A difficult time for my body...but this too shall pass

I've had such a trouble past couple of day filling new drug scripts, due to holidaty and script amounts not accuarately avaiable. And ssome stores just dont carry hard drugs like oxcycottin'/oxcoycone. Finnally after a couple of days since my dr. visit for new scrips on wednesday and going to many stores Barry and I was able to get the drugw. By that time this p.m I was completely out of all pain killers, and really in need of some. Barry's been so patient and helpful with m, especially feeling crappy himself. Got home and the took pill rightaway. AM sure that if I was a teenager I could get the drugs on a street corner. The went right to bed.



Looking forward to Dancing with Stars show. Tim went deer hunting today, haven't heard of any results yet. It poured most of the day here, luckily not so much bad weather there.

Looking for day that pain leaves my body and the muscles relax.

It takes time to heal..

Yes, it was a long day in the city for appts. First appt. was with plastic surgeon at 9 a.m., area is healing very nicely. Just need to cover it twice daily with a saline coverered gauze. Follow up appt. in 6 weeks.

Then off to have chest x-ray. That was the first delay. A long delay and it was made worse by having to sit in uncomfortable chairs. Thank goodness my brain was working in overtime. Since my surgeon's appt. was one floor up in building, I took off and signed in ahead of the scheduled appt. time. Then eventually went back to wait for x-ray. Took a matter of minutes for that test.

Then up to wait for the main surgeon. I think our appt. was at 11 a.m. and we didn't see him until 2 hrs. later. Not sure. He has increased my pain meds, still no baths for me. And am still limited to what I can do with my arms/chest area. Basically restricions remain the same. They will be contacting me for follow up appt. in about 5 weeks.

The surgeon made a comment that hit home to me:

Just look at what you've been through these past few weeks. You've accomplished things that you thought could never be accomplished. From a simple cough to taking a deep breath. From laying in a bed to sitting upright in chair. By looking in the past you can see how much strength you have for the future.


I was a very unusual case for him, but one he had complete faith in the outcome.

I'M BACK AND JANE IS BACK FROM APPTS!!

Just a quick note on Jane-I just talked to her-all the appts went PERFECT including the CXR. An exhausting day for both she and Barry-both with pain today. The pain meds increased on Jane.Enough for now and Have a Great Thanksgiving!!!

Follow-up appts. in Pittsburgh tomorrow a.m.

I meet with plastic surgeon at 9 a.m., followed by chest x-ray 10:40 a.m. The the meeting with main surgeon is in same bluilding at 1l:00 a.m. sure hope they are running close to schedule because I don't think I coul sit in waiting room chair for more than 30 mins. Looking forward to seein both drs. for their feedback, especially to tell them that the pain is still there.

Off to bed now. For me, it will be a very early wake up call in a.m.

PS Tim did go bear hunting Monday, only saw tracks in snow. Back to camp area this coming weekend for deer hunting. The boys did see lots of deer there.

One week later and still about same

Have heard from people that they are concerned cause I haven't blogged. My typing is so bad right now. Head/brain-keyboard doesn't want to be the same. HAve been having same pain/discomfort. I do go back to Pitts. on Wed to see plastic surgeon and primary surgeon. The front chest area is healing so nicely. Under arm where they took skin from is very tender. just keep reminding myself that I've ben through a lot.

And even though I haven't felt my true self lately, my door is usually open. Sleeping in one thing I'm good at doing, less pain that way.

No infection

Went to Pittsburgh yesterday a.m. and met with plastic surgeon. Local home care nurse, and my primary doctor, wanted it to be checked out. And of course, I certainly did. No infection, healing perfectly. The doctor said "a masterpiece."

Continue to be in lots of pain. Out of score of 10, it's an 8 or 9. Can't ever seem to get rid of it. Spoke to primary doctor this afternoon, is doubling my oxycodone effective tonight. Also had me take a percocet, which I did. Then went to bed and tried to lie motionless. No results yet. Very, very uncomfortable, but then just look at the pictures. To cough is like dying. Most pain in shoulder/back area and under my left arm where they took the skin for my chest. Just have to be patient, but very hard to.

Barry's not been feeling well either. Never complains. Has shoulder/side pain.
But he's been keeping up with the housework. Taking pride in it I believe. Awfully good to me these past few days, waiting on me hand and foot.

Off to rest. Bye

Congatulations Tim!

I wasn't able to attend the induction ceremony last night, but Barry did. Tim was inducted into the National Honor Society. I can not miss this opportunity to praise Tim on this accomplishment. I put myself into my job, and he must do the same thing with his school work.

