Thursday, December 22, 2005

Day 18

What a difference a day can make! Debbie was moved out of the ICU unit this morning into an intermediate ICU unit and was able to speak on the phone to tell us her new room number. Yesterday, her voice was not audible and when they first scoped her, her voice box was not visible that is how swollen her throat was. When we left last evening, she was counting "Riders in the Sky" with Jim Morrison and when we returned today, she was sitting up in bed, yapping up a storm with whomever was in earshot and was hungry! What an improvement. Whether it was the steroids or the TPN nourishment or both, she was 1000% better today.

Deb has been visited by all sorts of specialists throughout the day because they suspect that the throat problem was partially caused by an allergic reaction to something. That would make her third allergic reaction so far. This extra attention is welcome because it should make the next induction easier for her -- if nothing else, we will know what to expect and what not to use.

The boys got down to see her around 5:00 and they were pleased to be with their Mom -- when she knew who they were. That was a big relief for them. Jessica has determined to visit tomorrow and she will see Deb for the first time during this ordeal. She will take a train up from DC tomorrow morning and return early in the afternoon on Saturday.

Deb will be moved back into Ravdin tomorrow and we are still hoping to get back to 941 because it has a bath tub. Maryellen is pulling strings for us again, so we are hopeful to be back "home" in Deb's room and to get some -- but not all -- of the stuff back into the room. We did way too many trips to the tower last night.

Thanks to everyone for the gifts and the food. The boys are keeping good pace with the intake and it is very much appreciated.

Hoping for some more good days.

Deb sends her love to all.

19 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great news, Joe! We were all storming heaven the last 24 hours.
Let's hope they find out what she's allergic to so they can make her second go-round more comfortable. Thanks for keeping us posted. It's a heck of a lot better than waiting and wondering.
God bless you all! Susie

12/22/2005 7:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Mrs. Teklits,
I can hear the big sigh of relief coming from every person in your giant recovery army. Thank goodness for this good day! All of these moves must be a pain in the butt. I hope whatever room you get into next is just as comfortable and homey as any hospital room gets. Although, while you are surrounded by your family and friends (and all of us bloggers in spirit) anywhere is homey. Hopefully you are on the upswing of this ordeal. We are all praying for you!
Castro was addressing a large audience in Cuba, and he began, "They accuse me of intervening in Angola..." and a man going through the audience called out, "Peanuts! Popcorn!"

Castro went on: "They say I'm intervening in Mozambique..." and the same loud voice shouted, "Peanuts! Popcorn!

Castro continued: "They say I'm intervening in Nicaragua..." and the voice yelled again, "Peanuts! Popcorn!"

By this time Castro was boiling mad and he sputtered, "Bring that man who is shouting 'Peanuts! Popcorn!' to me, and I'll kick him all the way to Miami."

And everybody in the audience started shouting, "Peanuts! Popcorn!"
Stay STRONG!!
Love, Sarah Schneider

12/22/2005 8:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Deb and Joe
Want you to know I prayed to any Saint that would listen to me.
Thank Lord for this day.
I went to the Senior Center today and had a painting class,had lunch and saw all my friends.So good to get out again.
Please Debbie Hang in there.
All My Love
BIG HUGS Your Aunt Angie

12/22/2005 8:24 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mrs Teklits,
I am SOO happy to hear you are doing better!!!!!! And so happy you can spend some q.t. w/ the boys... talk to you soon.
miss you
Love always,
Alli

12/22/2005 8:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

PS- have a wonderful day with jessie tomorrow.. I AM SURE you are thrilled to get to spend some time together.. .

Jessie- the video of Christian is the cutest ever.. hes adorable..Can't wait to meet you all!

12/22/2005 8:56 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Joe, so happy for all of you.. hope Deb continues to get stronger!Does this mean , now that shes on steriods that she will have a "mean " bat and swing? Hey Deb, wrote you a blog on the bottom of day 17 after i got home from work today, so i wont'take up more space.. check there if you want.. so much happier to hear your feeling better..mdf

12/22/2005 9:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Deb,
We're so thrilled you had a better day today. We are also happy that you'll get to see Jessie tomorrow. Keep improving and have a good visit with Jessie. We'll keep praying for you.
Ruthann and John

12/22/2005 9:36 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Deb- Great news thatyou had a better day. Enjoy your visit with Jessie. I'm enjoying a few days away from MSC, next week is busy and Deb S. is off. You know how much I love going in early every day. Hope Gretch gets there first every day to handle that stupid alarm!!! Well I better head back to my wrapping. Miss you lots and I am always thinking of you. Thank you so much Joe for all the updates! Love, Holly

12/22/2005 10:46 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WHOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO! That's the best news anyone could have hoped for! My what a difference 24 hours can make! Keep it up Aunt Debbie!!! Enjoy your visit with Jessie! What a great Christmas present...you're feeling better and now the WHOLE family is together!!!! give Emma a kiss for me. The last time I saw her she was barely a bump!

