949-764-6628 or 6th floor room 028 of west wing: Park in the large parking structure, then enter through womans pavilion; turn right @ registration desk and go to the end of the long hall and turn right; continue ahead to the elevators and go to the 6th floor; then turn right to end of hall and you are there.
Endoscopy turned out to be an Upper GI. Due to swelling in the surgery area, they were unable to complete the procedure. This effort was real hard on Diane but must be repeated at a future date. On the good side, her stamina is improving on a daily basis and I believe the next effort will be successful. The Doctor was in today and really liked how well Diane was doing. She had her 1st shower today (sponge baths just don't get it).
Diane is having some good days right now but that will be short lived when they begin to retrain her stomach by clamping her drain line: Fluid will build up in her stomach causing nausea and this will go on for months.
The bottom line is she now has a life to live at the end of this event. I will continue to update the blog, but for now the crisis is over and thank all of you profusely. Jeff
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
4 Days After Surgery
Sunday the 27th, 11:00 PM and I just got home from the hospital, tired but relieved that when I am not there, someone else is (tonight DeAnn Sarver is staying with Diane): Please don't feel left out if your not physically with Diane because she couldn't have made it without your comments, best wishes, and prayers.
On the 25th, Diane looked like the "pillsbury doe boy" due to fluid build-up from surgery. She also had an allergic reaction (we think to sulfa) which manifested in swelling of the head area, including throat obstruction which brought the house down: Allot of excitement in that room! They arrested the reaction and gave her diaretics to reduce the swelling. On the 26th, she had another small reaction but otherwise you could see great improvement. And today, 27th, you would never know anything had happened: She looks fabulous, pain free (still on pain meds), talking normal, no swelling, no complications, and all the children (35 yrs old and up) came to see her (9 people)......they couldn't believe how super she looked (Lucky we have a huge corner suite to accommodate everyone). It was a brief visit and Diane liked seeing all.
Physical Therapy (PT) is started as Diane has very little energy and weak hands. Today she did walk down the hall (with breaks): She is very proud of herself! Her nurse Neumanja (a big strong man) says to Diane "Shall We Dance" as he gets her out of bed and standing for PT. Diane probably isn't at her best as a dance partner: She has 3 tubes entering her belly (one feeding, others for draining stomach and belly), one in her neck for administering pain meds, a catheter, etc. and most have collection bags attached and her clothes definitely are not "Lance."
But all good things must come to an end. Tomorrow, they will put her out to perform an endoscopy down her throat with CT scan to see if the stitches and surgery are holding. Then, they will close off her drain line to her stomach to retrain her digestive system (they will slowly introduce food orally). This means more PT and 3 months of Nausea! Bad at first then a turn for the better after 2 months. The healing process now begins.
The good news is the Doctor says her surgery was textbook and one of the easiest procedures he has done. He says Diane's recovery is right on target and very successful. Diane is very lucky because this surgery procedure has only been available over the past 5 years.
Visitation is still discouraged until she gets her strength and we see where the next set of circumstances takes us. She is at Hoag Hospital on the 6th floor of East Wing room 028 (I think). We will answer her phone (949) 764-6628, but she isn't strong enough to personally take your call: We will relay message.
Thanks All for visiting the blog. See you on the next blog update. Jeff.
On the 25th, Diane looked like the "pillsbury doe boy" due to fluid build-up from surgery. She also had an allergic reaction (we think to sulfa) which manifested in swelling of the head area, including throat obstruction which brought the house down: Allot of excitement in that room! They arrested the reaction and gave her diaretics to reduce the swelling. On the 26th, she had another small reaction but otherwise you could see great improvement. And today, 27th, you would never know anything had happened: She looks fabulous, pain free (still on pain meds), talking normal, no swelling, no complications, and all the children (35 yrs old and up) came to see her (9 people)......they couldn't believe how super she looked (Lucky we have a huge corner suite to accommodate everyone). It was a brief visit and Diane liked seeing all.
Physical Therapy (PT) is started as Diane has very little energy and weak hands. Today she did walk down the hall (with breaks): She is very proud of herself! Her nurse Neumanja (a big strong man) says to Diane "Shall We Dance" as he gets her out of bed and standing for PT. Diane probably isn't at her best as a dance partner: She has 3 tubes entering her belly (one feeding, others for draining stomach and belly), one in her neck for administering pain meds, a catheter, etc. and most have collection bags attached and her clothes definitely are not "Lance."