Again, Congratulations!

The large "pasted" area is the flap taken from under my left arm area.

 

 

More pictures of my bionic chest. Looks like a tattoed necklace.

 

 

Family is priceless. Maureen truly did a great job updating our family and frineds, and for using her cold hands on my hot forehead. Felt so good.

 

 

 

 

Back to Pittsburgh plastic surgeon tomorrow a.m

went to primary dr. today as followup to what nurse saw yesterday. am on antibiotic but have been told my plastic surgeon to go there in a.m. they already made appt. for me before they called me. also increased my meds to be extended release, more strength. pain has always been a 9 and they recognoize i need releif.

off to couch now.

Back to Pittsburgh plastic surgeon tomorrow a.m

I'ts ME again.......Back online after a long delay

Yes, it's truly me online now. My typing actually has improved since yesterday. Just a quick hello and then back to the couch.

Met a nurse one night as she was interested in one of my monitoring machines. Asked my what procedure I had had, told her and she had a comment that I would have made.

Since your skin from under your arm area is now in your chest, do you have to use deordorant now on your chest!? Funny lady..

UP THREE FLIGHT OF STAIRS WITHOUT INCIDENT!!

Yes I still have the blogging job as Jane said her fingers typing and her brain are all messed up. Just talked to her and she is still with some shortness of breath and breathing treatments tolerated well. In conversation, wanted me to pass on to her work buddies whom I asked not to send flowers and to get her a nice pink jogging outfit for her trip home. Well she loved the whole big bag of nice soft pink old navy clothes-when she was getting dressed with Patty and Jody helping her she realized she had old lady blue underwear and the pink pants were hip huggers but who would really care about the underwear showing!! After what she has been through a laugh is good. She also liked the cancer sucks shirt from another friend. Prior flowers appreciated from prior work buddies Hermitage Bank and the President of the Westminster College. Pa had told Tim to get her some flowers from him and ma-did the run to the store and got some nice bunches of flowers-THANKS!! She was able to sleep half the night on the couch and then back up the stairs to her bed for rest of sleep-has a hard time getting out of bed as she can't use her chest or arm muscles.
Earlier in the evening had taken a short shower and washed and curled her hair-only kidding about the curling!! Barry worked out in the yard today. Tim survived the play the other night.When she checked emails today on third floor had 200 in the system-will take some time to read. Well I was back to work and all my buddies did not believe how good Jane looks-I had taken pics myself and can't put on blog-she wants to post same but has to download. Well at least this sat night Tim and I are not lost in Pittsburg with a gps system. I still laugh when I asked Tim to call one of this friends to help us find our way home, and he turned to me and said "maureen my friends are 16 years old and some don't have cars" duh!! What a difference a week makes. adios moe

LOVING THE COUCH!!

No it is not JANE,it is moe again. I had told her last night i would wait for her to call me today, but i couldn't wait any longer so i called her. She is too tired to do the blog today. I did mention to her that at this time there were 17 comments and she said "WOW". Thanks to Patty and Jody she had a successful ride home from the hospital. Barry rested at home. Tim did the pharmacy run. She basically slept on the couch until around 3:30 am and then up for pain med and back to the couch. Today was filled with a nursing visit, respiratory treatment-reinstruction with use of machine,measuring incision-cleaning incision etc. Barry said lots of napping. Tonight she will venture up the stairs as she wants to shower and wash her long hair!Also spent some time booking follow up md appts. She will be surprised when she notices I put away all the hats,wigs,scarfs,etc,into her closet-i did leave a note that nothing was thrown out. She is still off and on short of breath but I think she
is doing great. Well I am back to my nursing job tomorrow in which my philosphy is put a smile on my face cause i am not in the bed!!!!

WELCOME HOME JANE!!!

I just talked to Jane quickly and she just got home. Having spasm pain as the pain med is past due. Rest up Jane and glad u are home safely. Love u lots, your guardian angel sister moe

I LEFT ON A JET PLANE 12;45 AND HOME IN HOLLISTON 4;30PM!

Let's see how good I can post from far away. Well Barry and I left for the airport with snow flurries part of the way. Jane had told Barry not me prior to leaving that she had an awful night with the need for cxr,iv pain meds, for excruciating back pain at site of last drainage tube-very little sleep. I don't think she wanted me know this but I did ask her tonight about it. She was able to have a decent day and able to sit in the recliner from pre-breakfast to suppertime. Not sure if discharge to be tomorrow. Patty her friend is lining up ride home whenever with a van. At this stage she is not to use any arm,chest muscles so things can heal. Still says a little wheezey and gets breathing treatments. Her cell phone is dead. Barry felt lousy today so opted it was better to stay home and rest-he has slept very little since friday and aches a lot. Well off to relax as I am beat. My dog Duncan who has cancer himself jumped up so high when he saw me and must husband did a little jump.
adios moe

LAST DRAIN OUT SO I CAN GO HOME SOON!!

