Day 9
Deb did not have a good day today. She is having a lot of intestinal problems that are probably related to the chemotherapy and her irregularity. Her not getting enough rest is catching up with her -- and last but not least, she still has next to no appetite. We will be packing up some beef stew for her microwave. After some early morning meetings tomorrow, I will spend the rest of the day with Deb to help get this ship back on course. Next to no laps today --to be made up tomorrow!!
We will still the no visitor rule in effect until some of these issues come back into line. Deb over-extends herself when people visit and then pays for it. Yesterday, she slept for 2 hours solid in between visitors. Following Jester's friendly reminder of today -- please also limit the time of your stay. I realize that it is a pain to get to Penn, but Deb will stay engaged with you as long as you stay -- she sounds fine, but then sleeps in between visits. Hopefully, she will start sleeping more through the night, eat more and gain some strength back.
Deb thanks everyone for the head coverings, but still needed some things from a special shop in the Penn Tower. She now has a nice, beanie baby soft, pink sleeping cap to keep her head warm at night. When she was sleeping the other day, I could see her try to cover her head to get warm. All new stuff to learn.
Please keep the blogs coming as we deliver them every day to Deb. When I take the old file home at night, they are dog eared and wrinkled so she is reading them more than once a day.
Deb sends her love to all.
posted by Joe @ 7:53 PM
20 Comments:
Hey Debbie:
Sounds like Joe has finally put his foot down. You better get some rest and keep your head warm. Aunt Angie had a great day at the Senior Center. I knew she just needed to get out with her cronies. She has been keeping close tabs on you thru the blog. She is so hip!
I think we may do some baking this weekend. We will send you a tasting for when your buds get back to normal. A sampling of what you'll be baking with us next time.
Mere made it thru her day and said that the Honors American History test was not too bad. Colin survived his algebra. One more week and we are counting. Bee is off at bball practice. I know he would love to give you a hug. He is so quiet sometimes. I couldn't have said it better than he..."what are you doing getting sick!"
Please catch up on the much needed rest. We saved the picture of you and Joe to our desktop. So you two are with us all the time. Especially as I throw another load of laundry in.
Take care until tomorrow...Cuz Eileen
Hi Debbie,
I'm sorry that you didn't have the best day. I've been thinking about you since I heard about your ordeal, and am thrilled to be able to send my good wishes and positive thoughts your way. I loved seeing your pics(as I haven't seen you in soooo long). I swear to God, you look exactly the same. I'm sure your smile is just as bright under that beanie too. Contrary to what Mo said, I am not that adept at this, and can't type for s--t! I know right now you are amazed that I got this far in my message and that was my first curse word. I'm trying to censor my message since 1. I don't really get this, even though I think it is the best idea, and 2. I have no way of knowing who will read it... I hope that your rash is getting better. As long as you aren't having visitors, take your Beny. and sleep through the crappy days if you can! Sending lots of love your way.
(Hi to all my old NPH buds).
Kim
Hi Debbie,
I'm sorry that you didn't have the best day. I've been thinking about you since I heard about your ordeal, and am thrilled to be able to send my good wishes and positive thoughts your way. I loved seeing your pics(as I haven't seen you in soooo long). I swear to God, you look exactly the same. I'm sure your smile is just as bright under that beanie too. Contrary to what Mo said, I am not that adept at this, and can't type for s--t! I know right now you are amazed that I got this far in my message and that was my first curse word. I'm trying to censor my message since 1. I don't really get this, even though I think it is the best idea, and 2. I have no way of knowing who will read it... I hope that your rash is getting better. As long as you aren't having visitors, take your Beny. and sleep through the crappy days if you can! Sending lots of love your way.
(Hi to all my old NPH buds).
Kim
Hi, Aunt Debbie. I'm sorry you didn't have a good day today. I hope you can get some sleep tonight and have a better day tomorrow.
Lisa
Deb,
this blog comes to you at about 11:30pm....I think my brother Joe has rubbed off on me..I left the office at 9:15 PM.
I am sorry to hear that this was rough day. Lets just hope that tomorrow is better. I hope you can continue to get more rest. As your Scottish friend said..keep your pecker up!! (Gosh that was funny..I almost fell out of the chair with that one) (to those that did not read, that is Scottish for saying keep your chin up!!)
hang tough Debbie!!
Rick
Deb and Joe.. you all better be asleep as i write this.. Debbie.. it sounds like your day was rough. sorry to hear that.. and i was telling mo,, even though it's been about 20 year since i lived there.. i still feel so close to all of you..that is the kind of impact you have on people.. and i too have been thinking about how you were doing all day!!Nine days, wow.. and Debbie, listen to joes command of rest and minimum visitors.. maybe for awhile turn that tv on .. let your body rest, and stop being the best hostess even in the hospital..it's okay to rest for awhile!
Kim , nice to hear from you, and we didnt even have to put a rating on your message!ha..
