Tuesday, April 30, 2013

14 Days

Its is hard to believe that it has been 14 days since the 1st surgery happened. Actually, it really isn't that hard to believe.

Folks, our Raymon is Raymon. Today for the first time, he has been up and at 'em all day thus far; reading, talking with guests, eating, attending to landlord business, watching the T.V. news and all at the same time. He had coffee and a bagel earlier.

Oh, he will tire out soon enough, take a good nap and be at it again. What would have been Glee Club night is now rest night. Tackling the subway that far isn't in the cards yet. But he is getting there.

So to the medical summary: Last Sunday morning he was weak and pale. Sunday afternoon, his color returned and stamina with it. Sunday night, that Raymon humor caused laughing, which although painful, sounded great.

Monday was mostly at the hospital meeting appointments, turning in forms, running tests and getting more information. We even stopped by a familiar waiting room to take a break from all the business. I think the staff was surprised to see people not wanting to see anybody...

The neurology staff came and looked over him while he was in the hospital. They did not like some weakness on his left side before and after surgery. So they ordered a MRI after the staples were out. That was last Friday. Monday, the new guy ordered MRI number 2 when he pin-pointed the possible instigator area. The MRI machine was supposedly not available for at least a month.

As directed, we went down to make the MRI appointment. But no one was there except the attendants. Um....do you have any cancelations today? Why yes we do, one just canceled, why?

2nd MRI done, we made the neuro appoint for May 6 (rather than possibly 6 weeks from yesterday).

Also on May 6, that hypertension study wants to check on things. (Remember he did not have this even though parts of his body said he did.)

The new date to discuss the prostate surgery will be June 25.

We'll let you know...










Saturday, April 27, 2013

Saturday AM walking beyond...

What a glorious day. But when will we realize when things are a bit too glorious? He was all tuckered out before we got back home. No problem, we had already stopped and picked up the day's papers so that encouraged him toward home. The thought of Saturday morning all snug in his big chair reading his papers seemed to do the trick. Why that is almost as cozy as The Sunday Times!

I go for the coupons myself. 

Friday's big step was a full day (or so it seemed) at the hospital. Thank goodness that is where all of his doctors are. What a mess it would be for him to have to transport all over town and country to get tests and meet with various specialists. Instead, the Fullerton team is all at the VA Hospital in the Bronx. Did I mention that the team is growing?

In addition to the curious neurologist in the Bronx, now some lab in Washington has joined the game. As a matter of routine practice, surgical lab work done at the hospital is retested in Washington. Another, "I like that." 

Nobody is adding more pills and all want him to sleep or rest. What more could a wife want at this stage of the game. God is in control so we leave the testing, reports and the doctors schedules to him!

He had a MRI yesterday. Evidently their schedule was to be filled. Had we come a bit later, we would not have gotten in. But we were told to just drop in anyway just in case. So, we did. Early. Good thing! No one was around so he was zipped right in. I dashed (in the pokey elevators) to the 9th floor to deliver some form. Once I returned, he was in the machine but the waiting room was filled with individuals with "appointments". And rather vocal about it. 

Some time later, according to whatever TV show was on in the waiting room, we headed out to another floor, either a thank-you visit or the pharmacy, I forget now. 

Now what would a hospital visit be without the food experience. I've not discussed it before simply because I've other pressing matters. One can say that "he's getting better" only so many times, right?

I recommend the jumbo hot dogs with chili, before noon. Avoid the cafeteria coffee. And the vending machine coffee. They have a Starbucks but if coffee is not your thing, go for the refrigerated bottles of water, juice and soda. Now perhaps you can tell me why the cafeteria closes before 6 PM and Starbucks at 2:30 PM. Visiting hours are 24/7 so it can't be to shoo anyone out.

Sorry for the rambling entry this time. 

Oh, one more thing. We learned that our world did not stop when we did. Our cell phone server and our misunderstood relationship came to a head and we missed it! One week of laundry turned into two and a half. Dust, like sound in the forest, does grow when there is no one to hear or see it. Dear friends across the nation have fallen ill, have grievous loses, gotten married, had babies, had stresses and joys and have had all sorts of goings on and out of love, not kept us in the loop lest it some how impede Raymon's medical saga. As we all rejoin hands, know that the process restarts in the end of June. 

Somehow Raymon's Facebook page has been hacked. Hopefully none of you have been effected. Know that prior to this, he had planned to curtail much of his FB activity anyway. It remains a mystery.




Thursday, April 25, 2013

Each Day is a Newbie

As you can read the next column over, Raymon is remembering the days in the hospital as the healing process continues. Every moment of clarity during those initial days of non-Raymon-ness are moments he is clinging onto as if stepping stones toward our renewed Raymon.

And as you can read, he is pretty much back.

Oh, there will be those days when he discovers that walking to the pharmacy might be too much. But a very long nap followed up with cheerful phone calls takes care of overdoing it. Make that two naps.

