Thursday, January 19, 2006

Day 46

Well FOD's, we are just about there -- I will be going down to fetch Deb home around 10:00 AM tomorrow. Joey and I spent the last 3 hours cleaning, vacuuming, mopping, scrubbing and dusting to get things in order for the big event. Since Bruny was here last Friday, it was not too big of a deal, but the place does look good tonight. I hope that we have not set the bar too high -- but Deb should be pleased. We will let you know tomorrow.

We had another round of HUP "disinformation" last night and today. Previously, we had been told that we would go home for 4-5 weeks and then come back to HUP for the bone marrow biopsy. Last night, Dr. Porter said that we would have the bone marrow biopsy in 2 weeks when we came back in for the CAT scan of Deb's lungs to monitor her pneumonia. This morning, when I checked in with Deb, she told me that the bone marrow was scheduled for today in the PM! Their thinking now being that if they do it now, we will have the results in two weeks when we come back for the CAT scan. I told Deb that I would be there in the PM but would call her at lunch time to make sure of the schedule. Deb called back in 30 minutes to tell me that they were doing the bone marrow in 20 minutes -- and I could not be there. So in 1 day, we went from 6 weeks to 2 weeks to 1 day to now! Sorry -- but that is BALONEY!! and they will hear about it on the evaluation sheet, if they ask me for one.

Kris was able to visit with Deb today and brought her a lunch from the Four Seasons -- which Deb was able to eat (imagine that). Because of the drugs that they gave Deb for the bone biopsy, she was not very communicative today, and understandably so. Kris was a great comfort to Deb and we appreciate that.

When Deb comes home, this post will most likely go to a bi-weekly or weekly publication. Personally, I would like to thank everyone for their kind attention to Deb and for using this tool to keep pace with her. Deb read the blogs every day and the delivery of them became one of our first meeting rituals. Every day was printed and delivered, just like when I delivered the Bulletin, years ago. Many people have commented to me about what a devoted group of friends Deb has to have kept up with the blogs and to have helped us every day with kind words and prayers for Deb's well being. You guys are all great and you are a devoted group of FOD's. We love you for your daily support and encouragement and hope that Deb comes through this to a full recovery.

Deb has given me explicit instructions for this weekend -- NO VISITORS! Sorry FODS, but she needs some time alone in her space and to begin to rebuild. Sounds like gilled cheese sandwiches, egg plant parm., and pasta to me!

As soon as we see Deb's strength improve, we will open the doors and crack open a keg of Cosmos!

Deb sends her love to all.

14 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I beat your Aunt Angie to the comment line! I think she checks in frequently to see if there is a new development or passage from Joe. I'm not much better...it is a daily ritual.

Joe....You will have to ween us slowly. We are all living for each others words.

All the kids send their love. Even the newest teenager Brendan. We ate at the family diner tonight to squeeze in dinner between Dave running to meetings,Bee to bball, Mere finishing work and Colin studying. Oh...and of course the laundry that just won't stop...that would be what I am doing.

Everyone was delighted to hear you get to head back to Lansdale. I am sure that being home will bring added comfort to your recouperation. Not to mention the BM test is behind you now!

Love ya Deb....Rest up! Sounds like Joe's planning a blow out of a bash once you are back to full speed.

Cousin E

1/19/2006 9:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Deb,
What a beautiful thing to be the "queen of the castle" instead of being at the mercy of Penn. Enjoy your homecoming!
I too will miss checking in daily for the progress report and with the FOD's and your family, and was very grateful for the opportunity to do so.
Take it EASY!
Will be keeping you in my thoughts and my prayers. Love, Kim

1/19/2006 9:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Deb,

I am so glad that you will be home safe and sound. You, Joe, Jess, Joey, and Mike are the most wonderful people. You have shared your lives at a time when most people would retreat.

Welcome home, take all the time that you need, but when you are up to it, I am around the corner during the day and if you need anything I can pick it up at lunch time and bring it over. Also remember massage will travel is available when and if your up to it.

You and your family remain in my prayers.

Love,
Jean

1/19/2006 9:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WooHoo Deb!
So glad to hear you are coming home tomorrow! Take it easy and enjoy your own bed for a change! I'm sure it will feel strange after all this time, not to have someone checking on you every 2 hours. Maybe you'll even get to sleep through the night!! Don't you love it when they wake you up to ask you if you need a sleeping pill?