I'll check this in the am before work, need ot go asleep.. fell asleep watching the Amazing Race!What happened to the days when we could stay up late and go dancing???mdf
Good Morning Deb,
I hope you had a restful night and are ready for some food and laps. Listen to Joe, the only time you"ll hear ME sy that. Limit or eliminate the visitors. You are NOT the hostess, but the patient. Save all your strength for getting well and fighting this. You can wait on everyone once again once this is all a dim memory. Please, think of yourself. I knot that is hard for you to do. Yo've spent your whole life so far doing for others. It's OK to focus on just you. Look at all of us who are focused on you. You getting well is top priority.
Time to go to work and deal with those little demonoids.
Lots of love, hugs and kisses,
Beth
Hi Deb,
Just checking in before I head out. Good God, I sent my message twice as if it were so stimulating you'd want to read it again! I told you I wasn't that good at this(you jinxed me Mo). Makes you wonder why Dan hired me to pay his bills and do payroll at the office ??I always tell him that he doesn't pay me enough for the aggravation( and for the fringe benefits he gets), but clearly, he pays me too much! Don't tell him though, I think my annual review/raise is coming up. Hope you slept better. Have a better day.
XOXO, Kim
it's wednesday and as i am waking my first thoughts are usually.. should i have cheerios,or have one of the boys warm cinnamon rolls.. now it's "i wonder how deb is today!".. as i am getting ready to take a shower i am again amazed at the morphing of my body.. it really is turning into a grandmotherly type bod over night.with alot of padding!!did you you that your forearms can gain weight?that vericose veins don't disappear with surgery?that skin turns wrinklely , even on thighs?? everyone under 45 reading this, don't loose too much hope..look at jane fonda(damn jane fonda..had to go and get fit at age 50!we should all be able to wear housecoats by then,,we've earned it.now we have to treadmill, watch calories,and still be able ot sit"criss cross applesauce") .. well not me. Anyway, deb,,hope the rash is subsiding.. can you take a soak in an oatmeal tub or something?
Have a great day and i'll check on you after work..thanks again Joe,, you're a great "main squeeze"1to her!mdf
Hey Deb & Joe,
During my daily blog site reading this A.M. I could not help but notice everyone using the word HOPE in one form or another. It reminded me of one of my favorite passages in the bible, which is "a little suffering is good for the soul, suffering creates endurance , endurance creates character, and character creates HOPE, and with HOPE we cannot fail. God never gives us more than we can handle. I am so proud of both of you. What a wonderful example of love you are for all of us. By the way Deb, one of your patient rights is to sleep whenever you feel like closing your eyes. Get your rest, and hold on tight to that wonderful man of yours. God Bless you and your family. I'll write to you tomorrow.
Love Artie :)
Hi Debbie,
Paul and I thinking about, and praying for you. I still have the joy of caring for Taylor and she amazes me every day by what she understands. At this point she is not much of a talker but there isn't much she misses. As you know from being with Christian a toddler has endless energy that a grandmother doesn't have. Fortunately these precious little ones are quick to switch to another game or find a way to entertain themselves for awhile. I would bet that Christian can't wait to see his grandma. I can imagine that every night he's probably saying his prayers with his mommy for his precious grandma & grandpa.
I still come to Kathy & Marc's home to care for Taylor and there are toys in every room to keep her occupied. Taylor still seems to enjoy an empty box as much as any expensive toy.
I will try to keep you posted about Taylor and hopefully you will soon be enjoying Christian's company too.
Take good care of yourself, and know that all of your family and friends are with you in spirit.
Love and prayers from all the Brandt's and Bocciarelli's, especially Taylor and her grandma.
Hi Debbie! My mom just sent me your blog site and I wanted to write a note of my own even though she passed along our best wishes. I've been thinking about you a lot and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I read that you're looking for ways to pass your time in the hospital and was wondering if I can send along some books on CD for you. Let me know who your favorite authors are and I'll be at Borders or Barnes & Noble in no time! Taylor is just starting to grasp the concept of Santa and I'm sure she'd love to play Santa's Little Helper and help send you some entertainment. Speaking of Taylor and Santa, this is too cute not to share... we have a decoration of Santa's legs sticking out of his toy bag and when Taylor asked (by way of a shrug and head tilt) what it was I told her Santa fell in his bag and said "Whooooops" while throwing my arms in the air and pretending that I was falling. Now when she sees it she kicks one little leg up and throws her hands in the air, grinning the whole time. I'm sure you have countless memories of your precious Christian doing similar adorable things. I sent Jessie some pictures of Taylor to share with you all... mainly since I'm still a new(ish) obnoxious mom who sends unsolicited pictures. =) Hopefully the pictures and cute stories will be enough to lift your spirits, even if only for awhile. I will try to write often, but know that even when I don't you are in my thoughts, prayers, and heart. Take care of you!!!
Kathy, Marc, and Taylor
Special Guest Posting #2:
We were having trouble getting into blogger from the Hospital network so we are posting as a comment.
"Dear FOD's:
The computer was free and JT was here early today and am taking this opportunity to speak directly with all of you.
