Stan Here:
Had this old Sunday school song called "Marching Along". I cannot remember what it was all about but I do remember the tune and the title so I thought I would use it for this post because that is what I think is happening. Now, the marching is not all that fast yet and I am not really sure what we are seeing is marching, but non-the-less we are moving in a forward direction and still thinking and hoping for a return to home on this Wednesday. Deb is working her way through some problems still with nasea and weakness. This is now day 32 of this whole thing and I think for Deb and the rest of us it seems like it started in another century. Anyway, it has been a long time and everyone is ready to for it to come to a happy conclusion.
It seems evident to me that the recovery period for this is going to go for some time yet. Deb's Mom and Dad are going to come over for some days to help out when she first gets home. We are all going to try to attend the graduation events we have coming up. The medical people have warned me often to be careful of overdoing things so we are going to attempt to make the graduation events be as less exerting as possible. So while it is true that our lawn could use mowing I think I will leave this out of the therapy demands at this time. Actually I think she will find the place in good shape when she comes home. I am not sure how it is all going to work but I am confident that she can make the best progress back in her home from both mental and physical consideration standpoints.
I am thinking when she comes home the Tigers will start winning again. They do much better when Deb cheers for them through her own TV set. We will see.....talk to you all in a day or so. Thanks for following!
Stan
Monday, April 30, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Strides and Brides
Stan Here:
Thought it might be time for an update so here it comes. While the recovery road still seems long and hard we can all start to tell that each day is bringing some progress. I think I had mentioned earlier that it seemed like a step forward and then one back. Now it seems to be going in the right direction but it still is slow. We have been given the date of next Wednesday as the target release and at this point I see nothing in the way of this. Issues that remain are restoring an appetite that allows for proper nourishment and strength and some problems with nausea. After most attempts to eat a normal meal Deb is finding some real problems with the feeling that we all have had at one time or another with feeling sick. She fights through this pretty well but it takes about one hour after every attempt to consume a normal meal.
Mieke is going through the fun stage of setting up her first home. She and Aaron rented their first apartment. So the fun of setting that all up is perhaps dimmed a bit by the fact that I think it is something that I think she and her mom might have done together. I mentioned earlier that those two have always cherished every friendship and every gift of any kind and I think they might have had fun with it. I am learning that brides to be are rained upon with many fine things. All I want to say here is that at this time in a special way these things have been received and carry a blessing that has extra proportion. I was thinking a little about this when I drove back from taking some things to their place. Deb and I were married 37 years ago and we still use the stuff from that time. I am not sure I have ever been able to get in to the plates and dishes as much. I do recall somehow the partner of Deb's dad giving me a drill. I opened that thing and I just thought it was kind of cool and it was a nice one. I still have it and use it. I think about that every time I use that thing. Anyway a special time for Mieke and Aaron. I recall one of my grandmothers commenting to a cousin of mine. This cousin had worked hard and purchased a home. It was her theory that by the time life reached 25 years or so things should be well along the way. She would always say to him "you have the coop, now you need to find the hen to live in there with you". I am not sure that this was all that modern of a thought. But somehow it did cross my mind after I helped them move a few things. Deb and I like the rooster and we like the hen and I think we are going to have a fun wedding and we are very proud.
I am not sure how I got on all of that. Many of you know that we have some big dates coming up. Ross and Rumy receive their doctoral degrees in music this next Friday and Mieke graduates from Hope next Sunday. Anybody want to put any money on Deb attending these events? I talked with her about this yesterday on if she felt it was wise to try. She told me the issue was not up for discussion. The good money still rest on her attendance at these events.
Stan......
Thought it might be time for an update so here it comes. While the recovery road still seems long and hard we can all start to tell that each day is bringing some progress. I think I had mentioned earlier that it seemed like a step forward and then one back. Now it seems to be going in the right direction but it still is slow. We have been given the date of next Wednesday as the target release and at this point I see nothing in the way of this. Issues that remain are restoring an appetite that allows for proper nourishment and strength and some problems with nausea. After most attempts to eat a normal meal Deb is finding some real problems with the feeling that we all have had at one time or another with feeling sick. She fights through this pretty well but it takes about one hour after every attempt to consume a normal meal.
