Mom and Dad went home to Utah today. I loved having them here! I would have been lost without them. But....I am SO glad they are now back in Utah. My family up there really needs them as I have a nephew that is very very sick and is in the hospital. My heart breaks not to be with them, though I really wouldn't be much help, unfortunately.
Snuggles is lost without mother. She just mopes around here, pining for her favorite friend. I didn't go to Outdoor Education with the fifth graders this year. I'm finally realizing that my body just might not be ready to do what my mind is, and I can't push it very hard. This asthma thing is going to be a slow, slow improvement, and I feel like if I don't take care now I'm going to push myself back another month. I guess they really mean it when they say six weeks to somewhat normal, and six months to true normal after surgery. And that's without the asthma. Every time I feel somewhat good I push too hard and I go back a step. One of these days I'll get smarter. Without students, I'm taking 1 1/2 days off over the next three days while they're at camp and I don't have to do lesson plans. I actually plan on doing little more than sleeping. With surgery and holidays and camp, I feel like I haven't been at work enough in the past month to earn a living. Thank goodness for years of accumulated sick days.
Mom, my printer is working again. What a blessing. It's been thinking it's my camera for the last three days and driving me crazy!! Wouldn't print anything.
Snuggles' first hospice visit went very well. I can't say much due to privacy reasons, but I am thrilled to be able to bring so much joy to someone just by sharing my dog. Snugs was just perfect. She stayed still for a very long time, just being petted. We will visit this person every week now. I am so glad!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Asthma Update
It's thanks to my mother that I keep updating this post. It seems like I'm wlways just about too tired to do it, and I'm convinced nobody is still reading, but she gives me that pleading look and I cave.
It's been a rough day, but I made it. I'm apparently doing too much because my wounds are all tender. It frustrates me that I now can't even bend over without it hurting again. I thought I was past that. Work has been very busy with getting ready for camp and parent teacher conferences, but I didn't do anything too physically hard. Well, maybe my body thinks just being there is hard. No naps! It's been great to be back with the kids. They make me smile. I do love teaching. I wish my brain worked a little faster though. Everything that takes concentration seems to take longer than it should. My walking is humorous. I go like regular for a little bit and then wind down until I feel like I could keep up with my Mom and Dad and that's about it. And then tonight, MOM outstripped me at WalMart! Pathetic.
Anyway, I'm rambling. Tired. After a 1/2 day of work (conferences) I dropped off Snugs at the groomer. Went to Dr. Thacker. He was still worried about my lungs. Not much improvement. Picked up Snugs from the groomer. Dropped her off at home, picked up Mom and Dad (though I tried to convince them to stay home). Went to get a chest X-ray, then to a pulmonologist appointment that Dr. Thacker's office got for me at 3:00. Left there at 5:15. "Easy come, easy go" Daddy was the most anxious I've about ever seen him. We took so darn long (Mom wanted to come back in with me to the doctor) that he had convinced himself I was on a stretcher on the way to the hospital and Mom couldn't leave me long enough to even tell him. The secretaries even left him alone in the waiting room and went home!!! He still hasn't quite forgiven us for not coming to get him. I was taking breathing tests, but mostly waiting back there. Next time he needs to just open the door and find us. I still feel bad about not going to get him. He sure knows where I am this evening. I've NEVER seen him watch me so tightly at a store as he did today!
I just have a really BAD case of asthma that they have to get control of. Today I had only 60% use of my lungs, and I think that was after an inhaler. More prednisone, two newer, stronger inhalers. Mom said the nurse made an awful face when listening to my lungs. Each of them. She should of heard me last week when I was way below 60%! Another appointment in two weeks. Both doctors today seemed quite upset at the thought of me going to camp. Apparently if we can't control this here, it would be even harder up in the cold weather. I'm still coming to grips with that. Lezlee has been wonderful and gracious about taking over, but I still feel so darned guilty! Should I have waited for surgery? Etc. etc. I'm going to feel totally better just about next Wednesday when we leave for camp, and then have this huge dilemma about whether or not to go. If I go, Mom and Dad might have apoplexy. It was not a good idea to let Mom in the doctor's office with me. :)
Then went to Arriba's (Mom's been waiting since she got here!) and I kind of faded, so we packed up the food to take home. Needed to stop by WalMart for a prescription of Dad's, and then back to Walgreens for my prescriptions. Then, finally at 7:15pm, home to stay. Totally dark with no light on, and Snuggles was fine. Catching up on her sleep, I'd think. Long day.
