The tables are set, for 23, possibly 24, the menu passed to all the families with requests for certain dishes or desserts. Once again, we are grateful to be home and with high expectations for a great family gathering.
Our family gatherings have changed over the years. There was once the time when we gathered with our parents and siblings, then added to that the grandchildren, nieces and nephews. There were many years when we would send greetings, or videos, or golden leaves pressed between wax paper to my brother and his family when they were missionaries. As the grandchildren grew from teens to college graduates we had the addition of more family members. Some moved away to other states and gradually the siblings joined their children. For many years the gatherings centered around those who lived near and many years passed before the siblings could again join the Thanksgiving celebration.
This year we will welcome most of our children and about half of our grandchildren. There will be new guests in our house this year as two of our teen granddaughters will be bringing their boyfriends. We are excited that granddaughter Rebekah and husband Adam will join us with their baby daughter, Alyssa, 8 months.
Like you, I will begin the week with my food planning agenda and will continue with the food preparation until we all sit down around noon on Thursday. I have already warned my children that once I am seated, do not expect me to rise again. All the clean-up will be up to the rest of the family. That will be my time to be entertained by my family with piano, or conversation!
Lee is continuing to do well. He works on regaining his energy daily. The heart problems he encountered this Fall have left him without the strength he had earlier. He works very hard to regain and admits that it is a constant struggle. The redness has finally disappeared from the radiation to his scalp and forehead. The new growth has completely disappeared! Thank Goodness! He visited his local dermatologist this past week and returned with scars from three more biopsies on the right side of his face. We are hoping they are not squamous cell ca.! The report will be available sometime next week.
There will be two visits to Duke on Dec 3, & 4. We plan to stay at the Caring House once again and are looking forward to seeing some of our acquaintances for a short while.
We wish for each of you a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!
More Later................................................................Brenda
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Monday, November 10, 2014
VALE!
Last Tuesday, November 4, Lee and I returned to the cancer center @ Duke for the daily appointment at 10:30 a.m. We were glad to know that he would complete his course in one week. I settled into my corner in the waiting room to read another John Grisham book, and to look for the new friends I had made during those past few weeks. It usually took about 45 minutes for Lee to complete his procedure. Only about 8 minutes of that time was the actual radiation. The other was for preparation prior to radiation.
I spent my 45 minutes reading a while, then greeting other acquaintances and reassuring some of them that I would be there same time tomorrow! Imagine my surprise when Lee appeared and asked me if I was ready to go home. Do you mean the Caring House or Vale? Home to Vale, he exclaimed with a wide broad smile on his face! All we have to do is see the oncologist one more time and then I am discharged! Wow!
Wouldn't you know? We had just returned from a short two-day week-end at home, and because the weather was cold, I loaded up on warmer clothes and more groceries. My mind was racing and wondering how I would get everything back into our small car! We now have two large coolers, several coats, more shoes and a bundle of personal supplies!
We waited ten minutes and the doctor was ready to see us. Yes, Lee was finished with the radiation. Just need to keep our eyes on the new development that appeared last week and notify them immediately if it begins to enlarge. His follow-up appointment is February. We had a quick lunch, kept another appointment @ 12:30 with pulmonary for an antibiotic infusion. This was given through a nebulizer because he cannot take oral antibiotics along with the new heart drug.
Because it was too late that afternoon to pack and hit the road, we took our time, had dinner at the Caring House with bitter-sweet good-byes to our new friends and began packing the car. We were able to have a restful night before the long trip home on Wednesday. We had not been able to say good-bye to those acquaintances at the clinic whom I had promised to see again on Wednesday, so we made another trip to the cancer center for that purpose. We are glad we did! We exchanged personal information on our I-phones, with promises to stay in touch. At 11:00 a.m. we were on our way and arrived in Vale around 2:30 that afternoon.
We have been busy with the unpacking, the settling in, and making more appointments for the next three months. Lee still has to continue with his local dermatologist, primary care physician and his cardiologist. So far, the new growth has not increased in size, and his heart is regular in rhythm. He is recovering his strength, but is still not up to par on that. I guess we can say, "so far, so good"!
It is always good to be home! I am sleeping better, and more relaxed since his heart has finally settled down! He is hoping his extreme redness on his head and forehead will begin to disappear along with the profuse itching of his scalp. He has tried lotions, aloe and various creams. Finally, mineral oil seems to be working!
This past week-end was wonderful! We had a great Fall dinner with daughter Julia as we celebrated a sort of house-warming in her new house. Sunday was a full day at our church. Life is good!
We are now looking forward to a large family group around our table for Thanksgiving! There will be an abundance of food as all bring a dish. The smells of turkey will drift through the house, the young ones will be laughing, stories will be remembered and renewed. There will be long walks after the feast, and ballgames and recliners for the some of the guys.......................aaaaaah.................the good life!
Hope yours is the same!
More Later............................................Brenda
I spent my 45 minutes reading a while, then greeting other acquaintances and reassuring some of them that I would be there same time tomorrow! Imagine my surprise when Lee appeared and asked me if I was ready to go home. Do you mean the Caring House or Vale? Home to Vale, he exclaimed with a wide broad smile on his face! All we have to do is see the oncologist one more time and then I am discharged! Wow!
Wouldn't you know? We had just returned from a short two-day week-end at home, and because the weather was cold, I loaded up on warmer clothes and more groceries. My mind was racing and wondering how I would get everything back into our small car! We now have two large coolers, several coats, more shoes and a bundle of personal supplies!
We waited ten minutes and the doctor was ready to see us. Yes, Lee was finished with the radiation. Just need to keep our eyes on the new development that appeared last week and notify them immediately if it begins to enlarge. His follow-up appointment is February. We had a quick lunch, kept another appointment @ 12:30 with pulmonary for an antibiotic infusion. This was given through a nebulizer because he cannot take oral antibiotics along with the new heart drug.
Because it was too late that afternoon to pack and hit the road, we took our time, had dinner at the Caring House with bitter-sweet good-byes to our new friends and began packing the car. We were able to have a restful night before the long trip home on Wednesday. We had not been able to say good-bye to those acquaintances at the clinic whom I had promised to see again on Wednesday, so we made another trip to the cancer center for that purpose. We are glad we did! We exchanged personal information on our I-phones, with promises to stay in touch. At 11:00 a.m. we were on our way and arrived in Vale around 2:30 that afternoon.
We have been busy with the unpacking, the settling in, and making more appointments for the next three months. Lee still has to continue with his local dermatologist, primary care physician and his cardiologist. So far, the new growth has not increased in size, and his heart is regular in rhythm. He is recovering his strength, but is still not up to par on that. I guess we can say, "so far, so good"!
It is always good to be home! I am sleeping better, and more relaxed since his heart has finally settled down! He is hoping his extreme redness on his head and forehead will begin to disappear along with the profuse itching of his scalp. He has tried lotions, aloe and various creams. Finally, mineral oil seems to be working!
This past week-end was wonderful! We had a great Fall dinner with daughter Julia as we celebrated a sort of house-warming in her new house. Sunday was a full day at our church. Life is good!
We are now looking forward to a large family group around our table for Thanksgiving! There will be an abundance of food as all bring a dish. The smells of turkey will drift through the house, the young ones will be laughing, stories will be remembered and renewed. There will be long walks after the feast, and ballgames and recliners for the some of the guys.......................aaaaaah.................the good life!
Hope yours is the same!
More Later............................................Brenda
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Communal Living
In spite of what we heard in our 20's about all the "beatniks" and communal living, mostly in California, we have been inducted into that society! We do not wear peace symbols, scarves around our heads, nor do we pass flowers. We are not referred to as the "flower children of the 60's". We belong to a group of compassionate people who are trying to find solace through communal living, called Caring House.
Each of the families here are provided their own private space within the confines of their rooms. We do, however come together for all our meals, and any of the many activities afforded us by the army of volunteers. Last evening Lee enjoyed gathering in the central communal (living) area to watch the world series with some of the friends we have made here. I was tired after contributing to the large pot-luck dinner for preparation and clean-up so I decided to watch the game from my bed while resting. We have become a family.........a family of complete strangers who share their stories of circumstances involving families, sickness, recovery, etc. We share food together that has been prepared each Wednesday by those of us residing here. Most of the other days, food is contributed by volunteers, restaurants, or well-meaning businesses. Our new friendships provide outlets for stress by sharing our stories that are more often than not punctuated with laughter, not tears. I once read that it is only when you accept your own mortality that you can truly begin to live! That is what we witness here! That acceptance brings joy each day for the new day, regardless of the weather. We are greeted by others who pronounce each day as GOOD!
During the course of a day, we meet newcomers and we sadly say good-bye to those who have completed their course of treatment. Along with the good-byes there are promises of meeting again, somewhere along the way. There are those whom we know we will never see again because of the advanced condition of their cancer. These are the ones with metastatic brain tumors. They are the very brave ones....always smiling, chin up and moving along to the next session of treatment. There are also the ones we see who appear to have conquered the madness of cancer and show daily improvement. Some are optimistic that it is completely gone when they return from the body scans that follow the long journey.
Yesterday we met Oliver. He has been fighting squamous cell carcinoma for the past ten years. He is a retired military person who worked with nuclear submarines. To Date he has had over twenty squamous cell carcinomas on his face, head and ears. The entire left side of his face is disfigured from all the surgery and radiation. His left eye had to be removed and replaced with a graft. The left side of his face is now paralyzed from the removal of his facial nerve. His tongue is partially paralyzed and he has great difficulty communicating. He is not an old man. He is in his early to mid sixties. He does not complain, and his wife helps him communicate with others. Another example as one of those who are fortunate to be here at the Caring House.
Lee has reached the level in his radiation therapy that leaves him extremely fatigued. He goes to bed after lunch each day and sleeps for at least two hours. He feels much better when he awakes and is able to go longer at night. He is especially tired today because he stayed up until midnight after watching the world series. So far, his heart is cooperating with the medication and we are looking forward to his appointment with the lung transplant doctor early Monday to discuss the plan of action to keep the transplanted lung from going into rejection.
From time to time I tease Lee by telling him he is the world's only walking encyclopedia of diseases and therapy. He is also the world's most determined and ambitious man in conquering all the ravages of disease that have attacked his body.
We are looking forward to Tomorrow......Friday. A short week-end, but will be good to be at home.
More Later...............................................Brenda
Each of the families here are provided their own private space within the confines of their rooms. We do, however come together for all our meals, and any of the many activities afforded us by the army of volunteers. Last evening Lee enjoyed gathering in the central communal (living) area to watch the world series with some of the friends we have made here. I was tired after contributing to the large pot-luck dinner for preparation and clean-up so I decided to watch the game from my bed while resting. We have become a family.........a family of complete strangers who share their stories of circumstances involving families, sickness, recovery, etc. We share food together that has been prepared each Wednesday by those of us residing here. Most of the other days, food is contributed by volunteers, restaurants, or well-meaning businesses. Our new friendships provide outlets for stress by sharing our stories that are more often than not punctuated with laughter, not tears. I once read that it is only when you accept your own mortality that you can truly begin to live! That is what we witness here! That acceptance brings joy each day for the new day, regardless of the weather. We are greeted by others who pronounce each day as GOOD!
During the course of a day, we meet newcomers and we sadly say good-bye to those who have completed their course of treatment. Along with the good-byes there are promises of meeting again, somewhere along the way. There are those whom we know we will never see again because of the advanced condition of their cancer. These are the ones with metastatic brain tumors. They are the very brave ones....always smiling, chin up and moving along to the next session of treatment. There are also the ones we see who appear to have conquered the madness of cancer and show daily improvement. Some are optimistic that it is completely gone when they return from the body scans that follow the long journey.
Yesterday we met Oliver. He has been fighting squamous cell carcinoma for the past ten years. He is a retired military person who worked with nuclear submarines. To Date he has had over twenty squamous cell carcinomas on his face, head and ears. The entire left side of his face is disfigured from all the surgery and radiation. His left eye had to be removed and replaced with a graft. The left side of his face is now paralyzed from the removal of his facial nerve. His tongue is partially paralyzed and he has great difficulty communicating. He is not an old man. He is in his early to mid sixties. He does not complain, and his wife helps him communicate with others. Another example as one of those who are fortunate to be here at the Caring House.
Lee has reached the level in his radiation therapy that leaves him extremely fatigued. He goes to bed after lunch each day and sleeps for at least two hours. He feels much better when he awakes and is able to go longer at night. He is especially tired today because he stayed up until midnight after watching the world series. So far, his heart is cooperating with the medication and we are looking forward to his appointment with the lung transplant doctor early Monday to discuss the plan of action to keep the transplanted lung from going into rejection.
From time to time I tease Lee by telling him he is the world's only walking encyclopedia of diseases and therapy. He is also the world's most determined and ambitious man in conquering all the ravages of disease that have attacked his body.
We are looking forward to Tomorrow......Friday. A short week-end, but will be good to be at home.
More Later...............................................Brenda
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Radiation, Day 11
Nine more days to go! Even though I am giving the big "Hurrahs", it is not without many concerns. The tumor that erupted last week, only eight days ago appears to be growing. It is, however growing differently. Lee jokes that he is growing a horn. Instead of a spreading appearance, this tumor is jutting forward and up. It is very red and has the appearance of an angry mass. Again, we joke that it will help with his Halloween costume as the devil.
Today Lee had his weekly visit with the oncologist. The focus was on this new growth. In the beginning they decided that three more intense radiation treatments in addition to the regular radiation would be done. Today, they have decided to do some more intense radiation on that area as before. Lee has begun to show some of the effects of radiation. His scalp and forehead are red as in a bad sunburn. He says his scalp itches all the time. Both his eyes are red as if he had been in the sun too long. His eyes are also itchy. Yesterday we bought some aloe, which was suggested to relieve the itching on his head. liquid tears were advised for his eyes.
He has been tired, but we still don't know if that is from the heart problem he had for three weeks (corrected over the week-end) or that he may be in lung rejection due to reduction of his anti-rejection meds. As you can see, Lee is fighting three major battles now, and either of the three are life-threatening if they fail. He is being treated in all areas and we are praying for success in all three. We are fortunate to be here at the Caring House in Durham. Lee is surrounded by all the doctors who are involved in his care. They are working together to help him overcome these many battles he faces.
