Long Tuesday

So, the neighbors finally called it quits around 10:45 last night. I watched tv until midnight or so and then went up to bed. I slept alright but the house was hot and that led to lots of trying to find cold spots on the bed. Today was Rob;s first day back at work after his FMLA leave. We were up by 7:15 this morning. I got the kids out clothes and was able to pull shorts and t-shirts because apparently the heat is here to stay for a few days. I realized when I was offering breakfast this morning that we seriously had nothing to eat in the house. Ellie had cereal but our milk was bad. I made a pot of coffee, poured my creamer and it curdled - out of date. Nick and I walked Ellie to the bus stop and waited with her until the bus came.
We had a relaxing morning watching cartoons - I read the Sunday paper ads. We eventually went over to Mom and Dad's house. Even though it was already over 80 degrees, Nick went straight out to the yard to play soccer. When he came in for a break his head was dripping wet. I played with Nick for a bit but I had to go in because the heat was too much. We went grocery shopping with Mom and Dad. Nick sat in the cart and was a good helper and this was really the first time he indicated wanting certain things - funny thing, they were things he had at school for snack time.
Mom and Dad took Nick to their house after shopping to keep him while Ellie, Rob and I went up to see Trish. I went home and un-loaded groceries - which, I have to tell you, is a terribly slow process when you can't lift more than 10 pounds. I stopped by the bakery to pickup cupcakes to take with us this afternoon. It was Ellie's last session with Trish today and she promised cupcakes last week. About 3 minutes before I needed to get Ellie from the bus the sky opened up and poured rain. Ellie and I shared the umbrella walk home. Rob joined us this afternoon because Trish wanted to talk to both of us about the last few months and then the future.
Ellie wrote Trish a lovely thank you card on the way up. Rob and I sat and visited while Ellie and Trish met and then Ellie got to play with her itouch while Rob and I met with Trish. Trish had a list of phone numbers and program info for us. It is her suggestion that we find someone for Ellie to talk to still. Trish also found a kids yoga program for us to look into and a summer program on mindfulness. We said our goodbyes and walked out to the pond. The swan had her babies over the last week and it looks like there were 3-4. There was also a deer that appeared - it was very serene.
We went to Mom and Dad's to pick Nick up. We visited for a couple minutes before heading home for bath time and dinner. We divided and conquered - I did dinner and Rob got bath time. Ellie came down near the end of prep to help set the table and carry food out to the table. We had dinner and the kids were thrilled because we had ginormous ears of corn and we had cherries. Ellie helped me make strawberry shortcakes for dessert.
Rob and Ellie went upstairs to fill in her monthly reading chart and while Nick and I were cleaning up an ambulance and fire truck pulled in next door. Nick wanted to see it so we went out to sit on the porch for a few minutes. We came in after the truck pulled away and found that our summer guilty pleasure, America's Got Talent, was on. Ellie and Rob joined us to watch some of the show before we went up to bed.
My feet are aching. I am so tired - might actually head up to bed soon. We did throw in the towel and turn on air conditioning today. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Back from Michigan

Longest I have gone without blogging - ever (well - I guess not if you include the first hospital stay). We had a good time in Michigan this weekend. We left right after Ellie got off the bus on Thursday. It took us about 3 hours to get up to the cottage. We had the heat on until today because the cottage temperature was in the 50s when we arrived. The good news is my butt didn't really hurt until the end part of the ride - unlike last year.
On Friday, our friends Julie and Karlton came up for the weekend. Before the arrived I was able to go grocery shopping and find new curtains for all the new windows upstairs. The windows are awesome and really keep most of the outside noise - outside. I was able to find neutral curtains and I will cut our previous curtains down for valances on the windows. We went for a beach walk when they arrived and it was both cold and windy. We watched Gnomeo and Juliet and had our first soda bar ice cream of the season.
Saturday we split up, Julie, the kids and I went up to Holland and the boys stayed and did some plumbing work. We had a good time thrift shopping and I was able to find curtains for the other room upstairs. We were able to bring some toys to the thrift shop to donate - always a good thing. We came home and had some down time before dinner. What was nice about the weather this weekend was we were able to have the heaters going in the rooms and the stove going in the kitchen to keep us warm. We watched Tangled on Saturday night.
Sunday we had a slow, relaxed morning. We played games and the kids "cooked" for us. We went in to St. Joe's to go to the Children's museum and Julie and Karlton were going to do some browsing through stores. We walked down to the beach - which, in all these years we have never done before. The beach was awesome - a huge playground on the sand. We agreed we would bring towels and a change of clothes for the kids this summer and go back because they have a huge water area (think Millennium Park fountains). We took the kids in to ride the carousel and then we went to the Discovery Zone part of the museum and then up to the museum. It had just started to thunder as we got to the museum and then the drizzle began. We stopped into Meijers because they were having a kids day and the kids got to do a couple crafts and got some treats.
On out way back to the cottage the rain started to really pick up and the sky turned black, the radio came on with the emergency warning for our county. By the time we got to the cottage the wind really picked up and we made it inside before the sheets of rain began to fall. The tv signal went out because of the storm and we ended up getting water in the basement and the garage area flooded. It was a good 2 hour storm with very heavy rain. We had a re-heat dinner to clear out the fridge. We were actually able to go down for the sunset because the sky cleared up. We had just given the kiddos their baths when we decided to go down and needless to say they needed another one when we came back. They totally took advantage of their first time in the sand.
We stayed up talking late and it was great. Had a crappy weekend of sleep - partially because it was in bed (I think) and partially because I was not in my routine and had no computer. Last night was the worst because the weather was changing and I could not cool off. This morning we had breakfast and decided it was definitely a beach day. We found our summer clothes and sunscreened up and went to the beach. There was a nice cool breeze and we had a great time. The kids found their friends form last year and instantly went to play together - leaving us time to talk some more. I went up before everyone to start cleaning up and get laundry finished.
We had lunch and cleared out the fridge, I flipped loads of laundry and swept up and we packed up to get on the road. Jules and K left a bit before us and after Rob and the kiddos did a recycling and garbage run we got on the road.
I thought we might run into holiday weekend traffic but we didn't and breezed through downtown without even a slowdown. We got home and un-loaded the car and then I took the kids (in bathing suits) over to Mom and Dad's to visit. The kids immediately asked Dad to hook up the sprinkler for them. Mom is sick with a cold but we caught up across the room. Ellie tried on the Kit outfit Mom had bought her and it fits like a glove. We said goodbye and headed to pick up a pizza for dinner and then home. We had dinner and then Nick played with Rob for a bit while Ellie and I watched Cake Boss.
Our loud neighbors have been outside partying since we got home around 6 hours ago. I told Rob that perhaps we will need to start hanging out in the basement instead of the back room. I have given up on steri-strips to cover my incision because the strips that are supposed to stay on for 3 weeks don't last 3 days. It still looks like a bagel to me. My feet are pretty numb right now but they did get a nice exfoliating sand scrub at the beach today. I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight. Busy week ahead, Ellie's last Trish session, Girls on the Run dinner at American Girl, Race on Saturday, birthday party for a friend of Ellie's on Sunday and then family Sunday dinner. I am sure I am missing things in there and I hope they are written on the calendar because otherwise they might not happen. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Will the rain ever stop?