Mieke is going through the fun stage of setting up her first home. She and Aaron rented their first apartment. So the fun of setting that all up is perhaps dimmed a bit by the fact that I think it is something that I think she and her mom might have done together. I mentioned earlier that those two have always cherished every friendship and every gift of any kind and I think they might have had fun with it. I am learning that brides to be are rained upon with many fine things. All I want to say here is that at this time in a special way these things have been received and carry a blessing that has extra proportion. I was thinking a little about this when I drove back from taking some things to their place. Deb and I were married 37 years ago and we still use the stuff from that time. I am not sure I have ever been able to get in to the plates and dishes as much. I do recall somehow the partner of Deb's dad giving me a drill. I opened that thing and I just thought it was kind of cool and it was a nice one. I still have it and use it. I think about that every time I use that thing. Anyway a special time for Mieke and Aaron. I recall one of my grandmothers commenting to a cousin of mine. This cousin had worked hard and purchased a home. It was her theory that by the time life reached 25 years or so things should be well along the way. She would always say to him "you have the coop, now you need to find the hen to live in there with you". I am not sure that this was all that modern of a thought. But somehow it did cross my mind after I helped them move a few things. Deb and I like the rooster and we like the hen and I think we are going to have a fun wedding and we are very proud.
I am not sure how I got on all of that. Many of you know that we have some big dates coming up. Ross and Rumy receive their doctoral degrees in music this next Friday and Mieke graduates from Hope next Sunday. Anybody want to put any money on Deb attending these events? I talked with her about this yesterday on if she felt it was wise to try. She told me the issue was not up for discussion. The good money still rest on her attendance at these events.
Stan......
Thursday, April 26, 2012
News and Views
Stan Here:
We did learn a couple of things today. First we learned that Deb will not be able to return home till next week. May I relate what for me was a very touching moment. I took Deb in to see the doctor and they did remove the stitches. This is only the second time Deb has smelled the outside air in one month. The exertion of going to this appointment took it's toll but on the way home she said she wanted to see her house again. I did drive her home and she was able to come in and sit at the table for a few moments. She was really not able to respond to the event with the joy we expected. She shed a few tears and had me drive her back to Freedom Inn. As hard as this was for me to watch I get to tell you now something really interesting.
For the first time I heard her surgeon say that the reduction of the cancer that came from the chemo was significant enough that they actually feel that they have a chance to bring her to a cancer free state. He was very clear to emphasize the word "chance." You know something? I think that is what we needed to hear right now. There is a part of me that believes that Deb will pull out of this thing and outlive us all. There is one thing that I know for sure is going to happen. Deb will be attending Mieke's graduation from Hope. She told me yesterday that wild teams of horses would not keep her away from that. It comes up here in a few weeks. The good money will be on her being there!!!!
Stan
We did learn a couple of things today. First we learned that Deb will not be able to return home till next week. May I relate what for me was a very touching moment. I took Deb in to see the doctor and they did remove the stitches. This is only the second time Deb has smelled the outside air in one month. The exertion of going to this appointment took it's toll but on the way home she said she wanted to see her house again. I did drive her home and she was able to come in and sit at the table for a few moments. She was really not able to respond to the event with the joy we expected. She shed a few tears and had me drive her back to Freedom Inn. As hard as this was for me to watch I get to tell you now something really interesting.
For the first time I heard her surgeon say that the reduction of the cancer that came from the chemo was significant enough that they actually feel that they have a chance to bring her to a cancer free state. He was very clear to emphasize the word "chance." You know something? I think that is what we needed to hear right now. There is a part of me that believes that Deb will pull out of this thing and outlive us all. There is one thing that I know for sure is going to happen. Deb will be attending Mieke's graduation from Hope. She told me yesterday that wild teams of horses would not keep her away from that. It comes up here in a few weeks. The good money will be on her being there!!!!