We have met so many people at the cancer center. As I wait in the large waiting room, I meet many other patients and caregivers who share their story. I have found that most everyone wants to talk to a good listener, and I have been able to listen, and then to help in some small way by either providing an ounce of encouragement, or evoking laughter that emerges from their depth of despair. Here is one example:
I had observed Becky walking about through the clinic waiting room. She was small in stature, estimated age, early to mid 70's. She rarely looked up, head usually downcast. She wore a cute cap in colors of pink and gray. She reminded me of my sister-in-law. The second day I saw Becky, she was standing by the refreshments area, as was I. Her husband was concerned that she was not eating and was quietly encouraging her to try some food. I began the conversation by introducing myself. From there, the conversation continued and Becky shared her story:
Becky is a retired school teacher, mother, grandmother and proud owner of two grey-hound family members. This past September she had a seizure. From that moment on, everything led to the confirmative diagnosis of glioblastoma (malignant brain tumor). Shortly after, she had surgery @ Duke and is following with radiation. She is afraid.
I shared a story about my sister-in-law who had surgery by the same neurosurgeon ten years ago. Her eyes lit up when I said ten years! She wanted to know how she was doing. I described how, at 83, she is a very active person, enjoying life. I did tell her that my sister's tumor was benign.
I don't know if Becky made the connection between the difference between the two tumors or not. I did not explain further because she did not ask. I do know that since that day, we look for each other every morning. She walks with a more lively step, she smiles and appears to be having a good day. Her husband thanked me for giving Becky the hope she needed. She looks for both of us each morning when we exchange hugs and give progress reports.
There are many other stories that I plan to share with you each time I write a blog. I want you to have a glimpse of the wonderful people who are desperately trying to get a portion of their lives back. Please remember Becky in your prayers.
I have been overwhelmed at the love I feel that flows from me to the others whom I speak to, touch or offer a hug. It is a feeling of connection to God. I now understand the message from Jesus. We are to administer to and show our love and compassion to those in the most unfortunate of circumstances. Sometimes we miss it because we are looking in the wrong places. God's love is found in the most unsuspecting places. I find it daily here and the cancer center.
Thanks to all of you who faithfully follow my blog. We thank you for your thoughts and your prayers.
More Later....................................Brenda
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Our New Week-Day Home
We are now settled in our temporary housing in Durham. Lee will have radiation each day, Monday - Friday through November 4. We arrived at the Caring House, approximately two miles behind Duke Hospital and it connects to the beautiful forest area that is part of Duke University campus. It is quite lovely here. This is a residential area with lovely homes and the drive to and from the oncology clinic is through the beautiful wooded area with very little traffic; sort of like being in Lincolnton for a brief time. To see where we are and take a little tour of our temporary residence, go to caringhouse.org.
The house is filled with residents who are receiving treatment for cancer. Currently, the 18 bedrooms are full. There are always two beds; one for the person receiving treatment and for a caregiver. It is quite accommodating with all the essentials, and comfortable beds. Although small, we do have a T.V. privacy and bath. I believe the limited space is to allow for more use of the other areas available to all.
The main meeting room is huge with vaulted ceilings. It is decorated is soothing earth tones. The many sofas are either leather or comfortable fabric. There are numerous comfortable chairs, tables with lamps for reading. A huge fireplace with gas logs is situated between two large glass windows that reach floor to ceiling and look out over a lovely "Angel garden". There are beautiful plants, a fountain, stone path and it is surrounded with easy access doors from two sides. Residents are invited to work in the garden if they so choose. Also in the meeting room in the far corner is a baby grand piano. (I tried to play it this morning, but it really needs tuning!) Situated in an alcove behind the piano is an area with a large round table and comfortable chairs around it for those who wish to play games, cards, puzzles or just gather together. A huge flat-screened T V is directly on a large wall at the opposite and entry end of this room. We have discovered that it is rarely on. Most residents prefer games, or reading or just quiet times.
Across from the meeting room is a long hallway that leads to private rooms and as you look directly ahead and across from the meeting room, there is a wonderful, large screened porch filled with wooden rockers, wicker comfort rockers and tables. This overlooks another garden with running water and small pool. I
In addition, there is a library with excellent selection of books and computer access. The large kitchen is divided into Three kitchens! Four large refrigerator/freezers and large working areas. It accommodates all the families and we are all assigned frig. and pantry.
The large dining hall will accommodate at least 50 persons. This is the only place food is allowed unless there are unusual circumstances for clients who return from procedures too sick to come to the table. That was Lee's case yesterday. He was not sick, just too hung-over from anesthesia to walk down the long hallway. He had his dinner on a tray in our room while I joined the others in the dining hall. Last night was pot-luck, and everyone brought food to the kitchen for a spaghetti supper. It was delicious! Tonight, the hospital is sending supper over.
Wednesday is always "pot-luck" followed by a prayer meeting in the meeting room with local volunteer pastors. Last night was presented by a lady from one of the Lutheran churches. Lee and I were so very tired that we both went to bed at 7:00. We missed the meeting at 7:00. Hopefully we will be able to attend next week.
On Tuesday, we both had a massage (free each Tuesday afternoon)!! I have had a "crick" in my neck for the past week, and now after the massage it is gone! It was very relaxing, and in addition I was taught some preventable exercises!
So..................there you have it. A wonderful home away from home, thanks to those who support the Caring House, our stay here is wonderful.
We are both so glad to finally be receiving treatment for all Lee's skin cancers. After the meeting with the oncologist yesterday, his outlook is beginning to look more favorable. By the way, Lee has a twin brother here! Yesterday we met Bob and his wife from Fayetteville. His head looks like Lee's, only a bit more graft! They had much to talk about. Same surgeons, same time-frame, etc. Bob is NOT on anti-rejection meds! His just came out of NOWHERE. He is a young 65 year-old, retired military person. He was in the Vietnam war way back when.
Thank you for following our blog, and most of ALL for your commitment to prayer....
More Later..................................Brenda
The house is filled with residents who are receiving treatment for cancer. Currently, the 18 bedrooms are full. There are always two beds; one for the person receiving treatment and for a caregiver. It is quite accommodating with all the essentials, and comfortable beds. Although small, we do have a T.V. privacy and bath. I believe the limited space is to allow for more use of the other areas available to all.
The main meeting room is huge with vaulted ceilings. It is decorated is soothing earth tones. The many sofas are either leather or comfortable fabric. There are numerous comfortable chairs, tables with lamps for reading. A huge fireplace with gas logs is situated between two large glass windows that reach floor to ceiling and look out over a lovely "Angel garden". There are beautiful plants, a fountain, stone path and it is surrounded with easy access doors from two sides. Residents are invited to work in the garden if they so choose. Also in the meeting room in the far corner is a baby grand piano. (I tried to play it this morning, but it really needs tuning!) Situated in an alcove behind the piano is an area with a large round table and comfortable chairs around it for those who wish to play games, cards, puzzles or just gather together. A huge flat-screened T V is directly on a large wall at the opposite and entry end of this room. We have discovered that it is rarely on. Most residents prefer games, or reading or just quiet times.
Across from the meeting room is a long hallway that leads to private rooms and as you look directly ahead and across from the meeting room, there is a wonderful, large screened porch filled with wooden rockers, wicker comfort rockers and tables. This overlooks another garden with running water and small pool. I
In addition, there is a library with excellent selection of books and computer access. The large kitchen is divided into Three kitchens! Four large refrigerator/freezers and large working areas. It accommodates all the families and we are all assigned frig. and pantry.
The large dining hall will accommodate at least 50 persons. This is the only place food is allowed unless there are unusual circumstances for clients who return from procedures too sick to come to the table. That was Lee's case yesterday. He was not sick, just too hung-over from anesthesia to walk down the long hallway. He had his dinner on a tray in our room while I joined the others in the dining hall. Last night was pot-luck, and everyone brought food to the kitchen for a spaghetti supper. It was delicious! Tonight, the hospital is sending supper over.
Wednesday is always "pot-luck" followed by a prayer meeting in the meeting room with local volunteer pastors. Last night was presented by a lady from one of the Lutheran churches. Lee and I were so very tired that we both went to bed at 7:00. We missed the meeting at 7:00. Hopefully we will be able to attend next week.
On Tuesday, we both had a massage (free each Tuesday afternoon)!! I have had a "crick" in my neck for the past week, and now after the massage it is gone! It was very relaxing, and in addition I was taught some preventable exercises!
So..................there you have it. A wonderful home away from home, thanks to those who support the Caring House, our stay here is wonderful.
We are both so glad to finally be receiving treatment for all Lee's skin cancers. After the meeting with the oncologist yesterday, his outlook is beginning to look more favorable. By the way, Lee has a twin brother here! Yesterday we met Bob and his wife from Fayetteville. His head looks like Lee's, only a bit more graft! They had much to talk about. Same surgeons, same time-frame, etc. Bob is NOT on anti-rejection meds! His just came out of NOWHERE. He is a young 65 year-old, retired military person. He was in the Vietnam war way back when.
Thank you for following our blog, and most of ALL for your commitment to prayer....
More Later..................................Brenda
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
UPDATE
I have started a couple of blogs during the past month or so on my I-Pad, only to discover that interference ( travel, hospital, doctor's office, text, etc) distracts me from writing. If you are still following my blog, I apologize again.
A big thank-you to our good friend, Paulette Lael for keeping up with us and giving the message to all of you to follow my blog. We have been on the fast track since March. There have been multiple complications for Lee that required the many trips to Durham and back. To date, Lee is doing fantastic in spite of all the cancer on his head, face and other parts, the heart out of arrhythmia from time to time, and the in and outs of mild rejection. He never ceases to amaze all who know him at his wonder resilience and his positive attitude.
We were able to work in a full week at the beach last week. We left from Durham after a preliminary procedure in oncology on Tuesday. We returned this past Monday, again to Durham for a final post-op visit with the micro-vascular graft surgeon. Our time at the beach was wonderful in spite of overcast days, coolness and spots of rain. We were able to visit with many of our OI friends, enjoy a spontaneous fish fry with them, and finish the week-end with a visit from our grand daughter, Michaela from UNCW. When we returned her to the campus on Sunday afternoon, we dropped in on our good friends (lung-transplant) who reside in Wilmington. All in all, it was a refreshing and invigorating retreat.
So good that we could do that because after we are here for two weeks, we will leave once again for Durham. Our schedule for the weeks beginning on October 13 will be for five full days in Durham for Lee's daily Radiation Therapy. Plans now are to Leave Vale each Monday a.m., overnights in Durham M-Th, return home for F-S-S. Hopefully it will be no more than four weeks; however, they asked us to plan for residence til December 4, just in case he needs more! If we are in Durham during Thanksgiving, we have been invited to My brother's house for that day.
Traditionally, Thanksgiving has been here, usually @ high noon with time for visiting, watching the games, walking and ending with everyone helping to remove Fall décor and bring out some of Christmas, especially the trees! I am hoping we can do that again this year!
I have been Christmas shopping like a mad woman! So far, have almost finished most of it and hope to get all wrapping accomplished before we leave!
A big thank-you to our good friend, Paulette Lael for keeping up with us and giving the message to all of you to follow my blog. We have been on the fast track since March. There have been multiple complications for Lee that required the many trips to Durham and back. To date, Lee is doing fantastic in spite of all the cancer on his head, face and other parts, the heart out of arrhythmia from time to time, and the in and outs of mild rejection. He never ceases to amaze all who know him at his wonder resilience and his positive attitude.
We were able to work in a full week at the beach last week. We left from Durham after a preliminary procedure in oncology on Tuesday. We returned this past Monday, again to Durham for a final post-op visit with the micro-vascular graft surgeon. Our time at the beach was wonderful in spite of overcast days, coolness and spots of rain. We were able to visit with many of our OI friends, enjoy a spontaneous fish fry with them, and finish the week-end with a visit from our grand daughter, Michaela from UNCW. When we returned her to the campus on Sunday afternoon, we dropped in on our good friends (lung-transplant) who reside in Wilmington. All in all, it was a refreshing and invigorating retreat.
So good that we could do that because after we are here for two weeks, we will leave once again for Durham. Our schedule for the weeks beginning on October 13 will be for five full days in Durham for Lee's daily Radiation Therapy. Plans now are to Leave Vale each Monday a.m., overnights in Durham M-Th, return home for F-S-S. Hopefully it will be no more than four weeks; however, they asked us to plan for residence til December 4, just in case he needs more! If we are in Durham during Thanksgiving, we have been invited to My brother's house for that day.
Traditionally, Thanksgiving has been here, usually @ high noon with time for visiting, watching the games, walking and ending with everyone helping to remove Fall décor and bring out some of Christmas, especially the trees! I am hoping we can do that again this year!
I have been Christmas shopping like a mad woman! So far, have almost finished most of it and hope to get all wrapping accomplished before we leave!
Monday, September 8, 2014
A Normal Week-End
Lee is improving daily. We made a fast trip back to Duke on Thursday, Sept, 5th. He had an appointment with the EENT surgeon @ 9:30. We left the house around 6:30 that morning and arrived back home around 2:30 in the afternoon. Like I said, it was a fast trip with me doing the driving half-way there and all the way home. I am becoming accustomed to the fast-lane!
We have been on the go all week-end! Seems there has been an important commitment for each of us. That is a good thing. Staying busy helps Lee regain his strength, and he enjoys having his independence with driving, etc. Since returning from Duke, his dressings to the graft sites were discontinued and changed to soaks on one site, Aquaphor, on the other, and the one on the scalp to be left alone. All sites are open without dressings now. The grafts are to be treated as "skin" with baths, avoiding soap and shampoo. So far, so good.
The plan now is to return on September 19, for a visit with the oncologist. We should be able to determine the future schedule of Lee's radiation appointments. We anticipate some overnights in Durham, and some more fast trips as we move back and forth between the appointments. We are hoping to work in a few beach week-ends along the way. It all depends on how Lee is feeling.
