Debbie Will Not Remember Today
Dear Fod's,
This was a very hard day for Debbie waiting for HUP to do the procedure that would relieve her abdominal swelling and ever increasing pain. We are covering our girl in shifts today. When I arrived at about 10:00, Debbie was heavily sedated and sleeping soundly, but when she moved at all, she was clearly in pain. The nurses kept encouraging Debbie to use her pain meds. and they brought her some special meds that kept the pain at bay. My comment to the nurses was that Debbie's belly was not this large since Mike was in there! On top of all of this, she now has a rash going!
Finally, they took Debbie down for the procedure @ 3:00 PM and it should be completed shortly. Part of the reason for the delay was that they needed to get Debbie's platelets above 50K before they could do the procedure. In order to get the correct level, they had to hang two bags of platelets and she went down for the procedure shortly after the second bag was done. Jess and Joey were with Deb when they took her to Interventional Radiology and they will make sure that she is safely deposited in her bed with clean sheets and comforter. Mike will leave shortly to take the last shift to make sure that Debbie will be comfortable throughout the night. We will resume the vigil tomorrow. Hopefully, this procedure will relieve Debbie's discomfort and let her immune system concentrate on its comeback.
Did I mention comeback?? The fact that Debbie is having this discomfort and swelling suggests to the Doctors that Debbie's system is fighting to come back and is now distracted with the gall bladder. We have been told that everything with the donor is now on hold for the moment. It does appear that there is an immune system building within Debbie. She has had an ANC for the past two days -- but they tell us that what we are seeing is like measuring a feather on a bathroom scale. While they tell us that we should not put too much stock in these readings, if these readings are correct, they suggest that her system is 90% Debbie and 10% donor. This suggests that the graft has failed and our best case is to get back to where we were before the process started. If this is true, the decision to go with the "mini" was spot on and what has survived through this ordeal is the tough ole Italian that went into the fight! Of course, we will be happy with whatever we get back home to 912.
Jess just called and the procedure was successful and Debbie is in recovery now. She should be back in her room shortly and #3 has just left to help insure that Debbie has a peaceful night.
Thanks for all of your blogs and cards -- they help Debbie to stay connected and to continue her fight.
Debbie sends her love to all.
P.S. to Mo: Please do not try to make a living on your forensic writing skills. Bob will get very hungry!
Love,
J
posted by Joe @ 4:12 PM
21 Comments:
Dear Debbie & your wonderful family,
Oh boy do I sympathize with you all, dealing with the HUP system and such a tough day. Debbie I hope you don't remember today and the many tough days you have had in the past couple of weeks.
Todays "on strike for Debbie" found me in Kellys Pub (no realtion I promise!) in Peekskill New York on the banks of the Hudson River. At 5pm I told Pauline "it was time" so we went outside, lit our lighters and sang this little light of mine....there is a bus stop right where we were standing.. after we finished our song this old guy who was sitting waiting for the bus said "you've just been heard by god, from your lips to his ears... pity the world is not what it used to be, and Pauline said, ah it is.. one person at a time and we'll be right back where we used to be..." and I thought.. one day at a time and Debbie will be right back where she used to be...
Pennys from heaven and butterflys are following me this trip. Rest dearest Debbie, we may all be waiting on positive news from "the feather on the weighing scales" but we'll hang on to every scrap of good news.
You are incredible, I can't wait to meet you.
Joe and Deb,
Hopefully you are back in your room now and resting peacefully and without pain. I can't even imagine all that you've had to go through this past year, but you are both extremely strong and I know the rainbow is coming. Hang in there and keep fighting, we are all praying for you.
Love,
Jeanne
Deb, Deb, Debbie:
I go away for a week and you fall apart! I am cringing at all you have been through. I was really hoping that the charm on Mary's dress would bring a "milagros". I am sure that the candle is still burning so there is still time for you to start feeling somewhat better...even if it's just a little.
Your round the clock vigil team is the best! My hat is off to the 4 of you for being such great "other carers".