Stan
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Events of the day
Stan Here:
No day is without some events and today was no exception. I could kind of tell this morning when I called that Deb's voice was weaker. After a local business appointment I went to see her and became quite concerned. Intense pain to the point of tears were happening. I was not sure what to do so I called Karen. She just seems to know how to enlist help and do the right thing. She soon had the right people called and as the afternoon progressed things improved to the point that tonite Deb was in much better condition. She was able to enjoy a visit from some nursing friends. I noticed that she is eating better and I think now it is possible to think about her coming home this week. At noon today I would have said we had taken a big reverse step but as the day went on things improved. For those of you that know Karen (I do not use last names for security reasons. It is called blogger protocal) she has been a huge help in this entire matter from the very start. I just am not able to decerne what is the best direction from a medical perspective and she has acted as a consultant on very many occasions. I cannot thank her enough. We needed that help today and she left her work to assist. I think you can tell that this whole thing has somewhat of a roller coaster feel to it. As much as we would like it not to be that way it just simply is. From a medical perspective it is complicated and has with it about everything you can think of. On Wednesday we have an appointment with the doctors and I will update the news very soon. Thanks for following. Hang in there Deb. By the way, we figured out how to get the Tiger games in her room and for her this might be the best medicine.
Stan
No day is without some events and today was no exception. I could kind of tell this morning when I called that Deb's voice was weaker. After a local business appointment I went to see her and became quite concerned. Intense pain to the point of tears were happening. I was not sure what to do so I called Karen. She just seems to know how to enlist help and do the right thing. She soon had the right people called and as the afternoon progressed things improved to the point that tonite Deb was in much better condition. She was able to enjoy a visit from some nursing friends. I noticed that she is eating better and I think now it is possible to think about her coming home this week. At noon today I would have said we had taken a big reverse step but as the day went on things improved. For those of you that know Karen (I do not use last names for security reasons. It is called blogger protocal) she has been a huge help in this entire matter from the very start. I just am not able to decerne what is the best direction from a medical perspective and she has acted as a consultant on very many occasions. I cannot thank her enough. We needed that help today and she left her work to assist. I think you can tell that this whole thing has somewhat of a roller coaster feel to it. As much as we would like it not to be that way it just simply is. From a medical perspective it is complicated and has with it about everything you can think of. On Wednesday we have an appointment with the doctors and I will update the news very soon. Thanks for following. Hang in there Deb. By the way, we figured out how to get the Tiger games in her room and for her this might be the best medicine.
Stan
Monday, April 23, 2012
Showers and Flowers
Stan Here:
The kind of showers I am talking about are not the rain type. Instead they are the type that rain gifts on a to be brides. Mieke had one of those this weekend. Jackie, our friend, put it on and there was quite a bit of conversation as to whether to postpone it or to go ahead. They decided to move the whole deal over to Freedom Inn. Deb was able to attend and enjoy the event. She was good and tired when it got done but it was worth it. You know something, it is kind of like mother like daughter. When the event was over Mieke brought the gifts home and put them all in our living room. She asked me to sit in the chair and one by one she got them out, told me who they were from, and then just spent some time in thanks cherishing the day and the gifts. Sometimes I kind of feel like Steve Martin in that movie "Father of the Bride" but I want to tell you that these events take on special meaning of extra proportion with all of the recent struggles. Deb has always cherished these events and has always been touched by every gift over the years and now I have a daughter just like that.
Now on to the health update. I think the consistent theme has been that the progress is slow but sure. What has been endured is a medical event that at times to me has been stunning. I think I understand that others have endured events that parallel these. It is just that we have never experienced them first hand. I sense now there is some light at the end of the tunnel and it is starting to look like a return to home might be possible sometime this week. I think it is now day 25 of this thing and it just seems like it has been a test and lesson in endurance for which nobody could prepare or imagine. It does however appear that it is getting closer to the finish and it appears that life has the potential to come back to more normal existence.
So we have the shower part but how about the flowers? All I want to say about this is that it would appear that the early spring is going to make the color of the town not be in the forefront when tulip time is here this year. That is going to have exist someplace in the imagination. You know I am going to do that this year. I am getting a little lonely here and it is going to be a fine day when Deb breeches the threshold of our front door. Not sure I will carry her in this time like many years ago. I will leave that to the imagination as well. It has been quite the journey. Thanks again for staying with us.
