First of all, Diane is doing great. Went to the Dr today and he removed the last tube in her body: JP Tube (this was her feeding tube and drain tube). She is left with some small wound repair but really feels a lot better with all tubes gone. The nurse couldn't believe that Diane had a "whipple" (she is so far ahead of the normal whipple patient). Diane walks, climbs stairs, rides in the car, and even has done Costco! She now needs to work on strength and stamina. And I am so impressed with change in her skin color (the redness she has had in her face for 5 yrs. is gone!). I don't know whats next, but I see a very bright future with more strength than shes had for years.
I just want to thank you again for sharing Diane's blog with her. Jeff
Friday, August 29, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Diane wants to thank you:
Happy 40th Birthday, DeAnn - we all love you and are so very proud of you!
Well, I have reached the 4th week since my surgery; and when I read all your comments on the blog I am so filled with emotion - your love and support have been awesome, and I am sure you are all responsible for my meeting and surpassing each & every hurdle along the way. A Giant Thank You doesn't begin to express how much I appreciate and love each and every one of you.
I was in the hospital for 3 weeks and was never left alone. Family and friends were always there to anticipate my needs and be proactive in my care. I can't tell you how much that meant to me. I had so many obstacles and challenges along the way; but, I never had to worry or face them alone. My gratitude is forever.
To my husband Jeff, I know sometimes it was hard, but you were there for me day and night: Making my bed perfectly, and particularly supporting me during those horrible tests - Thank you honey.
To Randy and Lois, how can I possibly thank you enough for all you have done and continue to do. Allowing us to stay in your house and making us feel so at home. Lois for spending that terrible first night out of Cardiac ICU with me. You said before the surgery several times that you would help me get through this; and you have and continue to be there for me at every turn. Lois, is constantly doing laundry, and always cheerfully! Thank you Randy for always making me laugh. We have grown up together and you both have always been there for me and my children.
To Marc and Christine, for treating us to a magical trip to Catalina before the surgery; and have been there every day for three entire weeks after the surgery. Always listening to doctors, anticipating my needs, decorating my hospital room with pictures, balloons, flowers; for updating my I-Pod, even providing books on tape, and most of all for your never-ending support. Your caring, your advice, your stories, and laughter, all taking my mind off my troubles; and filling me in on baby updates, reminding me that the "Grandma" incentive is ever present.
To Jay and Alicia who tried to see me before surgery but weren't able to because their car broke down in Baker (half way here from Las Vegas) and had to be towed home. After surgery they tried again and spent 2 days with me. I so appreciate their love and support. Alicia was always filling my ice water.
One of my best moments in the hospital and one I will never forget was when "all the kids",Jay, Alicia, Marc, Christine, Dana, and Eric were in the room together: I had great pleasure just watching and listening.
To my niece, DeAnn, who actually spent a night at the hospital; and to my niece Dana, who visited often and took care of Katie so Jeff and I could make that wonderful trip to Catalina.
To my cousin Clark, thank you so much for the wonderful visit and gorgeous orchid (complete with the address for board and room when it gets tired)!
To Maggie who spent 2 nights with me and brought brownies for all the nurses. And to JoAnne and Sandi who spent a night with me, and visited often. I know it wasn't easy and I want you to know how much you are all appreciated.
To Diane Cunningham, a friend forever. Words can't express how grateful I am for your constant care and love for our Katie girl. I have missed her every day; but every day, I know the incomparable hands Katie is in. You have been unbelievable to her, you have supported me - you are an amazing person, and very appreciated. My prayers are with you always.
And to all our friends who write, call, pray, light candles, and support us: I am forever grateful. When I think of all the "bullets" I dodged, I know it happened because of all of your prayers and support. All of you are responsible for my swift recovery and being able to leave the hospital on my birthday! Best birthday I ever had, Welcome Home banner, cake and most of all peace and quiet! THANK YOU, THANK YOU ALL!
I have turned a corner! The infection finally seems to be diminishing, I am no longer hooked up to a feeding machine, I take short walks, and I am feeling better day by day.
Jeff is planning to set up our rig at the Newport Dunes on Sept. 2; and hopefully, within about a week, I will be able to join him. Randy and Lois will finally be able to have their house back, and Katie will be coming home soon. Then, Oct. 13, Jeff has his knee replacement surgery and I will become the caregiver! WOW!
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. LOVE ALL, FOREVER AND FOREVER, Diane.
Well, I have reached the 4th week since my surgery; and when I read all your comments on the blog I am so filled with emotion - your love and support have been awesome, and I am sure you are all responsible for my meeting and surpassing each & every hurdle along the way. A Giant Thank You doesn't begin to express how much I appreciate and love each and every one of you.