Tomorrow we return to the hospital. Post-op check ups by the surgeon, the "Fullerton" medical team, (oh yes, there really is a Fullerton medical team) and a whole new paperwork load to work through are on the agenda. Guess who gets to do the paperwork while he is doing fun new medical tests.

While he was in the hospital, a new department decided to join the team. Why not? So, he'll take off for an MRI as well. The metal staples have to come out before the MRI (as Raymon discusses).

Did I tell you about the Social Worker that came by? She was quite a character. I feel sure three quarters of her job is listening. We are extremely grateful that she came, listened to the maze of questions regarding the joys of dealing with all the regulations before and behind us. Her kindness is appreciated.

Anybody ever ridden in the back of a Mini Cooper? I am going to go do my Mini Cooper exercises now. The most thoughtful man ever born is picking us up and taking us to the hospital tomorrow. Raymon will stretch out in the front seat with plenty of room. I ride in the mini!

Tomorrow afternoon, our singing friend, 3 year old Audrey and her pregnant mom will pick us up after a grocery run. These friends are those who make time to give of their lives while taking wive to work, caring for child and renting a car and making sure we get to see the doctor.

This coming Sunday, we will have multiple baptisms at worship service. Please pray for these young brothers and sister. We want to be there if only for a short period.


Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Yea Day ?

He's well! He is vacuuming!!!

Oh wait, no he just turned it on to use for a classy cane. But he and it are moving around, picking up dust bunnies. That in my mind is truly classy :-)

While yesterday was "stair" day, today in addition to vacuuming, we crossed the street to the local pharmacy. That is across a major intersection folks. Of course, this afternoon was major nap time. But what a victory!

Tonight another dear friend is bringing supper. We've had amazing gifts during this ordeal. Sometime this year we hope to send out thank your notes. Rides, cleaning, errands, food, lifting, prayers, devotionals, phone calls, texts and email--nothing too small or large for the army of friends known and unknown the Lord has sent to us.

Lots of calls came in from the hospital yesterday. The only problem was that his phone was off and all of the calls went to his phone voice mail. The doc. decided to call my phone to alert me to the problem and ask Raymon to start answering his calls! They had to check up on him and make appointments and, and, and...

We looked on Raymon's phone and he had 41 voice messages waiting and 30 something visual voice messages (we still don't know what they are, the same I think). Turns out that most of those calls were prior to when he went into the hospital! All is cleared now. And we are still turning off Raymon's phone when we think we need too.


Monday, April 22, 2013

1st Sunday


No worries, I don't plan on giving a day-by-day report. But several Facebook messages, emails and texts have come in asking for updates and exactly how to get on the blog. In my (pick one) state of brain waves, I inverted the numbers of the blog address. Oops. Now, hopefully most folks can get on.

Sunday. Each day has been better. Today however was a tiny step back back but he then moved passed that as he stretched beyond his own believed "helplessness".  I have to keep reminding him that it is okay to be down for a while.

Four days away from the surgery and he can walk, talk clearly, climb two steps and actually move fairly well. Not too shabby for the big guy.

Yesterday we had five visitors and several long phone calls. I did nip one phone call in the bud. I am learning as we go on that end. I even turned off both phones after 8 PM. And he sat up in the chair, not as long as yesterday, but close!

The visitors tired him but the talking really helped. In fact, that is the best medicine. Of course it clears the lungs and makes him breath deeper. But thinking below the surface, below the pain meds--I like that! And going longer between meds is also great.

Tomorrow is first flight of stairs day, stay tuned!

Saturday, April 20, 2013

It's Saturday...

Now the day is over it is fun to report such things as this afternoon, he sat upright in the chair for four hours and three visitors bearing food and scrub brushes came by. And for the most Raymon healing ointment of all, he is telling stories.

But how did this day begin?

Last night actually--being bone tired but so glad to get home, I was too excited to shut my eyes.

But sleep found us both. As did several nightly "hellos". And then we'd hit the snooze button!

As you have already read, the day has been most fulfilling, but I believe my fondest memory of this day will be his first shower. (1st since the surgery that is) Never did I know how delicious a shower could be.

The pain meds are controlling things now much better. His voice is just about back. Coughing is much less and is no longer spasmodic. Of course, it doesn't take too much to get winded, but that will just take a bit longer.

Thanks for keeping up with us. Your prayers, emails and texts to Raymon have been so wonderful.

Our thoughts are with the families in West, TX tonight.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Home

The address is now official changed. He is HOME!

We were checked out at 5:00 PM and I think we left the hospital at 5:01. Not terribly sure about that particular time line.

He is very tired, weak and of course in the later stages of surgery pain. For those of you who have gone through any sort of surgery, well, there really isn't sort of way to express it. It hurts and takes time to recoup, which he is in the process of doing.

Chris and Lindsay, brother and sister from church, came and picked us up from the hospital and made sure Raymon was settled in bed. Much thanks! He is currently watching the news and having finished a coke, looking forward to ice cream later. Dinner is on its way via another church friend.

