentle as a lamb!!! Two very slow easy head shakes, NO pointy tissue in the eye ball, no jerking his hand toward Stan as tho to smack him...HONEST, those are what he did when there were no other witnesses!! He did say he got some response from Stan, tho. He also told me that he was being rotated out and that "Santa Claus" would be our next neurologist. (Actually, he said, "He has trimmed his beard and got some hair cut off so that he doesn't look quite as much like Santa now."
We three "good, obedient" females were a little nervous about 3 of us being in the room, so we decided that Paula and I were each 3/4 a person, and Jean was 1/2 a person...so we really totalled two. Then Mandy came in, so we decided she was just "wee" and didn't add up to any more, but then Pete walked in....and there is NO way you can call him "wee"...........but doctors and nurses were making regular comings and goings for some reason....and no one said "boo."
Pete is here to help me get at my ornaments....so I better go. Actually, it is bed time....
Love, M
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Day 22
Baby steps....but at this rate maybe he'll be walking soon!! He did have a wee bit of response to the neurologists "tests" today. Dr. Downs does things that make me shudder!! I mean this IS an injured brain he is dealing with, and he jerks Stan's head from side to side while holding his eyes open....checking for something called "doll's eyes." He also takes a bit of paper towel or tissue and rolls it into a toothpick shape, and then sticks it on Stan's eyeballs. And today he thrust his open hand toward Stan's eye that he was holding open, and stopped just short of "hitting" him. Any of those are hard to watch. Then he says, "Now I'm going to do something that may look bad, but it isn't." And what he does is press on the eyeball while the lid is closed. Now of all those tests...that is the one that did NOT look "bad."
Well, we aren't setting off sky rockets, but maybe we're lighting a fire cracker or two!!
They have turned off the ativan and will turn down the fentanol tonight. His "peep" is down to 8 tonight...this is the lowest it has been set so far. His pressure is still set at 50% and his numbers are all staying very good. We could "almost" start liking numbers again!!
If he would just open his eyes and say Hi....what a glorious day that will be!
The bump on his forehead is gone, but there is a weird red spot there, now.
The doctor who ordered the proning came in to see me tonight. He said he wanted to do a bit of bragging. I told him to brag all he wants...I, for one, am very happy with his results!!
I have been playing CDs of Bert Kempfert and Billy Vaughn big band music........music we have listened to for over 45 years...first on LPs, then tapes, and now CDs..............I chose those two because when "Wonderland by Night" comes on (it's on both CDs) he will automatically think of me and know I am there. That has been a favorite song of ours for ever and evokes memories of when we were planning our first house, etc. I have a CD by Galen and one by Roger Hall of hymns, too....more favorites.
Several nurses have commented how much they like the music, and like to step into his room just for the calmness it creates.
Both shooting victims have been moved out of ICU. PTL
The boys tell me they will finish repairing the water early tomorrow and also bring in the ladders. (We have an attic room above the ceiling in the upper turret room, but it is a 12 foot ceiling, so it takes a step ladder to climb and lift off the lid, and then a taller ladder to reach into the opening. That is where all my Christmas decorations are stored. This is no small production....and I carefully remove each ornament from its box, and put it back in January. We also have our living room fake tree up there, and any number of wreathes, ribbons, lights, etc....not just the tons of ornaments I have amassed over the years. Isaac asked if he could help decorate the tree. I do believe I'll take him up on it!!! I usually flock the real tree, but this one is so pretty, I may not have the heart. (Unless some Russians decide to come help me! heehee)
Sorry there is no funny errors to laugh at. Guess I am awake tonight.... I do have a bit of trivia that might bring a smile. For some reason I realized today a new meaning to the phrase "turn a blind eye."
I had cataract surgery last December (wow, really!! a year ago!! ) and so my left eye is now 20/15...better than perfect vision...except it is still "old" and needs reading glasses to see up close. Now, the right eye didn't have a cataract, so it is still 20/500.........quite blind, BUT it has the nearsighted advantage of not needing reading glasses to see up real close. So the left is blind for close work, and the right is blind for distance...........so, at anytime, anywhere I am able to "turn a blind eye" towards something!!! Cute, aren't I!!!
As Stan would say, "You're getting silly. Go to bed..." Sooooo, I am off to bed. Talk to you tomorrow.
