..and things are starting to look up. Vertigo is better, but not gone, and dp is cracking smiles and jokes.
I got here at 5:30 this morning, so I could talk the Doctors doing rounds. dp says he's less rude than she's alone. This is not the head head doc, but Dr. B, the guy whose cheek she pinched. I guess maybe she shouldn't have done that... Pathology confirmed that the tumor was cancer -- everyone assumes that it's metastasis, but I guess they can't prove it. Maybe I can convince Human Relations that it's another second illness, and use another 48 hours of my sick leave...
Dr. C was in this morning too. He didn't think the acupuncturist was such a good idea, which struck me as odd, given that it was his suggestion in the first place. He thinks the dizziness now could just be lightheadedness, because she's been bed-ridden for so long.
dp is off the liquid diet this morning, and is working her way through a bowl of dry Kix (weren't they for trids?), a melon plate(canteloupe and honeydew, neither a dp favorite), and an orange italian ice. We're going to have to try and find those -- they're good (Arrezzio brand). They expect her to walk today, so hopefully that means pulling the foley catheter. She's down to one IV (the last two in her right hand have gone bad -- the first "infused," and blew up her hand to yesterday morning -- the swelling was better by last night), and is pretty much gone now.
She's still not feeling very social, but she is showing definite improvement.
...our scenario surrounding the big C.
Welcome!
This weblog began as a way to keep loved ones informed as we learned about our diagnosis in March 2007.
"the sCenario" has evolved into a journal, a photo display, an historic record, a scrapbook, an inspiration, a place for loved ones to gather.
We hope you enjoy your visit!
--Kevin and Diana
9 comments:
Glad to hear you're getting somewhere. I guess I didn't doubt that the tumor was cancerous, but benign would have been nice. Did they say whether it was the same kind as what was in her lung, or is that a dumb question?
I say: New tumor: new event! Do I get to vote?
I'll be down to pick up Caitlin and her friend at the Hawkeye game. Let me know if you want company for a little. I've been pretty regular all of a sudden so don't hesitate to beg off.
Tomorrow Walker has NEIBA band concerts in Oelwien, just in time for a major snow and ice storm. This is a big honor and I suspect we'll go if the don't call it off. Needless to say, we hope they reschedule. Got to suffer if you want to play the blues, man.
Regards to DP. Tell her I covet the melons. No, don't.
have brownies in the oven, due out at 12:15, then I'm on my way there. glad to hear of continued improvement. sleeves also gave good report from his visit yesterday evening. i'm hoping for more of the same, although sociability is not required or expected; i'm perfectly happy to monitor naptime. see you in a bit . A. Noni
Kix and melon!! And last night were ten or so ices, all going down and staying down. Hearing her voice and seeing her smile, even if only briefly, were joyful to me.
I would also be more than a bit pissy if I had to listen to bells and whistles 24 hours a day, and had an angry wound on the back of my neck six inches long. I find it hard to believe that the monitors cannot be silenced in the room to allow a person to get some uninterrupted sleep.
Last night DP showed some signs of her usual sense of self and sense of humor. She looked so beat up, but seeing those emerging signs was quite encouraging. Today's news is even more so (well, except for the path report, which is not different from what I expected, but so hoped would be, sigh).
One day at a time.
Dear Diana and Kevin,
It's so good to hear that things are improving. Thanks again for the update. Give Diana our love and tell her we're thinking about her. I'll pass on the good news to the relatives How's Auntie Marie holding up? Is Diana allowed to have flowers in her room? When might she be going home or is it too soon to ask that question? Take care of yourself, Kevin.
Love,
Carol and Fred
This sounds like good progress at last. Hope the walking trial goes well also.
About the monitors, I have two suggestions. Sometimes the volume can be decreased, especially if there is a remote central system for the nurses to view outside the room. Someone should know how to do it. Then see if dp can wear the kind of earplugs swimmers use. They are soft and mold to the shape of the ear. We occasionally use them for babies who are especially sensitive to noise.
Acupressure might be a good alternative treatment if Dr C is concerned about infection risk from the needles. Try a little pressure on the inside wrist, near the radial artery. It's the point that those wristbands for seasickness treat. You might be able to find a picture or diagram online.
As always , give her my love.
the beat goes on, and we were practically a rock 'n roll band this afternoon! dp rose from her bed and walked outside her room and back, accompanied by two PTs, her iv pole and a cheerleader. ate ices, fruit, cheesecake, drank tea, juice. cracked dppy jokes and recited her "yes, i'm still in here and i know what day it is better than you do" mantra. i've been asked to say that mikey brau and dede better be enjoying the "daylights out" of this trip, cuz the rest of us are living vicariously through them right now and that's our carrot! this will probably feel especially true in the ice on saturday. A. Noni
Yay for all the good guys!
So glad to hear of "dppy jokes" coming back! So happy to hear words like "progress." Let's get her home and then steal her money at poker.
Happy Friday to all of you. We really are a safety net for each other. It takes a village.
(Who is this MOUSE person. I say: reveal thyself!)
;) S.
A. Noni Mouse ~ aka Faery Dogmother.
Sounds seditious.
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