I was thrilled to hear that the gall bladder drain was a success. I can't imagine how uncomfortable you must be.
No much to report here. Dave did a swell job while I was away. Except with the sheet folding but I am redoing them as we speak. Why is it that it is so hard for people to fold fitted sheets?
Good news that Colin's team beat a team that hadn't lost on their home field for 4 years. Of course this was varsity and Colin paced the sideline.
Bee lost today in a last minute score. His bestest buddy broke his ankle...luckily Dave is on call and took good care of him.
Mere braved the highway in St. Louis and picked me up at the airport since Dave was on call and coaching Bee's little league game. I told her it looks like she will go to college after all.
Spoke with Aunt Angie on the phone. She feels great!
Gotta run to get things straightened up around here.
Love you to pieces. COD Eileen
Hey Joe,
Thanks for the the update. Thinking of you all and hoping for a better tomorrow. xokathi
Deb, your asleep now i hope, and when you wake up you should hopefully be feeling alot less pain and fullness.. now lets, work on the rash and keep it from speading.. speaking of spreading..Alison..sounds like you've got upstate ny singing , at least at the pubs!!Thanks for that!
Teks, you guys are a wonderful family! love, mdf
Debbie & joe,
It is deeply saddening to us to see how much pain Debbie is experiencing, & we can only wish that we could do more for this to end successfully & for all of the family to be able to go back to the happy home at Tennis Way. We "tip our hats" to a great family for pulling a 24/7 to be sure that Debbie is as comfortable as she can be under these cicumstances. It is certainly heartening to read that an immune system is beginning to build, & we would hope that it is the case & continues to grow more perceptably. We will continue our prayers for Deb's recovery. Love, Mom & Dad
Dear Debbie, Just to let you know that I'm thinking of you and hoping and praying that you'll feel better tomorrow. As I've told you often you're and amazing person, please hang in there!. Joe, thank you so much for keeeping us so informed, Please let me know if there is anything we can do for you as well as Deb. love, Mary
Good morning Debbie,
I have a feeling you are feeling better, would my feeling be right?! Hope you are 1000% better than you have been... the corner is turned.
Just a quick note to let you know I'm thinking of you, and will be at 5pm Eastern time for sure. Today I go to Pauline's first grandsons christening.. Brandon... a beautiful Irish-Italian boy.. oh yes we mingle with the best. If the Christening is anything like his parents wedding it will be Irish jigs & U2 followed by Italian waltzs and Frank Sinatra... we will enjoy!
It's nice to know that FODs et al are sharing the 5pm Eastern time slot for conference call to his nibs. I also thought of a couple of "back-ups" for my light for when I can't light a lighter for fear it may be mistaken for a weapon of mass distruction....
(1) Action adventure figures with lights are coolest!
(2) Cell phone.. the new light at concerts!
(3) Glove compartment light, reading light in car, headlights as a fellow FOD has proven work great to get his nibs attention!
(4) Glow in the dark items - just go into a dark place and sing on my own.. lol, that reminds me of another Sam story.. when he was getting potty trained I bought him glow in the dark star wars boxers.. we had to go into the bathroom, turn of the light and watch R2D2 glow before he would pee... lol!
(5) Battery operated flash light...
Any more creative ideas for our "on strike for Debbie?"... 5pm conference call... lets light the world up...
I do think a group of us need to meet outside HUP under Debbies window with loud hailers and lights singing "this little light of mine"... any takers!?
Debbie, may every minute bring you closer to getting home to Tennis Way.. lots of love, visitor alison.
Subject: ABBOTT AND COSTELLO
You have to be old enough to remember Abbott and Costello, and too old to REALLY understand computers, to fully appreciate this.? For those of us who sometimes get flustered by our computers, please read on...
If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, "Who's on First?" might have turned out something like this:
??????????? COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT
ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?
COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.
ABBOTT: Mac?
COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.
ABBOTT: Your computer?
COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.
ABBOTT: Mac?
COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.
ABBOTT: What about Windows?
COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?
ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?
COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?
ABBOTT: Wallpaper.
COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.
ABBOTT: Software for Windows?
COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business.? What do you have?
ABBOTT: Office.
COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?
ABBOTT: I just did.
COSTELLO: You just did what?
ABBOTT: Recommend something.
COSTELLO: You recommended something?
ABBOTT: Yes.
COSTELLO: For my office?
ABBOTT: Yes.
COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?
ABBOTT: Office.
COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!
ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.
COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal.? What do I need?
ABBOTT: Word.
COSTELLO: What word?
ABBOTT: Word in Office.
COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.
ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.
COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?
ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue "W".
COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue "w" if you don't start with some straight answers.? What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?
ABBOT T: Money.
COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?
ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.
COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?
ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.
COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?
ABBOTT: One copy.
COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?
ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.
COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?
ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!
???????? (A few days later)
ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?
COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?
ABBOTT: Click on "START".............
Debbie and "THE T-CREW",what a day and nite you have had!!...I hope this morning's sunshine finds you all on a much better page...I am shocked at what I am reading now about yesterday's event's...and agree with Mo and Bob ...I am weary for our girl, and thank God she will not remember any of this ordeal....Alison, you made me cry,and I am sure that what the old guy said was indeed very true...I can picture the scene...it's simple moments like those that make all the difference. I was with my family at 5P.M. last nite ..we had candles lit on the dinning room table ,and said our prayers for Deb and then a round of "THIS LITTLE LIGHT"..Mackenzie (my 9 month old grandbaby) loves the song ...she rocks and sways to the tune with gay abandon,and at the end ,when silence falls, she just keeps nodding her head...it's so funny ,we all laugh uproariously.. I believe these vibes get passed on to our Deb... I picture the sound of all the laughter floating through the air and landing right on her and blanketing her with our love and good wishes....Thank GOd DEbbie has come through the procedure safely..now maybe she can get some "good" rest (undrugged) and move along to the next level..whatever that may be...I trust in The Lord and I believe that Debbie is in His most loving and capable hands..He WILL take care of our girl, and she WILL rise above all this(sounds like a good movie that our girl would really like to see when she's better...you know how she loves those tearjerkers...that have a happy ending!!) ...Will definitely check back later..in the meantime Debbala ..hope you wake up to no pain ,no fevers,no potty trips,no sore throat, and no rash(is it toooo much to ask???I think not...it's about time!!!)Love and Hugs XXOO :)Bev
Dear Uncle Joe, Aunt Debbie, Jess, Joey, and Mikey,
Thank you for keeping us updated. I know you must all be exhausted from all of the stress of this and I sure hope Aunt Debbie will start to regain her strength soon. I hope this new procedure helps get rid of the infection and pain that she's been dealing with for so long. Thankfully she'll forget the day since it sounds like nothing but pain. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there!
Lisa
Can't figure out who did the Abbot and Costello computer routine ...it's priceless,good job!! :)Bev
Dearest Debbie,
I pray that you get relief from pain and all your discomfort soon. Hopefully, you are on the proper antibiotic for this infection, by now and the drainage tube is doing its thing.
Joe and your kids sound like they are doing a great job caring for you...you are all wonderful.
We were in Indy this weekend to watch Collin play. Butler lost, but Collin had a fumble recovery and ran 66 yards for a TD (he said afterwards it felt like 100 yards) After the game we went back to his house to watch the rest of the ND/Mich game. I was in the kitchen much of the time. I found myself think of you often while cooking and preparing eats for the boys. The stove was on at 5pm along with the grill (does that count Alison?)