Just an average nights sleep last night. This morning I got the kiddos breakfast and their clothes ready. Ellie and I packed her lunch and snack. Since it was not only raining but also lightening out - I agreed to drive Ellie to school. I don't like her standing outside in the lightening.
Nick and I had a very laid back morning - watching tv. I did some straightening up around the house and some laundry. Even though I thought it would be fun to get out of the house - I didn't want to go out in the rain. When the rain slowed down a bit we did venture out to the grocery store to pick up things for dinner tonight.
Nick helped me make some muffins to take up to Michigan. I did some more laundry. Rob and Nick walked down to get Ellie from the bus. I started getting things ready for dinner. I cut up the fruit and veggies and Nick set the table.
Mom and Dad came over and we finished dinner prep. We had veggie burgers, sausages, asparagus, green beans, mushrooms, potato pancakes and melon. We had a lovely dinner and then we went to watch the Middle.
Rob started putting Nick to sleep but I finished him. Ellie went to bed after Mom and Dad left. Rob and I have been listening to tv and playing on our computers. I am not sure about blog ability this weekend. I am going to try but the phone isn't transferred in the cottage yet. My vitamin D screen came back still in the deficient range - so now I am up to 9,000 units a day in supplements. Feet are still majorly annoying. I am tired and need to get some good sleep. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Its Tuesday

I slept pretty well last night. Can't really recall any dreams but it was good, straight sleep. Rob, Nick and Ellie were all down here around 6:30AM - I went upstairs to continue to sleep for a bit. I got up in time to get clothes out for the kids and say goodbye to Ellie. I was also able to catch her before the bus came to give her the nickles she needed for school today.
Nick and I had a laid back morning. It has been a while since we stayed inside and cuddled and watched morning tv. We went over to Mom and Dad's just after 10AM. Rob was doing some running today - dropping stuff at Salvation and getting stuff ready for Michigan and the garage. Nick went right out to play with Tony and Dad in the back yard. We got ready to go - everyone was coming with to drop me at Kellogg and then we were doing some stuff together after.
My 11AM appointment was very late today - the guy before me had his entire family with him and I guess he is involved in a trial for something. I had an anti-climactic visit. Dr. Marsh told me he was happy with the scan. He asked about the reversal. I complained about the neuropathy and told him it bothers me that I can't place the word I am trying to say or that I mean to type toe but it comes out tow. That I have to hold the handrails to get up or down stairs now so I don't fall down, how my left foot tingles all the time and is super sensitive. He told me that most of the neuropathy issues resolve them self over time. I will see him again in late August. My CT scans can now be spread out to every 6 months. I can schedule Plum's departure any time.
Dr. Marsh did do a few tests on my balance and feet issue and then told me he has seen much worse. Doesn't make me feel any better. Both he and Margaret said my incision looked great. They will do a screening on my B-12 level. I can take the acetyl-l-carnitine for the neuropathy but nothing is a "for sure" fix besides time. I explained that Ellie has taken to talking more loudly to me and I told her that I am not deaf I just simply can't remember. White blood count is still pretty low.
I got out to the car and we went with Mom and Dad for an errand. We then went to Whole Foods to do some shopping and eat lunch. The boys sampled their way through the store. We ate in the cafe - which Nick loves to do. We drove back to Mom and Dad's house. Tony fell asleep in the car and Nick was able to hold his need to pee for about 20 minutes. Mom said I could leave Nick when I went to CW with Ellie - so I did.
I got home and Rob was already at the corner to get Ellie. Ellie grabbed a snack and we were on the road. Gas is 4.15/gallon at Lake Cook and Skokie Rd in Northbrook. We had a nice drive up - Ellie did her homework. Trish met us in the lobby with Ellie's artwork from their last session. There were 2 inkblotz that are truly beautiful and will be framed and hung soon. Trish talked to us about how next week will be their last session before she moves to California. Ellie informed her that they will need to have a little party and that she would bring cupcakes.
Ellie came out and we traveled back to Mom's. It was a nice drive - everything is in bloom and looks so pretty. We picked Nick up from Mom's house and visited for a couple minutes before coming home. Rob had loaded the car - he is going up to Michigan tomorrow to make a drop of things for the season. I started dinner - we were having breakfast for dinner. We ate and got the kiddos into PJs. We watched the Dancing finals - Rob watched the Bulls game. Rob got Nick to bed and we let Ellie stay up until 9 to watch Dancing. It was a good season.
Rob came up at 10PM to watch the last part of the Bulls loss - then he went up to bed. The scan really put my mind at ease. The fact that, aside from some follow up visits, I am doctor free for 3 months! I am totally looking forward to this weekend in Michigan - last summer was a huge blur. My bestie, Julie, and her fiance are coming up and I look forward to lots of laughing. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE

It took me a bit to fall asleep last night - partly because of the storm and partly because of anxiety. Around midnight, when the rain was really heavy, I began to hear dripping in the back room. I turned on the light to find that it was raining in the house. Our backroom is falling apart from the house and where the water was coming in is under the downspout from upstairs - it was clogged with leaves.
Only clear liquids for me this morning in prep for my scan. I got the kids clothes ready and Ellie off to school. We cleaned up around here this morning. Rob vacuumed up the rugs, Nick put toys away and I swept. We have these little sap gross things that fall off our tree and get tracked into the house. Rob and Nick went over to the GGs for a visit when I went to the hospital.
I made the most of my trip - I dropped off all my remaining ostomy supplies to Jen Dore. I went to Kellogg and Margaret accessed Plum and did my blood work for my appointment tomorrow. I went over for my scan - quick and painless. A guy from IR was able to come by to de-access Plum and save me a trip back to Kellogg. I asked him about the removal surgery and he said since Plum hasn't been in long not too much scar tissue should be there and that the actual procedure only takes about 15 minutes.
I left the hospital and came home. Rob and Nick came home a bit after me - they went to Lowes after the GGs and stopped at Wendys for lemonade. We spent most of the afternoon outside. Rob cleaned the gutters out and mowed the lawn. We cleaned the playhouse to take to Mom and Dad's. We got Ellie from the bus and Rob loaded the playhouse in the car and we were off to Mom's.
Rob unloaded the house with Ellie and Nick and I went to say hi. Rob had a meeting at church so he said goodbye. Dad took Ellie and Nick for a walk and to a couple parks. Jo and T came over for a visit. It was T's first day at preschool summer camp and he loved it so much he didn't want to leave. I took T to show him the new playhouse which he quickly informed me I was too big for. We visited for a bit with Mom's neighbor while the kids played together.
Jo and T left and we ordered dinner. I took a ride with Dad to drop off some things at Salvation and pick up dinner. We watched the first half of Dancing while eating and then we came home. I gave the kids a bath because they were stinky and dirty and we got PJs on. Nick was out quickly - he had a full day outside. Ellie had lots of questions tonight and unfortunately I hadn't checked my email before she went to bed to share the wonderful scan results with her.
Dr. Marsh emailed me my results this afternoon but I didn't check until after the kids went to sleep. Scan impressions are no evidence of disease, no bowel obstructions and all organs and vessels are within normal range. I was happy he shared the results tonight and I didn't have to wait until tomorrow. Now I can schedule with IR for Plum's departure.
I asked Margaret for some new steri strips today so I can re-dress my incision because the strips from last week have peeled off. I want to thank all my family and friends for your positive thoughts, prayers, mojo and wishes during this entire journey - please keep them coming as they have worked and I would like to continue hearing the no evidence of disease impressions. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

It's raining

So the neighbors finally called it a night a bit after 1AM. I contemplated taking an ativan somewhere around 3AM but didn't. I turned on Pawn Kings and drifted off to sleep sometime before 4AM. Ellie came down around 7AM followed by Rob and Nick. I went up to bed for a little bit.
Rob had an early morning with the electrician - he is wiring our garage so Rob can run all the big tools he has bought. When I came down and had my coffee the kids were outside playing. I took a quick shower and went outside to watch the kids bike ride in front. We spent the morning outside enjoying the sunshine.
Around lunchtime we headed to Uncle Bill's house to pack up things we wanted and move furniture. We now have more collections - Ellie took Aunt Linda's rock collection and Nick took some small toys. We got to visit with the GGs for a little bit while they were there and see some relatives we don't see often.
We came home just as the rain began and were able to make it inside before the pouring rain started. I helped Rob take some of the things out of his car and into the garage. We went over to Mom and Dad's for dinner and to celebrate Ole's birthday. We had El Famous and Mom put together a beautiful fruit salad. The kids all played with the trains - Nick had set up a huge track layout all around the ottoman. After dinner the kids entertained, as always.
We came home and Ellie took a shower and Nick a bath. We let the kids stay up a bit to watch Sharpay's Adventure on Disney. I got some laundry in and loads changed. Rob got Nick to bed and then Ellie went up after the movie finished. Rob and I watched the Bulls game and listened to the storm. I opened the windows and we are getting a wonderful cool breeze. I have my CT scan tomorrow, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. Someone on one of the forums I belong to refers to it as scanphobia. I am sure as the length of time increases between scans I might have less anxiety but for now, I have it. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Super Saturday

