Hello to all of Jane’s friends and family, and those who don’t know her but perhaps faithfully pray for her or visit her blog regularly:
This is her friend, Jody, posting for her. Her sister Maureen has asked me to temporarily fill in while she visits her grandchildren, and I must say it is quite an honor to post an update on Jane’s blog.
Jane was moved to UPMC Horizon in Greenville early this afternoon, and she was able to enjoy the sunshine and beautiful weather as she was seated in a wheelchair in an ambulance ride. She left Farrell around 1:30 and was settled into her new bed – no roommate – by late afternoon. Of the twelve beds on this rehabilitation floor, only two are occupied and Jane said she likes the “private” nursing care. She wasn’t too thrilled with the meatloaf tonight, though. :-)
I arrived to visit her shortly after suppertime, and she was talking with Dr. Ubarski, a physician who will be working with her. I praise God that she can converse so easily now. It truly is miraculous the change in a week’s time. Every now and then she will pause and say “It is on the tip of my tongue” – but she does it knowing she is cracking a joke at the same time. That’s our Jane.
Not only can carry on normal conversation, but she can move her right hand and open & close her fist! It is such a neat sight to see – and to see the huge smile that accompanies it just warms your heart.
Tomorrow morning (4/26) Jane will begin extensive physical therapy. She will undergo several sessions, totaling 3 hours each day. From talking with her it is evident she is looking forward to it. She also will have the brace (that she was fitted for recently) placed on her right leg. In one of the photos I posted tonight you’ll see a metal “boot” she is wearing which is designed to keep her foot straight. She says it is uncomfortable and somewhat heavy. She also is wearing leg compressions, which systematically “squeeze” her legs, to help prevent blood clots. No wonder she is looking forward to PT!
She is also tentatively scheduled for the cyberknife surgery on May 1st at Shadyside.
A highlight of her evening was a visit from her ‘Wesminnie’ friends, Lori and Sharon. The three of them work in the Business Office at Wesminster College. Sharon’s daughter, Kristen, works at UPMC so was able to visit too. Jane was thrilled to see them! She was able to find out how things were going back at her workplace and find out how life is going for her coworkers. It is so evident they are much more than coworkers – they are true friends who care so much about Jane. They brought her more sweets to eat so she was thrilled!
For those of you who would like to visit or send Jane a card, her address is below:
Room # 307
UPMC Horizon Greenville
110 N. Main Street
Greenville, Pa 16125
Finally – if anyone else has pictures or anything else they would like posted on Jane’s blog for her, please feel free to email me at gym_junkie@mac.com. I am printing off everyone’s comments so she can read them.
I look forward to the day when Jane herself will be back here with her witty words, as she enlightens us with her ‘open book life.’ God bless you my friend. - JK
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7 comments:
Jane -- You are a hero and a fighter! Thank you for being such an inspiration for me -- you know what I mean! Those therapist have no idea what they have in store with you! You'll be their star student. Looking forward to visiting with you soon. Thanks Jody for the updates. Love, Ann
Jane,
Loved seeing you the other night. Your parents and sister eileen are such great people. I love your father's great sense of humor! You are doing awesome and I look forward to the next few days when I can come see you in Greenville. Blessings to you until then,
bj
Dads Report Sunday Evening
Today is our last visit with Jane on this trip. We return to Cape Cod tomorrow AM
Kay Eileen and I spent almost 6 hrs with her today.
Once again I must say W H O W
her rapid progress toward recovery this week astonishs everyone. She is READY for the next day, next treatment.
Today she was able to "walk around the block" independent, with wheelchair, with attendant at her side. At lunch she was able to use her right hand feeding herself ! ! ! She developed a shoulder pain from the lifting of her right arm and treatments and got med for relief.
Her theropist is awed at her progress, and said at a Staff meeting Wednesday AM he woulnt be surprised to see her discharged to home care!
Jane has a very busy week having to return to Pittsburg on the lst and again on the 2nd at which time she is supposed to have CYBERKNIFE radiation treatment (non invasive)
Told Jane today WE expect to have her visit us on Cape Cod Memorial Day weekend. She already has tickets.
Today she contiinued to have those SPECAIL PEOPLE in snd out of her room, people who K and I are surprised to see and know (28 miles to this hospital from home)
She is "blessed" to have such loyal friends, even after both she and Barry have been battling this awful disease for over 3 years.
Again, Kay and I would like to THANK everyone help us around here, picking us up at airport, and delivering us back.
Thank you, THANK Y O U.
Kay and Doug Knotts
Hi Jane,
I'm glad to see you are doing some better. I couldn't believe my eyes when I read your blog the day you went into the hospital. I was in awe mode when the phone rang. Strange thing was, it was Barry calling to tell me what was going on. I mean there I was reading your blog and Barry calls me at the same time. Of course, who else can you call at 2:00 in the morning. Anyway, good luck with the PT. Darlene and I will come visit with you the next time we travel to J-Town.
Jody that was a great post. Lots of info and very well written. You must be and English major.
God Bless All, Vinny
I was away Friday and Saturday and didn't get to see Jane. First thing this morning I went up to see her because her family had told me I wouldn't believe my eyes. Once again our girl astounds me!! When I left she had no use of her arm or leg. Today she was walking and using her right hand to eat!! There is nothng that girl won't try to tackle. It felt so good to see her doing so well, because I missed her when I was away. I was glad to be able to see her Mom and Dad before they left. Jane has made such great progress and I believe that it took a team of family, friends and her strength to get her to this point. I hope doug and kay are going home feeling like they can relax a little bit. Jane is ready to be a bit more independent right now. They have done such a wonderful job staying by her side all those days in the hospital and being away from their home. I am a little bit selfish in saying that I will sorely miss spending so much time with them. Doug gave me the best compliment today saying that he loved me like family. It is amazing how close we have all become pulling together all for one purpose in trying to help Jane. It is no surprise where Jane gets her great strength. She comes from great parents. I wish you a great trip doug and kay and we will be thinking about you often and sending you updates. Now stay out of trouble Doug!!!!!
love ya
becky
Hi everyone,
I don't know if this works, but here is a link to a description of a cyberknife. You know how Jane always keeps us so informed of her procedures. Well, I wasn't sure what a cyberknife was so I googled it and found this link.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyberknife
Jane has continued to improve in leaps and bounds. I too, like Becky, hadn't seen her since she went to Greenville and when I got there on Sunday she put her own shoes on, tied them, (yes I did say tied them!) and then walked with her walker to the bathroom UNASSISTED!!! I know Jane is a fighter, but I have no doubt that God has performed a miracle! He has given all of us more time with our precious Jane. I have realized how much more important friends and family are than anything else. When I was telling my dad all about the past two weeks and all of the trips to Pittsburgh, the airport, and the hospital, he said that I was the best friend anyone could ever have. I told him all about all of the friends who have been right there for Jane too, and how we all rely on each other and therefore do not get overwhelmed with doing it all. I thank all of the great people who have been there for Jane and for each other as well as those who have prayed for her. Every time I have been in the hospital, Doug (Jane's Dad) has commented to someone how he can't believe the love that has been poured out by Jane's friends. I feel so lucky to have spent so much time with Doug, Kay, Eileen, and Mo. They are super! Jane, you keep up that therapy. Keep those therapists busy!! I love all of you.
Lisa
Jane -- You are a hero and a fighter! Thank you for being such an inspiration for me CyberKnife is a powerful tool, not a single treatment. As more centres open each surgeon brings his own expertise and skills, so centres are increasingly specialising in particular areas. Medical hardware and software are also upgraded periodically, offering new or improved treatments, so the treatments offered at each centre can vary over time.
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