Really really hope you are feeling better.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
love, Tessa
kudos to joe,jessie and michael and joey for their exceptional care. i am happy that deb was heavily sedated for saturday, i know that they will continue to monitor her comfort. i pray that your report on the anc is good news. welove you all. bob
Deb,
Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you. We'll be going to the 12:30 mass and will offer it up for you and my Dad who is continuing to recover nicely....now it's your turn. Hope you had a good sleep and are starting the day feeling 100% better. Will check in later, honey-bunch.
Love, Mo
deb you certainly are in my heart at all times, last nights dream sequence proves it. it was one of those dreams that seemed to last all night long. it was all good in a very strange and cryptic way. the highlights:
you call me and say "kathleen, come peel me a grape" i go to visit but don't want to go empty handed and stop at this jewelry shop that looks like it's out of a harry potter movie. i tell the girl at the counter that i know you and she goes behind a curtained doorway and comes out with a ceramic teapot that was probably the size of the accused pork chop thrower. i commented on it being the largest teapot ever and the lady calmly looked me over and said "debbie needs the largest teapot ever if she is too make tea for all of her friends" i then out of curiousity ask them what the most expensive thing ever sold in their store was and they replied," it was a diamond encrusted watermelon soup tureen that joe bought for debbie, it carried a 32,000. price tag." so anyway, i find myself in your room and you looked and felt like your self and we were all hooting and hollering. two things happened that i can remember. one was that mo was in a gorgeous yellow nightgown and i asked her if she stayed overnight and she replied very coyly, "i am a newlywed, and this is what i wear" and the other was that visitor allison and mdf arrived on a wooden door that was carried by 4 steve irwin looking guys.
that was the dream and it felt so good that i didn't want to wake up. i feel that we will recreate the sequence with miss mo and the two irish chicks before we know it! miss you so much and love you more. kathi
Mrs Teklits,
Oy OY oY!!!! What a terrible time you are having to go through, what any of us wouldnt do to take away all this mess and give you some relaxing pain free time! Hopefully the procedure is starting to relieve you of the pain and discomfort you are in. I was able to spend some time with Christine this weekend, and like always our conversation turned towards you and how much she misses you! We are both so lucky to have you in our lives - you are truly an angel that we love soooo soo much!!! Lots of prayersssssssssssssss!!!
Love Always-
Allison
Dearest Deb & Family:
I hope & pray these days are a blurr for Debbie. But I know they will not be for the rest of you. Are have been a brave, tireless & noble family. God bless you all. Hang in there; yet, should you need support or assistance in any way, please feel free to allow us to help.
Also, is it possilbe for thank you notes to be sent to the "unknown donor" so we can show appreciation for what's being done by her?? Let me know.
Love & prayers continue, Lee-Lee
JOE, thank you for letting me know (and im sure others)why they put off doing the gallbladder procedure till yesterday instead of friday night.. i was starting to spit nails!!!!
I have to ask something, but first comment on the hope that the ANC is starting to rise.. now my question is.. What is an ANC? am i the only one who doesn't really know what it is?
Deb, i sure hope you are feeling better today.. glad you were sedated yesterday..you didn't miss anything with ND! Keep getting better Deb! love you,,mdf
Dear Deb and Joe and family;
I'm with you all the way. Gee I wish I could be of some help to you all.
Through all this pain and misery, I think we are getting an education to boot.
I love you all and miss you.
BIG HUGS
your Aunt Angie
Just finished my 5PM song and dance and prayer (with the lite) in your honor Debbala.. I was trying on some clothes,hence the little dance steps..mostly a twirl with a bit of a shuffle..made the clothes look a little more fetching...hope this finds you supremely comfortable and blissfully unaware of all the falderall(spelling??) of last evening..great job T-CRew, what would our girl do without you???I was thinking Debs, you put me in mind of an Oak Tree with roots down to middle earth(albeit an Italian Oak Tree..which is sturdier and grander than just a regular Oak Tree)..no matter what gets thrown at it,it still stands tall and strong(O.K...maybe you aren't standing that tall right now..but strong ..yes sireee bob..strong that is you girl...enjoy your family nestled around you..sweet dreams for now:)Bev
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