Ok night on the couch - I am getting too comfortable down here. Nick woke up and started yelling for me a bit before 6AM. I was able to get him back to sleep for a bit but he unfortunately woke Ellie up with his yelling. We had a slower morning, we had breakfast and eventually got dressed.
We started out at a rummage sale in Northbrook and found a basket full of treasures. I was able to get Nick enough summer clothing to pretty much complete his wardrobe. Ellie picked out a few pieces she liked. We found a few craft projects, puzzles and games. We were in need of a washroom stop so we made a quick stop into Whole Foods.
Lemonade was still on sale so we got another few bottles. We picked up a snack and sat in the cafe to eat. Nick had strawberry gelato and Ellie had a sundae cupcake (about half cake and half icing). We sampled some yummy things that also made their way into our cart. We headed to a block sale in Evanston but found nothing there.
We ended our sale day at a rummage sale in the city. Ellie found some new books and Nick found a Playmobile train set to add to the one we have in Michigan. Speaking of Michigan, Rob and Dean were up at the cottage doing prep for next weekend. They cleaned up all the bugs that made their way in during the winter and turned on the fridge and water.
We went to the Skokie Festival of Cultures. It was drizzling but since it was a bit warmer today it didn't feel so bad. We stopped into the bookmobile and checked out a few books and got info on the summer reading program. The kids got their faces painted at the children's booth. We picked up a passport and traveled through the countries. The kids love getting all the crap - the free water bottles, stickers, candy, Frisbee, bracelets. We got their picture taken with Curious George and Scooter (the park district mascot).
We went over to Mom and Dad's because we mistakenly took their strawberries from the grocery store last night. The kids showed Mom and Dad ALL of their treasures from the day. Dad and Nick played with the train set. Ellie made us play-doh food with the BBQ set we found at the one sale. Mom and I read through the paper and talked. Rob texted me saying he was dropping Dean off and would be home soon - so we made our way home.
Rob got out of the car limping. He had a propane tank fall out of the car onto his tow today and was feeling some pain. Ellie and I planted her seed starters - Nick's are doing great. The kids went next door to play until the neighbors had to go in and then we washed up and went to Red Robin for dinner. We had a very nice dinner together and the kids got to see Mrs. B's grandsons - who we seriously see every time we go to Red Robin.
We came home and got the kids in for their bath and got PJs on for bed. They played with Rob and their new toys. Currently, it is 10:45PM and our neighbors are partying outside like it is 6 in the evening. They are loud - about 10 minutes ago it sounded like someone was continually punching something metal. It could be a long summer - then again, maybe the bank will foreclose and they will be gone! Its not their foreclosure, they rent from our former, deadbeat neighbors.
Rob took Nick up to bed and Ellie volunteered to rub my feet in with lotion - if I would do hers. Ellie went up to read her new library books and Rob came down for a little bit before going up to bed. We got a lot of turf covered today and some very good deals. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Finally a nice Friday

Usual stuff around here this morning. Had breakfast, got dressed and got Ellie to the bus stop. Nick did some painting this morning and Rob ran to Home Depot. We took a walk to the park and our neighbor and her grand kids joined us. The sunshine felt so good and warm. The kids played so well together at the park.
Ellie had a half day of school today. We got Ellie from the bus stop and then Nick and her immediately disappeared into the neighbors yard. I had put in some frozen pizzas for lunch. Mom and Dad came over to have lunch and then to some garage sales with us. We hit a few sales this afternoon and found a great box of legos and a couple shirts for Ellie. We came home by way of Meijers for a little grocery shopping.
The kids immediately went out to play. We went for a walk a bit before dinner time and ended up at the park for a bit. We got home and visited with another neighbor and his grand-daughter. The kids played together very nicely. We had dinner - reheats. The kids played with the new legos and were playing so well together - no screaming or yelling. We did vitamins and medicine and got the kids to sleep.
Nothing on tv tonight. I have looked through garage sale ads for tomorrow - a couple things look interesting. I was able to lay down on my right side today - first time since surgery. Still not terribly comfortable but at least not painful. My feet are total pins and needles. I think it might be time to seek out a pt/ot for some sessions - between my feet and my hips. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Hello sun

I could not wake up this morning. Rob was down here first followed by Ellie and then Nick. I stayed asleep on the couch until I heard enough knocking around in the kitchen. I got the kids clothes pulled - a chemo brain moment. I forgot Nick was to wear his tie-dye for school today but he reminded me. I took a shower and realized when I was drying off that the steri strips were definitely not going to be staying for 3 weeks because they barely made it 15 hours.
I had a super quick shopping spree this morning. I had 30 minutes to buy teacher gifts and get them wrapped before I needed to take Nick to school. I stopped at the bakery and picked up smiley cookies for the "red shirt girls". I ran into Lowes and picked up gerbera daisies for his teachers and advocate and finished off at Starbucks for gift cards. I came home and got the flowers into bags, the gift cards into cards and we were ready to go to school.
Rob and I came home after dropping Nick off to his last day of preschool - they were having a luau field day today. I finished my coffee and talked to Mom for a bit. Rob worked on the cabinet for the Relay for Life auction. I went to pick Nick up and was able to get a picture of his with Consuelo. He had arm fulls of things to go home. We went to Mom and Dad's to play. Nick shared all his goodies.
We had lunch and then Dad took Nick for a walk and to the park. Mom and I got to relax on the couch. I showed her my steri-strips and she agreed that I should probably have something over them. By this afternoon, the incision was obviously open and leaking bloody grossness. When Dad and Nick came home, we packed up and came home.
Nick went outside to play with Rob and I fell asleep on the couch for a nap. It was one of those naps where you wake up and think I should get up but my eyes would close again and I would sleep for another 20 minutes. Ellie came home and shared her day with me - she had a field trip to Graue Mills in Oak Brook. They got to make corn meal from the mill.
It was school night at Dengeo's - so we ordered take out. Rob nicely got Nick cleaned up in a bath while I was sleeping and Ellie came in as I was going to pick up food to finish her homework and take a shower. We had dinner and I tried salad for the first time since surgery. I won't be doing a salad again anytime soon. Rob got the kids to sleep and I played on the computer. I was able to schedule my ct scan for next Monday and Margaret was able to schedule my blood work then, too. I will go in on Tuesday to see Dr. Marsh for follow up and to discuss the results. I will then be able to schedule the out patient surgery to get Plum pulled out - probably after Memorial day sometime.
Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

One year of preschool down

I must have drank to much water last night because I was up about 3 times during the night for washroom runs. Usual morning around here. Ellie first to join me, then Rob and then Nick. I got clothes ready and then off to the bus they went. I had a nice outfit for Nick for his graduation but he didn't like the pants I pulled and then her didn't like the shirt. He ended up with fleece pants and a hoodie sweater - he looked nice. He asked for both of us to drive him to school - which we did.
We came home until we needed to go back for graduation. We were able to have a cup of coffee and play on the computer for a bit. We went to graduation and the kids were in black cap and gowns. Each advocate (the high school girls that are paired with the kids) gave an overview of each child and presented them with their diplomas. The kids sang a couple songs and we took pictures. Rob and I had planned on taking Nick out for a nice lunch but Nick wanted a happy meal.
We picked up lunch for Nick and came home. Rob went to work on the cabinet in the garage and Nick and I watched Postcards from Buster on the couch. We had some nice cuddle time before I took a little nap and Rob went upstairs to play with Nick. Mom and Dad came to pick me up to go to my appointment at Glenbrook. Nick and Rob gave our friend, Sue, a ride to her appointment.
I was a tad bit nervous about the appointment today. I wasn't sure how the staples were going to feel when they were being taken out and then I was worried they might not like the crusty, bloody scab and decide to open the incision. Dr. Muldoon is out of town so his nurse Cathy was going to be removing the staples. When she called me back she had another nurse with her and they asked me to sit while they set up the room.
I was called in and the other nurse was explaining the procedure to Cathy - not a good sign, right? The other nurse got this tweezer like tool out and explained how to go at the staples. This apparently was Cathy's first time - I was a test dummy. All in all, yes, the staples did hurt when they were removed but not too bad. The nurse said the incision looked good and they put some solution over it and sealed it with steri strips. I asked about the concave look to it - it pretty much looks like I have a second belly button and I was told that it should heal better looking.
I have the 10# weight limit for another 6 weeks. I will see Dr. Muldoon in another 2 weeks for a follow up appointment. We left and stopped at Dominicks. Walking around didn't feel so good - although the staples were pulling the skin and were bothering me - this was a different sort of pain. We picked up the makings for Mexican night dinner and came home.
Rob and Nick had picked up Ellie from the bus and she had finished her homework. We started dinner prep - make your own tacos or nachos, carrots and parsnips, green beans, cantaloupe and watermelon. We toasted Ellie (musical), Rob (award) and Nick (graduation). We watched the Middle and then Mom and Dad left and we got the kids to sleep.
Rob and I watched the Bulls game and played on the computer. I got the skin from a black bean stuck on my tongue but it is so far back that whenever I try to get it I gag myself. I have tried bread, gargling and drinking - nothing is moving that sucker. My left foot is terrible - it has that brick taped to the bottom feeling again and it just tingles. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Its a chemo brain day