But all good things must come to an end. Tomorrow, they will put her out to perform an endoscopy down her throat with CT scan to see if the stitches and surgery are holding. Then, they will close off her drain line to her stomach to retrain her digestive system (they will slowly introduce food orally). This means more PT and 3 months of Nausea! Bad at first then a turn for the better after 2 months. The healing process now begins.
The good news is the Doctor says her surgery was textbook and one of the easiest procedures he has done. He says Diane's recovery is right on target and very successful. Diane is very lucky because this surgery procedure has only been available over the past 5 years.
Visitation is still discouraged until she gets her strength and we see where the next set of circumstances takes us. She is at Hoag Hospital on the 6th floor of East Wing room 028 (I think). We will answer her phone (949) 764-6628, but she isn't strong enough to personally take your call: We will relay message.
Thanks All for visiting the blog. See you on the next blog update. Jeff.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
How to leave a comment on this blog
Hi all. I can only echo my dad's comments on what a great success the surgery was, and how strong my mom was going through such a difficult procedure. When you are in the highest level of care area at Hoag (with the most difficult cases), and the doc's and nurse's are still commenting on what a huge procedure it was and how well she was handling it, I can only admire her courage and strength. Of course all she wanted to know when I finally got to see her, was how we were all doing with having our tough job of waiting in the waiting area to be able to see her.
I have been getting questions on how to post a comment easily on this blog, so I thought I would put this up for everyone's convenience. Step 1: Click where it says "# comments" below the latest posting (ie at the bottom of what my dad wrote on his "Surgery Done!" post. Step 2: scroll down to the bottom of the comments others have left, and you will see a box with "Leave Your Comment" above it. Then type in whatever you wish in this box. Step 3: Below the box you just typed in, you will see selections with the title "Choose an identity" above it. The easiest thing here to select is "anonymous" (just remember to put your name in the box above after you write your comment). Step 4: Finally simply click on "Publish your comment" (in the orange box). That's it -- an if you have any questions, you can always email me at msarver@tamco.com.
Lastly I wanted to thank everyone for the overwhelming number of thoughts and prayers for my mom. Phones have been ringing off the hook, and on behalf of all our family we appreciate it more than you know! This blog is a great place to share your thoughts, and I know my mom in particular loves the comments, so please keep 'em coming. I'm sure she has some challenging days ahead with such a complex surgery, but as the doctor's tell us, there is no replacing the love and support of family and friends with any medicine. So thanks to you all very much!
I have been getting questions on how to post a comment easily on this blog, so I thought I would put this up for everyone's convenience. Step 1: Click where it says "# comments" below the latest posting (ie at the bottom of what my dad wrote on his "Surgery Done!" post. Step 2: scroll down to the bottom of the comments others have left, and you will see a box with "Leave Your Comment" above it. Then type in whatever you wish in this box. Step 3: Below the box you just typed in, you will see selections with the title "Choose an identity" above it. The easiest thing here to select is "anonymous" (just remember to put your name in the box above after you write your comment). Step 4: Finally simply click on "Publish your comment" (in the orange box). That's it -- an if you have any questions, you can always email me at msarver@tamco.com.
Lastly I wanted to thank everyone for the overwhelming number of thoughts and prayers for my mom. Phones have been ringing off the hook, and on behalf of all our family we appreciate it more than you know! This blog is a great place to share your thoughts, and I know my mom in particular loves the comments, so please keep 'em coming. I'm sure she has some challenging days ahead with such a complex surgery, but as the doctor's tell us, there is no replacing the love and support of family and friends with any medicine. So thanks to you all very much!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Surgery Done!
Yes, Diane got the best news possible: Bottom line, NO CANCER & big chance of NO DIABETES. After 6 hours of surgery and 2 1/2 hours in recovery, going in as a perfect body and coming out as a fillet, it really doesn't matter. The fact that Diane survived the surgery and will live to be a grandmother is enough to justify this surgery.
All this and the Dr. found only one pre-cancerous cyst (biopsy will confirm diagnosis) and a very healthy pancreas otherwise: Diane asks, "Why did we complete the surgery if there is no cancer?" The answer is that because she has a family history of pancreatic cancer and she has a pre-cancerous cyst, it was only a matter of time before Diane would become cancerous (cancer of the pancreas is a 1 to 5 year death sentence): Now she can live long healthy life and free of this anxiety.