My Friday afternoon was filled with a drive to my hometown of Lenoir. Unfortunately, it was for the receiving prior to the funeral of an old an dear friend, who was also my second cousin, once removed. She had been in poor health the past six months, and died at the age of 64. I have many good memories linked to our relationship. So many of those were connected to our home church in the North Catawba community where I once resided. Afterwards, I was able to visit with my sister and brother-in-law who live in that area for a couple of hours.
On Saturday, we met our ABOOF group ( A Bunch Of Old Friends for 26 years!) to celebrate my birthday at the Olive Garden in Hickory. It was a special luncheon and always a treat to get together. We have been celebrating our birthdays together for a long time. We used to prepare meals in the evening, but with advanced aging, we find it is easier to do a breakfast or lunch in a restaurant!
After church on Sunday, we met at the Wisteria Gastropub in Morganton for an early afternoon lunch with my brother, sister-in-law, and niece, Eleanor from Raleigh. We were joined by daughter & grand daughter, Julia & LIllie, son Greg, wife, Cathy, & son Will. There were ten of us and we celebrated birthdays for four of us who have birthdays within two weeks. That day, September 7, was also in memory of our deceased Mother's birthday.
It was a great visit, a more normal Sunday. We are grateful for these blessings that we receive.
More Later......................................................Brenda
We have been on the go all week-end! Seems there has been an important commitment for each of us. That is a good thing. Staying busy helps Lee regain his strength, and he enjoys having his independence with driving, etc. Since returning from Duke, his dressings to the graft sites were discontinued and changed to soaks on one site, Aquaphor, on the other, and the one on the scalp to be left alone. All sites are open without dressings now. The grafts are to be treated as "skin" with baths, avoiding soap and shampoo. So far, so good.
The plan now is to return on September 19, for a visit with the oncologist. We should be able to determine the future schedule of Lee's radiation appointments. We anticipate some overnights in Durham, and some more fast trips as we move back and forth between the appointments. We are hoping to work in a few beach week-ends along the way. It all depends on how Lee is feeling.
My Friday afternoon was filled with a drive to my hometown of Lenoir. Unfortunately, it was for the receiving prior to the funeral of an old an dear friend, who was also my second cousin, once removed. She had been in poor health the past six months, and died at the age of 64. I have many good memories linked to our relationship. So many of those were connected to our home church in the North Catawba community where I once resided. Afterwards, I was able to visit with my sister and brother-in-law who live in that area for a couple of hours.
On Saturday, we met our ABOOF group ( A Bunch Of Old Friends for 26 years!) to celebrate my birthday at the Olive Garden in Hickory. It was a special luncheon and always a treat to get together. We have been celebrating our birthdays together for a long time. We used to prepare meals in the evening, but with advanced aging, we find it is easier to do a breakfast or lunch in a restaurant!
After church on Sunday, we met at the Wisteria Gastropub in Morganton for an early afternoon lunch with my brother, sister-in-law, and niece, Eleanor from Raleigh. We were joined by daughter & grand daughter, Julia & LIllie, son Greg, wife, Cathy, & son Will. There were ten of us and we celebrated birthdays for four of us who have birthdays within two weeks. That day, September 7, was also in memory of our deceased Mother's birthday.
It was a great visit, a more normal Sunday. We are grateful for these blessings that we receive.
More Later......................................................Brenda
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Lovely, Labor Day Week-End
We usually try to spend Labor Day week-end at the beach where we sometimes meet up with many of our other friends and catch-up on lost time together once again. This year, after the past ten or so years of congregating at the beach, we are relaxing at home in Vale. Not by choice, but by the imposition of present circumstances.
We have discovered that sometimes when the planned or normal is removed from our calendar of events, time allows for discoveries and communions of a different order. For example, some of our family members ( Greg, Cathy, Will, Julia & Lillie) came by for an impromptu birthday party for me and granddaughter, Lillie. It was easy, (they brought pizza) and the usual birthday cake was replaced by a dozen beautiful, delicious, cupcakes that were presented in a lovely pink box tied with multi-colored ribbons.
It was a relaxing evening for Lee and me, after having been confined to both the hospital and the hotel for a period of eight days, then a full day of travel to follow. Lillie and I were both showered with surprises in the form of well-thought presents. It was a special day for Lillie, who is turning 16 on September 4. I was rewarded with multiple calls from family, friends, and neighbors.
Many years ago, my Mother began a birthday tradition that my siblings and I have continued throughout the years. Our children also follow this tradition. We believe, as she did, that if you do nothing else for your birthday special person, the least you can do is give them something to laugh about on their birthday. Consequently, this has not only become THE thing to do, there is now a RACE to see who gets to be the FIRST caller! When either of my brothers call, it is followed by, "has my brother or sister called, yet?" Same with my son and daughter, a birthday song has been sung, followed by, "was I first?"
The song has become creative to include duets, quartets, a hint of Broadway, hymns, and even the husky voice of Marilyn Monroe! My sister usually follows with "for she is a jolly good fellow". I heard another new one this year from sister-in-law, Mary Nell, as she sang, "um, um good, birthday cake is, um, um, good!
As you can see, we are doing well! Lee had his sutures on his head and face removed by his local doctor on Friday, and since it was a morning appointment, he treated me to a birthday breakfast! Each day shows more and more healing and improvement on his part. We have become accustomed to our schedule of when to bathe, change dressings, etc. As he recovers his strength, he is becoming more and more independent. Maybe next week, he will drive.
We will return to Duke on Thursday for the doctors to have a look at all the incision sites and grafts. We are thinking that will be when they discuss the future radiation.
Happy Labor Day
More Later......................................................Brenda
We have discovered that sometimes when the planned or normal is removed from our calendar of events, time allows for discoveries and communions of a different order. For example, some of our family members ( Greg, Cathy, Will, Julia & Lillie) came by for an impromptu birthday party for me and granddaughter, Lillie. It was easy, (they brought pizza) and the usual birthday cake was replaced by a dozen beautiful, delicious, cupcakes that were presented in a lovely pink box tied with multi-colored ribbons.
It was a relaxing evening for Lee and me, after having been confined to both the hospital and the hotel for a period of eight days, then a full day of travel to follow. Lillie and I were both showered with surprises in the form of well-thought presents. It was a special day for Lillie, who is turning 16 on September 4. I was rewarded with multiple calls from family, friends, and neighbors.
Many years ago, my Mother began a birthday tradition that my siblings and I have continued throughout the years. Our children also follow this tradition. We believe, as she did, that if you do nothing else for your birthday special person, the least you can do is give them something to laugh about on their birthday. Consequently, this has not only become THE thing to do, there is now a RACE to see who gets to be the FIRST caller! When either of my brothers call, it is followed by, "has my brother or sister called, yet?" Same with my son and daughter, a birthday song has been sung, followed by, "was I first?"
The song has become creative to include duets, quartets, a hint of Broadway, hymns, and even the husky voice of Marilyn Monroe! My sister usually follows with "for she is a jolly good fellow". I heard another new one this year from sister-in-law, Mary Nell, as she sang, "um, um good, birthday cake is, um, um, good!
As you can see, we are doing well! Lee had his sutures on his head and face removed by his local doctor on Friday, and since it was a morning appointment, he treated me to a birthday breakfast! Each day shows more and more healing and improvement on his part. We have become accustomed to our schedule of when to bathe, change dressings, etc. As he recovers his strength, he is becoming more and more independent. Maybe next week, he will drive.
We will return to Duke on Thursday for the doctors to have a look at all the incision sites and grafts. We are thinking that will be when they discuss the future radiation.
Happy Labor Day
More Later......................................................Brenda
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
HOME!!!!
Finally! Home again! If you are surprised by my reaction to getting back home, perhaps you will understand better if you see it from Lee's perspective.
Lee was told on Saturday that he would be discharged on Monday. He was so excited about being able to leave that ultra-small, very confining room. It was even more restrictive because each person who entered had to gown and glove while working around him. He had tested resistant to the antibiotic Vancomycin. When this happens, extra precautions are taken to prevent a post-surgical wound infection, and cross infection from other patients. It is a precautionary practice; however, it also reduces the number of times nurses are in and out of his room. He was allowed to walk in the hallway any time he felt like it.
Looking forward to discharge became his inspiration to get through each day. It was his, "if I can make it until Monday" I will be fine. Monday came, and as the day became afternoon, then evening and no discharge, he knew his hopes had vanished. Finally, around 6:30 that evening, the doctor made the decision that he should stay another day. The reasoning behind her decision was because his cardiologist wanted him to go back on his anticoagulant. She had to watch him another 12-18 hours to make sure he neither bled nor clotted under the two graft sites and the anastomosis site. It was in his best interest to wait. Nonetheless, he was still bitterly disappointed! Actually, angry would be a more descriptive word!
When I arrived Tuesday morning, he was raring to go! The doctors had made early morning rounds @ 6:00 that morning and told him he could be discharged by noon. Once again, his doctor had other safety issues that were precautionary. The night before she had ordered the pressurized dressing reinstated on his wrist graft and did not want it removed until after 12:00 p.m.
To the person (Lee) who was ready to leave, this came as a huge stumbling block! It seems I spent most of the morning trying to diffuse his anger and prevent insults to the staff! Finally, at 1:20 pm. his very calm, compassionate and wonderful resident surgeon removed his pressure dressing. The nurse removed his I.V. and at 2:15 p.m. , we were in the car headed home.
I kept my car in the fast lane most of the way home. We did stop in Hillsborough for a sandwich since neither of us had lunch. After practically inhaling our food, we were on the road. We did not stop at our usual rest stop, and arrived home around 5:30 that evening!
Home environment is very healing for Lee. His disposition has improved dramatically since here. He had his first complete night's sleep in a week, and has been eating very well, especially since a farmer friend of his came by with fresh okra from his garden. After a meal of fried okra, mac'n'cheese, roast beef, sliced tomatoes from his garden, he was indeed a happy fellow!
As for me......................I have thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful day! The crepe Myrtles are full of bright red blooms, my sedum garden is turning pink, and the yard had been freshly mowed the day we arrived. Our "shared" dog Flo, was happily wagging her tail and glad to see us. Grandson John came over and unloaded the car.
Lee relaxed in his recliner and today has had visits from family, neighbors and friends. He is tired, but in great spirits. His wounds will heal and it will not be long until he will be out and about again.
Even though I spent most of the morning doing laundry catch-up, I found it was just too beautiful outside, so for the first time in many months, I hung the laundry on the line outside. Enjoyed it too!
Tonight you will find us content and counting our blessings for each day like this one. I hope your day was as enjoyable as ours.
More Later..........................................................Brenda
Lee was told on Saturday that he would be discharged on Monday. He was so excited about being able to leave that ultra-small, very confining room. It was even more restrictive because each person who entered had to gown and glove while working around him. He had tested resistant to the antibiotic Vancomycin. When this happens, extra precautions are taken to prevent a post-surgical wound infection, and cross infection from other patients. It is a precautionary practice; however, it also reduces the number of times nurses are in and out of his room. He was allowed to walk in the hallway any time he felt like it.
Looking forward to discharge became his inspiration to get through each day. It was his, "if I can make it until Monday" I will be fine. Monday came, and as the day became afternoon, then evening and no discharge, he knew his hopes had vanished. Finally, around 6:30 that evening, the doctor made the decision that he should stay another day. The reasoning behind her decision was because his cardiologist wanted him to go back on his anticoagulant. She had to watch him another 12-18 hours to make sure he neither bled nor clotted under the two graft sites and the anastomosis site. It was in his best interest to wait. Nonetheless, he was still bitterly disappointed! Actually, angry would be a more descriptive word!
When I arrived Tuesday morning, he was raring to go! The doctors had made early morning rounds @ 6:00 that morning and told him he could be discharged by noon. Once again, his doctor had other safety issues that were precautionary. The night before she had ordered the pressurized dressing reinstated on his wrist graft and did not want it removed until after 12:00 p.m.
To the person (Lee) who was ready to leave, this came as a huge stumbling block! It seems I spent most of the morning trying to diffuse his anger and prevent insults to the staff! Finally, at 1:20 pm. his very calm, compassionate and wonderful resident surgeon removed his pressure dressing. The nurse removed his I.V. and at 2:15 p.m. , we were in the car headed home.
I kept my car in the fast lane most of the way home. We did stop in Hillsborough for a sandwich since neither of us had lunch. After practically inhaling our food, we were on the road. We did not stop at our usual rest stop, and arrived home around 5:30 that evening!
Home environment is very healing for Lee. His disposition has improved dramatically since here. He had his first complete night's sleep in a week, and has been eating very well, especially since a farmer friend of his came by with fresh okra from his garden. After a meal of fried okra, mac'n'cheese, roast beef, sliced tomatoes from his garden, he was indeed a happy fellow!
As for me......................I have thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful day! The crepe Myrtles are full of bright red blooms, my sedum garden is turning pink, and the yard had been freshly mowed the day we arrived. Our "shared" dog Flo, was happily wagging her tail and glad to see us. Grandson John came over and unloaded the car.
Lee relaxed in his recliner and today has had visits from family, neighbors and friends. He is tired, but in great spirits. His wounds will heal and it will not be long until he will be out and about again.
Even though I spent most of the morning doing laundry catch-up, I found it was just too beautiful outside, so for the first time in many months, I hung the laundry on the line outside. Enjoyed it too!
Tonight you will find us content and counting our blessings for each day like this one. I hope your day was as enjoyable as ours.
More Later..........................................................Brenda
Monday, August 25, 2014
Fifth Post-OpDay
I am writing from Lee's hospital room. Unfortunately, going home today is not an option. His main graft surgeon did not get a confirmation on a return to his anticoagulant, so after they communicate and reach a decision we will know when to leave. That could be Tuesday or even Wednesday. Of course we are both disappointed, however, do understand.
Again, the " rock & the hard place". Rules, because that is where Lee is! To explain further, the small arteries that were grafted cannot be allowed to do either of two things. It must not clot, and it must not bleed. Either one would require breaking down the graft & starting over! All that work in vain! For their caution, and good judgement, we are grateful.
We are disappointed, but happy that his recovery is progressing well. It is always comforting to be here @ Duke in case of crisis!