Another average night on the couch. I didn't go to sleep until later because I took that afternoon nap. Ellie was first down to join me, I started some cinnamon toast for her. Rob came down and got coffee started. I got the kids clothes ready and took a quick shower. I was hoping the dressing would get wet enough to wet the scab -no such luck, that scab is dry. Rob and Nick took Ellie down to the bus stop and Nick fell down and came home crying.
I went to take Nick to school but quickly noticed no other cars and no open door and realized there was no school today. Nick and I went to drop some medication off at Little by Little - they could use my anti-nausea medicines I had left over when they depart for Haiti tomorrow. We did a very quick walk through at Salvation - I found Ellie a pair of Dansko clogs for $2.00 - I am going to try to paint them. Nick and I went over to Mom and Dad's. He went right to work assembling a track in the living room for the trains. I ended up asleep on the couch for a bit. We visited with Mom because we are all having withdrawal - before surgery I was seeing Mom almost everyday but at least every other to change out Scarlett. Now that I am more mobile we will have to drop by more often.
Nick and I came home and we had lunch and then Rob went to play with Nick while I took a long nap on the couch. I guess I need the sleep - must be healing. I woke up around 4, Rob had gotten Ellie off the bus and the kids were playing outside. I got our clothes ready for this evening and started a bath for Nick. He was a hot mess this afternoon, he got his thumb stuck in the door, he was kind of grumpy. He took his training wheels off his bike yesterday (by himself) and apparently went about 10 feet on his own today.
I got Nick in/out of the bath, got Ellie started and we all got dressed and were ready for the evening. We went to dinner at Cheesecake Factory - it has been about 10 years since i was last there. It was sweet, to all be dressed up and in a nicer restaurant celebrating. Nick was the first to spill - his ketchup drenched hot dog fell and hit his sweater and his pants. Rob's pesto drenched noodle splashed his suit and tie. We went over for the reception before the ceremony and the kids got fruit and cookies.
The ceremony was nice and it was very nice to hear how everyone loves Rob (and me). He got a nice wall plaque with a clock. We sat in front of Vicky, the IV nurse from the hospital who de-accessed my port on discharge. Rob went out for drinks with his friends and I came home with the kids. Nick and Ellie both went down pretty quickly because it was late. I have been watching tv and playing on the computer.
So, I think I am going to have to do something about my feet - well the left one. I tripped 2 times about 30 seconds apart coming out of the school tonight. I think the numbness is starting to effect my balance. It appears that my incision might be closed but when I bent down at the ceremony I felt a pain and noticed some new blood on the dressing when we got home. Tomorrow is Nick's graduation - this year has thankfully, gone very fast. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

I'm tired

Had an average night on the couch. Ellie and Rob were the first ones up but Nick slept in. We had breakfast and I got the kids their clothes. I got Ellie's snack ready for school and I asked Rob to bring up the laundry baskets so I could fold and sort. Ellie walked to the bus with Nick and Rob. While I was doing laundry mania, Rob took Nick to school.
Believe it or not, this is Nick's last week of school until the Fall. He will graduate on Wednesday and they will have a field day on Thursday. Today they tie-dyed t-shirts to wear on Thursday. It took about 30 minutes to fold and put away all the laundry. I just hung out on the couch this morning until it was time to pick Nick up from school.
We got Nick and then stopped off at Target - we needed creamer and other basic groceries. We came home and Rob and Nick played with the Hot Wheel set, I watched crappy daytime tv and Mom and Dad stopped by for some Nick love. Rob and Nick walked down to pick up Ellie and I started having weird stomach pains. I decided I might try to lay down and sure enough I was soon asleep.
Nick woke me up so I could get ready for pottery - it was our last class. We all went to pottery - Rob and Nick watched hockey practice while Ellie and I glazed the couple of pieces. We couldn't stay for the entire class because we had the hands for Haiti event tonight at the school.
It was quite impressive to see the teamwork involved in this project. The 3rd graders (about 60 of them) collected enough wash clothes, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, band-aids and neosporin to assemble 1,000 health packs. We assembled the packs and Ellie was thrilled that the mayor was at the event and we got to hear from the lady who started the Little by Little project.
We left and picked up dinner, came home and ate and then got the kids ready for bed. Currently, I cannot warm up - my feet are freezing and the back of my neck. My incision seems to have scabbed up and isn't oozing anymore. I am not sure if this is a good or bad thing - I guess I will find out on Wednesday. Tomorrow night is the assembly where Rob will be presented with the Support Staff of the year award - so proud of him. We are going to get dressed up and go for dinner before the award ceremony. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Can we change "Sun"day to Rainday?

I thought April showers bring May flowers but what do May showers bring? Everyone slept in this morning. Ellie didn't come down until 7:30AM and Nick and Ron didn't come down until 8:30AM. I made coffee and banana chocolate chip pancakes. We had breakfast and the kids played with the Hot Wheels set while I read the newspaper.
We eventually got dressed for the day - I had just brought the kids summer apparel forward but now we need our winter wear again. This afternoon we went over to Uncle Bill's house to see what we could do to help out. Ellie wanted the pottery she had made Uncle Bill back and she was able to find some little things that will remind her of him. Nick found some tennis balls and his small turtle collection. We took all the band-aids, toothpaste, tooth brushes and wash clothes for Ellie's Hands for Haiti program.
We got to visit with Jim, Steve and Norma for a bit while we were there and a bonus little visit with the GGs. We drove the GGs home and then we went to do some grocery shopping. Although, we totally need groceries at home I was totally not motivated to shop this afternoon. We went over to Mom and Dad's and Ellie helped Mom start dinner. We had quite the spread tonight - roasted potatoes, mango salsa & chips, zucchini and squash, burgers, watermelon, homemade applesauce. This was my first official meal since surgery and I don't think my body really enjoyed it. Well, it did enjoy it while I was eating it but I have been one giant ball of gas since. My incision is really bothering me today - it is pulling and throbbing and I am worried it is infected.
We came home and I got the kids into their baths. We got the kids to sleep - Nick didn't want to go to sleep for Rob so I went up to sit with him. I've been watching tv on the couch and Rob was downstairs watching the Bulls win! I made him a hot toddy when he came up because he has this gross cough.
I am going to try to get in to see Patricia this week - my feet always feel cold now. I need some good vibes going on those feet of mine. Maybe she can locate the 'ick be gone' spot for Scarlett. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Doesn't feel like May

I was first up this morning and started coffee brewing when Ellie came down. I got to watch the morning news for a bit before Rob and Nick came down. We all had breakfast and got dressed for a much colder day. I took a quick shower and changed out the dressing on former Scarlett which I might just still refer to as Scarlett. I figure I am going to have this gross scar there from now on anyways and for all practical purposes it still is an open, oozing hole. I noticed the color of ooze had slightly changed a bit.
Rob went out to do some work and Mom and Dad picked us up for some rummage sales. We hit St. Norbert's and Northbrook Methodist and we found some things but no huge scores today. Some cute dress up things, a couple games and books and puzzles. We picked up lunch and went back to Mom and Dad's so the kids could play.
I tried Chinese food today (and really my first exposure to vegetables). So far, no major bad things going on. Mom and I both ended up taking naps on the couch watching cooking programs. Dad drove us home around 6PM - it was so cold and rainy out - blah. I was having a bit more pain than normal around the incision when I got home - I peeked under the dressing and there was blood. I feel ok, no fever, my stomach is soft, no icky discharge. I am thinking it is just the healing. I did some reading up on open incisions and the principle is that it heals from the inside out and will push out any potentially infectious stuff as is heals.
Rob got the kids a Hot Wheels set today and I got to tell you there are probably 1,000 pieces to assemble and put decal stickers on. This is not a 5 minute assembly and Nick was not all about the waiting. Nick helped me make dinner while Ellie and Rob worked on assembly. We had dinner and then I helped put decals on while the kids played with other parts of the set. Rob got Nick to sleep and I was with Ellie while she read.
I still have throbbing pain but if it gets worse or starts oozing grossness I will call Dr. Muldoon. What I did read while researching was that the scar left behind after the takedown is gross looking. Usually, it has an indentation where the stomas was. I can already tell you this wasn't the good suturing skill that was used on my September surgery. I know it could be worse but it is bothersome nonetheless. I can't wait until this cold leaves our house - Nick is one giant runny nose, Rob is irritable and coughing, I go between runny nose and sore throat to aches. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Seems like just a few hours ago...