Stan
The kind of showers I am talking about are not the rain type. Instead they are the type that rain gifts on a to be brides. Mieke had one of those this weekend. Jackie, our friend, put it on and there was quite a bit of conversation as to whether to postpone it or to go ahead. They decided to move the whole deal over to Freedom Inn. Deb was able to attend and enjoy the event. She was good and tired when it got done but it was worth it. You know something, it is kind of like mother like daughter. When the event was over Mieke brought the gifts home and put them all in our living room. She asked me to sit in the chair and one by one she got them out, told me who they were from, and then just spent some time in thanks cherishing the day and the gifts. Sometimes I kind of feel like Steve Martin in that movie "Father of the Bride" but I want to tell you that these events take on special meaning of extra proportion with all of the recent struggles. Deb has always cherished these events and has always been touched by every gift over the years and now I have a daughter just like that.
Now on to the health update. I think the consistent theme has been that the progress is slow but sure. What has been endured is a medical event that at times to me has been stunning. I think I understand that others have endured events that parallel these. It is just that we have never experienced them first hand. I sense now there is some light at the end of the tunnel and it is starting to look like a return to home might be possible sometime this week. I think it is now day 25 of this thing and it just seems like it has been a test and lesson in endurance for which nobody could prepare or imagine. It does however appear that it is getting closer to the finish and it appears that life has the potential to come back to more normal existence.
So we have the shower part but how about the flowers? All I want to say about this is that it would appear that the early spring is going to make the color of the town not be in the forefront when tulip time is here this year. That is going to have exist someplace in the imagination. You know I am going to do that this year. I am getting a little lonely here and it is going to be a fine day when Deb breeches the threshold of our front door. Not sure I will carry her in this time like many years ago. I will leave that to the imagination as well. It has been quite the journey. Thanks again for staying with us.
Stan
Friday, April 20, 2012
Moving Forward
Stan Here:
Slowly but surely we have some progress here. I stopped up this morning to see Deb and it looked like she had a good night of sleep and she looked good. Yesterday Deb's mom and Dad were here. Debs mom went over to our house and helped with lots of things to help get the place ready for a return to home. I had been trying to keep the place in order but it sure looks a lot better with her touch. Some of our neigborhood friends gave us the gift of having the house cleaned and they hired someone to come in today put a spit shine on the place. I am sensing that there might be some people who do not totally trust my skill level in that area. When I saw the place after Deb's mom got done I think they are right.
I am thinking that the release from Freedom Inn is getting closer. I think this is Day 23 of this whole thing and it has the rigors of hospitals and rehab can have a wearing affect. In my judgement the lack of sleep is not helping the healing and Dr. Stan thinks that if I can find a way to get her home things will be better for her. I called a few of her friends and asked that if she does come home if they could possibly stay with her during the day for at least the first couple of days. I am not sure when this going to happen but I can tell it is getting closer. Plus, they do not get the Tiger games at Freedom Inn and I am also thinking that she might need that back in her life. If I had my choice I would load her in the car and take her home, but she just called me and told me to cool that idea. She wants things done in a more official way. Those of you that know us well might know that I like to spend some time in the less official world and I am sensing that this might not be the right time for that. So for now room 2140 will still be occupied. (At least for a short time more.)
So we will see what happpens. I will keep you posted. Thanks to all for your concerns, prayers and for your generous gifts of time, meals, flowers, cards, cleaning and everything else that has been given to us. Deb and I often talk about the kindness that people have shown over this entire time going way back to last August. It is truly appreciated and has had a deep impact on us.
Stan
Slowly but surely we have some progress here. I stopped up this morning to see Deb and it looked like she had a good night of sleep and she looked good. Yesterday Deb's mom and Dad were here. Debs mom went over to our house and helped with lots of things to help get the place ready for a return to home. I had been trying to keep the place in order but it sure looks a lot better with her touch. Some of our neigborhood friends gave us the gift of having the house cleaned and they hired someone to come in today put a spit shine on the place. I am sensing that there might be some people who do not totally trust my skill level in that area. When I saw the place after Deb's mom got done I think they are right.