On a bright note, Snuggles is beautifully clean and fluffy and ready for her first hospice visit on Monday at 10:15am. The groomer was very nice in working Snuggles' nails as short as possible and in not using any scent at all so I could work with hospice patients.
Mom and Dad and I will go to John Larson's funeral tomorrow. What a tragic event. I'm glad for Phyllis' sake that Dad is here in town. It will be a long emotional afternoon, but I am very thankful that we can be there for them. I'd be there even if Mom and Dad weren't here. How thankful I am that families are forever!
It's been a rough day, but I made it. I'm apparently doing too much because my wounds are all tender. It frustrates me that I now can't even bend over without it hurting again. I thought I was past that. Work has been very busy with getting ready for camp and parent teacher conferences, but I didn't do anything too physically hard. Well, maybe my body thinks just being there is hard. No naps! It's been great to be back with the kids. They make me smile. I do love teaching. I wish my brain worked a little faster though. Everything that takes concentration seems to take longer than it should. My walking is humorous. I go like regular for a little bit and then wind down until I feel like I could keep up with my Mom and Dad and that's about it. And then tonight, MOM outstripped me at WalMart! Pathetic.
Anyway, I'm rambling. Tired. After a 1/2 day of work (conferences) I dropped off Snugs at the groomer. Went to Dr. Thacker. He was still worried about my lungs. Not much improvement. Picked up Snugs from the groomer. Dropped her off at home, picked up Mom and Dad (though I tried to convince them to stay home). Went to get a chest X-ray, then to a pulmonologist appointment that Dr. Thacker's office got for me at 3:00. Left there at 5:15. "Easy come, easy go" Daddy was the most anxious I've about ever seen him. We took so darn long (Mom wanted to come back in with me to the doctor) that he had convinced himself I was on a stretcher on the way to the hospital and Mom couldn't leave me long enough to even tell him. The secretaries even left him alone in the waiting room and went home!!! He still hasn't quite forgiven us for not coming to get him. I was taking breathing tests, but mostly waiting back there. Next time he needs to just open the door and find us. I still feel bad about not going to get him. He sure knows where I am this evening. I've NEVER seen him watch me so tightly at a store as he did today!
I just have a really BAD case of asthma that they have to get control of. Today I had only 60% use of my lungs, and I think that was after an inhaler. More prednisone, two newer, stronger inhalers. Mom said the nurse made an awful face when listening to my lungs. Each of them. She should of heard me last week when I was way below 60%! Another appointment in two weeks. Both doctors today seemed quite upset at the thought of me going to camp. Apparently if we can't control this here, it would be even harder up in the cold weather. I'm still coming to grips with that. Lezlee has been wonderful and gracious about taking over, but I still feel so darned guilty! Should I have waited for surgery? Etc. etc. I'm going to feel totally better just about next Wednesday when we leave for camp, and then have this huge dilemma about whether or not to go. If I go, Mom and Dad might have apoplexy. It was not a good idea to let Mom in the doctor's office with me. :)
Then went to Arriba's (Mom's been waiting since she got here!) and I kind of faded, so we packed up the food to take home. Needed to stop by WalMart for a prescription of Dad's, and then back to Walgreens for my prescriptions. Then, finally at 7:15pm, home to stay. Totally dark with no light on, and Snuggles was fine. Catching up on her sleep, I'd think. Long day.
On a bright note, Snuggles is beautifully clean and fluffy and ready for her first hospice visit on Monday at 10:15am. The groomer was very nice in working Snuggles' nails as short as possible and in not using any scent at all so I could work with hospice patients.