More Later.................................Brenda
Again, the " rock & the hard place". Rules, because that is where Lee is! To explain further, the small arteries that were grafted cannot be allowed to do either of two things. It must not clot, and it must not bleed. Either one would require breaking down the graft & starting over! All that work in vain! For their caution, and good judgement, we are grateful.
We are disappointed, but happy that his recovery is progressing well. It is always comforting to be here @ Duke in case of crisis!
More Later.................................Brenda
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Third Post-op Day
Good Sunday Morning Bloggers! Sorry I did not get a blog in yesterday, so will try to make -up this morning.
I was with Lee when the doctors made rounds yesterday morning and was able to hear their report. The many drains are now being removed. The one from his neck was removed yesterday, and another will be removed today. One I.V. that was in his right leg has now been removed also. This contributes to a little more mobility and he has been able to walk outside the room along the very long corridor. He seems to be more accommodating to this activity when two young, attractive nurses accompany him!
Yesterday, my niece, Genice Nix ,and my sister-in-law, Betsy Herman treated me to lunch. A surprise visit from my granddaughter, Micheala (UNCW) made the lunch even more special. They picked me up in front of the hospital, and we went to the Chapel Hill area for lunch at the famous Carolina Café. Even though the weather was a bit humid, the sun was inviting and we were able to enjoy some fun time together outside in the courtyard. They had decided I needed some time away from the hospital and hotel, and that the visit and lunch was my early birthday present!
Michaela and I went back to the hospital and visited with Lee for a couple of hours. We left when the nurses (see above) came to walk him. As we were leaving the elevator onto the lobby, I realized I had left my I-Pad in his room on a chair. We quickly caught the elevator back to 2nd floor. As I was walking toward his room I could see him and the nurse ahead of me. I approached him from behind, and commented that I was only out of his sight 10 minutes and he was already with another woman!
As you can see, things are moving along very well toward his recovery! Today he anticipates the removal of another drain, and another I.V. We have been told that discharge will probably be on Monday! Yay! Depending on the time of his discharge will determine if we leave Durham on Monday or Tuesday. Sometimes getting out of the hospital takes hours!
At any rate, all is well, and we are looking forward to time at home for Lee to heal and recover!
Have a wonderful and blessed Sunday!
More Later.....................................................Brenda
I was with Lee when the doctors made rounds yesterday morning and was able to hear their report. The many drains are now being removed. The one from his neck was removed yesterday, and another will be removed today. One I.V. that was in his right leg has now been removed also. This contributes to a little more mobility and he has been able to walk outside the room along the very long corridor. He seems to be more accommodating to this activity when two young, attractive nurses accompany him!
Yesterday, my niece, Genice Nix ,and my sister-in-law, Betsy Herman treated me to lunch. A surprise visit from my granddaughter, Micheala (UNCW) made the lunch even more special. They picked me up in front of the hospital, and we went to the Chapel Hill area for lunch at the famous Carolina Café. Even though the weather was a bit humid, the sun was inviting and we were able to enjoy some fun time together outside in the courtyard. They had decided I needed some time away from the hospital and hotel, and that the visit and lunch was my early birthday present!
Michaela and I went back to the hospital and visited with Lee for a couple of hours. We left when the nurses (see above) came to walk him. As we were leaving the elevator onto the lobby, I realized I had left my I-Pad in his room on a chair. We quickly caught the elevator back to 2nd floor. As I was walking toward his room I could see him and the nurse ahead of me. I approached him from behind, and commented that I was only out of his sight 10 minutes and he was already with another woman!
As you can see, things are moving along very well toward his recovery! Today he anticipates the removal of another drain, and another I.V. We have been told that discharge will probably be on Monday! Yay! Depending on the time of his discharge will determine if we leave Durham on Monday or Tuesday. Sometimes getting out of the hospital takes hours!
At any rate, all is well, and we are looking forward to time at home for Lee to heal and recover!
Have a wonderful and blessed Sunday!
More Later.....................................................Brenda
Friday, August 22, 2014
Second Post-op Day
This was another busy day for Lee. He remained in the ICU until noon, and was transferred to the main hospital (Duke North) to second floor, room 2317. It is a huge change from the ICU in the Medical Pavilion to the main hospital! In the pavilion he had a large room with a complete wall of glass. When I entered this morning, the sun was shinning brightly through the window. Even though his room was located on the 6th floor, when I looked out the window, it was as though I was on the ground floor. The view was of a garden with a small brook traversing among the beautiful plants. A closer look revealed no water, but a curved pathway made of rock crystals that reflected the light in such a way that one could see the movement of water! Amazing! This cozy area held a sofa, built-in -desk or table with connections for charging electronic devices. There was a 34" flat-screen TV mounted to the wall. All this for the family visitor! No wonder I did not want to leave. Also, trying not to imagine the cost to insurance! I compare it to the "Taj"!
The area for Lee was immediately in front. His bed was surrounded by every conceivable electronic device available for his care. I had the impression that I had been transported to the 22nd century. To this nurse of latter 20th century into the 21st century, It was like walking through a scientific, futuristic textbook that was filled with pictures!
Now he is in a very small room, small window, one recliner, with little room for more than two people! He still gets lots of attention though. The nurses and doctors appear each hour to check the pulse on the graft. The graft looks very good, and the doctors have commented that they are quite pleased with the results so far. He will, however, stay the entire five days post-op to ensure that it stays that way!
Looks like Tuesday will be the travel day home!
More Later............................................................Brenda
The area for Lee was immediately in front. His bed was surrounded by every conceivable electronic device available for his care. I had the impression that I had been transported to the 22nd century. To this nurse of latter 20th century into the 21st century, It was like walking through a scientific, futuristic textbook that was filled with pictures!
Now he is in a very small room, small window, one recliner, with little room for more than two people! He still gets lots of attention though. The nurses and doctors appear each hour to check the pulse on the graft. The graft looks very good, and the doctors have commented that they are quite pleased with the results so far. He will, however, stay the entire five days post-op to ensure that it stays that way!
Looks like Tuesday will be the travel day home!
More Later............................................................Brenda
Thursday, August 21, 2014
First Post-op Day
This morning found Lee sitting up in bed asking when breakfast would arrive. He was hungry as a bear, and beginning to act like one until he was fed! All good signs that he is doing just fine! After a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, English muffins with jelly and a side of yogurt, he was a happy fellow, except he had no coffee. I found the coffee machine about the time his nurse brought some from the nurse's pot, so he was contented after that.
His morning was filled with visits from many doctors. They arrived in groups, doubles, triplets and single. It seems that rarely a lapse of one hour passed without the arrival of a doctor. That was a good thing. We were able to ask questions regarding the procedure. Fortunately, all the questions were answered with positive outcomes! He was visited later this afternoon by his cardiac physician which will eliminate the need to keep a pre-scheduled appointment for August 28th. EKG showed normal sinus rhythm of his heart. We will keep a later appointment with him when we return to Duke that will coincide with another appointment. We have found that whenever we explain that we have to drive three hours to Durham, everyone is willing to cooperate and coordinate their scheduling to accommodate us.
Tonight finds me more relaxed and rested than yesterday. I decided to use the hotel shuttle this morning and found that it reduced my stress level considerably. I do not mind the drive, but I do mind the wait for valet to find my car. Last night I had to wait almost an hour outside the building while waiting for my car. The problem was it had been parked earlier at Duke North Hospital, and Lee was transferred to the Medical Pavilion for ICU. I suppose it was a hide, seek & find situation!
This will be Lee's last night in ICU. Tomorrow he will be moved to a step-down unit. Not sure if that will be third or seventh floor of the hospital, Duke North. We anticipate his dismissal by Monday and no later than Tuesday, barring any unforeseen complications.
Thanks for being here again with us on our continuing journey. Knowing you are on the other side of my blog makes the hotel room seem a little less lonely......almost like you are close by.
More Later.....................................................................Brenda
His morning was filled with visits from many doctors. They arrived in groups, doubles, triplets and single. It seems that rarely a lapse of one hour passed without the arrival of a doctor. That was a good thing. We were able to ask questions regarding the procedure. Fortunately, all the questions were answered with positive outcomes! He was visited later this afternoon by his cardiac physician which will eliminate the need to keep a pre-scheduled appointment for August 28th. EKG showed normal sinus rhythm of his heart. We will keep a later appointment with him when we return to Duke that will coincide with another appointment. We have found that whenever we explain that we have to drive three hours to Durham, everyone is willing to cooperate and coordinate their scheduling to accommodate us.
Tonight finds me more relaxed and rested than yesterday. I decided to use the hotel shuttle this morning and found that it reduced my stress level considerably. I do not mind the drive, but I do mind the wait for valet to find my car. Last night I had to wait almost an hour outside the building while waiting for my car. The problem was it had been parked earlier at Duke North Hospital, and Lee was transferred to the Medical Pavilion for ICU. I suppose it was a hide, seek & find situation!
This will be Lee's last night in ICU. Tomorrow he will be moved to a step-down unit. Not sure if that will be third or seventh floor of the hospital, Duke North. We anticipate his dismissal by Monday and no later than Tuesday, barring any unforeseen complications.
Thanks for being here again with us on our continuing journey. Knowing you are on the other side of my blog makes the hotel room seem a little less lonely......almost like you are close by.
More Later.....................................................................Brenda
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Surgery Over
It has been a very long day! We arrived at the pre-op area at 7:00 this morning. After the surgeons came in around 9:00, Lee was taken back to the operating room. I received a call @ 10:35 informing me that surgery had begun.
It was so good to have my brother, Dennis & sister-in-law Betsy with me from noon until late evening. Their daughter, Eleanor come from Greensboro around 4:00 and stayed until we all had some supper together in the cafeteria. (ugh)
Lee bypassed the recovery room, and was taken to the medical pavilion intensive care unit. This was because the graft has to be monitored closely. Otherwise, he is doing well. Lungs and heart are strong and working normally! He was finally awake when I returned from supper, and insisted that I return to the hotel for rest. I knew that was a good idea because 15 hours in a waiting room of the hospital is exhausting!
It is indeed a relief to know that he is resting comfortably, has a lovely young nurse at his beck and call and that this surgery is now behind him. The doctors did biopsy three other lesions on his scalp and the good news is they were benign!
Will make this short due to my fatigue.
More Later................................................Brenda
It was so good to have my brother, Dennis & sister-in-law Betsy with me from noon until late evening. Their daughter, Eleanor come from Greensboro around 4:00 and stayed until we all had some supper together in the cafeteria. (ugh)
Lee bypassed the recovery room, and was taken to the medical pavilion intensive care unit. This was because the graft has to be monitored closely. Otherwise, he is doing well. Lungs and heart are strong and working normally! He was finally awake when I returned from supper, and insisted that I return to the hotel for rest. I knew that was a good idea because 15 hours in a waiting room of the hospital is exhausting!
It is indeed a relief to know that he is resting comfortably, has a lovely young nurse at his beck and call and that this surgery is now behind him. The doctors did biopsy three other lesions on his scalp and the good news is they were benign!
Will make this short due to my fatigue.
More Later................................................Brenda
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
A Long Day
Our day began with a visit to the pre-op clinic at 7:15 a.m. Everything went smoothly and we were able to return to the hotel @ 8:30, and have another cup of coffee while waiting for the next appointment at the Moh's clinic at 10:00. Fortunately we had good weather this morning with no rain nor storms. We have discovered that Durham has had rain almost every day this Summer! Seems a full week of sunshine has been rare!
Dr. Cook began working on Lee around 10:30 a.m. As I was waiting in the large waiting room, Dennis arrived around 11:00. Lee returned from the first session of surgery and reported that it would probably be two hours before he would be called back for another cutting.
Dennis and I left for lunch at Panera Bread and enjoyed eating outdoors under the umbrella. It was good to get some fresh air after being in hospital waiting rooms most of the morning, and always a treat to get to spend time with my brother. We brought Lee's lunch back and he was able to enjoy his sandwich and cold tea before they called him back for the second round of surgery.
At 4:00, the nurse came out to tell Lee that the second cutting was finished. There was now a margin without any cancer. He now has another crater in the top of his head that measures 7 x 10 centimeters or 4 x 5 "! Huge! He will have a repeat of the same procedure that was done three months ago. Dr. Cook said that radiation was now MANDATORY!
Surgery for grafting is scheduled for 8:45 in the morning. We will be leaving the hotel @ 6:20 in the morning for his admission to the hospital at 6;45. Surgery will be on third floor of the hospital (North). He does not get to stay in the new medical pavilion this time. I refer to it as the Taj!
It will be another long day! Lee will be in surgery at least seven hours, recovery room two hours, and Intensive care unit during the night. I will not be allowed to stay with him in the ICU at the hospital like I could at the medical pavilion. If he is doing fine, I will return to the hotel for a night of rest.
I will let you know how things go after tomorrow evening.
More Later.......................................................................Brenda
Dr. Cook began working on Lee around 10:30 a.m. As I was waiting in the large waiting room, Dennis arrived around 11:00. Lee returned from the first session of surgery and reported that it would probably be two hours before he would be called back for another cutting.
Dennis and I left for lunch at Panera Bread and enjoyed eating outdoors under the umbrella. It was good to get some fresh air after being in hospital waiting rooms most of the morning, and always a treat to get to spend time with my brother. We brought Lee's lunch back and he was able to enjoy his sandwich and cold tea before they called him back for the second round of surgery.
At 4:00, the nurse came out to tell Lee that the second cutting was finished. There was now a margin without any cancer. He now has another crater in the top of his head that measures 7 x 10 centimeters or 4 x 5 "! Huge! He will have a repeat of the same procedure that was done three months ago. Dr. Cook said that radiation was now MANDATORY!
Surgery for grafting is scheduled for 8:45 in the morning. We will be leaving the hotel @ 6:20 in the morning for his admission to the hospital at 6;45. Surgery will be on third floor of the hospital (North). He does not get to stay in the new medical pavilion this time. I refer to it as the Taj!
It will be another long day! Lee will be in surgery at least seven hours, recovery room two hours, and Intensive care unit during the night. I will not be allowed to stay with him in the ICU at the hospital like I could at the medical pavilion. If he is doing fine, I will return to the hotel for a night of rest.
I will let you know how things go after tomorrow evening.