Love, M
Well, we aren't setting off sky rockets, but maybe we're lighting a fire cracker or two!!
They have turned off the ativan and will turn down the fentanol tonight. His "peep" is down to 8 tonight...this is the lowest it has been set so far. His pressure is still set at 50% and his numbers are all staying very good. We could "almost" start liking numbers again!!
If he would just open his eyes and say Hi....what a glorious day that will be!
The bump on his forehead is gone, but there is a weird red spot there, now.
The doctor who ordered the proning came in to see me tonight. He said he wanted to do a bit of bragging. I told him to brag all he wants...I, for one, am very happy with his results!!
I have been playing CDs of Bert Kempfert and Billy Vaughn big band music........music we have listened to for over 45 years...first on LPs, then tapes, and now CDs..............I chose those two because when "Wonderland by Night" comes on (it's on both CDs) he will automatically think of me and know I am there. That has been a favorite song of ours for ever and evokes memories of when we were planning our first house, etc. I have a CD by Galen and one by Roger Hall of hymns, too....more favorites.
Several nurses have commented how much they like the music, and like to step into his room just for the calmness it creates.
Both shooting victims have been moved out of ICU. PTL
The boys tell me they will finish repairing the water early tomorrow and also bring in the ladders. (We have an attic room above the ceiling in the upper turret room, but it is a 12 foot ceiling, so it takes a step ladder to climb and lift off the lid, and then a taller ladder to reach into the opening. That is where all my Christmas decorations are stored. This is no small production....and I carefully remove each ornament from its box, and put it back in January. We also have our living room fake tree up there, and any number of wreathes, ribbons, lights, etc....not just the tons of ornaments I have amassed over the years. Isaac asked if he could help decorate the tree. I do believe I'll take him up on it!!! I usually flock the real tree, but this one is so pretty, I may not have the heart. (Unless some Russians decide to come help me! heehee)
Sorry there is no funny errors to laugh at. Guess I am awake tonight.... I do have a bit of trivia that might bring a smile. For some reason I realized today a new meaning to the phrase "turn a blind eye."
I had cataract surgery last December (wow, really!! a year ago!! ) and so my left eye is now 20/15...better than perfect vision...except it is still "old" and needs reading glasses to see up close. Now, the right eye didn't have a cataract, so it is still 20/500.........quite blind, BUT it has the nearsighted advantage of not needing reading glasses to see up real close. So the left is blind for close work, and the right is blind for distance...........so, at anytime, anywhere I am able to "turn a blind eye" towards something!!! Cute, aren't I!!!
As Stan would say, "You're getting silly. Go to bed..." Sooooo, I am off to bed. Talk to you tomorrow.
Love, M
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Day 21
It is Wednesday morning. I decided to write my Tuesday update after a night's sleep and hopefully make sense ...
When I arrived at the hospital around 8:30 a.m. (I am not allowed in between 7 and 8:30 due to shift change) I found Stan already "flipped" back onto his back. The puffiness in his face that comes from being on his stomach was already mostly gone, as the "flipping" had taken place at six a.m.
It was a very quiet day for him. He rarely had to cough or be suctioned, and his oxygen levels have been truly wonderful. The pressure has remained at 50%, and his intake number has been 97 to 100% all day. I don't think I saw it drop lower even when they would turn him from side to side. We are hoping his pressure will be lowered even further, meaning his lungs really are improving, and they will start waking him up.
Last night we weren't allowed back in to see him until after nine p.m. and I thought they were "proning" him again. It turned out that during the earlier proning his arterial "port" had shifted so they decided to replace it. No, that is not the right one....it is the one in his vein that they replaced; the one that all the intravenous meds are given through. It used to be in his neck, but a few days ago they put it up through his left arm above the elbow. It runs from there, across his chest to just above his heart. It is also used to measure the pressure in his heart, and there is a formula they can use to determine the pressure in his brain. The arterial one was sewed into his right wrist for a couple of weeks, but is now in his left wrist. It continually measures his blood pressure.
The stitches were removed from his trach last night, and it is really looking good. He looks so much more comfortable without the large tube in his mouth. The feeding tube is very small and is again going through his nose. I am assured this is "hardly noticeable" to him. So far there has been no new mention of putting it directly into his stomach. I think they will wait for him to wake and see if he still cannot swallow.