This morning I got the kids clothes out - planning for another warm day but I am glad we layered Ellie and I changed Nick into pants because the temps just kept falling. I packed Ellie her lunch for her field trip downtown and got her ready and Rob and Nick walked her to the bus. I got some laundry switched and just enjoyed sipping my coffee.
Mom and Dad picked me up for a shopping day while Nick joined Rob in a trip to Lowes and to a friends house to finish a project. We started at a rummage sale and scored clothing for Ellie and some fun things for Mom and Dad's house. We did a Target run - a couple perimeter clearance deals. We finished at Whole Foods to do some shopping and grab lunch.
Ellie had a wonderful day downtown Chicago on a double decker bus architectural tour. Ellie came home saying she basically knew everything about the East part of the city. Although she began the tour on the top level, the cold wind was too much and she transferred to the lower level.
After school we hung out on the couch and watched Strawberry Shortcake and the kids snacked. I think Nick started the illness in our house last weekend - Rob is for sure sick and I am beginning to think my allergies might be a cold, too. I am dosing Ellie up with vitamin C and echinacea. I made some veggie noodle soup for dinner with lots of garlic. Nick wanted breakfast for dinner - waffles, sausages and fruit. Ellie wanted hard boiled eggs and fruit.
The kids watched a movie we streamed and then Ellie tried to teach Nick to play memory. Rob took Nick up to bed and Ellie and I watched Check Please before I took her up to bed. Rob made himself a hot toddy and then he went up to get some sleep.
Lots of pulling around my incision today - I guess this is a good thing because it means I am healing. My runny nose has started to slow down a bit. My left foot still feels like I have a brick taped to the bottom of it. I think I am going to schedule a few appointments with Patricia for the next few Weeks to work more on this. Congratulations to our friends, Kelly and Dave on the birth of their first child, Molly! So exciting. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Thursday Make Up

Well, I went to blog last night and the website was having maintenance issues - so I couldn't post. Then, at 2:15AM some random car in the toy chest started singing to me - low battery mode and I tried to blog again then because I was up but I was still locked out. Even this morning, I was still not able to post - thus this later afternoon, day late post. Obviously, I have major chemo brain issues and will have trouble recalling everything so it will be abbreviated.
Yesterday morning Rob took Nick to school and then did some errands - I went over to Mom's to play with T. I got such awesome love from my little nugget. We went for a short trip to the park and played inside.
I came home and tried to watch Letters for Juliet - the 4th time I am trying to watch this movie and still can't get into it. I just had a nice, quiet afternoon on the sofa. Rob and Nick came home and we went for a walk around the block and then a trip to the park.
Ellie got home and all the kids played outside in the sprinkler until it was time to get ready for the 3rd grade musical. We gave Nick a bath and Ellie took a shower and we found cool clothes to wear. Dean came over to visit before we left for the musical. I guess I had told one too many people that I was pleasantly surprised at my bowels returning to normal because my body had to prove me wrong. About 10 minutes before we needed to leave the length of time between washroom trips really lessened and I was worried about being able to see the entire musical. I decided to take a 1/2 dose of loparimide to slow things down.
Mom and Dad were very nice and picked up the GGs and Ms. Katherine (Mom and Dad's neighbor) to come to the musical and we met them there. Ellie was in the middle of the first row - which she has never been because of her height but she was so happy to be able to be this time. We learned things about Illinois history that we never knew, got to see some Chicago inspired art and history and hear many Illinois related songs. They changed the words to Soul Man to be a song about 3rd grade. Nick danced in front of us and it was a very nice program- the kids were really proud of their show and I was very proud of Ellie.
After a small reception after, Dean drove us home and Mom and Dad drove the GGS and Ms. Katherine home. It was later so we go the kiddos right to bed. Other than my incision starting to have some pulling, healing pain and a runny nose I am doing pretty good. I scheduled my visit next week to get my staples out and I hope that might lessen the pulling. Things did slow down washroom wise and I never found myself having to run to the washroom. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

And on the 7th day...

It took forever to become sleepy last night. It was hot in the house, I decided to wean of the ativan and I just felt like a water logged grape. I finally tried to close my eyes around 2AM and somewhere there after I fell asleep. Ellie came down a bit before 7AM and joined me on the couch. Rob came down and started coffee and then we heard Nick yelling out - he thought he had overslept and was late for his field trip.
I got the kids their cereal and picked out their clothes for the day. Ellie and I packed her lunch and snack and packed treat bags - one of her classmates left for Pakistan tonight so they celebrated at lunch. Rob and Nick walked Ellie to the bus and then Rob drove Nick to school. Nick had his first field trip today - the Exploritorium (our park districts indoor play area) and then to Giordano's to make their own pizza. He was super excited and when asked what the best part of the field trip was answered - the bus ride.
Rob came back home and worked in the garage and to clean his (very dirty) car out. I finally gave in and emailed Dr. Muldoon to say that I wasn't continuously flowing and was in fact possibly on the far other spectrum and asked for suggestions to alleviate my huge gas filled belly. Christi stopped by and I was so happy to have company and distraction. We took a walk around the block and visited in the yard until she needed to pick Susannah up from school. I came in and finished the pear nectar and felt like there might be some rumblings. TMI - I was finally able to awaken my bowels today. No, they did not explode. Yes, I was able to make it to the toilet.
Rob picked Nick up from school and picked up lunch. Our friend, Cindy, stopped by this afternoon for a visit. It was a wonderful social day for us. She had bought me some flowers and delivered flowers from Rob's Mom. We had another very nice visit while Nick played in the sprinkler and yard. I got an email back from Dr. Muldoon saying my "symptoms" aren't unusual after this type of surgery - really? I swear just a mere 7 days ago you told me I was going to basically come out of this surgery unable to control my poop - are you the same doctor?
We all walked down to pick Ellie up from the bus and and then Rob took Ellie for her appointment with Trish. Nick was hoping to get a trip to the park in but the wind had changed and the thunder had begun. I talked him into do some seed planting instead - he helped fill the seed cups with potting mix and chose his seeds and planted them. We made it in just before the rain started. I gave stinky Nick a bath and I used the time to go through his clothes and pull the 3T and 4T shirts out of rotation.
Rob and Ellie came home and I started dinner - Mom and Dad were coming over. It was almost too hot to cook but fortunately the little rain brought some cooler winds with and I was able to open windows and try to cool the house out. We had a lovely dinner together. Ellie practiced all her songs and quotes for the 3rd grade musical tomorrow. Ellie is very excited about this Illinois based musical and she has practiced her songs so much that Nick knows all the lyrics too. I can't wait to see it tomorrow and I bet Nick will be singing along. Talk about last minute - I realized that Ellie needed black pants and a white shirt for tomorrow and went to search through her clothes. The problem that we have is this sudden heat wave we are having. I found a pair of capri pants I had bought last summer but never wore because they were too tight for Scarlett. I had Ellie try them on and Mom quickly tried to take the waist in. I found a long sleeve shirt for Ellie and ironed it. We ended up deciding on regular old black pants from her drawer.
Mom and Dad left and we got the kids up to bed. I listened to Ellie read for a bit before tucking her in - Rob got Nick out. Rob and I have been sitting on the couch enjoying the cool air coming into the back room. TMI - Yes, I did have multiple washrrom trips today. Yes, my butt is a bit sore. I am so hoping this might just be how my bowels wake up and I would be tickled. I am either getting a cold or allergies are flaring because my throat is ultra sore. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Beautiful sunny day