Still praying for "all ya'll" in SC!

Love, Cindy

1/19/2006 9:51 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Deb and Joe
Sounds good to me. Things are looking up.Thinking of you guys and still praying.It's good news, wait till you see my new get well card it's on the way.
Lotsa Love and BIG HUGS
Your Aunt Angie

1/19/2006 10:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So, it's official? Can you believe it? I am so happy for you, especially with that dreaded bone marrow biopsy over.. as annoying as it was with miscommunication, at least then you didn't have to think alot about it and worry.. glad Kris was there to help you through it(and the meds) Do you own a large vehicle, or will everything fit in your car?
Its worth not keeping up with everyone i don't know 's life, but i must admit... i will always be wondering about the santas, the son in Israel, how mussie, and lorraine are doing, whats new with donna teabags, what's going on with bev? when is kris's house in new mexico ready? how is Mikey doing in school? How is jesse doing? sue's notes and her daughters jokes?.....and especially what Aunt Angie thinks about the super bowl...
I wont bother you for awhile,,when things settle down i'll finally call you..in the meantime i will inundate mo with info..
Joe,you have been so wonderful through all of this..good thing im not "into" facial hair.... thanks again for doing this all these weeks.. love to all of you guys.. mdf.. (i'll probably write again in am, but by my time you'll be on your way home!!"

1/19/2006 10:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Deb (and Joe)
The tears are running now... I'm so happy for you.
Home sweet Home will feel so great.
Continue the healing process, and EAT all those treats. Party on!
Love to everyone.
lizz

1/19/2006 10:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations!

I'm so happy to hear that your stay at U Penn is finally going to be over. I hope being home will help you rest and recover. Of course, you'll have to actually REST! It is very understandable that you'd like time to be alone this weekend. You can finally have some peace and quiet!!!!

Enjoy your big day tomorrow and I I hope to see you soon!

Love,
Lisa

1/19/2006 10:24 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Okay, who am i fooling, i will miss hearing what is going on with all of you.. funny, even being as sick as deb was, she still was a hostess in a way!
Anyway, would love to hear and cathc up with any NPH people, or anyone else.. if you feel like it,email me.. my email is my2sonsfoley@yahoo.com
Deb. the prayers won't stop, and i'll keep hoping and praying that each day gets you stronger, and healthier.. your a brave woman!! muah..mdf

1/20/2006 1:46 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

1-20-06-Now you can get the best food,sleep,jacuzzi bath,hershey kisses and all the care,love and attention you need.I'm sooo happy your coming home.Call me if you need anything.I love you Debbie.
Pam

1/20/2006 5:16 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mrs. Teklits!!!!
So glad to hear you are finally going home!! I know this has been the longest 6 weeks of your lives. Enjoy all that wonderful cooking. You'll need it b/c it sounds like there's one heck of a bash in the works when you feel stronger. God Bless.
Jennifer Kelleher

1/20/2006 8:58 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Whoaaaaaa..!
There alot of Cosmo freaks out there! Well congradulations Deb and Joe. Cathy and I could not be happier for you and your whole family. The biggest challenge now lies ahead of you. You have to live out the rest of your life and that's the hard part. You know, most of us don't think about those vows we took years ago. "In good times and bad, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, until the last." Well Deb and Joe the two of you have reminded me of those vows, in your unrelenting love and support of one another. Thank You from the bottom of my heart! I know, because I have been where you are now, that you are not sure how you can ever repay all these wonderful FOD'S. Joe your Thanks is all we need, and you have given that, and Deb I have since learned that the God in his own time will give you the opportunity to give back. That is all that is required. A minuscule task for such a loving and caring person like you. Your experience has increased our faith tenfold. WELCOME HOME DEB! PRAISE BE TO GOD :) Love Cathy and Artie

P.S. Cathy has asked you to let her know if there is anything we can do, to please let us know. See ya soon :)

1/20/2006 9:23 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

HI Deb,
Congrats on coming home today. I am sure you must be so happy right now. And coming home to a clean house (good job Joe & Joey) and your own personal chef. It doesn't get any better then that...except when we get the news that you are in remission. My love and prayers are with you all.

Love,
Dick

1/20/2006 10:11 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey, Deb. One more blog line--can't wait to see your sweet face on Tennis Way!

Love,
Cathy

1/20/2006 2:50 PM  

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