Today, her chief complaint is severe belly pain: Well if someone laid an axe down your belly, I think you would hurt also! But she is a trouper and will get through it. She is in an intensive care cardiac care unit for about 2 days for the purpose of managing her pain, blood-sugar, nutrition, and general recovery; afterwhich, she will be transferred to her own room where she will be able to receive visits. When I find out what room/floor she will be in, I will post it and encourage you to visit: Visitation is 24/7 except for evening and morning hours between 7 & 8. Diane is looking forward to thanking all of you for your love and encouragement.
Thanks from both of us, Jeff & Diane.
PS: Next blog on 7/25 will update and confirm her surgery outcome, her post status, and visitation details.
All this and the Dr. found only one pre-cancerous cyst (biopsy will confirm diagnosis) and a very healthy pancreas otherwise: Diane asks, "Why did we complete the surgery if there is no cancer?" The answer is that because she has a family history of pancreatic cancer and she has a pre-cancerous cyst, it was only a matter of time before Diane would become cancerous (cancer of the pancreas is a 1 to 5 year death sentence): Now she can live long healthy life and free of this anxiety.
Today, her chief complaint is severe belly pain: Well if someone laid an axe down your belly, I think you would hurt also! But she is a trouper and will get through it. She is in an intensive care cardiac care unit for about 2 days for the purpose of managing her pain, blood-sugar, nutrition, and general recovery; afterwhich, she will be transferred to her own room where she will be able to receive visits. When I find out what room/floor she will be in, I will post it and encourage you to visit: Visitation is 24/7 except for evening and morning hours between 7 & 8. Diane is looking forward to thanking all of you for your love and encouragement.
Thanks from both of us, Jeff & Diane.
PS: Next blog on 7/25 will update and confirm her surgery outcome, her post status, and visitation details.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Shortcut to Leaving Message on Blog
Many have indicated that working with the blog is difficult. We have found that if you go on as "anonymous," you avoid the confusion (we know who sent the message by your name at the bottom of the blog). I will update the blog on the morning after the operation, 24th (tomorrow). Any questions, call me. Sincerely, Jeff.
PS: Diane has found great comfort in your support. It makes this process easier. Thanks again.
PS: Diane has found great comfort in your support. It makes this process easier. Thanks again.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Pre-OP Info
Surgery scheduled 7/23 at Hoag: 8:30 AM, be there @ 6:30. The doctor said that Diane's surgery is the 2nd most difficult surgery to perform, with liver transplant being no. 1. She will loose part of her stomach, most of her pancreas, a portion of her small intestine, and all of her gall bladder. We pray there is no cancer. We hope that she will not become a diabetic. Diane has a lot ahead of her: No food after 7/21, pre-op preps 7/22, a 6 to 14 hour op on 7/23, then eating (or lack of) will become a whole new lifestyle. She is expected to lose weight in this process, but doesn't advocate this method. After 4 weeks, the nausea and pain should begin to subside, she will become a better eater, and is expected to return home. In 6 weeks she will hopefully "turn the corner", and in 3 months, she will be able to resume normal activity. She will have follow-up screening for the rest of her life. Her anxiety level is very high; but so are her spirits. My hat's off to her for her bravery: I really admire her. If you need me, I will be by her bedside. Jeff
Special Thanks
To Randy & Lois Sarver for providing a "home base" including the daily hugs and moral support. Special thanks for all the work they did in moving things around for our comfort including our own computer room and TIVO. They even gave me a garage that I immediately made my own: I think Lois would like to take this donation back as she shakes her head and says "its growing!" And not to mention the elevator that opens into our bedroom so Randy can keep Diane on her toes.
To Marc and Christine for daily communication and support, plus providing special occasions that enable Diane to go into the hospital and reminisce (ie: Dream of the good times). A few of these recent memories include 1) the announcement of their pregnancy 2) all expense trip to Avalon, Catalina Island where Diane and I first met (including helicopter transportation, luxury private condo on the beach with golf cart, and fine dining for 3 days).
To Diane Cunningham, a new friend who understands even that which we don't know because she is a kidney transplant recipient. She is a walking medical resource and most importantly, she loves Katie: She recently lost her golden retriever a trained "k-9 Good Citizen", and has made it possible for Katie to possibly visit Diane in the hospital. In addition to that, she has offered to help take care of Katie as needed to allow me time for those long visits to the hospital (a giant weight off our shoulders).
