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
Sunday, August 31, 2014
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
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