His nurse did tell me last night that he was a bit more wakeful, because they had to turn off all the meds for over half an hour while they replaced the line into his arm. Katrina said she felt his fingers "twitching" in his right hand. Baby steps....I am always being told to rejoice over baby steps!!
As of last night, his ventilator pressure has been at the 50% number for over 40 hours!!! This, in the light of the past three weeks, is more like a giant step. So please keep praying and EXPECT more giant steps.
I won't know if he was proned last night or not until I get to the hospital. It is a big job for the "crew" ...it takes several people who must work as a very careful team. He is a big man and has such a multitude of tubes and wires that have to be carefully attended to during the "flipping."
Our grandson Isaac arrived last night. Andy, Grace, and Pete picked him up and took him to see "Papa" before taking him to Wasilla for a good night's rest, I hope. His plane didn't get in until just after midnight. I haven't got to see him yet. I got home just after 11....I seemed to be awfully tired yesterday. I woke up at 2:20 something with no covers on last night, and then again this morning at 5 something, so I finally got up and decided to get my update written and start the day. I had my alarm set for 7, and just now when I kept hearing an alarm going off, I ran downstairs to make sure Phil was UP...but his alarm wasn't making all that noise...it was mine! heehee He will be leaving soon. Today he is actually teaching a grade school class (substitute). He is working as a teacher's aide in preschool, but the teacher that had to be gone today asked for him!! Cool, huh!!! He felt very honored.
The church is still determined to protect me from any weight loss!! We had a delicious meal brought in last night. I had made me a peanut butter and jam sandwich, but it is now saved for today's lunch.
I need to get ready to go, so will say goodbye for now. (The shooting victims are improving. PTL... and one of you has expressed concern for the young man's soul who did the rampage. Let us pray for him, too!)
Love, M
When I arrived at the hospital around 8:30 a.m. (I am not allowed in between 7 and 8:30 due to shift change) I found Stan already "flipped" back onto his back. The puffiness in his face that comes from being on his stomach was already mostly gone, as the "flipping" had taken place at six a.m.
It was a very quiet day for him. He rarely had to cough or be suctioned, and his oxygen levels have been truly wonderful. The pressure has remained at 50%, and his intake number has been 97 to 100% all day. I don't think I saw it drop lower even when they would turn him from side to side. We are hoping his pressure will be lowered even further, meaning his lungs really are improving, and they will start waking him up.
Last night we weren't allowed back in to see him until after nine p.m. and I thought they were "proning" him again. It turned out that during the earlier proning his arterial "port" had shifted so they decided to replace it. No, that is not the right one....it is the one in his vein that they replaced; the one that all the intravenous meds are given through. It used to be in his neck, but a few days ago they put it up through his left arm above the elbow. It runs from there, across his chest to just above his heart. It is also used to measure the pressure in his heart, and there is a formula they can use to determine the pressure in his brain. The arterial one was sewed into his right wrist for a couple of weeks, but is now in his left wrist. It continually measures his blood pressure.
The stitches were removed from his trach last night, and it is really looking good. He looks so much more comfortable without the large tube in his mouth. The feeding tube is very small and is again going through his nose. I am assured this is "hardly noticeable" to him. So far there has been no new mention of putting it directly into his stomach. I think they will wait for him to wake and see if he still cannot swallow.
His nurse did tell me last night that he was a bit more wakeful, because they had to turn off all the meds for over half an hour while they replaced the line into his arm. Katrina said she felt his fingers "twitching" in his right hand. Baby steps....I am always being told to rejoice over baby steps!!
As of last night, his ventilator pressure has been at the 50% number for over 40 hours!!! This, in the light of the past three weeks, is more like a giant step. So please keep praying and EXPECT more giant steps.
I won't know if he was proned last night or not until I get to the hospital. It is a big job for the "crew" ...it takes several people who must work as a very careful team. He is a big man and has such a multitude of tubes and wires that have to be carefully attended to during the "flipping."