Love always,

Lisa

P.S. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(I needed a few more of those)

12/22/2005 10:47 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Deb,

That's great news. Hopefully,round 2 will go easier. I'm calling Mom & Ro to let them know that you are out of ICU.

Eddy, Shirl & Lisa

12/23/2005 7:28 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Debbie:

Knew something had to give. I can just picture you "yapping up a storm"...

Jessie coming up from DC...what a wonderful thing. I know you worry yourselves about her and it will do both of you a world of good to see that you both are mananging. Not sure if that is the right word but Joe's description has made you sound like your old self.

Today I will be making meatballs and sauce for Christmas Eve dinner here. Mere has to work until 5 at the pharmacy and Brendan has to serve 6:30 mass so...dinner will be late.

Keep up the progress. Your results from the first phase look very promising. If you get those same results...round 2 may be all you need. Keep you the "good patient routine"...Love to all from the Show-Me State...Cuz Eileen

12/23/2005 8:41 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Debbie,

So happy to hear that you are feeling better...you really gave us a scare!! Can't imagine you not being able to talk so we thank God that your throat is better and you have your voice back.

What great news that Jessie is visiting you today. The best medicine in the world for both of you!! How wonderful to have all of you together...Christmas for the Teklits has come two days early. Enjoy your time all together and we will keep praying for you to have continued good days ahead.

By the way, I got a peak of your newly painted/papered kitchen when I visited with the boys the other day. It looks beautiful and I know you will love it. (And the kitchen was very clean,too. The boys are doing a good job) It won't feel right until we see you busy cooking up a storm in it, though, so keep getting yourself better.

Karen & Bob

12/23/2005 8:56 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Debbala.. My God... only you could pull off that miracle..someone says tracheostomy and you say..."over my skinny ass"... isn't it great you can say that!!! (humour only a chunky person can appreciate).. I love you girl... and I gotta tell you.. no lie ... I went to bed at 11 pm saying the rosary ..couldn't fall asleep..., kept on saying the rosary..couldn't fall asleep, etc.,etc.eventually fell asleep,saying the etc. in my sleep non stop couldn't break the cycle ..forced myself to wake up at 3 am still saying you know what ..it was positively eeirie... anyway it was all dedicated to making you better..and thank God you are...My whole crowd (plus the beautiful Mackenzie) are praying for you ..especially now..Deb have a wonderful happy visit with Jessie, kiss the belly Emma, and thanks to Joe for all his great info ..it keeps us all afloat..what would we do without you ??? what would Debbie do without you???Love and Kisses from afar :)Bev

12/23/2005 10:03 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

And There You Have It Folks!!
SCORE!!! We are on the board!
Way to go Deb :)!!!! As A Cheer goes up from the Crowd!!!! Now thank the Good Lord, for a season of Hope!! Jessie's on her way up, the boys are back in town ( Hmmmmm.... Would make a good song :) Deb is sitting up gabbing away, kick'in butt and tak'in names. Why I believe Penn State just might take the Orange Bowl! Yea!!!... Joe you bring news of great joy. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Can you tell I'm excited yet!! :) Debbie we love you ,you keep on keep'in on. "Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night"
Love Artie :)

12/23/2005 10:46 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yeah Deb! You go girl!! Eat, eat, eat! Thrilled (as we all were) to read Joe's post last night. Thanks again Joe..keep the good news coming. I know from reading the messages that your family and FOD's alike would be lost if we didn't have your daily updates. Enjoy your visit with Jessie. So glad she can make it. Hope you are back in your old room Deb. Love you, Kim
Special note to Bob and Kim: Since I'm only in Chester Springs, we're practically neighbors(hope you didn't see me slip in the driveway). Anyway, it's good to know I'm not the only one praying for Deb in Chester County!Hope to meet you all at the party I know Debbie will have when this mess is behind her.

12/23/2005 12:12 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Debby & Joe,
The old adage "what a difference a day makes" still holds true today!!
This was a delightful posting & we'd be overjoyed if every day was as good as this was. Definitely one for the "good day" column. It was a most pleasant thought picturing Debby siting up, chatting with passers-by,& in particular that her appetitie returned. "Load her up" with good food because we're sure that she's dropped a few more pounds than planned. Sounds like the UofP staff is very attentive to Debby's needs & that is surely pleasant for all to see. Today will be a highlight for both of you as the entire family will be together' We're hoping the "right strings" are being pulled for you to get your room back again. We prefer seeing more of these postings - keep them coming!!
Love, Mom and Dad

12/23/2005 2:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Debbie,

So glad to hear that you are doing better!!! It's so great that Jessie is there to visit you! We miss and love ya!

Meg and Kate Noon

12/23/2005 7:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We're so glad you are feeling better.Gave us a scare but we know your're tough.We continue to pray for you. Enjoy Jessie's visit and keep eating. Love to all of you from the Booths.

12/23/2005 9:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

DEBBIE, YOU TOOK SUCH GOOD CARE OF ME WHEN I WAS SICK. I WILL TRY TO DO THE SAME BY PRAYING FOR YOU AND SENDING YOU MY LOVE.

SANDY CASSEL

12/28/2005 9:51 PM  

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