Day 22
Deb had quite a busy day today with some visitors in the morning and she had a excursion out of the hospital for about 4 hours.
Today was our home cleaning day so we were busy in the AM with the normal weekly chores. We left to visit with Deb around 10:30. Her nurse buddies told us about a number of very nice restaurants and bistros a few blocks from the hospital. With the students on break, we expected a nice break from the hospital food which is awful, as we have often commented.
Deb was in "street" clothes for the first time since her arrival and the four of us headed up the street to find the eateries. There are a number of wonderful looking pubs, "Bubble House," etc. which, of course, were all closed for Christmas. The only choice open was "Mad Mex's Mexican" restaurant and we all decided to take a pass on this since we were all recovering from the Christmas chili. Those hospital laxitives have nothing on this concoction! We walked back to the car and headed for Deb's favorite deli -- the "Famous 4th Street" deli which was open and crowded.
After about a 20 minute wait, we were seated and a short time later, Deb was sipping some split pea soup and munching into a corned beef on rye sandwich. The portions in this place are huge and she more than held up her end of the bargain. The boys also enjoyed their sandwiches and french fries. We ordered a chocolate eclair to go, which was about the size of a small loaf of bread.
We arrived back at Deb's room a little after 4:00 PM and she and the boys laid down for a nap. However, her nurse buddies started showing up to find out what Deb had done and where she had gone for such a long time. Mike and Deb then ate some of the eclair, the remainder of which is in her fridge. We all had a very nice visit and Deb was happy when I left at about 6:00. I expect that she will be sleeping early tonight.
Deb still seems weak and has difficulty with steps. She was short of breath a few times today and had to use her inhaler. Her leg muscles need some tuning up and she will be walking her laps again. We will meet with Dr. Porter tomorrow and he will outline the second phase of the chemo treatment. Currently, we believe that Deb will start the chemo treatment tomorrow night, for another 7 days. We should have a bit of a window now before Deb's counts come down again, she becomes neutropenic, and we will just hope for the best. Hopefully, what we learned during the last treatment will be put to good use now so that we can avoid some of the extreme allergic reactions she experienced the last time.
Deb sends her love to all.
posted by Joe @ 6:56 PM
16 Comments:
Debbie,
So glad to hear that you got to get some fresh air! It probably felt amazing. And, how can I not comment on your pictures? Glorious as always! Jessi, you look really great too. I just saw a picture of Christian at Reen's and he is literally the cutest kid ever (and I work at a daycare, so I I don't dish that out alot), but he takes the cake!
Reen and Bob are over, along with the rest of the gang... and we all send a big hug and tons of holiday cheer! Good luck with round two, you're in our prayers!
xoxoxo Meg Noon
Hey Debbie!
My mom has been keeping me updated with your progress and my heart just gets bigger and bigger everyday. We were talking about when you, Kathi, my mom, and mrs. deviney took us girls down to Philadelphia for the Nut Cracker show and how my mom misbehaved when the little sugarplum (thats what she calls them) tripped on stage! Of course that lovely fire drill later on that night and how we all were going down the steps in matching pjs (how cool were we?!) Great times and great memories. Have a task for you to try. Received this from a friend that Meg Noon and I know in an email...
While sitting at your desk, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles with it. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction!!!
It is hilarious to try to do but knowing your intelligence I bet you could outsmart your foot ;)
Love you Debbie! Keep Fighting woman!
Joanie Smith
dear deb,
sorry i did not post to you last night, but as so as i shut the door on the last guest at 7:30 i fell asleep for the night on the family room couch. thank god dennis did all the clean up.
your voice yesterday morning was the best gift i could recieve. you sounded great. the photos with joe and kids were heartwarming. jessie, you and emma look glowing-and very happy to be with your mom. debbie, your eyes look sparkling and your smile beautiful.and your look is very adorable just as i predicted.
it sounds as if your christmes turned out to be unexpected warm and wonderful--no cooking involved!!!!!
i cant believe that you were out and about for 4 hours today--i look foward to seeing you in the flesh--giving you a big hug and just sitting with you.
i cant tell you how touched i was by joeys post---what a guy. Love, Marian
drew wants to say a few words.......Hi Mrs. Teklits, I just wanted to let you know that we are all thinking about you and we hope that you feel better soon. Love, Drew
Hey Deb, it's Dennis. We've been following the blog every day. So you've been walking around while you're supposed to be in your room. You're going to get dinged for cutting! Hope to see you soon!
Hi Deb,
It was great to hear that you were able to get out for awhile! The fresh air and change of scenery must have felt wonderful! My thoughts and prayers are with you as you start this second round. Take care Deb and stay strong. We're all praying for you.
Thanks for keeping us updated every day Joe!
Jeanne
Dear Deb and Joe
Wow! Deb what a treat for you.
I'm so happy you were able to
dress and go out to eat.
Bless all of you. I love you all.
BIG HUGS Your Aunt Angie
Ding, Ding.. get ready for round two, except this time i think you should have a chippendale model holding the round 2 sign.. deb,i hope this round is a "heck" of alot less itchy and without "ika,dicka dicka"(you remember my mom's words?)and that you can eat, do your laps, and built back up... the outside world misses you!!