I slept on the couch last night, Ellie helped me build up the padding by layering some extra blankets. Ellie joined me first this morning and then Rob and Nick. I got breakfast ready for them as they watched tv. I had my first cup of coffee in over a week today. Ellie and I packed her lunch for school and snack. Rob and Nick walked Ellie to the bus stop.
Rob drove Nick to school this morning - I painted my finger and toe nails. Rob got busy working on the caboose - it really looks good. I talked to Mom for a bit and then went out to soak up the sun and visit with Rob. I went for a walk around the block - I am delighted that I am not running to the washroom as predicted however I don't think my bowels have really awoken yet.
I joined Rob in picking Nick up from school and then we went to Menards. We picked up some more seeds to start our vegetable garden from and some food stuff. We came home and had lunch. Rob had to go adjust something at someones house so Nick and I played outside. We took a walk and then sat next to each other in our chairs - it was nice. Rob came home and worked more on the caboose.
I ran to Whole Foods to pick up staphysagria (the homeopathy for surgical wound healing). I also picked up some pear nectar and white bread. I came home and Rob and Nick had gotten Ellie from the bus and they were all next door playing. Rob gave up working on the caboose and sat with me in the yard. I eventually came in and started dinner - I made cheesy mashed potatoes (and yes I did eat them) and chicken sausages and carrot sticks and grapes. Our neighbor had bought the kids decorated cookies for collecting her mail last week that the kids had for dessert. Everyone had baths and showers because 90 degree heat and playing hard = smelly kids.
Rob collected all the laundry and took it downstairs for me so I could get a couple loads going. We had cuddle time on the couch watching Cupcake Wars on food network. Rob took Nick up to bed and Ellie and I watched Dancing but eventually Ellie and I headed up. I took over for Rob and he moved onto Ellie. Nothing on tv tonight - so I played facebook games. I did some google research about ileostomy reversals and lack of movement and it apparently does happen to some people. I think I might have to just introduce fruits and veggies again and see what happens because I feel about 6 months pregnant right now. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Hmmm...is it my youth?

First night home went well. I stayed on the couch not knowing if I might feel the need to explode during the night, I didn't. I got up a couple more times than normal to use the washroom but nothing too bad. Ellie was the first to join me on the couch this morning followed by Rob and Nick. Nick had a pretty bad night - I could hear him coughing frequently down here. I got the kids breakfast and cut up some fruit for Ellie's snack. Nick wasn't eating but was drinking. Ellie got off to the bus with Nick and Rob escorting her.
Rob and Nick went to Lowes to get more supplies for the great caboose. I got a call back from Dr. Muldoon - he said that he encourages me to stick to the full liquid diet but I could use my own judgement but no fruit or veggies. He will be out of town when I need to get my staples removed so I will need to schedule with his nurse. I just took it easy today - spending the majority of time on the couch but I did venture outside to sit in my new chair and watch the caboose construction.
I tried some watered down mashed potatoes for lunch - seemed to be ok. Nick and I had some cuddle time this afternoon - we made it work with pillows protecting my incision. I took a nap this afternoon while Rob and Nick worked/played in the yard. Ellie came home from school and immediately went to play outside. I took my first shower at home. I was told I didn't need to tent my incision - just needed to change my dressing after the shower. Seemed to work out that way. I have much less drainage from my incision - I am taking this as a positive sign.
It was pottery night but we had made the arrangements for Mom to take Ellie not knowing how I would be feeling. I took Ellie over to Mom and Dad's (Nick joined us for the ride). I was just going to drop her and come home but Nick asked to stay and watch tv with Dad. I think it probably worked out for the best - it gave Rob a much needed break and Nick got to just relax. He finally gave in and ate some applesauce and an orange. Mom and Ellie came home from pottery and they had a good time.
We came home and had re-heats for dinner while watching Dancing. I got vitamins and medicines ready and Ellie got dressed for bed and brushed teeth while Nick finished his jello. Rob took Nick up to bed and Ellie stayed with me to read. Ellie went up when we heard Rob walking and then he came down.
I am awaiting this explosion of my bowels - I think it might not happen but I have been scared into thinking that it will. So far, I am very pleasantly surprised at the lack of pain and washroom trips. I talked with Margaret today and I expressed to her that I think I might have to write a guide for doctors because they spew all these statistics and warnings but they are for old people not 35 year olds. Margaret gave me a few suggestions for publications that look for patient stories. My left foot, just the middle section feels very weird. It feels like someone has glued stiff cardboard to that section and I can't bend it or get rid of it. If I don't have the explosion hit in the next few days then I will schedule more appointments with Patricia to keep working on my feet and my digestion. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Home sweet home

First, I want to thank Mom for writing my blog while I was at the hospital. Trust me when I say you guys have the easy job of reading this, it evokes thought and feeling to re-live your day (especially your daughter's day).
Happy Mother's Day to my Mom, my sister and to all my Mom friends and family. This day has been bothersome for the past few weeks, well since I scheduled surgery. I wasn't thrilled at the aspect of having to be in the hospital on Mother's Day. Ellie made no pretense that she was ok with it. Rob and Nick I think could have rolled with it. This morning when Dr. Muldoon did rounds with Dr. Grossman he said he was thinking about discharging me this evening - I got a bonus few hours by an afternoon discharge.
This post will be all over the place tonight because that is just how I am right now. I'll do an overview of my day first and then I will rant about my hospital stay. Since I was sans IV pump last night I was able to get my ativan, anti-gas and stomach acid pills and they took my vitals and let me rest through the night. I was finally able to get comfortable enough to sleep. I got up a few times during the night to use the washroom but was able to get back to sleep easily.
The action started around 6:00AM this morning with the nurse and the CNA coming in for morning rounds. Medication pass and vitals. Dr. Grossman, Dr. Muldoon's resident came by to look at my incision and to pull the remaining wick from the drain. I was apprehensive about this and told him that when the other doctor pulled the first foot out the day before that it really hurt. He told me to let him know if it was bad and he would stop but he was more gentle than Dr. Evil and I was able to do some deep breathing and close my eyes and pretty soon it was over.
I will address the entire self healing wound thing later in this post - while it is amazing it is disgusting all the same. I ordered breakfast - let me tell you cream of wheat, pudding and hot teas are really getting old. Dr. Grossman came back with Dr. Muldoon and they were both concerned that I vomited last night and told me to take it easy with food today. I am told that my incision looks wonderful and that Dr. Muldoon took care of my stoma hernia while he did my take down. As he left he warned me that many of his patients (up to 80%) will find their first bowel movement explosive and not really know it is coming and are not able to make it to the washroom in time. The wonderful things that come out of doctors mouths.
After breakfast, I walked around the unit about 10 times. Dr. Grossman looked up and asked me if I thought I was at the gym - I told him I have a 5K to prep for. I spent the morning playing on the computer - my vision is far more in focus today. I did about another 6 loops around the unit and ordered lunch - cream of wheat, ice cream and hot tea. Rob called to tell me he and the kids would be coming up to see me. I ate my lunch and then called down to the kitchen to get some Popsicles for the kids (this my treat for them back in September but they have been out of them until today). I talked to Mom and told her I might get sprung.
Rob and the kids came and they brought popsicles with them. They brought me flowers and Ellie had made books/cards from her and Nick that were ultra cute. Nick had made a card in preschool for me with a picture of him on front. We walked around the unit, we cuddled in bed and watched Planet 51 for the 13th time. Rob told them they were springing me and it was a secret so Nick told everyone in the hall that they had a plan - little did they know. They left to go home and play and not 2 minutes later did Leo come to tell me I was being discharged. I wasn't able to get a hold of Rob initially to tell him to turn around but did a few minutes later. He was going to drop the kids at Mom and Dad's and come back for me.
In the meanwhile, I had a lovely chat with Mrs. B who had called to talk. The CNA came in to tell me she was going to pull my IV - I told her I didn't have an IV. She came back to say she was going to pull my port and I assured her she wasn't. Leo came in to ask about my port and I told her that yes it needed to be de-accessed but an IV nurse needed to do it. Ms. Kate came by to visit me and was excited to hear the news. She kept me busy talking while the IV nurse de-accessed my port and flushed me so I don't have to go back to Kellogg for another month. Kate left and Leo came back to watch me change my dressing - not difficult - gauze and then tape. My discharge instructions were simple - maintain medications (ativan, mushroom extract and vitamin d), lifting restriction of 10 pounds, exercise restriction, call immediately if incision site is red, hot or oozing and maintain a full liquid diet. I asked her to confirm this and sure enough I am supposed to remain on this crappy cream of wheat diet for the next 30 days. I am emailing Dr. Muldoon in the morning. There was no mention of the anti-gas or acid pills I had been getting - Leo said they were over the counter and I could pick them up if I wanted. It was a lackluster discharge order and I felt slightly unimpressed. Rob came to get me and I changed into clothes and then the wheelchair man came to wheel me to the car.
It felt good to be outside in the fresh air and sun. Rob took me home - I quickly found my way to the couch. As if scheduled on the calendar, we walked in the door, I felt an urge and low and behold I was in the 20% that can make it to the washroom on time. I still don't know if I should expect the explosion - hasn't happened and I am thinking it might not. Mom and Dad dropped the kids by and gave me my Mother's day presents - a zero gravity recliner chair for the yard and a few, pretty pandora beads for my bracelet. They brought some broth for me to heat up for dinner too.
We let the kids play outside for a little longer and then placed an order for dinner. Rob and Ellie ran to Target for me to pick up some pudding mixes, iced tea, honey and anti-gas pills. Poor Nick is in bad ways with his asthma right now. I guess it began Friday night after the extreme trampoline jumping and sweating and getting cold but his cough is pretty relentless. He is at least drinking tea with honey and doing good breathing with his inhalers.
We had dinner - I had broth and I will have some pudding when I am done blogging. After dinner Ellie took a bath and then Rob gave Nick a vapor bath. Ellie came down and asked if she could give me a foot a massage - I never pass up that offer. She rubbed my feet in and even filed the nails she felt were sharp. Nick came down to get vitamins and give me a kiss and then Rob put him to bed. Ellie and I cuddled up on the couch and watched food network and she went up to bed around 8:30. Rob never came down so I can only think he fell asleep in someones bed.
I thank you all for your love and support, not only during the last week but during this last year. I posted to one of the forums I belong to tonight asking if others have ileostomy take down stories because I really think it is time to re-write the dialogue for a younger bunch of patients. I know I said I was going to rant tonight but to be honest this is going on over an hour now and I am tired. I think my ranting will have to wait for another time. I need to go have my pudding and an ativan and get some well needed rest on my couch (as I cannot climb the stairs yet). Ohhhh, I have some wonderfully happy news to share (not my news but I need to share) my girlfriend, Julie got engaged to her boyfriend, Karlton today and I send out lots of love and a lifetime of happiness wishes to them. Visualising my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal (wasn't this supposed to happen already?), Tree