More Later.......................................................................Brenda
Monday, August 18, 2014
Durham
We left sunny Vale around 2:00 this afternoon and arrived in Durham around 4:30. The skies were full of threatening clouds that erupted into a huge thunderstorm as we finished our dinner in a near-by restaurant. Our Niece, Michelle Sever, who lives near Durham, joined us for dinner. She is the daughter of Lee's sister & brother-in-law, Lennie & Tom Sever.
We have been so fortunate to have family to look after us on our many visits and overnights, or weeks in Durham. In addition to Michelle, my brother Dennis, his wife Betsy and daughter Eleanor are constantly calling to offer any assistance. They always come by to visit as I sit through those long hours in the waiting rooms. My niece, Genice and husband, Roger Nix, also live in Raleigh and have on many occasions fed us and have come by for good moral support. It is always comforting to have them near.
Tomorrow morning @ 7:15, Lee will go to the clinic for his pre-op for surgery on Wednesday. As soon as we leave the clinic, we will drive the fifteen -minute drive to Dr. Cook's office for the Moh's procedure on the cancerous growth on his head. His appointment is @ 10:00, and we are anticipating another all-day procedure as the doctor carefully removes tissue, examines and determines the extent of the invasive cancer. He will return to the suites we are staying in and spend the night.
We should know tomorrow what time the surgery for the graft will be done. As I said before, we anticipate a hospital stay of at least five days.
The storm is now over, and all is quiet outside. I can feel my body relaxing and know that sleep is not far behind. I am hoping the same for Lee. Tomorrow will be a very long day, as well as Wednesday. Sleep will be welcomed!
Please continue to lift up your prayers on Lee's behalf, as I know you will.
More Later.....................................................Brenda
We have been so fortunate to have family to look after us on our many visits and overnights, or weeks in Durham. In addition to Michelle, my brother Dennis, his wife Betsy and daughter Eleanor are constantly calling to offer any assistance. They always come by to visit as I sit through those long hours in the waiting rooms. My niece, Genice and husband, Roger Nix, also live in Raleigh and have on many occasions fed us and have come by for good moral support. It is always comforting to have them near.
Tomorrow morning @ 7:15, Lee will go to the clinic for his pre-op for surgery on Wednesday. As soon as we leave the clinic, we will drive the fifteen -minute drive to Dr. Cook's office for the Moh's procedure on the cancerous growth on his head. His appointment is @ 10:00, and we are anticipating another all-day procedure as the doctor carefully removes tissue, examines and determines the extent of the invasive cancer. He will return to the suites we are staying in and spend the night.
We should know tomorrow what time the surgery for the graft will be done. As I said before, we anticipate a hospital stay of at least five days.
The storm is now over, and all is quiet outside. I can feel my body relaxing and know that sleep is not far behind. I am hoping the same for Lee. Tomorrow will be a very long day, as well as Wednesday. Sleep will be welcomed!
Please continue to lift up your prayers on Lee's behalf, as I know you will.
More Later.....................................................Brenda
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Packing once again
As the week is drawing to an end, I am once again faced with the issue of packing for another week to ten days in Durham. Even though I dislike packing, and try to put it off until the last day, I somehow manage to get it done. Lee teases that I have learned to get it all together in about 10 minutes!
I want to thank all of you who have responded to the news that my blog is open once again. It is comforting to know that you are there whenever I sit down to write. You are there for that conversation I need to have with a dear friend who is also my confidant. The outpouring of love and promised prayers and positive thoughts lift both of us up allowing us to face each mounting obstacle that Lee faces with a renewed conviction toward winning the battle.
Lee is quite the warrior! He arms himself with positive thoughts, a strong-will and determination unlike any I have ever witnessed. Sometimes in the face of another battle to be fought, I find myself sinking into that black hole of utter despair. The thoughts of my life without him is a burden that is becoming increasingly difficult to bear. He usually recognizes my worry and immediately reminds me of all the good things in our lives, the wonderful moments with our families and that in spite of all he has gone through.................life has been good to us!
He is, of course, right. He has used his time post- lung transplant to become a representative for Life Shares of Carolinas. He has made numerous appearances at churches and civic groups in support of becoming an organ donor. He has utilized many conversations with family, friends and others to encourage support of this wonderful organization. He asked our children and other family members to remember him on special occasions and Christmas with a financial gift to Life Shares and to fore go anything else. Lee has worked hard these past four years giving back to others in gratitude for what he has been given.
Our schedule for next week is as follows:
Monday: Travel day to Durham
Tuesday: Pre-op for surgery on Wednesday. Moh's surgery out-patient @ 10:00
Wednesday: Admittance to Hospital for surgery (early) ? time
We anticipate the surgery will take seven hours with skin grafts as before. He will be in the ICU the first 24-48 hours, then to the surgical nursing floor until discharge. The protocol for skin graft with microvascular anastamosis is five nights. Discharge will not be until then.
( For details on the surgery, read former blogs of June 2014 )
I will be posting daily or as often as I am free to do so, and will keep you updated on his progress.
Thanks again for joining us on this amazing journey....................................
More Later................................................................Brenda
I want to thank all of you who have responded to the news that my blog is open once again. It is comforting to know that you are there whenever I sit down to write. You are there for that conversation I need to have with a dear friend who is also my confidant. The outpouring of love and promised prayers and positive thoughts lift both of us up allowing us to face each mounting obstacle that Lee faces with a renewed conviction toward winning the battle.
Lee is quite the warrior! He arms himself with positive thoughts, a strong-will and determination unlike any I have ever witnessed. Sometimes in the face of another battle to be fought, I find myself sinking into that black hole of utter despair. The thoughts of my life without him is a burden that is becoming increasingly difficult to bear. He usually recognizes my worry and immediately reminds me of all the good things in our lives, the wonderful moments with our families and that in spite of all he has gone through.................life has been good to us!
He is, of course, right. He has used his time post- lung transplant to become a representative for Life Shares of Carolinas. He has made numerous appearances at churches and civic groups in support of becoming an organ donor. He has utilized many conversations with family, friends and others to encourage support of this wonderful organization. He asked our children and other family members to remember him on special occasions and Christmas with a financial gift to Life Shares and to fore go anything else. Lee has worked hard these past four years giving back to others in gratitude for what he has been given.
Our schedule for next week is as follows:
Monday: Travel day to Durham
Tuesday: Pre-op for surgery on Wednesday. Moh's surgery out-patient @ 10:00
Wednesday: Admittance to Hospital for surgery (early) ? time
We anticipate the surgery will take seven hours with skin grafts as before. He will be in the ICU the first 24-48 hours, then to the surgical nursing floor until discharge. The protocol for skin graft with microvascular anastamosis is five nights. Discharge will not be until then.
( For details on the surgery, read former blogs of June 2014 )
I will be posting daily or as often as I am free to do so, and will keep you updated on his progress.
Thanks again for joining us on this amazing journey....................................
More Later................................................................Brenda
Monday, August 11, 2014
And we wait.................
After Lee's appointment with the EENT & MICRO-VASCULAR surgeons last Thursday, we were advised to wait for the confirmation call for the dates and times of the next surgical procedure. We understand the importance of coordinating all the different services to Lee's advantage; but the waiting is difficult. We find ourselves becoming impatient because we can observe that the cancer is getting larger on his scalp.
This second round of squamous cell carcinoma is almost as large as the first. We do not know if this is another primary tumor or if it is a branch from the one adjacent to it that was removed in June. I suppose we will get that answer when we go to Duke on August 19, for another Moh's procedure to determine the extent of the growth. We received an e-mail this morning confirming that appointment. Lee called to see if there was a surgical date scheduled for the graft surgery and was not able to get a confirmation on that.
We suspect that it will be on Wednesday following the Moh's procedure on Tuesday. We base that judgement on knowing that Wednesday is the date for EENT and Microscopic surgery. We cannot see them allowing the open surgical area to wait long after Tuesday's appointment.
Our plans will be to stay in Durham throughout the hospitalization period. We know that part of the vascular surgeon's protocol is to keep the patient in the hospital for a minimum of five nights. If the graft lives and has good blood supply for that amount of time, it may be a successful graft. We will leave on Monday afternoon, check in for at least a week, and be ready for the early morning Moh's procedure on Tuesday.
We are counting on this procedure to be as successful as the last. He will be having Proton Radiation for at least five weeks following the surgery. This is usually begun on the fourth post-op week. Looks like we will be back in Durham for the most of August and all of September! We are still planning on October at the beach! Wish us luck on that one!
Thanks for being there again, and for all your prayers. Lee is doing very well, otherwise. He is strong and continues to have a strong will, an undying determination, and an exhilarating love of life. As long as that continues, I believe he will go through this with flying colors, and once again return to a more normal lifestyle.
More Later.................................................Brenda
This second round of squamous cell carcinoma is almost as large as the first. We do not know if this is another primary tumor or if it is a branch from the one adjacent to it that was removed in June. I suppose we will get that answer when we go to Duke on August 19, for another Moh's procedure to determine the extent of the growth. We received an e-mail this morning confirming that appointment. Lee called to see if there was a surgical date scheduled for the graft surgery and was not able to get a confirmation on that.
We suspect that it will be on Wednesday following the Moh's procedure on Tuesday. We base that judgement on knowing that Wednesday is the date for EENT and Microscopic surgery. We cannot see them allowing the open surgical area to wait long after Tuesday's appointment.
Our plans will be to stay in Durham throughout the hospitalization period. We know that part of the vascular surgeon's protocol is to keep the patient in the hospital for a minimum of five nights. If the graft lives and has good blood supply for that amount of time, it may be a successful graft. We will leave on Monday afternoon, check in for at least a week, and be ready for the early morning Moh's procedure on Tuesday.
We are counting on this procedure to be as successful as the last. He will be having Proton Radiation for at least five weeks following the surgery. This is usually begun on the fourth post-op week. Looks like we will be back in Durham for the most of August and all of September! We are still planning on October at the beach! Wish us luck on that one!
Thanks for being there again, and for all your prayers. Lee is doing very well, otherwise. He is strong and continues to have a strong will, an undying determination, and an exhilarating love of life. As long as that continues, I believe he will go through this with flying colors, and once again return to a more normal lifestyle.
More Later.................................................Brenda
Friday, August 8, 2014
Six Weeks post-surgery (lost draft of prior blog entry from June)
Below is a draft of a blog that I had begun to write after the last cancer surgery. It shares the details of that first procedure, and will give you an idea of what is in store for the one that is upcoming:
This has been a busy six-week period. I guess you knew that when I stopped writing the blogs. This time there have been many dressing changes to the three or four areas involved in the skin grafting and the donor sites. To date, all surgical areas have healed with no complications; especially glad that he had not infections!
Last week we were in Durham for three days, Sunday through Wednesday. Lee had appointments with the ENT doctor, the lung transplant doctor, and finally a consult with the oncologist. The doctor who did the lymph node dissection, along with a removal of his right parotid gland had recommended radiation to the area on his forehead and scalp. It was one of those visits to Duke when Lee had appointments with specific doctors only to be shuffled after we arrived to the Resident doctor. This happens sometimes in large hospitals and clinics, but it was unusual that three of the four doctors he was scheduled to see were "not available"!
Well, that created a disappointing environment. So it was that the three-day clinic visit ended with his consult with the Oncologist, (which, by the way was with a substitute doctor, also). At that point, Lee was not conducive to any comments regarding radiation. The treatment presented to him would involve Proton Radiation to his scalp for a period of 4-5 weeks, five days per week. He made no decision at that time and we returned home later that afternoon.
The following week, Lee consulted with three dermatologist who had followed him throughout all his encounters of skin cell cancer. Neither of the three recommended radiation. Lee made the decision NOT to have the radiation on Thursday. The following day, Friday, he received a call from Duke with the results of his bronchoscopy on Tuesday. His biopsy showed that he was in moderate rejection and would need to go on the steroid therapy to stop the progression of rejection.
We had both anticipated that call. Lee's anti-rejection meds had been reduced by one-half in March and we knew that his risk for rejection had gone higher. The steroid therapy began this past Wednesday and he tolerated it well.
finished the last dose of the I.V. this morning. Tomorrow he will begin the oral
This has been a busy six-week period. I guess you knew that when I stopped writing the blogs. This time there have been many dressing changes to the three or four areas involved in the skin grafting and the donor sites. To date, all surgical areas have healed with no complications; especially glad that he had not infections!
Last week we were in Durham for three days, Sunday through Wednesday. Lee had appointments with the ENT doctor, the lung transplant doctor, and finally a consult with the oncologist. The doctor who did the lymph node dissection, along with a removal of his right parotid gland had recommended radiation to the area on his forehead and scalp. It was one of those visits to Duke when Lee had appointments with specific doctors only to be shuffled after we arrived to the Resident doctor. This happens sometimes in large hospitals and clinics, but it was unusual that three of the four doctors he was scheduled to see were "not available"!
Well, that created a disappointing environment. So it was that the three-day clinic visit ended with his consult with the Oncologist, (which, by the way was with a substitute doctor, also). At that point, Lee was not conducive to any comments regarding radiation. The treatment presented to him would involve Proton Radiation to his scalp for a period of 4-5 weeks, five days per week. He made no decision at that time and we returned home later that afternoon.
The following week, Lee consulted with three dermatologist who had followed him throughout all his encounters of skin cell cancer. Neither of the three recommended radiation. Lee made the decision NOT to have the radiation on Thursday. The following day, Friday, he received a call from Duke with the results of his bronchoscopy on Tuesday. His biopsy showed that he was in moderate rejection and would need to go on the steroid therapy to stop the progression of rejection.
We had both anticipated that call. Lee's anti-rejection meds had been reduced by one-half in March and we knew that his risk for rejection had gone higher. The steroid therapy began this past Wednesday and he tolerated it well.
finished the last dose of the I.V. this morning. Tomorrow he will begin the oral
Jack-in-the-Box: August Update
Many issues have happened since I last entered a blog update. When I finished my blog on May 7, Lee and I were returning home to Vale with a renewed spirit for having conquered the skin cancer on his head. We were both ready to deal with his recuperation and get on with our seemingly normal lives. After discussing and conferring with other doctors, Lee decided not to have a follow-up radiation therapy. There were too many issues at that time to deal with; and he decided that rejection and heart issues should take precedence.