I was in the hospital for 3 weeks and was never left alone. Family and friends were always there to anticipate my needs and be proactive in my care. I can't tell you how much that meant to me. I had so many obstacles and challenges along the way; but, I never had to worry or face them alone. My gratitude is forever.
To my husband Jeff, I know sometimes it was hard, but you were there for me day and night: Making my bed perfectly, and particularly supporting me during those horrible tests - Thank you honey.
To Randy and Lois, how can I possibly thank you enough for all you have done and continue to do. Allowing us to stay in your house and making us feel so at home. Lois for spending that terrible first night out of Cardiac ICU with me. You said before the surgery several times that you would help me get through this; and you have and continue to be there for me at every turn. Lois, is constantly doing laundry, and always cheerfully! Thank you Randy for always making me laugh. We have grown up together and you both have always been there for me and my children.
To Marc and Christine, for treating us to a magical trip to Catalina before the surgery; and have been there every day for three entire weeks after the surgery. Always listening to doctors, anticipating my needs, decorating my hospital room with pictures, balloons, flowers; for updating my I-Pod, even providing books on tape, and most of all for your never-ending support. Your caring, your advice, your stories, and laughter, all taking my mind off my troubles; and filling me in on baby updates, reminding me that the "Grandma" incentive is ever present.
To Jay and Alicia who tried to see me before surgery but weren't able to because their car broke down in Baker (half way here from Las Vegas) and had to be towed home. After surgery they tried again and spent 2 days with me. I so appreciate their love and support. Alicia was always filling my ice water.
One of my best moments in the hospital and one I will never forget was when "all the kids",Jay, Alicia, Marc, Christine, Dana, and Eric were in the room together: I had great pleasure just watching and listening.
To my niece, DeAnn, who actually spent a night at the hospital; and to my niece Dana, who visited often and took care of Katie so Jeff and I could make that wonderful trip to Catalina.
To my cousin Clark, thank you so much for the wonderful visit and gorgeous orchid (complete with the address for board and room when it gets tired)!
To Maggie who spent 2 nights with me and brought brownies for all the nurses. And to JoAnne and Sandi who spent a night with me, and visited often. I know it wasn't easy and I want you to know how much you are all appreciated.
To Diane Cunningham, a friend forever. Words can't express how grateful I am for your constant care and love for our Katie girl. I have missed her every day; but every day, I know the incomparable hands Katie is in. You have been unbelievable to her, you have supported me - you are an amazing person, and very appreciated. My prayers are with you always.
And to all our friends who write, call, pray, light candles, and support us: I am forever grateful. When I think of all the "bullets" I dodged, I know it happened because of all of your prayers and support. All of you are responsible for my swift recovery and being able to leave the hospital on my birthday! Best birthday I ever had, Welcome Home banner, cake and most of all peace and quiet! THANK YOU, THANK YOU ALL!
I have turned a corner! The infection finally seems to be diminishing, I am no longer hooked up to a feeding machine, I take short walks, and I am feeling better day by day.
Jeff is planning to set up our rig at the Newport Dunes on Sept. 2; and hopefully, within about a week, I will be able to join him. Randy and Lois will finally be able to have their house back, and Katie will be coming home soon. Then, Oct. 13, Jeff has his knee replacement surgery and I will become the caregiver! WOW!
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. LOVE ALL, FOREVER AND FOREVER, Diane.
Friday, August 15, 2008
We're Home on 8/12!
So what has Katie been doing while Diane has been the hospital? Photo Ops: She's gone "Hollywood!" Visiting Saks, Chanel, Prada, Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, St. John, Neimann Marcus, etc., and we have pics to prove all of it! Huge "kudos" to Diane Cunningham for taking care of Katie 24-7 (feeding, walking, poo detail, pills, bath, groomer, vet, dog visits, people visits, etc.), and this includes a complete change in Diane C's lifestyle to accomplish all of this. This was so comforting to Diane S. What would we have done without you? Thank You!!!!!!And for Diane, it was only yesterday (8/10) that due to a high liver count (meaning her liver wasn't draining properly), surgery was scheduled for Diane to have another tube to be placed between the ribs, through the liver and into the intestine, and to remain there for 6 weeks. She woke up scared, was given a blood test, and 3 hours later her test showed the liver count went down and surgery was canceled. Her Dr. came in, ordered an ultra sound to confirm proper liver function, and said that if successful, she would be going home on 8/12. 8/12 AM, the Dr. told Diane the good news. The entire 6th floor came in to say good-by and wished Diane a Happy Birthday.
Today, 8/12, Diane is sooo happy to be home (20 days!). Dana's children had made a large banner strung across the outside balcony welcoming Diane home (brought tears to Diane); and inside, was a birthday cake, balloons, flowers, etc. and a lovely room for her to come home to (thanks Randy & Lois) (ie: 8/12 is Diane's birthday!). After entering the house, she said that she could not have made it without all your love and support.