I got to go to Best Buy today(yuk) to exchange the surround sound.. told Patrick to go pick a new one out while i was in the exchange line.. he did , he hooked it up to the "playroom"tv, where they all play videos and im pretty sure that we will either loose all the paint on our walls, or a hole is going to be made where the " woofer" is!!Mark is now watching the Patriots(sorry folks.. favorite team here with my boys), and Kathi.. yes.. not only did Patrick make it thru It's a Wonderful LIfe.. but also, "Going My Way" but trust me..it was close at times...take care Teklits..mdf
Hi Deb,
You are truly unbelievable! What a day. I hope you are sleeping peacefully at this point.
went to Mom's for dinner...thought of you as we were driving through Lansdale. Thought of Mo too and her blog message last night. Now that made me LOL! I haven't used the db term in so long, I almost forgot. Must've been the company I was keeping then?!
Luck and prayers for round 2. If that's your ticket outta there, let's get it started.
Will be thinking of you.
Love, Kim
Debbie,
It must have been wonderful to get out and enjoy an afternoon in the world with your boys.
I will be praying for you this next week. We want to see you back home as soon as possible. I also have my college roommate in texas with her 14 children praying for your speedy recovery.
Mom is staying with me for the week, she just asked me for an update. She was glad to hear you were out for a short while today. Again she sends her love and prayers.
Take care and sleep well tonight.
Love, Jean
Another word Kim used was "squat" ie..he doesn't know squat , i have squat to eat, they didn't give me squat orders.. remember... so, i think from thanksgiving to tomorrow is long enough to keep up the christmas decorations in the house,, don't you think? so, taking down tomorrow.. getting the house back in some kind of order..Deb, i 'll talk to you again on tuesday.. hope your night was a good one... mdf
Hi Deb. Glad you got outside the walls with Joe and the boys, must have felt good to have a change in scenery. I'll be saying some "extra" prayers as we all begin the second leg of this journey to recovery with you. You're an incredible lady, Deb, and I can't wait to celebrate with you when you're back home.
Love,
Cathy
So glad to hear that you had a joyous Christmas. You were all in my prayers during the Christmas eve services at St. Anthony's. I was especially reminded of you during Monsignor McHenry's homily -- a child was asked if she knew the meaning of her mother's beautiful nativity scene. The child confidently replied that she did and when pressed to explain it, she said "it's breakable." It was a great reminder about how fragile life is, how vulnerable we all are -- and how important it is to cherish the moments we have to enjoy its beauty.
I'll continue to keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers with best wishes for more and more good news.
Mary, your Unisys benefits person
Mmm. ECLAIRS! The size of a loaf of bread!
It must have been fantastic to get out and blow the stink off of you! So glad to hear that you were able to hit the Famous 4th Street Deli again with Joe and the boys. What a nice way to spend the day. You know all your FOD's wish we were there with you - if Donna Teabags could rustle up all your Santas they would be there too! Good Luck Donna - those pesky Santas sure have been leading you on a merry chase!
Sending you good vibes for your meet with Dr. Porter (good omen - Porter was my G'ma Mabel's maiden name) I'm burning the sage, beating the drums and saying the chants to keep the allergic reactions away.
Today is our last day in Santa Fe (boo-hoo) we meet with the architects and builder today - should have a better idea as to our path forward after that. Yesterday we spent the day with Lou and Kathleen eating, shopping and just looky-looing. (She sends her love and is keeping you in her prayers.)
The lap nazi mentioned more laps today. With that kind of trainer it's gonna be Rockettes here you come. Hope you are able to drink your tea out of your Radio City mug for inspiration!
Love you honey. K
Whew!!!
Well thats over with for another year. I think Cathy and I maxed out the townhouse. Fourteen around the table was as much as the house could hold. All the paticipants had a wonderful day. We pulled up the blogspot for Helen, John, Sandy, John, Patti, Tom and of course The Chadwicks. We loved the Pics of your lovely Family. Deb you are so HOT!!! Don't wolf down to many burgers, but eat enough to stay strong Kiddo! :) You know, it dawned on me that if we took some of that facial hair from Joe, and added it to your head, it would almost be a wash. :) Well, the third quarter is almost over! You've got the game well in hand. Glad to see you had a great Christmas. The prayers go on unceasing! Love Artie
P.S. Have a GREAT!!!! New Years
Dear Debbie and family,
I was so happy to read that things have improved for you! I know round #2 is coming and our prayers are with you for smoother sailing this time! The pictures were so beautiful! Your smile is wonderful! What a great family! Keep up the great work and know our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Love, Kathleen Beal (Mike Naughton's sister)
Hi Deb:
So glad to read of your family visit...I am sure that was so good for your heart and soul. I loved the pictures..you look really great!!!
An eclair the size of a loaf of bread..hmmm...sounds really good!
I found out what a small world we really have. Our older daughter, Patti, works for someone that you know..Bob Booth from North Wales Millwork! She has been there about 1 year as a receptionist working 9 am to 3 pm. She loves it!
Always keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Carolyn Stuart
Hay Deb, It was great seeing the pictures of you and your family. Thanks for sharing them with all of us. Sounds like you had a good couple of days and enjoyed the holiday. We were in Philly on Monday at the Constituation Center while you were roaming around the city. I thought I felt your vibes. Things are getting back to normal here. Erin and Kevin went back to Deleware today and I had a chance to make a pot of Ham and Bean soup and a pot of Turkey Tortilla soup. I'll make some for you when you get home.
Hope this next round of chemo goes quickly and you breeze through it.
Talk to you soon
Love Cathy
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