I'm a Little Sad Saturday

Yes, I'm back. Theresa told me tonight that I will be doing her blog entries as long as she is in the hospital. This should be all the motivation we need to keep flooding the universe with positive healing thoughts for Theresa. The day started off in a hurry. I got Gary out the door with some juice boxes and snacks for the train ride down to Union Station. He was off to pick up Rob and the kids for their Metra ride to National Train Day. I called Theresa after he left. She said she has a new bed...Yeah! She had already had breakfast and a shower. She was a little tired so I kept the call brief, promising to call her again later in the afternoon. When I did call her back she was having an issue with gas pain and they had given her something for it. She's completely unhooked from all meds. I thought all of this, minus the discomfort part, sounded good. Joanna called me to say she, Ole and Tony were going to head up for a visit. I told her I would wait for Gary and then go up for the evening. Everything rolled in together. Gary arrived home. I called Theresa to see if she wanted me to bring anything special for her. Rob and the kids were already with her. They had a nice visit. Theresa took a 2 loop walk with the kiddos and they told her all about their train adventures. They had so many stories to share. They also had all of their trampoline fun to share. Rob told Tree they were going to go home for movie night and popcorn. I think he also mentioned an earlier bedtime...right! Shortly after Rob left with the kids, their neighbors stopped in with some fruit and flowers. Theresa was sad the neighbor kids had just missed Ellie and Nick. Jo and Ole arrived and it was a changing of the guard. Tony kept Theresa's spirits up and she did another 2 loop walk with Tony. They left shortly after the walk ended. Then I got THE CALL. I knew instantly that Tree was crying. She said she just didn't feel good. She couldn't find a comfortable position. She was tired and hurting. We were on our way. She promised me she would walk down to the nurse's station and get some cranberry juice. I figured this would get her out of the room and buy us a few extra minutes.

We got to her room and she was in bed watching the food channel. I don't know if this is a good choice when you are on a full liquid diet and you're really sick of the few choices that are available. She got up to go to the toilet and getting back into bed she took in a breath that started her coughing and led to her vomiting. That will be the end of the cranberry juice for awhile. In a deja vu flashback, Theresa got into the recliner, I covered her up and began massaging her head. This time around, Gary was with us, so he worked on her feet. We massaged until her nurse came in to check on her and she began shivering. She got back into bed and we worked with the pillows to try to find a comfortable arrangement. We had one grouping that felt good and she asked how to lay them out so she could repeat the process later if need be. It really didn't matter, she was restless again. The nurse came back with some ibuprophen for Tree and changed the dressing with me so that I can do it for Theresa at home. We asked if she could up the heat a few degrees in the room. I told her that Theresa had been shivering and she took Theresa's temp instantly. 99 degrees. Nothing out of the ordinary, but Tree is to let her know if she feels hot. The first round of tears started. I'm all about shifting gears, but this was a hard place to get her out of. A few tissues later, we were back to trying to find a comfortable place to just be. She sat in chairs, sat up in bed, reclined in bed, got up to use the toilet, tried the bed again. Restless and uncomfortable. I suggested that she try a few of our favorite computer games to relax. She told me she truly is having a hard time focusing. Not just mentally focusing, but visually as well. I think she needs a good stretch of sleep. Housekeeping came in a midnight last night to empty her waste can...not too quietly! Although she's in a new bed, it's still a re inflating bed and makes a whirring noise every time she shifts her weight. At least the machine that goes beep...beep...beep is gone. I could tell that the ibuprophen was starting to work and it was the end of visiting hours. I told her we'd be back with some permitted goodies tomorrow for Mother's Day. She said it didn't matter it was just another day. That's when it happened, her little chin began the tell tale quiver and the tears began to fall. This is the sad part. I felt terrible. We hugged, I rubbed her arms, but I can't make it better. She's uncomfortable and none of my tricks are working. The loud speaker announcement told us it was time to go. Theresa decided to walk us to the elevator. I showed her where there is a family waiting room around the corner from the elevator. It's a good space for a visit with the kids. There are vending machines and lots of room to run around. We hugged and kissed good night. She told us we were out of focus to her...I chose the moment to make faces at her. She laughed so I think she is probably seeing more than she thinks she is.

So it's really crappy that she's in the hospital for Mother's Day. I'll probably be up all night trying to figure out what I can do or make for her to lift her spirits. It's been a really hard week. With the loss of Uncle Bill and the surgery, I think it's just a lot to wrap our heads around. Although it was time to bid farewell to Scarlett, I think Theresa feels a little duped. There have been so many things that she finds out about after the fact. It's difficult to take it all in. I gave her a card yesterday...it was a chocolate chip cookie with stick figure body parts, making muscles. The inside said "You're one tough cookie." She is. Today the cookie crumbled a little. Hopefully we'll help her to have all the pieces put back together tomorrow...

Please join me in visualizing Theresa's speedy recovery, an uneventful convalescence, a rested body and mind, smiles instead of tears, and the new, normal, exceptional Theresa. Happy Mother's Day to Theresa and all of the mother's reading her blog! Thanks for continuing to send positive thoughts Theresa's way. -Paula

An Uneventful Friday...Woohoo!

We finished watching the 10:00 news and I thought I'd check Theresa's blog...quick sanity check...I'd better go write tonight's entry. I think one of the first things I must do is add a little, but very important note to yesterday's post. Our good friend, Kate, is a nurse at Evanston Hospital. She's worked in many departments over the years, but is currently in Ambulatory Surgery. Theresa has had to go through Ambulatory for both of her surgeries, and much to our great relief, Kate has been on the schedule both times, and each time she has made sure that Theresa is one of her patients. There is something very reassuring about having someone who is like your 2nd mom taking care of you, making sure you get the best...of everything...from recommending the best anesthesiologist, to having words with the Associate who is not on Tree and Rob's top Docs list, to being a most relaxing force at a very scary time...oh yeah, she also makes sure to give us a bunch of discount parking passes! She has taken care of Theresa through these two procedures, but I have to acknowledge that she has also taken care of both of my girls when they delivered their babies. Even when she was no longer working in that department, she called on her friends who still did, and made sure that the girls had the best nurses and care that they could have. Thank you Kate for being a dear friend and for always being there for us. I called Theresa this morning and she told me that she had an OK night last night. Sleeping mixed with regular wake ups for charting her vitals. Kate stopped in to check on her this morning before she started her shift. Thank you, Kate. Theresa's diet was pumped up a bit and she had cream of wheat for breakfast. The not so popular Associate came in to see Tree and to begin removing some of the internal packing. For all of the pain preaching he's done, he neglected to tell Tree this would hurt, and as she grimaced, he told her that yes, it would be painful. Thank goodness she's still connected to her pain meds. A blood test revealed that her potassium levels were low, so they pumped her full of potassium drips today. It's a good thing she still has Plum, the port, as this apparently burns when it flows through a regular IV.