Our grandson Isaac arrived last night. Andy, Grace, and Pete picked him up and took him to see "Papa" before taking him to Wasilla for a good night's rest, I hope. His plane didn't get in until just after midnight. I haven't got to see him yet. I got home just after 11....I seemed to be awfully tired yesterday. I woke up at 2:20 something with no covers on last night, and then again this morning at 5 something, so I finally got up and decided to get my update written and start the day. I had my alarm set for 7, and just now when I kept hearing an alarm going off, I ran downstairs to make sure Phil was UP...but his alarm wasn't making all that noise...it was mine! heehee He will be leaving soon. Today he is actually teaching a grade school class (substitute). He is working as a teacher's aide in preschool, but the teacher that had to be gone today asked for him!! Cool, huh!!! He felt very honored.
The church is still determined to protect me from any weight loss!! We had a delicious meal brought in last night. I had made me a peanut butter and jam sandwich, but it is now saved for today's lunch.
I need to get ready to go, so will say goodbye for now. (The shooting victims are improving. PTL... and one of you has expressed concern for the young man's soul who did the rampage. Let us pray for him, too!)
Love, M
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Day 20
Not exactly FIREWORKS yet, but today was the best day since his surgery. He was able to tolerate the "proning" very well and it definitely helped his oxygen levels. Instead of 70 to 100 pressures he has been having for almost 3 weeks, it was turned down to 50. He was "flipped" onto his tum at about 10 last night and "flipped" back over at ten this morning. What I was NOT prepared for (but should have been expecting) was the way his face was swollen. He has so much excess fluid and with his face down, a lot of fluid settled there, so that his eyes and mouth were very swollen. After being turned onto his back again that slowly went away. However, he was "flipped" back onto his tum at six tonight for another 12 hours, so the process will be repeated.
There is a lump above his left eye about the size of a quarter, but thicker. I thought it might be fluid, but when I felt it, it is kind of hard. I asked the nurse, my friend Kathy, and a doctor. No one knows what has caused it or what it is. The doctor did say to watch it and report if it gets larger. I said it looks like he was dropped on his head, and Kathy said maybe a nurse got mad and bonked him. Now its YOUR turn to decide just what did happen. I hope it's gone tomorrow....
His back side doesn't have any bedsores....the bed does rotate him, and I guess it works... After being on his back for almost three weeks, no bed sores is a miracle in itself.
Stan had a very quiet day with good numbers on all machines....but the rest of CCU unit was in turmoil!! Our daily newspaper had headlines and articles of what turned out to be a "serial" killer. There was a young man found shot to death in his Bronco outside his home Sunday morning, a young lady shot on the jogging trail near her home Sunday evening, and a man hacked to death in his Palmer home. Then this morning another man was shot numerous times and his car stolen. It turned out to be a young man angry at his father (who he murdered with a machete) in Palmer and then traveled to Anchorage where he killed the man in the Bronco. He also shot the girl and the other man. The girl was jogging and he approached her and she acted nervous so when she had passed him he shot her several times in the back. He "chose" the two men because he wanted their cars. Why he didn't take the first one's car, I don't know. Phil and Kacee were "on the spot" when and where the police finally apprehended him by ramming the stolen car to stop him. (They were on their way to work.) The girl is in the room next to Stan and the man who is still alive is in another room in the same unit. The waiting room that WE have controlled for so long is now full of the girl's friends and family. The nurse who has been taking care of Stan for the past three days is a good friend of the the girl and all those others who are here for her. We have been in on police reports etc whether we wanted to be or not, since this all takes place within our hearing. She is going to be okay I think. Ryan, Stan's nurse, was in visiting with her at the end of his shift and she was awake. I think the other guy is more critical, but she is badly hurt and has had two surgeries so far and another pending. Her name is Liz. I don't know the man's.....but they could use prayer. They were all three totally random....because he said he decided after killing his father to take a few more. It could have been much worse, as there was plenty of time between each attack! It is so sad. The young man who was killed was a straight A student at the university where Phil goes, and reported to be a very kind and talented person. What a sad day for this town!
They take an Xray of Stan's lungs every morning, and the one they took of him after putting him back on his back showed "not a LOT, but a definite improvement" per the intensivest doctor. There are different opinions about the value of "proning" but after seeing his oxygen levels and his xray results...I think I am for it, even tho I see some discomfort and it is quite a task to turn him. We are so happy to hear of actual improvement to Stan's lungs for the first time. But today's news did put a bit of a damper on our cheer.