Mom and Dad and I will go to John Larson's funeral tomorrow. What a tragic event. I'm glad for Phyllis' sake that Dad is here in town. It will be a long emotional afternoon, but I am very thankful that we can be there for them. I'd be there even if Mom and Dad weren't here. How thankful I am that families are forever!
Friday, February 5, 2010
And the Story Continues
I have to start this with a heartfelt thanks to Mom and Dad for taking care of me. I actually did dishes last night for the first time, and I think I made cheese crisps for one dinner. Not much to claim for two weeks of housework. Oh, wait, Mom and I cleaned the arcadia doors yesterday. We're all relieved to see out the windows finally. That about wiped me out, but oh, it's pretty! My dog, my home and I would be a wreck without them. They are even staying until the 17th, to get me through a very busy next week. Thank you, thank you! They have done so much for me and I am so blessed!
The doctor just called back late this afternoon. He still doesn't have the written report from the CT scan, but is going on the preliminary report. I have "mild ground glass consolidation in my lower left lung". Seems like it means that instead of having clear lungs in the CT scan, the opacity of my lower left lung is like looking through ground glass. Not sure what caused it this time, but an infection can cause it, so he's putting me on Zithromax, an antibiotic. I had no phlegm, no fever, no normal signs of an infection, so I'm glad the CT scan caught it, whatever "it" is. It could be other things, but I'm not planning on it. The doctor wants to see me back in 10 days, and I have to have another CT scan (grrrrrrr!)in three months. I guess that's because it only shows up on a CT scan, and they have to make sure the antibiotic clears it up, and it really was an infection. Makes sense to me that it's my left lung because I still cannot sleep on my left side without my lungs bubbling and feeling like I'm under water. Slept great on Wednesday night, but last night was restless due to breathing issues.
And to end on a humorous note....according to the surgical report, they went in my "umbilical port", not my bellybutton. That cracked me up. I can just see me in a Star Trek Next Generation episode. So the next time you grab your little kids and give them a raspberry on the belly, you can tell them you're really just checking out a possible future umbilical port.
Thanks for your continued support. Hope all this detail doesn't drive you nuts!
Me
The doctor just called back late this afternoon. He still doesn't have the written report from the CT scan, but is going on the preliminary report. I have "mild ground glass consolidation in my lower left lung". Seems like it means that instead of having clear lungs in the CT scan, the opacity of my lower left lung is like looking through ground glass. Not sure what caused it this time, but an infection can cause it, so he's putting me on Zithromax, an antibiotic. I had no phlegm, no fever, no normal signs of an infection, so I'm glad the CT scan caught it, whatever "it" is. It could be other things, but I'm not planning on it. The doctor wants to see me back in 10 days, and I have to have another CT scan (grrrrrrr!)in three months. I guess that's because it only shows up on a CT scan, and they have to make sure the antibiotic clears it up, and it really was an infection. Makes sense to me that it's my left lung because I still cannot sleep on my left side without my lungs bubbling and feeling like I'm under water. Slept great on Wednesday night, but last night was restless due to breathing issues.
And to end on a humorous note....according to the surgical report, they went in my "umbilical port", not my bellybutton. That cracked me up. I can just see me in a Star Trek Next Generation episode. So the next time you grab your little kids and give them a raspberry on the belly, you can tell them you're really just checking out a possible future umbilical port.
Thanks for your continued support. Hope all this detail doesn't drive you nuts!
Me
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
CT Scan Finished
Wow, when doctor's are worried, you get responses back really fast. Thankfully, I don't have a pulmonary embolism, but it looks like I have an infection. They'll call me back with more details tomorrow when the doctor can look at the actual films and then prescribe more medication. Don't know about pneumonia, I didn't ask. They yanked and poked at my arm forever. It's still numb.
Sorry if I sound grumpy, I should be feeling much better soon! :)
Me
Sorry if I sound grumpy, I should be feeling much better soon! :)
Me
No More Cabin Fever
For someone who has been stuck at home for 7 days, I sure wish I could stay home today!