First, thank you a million times from the bottom of my heart to everyone for the blogs, cards, calls and letters. I am feeling better today and do feel everyone's love and it strengthens me every day whcn times get rough. I feel like there are a hundred arms around me to help me and to support me.
The alien in my abdomen is quiet today and that always makes for a better day.
I am mostly eating food from home. You cannot imagine how bad the hospital food is here.
I am getting 2 more units of blood today and that should perk me up some more.
I attempted a shopping trip today in the lobby of the hospital where they were having a booksale. I was able to get some wonderful books for Christian, but Joe showed up at the nick of time because I was starting to wilt. I did walk over the front door and get some breaths of cold air and it was refreshing. If I could do that every day that would have to help.
My numbers are all way down. My WBT is 0 and platlates are 12, hmg. 8 (YIKKES!!!). I cannot believe that these numbers are mine. But this is all a good indicator that the treatment is working as it is supposed to.
I should be like this for about a week and then my counts should start climbing again.
Jessie's trip was cancelled because one of her tests suggested the possibility of pre-term labor. Her docs. thought she should stay home. I am both relieved and disappointed that she will not be coming to visit.
Thank you all for the visits, but this next week we should keep them to a minimum.
I look forward to cups of tea and liters of cosmopolitans with each and everyone of you when I get out of here.
I love you, I love you, I love you.
Debbie
PS Jester, please move this over to a post. I could not get on blogger.com.
Thanks,
D
Hi Mrs. Teklits!!
So I was finally able to pry your blog link out of Alli so now I can say HI- I LOVE YOU!!! I tried to call you Sunday before you went into the hospital, but I’m sure you were bombarded by a million phone calls. Alli tells me she’s getting you hoop earrings and red lipstick to go with all your bandanas. I just might have some hot shoes to match that. That way, we can all wear them when we go out for cosmos in a month! I miss you soooo much and I hope that when you start feeling a little better (as I know you will with the promise of cosmopolitans ahead of you), we can take a trip down to visit you. I have no doubt you will pull through this- you and I both have that strong Italian women thing going for us. I love you much, be strong, and I hope to see you soon!!!!!!
All my love,
Christine
PS- Ali Costa sends her love as well. I will give her the link so she can post something for you.
Dear Deb and Joe
I think it is great to be able to read how everything is going.
I wish I could hold you Debbie, but for now the hugs have to come from Joe and your kids. As long as you know your are in my heart.
Love you guys.
Aunt Angie
gu
Hi, Deb,
I'm sorry you aren't feeling so good today. I'll focus my prayers on one day at a time for you. I was surprised to hear you're finished your chemo because I thought you would be given chemo for all 30 days. Glad to hear it's over. Does this mean we can hope to see you begin to get your strength back? I'll look to see if anyone has matching caps and socks for you to sleep in. Take care of yourself and you, too, Joe. Patrick's coming home Thursday or Friday, too, from PSU. I know you can't wait to see him. Love, Kay
Hi Mrs. Teklits. I just wanted to let you know that I can't stop thinking about you since Jessie told me about everything. My family and I are praying for you. I'm sorry to hear that you've had a rough couple of days and I hope you are able to get some sleep soon. Love, Denise Massie
Hello MY Debballa ..how are you today.. needless to say we missed you soooo much at the Christmas party last nite...of course everyone sent there love and prayers and happy thoughts,, it just wasn't the same without you (you too Reen ..we missed you even though you yelled at me :) ! ) I trudged around rice's market in the bitter cold yesterday.. I know it was really cold because about 20 vendors commented and were surprised to see me wearing a coat!! Jeff sends hugs love kisses and funny "stuff"..will try to blog sometime soon...says ala nancy to "keep your pecker up"... Joe and Jessie are doing a great job holding this all together ..I'm sure it's a ton of work and not as easy as it looks ...Debbie I know you've had a rough few days ..I'm praying for good days to come... get a lot of rest...try to do those cursed laps and if not at least imagine you are doing them...I think it said in the rule book that if you click your heels 3 times and imagine you did 20laps...lo they be done...or somthing like that... love you honey ... and love to your great family for all their hard work love and constant attention see you soon :)Bev
Yoo,hoo, just got off from work.. read your note deb. i felt it was a good sign that you were able to hit the gift shop without any WBT!and low plts.. now it's time for you to restrengthn..(is that a word?)and fresh air always makes me feel good.. and helps me to sleep..
Now a quick note to little kim... so, are you still about 4'11" and 80lbs after all your kids... if so, go to hell! just teasing(no offense good catholics).. deb..take it slow... but take it!! mdf
debbie, sorry, but im sort of laughing at mo.she makes it sound like that is the last time tonight that she is going to write you..ha..watch out for kids with runny noses when you walk into the gift shop for heavens sake!!did i mention that prisoners might start praying for you also?/ told my brother mark(you met him at my father's funeral).well he does the prison fellowship in ore.utah, wyo. wash, calif.. so might get some help from some cons;;; love , mary day
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