There was much to look forward to! A week at the beach with all the Kanipe kids, and another week at the beach with the Knight kids. In addition, Lee, along with his brother-in-law, Tom had been successful with their garden. There was an abundance of green beans, squash, cucumbers, and soon to be corn.
In spite of having to recover from his recent surgery, and additional trips to Duke, we were able to can 52 quarts of green beans, 12 pints of pickled 3-bean salad, 25 quarts and pints of pickled cucumbers, and 12 quarts of corn for the freezer. We were on a roll!
Unfortunately it was during this time that an early visit to Duke pulmonary revealed mild rejection for Lee. He was given the usual protocol of a huge 3-day IV treatment of Solu-Medrol, 1000 mg per day x 3 days. After another 10 days, he completed his step-down to his normal dose of Prednisone, 5 mg. Immediately following the completed step-down, he began to experience some heart problems.
On Tuesday, June 10, I realized after checking his heart, BP, and pulse rate, that his heart was under undue distress. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital where he was diagnosed with Atrial Flutter. After spending one night, the attending cardiologist suggested that he return to Duke Cardiology because of his other issues. He also needed a cardio-version to establish a normal sinus rhythm of his heart. He was placed on an anti-coagulant.
Lee was followed-up by the doctors at Duke and had a successful cardio-version later that week. That was great news! Unfortunately, he would now have to wait another four weeks before a follow-up on the rejection. The only way to determine if he was still in rejection would have to be a biopsy of the lung. This was delayed.
Once again, Lee is facing the same issues he had that began in June, almost three months to the day. The cancer on his head returned with a vengeance, and once again, he will have to endure a major surgical procedure to remove the cancer. The first procedure involved two skin grafts, exploration of all lymph nodes and a removal of the parotid gland. He had a modified radical neck procedure with grafts. He was in surgery seven hours, intensive care, forty-eight hours, and his hospital stay was for five nights.
Unfortunately, he is caught in the triangle of a triple -whammy! He had another cardio-version last week, the bronchoscopy to determine rejection has once again been postponed until mid September, and he is facing another surgical procedure similar to the last one. This time he has been advised to undergo the radiation, and he has said yes to that.
August will be filled with surgical procedures and many trips back and forth to Durham as we continue on this journey to keep Lee healthy. I have to add that in spite of all the doom and gloom I have written today, Lee has had an amazing year! 2013 and most of 2014 were filled with a return to our formal lives as we knew before Lee's sickness and subsequent transplant. We have spent happy days at the beach, and Lee has enjoyed many fishing trips. He has harvested a beautiful garden, and we have enjoyed spending time with our family and our many friends. Life has been good!
Lee has an amazing resilience to complications and his body has been able to recover from challenges, proving to all that he is continuing his role as the "miracle man". I jokingly told him he was like a
"Jack In The Box". He keeps getting pushed down only to surprise everyone and spring back up!
More Later...............................................................Brenda
There was much to look forward to! A week at the beach with all the Kanipe kids, and another week at the beach with the Knight kids. In addition, Lee, along with his brother-in-law, Tom had been successful with their garden. There was an abundance of green beans, squash, cucumbers, and soon to be corn.
In spite of having to recover from his recent surgery, and additional trips to Duke, we were able to can 52 quarts of green beans, 12 pints of pickled 3-bean salad, 25 quarts and pints of pickled cucumbers, and 12 quarts of corn for the freezer. We were on a roll!
Unfortunately it was during this time that an early visit to Duke pulmonary revealed mild rejection for Lee. He was given the usual protocol of a huge 3-day IV treatment of Solu-Medrol, 1000 mg per day x 3 days. After another 10 days, he completed his step-down to his normal dose of Prednisone, 5 mg. Immediately following the completed step-down, he began to experience some heart problems.
On Tuesday, June 10, I realized after checking his heart, BP, and pulse rate, that his heart was under undue distress. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital where he was diagnosed with Atrial Flutter. After spending one night, the attending cardiologist suggested that he return to Duke Cardiology because of his other issues. He also needed a cardio-version to establish a normal sinus rhythm of his heart. He was placed on an anti-coagulant.
Lee was followed-up by the doctors at Duke and had a successful cardio-version later that week. That was great news! Unfortunately, he would now have to wait another four weeks before a follow-up on the rejection. The only way to determine if he was still in rejection would have to be a biopsy of the lung. This was delayed.
Once again, Lee is facing the same issues he had that began in June, almost three months to the day. The cancer on his head returned with a vengeance, and once again, he will have to endure a major surgical procedure to remove the cancer. The first procedure involved two skin grafts, exploration of all lymph nodes and a removal of the parotid gland. He had a modified radical neck procedure with grafts. He was in surgery seven hours, intensive care, forty-eight hours, and his hospital stay was for five nights.
Unfortunately, he is caught in the triangle of a triple -whammy! He had another cardio-version last week, the bronchoscopy to determine rejection has once again been postponed until mid September, and he is facing another surgical procedure similar to the last one. This time he has been advised to undergo the radiation, and he has said yes to that.
August will be filled with surgical procedures and many trips back and forth to Durham as we continue on this journey to keep Lee healthy. I have to add that in spite of all the doom and gloom I have written today, Lee has had an amazing year! 2013 and most of 2014 were filled with a return to our formal lives as we knew before Lee's sickness and subsequent transplant. We have spent happy days at the beach, and Lee has enjoyed many fishing trips. He has harvested a beautiful garden, and we have enjoyed spending time with our family and our many friends. Life has been good!
Lee has an amazing resilience to complications and his body has been able to recover from challenges, proving to all that he is continuing his role as the "miracle man". I jokingly told him he was like a
"Jack In The Box". He keeps getting pushed down only to surprise everyone and spring back up!
More Later...............................................................Brenda
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Home!
Beginning late Sunday afternoon when different groups of doctors made rounds, Lee was told that if he continued to do well, he would probably be discharged on Monday. As you can guess, Monday was spent in preparation for the visit by the only doctor who could officially discharge him. Finally, she arrived around 4:00 p.m. and discharged him with instructions to return in one week to her clinic for removal of sutures.
We finally arrived at the hotel around 5:00. Lee was very tired from the packing, dressing, and all the issues that are necessary in order to leave. We decided not to drive the three hours during most of the rush-hour traffic through Durham, Greensboro and Winston Salem.
After a night of rest, we were on the road by 8:30 the next morning. Lee did well on the ride, but did not drink enough water. Today he has had a low blood pressure and some arrhythmias. I have been forcing fluids today. He is feeling better, but the BP is still low. It will probably take 24 hours of extra fluids to refill his blood volume!
The graft on his forehead and scalp looks good, and all the suture areas around his face are showing signs of healing. The grafted area on his right wrist is still very painful as well as the donor site on his left leg. The donor site on his leg must be kept open to air, so we are glad the weather is warm enough for shorts. Unfortunately these next two week-ends are filled with graduation and we will not be able to attend them. Don't believe short pants would be acceptable at those, especially since the site must be open and exposed!
We will miss seeing our daughter-in-law, Donna be awarded her Master's degree in psychology and counseling. Lee will not be able to attend granddaughter, Michaela's high school graduation, but am hoping that I will since she is only 30 minutes away. There are so many events that are on our schedule for the next two months and right now we are putting everything on hold.
We are grateful that the doctors feel 100% sure all the cancer was removed, and that there was no cancer in the lymph nodes along the side of his face, neck and ear. We will get the report on the pathology of the parotid gland on Monday. It has been suggested that radiation should be the next phase of his treatment. We are waiting to discuss that on the next appointment. Lee views radiation as negative, so do not know what his decision will be.
The anti-rejection drugs have been reduced by one-half in an effort to try to reduce or prevent any further skin cancers. That, of course, opens the door for possible rejection if his immune system begins to get stronger. It is a precarious balancing act of trying to find the middle ground between the rejection and the complications of the anti-rejection drugs.
Lee accepts all of this so much better than I. Each time he experiences another episode of complications, I am the one who grieves and he comforts me in my distress. Again and again, I am thankful to have my background in the medical field. I suppose, this one thing helps me realize that Yes, we can get through this, and Yes, I can be the nurse, the wife and the caregiver to one who means so much to me.
More Later.............................................Brenda
The one thing
We finally arrived at the hotel around 5:00. Lee was very tired from the packing, dressing, and all the issues that are necessary in order to leave. We decided not to drive the three hours during most of the rush-hour traffic through Durham, Greensboro and Winston Salem.
After a night of rest, we were on the road by 8:30 the next morning. Lee did well on the ride, but did not drink enough water. Today he has had a low blood pressure and some arrhythmias. I have been forcing fluids today. He is feeling better, but the BP is still low. It will probably take 24 hours of extra fluids to refill his blood volume!
The graft on his forehead and scalp looks good, and all the suture areas around his face are showing signs of healing. The grafted area on his right wrist is still very painful as well as the donor site on his left leg. The donor site on his leg must be kept open to air, so we are glad the weather is warm enough for shorts. Unfortunately these next two week-ends are filled with graduation and we will not be able to attend them. Don't believe short pants would be acceptable at those, especially since the site must be open and exposed!
We will miss seeing our daughter-in-law, Donna be awarded her Master's degree in psychology and counseling. Lee will not be able to attend granddaughter, Michaela's high school graduation, but am hoping that I will since she is only 30 minutes away. There are so many events that are on our schedule for the next two months and right now we are putting everything on hold.
We are grateful that the doctors feel 100% sure all the cancer was removed, and that there was no cancer in the lymph nodes along the side of his face, neck and ear. We will get the report on the pathology of the parotid gland on Monday. It has been suggested that radiation should be the next phase of his treatment. We are waiting to discuss that on the next appointment. Lee views radiation as negative, so do not know what his decision will be.
The anti-rejection drugs have been reduced by one-half in an effort to try to reduce or prevent any further skin cancers. That, of course, opens the door for possible rejection if his immune system begins to get stronger. It is a precarious balancing act of trying to find the middle ground between the rejection and the complications of the anti-rejection drugs.
Lee accepts all of this so much better than I. Each time he experiences another episode of complications, I am the one who grieves and he comforts me in my distress. Again and again, I am thankful to have my background in the medical field. I suppose, this one thing helps me realize that Yes, we can get through this, and Yes, I can be the nurse, the wife and the caregiver to one who means so much to me.
More Later.............................................Brenda
The one thing
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Updates on Lee
Most of you know that Lee had surgery on Wednesday or yesterday. For those of you who continue to follow my blog, I will pick-up where I left you on the last writing:
On Monday, April 28, Lee had appointments @ Duke with an EENT, and a Micro-vascular surgeon. The appointments had been made the previous Saturday by the Dr. who removed the large tumor/cancer on his forehead that had extended more centrally onto his scalp. We were under the impression that these appointments were in regards to a planned skin graft.
Imagine our surprise when after the consult with each one, we learned that not only would he have a graft, but that it would be one that isolated the radial artery for the base graft onto his head, followed by a skin graft to cover that. In addition, the EENT surgeon said that because his cancer had spread so rapidly on his forehead, the lymph nodes should be removed in front of the ear and extended down into the neck area. The parotid gland would be removed.
This was followed by a three-hour admission process because Lee was placed at the end of the line because the doctor's appointment ran late. We had been going since 5:30 a.m. having left Vale that morning. You can imagine how tired and emotionally drained we both were by 6:00 that evening. Tuesday morning was spent in the clinic once again to do labs for measurement of his medication levels and prior arrangement of lung-transplant team consult while in the hospital. Whew!
We toyed with the idea of passing the afternoon watching a movie at one of the theaters, but the day was quite cool, rainy and windy. We opted instead for a quiet afternoon in our hotel room. We both had a good nap, a light dinner and felt more relaxed in spite of tornado warnings, before retiring for the evening.
Wednesday began at 5:00 a.m. for arrival at hospital @ 6:30. The weather was still threatening, but no tornados warning in our area. Lee was taken to the operating room at 8:30 and surgery began @ 9:00 a.m. Seven hours later, he was in the intensive care recovery area and has now been in the I C U. and will remain there tonight. The surgeons were very pleased with his progress and he will be moved to the step-down unit Tomorrow.
So far, Lee is doing very well. The lymph nodes were free of any cancer and we should get the pathology report on the parotid gland soon. The graft is looking good, however; it will take many months for it to completely heal.
Unfortunately, skin cancer, particularly on the head, neck, scalp and facial areas is a complication of the anti-rejection drugs, the lowered immune system, and years of sun exposure in times past. Most of all, it is from the strong drugs he has to take.
More Later......................................................Brenda
On Monday, April 28, Lee had appointments @ Duke with an EENT, and a Micro-vascular surgeon. The appointments had been made the previous Saturday by the Dr. who removed the large tumor/cancer on his forehead that had extended more centrally onto his scalp. We were under the impression that these appointments were in regards to a planned skin graft.
Imagine our surprise when after the consult with each one, we learned that not only would he have a graft, but that it would be one that isolated the radial artery for the base graft onto his head, followed by a skin graft to cover that. In addition, the EENT surgeon said that because his cancer had spread so rapidly on his forehead, the lymph nodes should be removed in front of the ear and extended down into the neck area. The parotid gland would be removed.
This was followed by a three-hour admission process because Lee was placed at the end of the line because the doctor's appointment ran late. We had been going since 5:30 a.m. having left Vale that morning. You can imagine how tired and emotionally drained we both were by 6:00 that evening. Tuesday morning was spent in the clinic once again to do labs for measurement of his medication levels and prior arrangement of lung-transplant team consult while in the hospital. Whew!
We toyed with the idea of passing the afternoon watching a movie at one of the theaters, but the day was quite cool, rainy and windy. We opted instead for a quiet afternoon in our hotel room. We both had a good nap, a light dinner and felt more relaxed in spite of tornado warnings, before retiring for the evening.
Wednesday began at 5:00 a.m. for arrival at hospital @ 6:30. The weather was still threatening, but no tornados warning in our area. Lee was taken to the operating room at 8:30 and surgery began @ 9:00 a.m. Seven hours later, he was in the intensive care recovery area and has now been in the I C U. and will remain there tonight. The surgeons were very pleased with his progress and he will be moved to the step-down unit Tomorrow.