When I got home tonight I had frozen pipes, so no water. I am so thankful that Andy and Pete came home with me. They and Brian took care of the problem. It is supposed to warm up tomorrow (to 15!!) so I should be okay. I will leave water running over night.
I haven't got the ladder in to get my ornaments down from the "attic" yet, but I haven't had time to worry about decorating the tree yet anyway. It is a beautiful tree!! even if the Russians had NOTHING to do with it.
I hope I haven't been weird in my email today!!
I haven't been sleepy yet........I think I fell asleep for a little while in Stan's room today. I don't think he minded, tho.
Love you all...M
There is a lump above his left eye about the size of a quarter, but thicker. I thought it might be fluid, but when I felt it, it is kind of hard. I asked the nurse, my friend Kathy, and a doctor. No one knows what has caused it or what it is. The doctor did say to watch it and report if it gets larger. I said it looks like he was dropped on his head, and Kathy said maybe a nurse got mad and bonked him. Now its YOUR turn to decide just what did happen. I hope it's gone tomorrow....
His back side doesn't have any bedsores....the bed does rotate him, and I guess it works... After being on his back for almost three weeks, no bed sores is a miracle in itself.
Stan had a very quiet day with good numbers on all machines....but the rest of CCU unit was in turmoil!! Our daily newspaper had headlines and articles of what turned out to be a "serial" killer. There was a young man found shot to death in his Bronco outside his home Sunday morning, a young lady shot on the jogging trail near her home Sunday evening, and a man hacked to death in his Palmer home. Then this morning another man was shot numerous times and his car stolen. It turned out to be a young man angry at his father (who he murdered with a machete) in Palmer and then traveled to Anchorage where he killed the man in the Bronco. He also shot the girl and the other man. The girl was jogging and he approached her and she acted nervous so when she had passed him he shot her several times in the back. He "chose" the two men because he wanted their cars. Why he didn't take the first one's car, I don't know. Phil and Kacee were "on the spot" when and where the police finally apprehended him by ramming the stolen car to stop him. (They were on their way to work.) The girl is in the room next to Stan and the man who is still alive is in another room in the same unit. The waiting room that WE have controlled for so long is now full of the girl's friends and family. The nurse who has been taking care of Stan for the past three days is a good friend of the the girl and all those others who are here for her. We have been in on police reports etc whether we wanted to be or not, since this all takes place within our hearing. She is going to be okay I think. Ryan, Stan's nurse, was in visiting with her at the end of his shift and she was awake. I think the other guy is more critical, but she is badly hurt and has had two surgeries so far and another pending. Her name is Liz. I don't know the man's.....but they could use prayer. They were all three totally random....because he said he decided after killing his father to take a few more. It could have been much worse, as there was plenty of time between each attack! It is so sad. The young man who was killed was a straight A student at the university where Phil goes, and reported to be a very kind and talented person. What a sad day for this town!
They take an Xray of Stan's lungs every morning, and the one they took of him after putting him back on his back showed "not a LOT, but a definite improvement" per the intensivest doctor. There are different opinions about the value of "proning" but after seeing his oxygen levels and his xray results...I think I am for it, even tho I see some discomfort and it is quite a task to turn him. We are so happy to hear of actual improvement to Stan's lungs for the first time. But today's news did put a bit of a damper on our cheer.
When I got home tonight I had frozen pipes, so no water. I am so thankful that Andy and Pete came home with me. They and Brian took care of the problem. It is supposed to warm up tomorrow (to 15!!) so I should be okay. I will leave water running over night.
I haven't got the ladder in to get my ornaments down from the "attic" yet, but I haven't had time to worry about decorating the tree yet anyway. It is a beautiful tree!! even if the Russians had NOTHING to do with it.
I hope I haven't been weird in my email today!!
I haven't been sleepy yet........I think I fell asleep for a little while in Stan's room today. I don't think he minded, tho.
Love you all...M
Day 19
Hello Everyone!! After what I discovered I wrote in day 18, I thought I should wait to write until morning!! (My boys picked up the 7 - 8 foot Noble fir tree for my entry. Laura and Mark each got a free tree because the Russian's didn't like the bug that came east and weather wth them.)