Me? I am looking for tooth picks to hold my eyes open, :-). Do you think anyone would notice too much if a few of Raymon's pain pills were missing. I understand they make great sleeping pills. However I don't think I'd need one!

Thanks for all the marvelous prayers loves. The journey is beginning anew.

Please focus your prayers on his breathing, leg strength and swelling; all the things laying in bed for a prolonged period of time seems to hit. He wants so badly to be his independence self, but that can't be for a bit longer!

Thursday, April 18, 2013

So many adventures rolled up into one day!

To those coffee drinkers among us, the hospital Starbucks closes before 6 PM. This was a revelation! But I digress...

He had a bad night last night. The pain medication apparatus was not functioning properly. He began to get the meds orally and the pain started to subside. However, it doesn't take much to set it off. But he is a trooper and that is not stopping him.

He has made a great deal of progress today. The fever has gone down, blood pressure is returning to normal, he ate some clear liquids tonight and moved with the physical therapist this afternoon. The neurological team met with him for a consult just to be on the safe side.

Four separate doctors are in attendance and they also came.

The manual breathing exerciser is ever present, waiting for Raymon to stretch his lungs every hour. Um, working on that!

Tomorrow looks good to go home. There are a few items on the "not yet accomplished" list before that happens though.

We had our good night prayer and I left him sleeping.

Tomorrow comes early...

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Its Been A Long Day / Thanks Everybody!


Surgery went well, no blood loss, everything went smoothly. Dr. McAllister said that the only problem he had was closing due to Raymon's thick skin!

The difficult part of the day was the recovery room. He did not want to wake up and it took a bit longer than expected. He would wake for a few moments and then go back to sleep. 

Rather than go to ICU, they took him directly from the recovery room to his hospital room. 

He is now very uncomfortable, sleepy and has that after surgery cotton mouth.

Tomorrow begins the real work! Tonight, we both crash!

There is no definitive set date on when he is to leave the hospital. Today we were told from one to four days. 

Thanks for your prayers and patience. 

Text or email your questions and I'll try to answer all.

(There is no phone in his room and my phone gets spotty reception. I so appreciate everyones efforts to assist with communication!)

Monday, April 15, 2013

Hospital Eve 4/15/13

With so much upheaval in Boston today, our thoughts and prayers are with those runners, bystanders and supporters injured. We pray that those touched in any way may find some measure of rest tonight.

--------------------------------
Tis the night before we go...

It all seems so anticlimactic. And yet there are still papers to sign, forms to fill out and talks to talk, and talk and talk.

Hearing from so many of you with cards and emails means so much.

The meds he must take before surgery have been making him lightheaded. Very congested too. Sunday two of our Christian brothers stuck out into the streets looking for him before services. It seems he decided to go home--without telling me. (Later he said that he did. Ummmm)

They walked me to our apartment searching hi and low, and no Raymon. As they turned to the elevator, who should they meet but dear dizzy Raymon.

Today has been a last fling downtown and subway riding.

Tomorrow is check-in and an overnight prep.

Wednesday is surgery.  

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Why Two for One?

God's intervention.

We and the medical staff have been dealing with this situation for a while. Since I knew what has been going on, I knew all of you could read my mind as to how this all came to pass!

Raymon was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the beginning of this year. It was discovered after routine testing. Further tests were made and surgery was scheduled.

Why remove the Adrenal gland?

Had God not intervened, a rare condition might have gone undetected and negatively affected the prostate surgery.

But it turns out that Raymon has a very rare condition that could easily have been missed.

The Adrenal gland removal had to do with that prostate cancer surgery originally set for March 21. The day before that surgery during pre-op, the surgeon call an "audible" and halted the procedure until further testing could be done. Previously, the Adrenal tumor showed as a blimp and the surgeon believed it was insignificant.

We know God pointed out the necessary repairs needed before prostate surgery.

Stay with us folks. First will be this surgery with a time of recovery. Then the prostate surgery will follow, with its recovery period...or that's the plan:-)






Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Wed. 4/3 Surgery date

Adrenalectomy surgery is to be 4 /17 / 2013.

His right Adrenal gland is scheduled to be removed laparoscoptically.

He will be admitted into the hospital 4 / 16 /2013 for overnight preparation. 

Bronx VA Hospital

Note: Our phones have no reception in the hospital. 

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Update, 4/2 AM


Update:

I always thought Raymon was one in a million but 2% of 7 million? His case is somewhat rare.

Today we learned that his right Adrenal gland has a 3.5 cc tumor that is over producing hormones. It is called Pheochromocytoma, a type of adrenal tumor. He exhibits no symptoms. 

The near plan is for the medical team to monitor.

Long range, the Adrenal gland with tumor will be removed. Following a recovery period, the Prostate with cancer will also be removed. 

We praise God that this rare condition was discovered.