Just talked to Jane and she had a better night.Last jackson pratt drain removed.The lower gi tract will be running soon since she got laxatives last night. Barry will be bringing me to the airport-leaving around 10am and will get into Providence around 3;30pm. Barry has the sweats,aches, and pains from the neulasta so Jane told him to stay home today and rest.Have a good day and I do see some snowflakes today.

MORE POSITIVE STEPS UP THE ROAD TO RECOVERY TODAY!!

Jane called us this am and said the usual night time interuptions were present-vs,etc so not much sleep. Her peripheral iv line had croked so the portacath was able to be accessed.Oxygen no longer needed. One jackson pratt drain removed-the one that was to wall suction. The arterial line to her heart removed.Still on iv anitibiotics,regular diet tolerated,no more iv toridol just the oral pain meds. Barry and I scooted in for 2 1/2 hour visit and she made mention that one group of md's said she might go home tomorrow.While we were with her she had a physical therapy session and respiratory therapy-John came by and took her for walk in hall and her room air oxygen levels were ok. Physical therapy will do stairs with her later.Had asked her girlfriend Carol who works at college and lives down the street to print my boarding pass for tomorrow-I never talked to her just left message and did not give her my name but she knew I had been in college store yesterday buying something and got my name from them off payment kind-you could be a private investigator. Thanks Carol for dropping off the boarding pass and goodies for Jane.And YES pictures have been taken of the new WONDER WOMAN SCAR!! she insisted we take some-will post asap. The pictures look better than that alien that was there with the fur on top of it! Mary the ICU nurse picked up gifts last night and Patty also. Well I am off the computer for now and I feel Jane will agree that my mission was accomplished to get her through this emotional roller coaster as a sister to the best of my ability. P.s. Jane not going home tomorrow-? thursday and Dr Christie came by and ordered some celebrex med to help in her pain. Will try and post on her blog when I get home. Adios Pennsylvania!! and hello Massachusetts

" LOUSEY NIGHT AND DAY IN POST OP LAND FOR JANE"

Not a nice night for Jane at all. Said she was awoken constantly for vs check and the arterial line check-no sleep. She had called us around 11;30 to tell us the same. This am I went to get some goodies for each of the 3 ICU shifts-candy,pastries etc. and a special gift for Patty-Jane signed the cards herself. Barry opted to stay home as he had gotten his neulasta shot this am and he is tired and achey today. After Jane talked to her sister Eileen last noc, Eileen had emergency surgery to remove the hernia mesh they had placed month or so ago for the hernia repair. Dad said today she was ok. She is like Jane and never complains. Carol called today to ask about meal set up-will call her later and set up same for when Jane comes home. Jane had couple physical therapy sessions today, foley out and she took a --- on the commode,iv fluids off-just on short antibiotics,pain block line removed-she said it was about 4-5 inches long needle. This am I also visited the people she works with at the college and told them no flowers but did make a surprize suggestion which they will do!!When I saw Jane she seemed short of breath and she said she had been making some noises when she breathed-after listening to her I said u have audible wheezes-make sure u do the blow bottle routine. Shortly after my arrival I was able to meet the main surgeon-Dr Christie-he told her that the tumor was started to do much wrapping and one or two weeks things would have been BAD. Timing was perfect huh? He told her this am CXR shows lower right lung activity-the repair work involved a nerve down by that lower lung area-will monitor closely-right away Respiratory treatments started for the wheezing and by the time I got home she just called and said she is oxygen all the time now-had need last noc but now her numbers have dropped. Also on the plan is a chest cat scan. I asked the Md. if spot was like an effusion and he said yes.Barry said when Jane and he met with the Md mention of this nerve involvement could happen-might take a while to resolve. She knows I plan to go home Wed. and tomorrows CXR,cat scan whenever will determine course of action. People caring for Jane a special thank u-Linda,Troy,DAna,John,Sheila,Alyson,Florestine I feel naked Jane without your cell phone-don't let the hospital know u have it. Tim at play practice and Barry cooked me a shrimp alfredo noodle meal and also bought some ice cream for later. What more could I ask for. Off to call Mary from the ICU to head up to see Jane and get the bags I put together. Adios Wants me to bring the camera tomorrow!!