Briefly for now:
10:15 appointment with Dr. Brothwell. Mass on appendix is NOT cancer! Instead it was endometrioma. I really had no symptoms from it but soon would have had problems. Mom cries every time she gets to tell people I don't have cancer. She asked if I was excited about it, and I sarcastically replied that not having cancer won't matter if I die of suffocation. I cannnot lay down without feeling like I'm drowning. I got basically no sleep last night because I was gasping. Dr. Brothwell was very concerned. Sent me to my primary care doctor, Dr. Thacker.
Came home, ate lunch, turned around and went to Dr. Thacker's at 12:40. He is very concerned. Listened and listened to my lungs and peppered me with questions. I may just have a very bad case of asthma, but he's also worried about a pulmonary embolism (blod clot in the lungs which can happen after surgery) or pneumonia. I will continue to take my inhalers for the asthma, plus prednisone.
I have to have a CT scan today which is scheduled for 3:30. No more food (not even the prednisone!) until after the scan, just drinking water like crazy so they can find a vein again. Grrrr. They had a terrible time last time. I just want to go to sleeeeeep. Dad and I are wandering around Glendale like crazy. We're happy U turns are legal in Glendale. I don't feel well and am not navigating very well, and Dad is a perfect SunCityDriver, which stresses me out. I'm constantly telling him to speed up....!
Oh, and by the way my gallbladder showed that I had chronic choleostytis (heck if I know how to spell it right now!), which means my gallbladder was chronically inflamed due to repeated acute attacks of choleosomethingortheother. No stones though. Just didn't work. So the scan taken exactly a year ago yesterday that said my gallbladder wasn't inflamed was WRONG! 1 1/2 years.....how I envy Lynda!
Update more later. Thanks for your love and concern!
Me
Briefly for now:
10:15 appointment with Dr. Brothwell. Mass on appendix is NOT cancer! Instead it was endometrioma. I really had no symptoms from it but soon would have had problems. Mom cries every time she gets to tell people I don't have cancer. She asked if I was excited about it, and I sarcastically replied that not having cancer won't matter if I die of suffocation. I cannnot lay down without feeling like I'm drowning. I got basically no sleep last night because I was gasping. Dr. Brothwell was very concerned. Sent me to my primary care doctor, Dr. Thacker.
Came home, ate lunch, turned around and went to Dr. Thacker's at 12:40. He is very concerned. Listened and listened to my lungs and peppered me with questions. I may just have a very bad case of asthma, but he's also worried about a pulmonary embolism (blod clot in the lungs which can happen after surgery) or pneumonia. I will continue to take my inhalers for the asthma, plus prednisone.
I have to have a CT scan today which is scheduled for 3:30. No more food (not even the prednisone!) until after the scan, just drinking water like crazy so they can find a vein again. Grrrr. They had a terrible time last time. I just want to go to sleeeeeep. Dad and I are wandering around Glendale like crazy. We're happy U turns are legal in Glendale. I don't feel well and am not navigating very well, and Dad is a perfect SunCityDriver, which stresses me out. I'm constantly telling him to speed up....!
Oh, and by the way my gallbladder showed that I had chronic choleostytis (heck if I know how to spell it right now!), which means my gallbladder was chronically inflamed due to repeated acute attacks of choleosomethingortheother. No stones though. Just didn't work. So the scan taken exactly a year ago yesterday that said my gallbladder wasn't inflamed was WRONG! 1 1/2 years.....how I envy Lynda!
Update more later. Thanks for your love and concern!
Me
Friday, January 29, 2010
I'm Back
Thank you to Janice for keeping this posting going during this past week. I really appreciate it! She did such a good job, even though she did tease me! I knew something was up when Lezlee stopped by and told me she was supposed to make me laugh because my sister said so.
Things continue to get better each day as I try to get my body back to normal. Today I'm trying to get off of Percoset all together, and if I don't move too much, I think that'll happen. The pain is a lot less than Tuesday, thankfully. I even was able to wash my hair this morning. That felt so good.