She still has 50% night feeding through a feeding tube (eats normal foods otherwise) and sleeps with a stomach drain tube: All tubes are disconnected daytime so she becomes quite mobile. A nurse comes 1/day now. The Dr. says that Diane's whipple couldn't have been better: She missed many procedures (post surgery) that often occur. She looks great! Pain is managed and she is in good hands. A lot to go, but the worst (operation) and best (no cancer) is over.
A special thanks to Marc & Christine for being at Diane's bedside every day, for helping me update the blog, and for always listening to Diane's needs (flowers, balloons, food, phone calls, clothes, love, i-Pods, books by CD, music, etc. etc.).
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Outta There :-)!
Hi all,
Looks like yesterday's rumors were true, and mom is finally leaving the hospital today. Even better news is that the pathology results came back on the cyst, and they are only "pre-cancer". So NO plans for Chemo to follow at this point. Still a tough recovery from such a difficult surgery, but the prognosis continues to look as good as could have been hoped for going into all this. Hopefully the next blog will be from mom and dad with the release from the hospital. In the meantime, thanks for following all this and again thanks for all your thoughts and prayers from the bottom of our hearts!
Marc
Looks like yesterday's rumors were true, and mom is finally leaving the hospital today. Even better news is that the pathology results came back on the cyst, and they are only "pre-cancer". So NO plans for Chemo to follow at this point. Still a tough recovery from such a difficult surgery, but the prognosis continues to look as good as could have been hoped for going into all this. Hopefully the next blog will be from mom and dad with the release from the hospital. In the meantime, thanks for following all this and again thanks for all your thoughts and prayers from the bottom of our hearts!
Marc
Monday, August 11, 2008
Good News!
Hi all,
So keep doing whatever you were doing yesterday. The counts on the concern for the liver have come way down, and they are ruling out the procedure they had scheduled today. They are doing 1 more ultrasound later today just to check, but the expectation as of this am is to release her tomorrow (nice birthday present for her!). So more later, but a terrific morning for her so far.
Love,
Marc
So keep doing whatever you were doing yesterday. The counts on the concern for the liver have come way down, and they are ruling out the procedure they had scheduled today. They are doing 1 more ultrasound later today just to check, but the expectation as of this am is to release her tomorrow (nice birthday present for her!). So more later, but a terrific morning for her so far.
Love,
Marc
Saturday, August 9, 2008
8/9 Move home is delayed
Hi all,
Looks like the early report on going home Sunday was a bit premature. We got some news from the doctor today that they are not happy with the Liver counts in the latest blood tests. This is not a cause for serious concern at this point, but they are going to keep her for some more tests on Monday. We do not know the details yet of that test, but should know more tomorrow. Her nausea has also become a little more difficult as they find the right mix of solid food, medicine and care. So overall a long day for mom, but she continues to push through it all with the same positive attitude. We hope for some rest for her tonight, and a better day tomorrow. The doctor still refers to her as his "model Whipple Patient", so we are glad for his assessment for how she is doing. So the "roller-coaster ride" continues, and we will update you all as we know more tomorrow. In the meantime, thanks for your continued kind thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Marc
Looks like the early report on going home Sunday was a bit premature. We got some news from the doctor today that they are not happy with the Liver counts in the latest blood tests. This is not a cause for serious concern at this point, but they are going to keep her for some more tests on Monday. We do not know the details yet of that test, but should know more tomorrow. Her nausea has also become a little more difficult as they find the right mix of solid food, medicine and care. So overall a long day for mom, but she continues to push through it all with the same positive attitude. We hope for some rest for her tonight, and a better day tomorrow. The doctor still refers to her as his "model Whipple Patient", so we are glad for his assessment for how she is doing. So the "roller-coaster ride" continues, and we will update you all as we know more tomorrow. In the meantime, thanks for your continued kind thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Marc
Friday, August 8, 2008
8/8 Update and Thank You's
Hi all. It has obviously been a few days since the last post, and all continues to go well overall. My Dad asked that I update the blog for him as he has kept very busy with all the time at the hospital etc. No news back yet on the final biopsy results, but as Dad said in his previous blog, the preliminaries look clear. Also the Upper GI came back and everything appears to be functioning extremely well (big relief for all of us). They have even started solid foods the other day again for her. The only significant "problem" issue we are dealing with is she has a persistent infection in her chest that they are working to clear. The doctor is confident still though that healing is progressing, and it should clear up with the proper care and cleaning (although I can tell you that the care/cleaning part is very painful!). The original plan for aftercare of the surgery was 2 weeks in the hospital, and then another 2 weeks in a nursing care facility before going home. Due in large part to this infection, they have kept her in the hospital for a few more days (the rumor is she may be released from there on Sunday). The good news to all this is that we now believe we will be able to take mom straight home and avoid the nursing home altogether which makes us all very happy. So overall, spirits remain high, progress continues to be made, and the prognosis continues to be excellent. Just a long road still to go which we all knew was there from the beginning.