JANE "TREASURES"NO PAIN TODAY!!

We visited Jane couple hours this afternoon. She was in good spirits as the pain was minimal today-the pain team was able to get a perfect painless recipe together-they increased her oxycodone and added some iv toridol to regime. And guess what-after taking her normal celexa and ativan dose she slept soundly from 9pm to 3am last night and was very thankful for same. Second chest tube removed, ate real food at lunch-what do u think of that dougie? Groin triple line removed so peripheral iv placed without incident. Tomorrow they will probably remove the nerve block line,foley,and iv fluids,and the 2 jackson pratts. While we were there used portable phone for her to talk to Eileen and Dougie and that put a large smile on her face.We were able to help Mary the nurse transfer her OUT OF THE UNIT to a monitored bed on the third floor-private room. She still has an arterial line going right into the heart artery area that had the tumor rapped around it-this line checks for flowing of blood and is heard as swishing sound. Interesting she did mention that she had her nose swabbed for the MRSA bug-i told her probably preventive check since she had been on ventilator-should come back negative. Don't forget Jane u did get the flu and pneumonia shot today. After settling her in, Tim drove us home.Tomorrow she will see how she feels in regards to all her blogging buddies seeing the new "WONDER WOMAN SCAR" She has been told by physical therapy that they will have her get up for 3 meals tomorrow. Well Tim is enjoying his new electric guitar game, I am planning to head home Wednesday, and Barry is watching football. Sorry detailed info but Jane wants all the details so she will understand the journey that she has taken.She said she has looked at the chest incision somewhat by bending chin down. adios and thanks for blogging.

CATCH UP BLOG TIME-CHECK OLD BLOGS FOR ADDED UPDATES!!

Jane wanted to make names mentioned that have helped her thru this journey so take a ride back in surgery time with me for her!!Will post later for today Sunday-we plan to see her when we coordinate time with Tim's plans today.U need to read old blogs and hopefully I can add to! Tim out to Church Jane after he got up hour earlier as he forgot about the time change. Barry and I did some laundry and house cleaning.As u can see I am still blogging and have decided to not go home today-Sunday as Jane still in need of family support-thank u Gene and Mr Duncan for understanding the need!!

A PRODUCTIVE POST OP DAY!!

John the night nurse has passed ativan/celexa information along and thank u. Mary RN with her today.Pain team came when I was there and able to get her a little more comfortable. It must be a nurse writing that kind of title. Tonight the oxygen up the nose gone and jane sat in the chair more than 2 hours. Did not tell her tim was coming with me so she was so happy to see him too. I helped her brush her teeth which felt so good.Was able to grab portable phone and she talked to mom and dad on the cape-their portable phone dead/no lites since 3pm from heavy storm. Adios and yes there is a "god" P.S.Patty the nurse anesthesia friend-THANKS for the chapstick it is so helpful and your visit was perfect explaining to her why her neck and back is killing her more than the chest as she was on the or table for 9 hours-6 of actual surgery and 3 trying to get the block in. She told Jane that her body was in a million positions. And yes Jane we will bring u your own pillow tomorrow am.If possible can u sign name after posting as i am telling her who is posting-thanks Jane wanted me to mention that she kept on repeating "I AM A SURVIVOR,I AM A SURVIVOR" when they had her sit in the chair-it hurt so bad she told Tim and me. She was excited and waiting for the ativan/celexa meds when we left her at 9pm. We did not get lost coming home as we did night prior even with a GPS system.Around this country the Amish use wagons,horses,etc. and find their way just fine!!

ONE CHEST TUBE OUT AND BARRY HOME

A short posting again as barry and I just got home from hospitals.Did get one unit of BLOOD during surgery and TWO UNITS AFTER. He got out at noon and then we scooted to see Jane and they had just removed one chest tube-I was able to do my nursing duties of positioning pillow ,cold cloth to head, and feed her clear liquids.Prior to heading to the hospital had talked to John-Janes nurse who told me her night was lousy with hallucinations-saw bugs crawling all over,felt like rabbit's tooth up her nose from oxygen prong etc.Did mention to John that Jane has so much going through her mind and that as soon as she could get some ativan/celexa meds back in her system as she usually takes she would be feeling better. Back home now as Barry needs his rest and plan to head back around 5;30 to see her. I always tell her blog entries and your support that is given. Thanks