I am sure you all must have wondered about that sentence!! I got up Sunday morning and decided to check out what I had written and sent the night before because I was too sleepy to edit it. Ooooh Boy!! I have no idea how the Russians got involved or what the east or weather had to do with anything. What I am wondering....if we take all these weird things I write in my sleep and put them together if they'll make an interesting story??? heehee
What I was trying to say was......... a load of trees were sent to Hawaii, but the inspector found a bug on one and rejected the entire lot. The trees were then sent to Alaska where they are being sold for charity, but each Northern Air Cargo employee got one free. Since Mark and Laura BOTH work there, they shared their extra tree with me!! Still a good story, if NOT quite as exciting as the Russian one!!
When I left the hospital last night they were working on getting a special team together to "flip" or "prone" Stan, meaning to carefully place him on his stomach for 8 to 16 hours. This is to help his lungs. The doctor talked to me yesterday and said that his lungs were what is holding us up from getting the answers to what we are all wondering..........is there brain activity?? Until he can be "woken up" there is no way to know, but his lungs are so sick he has to be kept sedated. The "proning" will take pressure off them and hopefully let them heal. If he gives any indication that the proning is causing stress, they will flip him back again immediately. So I am anxious to get there to see what is happening.
He does have a yeast infection, but it showed in his sputum and his urine, so the doctor is trying to discover exactly where it is centered so he can treat it.
His "numbers" all stayed very good all day yesterday EXCEPT when the electricity failed (twice) during the afternoon. My friend Kathy was with me the first time (PTL) and leaped into action when the back up power did not come on. By the time she had the manual air thing ready to go the power returned, but she was there and ready!!! Those few seconds, however, caused him a bit of stress and his oxygen levels went from 93 to 81. They were brought back up in a very short time and stayed up the rest of the day. We were out eating lunch the 2nd time, but I am told it was short enough duration that the machines didn't even "blink" so I guess I am assuming he didn't waver.
It was very windy in town all day Sunday and there were 90 mph winds in the valley where Andy and Eric live. OUR winds made for a very COLD day. Our newspaper says to expect minus 2 tonight. I'd rather NOT, but guess I'll prepare myself. I like temps between 15 and 20 all winter....very nice!! Colder is a bit chilly, and warmer is very messy!!!
Kathy brought a peach pie and ended up sharing it with others in the waiting room. This included an 18 month old who kept handing us her bottle to hold and saying "bite." AND we came out of CCU once to find a young man helping himself to a dish. He was so "embarassed" that it was funny. She told him it would cost him $20....and he could pay his girl friend later. Poor guy.... she had left it there for people...but he obviously felt "caught."
Well, hopefully there are no scary weird sentences in this update. Stan's trach looks good, I am told that he has less bleeding than most and that he will be able to cough with better results. Now I must get going so I can see how they have him positioned...with the trach and all the other paraphenalia he is attached to in the way... lying on his front side. I'll let you know "tonight."
Love, M
I am sure you all must have wondered about that sentence!! I got up Sunday morning and decided to check out what I had written and sent the night before because I was too sleepy to edit it. Ooooh Boy!! I have no idea how the Russians got involved or what the east or weather had to do with anything. What I am wondering....if we take all these weird things I write in my sleep and put them together if they'll make an interesting story??? heehee
What I was trying to say was......... a load of trees were sent to Hawaii, but the inspector found a bug on one and rejected the entire lot. The trees were then sent to Alaska where they are being sold for charity, but each Northern Air Cargo employee got one free. Since Mark and Laura BOTH work there, they shared their extra tree with me!! Still a good story, if NOT quite as exciting as the Russian one!!
When I left the hospital last night they were working on getting a special team together to "flip" or "prone" Stan, meaning to carefully place him on his stomach for 8 to 16 hours. This is to help his lungs. The doctor talked to me yesterday and said that his lungs were what is holding us up from getting the answers to what we are all wondering..........is there brain activity?? Until he can be "woken up" there is no way to know, but his lungs are so sick he has to be kept sedated. The "proning" will take pressure off them and hopefully let them heal. If he gives any indication that the proning is causing stress, they will flip him back again immediately. So I am anxious to get there to see what is happening.
He does have a yeast infection, but it showed in his sputum and his urine, so the doctor is trying to discover exactly where it is centered so he can treat it.