I did want to take this chance for a few "thank you's" from me for all the help and support my mom and dad have received:
1. To the "night crew" that have all given my dad a break to get some rest at home - Lois (for that first lllooonnnggg night and seems to get all the tough nights after that), Maggie, DeAnn, Jo Anne, and Sandi.
2. To all the visitors: Jay, Alicia, Randy, Eric, Clark (the Orchid is beautiful btw), Dana, Diane (and bringing a very happy puppy named Katie with you), Sandi, DeAnn, Jo Anne, Gene, Sandy (also for joining the surgery day vigil at the hospital, and my mom loves the slippers!), Devin, Jim and Glenna (ok so not in person, but your daily calls sure felt like you were there!) and anyone else that may have (or will be) come(ing) while I was(/am) not there. Your visits really help lift my mom's spirits, keep the nursing staff on their toes, and help the time go by for all.
3. For the many blog comments, gifts, cards and pictures: Bill and Mara (your pics of Katie put one of the biggest smiles on my mom's face while she was there, and you may recognize the latest pic on this blog too!), Billy and Jessie (my mom loved your "flower pot" card), Kurt and Evey (taking the time with all you have on your plate has really been special to my mom).
4. Diane for taking care of mom's little girl and giving Katie the royal treatment. From shopping sprees to the finest malls and stores complete with papparazzi, to allowing her to select her own food, to lavish trips to the "beauty Parlor", exotic get-aways to Santa Barbara, and just taking such great care of her. It has been such a huge lift of this burden from my mom knowing that you are taking such great care of her!
5. To all the Tahoe friends, I know she has really appreciated all calls and concern so much.
6. To my wife Christine (or as my mom like to point out to EVERYONE, her pregnant daughter-in-law :-)), I could not have gotten through all this without your love and support. Thank you so much for everything you have done (and believe me, it's a long list!).
7. To my dad who we like to tease about not spending enough time at the hospital -- you have been amazing to mom through all of this, and are will always be the one she looks to for support when she needs it most. Now back to the "world's smallest violin" :-)!
8. To everyone reading this blog -- we are all a bit tired around here, so please forgive any omissions I may have made here in this quick list and know that we appreciate all the kind acts, thoughts and prayers.
Until the next blog, my love and thanks to all!
Marc
I did want to take this chance for a few "thank you's" from me for all the help and support my mom and dad have received:
1. To the "night crew" that have all given my dad a break to get some rest at home - Lois (for that first lllooonnnggg night and seems to get all the tough nights after that), Maggie, DeAnn, Jo Anne, and Sandi.
2. To all the visitors: Jay, Alicia, Randy, Eric, Clark (the Orchid is beautiful btw), Dana, Diane (and bringing a very happy puppy named Katie with you), Sandi, DeAnn, Jo Anne, Gene, Sandy (also for joining the surgery day vigil at the hospital, and my mom loves the slippers!), Devin, Jim and Glenna (ok so not in person, but your daily calls sure felt like you were there!) and anyone else that may have (or will be) come(ing) while I was(/am) not there. Your visits really help lift my mom's spirits, keep the nursing staff on their toes, and help the time go by for all.
3. For the many blog comments, gifts, cards and pictures: Bill and Mara (your pics of Katie put one of the biggest smiles on my mom's face while she was there, and you may recognize the latest pic on this blog too!), Billy and Jessie (my mom loved your "flower pot" card), Kurt and Evey (taking the time with all you have on your plate has really been special to my mom).
4. Diane for taking care of mom's little girl and giving Katie the royal treatment. From shopping sprees to the finest malls and stores complete with papparazzi, to allowing her to select her own food, to lavish trips to the "beauty Parlor", exotic get-aways to Santa Barbara, and just taking such great care of her. It has been such a huge lift of this burden from my mom knowing that you are taking such great care of her!
5. To all the Tahoe friends, I know she has really appreciated all calls and concern so much.
6. To my wife Christine (or as my mom like to point out to EVERYONE, her pregnant daughter-in-law :-)), I could not have gotten through all this without your love and support. Thank you so much for everything you have done (and believe me, it's a long list!).
7. To my dad who we like to tease about not spending enough time at the hospital -- you have been amazing to mom through all of this, and are will always be the one she looks to for support when she needs it most. Now back to the "world's smallest violin" :-)!
8. To everyone reading this blog -- we are all a bit tired around here, so please forgive any omissions I may have made here in this quick list and know that we appreciate all the kind acts, thoughts and prayers.
Until the next blog, my love and thanks to all!
Marc
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