Just in case you're not familiar with the title reference, Dr. House is an egotistical, diagnostic specialist in the TV series, House. No matter how bad off a patient is, no matter how bizarre the symptoms, House fixes those people over the course of one short hour. I want Dr. House to see my girl. Figure out what's wrong with Theresa, give her the super-dooper fix, and send her merrily home! Theresa is still not keeping food down. Today is day 8 without food. Yes, she had her broth and yogurt, but it didn't stay down. She's been on ice chips for several days now. Today they decided that because her protein levels are so low they would start a PICC line for her. PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) is a form of IV access. A line is routed from arm to heart for feeding. This form of feeding bypasses the usual process of eating and digestion. The hope is to use the line for a few days just to get super nutrients into her. Everything was explained to her this morning and they told her they would run the line today. Once again, only ice chips. This is a lot to wrap your head around, but Theresa is doing it. I had Tony today, so I had Rob leave Nick here with me so he could run up and be with Tree for awhile. Rob said they had good talks and that Tree was actually pretty calm and accepting of this temporary solution. I say temporary because we're still not addressing the heart of the problem...she can't eat. There are lots of things I don't understand. No, I've done my research, I understand the technology and the processes. I don't understand why you would wait until 5:30 to try to run this line (3X) only to decide that radiology will have to do it and they've already closed for the day. So now my poor girl gets to think about this process all evening, night and morning, maybe even afternoon, before she gets fed. The surgeon approved tea, but that's it. She is able to keep liquids down. She's off pain meds, she's walking, the catheter is just a memory now...she's phenomenal. I want her fixed....paging Dr. House!
Theresa is so calm it's incredible. I'm hopping mad, ticked off, spitting fire....she's sitting in bed, sipping tea, watching TV. I know we've been visualizing a new normal Theresa, but I want the aliens to bring back my lil' firecracker! I guess it's good that she is this calm. Peaceful, actually. Hey, if it's the Ativan, good! If it's just that she really does have her head in a good place, even better. The bottom line here is, we want her home to stay. Not to get her home only to find something else has gone wrong and she has to go back. Please let's keep those positive, collective thoughts streaming her way. She's hoping in the morning she can propose that they just let her try adding one thing at a time to her tea ritual. I think the surgeon would probably go along, but he doesn't have the only vote.
Gary and I went up to see her this evening. She looks wonderful. We took her some good tea. Nothing wrong with Lipton, but if it's the only thing you can have, why not make it delicious? So at least now she has a little variety. She said that Rob had taken the kids to a school fun fair and they had a ball. I know that he had planned to either do concessions or take out for dinner. They are planning to have movie night in Theresa's room tomorrow night. She has kid movies on demand, and there are a few that they could all enjoy. Theresa's ostomy nurse said yes when I asked about corn puffs. I don't know if she'll be able to partake, but it's one of those snacks that just about liquefies in your mouth without chewing. We'll see. I thank you all for sending Theresa your good thoughts and wishes. She does feel the love. I personally would like to encourage people to stop using the phrase "it's only a bump in the road". She's been bumping around for a week now. As her Dr. said yesterday, her road is so bumpy, we have to repave it. I know it's something to say when all else fails, but it is discouraging after awhile. Let's see if we can't find more fun and creative ways to wish her well!
I guess writing this tonight has been cathartic for me. I am calmer as I come to the end of my rope, I mean, post. Please join me in visualizing Theresa's healthy body, her working digestive system, speedy recovery, and a new normal, happy Theresa whoever that may be. Visualize her being in her own home, too! Love and thanks to you all. Paula
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