His "numbers" all stayed very good all day yesterday EXCEPT when the electricity failed (twice) during the afternoon. My friend Kathy was with me the first time (PTL) and leaped into action when the back up power did not come on. By the time she had the manual air thing ready to go the power returned, but she was there and ready!!! Those few seconds, however, caused him a bit of stress and his oxygen levels went from 93 to 81. They were brought back up in a very short time and stayed up the rest of the day. We were out eating lunch the 2nd time, but I am told it was short enough duration that the machines didn't even "blink" so I guess I am assuming he didn't waver.
It was very windy in town all day Sunday and there were 90 mph winds in the valley where Andy and Eric live. OUR winds made for a very COLD day. Our newspaper says to expect minus 2 tonight. I'd rather NOT, but guess I'll prepare myself. I like temps between 15 and 20 all winter....very nice!! Colder is a bit chilly, and warmer is very messy!!!
Kathy brought a peach pie and ended up sharing it with others in the waiting room. This included an 18 month old who kept handing us her bottle to hold and saying "bite." AND we came out of CCU once to find a young man helping himself to a dish. He was so "embarassed" that it was funny. She told him it would cost him $20....and he could pay his girl friend later. Poor guy.... she had left it there for people...but he obviously felt "caught."
Well, hopefully there are no scary weird sentences in this update. Stan's trach looks good, I am told that he has less bleeding than most and that he will be able to cough with better results. Now I must get going so I can see how they have him positioned...with the trach and all the other paraphenalia he is attached to in the way... lying on his front side. I'll let you know "tonight."
Love, M
Day 18
I want to share the "meat" of Molly's email to me today:
"The chances are fairly good that the surgeon doesn't know the Lord Jesus as Savior.
So I wanted to remind you of a time in the Bible when God used an unbeliever to accomplish His great purposes, and it says that God grasped that person by the right hand. That's usually the hand the surgeons use to operate.
(She quoted the verses, but I will give you the reference...Is 44:24-28, Is 45 1-6)
"The chances are fairly good that the surgeon doesn't know the Lord Jesus as Savior.
So I wanted to remind you of a time in the Bible when God used an unbeliever to accomplish His great purposes, and it says that God grasped that person by the right hand. That's usually the hand the surgeons use to operate.
(She quoted the verses, but I will give you the reference...Is 44:24-28, Is 45 1-6)
Madeline, I'm praying that God will grasp the surgeon by the right hand and accomplish His purposes this morning - so that EVERYONE will know that there is no God like our God."
Wellllll....I do believe that God grasped the surgeon's by the right hand and accomplished His purpose this morning!! The surgery went well, and Stan's numbers are good. PTL
While Stan was in surgery, my boys went to Denny's and got me some eggs and hash browns.....yummmm..... The rest of the gang ate Subway....that is all there is in this hospital. There is an excuse (poor one?) of a cafeteria, but it is usually closed! I guess that isn't the "important" part of being a good hospital, tho, so it is okay.
After eating and gabbing, I went up to check on Stan and found he was back in his room, but not quite ready for visitors. It wasn't long before I was able to see him and see the doctor. Kathy (RT friend 
No more tape between his mouth and nose and around his head!! They had shaved him this morning, and after removing the tape now, he has whiskers growing from ear to ear in a strip about 1 inch wide....so he could develop an interesting mustache!!
After checking on him, I went back to the cafeteria to let others know he was in his room. I sat and visited and two friends joined Kathy and me. We were "updated" by John T who said he had been kicked out because they were going to insert the feeding tube in Stan's nose. He left, and John G came down and reported that he was kicked out because they were about to a Chest xray of Stan's chest
(I am so sleepy! I do hope I am making sense!!)
My boys picked up the 7 - 8 foot Noble fir tree for my entry. Laura and Mark each got a free tree because the Russian's didn't like the bug that came east and weather wth them.
They both work for Northern Air Cargo, and so they had an extra "free" tree. What a blessing! I was not sure that I would decorate this year, but with this tree....comes a renewed spirit of "the season."
The boys have set the tree up for me and tomorrow will help me get to the boxes of ornaments. I have to go to bed so tormorrow will come!!!
Night and God Bless....Love, M
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