So far, Lee is doing very well. The lymph nodes were free of any cancer and we should get the pathology report on the parotid gland soon. The graft is looking good, however; it will take many months for it to completely heal.
Unfortunately, skin cancer, particularly on the head, neck, scalp and facial areas is a complication of the anti-rejection drugs, the lowered immune system, and years of sun exposure in times past. Most of all, it is from the strong drugs he has to take.
More Later......................................................Brenda
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Another "bump in the road"
As usual, just when things are going great, we are faced with the reality of our lives as they are today. As I have told you, Lee has been having many eruptions of skin cancer on his face, neck and head. For the past two years it has been a constant battle for his dermatologist to try to stay ahead of this. Unfortunately, one was especially mean and got ahead of all of us in spite of all that has been done.
On Friday this past week, Lee and I spent the day @ the MOH dermatology clinic at Duke. This was to remove a large squamous cell cancer on his upper forehead. Finally after being there from 8:30 a.m. until 6:15 p.m. we were told that all of the cancer had been removed. The bad news was that he had to almost be scalped to get it all, creating the necessary skin graft that will be done on Wednesday of next week. His head is ensconced in multiple layers of bandages (resembling that of Saudi- Arabian Sheik). The bandage is there to cover the 4 x 4" crater left on top of his head. I would send you a picture but don't want everyone to faint!
I must admit that when the doctor asked me if I would be alright looking at his incised area, I told him I would be fine since I was a well-seasoned operating room nurse. Imagine my surprise when all I could see was Lee's eyes looking at me under this huge crater that was bleeding and had bone underneath exposed! I was not alright! I was very upset! I thought the area would be about 1/4 the size I was looking at. I held Lee's hands in front of me as he was sitting in that chair and asked him if he was doing O.K. He assured me he was just fine! With that, I excused myself from the room, went back to the waiting area that was now empty, sat down and began to cry! I got it all out before Lee came out with his new dressing.
The good news is that the doctor said he was 100% sure he got all the cancer that was there. During surgery next week, the lymph nodes will be examined. Lee is a real trooper and takes all this in stride while I, on the other hand can imagine all possible scenarios and/or complications!
We are leaving in the morning for an appointment with the surgeon, to discuss the upcoming surgery on Wednesday. Lee will be in the hospital for several days after the surgery and we have been advised that the surgery will last 4 -7 hours. We have notified the lung-transplant team and will also have consult with them.
So..........there you have it. Busy time. Spent the Easter week at the beach, then to Duke and now back to Duke for at least another week. Will keep you updated.
More Later.................................Brenda
S
On Friday this past week, Lee and I spent the day @ the MOH dermatology clinic at Duke. This was to remove a large squamous cell cancer on his upper forehead. Finally after being there from 8:30 a.m. until 6:15 p.m. we were told that all of the cancer had been removed. The bad news was that he had to almost be scalped to get it all, creating the necessary skin graft that will be done on Wednesday of next week. His head is ensconced in multiple layers of bandages (resembling that of Saudi- Arabian Sheik). The bandage is there to cover the 4 x 4" crater left on top of his head. I would send you a picture but don't want everyone to faint!
I must admit that when the doctor asked me if I would be alright looking at his incised area, I told him I would be fine since I was a well-seasoned operating room nurse. Imagine my surprise when all I could see was Lee's eyes looking at me under this huge crater that was bleeding and had bone underneath exposed! I was not alright! I was very upset! I thought the area would be about 1/4 the size I was looking at. I held Lee's hands in front of me as he was sitting in that chair and asked him if he was doing O.K. He assured me he was just fine! With that, I excused myself from the room, went back to the waiting area that was now empty, sat down and began to cry! I got it all out before Lee came out with his new dressing.
The good news is that the doctor said he was 100% sure he got all the cancer that was there. During surgery next week, the lymph nodes will be examined. Lee is a real trooper and takes all this in stride while I, on the other hand can imagine all possible scenarios and/or complications!
We are leaving in the morning for an appointment with the surgeon, to discuss the upcoming surgery on Wednesday. Lee will be in the hospital for several days after the surgery and we have been advised that the surgery will last 4 -7 hours. We have notified the lung-transplant team and will also have consult with them.
So..........there you have it. Busy time. Spent the Easter week at the beach, then to Duke and now back to Duke for at least another week. Will keep you updated.
More Later.................................Brenda
S
Thursday, April 17, 2014
A Few Updates
From time to time I have shared with you the "bumps in the road" that are a familiar part of the lung-transplant recovery program. Lee has been experiencing those "bumps" in the form of skin cancer for the past year and half. Most of these have been basal cell; however more than three have been squamous cell carcinoma. Unfortunately, the medication he must take to prevent rejection is not kind to his skin, consequently he has had numerous biopsies. Even though he feels good, has lots of energy and has been able to recover independence, those nasty skin cancers have been very annoying and perplexing.
So............this is where we are today. This past November, a biopsy of a small lesion on his forehead was biopsied for basal cell ca. The past two months that has changed and the size has increased from that of a nickel to a silver dollar, and is now squamous cell ca.. His dermatologist has referred him to a Moh's specialist at Duke. He had his first consult there this past Tuesday, and is scheduled for surgery (in the office) on Friday, April 25, to remove all of it.
To explain further: A basal cell carcinoma is the bottom layer of the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. Cancer in this area is slow-growing and takes a longer time to enlarge to surrounding areas. It begins as a papule and enlarges peripherally, developing a central crater that erodes, crusts and bleeds. Usually caused by excessive exposure to the sun.
A squamous cell carcinoma is a thin flattened layer of cell above the basal or bottom layer. these cells present as a nodule and even though are also slow-growing, can spread to adjacent lymph nodes.
This type of skin cancer is also caused by excessive exposure to the sun or ultra-violet rays. I guess all those years of working on his farm with no sunscreen have undermined what is happening today.
The Moh's procedure will take many hours. Lee will be awake because it will be done under local. He will be given a break, and will be given time to eat. Depending on the size, it may take a couple of hours or eight to nine hours.
Prior to that.............we are leaving tomorrow for the beach and will look forward to enjoying some time with some of our children and grandchildren. This is always a great time for Lee. He loves the beach and apparently the beach loves him because he improves with each visit!
Hoping all of you have a wonderful Easter with many blessings of the promised life we have been given.
More Later.....................................Brenda
So............this is where we are today. This past November, a biopsy of a small lesion on his forehead was biopsied for basal cell ca. The past two months that has changed and the size has increased from that of a nickel to a silver dollar, and is now squamous cell ca.. His dermatologist has referred him to a Moh's specialist at Duke. He had his first consult there this past Tuesday, and is scheduled for surgery (in the office) on Friday, April 25, to remove all of it.
To explain further: A basal cell carcinoma is the bottom layer of the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. Cancer in this area is slow-growing and takes a longer time to enlarge to surrounding areas. It begins as a papule and enlarges peripherally, developing a central crater that erodes, crusts and bleeds. Usually caused by excessive exposure to the sun.
A squamous cell carcinoma is a thin flattened layer of cell above the basal or bottom layer. these cells present as a nodule and even though are also slow-growing, can spread to adjacent lymph nodes.
This type of skin cancer is also caused by excessive exposure to the sun or ultra-violet rays. I guess all those years of working on his farm with no sunscreen have undermined what is happening today.
The Moh's procedure will take many hours. Lee will be awake because it will be done under local. He will be given a break, and will be given time to eat. Depending on the size, it may take a couple of hours or eight to nine hours.
Prior to that.............we are leaving tomorrow for the beach and will look forward to enjoying some time with some of our children and grandchildren. This is always a great time for Lee. He loves the beach and apparently the beach loves him because he improves with each visit!
Hoping all of you have a wonderful Easter with many blessings of the promised life we have been given.
More Later.....................................Brenda
Monday, April 7, 2014
Spring!
You know it is Spring on the farm when the honey bees begin to swarm! That is when the activity really begins for Lee. On a warm sunny Spring day I have usually been instructed to keep my eyes open for a swarm. To date, Lee has had about four swarms. They began last week, and one swarm
was first noticed by our three-year-old great grandson, Easton, who lives next door. He was visiting his g/granddad and playing around the drive while watching Lee clean and repair bee hives in anticipation for new swarms. I had decided to check on them and was seated in the garage talking to Lee when I heard Easton exclaim, "a bee, a bee!". We both reassured him that a bee would not bother him if he just stood still and did not begin yelling. No, he said, BEES! With that, I looked behind me and there was a huge swarm of honey bees at the edge of the open garage door!
Lee grabbed a pan and a hammer and began making loud noises while he gently walked the swarm away from the garage. I took Easton by the hand and carefully guided him across the drive to his house until the bees settled down. Apparently this swarm could not decide on their new home and swarmed again before the day ended. We do not know where they went, but they did not stay here. Since then Lee has had two more swarms and fortunately was able to find someone to take them to their new home.
Easton is a very special little boy! Sometimes he goes AWOL from his house next door to come and visit us. I have included a picture of him in the swing set we keep in our backyard. We have used it for most of our grandchildren, and thought about removing it, but decided to keep it for those g/grandchildren who are now here. The picture below was taken last year so will have to update for you. So far, we have three! Easton (3), Emily (1 1/2) and Alyssa (1 month).
Lee is hoping that his hives will not leave this year. Last year he experienced hive abandonment. He does not know why they left, but they did. Unfortunately, he did not get any honey for the year 2013. He is hoping to get some honey this year, but then again, it is up to the bees, the queen and the entire hive!
Today it is rainy and a bit cool. I have enjoyed a day to read, to write on my blogs, do a little catch-up on laundry, talk by phone to a couple of good friends and enjoy the quiet relaxation of the day. Lee, on the other hand, has been out and about all morning. He decided to attend Rotary for meeting and lunch and will probably return soon. This coming week-end will be very busy with visits from my two brothers and their family, and from my sister and her family. We will celebrate her new book, and she will get to have a family book-signing! We are all excited about this event.
Easton Lee Spencer, age 2, Spring 2013
More Later.............................Brenda
was first noticed by our three-year-old great grandson, Easton, who lives next door. He was visiting his g/granddad and playing around the drive while watching Lee clean and repair bee hives in anticipation for new swarms. I had decided to check on them and was seated in the garage talking to Lee when I heard Easton exclaim, "a bee, a bee!". We both reassured him that a bee would not bother him if he just stood still and did not begin yelling. No, he said, BEES! With that, I looked behind me and there was a huge swarm of honey bees at the edge of the open garage door!
Lee grabbed a pan and a hammer and began making loud noises while he gently walked the swarm away from the garage. I took Easton by the hand and carefully guided him across the drive to his house until the bees settled down. Apparently this swarm could not decide on their new home and swarmed again before the day ended. We do not know where they went, but they did not stay here. Since then Lee has had two more swarms and fortunately was able to find someone to take them to their new home.
Easton is a very special little boy! Sometimes he goes AWOL from his house next door to come and visit us. I have included a picture of him in the swing set we keep in our backyard. We have used it for most of our grandchildren, and thought about removing it, but decided to keep it for those g/grandchildren who are now here. The picture below was taken last year so will have to update for you. So far, we have three! Easton (3), Emily (1 1/2) and Alyssa (1 month).
Lee is hoping that his hives will not leave this year. Last year he experienced hive abandonment. He does not know why they left, but they did. Unfortunately, he did not get any honey for the year 2013. He is hoping to get some honey this year, but then again, it is up to the bees, the queen and the entire hive!
Today it is rainy and a bit cool. I have enjoyed a day to read, to write on my blogs, do a little catch-up on laundry, talk by phone to a couple of good friends and enjoy the quiet relaxation of the day. Lee, on the other hand, has been out and about all morning. He decided to attend Rotary for meeting and lunch and will probably return soon. This coming week-end will be very busy with visits from my two brothers and their family, and from my sister and her family. We will celebrate her new book, and she will get to have a family book-signing! We are all excited about this event.
More Later.............................Brenda
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
But, then again.........................
At your age! Once again, we were reminded yesterday of the many challenges we face as we age. Seems it just gets worse with each passing year!
For the past two years, Lee has been bothered from time to time with a recurring pain in his right shoulder. A visit to his orthopedic surgeon at that time revealed that his shoulder prosthesis that was done in 2006 was doing alright. It was decided that he probably had some arthritis or a possible rotator cuff problem. He was given a special cocktail injection containing a mixture of a steroid, numbing, and anti-inflammatory medicine that was inserted directly into the shoulder area for pain. Fortunately, his pain subsided for several months during the Winter. As soon as Spring arrived, and Lee began to become more active, the shoulder pain came back with a vengeance.
Over the next year, Lee was able to receive those powerful injections every three or four months until the last one in January, which did not relieve his pain. Yesterday, we traveled to Charlotte once again to learn whether or not the prosthesis had changed or at least get a confirmation regarding his shoulder. On the ride to Charlotte, I mentioned to Lee that since he had only been having this problem following his major lung illness and transplant surgery, it could be that having lost so many of his muscles that maybe those shoulder or rotator cuff muscles had not returned. He seemed a little skeptical of that analysis as we journeyed on.
The appointment moved quickly as he was first interviewed by the nurse, then the orthopedic resident, and then the x-ray person. After waiting another fifteen minutes or so, the main doctor (the one who did the surgery in 2006) came in. Following greetings and salutations by all, Lee was put through many ranges of motion. The doctor concluded that because Lee had very good range of motion, and since there were no changes on the x-ray that perhaps there were some other factors. That is when we heard, BUT, THEN AGAIN AT YOUR AGE! Followed by the dismal report that as we age our bodies literally began to disintegrate without a lot of work!
At this point, I interjected, and pointed out that Lee had only had this problem since he was so ill in 2009, and 2010. Could it be possible, I asked, that since he lost 57 pounds in as many days at that time that he could have lost those shoulder muscles. With that, he looked at me and then at the other doctor and said that he thought I could be right! BINGO! He decided against further injections at that time and wrote a prescription for the rotator cuff exercises that Lee would have to do to strengthen those muscles again. We left, thankful for the good report and encouraged with a solution.