I probably won't post again until next Wednesday after I have my doctor's appointment. I don't think there will be any new news before then. I'm thinking they either got it all, or I was extremely blessed and my 15% chance of it being clean happened. I truly am not worried about it -- I'm just glad they're out. Janice and Mom are as curious as ever and want every detail! I don't have that "liking all gory medical things" gene, but admit to being curious and will look forward to talking to the surgeon more next week.
Thanks for all of your love and support!
Things continue to get better each day as I try to get my body back to normal. Today I'm trying to get off of Percoset all together, and if I don't move too much, I think that'll happen. The pain is a lot less than Tuesday, thankfully. I even was able to wash my hair this morning. That felt so good.
I probably won't post again until next Wednesday after I have my doctor's appointment. I don't think there will be any new news before then. I'm thinking they either got it all, or I was extremely blessed and my 15% chance of it being clean happened. I truly am not worried about it -- I'm just glad they're out. Janice and Mom are as curious as ever and want every detail! I don't have that "liking all gory medical things" gene, but admit to being curious and will look forward to talking to the surgeon more next week.
Thanks for all of your love and support!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Now This is Pithy
She can take any medicine she wants.
The bellybutton is fine.
He has no results from pathology, but didn't see any growth while he was in there. If he hears anything concerning from the lab before Wednesday, he will call her. He thought the appendix was really odd; tucked under her right ovary and 'stuck' to the side of her pelvis. With all of the surgeries he's done, he thinks it's one of the oddest appendixes he's seen! He doesn't know why - wondered if she'd had appendicitis before. Glad it's out!
Dad's off to the drugstore!
The bellybutton is fine.
He has no results from pathology, but didn't see any growth while he was in there. If he hears anything concerning from the lab before Wednesday, he will call her. He thought the appendix was really odd; tucked under her right ovary and 'stuck' to the side of her pelvis. With all of the surgeries he's done, he thinks it's one of the oddest appendixes he's seen! He doesn't know why - wondered if she'd had appendicitis before. Glad it's out!
Dad's off to the drugstore!
A Pithy Post
Pithy: Short, direct, and memorable. Well, I don't know about short...
Julie is alive. I have talked to her. My apologies to the concerned audience out there! I was out of the house this morning. But I am back and have talked to Julie. I almost want to wait to post until the doctor calls her back. But, here's what I know so far.
Dr. Brothwell will call her back today to answer a few questions. Her asthma is acting up. When it acts up to a certain point she needs to go on a maintenance dose of asthma medication. She is wondering if the corticosteroid conflicts with any of the medications she is currently taking. (If she forgets to ask him, she can call a pharmacist).
Her scars and steri-strips are all fine except for the one around her navel. It is a little funny. For some reason, Julie has a hard time looking at the scar, :) but Mom is concerned. Mom planned to describe it to the doctor. I suggested she take a digital picture of it and upload it to her computer and get ready to send it to him via email once she gets the address. That may prevent her having to go in and be seen. (Do you think if Mom learns how to upload pictures, she will send me a picture of Julie?) It appears the closure is not totally complete, but I didn't gather from the conversation whether or not it was inflamed or red. Years ago, I gave her a 'nifty' first aid kit, so they should be able to use beta-dyne to clean it and steri-strips to close it if that is what the doctor directs.
She also intends to ask about pathology reports when Dr. Brothwell calls. I guess she doesn't want to wait until the follow-up visit next week. (If it was me, I would have called the office twice by now! She has the patience...)
Julie seems a little tired, sore, and just not-feeling-well. And, perhaps, a bit nervous. She will call me when the doctor calls her and I will post right afterwards.
On a "Snuggles" note. Julie was awakened last night to Snuggles licking her awake, which caused Julie to cough. She realized afterwards that she had been struggling for breath a bit. So - Snuggles is watching over Julie, too.
She also will receive a DVD of her surgery. Her surgeon records all surgeries for malpractice reasons. Mom and I are interested in watching it. Julie absolutely does not want to watch it! She says it would make her hurt again! Knowing the outcome was okay -- I'd be fascinated to see the medical procedures used. I've seen so very much in real life! Maybe when I 'grow up' I'll be a nurse!