2 GOALS MET TODAY!!

Out the door 4;30 us three amigos-me,barry,and tim. Just home dos amigos-tim and me.
Will blog more tomorrow cause as the saying goes"too tired to ----Blog i mean. Jane successfully off the breathing machine lunchtime and tolerated same-pain less than lunchtime.Barry tolerated #10 chemo treatment and I was able to make sure things went smooth like Jane does each treatment. Jane says "hi to all that touch her life" Sweet dreams to all!!Rob RN-was with her first night and explained to me when i saw him next day that both her hands had been tied down because she was restless and the breathing tube could not slip out-she remembers wondering why she had been tied down and did not like the feeling when she was able to speak to me after off vent.Barry up to room around 4:30pm-10th floor and was able to sit up in bed at this time-I sent Tim to find Barry cold soda. After a quick drink and realizing Barry would fall back to sleep and was comfortable we were off to see Jane and left phone near Barry so I could have the two talk later. Amanda-Rn-Jane felt so safe with u-u reminded me of myself when I was a younger nurse-Thanks. Nasty ventilator feeling Jane said-had written down when on-I'm a gagger and yes Jane I saved your paper u wrote this on. We left Jane with the suction catheter in her hand to catch the spit!!

"HOPE"-Pure and Simple was important today!!!

Last night Jane had shown me some gifts received and have chosen to label today's last entry from one of the books she received. Patty once again is a true friend and came to talk to us around 5pm and escorted us up to the Intensive Care Unit waiting area. We were able to visit with Jane earlier than expected as Patty knew of Barry's busy day tomorrow. Obviously at this time Jane is need of the multiple of tubes we witnessed-respirator,2 chest tubes,right groin central line,nerve block line,2 jackson prat drainage bulbs,foley,ekg monitor,large chest dressing, etc. When she was able to speak wanted me to talk about the real deal in her blog.Also dressing from grafting sites. It was a short visit as they were still getting her settled for a safe and comfortable night.Thank u Nurses Jess #1 and Jess #2.respiratory therapy etc. After this visit the best news of the day was given to us by one of the thoracic surgeons that operated on her-Lady Physician-Dr. Trainor. "WE GOT IT" Music to our ears. sounded like a Red Sox win to me. Off for now and a verse in book reads-God makes healthy what is sick,right what is wrong,and straight what is crooked!! Off to bed soon as we leave 4;45 am for Barry's chemo treatment at a different hospital. Thanks for all your well wishes and thank u Jane for letting me use about 500 cell phone minutes!!

ALIEN GONE AS OF 4PM

The plastic surgeon called Barry around 4 and said Jane heading to recovery room.Still have not talked to chest surgeon yet. And the people next to Barry told him he was "snoring" We can't wait to see her.Patty once again went beyond her call of duty and came down to see us around 4;45pm and escorted us to see Jane-Got to see her sooner with her help!! Thank u Patty!!

SURGERY UPDATE 1;30pm

Patty called and told us it was time for the PLASTIC SURGEON's EXPERTISE to come into play and would take couple hours. I think Barry is finally asleep-a family member sitting at table next to his recliner keeps on getting up and down and hitting his feet and he does not move!!yeh!

HEADING TO SURGERY

Jane went into surgery around 9:45 am. Barry never slept and Patty had called him around 10:00 to tell him the nerve block was very difficult and that was the delay.Jane's past radiation caused some entry issues of the nerve block needle. According to Patty-her nurse anesthestist friend from 7 to almost 10-the nerve block was in process!!

THE TEAM PREPARES TO MEET"MR ALIEN"

And yes we were up at 3;15 am and out the door shortly thereafter. Jane said she slept ok last night. Signed in at 5am and Barry and I were with her until 7am when they were going to start her nerve block. Families are assigned beepers-pt.numbers-a large screen displays when in surgery and when surgery has started. Sincy Barry couldn't sleep last night with his liver discomfort-have sent him to car and try and sleep.Have been told will be a long day and was able to meet pain team,nurses,her friend Patty who gives the anesthesia juice,orthopedic cancer md,plastic surgeon, and chest surgeon. Barry and I feel very comfortable she is in hands of "SPECIAL PROFESSIONAL ANGELS" Plan today is Intensive Care after etc.As of this time 8;45 am Jane has not gone into actual OR room so hang tight. Upon leaving Jane,Patty promised to give her that versid-twilight medicine and took Barry's cell phone number and wrote it on her pants leg. IN THIS PREOPERATIVE TIME-Cristin-nurse,Daniel-anesthesia,Alon-pain control team member,Bendavid,Dr.Goodman-orthopedic oncologist,Dr.Schwartz-plastic surgeon,Dr.Christie-major surgeon-Thanks for all your help Also waiting area-Suzanne and Ellie-soothing voices to ease stressful families worries!!