It seems that each time the two of us have any type of health issue, there is always the underlying cause that follows a physical exam and any number of high-tech procedures. We usually depart from those powers-to-be medical persons, who, by the way, are young enough to be our grandchildren, with .............But then again, at your age.....................................................
More Later............................................................Brenda
For the past two years, Lee has been bothered from time to time with a recurring pain in his right shoulder. A visit to his orthopedic surgeon at that time revealed that his shoulder prosthesis that was done in 2006 was doing alright. It was decided that he probably had some arthritis or a possible rotator cuff problem. He was given a special cocktail injection containing a mixture of a steroid, numbing, and anti-inflammatory medicine that was inserted directly into the shoulder area for pain. Fortunately, his pain subsided for several months during the Winter. As soon as Spring arrived, and Lee began to become more active, the shoulder pain came back with a vengeance.
Over the next year, Lee was able to receive those powerful injections every three or four months until the last one in January, which did not relieve his pain. Yesterday, we traveled to Charlotte once again to learn whether or not the prosthesis had changed or at least get a confirmation regarding his shoulder. On the ride to Charlotte, I mentioned to Lee that since he had only been having this problem following his major lung illness and transplant surgery, it could be that having lost so many of his muscles that maybe those shoulder or rotator cuff muscles had not returned. He seemed a little skeptical of that analysis as we journeyed on.
The appointment moved quickly as he was first interviewed by the nurse, then the orthopedic resident, and then the x-ray person. After waiting another fifteen minutes or so, the main doctor (the one who did the surgery in 2006) came in. Following greetings and salutations by all, Lee was put through many ranges of motion. The doctor concluded that because Lee had very good range of motion, and since there were no changes on the x-ray that perhaps there were some other factors. That is when we heard, BUT, THEN AGAIN AT YOUR AGE! Followed by the dismal report that as we age our bodies literally began to disintegrate without a lot of work!
At this point, I interjected, and pointed out that Lee had only had this problem since he was so ill in 2009, and 2010. Could it be possible, I asked, that since he lost 57 pounds in as many days at that time that he could have lost those shoulder muscles. With that, he looked at me and then at the other doctor and said that he thought I could be right! BINGO! He decided against further injections at that time and wrote a prescription for the rotator cuff exercises that Lee would have to do to strengthen those muscles again. We left, thankful for the good report and encouraged with a solution.
It seems that each time the two of us have any type of health issue, there is always the underlying cause that follows a physical exam and any number of high-tech procedures. We usually depart from those powers-to-be medical persons, who, by the way, are young enough to be our grandchildren, with .............But then again, at your age.....................................................
More Later............................................................Brenda
Friday, March 28, 2014
Here Again!
I just finished reading a book entitled, FORGIVE US OUR FISH, by my younger brother, Dennis Herman. It is a delightful read, full of short stories from his travels while living in three or four different parts of South America as a Baptist Missionary. There are also blogs, short sermons, prayers, and other periodical writings from forty years of pastoral services to either churches, hospitals as chaplain, hospice, and of course, his fourteen years on the mission field. Some of his stories are humorous ,causing a smile or laughter, others are thought provoking, and still others are sad. Whenever you need to answer some hard questions about life, pick up his book and read the prayers, etc. You can find it on amazon.com.
I was talking to my friend and neighbor, Margaret, yesterday while describing the book. She asked me how I and my two brothers became writers. She asked if this was something in our genes! I don't know about the genes, but it does seem that we enjoy talking about our lives, our work and anything else that comes to mind through the written word! You should see us when we all get together and share remembrances, travels, or any other story. Our older sister Bonnie is a bit more reticent, but has been know to correct us along the way. Her memory is quite remarkable, so from time to time we will ask her for clarification. My younger brother, Dennis, is the good listener. I suppose that comes from being a pastor, chaplain, hospice worker, counselor, all those years. My brother Jim, who is two years my junior is usually in competition with me to see which of us can embellish the same story the best! At any rate, we love our infrequent times together and the memory of those visits will linger with me for a long while after their departure.
While I am on the subject of my siblings, both brothers paint, and my sister was quite adept with yarn, knitting and crocheting many afgans, caps, sweaters, etc. until arthritis robbed her of that ability. I enjoy playing the piano and am thankful today for those music lessons from long ago! Like so many of us as we age, those hobbies become ways of passing time and stimulate the continuing use of all those brain cells that might die as they become dormant.
While I have been writing this blog, Lee has been in and out of the house. It is one of those days when the weather is a bit cool, cloudy and a bit dreary. He moves from the house to his shop behind the house and across from the drive that encircles the house. He will work on his bee hives, or his 31 ford roadster until his right shoulder becomes too painful. At that time, he will come back into the house, use either ice or the heating pad to try and alleviate the pain. This is the same shoulder that he had the joint replacement on in 2006. For the past two years the pain has become debilitating at times, requiring a trip to the shoulder specialist in Charlotte. A torn rotator cuff was confirmed last year, but surgery again is questionable due to his transplanted lung. We will return to Charlotte next Tuesday to see if there is a good alternate treatment.
I have to say he is the most patient man I have ever seen. He has been plagued with a slew of problems, but somehow rebounds with a wonderful attitude. He rarely complains and it is usually after we play a sort of guessing game with me as the questioner and he the responder that I learn what his newest problem is!
I am hoping when he returns the next time, he will relax with my brother's book. It awaits for him on his table beside his favorite recliner.
More Later.......................................Brenda
I was talking to my friend and neighbor, Margaret, yesterday while describing the book. She asked me how I and my two brothers became writers. She asked if this was something in our genes! I don't know about the genes, but it does seem that we enjoy talking about our lives, our work and anything else that comes to mind through the written word! You should see us when we all get together and share remembrances, travels, or any other story. Our older sister Bonnie is a bit more reticent, but has been know to correct us along the way. Her memory is quite remarkable, so from time to time we will ask her for clarification. My younger brother, Dennis, is the good listener. I suppose that comes from being a pastor, chaplain, hospice worker, counselor, all those years. My brother Jim, who is two years my junior is usually in competition with me to see which of us can embellish the same story the best! At any rate, we love our infrequent times together and the memory of those visits will linger with me for a long while after their departure.
While I am on the subject of my siblings, both brothers paint, and my sister was quite adept with yarn, knitting and crocheting many afgans, caps, sweaters, etc. until arthritis robbed her of that ability. I enjoy playing the piano and am thankful today for those music lessons from long ago! Like so many of us as we age, those hobbies become ways of passing time and stimulate the continuing use of all those brain cells that might die as they become dormant.
While I have been writing this blog, Lee has been in and out of the house. It is one of those days when the weather is a bit cool, cloudy and a bit dreary. He moves from the house to his shop behind the house and across from the drive that encircles the house. He will work on his bee hives, or his 31 ford roadster until his right shoulder becomes too painful. At that time, he will come back into the house, use either ice or the heating pad to try and alleviate the pain. This is the same shoulder that he had the joint replacement on in 2006. For the past two years the pain has become debilitating at times, requiring a trip to the shoulder specialist in Charlotte. A torn rotator cuff was confirmed last year, but surgery again is questionable due to his transplanted lung. We will return to Charlotte next Tuesday to see if there is a good alternate treatment.
I have to say he is the most patient man I have ever seen. He has been plagued with a slew of problems, but somehow rebounds with a wonderful attitude. He rarely complains and it is usually after we play a sort of guessing game with me as the questioner and he the responder that I learn what his newest problem is!
I am hoping when he returns the next time, he will relax with my brother's book. It awaits for him on his table beside his favorite recliner.
More Later.......................................Brenda
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Six Months Later
I guess it is true that time flies when you are having fun, because that is where I have been, along with Lee!
A brief update will be to tell you first of all that Lee is doing great! He had a routine visit to Duke shortly before Thanksgiving, and the last on March 23rd. It was on the last visit to the clinic he was told that he was now doing well enough to move to annual visits only, unless he had a problem and needed to come! Amazing, right?! Since his lung's "birthdate" is June 23rd, he will return to Duke the early part of June 2014 for his beginning of annual checks. Duke likes to keep these on the same month as the transplant date. We will celebrate his fourth anniversary in June 2014!
The good, the bad and the ugly! Most of the past year has been good with the exception of a few complications from the very strong anti-rejection medicines. For the past two years, Lee had been plagued with skin cancers primarily on his face, scalp, ears and neck. He also had some on both his arms, hands and shoulders. Because of the high incidence of Ca. for him, he was finally taken off those very strong drugs. The cancers continued to surface so Duke, along with the dermatologist decided it would be in his best interest to use the more drastic treatment of chemical cream to finally rid him of as many precancerous lesions as possible. This was decided to be implemented during the Winter.
On the first of February, Lee began the chemical cream treatment. Within two weeks he looked like I would imagine someone with a severe case of Leprosy would look like! Not only that, he developed erythematous (sever inflammation, swelling and redness). He was also in a great deal of discomfort. As if that was not enough, he developed a severe case of Herpes Simplex in several places. Fortunately this coincided with his Duke appointment and the doctor was able to treat the Herpes virus and told him to stop the treatment at that time. When we returned home, he went to see his dermatologist who told him to wait two weeks and then resume the treatment on a few isolated areas of his scalp. Finally, he completed all the weeks and after two more weeks of peeling, he discovered a beautiful new layer of skin beneath all the layers that had disappeared. His skin today looks great! In fact, he looks many years younger because all of his wrinkles peeled off too!
My daughter warned him to hide the cream because she knew Mom would be smearing it all over her body! I was delighted that there were two refills left, but backed away from the urge to try it! Don't think I could have stood all the complications,.......especially the herpes simplex virus!
To date, we are glad it is Spring! It has been a dreadful Winter, but good if we compare to others in the North and other parts of the U.S. This morning we awoke to a short snow shower. The flakes were large and looked like cotton balls that melted as soon as they landed. Our flowering peach and pear tree blossoms were a beautiful backdrop against the snow. Even though there is a chill in the air, I am reminded by the daffodils, peach blooms and the tiny tulips guarding my sunroom entrance, that the promise of warm days is not far away.
Thought you might want to know that these past few months I have been busy collaborating a book with my two brothers. The book is a collection of our older sister, Bonnie's memories, particularly during the time when she was the only child. It is a delightful little book about what it was like to grow up during the depression, world war II, her teen and early years. Bonnie is now soon to be 84 years old and it was time to capture her memories. She dictated all the stories, we wrote them, created a biographical data, cover and produced a book called BONNIE'S TREASURES, by Bonnie Hendrix. It is available on amazon.com and any royalties go to Bonnie.
We are so excited about being able to do this for our sister. She has never used a computer and even if she did, her severe arthritis would prevent her from typing. We had teased her saying she should publish her own book so we could say we had all published a book! Brother Dennis came up with this idea and we had a wonderful time collaborating on this joint project. Check it out....I think you will enjoy reading Bonnie's Treasures!
More Later with good intentions for more blogs!.......................................
Brenda
A brief update will be to tell you first of all that Lee is doing great! He had a routine visit to Duke shortly before Thanksgiving, and the last on March 23rd. It was on the last visit to the clinic he was told that he was now doing well enough to move to annual visits only, unless he had a problem and needed to come! Amazing, right?! Since his lung's "birthdate" is June 23rd, he will return to Duke the early part of June 2014 for his beginning of annual checks. Duke likes to keep these on the same month as the transplant date. We will celebrate his fourth anniversary in June 2014!
The good, the bad and the ugly! Most of the past year has been good with the exception of a few complications from the very strong anti-rejection medicines. For the past two years, Lee had been plagued with skin cancers primarily on his face, scalp, ears and neck. He also had some on both his arms, hands and shoulders. Because of the high incidence of Ca. for him, he was finally taken off those very strong drugs. The cancers continued to surface so Duke, along with the dermatologist decided it would be in his best interest to use the more drastic treatment of chemical cream to finally rid him of as many precancerous lesions as possible. This was decided to be implemented during the Winter.
On the first of February, Lee began the chemical cream treatment. Within two weeks he looked like I would imagine someone with a severe case of Leprosy would look like! Not only that, he developed erythematous (sever inflammation, swelling and redness). He was also in a great deal of discomfort. As if that was not enough, he developed a severe case of Herpes Simplex in several places. Fortunately this coincided with his Duke appointment and the doctor was able to treat the Herpes virus and told him to stop the treatment at that time. When we returned home, he went to see his dermatologist who told him to wait two weeks and then resume the treatment on a few isolated areas of his scalp. Finally, he completed all the weeks and after two more weeks of peeling, he discovered a beautiful new layer of skin beneath all the layers that had disappeared. His skin today looks great! In fact, he looks many years younger because all of his wrinkles peeled off too!
My daughter warned him to hide the cream because she knew Mom would be smearing it all over her body! I was delighted that there were two refills left, but backed away from the urge to try it! Don't think I could have stood all the complications,.......especially the herpes simplex virus!
To date, we are glad it is Spring! It has been a dreadful Winter, but good if we compare to others in the North and other parts of the U.S. This morning we awoke to a short snow shower. The flakes were large and looked like cotton balls that melted as soon as they landed. Our flowering peach and pear tree blossoms were a beautiful backdrop against the snow. Even though there is a chill in the air, I am reminded by the daffodils, peach blooms and the tiny tulips guarding my sunroom entrance, that the promise of warm days is not far away.
Thought you might want to know that these past few months I have been busy collaborating a book with my two brothers. The book is a collection of our older sister, Bonnie's memories, particularly during the time when she was the only child. It is a delightful little book about what it was like to grow up during the depression, world war II, her teen and early years. Bonnie is now soon to be 84 years old and it was time to capture her memories. She dictated all the stories, we wrote them, created a biographical data, cover and produced a book called BONNIE'S TREASURES, by Bonnie Hendrix. It is available on amazon.com and any royalties go to Bonnie.
We are so excited about being able to do this for our sister. She has never used a computer and even if she did, her severe arthritis would prevent her from typing. We had teased her saying she should publish her own book so we could say we had all published a book! Brother Dennis came up with this idea and we had a wonderful time collaborating on this joint project. Check it out....I think you will enjoy reading Bonnie's Treasures!
More Later with good intentions for more blogs!.......................................
Brenda
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