Julie is alive. I have talked to her. My apologies to the concerned audience out there! I was out of the house this morning. But I am back and have talked to Julie. I almost want to wait to post until the doctor calls her back. But, here's what I know so far.
Dr. Brothwell will call her back today to answer a few questions. Her asthma is acting up. When it acts up to a certain point she needs to go on a maintenance dose of asthma medication. She is wondering if the corticosteroid conflicts with any of the medications she is currently taking. (If she forgets to ask him, she can call a pharmacist).
Her scars and steri-strips are all fine except for the one around her navel. It is a little funny. For some reason, Julie has a hard time looking at the scar, :) but Mom is concerned. Mom planned to describe it to the doctor. I suggested she take a digital picture of it and upload it to her computer and get ready to send it to him via email once she gets the address. That may prevent her having to go in and be seen. (Do you think if Mom learns how to upload pictures, she will send me a picture of Julie?) It appears the closure is not totally complete, but I didn't gather from the conversation whether or not it was inflamed or red. Years ago, I gave her a 'nifty' first aid kit, so they should be able to use beta-dyne to clean it and steri-strips to close it if that is what the doctor directs.
She also intends to ask about pathology reports when Dr. Brothwell calls. I guess she doesn't want to wait until the follow-up visit next week. (If it was me, I would have called the office twice by now! She has the patience...)
Julie seems a little tired, sore, and just not-feeling-well. And, perhaps, a bit nervous. She will call me when the doctor calls her and I will post right afterwards.
On a "Snuggles" note. Julie was awakened last night to Snuggles licking her awake, which caused Julie to cough. She realized afterwards that she had been struggling for breath a bit. So - Snuggles is watching over Julie, too.
She also will receive a DVD of her surgery. Her surgeon records all surgeries for malpractice reasons. Mom and I are interested in watching it. Julie absolutely does not want to watch it! She says it would make her hurt again! Knowing the outcome was okay -- I'd be fascinated to see the medical procedures used. I've seen so very much in real life! Maybe when I 'grow up' I'll be a nurse!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The First Day of 'Vacation'
Julie was well taken-care of last night. A friend from the ward brought in a delicious dinner, which was appreciated. Mom and Dad took turns watching over Julie last night. Dad took the first shift, Mom the last. Dad even helped Julie put cookie dough in the freezer at midnight. Cookie dough that belonged in the fridge. Julie was a little addled... She had malt o meal this morning and later had a peanut butter sandwich. She is trying to catch up on sleep as it was a bit sketchy last night.
She is feeling fine except for a headache and dizziness. She cut down on the Oxycodone and put food in her stomach so is expecting to feel better. Snuggles thinks she is deprived - no jumping on Julie's lap! If Dad is watching Snuggles, he catches her after she has jumped onto Julie's lap. Mom just gives Snuggles the 'look' and says "Snuggles" and Snuggles behaves. Snuggles can still lay on Julie's legs. If she stays there.
She's also had a number of phone calls - including one from Agnes Mae who was shocked that Julie was already home and answering the phone! "You can't be home!" over and over again. (Remind anyone of Grandma Owens?) I'm glad Julie is well-loved.
She is feeling fine except for a headache and dizziness. She cut down on the Oxycodone and put food in her stomach so is expecting to feel better. Snuggles thinks she is deprived - no jumping on Julie's lap! If Dad is watching Snuggles, he catches her after she has jumped onto Julie's lap. Mom just gives Snuggles the 'look' and says "Snuggles" and Snuggles behaves. Snuggles can still lay on Julie's legs. If she stays there.
She's also had a number of phone calls - including one from Agnes Mae who was shocked that Julie was already home and answering the phone! "You can't be home!" over and over again. (Remind anyone of Grandma Owens?) I'm glad Julie is well-loved.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Alive and Kicking
I talked to Julie herself earlier this evening. She said "Okay, ask me questions!" What questions? She was 'out' when the surgeon talked to Mom and Dad! She will see him again in a week. She's not worried about pathology reports. She wanted to know the difference between Oxycodone and Percocet. (Percocet contains acetaminophen and is not slow-release). Had to look that one up. She hates the stockings. She is grateful Mom and Dad wouldn't know how to download a picture to post on this blog, nor will she give me access to that part of the blog! Wonder why? I'd love to get a picture of her on here! She sounds chipper and herself.