To Dana, Eric, Nathan, Betsy and Gracie, for taking such great care of Katie so we could take such a memorable trip to Catalina.
To all our family and friends for their visits, support and prayers. So many have offered to help and I'm sorry we can't mention everybody, but Diane goes into the hospital buoyed by every one's attention and love. Please make use of Diane's blog so all can share the common bond we have with Diane.
Words can't express what your support means to us. Thank You from the bottom of our hearts.
Love, Jeff and Diane
To Marc and Christine for daily communication and support, plus providing special occasions that enable Diane to go into the hospital and reminisce (ie: Dream of the good times). A few of these recent memories include 1) the announcement of their pregnancy 2) all expense trip to Avalon, Catalina Island where Diane and I first met (including helicopter transportation, luxury private condo on the beach with golf cart, and fine dining for 3 days).
To Diane Cunningham, a new friend who understands even that which we don't know because she is a kidney transplant recipient. She is a walking medical resource and most importantly, she loves Katie: She recently lost her golden retriever a trained "k-9 Good Citizen", and has made it possible for Katie to possibly visit Diane in the hospital. In addition to that, she has offered to help take care of Katie as needed to allow me time for those long visits to the hospital (a giant weight off our shoulders).
To Dana, Eric, Nathan, Betsy and Gracie, for taking such great care of Katie so we could take such a memorable trip to Catalina.
To all our family and friends for their visits, support and prayers. So many have offered to help and I'm sorry we can't mention everybody, but Diane goes into the hospital buoyed by every one's attention and love. Please make use of Diane's blog so all can share the common bond we have with Diane.
Words can't express what your support means to us. Thank You from the bottom of our hearts.
Love, Jeff and Diane
Monday, July 7, 2008
Surgery Scheduled for 7/23/08
When we arrived at the hospital today (7/7/08) to meet with our surgeon for the first time, the hospital administrator happened to overhear us trying to figure out where to go. Headed in our direction, she offered to escort us personally. In route, she was telling us all about Dr. Imagawa (head of the pancreas unit and our new doctor), including his education, background, experience in the field of pancreatic surgery, his team, and himself personally as a concerned and conscientious person. By the time we got to the reception area, she introduced us to the receptionist as VIP clients. The best part was the level of confidence we gained in our new doctor: And she is absolutely correct.
Even though Diane has a pre-cancer diagnosis, it will eventually become cancer; therefore, the only alternative is surgery (whipple procedure). This is a very serious and extensive surgery (about 6 to 8 hours) and she will be hospitalized for 4 weeks (2 in the hospital, and 2 in a outpatient nursing facility). She will be able to walk Katie in about 6 weeks from the surgery.
There is a 70 to 80 percent chance she will not become diabetic, and assuming they get all the pre-cancer cells, she will be 90% cancer free.
Surgery is scheduled for July 23rd. Diane's doing very well, considering. Diane gives her love to all and you keep good thoughts. Jeff
Even though Diane has a pre-cancer diagnosis, it will eventually become cancer; therefore, the only alternative is surgery (whipple procedure). This is a very serious and extensive surgery (about 6 to 8 hours) and she will be hospitalized for 4 weeks (2 in the hospital, and 2 in a outpatient nursing facility). She will be able to walk Katie in about 6 weeks from the surgery.
There is a 70 to 80 percent chance she will not become diabetic, and assuming they get all the pre-cancer cells, she will be 90% cancer free.
Surgery is scheduled for July 23rd. Diane's doing very well, considering. Diane gives her love to all and you keep good thoughts. Jeff
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Thanks to our friends and family
First of all, Diane and I want to thank our sons, family and friends for your love and caring; and a special thanks to Marc for setting up this Blog to keep you informed on Diane's latest condition. Please feel free to express your comments and concerns on this site.
On Monday, 7/9, we will meet with a top notch pancreas surgeon who will discuss our options. We will keep you updated, thanks for your love and support.
On Monday, 7/9, we will meet with a top notch pancreas surgeon who will discuss our options. We will keep you updated, thanks for your love and support.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Blog to go live soon!
Hi all,
So my mom and dad have decided to go forward with this blog. Look for more updates coming your way soon. If anyone needs/wants to reach me, my email is msarver@tamco.com.
Thanks,
Marc
So my mom and dad have decided to go forward with this blog. Look for more updates coming your way soon. If anyone needs/wants to reach me, my email is msarver@tamco.com.
Thanks,
Marc
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