This morning I got the best news we've all heard in many weeks; Vicki is going home. She called me this morning to give me the good news. Jack was packing up as we talked and they are going to get out of there ASAP. Vicki sounded weak and tired, but happy. She didn't rest well last night because she knew she might get to go home today. She's looking forward to getting home for some puppy love and a good rest.
What's Next?
The current plan is for her to be readmitted to the hospital for more chemo in a couple of weeks. The oncologist is looking at other chemo options which might allow her to be treated as an out patient. We will hope and pray that this comes to pass.
Gratitude
Vicki has expressed the intent to spend her time at home as joyfully as possible and not to let worries about what comes next to spoil this gift. Let's all join her in a moment of gratitude and hope. All we have is this moment. If you find your self safe, happy, and free from fear in this moment take a deep breath and do whatever form of gratitude practice your religious and cultural traditions proscribe. For those without a tradition I highly recommend the Snoopy "happy dance" done outside under the sun and sky.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Not Much News
I'm not getting a lot of news from Vicki and Jack and have not been able to visit much lately, so I don't have much to report. I paid brief visit to the hospital this morning and found Vicki having a rough time of it. The infection in her jaw and mouth seems to be healing well and she wasn't needing any pain medication while I was there, but she's wanting very badly to go home and is unhappy about the prospect of having to go back to the hospital in just a couple of weeks.
They are still tinkering with V's blood pressure medication and the oncologist wants V's white blood cell count to come up just a little more before she can go home. While I was visiting the hospitalist physician came in to discuss how things are going and said that the oncologist might be ready to release V in just a couple of days.
They are still tinkering with V's blood pressure medication and the oncologist wants V's white blood cell count to come up just a little more before she can go home. While I was visiting the hospitalist physician came in to discuss how things are going and said that the oncologist might be ready to release V in just a couple of days.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Day 30: Feeling No Pain
I had a nice phone chat with Vicki today. Her night nurse on the telemetry unit was so concerned about Vicki's pain that she called the doctors to change the orders for pain medication; instead of having medication available every so many hours on Vicki's request, the nurses are now under orders to explicitly offer the pain medication. Vicki said this has helped tremendously. Between the medications and the general disorientation of being in the hospital she sometimes isn't sure whether it's eight in the morning or evening, so doesn't know when to ask for more medication. Now that it's being offered at regular intervals she's more comfortable and she's looking forward to going back to the oncology unit where she knows the nursing staff and can have visitors.
Jack developed a rash in reaction to one of his medications so had to see the doctor for adjustments as well as something to treat the rash.
Jack developed a rash in reaction to one of his medications so had to see the doctor for adjustments as well as something to treat the rash.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Thursday Improvement
After a long night on the I.C.U. where it's hard to rest because of the constant activity and noise, Vicki was moved to the telemetry unit where they are able to continually monitor her blood pressure. She had a CAT scan today to get a more specific diagnosis on the infection which started as a mouth sore, but may have entered a salivary gland The final results aren't in yet, but Vicki said the swelling has gone down a bit and it seems better.
I had a quick phone call from her this afternoon in which she sounded tired, but O.K. My general feeling after our conversation was one of relief, which I think says it all.
She said that she heard she would be moved back to a regular room on her usual nursing floor tomorrow.
I had a quick phone call from her this afternoon in which she sounded tired, but O.K. My general feeling after our conversation was one of relief, which I think says it all.
She said that she heard she would be moved back to a regular room on her usual nursing floor tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
A Temporary Set Back
Vicki had some more problems with low blood pressure today so she has been moved to the intensive care unit where she can be monitored more carefully. She's also developed some infections which are giving her trouble. One is from a mouth sore, a typical side effect of chemo, which has spread and left her whole cheek and jaw inflamed and sore.
Obviously the plan to go home tomorrow will not come to pass, which is terribly disappointing.
Obviously the plan to go home tomorrow will not come to pass, which is terribly disappointing.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Updates
Happy Birthday #7 and Going to Rehab (not *that* kind)
We celebrated the seven year anniversary Jack's transplant on Saturday the 6th. Monday he started cardiac rehab which he will attend three days a week at the same location where Vicki is hospitalized.
No More Neutropenia
Yesterday Vicki was declared no longer neutropenic. This means that her white blood cell counts are up, up, up. They are not normal yet, but they no longer dangerously low which leaves her extremely vulnerable to infection. Dr. G, Vic's oncologist known by many as god (lowercase g) is predicting her discharge as early as Thursday.
What's Next? The Long Haul
Miss Vicki Will spend 2-3 weeks at Villa McF before returning to the hospital, where they may have to name a wing after V & J (or at least their insurance company)! She will spend another 20-30 days living the spa lifestyle in the hospital and then return home for another break. Depending on how it all goes, she might need to return for a third 20-30 day stay. Get out your calendar and do the math; we're in for a long haul here.
We celebrated the seven year anniversary Jack's transplant on Saturday the 6th. Monday he started cardiac rehab which he will attend three days a week at the same location where Vicki is hospitalized.
No More Neutropenia
Yesterday Vicki was declared no longer neutropenic. This means that her white blood cell counts are up, up, up. They are not normal yet, but they no longer dangerously low which leaves her extremely vulnerable to infection. Dr. G, Vic's oncologist known by many as god (lowercase g) is predicting her discharge as early as Thursday.
What's Next? The Long Haul
Miss Vicki Will spend 2-3 weeks at Villa McF before returning to the hospital, where they may have to name a wing after V & J (or at least their insurance company)! She will spend another 20-30 days living the spa lifestyle in the hospital and then return home for another break. Depending on how it all goes, she might need to return for a third 20-30 day stay. Get out your calendar and do the math; we're in for a long haul here.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Dog Days
No More IV
Miss Vicki got untethered earlier this week; she's no longer receiving continuous intravenous fluids so she's not constantly hooked to the IV pump. This makes it much easier to get out of bed to use the shower and restroom. The medical team is encouraging her to get up and walk around, although since she's very weak this is hard for her.
No More Royal Suite
On Thursday night Vicki was moved to another room. She's still in a private room for infection control reasons, but this room is smaller and doesn't have a view of the trees like her old room. When your whole world is a tiny hospital room, a change like this can really upset the apple cart.
Doggie Love
Today Vicki gets a very special treat, a visit from Phineas and Leo. She has to get done up in a mask and gloves and all kinds of protective gear. Licking is strictly forbidden*.
* The doctor probably meant the boys are not permitted to lick her, but the other way around is forbidden as well.
Miss Vicki got untethered earlier this week; she's no longer receiving continuous intravenous fluids so she's not constantly hooked to the IV pump. This makes it much easier to get out of bed to use the shower and restroom. The medical team is encouraging her to get up and walk around, although since she's very weak this is hard for her.
No More Royal Suite
On Thursday night Vicki was moved to another room. She's still in a private room for infection control reasons, but this room is smaller and doesn't have a view of the trees like her old room. When your whole world is a tiny hospital room, a change like this can really upset the apple cart.
Doggie Love
Today Vicki gets a very special treat, a visit from Phineas and Leo. She has to get done up in a mask and gloves and all kinds of protective gear. Licking is strictly forbidden*.
* The doctor probably meant the boys are not permitted to lick her, but the other way around is forbidden as well.
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