She did comment that being told to intentionally cough while her abdomen still hurt wasn't fun. She feigned a loss of memory when I pointed out that she made me laugh right after my C-section. Repeatedly. Intentionally. And she thought it was hilarious! I think this is payback time! Any of you want to make her laugh? Go for it! :)
How fun to talk to her! I'll visit with her again in the morning!
She did comment that being told to intentionally cough while her abdomen still hurt wasn't fun. She feigned a loss of memory when I pointed out that she made me laugh right after my C-section. Repeatedly. Intentionally. And she thought it was hilarious! I think this is payback time! Any of you want to make her laugh? Go for it! :)
How fun to talk to her! I'll visit with her again in the morning!
She's Home!
Mom and Dad were able to go back and see Julie about 11:00 a.m. She left the hospital at about noon - and is now home! Pam and Glen - and Snuggles - were waiting to see Julie when she got home. Snuggles gave her a good 'kiss' while Julie was still in the car! She very slowly made it up her stairs - but won't be trying that again for a while! Julie got a multitude of after-surgery instructions: how to care for the wounds (here and there across her abdomen), getting the delight of wearing 'longstockings' to prevent blood clots, medication dosages and times, instructions to keep her feet and legs moving and to cough to clear her lungs, etc. etc.. (I wish I had a picture of those stockings!) She had a lunch of some chicken-noodle soup, then took pain medication: oxycodone. She is getting settled in for a nap. In the recliner. She is to sleep in the recliner tonight to enable her to be able to breathe easier. As Mom puts it, "She sure wants to sleep!" Dad is running back to the pharmacy for some over-the-counter medications she will need.
She's home and doing well!
She's home and doing well!
She's Out
Julie is out of surgery. (At 9:30) She is doing well; blood pressure normal, etc. Mom and Dad and the Sherrills are there. Mom mentioned to Dr. Brothwell that it went quickly, and Dr. Brothwell said it didn't seem that way to him! Gall bladder and appendix are out! He mentioned the appendix was in an unusual place - down low in a pocket - "kind of like a hernia." That, of course, makes me want to ask "Huh?" and get clarification but Mom and Dad didn't. They know Julie is okay and that is what matters to them! Mom was crying with relief when she talked to me. I'm so glad Mom and Dad and the Sherrills are there with her!
Her ovary looked just fine and they should have pathology reports in two business days - both on the mass in the appendix and whether or not there were gallstones. (Dr. Brothwell removed her gall bladder intact).
She'll be in recovery for two hours, then Mom and Dad can go back and be with her for about another hour - at least - before she is ready to go home.
Her ovary looked just fine and they should have pathology reports in two business days - both on the mass in the appendix and whether or not there were gallstones. (Dr. Brothwell removed her gall bladder intact).
She'll be in recovery for two hours, then Mom and Dad can go back and be with her for about another hour - at least - before she is ready to go home.
And So It Begins
At around 8:35 Julie went back into surgery. She was chipper and upbeat. She needed to use her inhaler a bit this morning, but that is somewhat normal. Mom and Dad liked Dr. Brothwell and thought he was very personable. They anticipate the surgery will take between an hour and an hour and a half.
I'll post again when she comes out.
I'll post again when she comes out.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Visitors!
My Mom and Dad arrived here safely this afternoon. I am truly blessed to have them willing and happy to come and help me. Dad likes the weather so much I'm not sure he'll ever go back to Utah. Well, except for the fact that if he stays here he can't plant his garden in Utah. That might get him to leave. He can't believe the news reports about our last rain/snow storm. Mom was happy to have Snuggles greet her so warmly. For not being a dog person, she sure loves Snuggles!
So, all is well here. I am working on the last of my lesson plans, but still don't have them finished yet. Two weeks worth is not easy. Plus I'm preparing for Outdoor Education and Parent Teacher Conferences which will hit within a week of my return to school. I'm very blessed to have Lynne Murphy, a retired teacher from Sundance, as my substitute. She'll stop by school on Monday so I can go over the plans with her. Then...my two week vacation begins! It'll be nice to be home while Mom and Dad are here.