I am thinking that the release from Freedom Inn is getting closer. I think this is Day 23 of this whole thing and it has the rigors of hospitals and rehab can have a wearing affect. In my judgement the lack of sleep is not helping the healing and Dr. Stan thinks that if I can find a way to get her home things will be better for her. I called a few of her friends and asked that if she does come home if they could possibly stay with her during the day for at least the first couple of days. I am not sure when this going to happen but I can tell it is getting closer. Plus, they do not get the Tiger games at Freedom Inn and I am also thinking that she might need that back in her life. If I had my choice I would load her in the car and take her home, but she just called me and told me to cool that idea. She wants things done in a more official way. Those of you that know us well might know that I like to spend some time in the less official world and I am sensing that this might not be the right time for that. So for now room 2140 will still be occupied. (At least for a short time more.)
So we will see what happpens. I will keep you posted. Thanks to all for your concerns, prayers and for your generous gifts of time, meals, flowers, cards, cleaning and everything else that has been given to us. Deb and I often talk about the kindness that people have shown over this entire time going way back to last August. It is truly appreciated and has had a deep impact on us.
Stan
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Perspective of a Mom
Deb's Mom,Sylvia:
This is coming from someone who hasn' t seen her since she left the intensive care unit, so to me she has made some real strides. Her pain is still a real issue, so we are very thankful for medication. She saw her surgeon today and I think he was pleased with her recovery so far. (Now Stan Writing). I think a few of Sylvia's lines got clipped off and now reside someplace in cyberspace. So let me finish with some of her thoughts and mine. She came to to visit and had not seen Deb since the ICU. I asked her how she felt regarding her observations on everything and she said that she felt things were about as she expected. Those of us who see Deb everyday sometimes have a tough time seeing the progress but others who have seen her at larger intervals think she is moving along well on the progress scale.
Yesterday Laurie, (Aarons Mom) took Deb into GR to an appointment with the surgeons. They removed the staples and checked things over. It would appear at this point that we have about another week at Freedom Village. Laurie said that Deb endured the trip well but was really tired after the whole thing was done. She did tell me that the doctors talked with her about the serious nature of the condition. They claimed that they and Deb should be thankful for life as the nature of the procedings and complications were very advanced from a medical perspective. It has now been three weeks since the initial surgery. Those closest to the matter have observed that Deb has endured the events with great drive and stamina at a level that I think many of us can only imagine. She walks the halls quite often and the pain involved in getting up and down, doing the therapy and all other elements of the rehab is sometimes painfull to observe.
Related to visiting it can sometimes be sort of a moving target. Deb's cell phone is 616-299-2996. She has been able to handle some calls and some text while at the same time there are times when the rehab people keep her busy. Deb's Mom and Dad will be with her today and I will keep you posted on her progress as best I can.
This is coming from someone who hasn' t seen her since she left the intensive care unit, so to me she has made some real strides. Her pain is still a real issue, so we are very thankful for medication. She saw her surgeon today and I think he was pleased with her recovery so far. (Now Stan Writing). I think a few of Sylvia's lines got clipped off and now reside someplace in cyberspace. So let me finish with some of her thoughts and mine. She came to to visit and had not seen Deb since the ICU. I asked her how she felt regarding her observations on everything and she said that she felt things were about as she expected. Those of us who see Deb everyday sometimes have a tough time seeing the progress but others who have seen her at larger intervals think she is moving along well on the progress scale.
Yesterday Laurie, (Aarons Mom) took Deb into GR to an appointment with the surgeons. They removed the staples and checked things over. It would appear at this point that we have about another week at Freedom Village. Laurie said that Deb endured the trip well but was really tired after the whole thing was done. She did tell me that the doctors talked with her about the serious nature of the condition. They claimed that they and Deb should be thankful for life as the nature of the procedings and complications were very advanced from a medical perspective. It has now been three weeks since the initial surgery. Those closest to the matter have observed that Deb has endured the events with great drive and stamina at a level that I think many of us can only imagine. She walks the halls quite often and the pain involved in getting up and down, doing the therapy and all other elements of the rehab is sometimes painfull to observe.
Related to visiting it can sometimes be sort of a moving target. Deb's cell phone is 616-299-2996. She has been able to handle some calls and some text while at the same time there are times when the rehab people keep her busy. Deb's Mom and Dad will be with her today and I will keep you posted on her progress as best I can.
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