Rob and Nick stopped by to visit. Nick had a cherry ice with Mom and watched Planet 51 with her. He used her potty, but told Rob he needed to move the juice out of the toilet so he could pee. Theresa's output is being measured in a bonnet, and Nick came to terms with it as only Nick can. They stopped by here after their visit with Mom, and Nick had some special time with Gramps while Rob caught me up on a few things. It might not be the Mother's Day release for Theresa, but I told her we can make any Sunday a Mother's Day. Ellie will like that. She's been more than concerned that Theresa might have to be in the hospital for Mother's Day.

Rob and Nick left us. We finished up a few tasks here and we were off for Trader Joe's in Glenview. It was a bit of a wasted trip. Half way through or shopping, there was a power outage and we had to leave the store without our selections. We ended up at our Dominicks. They just don't carry some of the cool stuff we can get at Trader Joe's. We had a quick dinner and then we were off to see Theresa. Rob took the kids to a surprise trampoline party tonight, so we were Theresa's entertainment. We took her some little wrapped hard candies, a little variety of teas, and a Sudoku book. She's still having a hard time focusing, so the Sudoku was unwanted, and I am writing her blog entry. She may be having a hard time focusing, but I am here to tell you my girl's bladder is just fine. Because of the quantity of liquids she's drinking, she's out of bed every 15 to 20 minutes. She's getting in and out of bed and into the toilet by herself. She was out walking the halls twice today. She was careful to avoid the food areas. The smells made her sick in September, and I think we all know how bad it is to revisit those things that were at the root of our nausea. Once again, I have to say, Theresa looks wonderful. Her cheeks have that healthy rosiness back and it's not because of fever. I rubbed her legs in with some lotion. She's itchy from dryness. One thing both Gary and I noticed was how noisy everything is. Although there isn't the pounding from construction this time, there are continual loud speaker announcements, the machine that goes beep...beep...beep is right next to her head, and her continually re inflating bed squeaks terribly as it fills. I have no idea how Tree sleeps. She did tell me that she dozes off pretty regularly, so I guess the pain meds help her out that way, too. Her last bag of potassium finished just before we finished our visit. I told her I didn't really have much to say for her blog entry, yet here I sit typing away. I told her I might have to do this entry in rhyme to make it interesting tonight. My close family and friends know I am very capable of doing it...I'm just to tired to have things flow well tonight. The loud speaker announcement told us that visiting hours were over. So we said our good nights, had our good night kisses, and we were on our way.

Tomorrow Gary and Rob are taking the kids down to Union Station for National Train Day. I will not be returning...my introductory experience last year made me vow to never return. The kids, I am including the 2 big boys, however, love it. They'll take the Metra down and it will be a good diversion for all of them and a bit of sanity preserving down time for me. Please continue to visualize Theresa's speedy recovery, an uneventful convalescence, and the new, normal, yet exceptional, Theresa. Thanks. -Paula

The Body...One Incredible Machine

Yes, Theresa trusted me enough to do another guest gig on her blog. For those of you looking for the quick update, Theresa's surgery went very well, she is in very little pain, thank you Dilaudid, she had been out of bed a few times to use the toilet this afternoon, and she was resting comfortably, waiting for her newly approved tea to be delivered, when we left this evening. This time around, things have gone very well and she looked wonderful today. If you remember, the same could not be said 9 months ago. I am so pleased that things are finally going the right way.

Now, for those of you who tune in for the details...Gary and I got to Theresa's house at 7:15 this morning so that she and Rob could leave by 7:30. The kids were up and Ellie was already dressed and starting to put her lunch together. Nick was also dressed and very excited that there was a new game plan today. I started breakfast for the kids and it was time for Tree to say goodbye and get her much needed hugs and kisses. Ellie's tears started, but we shifted gears and she was able to move on. We curled her hair and she liked it. She packed up her lunch, snack and Mrs. Bart's Teacher Appreciation gift and off she went to the bus stop accompanied by her two fellas. Theresa's friend Christie had left little gifts for the kids to open this morning. Ellie got a little compact with glisten powder and Nick got an orange harmonica. Not only was this harmonica his favorite color, but he is able to do the slide playing quite well, and boy does he love the great sound it makes...thank you, Christie? We got Nick loaded into the car and off to school we went. Nick told his teacher that his Mom had a doctor visit and that he would be staying with us for 2 weeks. I think he will be disappointed.

Gary and I then had a few hours to ourselves before we had to be back to pick up Nick. I have to tell you I was really trying hard to keep the positive thoughts going Tree's way, but inside I was a bundle of nerves on edge. I began a sewing project so I could focus on something else. Much to our amazement, Rob called at about 10:45 to say that Tree was in recovery and all had gone well. Woohoo! He said they told him he could see her in a few hours, and she'd be heading up to her room at around 1:00. I know Tree has been calm and collected this time around, but after her experience in September, I have been a bit pensive and concerned. I was glad she gave in and took the 1/2 doses of Ativan the last few nights and the earbuds seemed to put her in that Zen zone last night...I gave in to a few glasses of wine.

Gary went to get Nick while I continued sewing. We had a nice lunch together and then Gary left for a dental appointment and Nick and I went out on the porch and cracked open the Play Dough. Gary returned, we gathered our things and got ready to go pick up Ellie. Rob called just as we reached the door to ask us if we wanted to bring the kids up after homework to see Theresa, they could visit for a bit, he'd take them home and we could stay and keep Tree company. Really? Was she up for this? Rob said she was. She had been up several times to use the toilet...no, her bowels are not yet emptying, and she wanted to see the kids. OK! Gary and Nick walked down to get Ellie from the bus and I got their after school snack together. Gary kept Nick busy while I helped Ellie with her homework. We were then on the road. There was a true bubble of positive energy in the car. Ellie was so excited. She thought she'd have to wait to see her mom until tomorrow...this was the best medicine for all of us!

Theresa really does look wonderful. Yes, she's always my beautiful girl, but she has good color and she is in a much better place physically than she was 9 months ago. She had snacks there for the kids...they loved it! She shared her little bandage with all of us. I'm impressed at how little coverage there seems to be externally. One of Dr. Muldoon's associates stopped in to see Theresa while we were there. I feel comfortable in sharing that he does not seem to be on Theresa and Rob's top Docs list. He told Tree that she could begin taking sips of liquid. Truly sips. Slow sips. Seems even liquid can cause some bowel spasms and pain. He also explained that she has some internal packing that would be removed as she heals and that the wound dressings should be changed as often as needed. It wasn't until after he left that it kind of hit Tree and me at the same time...if they're going to have to remove the internal packing, when and how do they close the actual wound? We asked the nurse when she came in...this is where

"the body is an incredible machine" part comes in...they don't close it. The body heals itself.. The wound will dry and close up all on its own. How cool is that? It never ceases to amaze me how wonderful our bodies are! Rob left with the kids to go for dinner. Joanna called to say that they were on there way up to see Theresa. We waited for the trio to arrive. I have to say we had some good laughs. Tony was asleep when they walked in, but his TT's voice eventually stirred him and he was pretty happy to see everyone. We all visited for a bit. I made sure Tree phoned the kitchen for her tea. I walked her to the toilet one more time. We could see that she was tired and made the joint decision that it was time for this visit to end. We shared our hugs and kisses and were off.

I want to thank all of you loyal followers for the love and positive thoughts you sent and continue to send to our Theresa.I know she has been waiting for the "new, normal" Theresa to appear, but as I told her last night, she's always been exceptional in our books...I think she will continue to be wonderfully beyond normal. Let's continue to visualize Theresa's speedy recovery, and uneventful convalescence , and the new normal, but truly exceptional, Theresa!

-Paula