Snuggles passed all her observations and is now a certified therapy dog! It is wonderful to see the joy she brings to so many people. I always knew she was just about perfect, and it's great to see how many people agree!
So, all is well here. I am working on the last of my lesson plans, but still don't have them finished yet. Two weeks worth is not easy. Plus I'm preparing for Outdoor Education and Parent Teacher Conferences which will hit within a week of my return to school. I'm very blessed to have Lynne Murphy, a retired teacher from Sundance, as my substitute. She'll stop by school on Monday so I can go over the plans with her. Then...my two week vacation begins! It'll be nice to be home while Mom and Dad are here.
Snuggles passed all her observations and is now a certified therapy dog! It is wonderful to see the joy she brings to so many people. I always knew she was just about perfect, and it's great to see how many people agree!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Surgery Date
I called the nurse this morning -- returning her call. My surgery will be Tuesday, January 26th, at 9:00am at Thunderbird Banner Hospital. For family out of town, that's about 59th Avenue and Thunderbird. I let the doctor pick the hospital and he picked that one. Trying to choose which hospital was stressing me out. :)
Snuggles had a good therapy visit today. The ladies loved him.
That's all for now!
Snuggles had a good therapy visit today. The ladies loved him.
That's all for now!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
I'm Learning
Apparently, I had the blog set up so you couldn't make comments without signing up. Go figure. I'm quite the novice at this. You should be able to make comments now, but if not, email me and I'll work on it again. Sorry Emmalee! I hear you can type all by yourself. You are SO grown up!
Snuggles had her first two observations for being a therapy dog yesterday. According to the trainer, she was "just perfect". She looooved all the petting she got and was very obedient! We make another visit tomorrow to a group home. They also want me to play my violin for the residents. I am happy to do so since the trainer can watch Snugs while I play. Then Wednesday, Snuggles and the trainer will come to my classroom and that will be the last visit. Snuggles already is so good it's just a matter of doing the paperwork and getting in the required number of observations in different circumstances. I'm quite happy that she will be certified before I go in for surgery.
I'll let you know more about the surgery when I know more. :)
Snuggles had her first two observations for being a therapy dog yesterday. According to the trainer, she was "just perfect". She looooved all the petting she got and was very obedient! We make another visit tomorrow to a group home. They also want me to play my violin for the residents. I am happy to do so since the trainer can watch Snugs while I play. Then Wednesday, Snuggles and the trainer will come to my classroom and that will be the last visit. Snuggles already is so good it's just a matter of doing the paperwork and getting in the required number of observations in different circumstances. I'm quite happy that she will be certified before I go in for surgery.
I'll let you know more about the surgery when I know more. :)
Testing, Testing, Testing
Since Julie gave me access to post on this blog, I want to make sure this is working! :) Actually, I'm using the privilege to let Julie know how much she is loved and that we are thinking of her.
Love you, Julie
Love you, Julie
Friday, January 15, 2010
I Can't Believe I'm Doing This
My sister, Janice, finally convinced me to start this blog to make it easier for those who want to know about me and my upcoming surgery. Jan said she'd keep it up when I don't feel like doing it, and I'm holding her to it. :) She's extremely familiar with writing medical details, but I'll have her put the details at the end of the post so you can stop when you get bored reading about me. (After the first line??)
Please know you're still welcome to call me anytime, and you're not bothering me!
My parents come into town a week from tomorrow. A nurse from Thunderbird Hospital left a message today about me needing to call her for a health history, so I thus assume I will be at Thunderbird. The date is still uncertain, but I think it will be January 26th.
Love you all!
Please know you're still welcome to call me anytime, and you're not bothering me!
My parents come into town a week from tomorrow. A nurse from Thunderbird Hospital left a message today about me needing to call her for a health history, so I thus assume I will be at Thunderbird. The date is still uncertain, but I think it will be January 26th.
Love you all!
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