Headed Home
Dear FODs,
I spent the night here with mom and early this morning the entourage of doctors came in to discuss mom's condition. While there is some uncertainty as to the severity of the VOD and if that was an accurate diagnosis, there is one definite fact from today's discussions. Mom's most recent labs showed rapid development of additional leukemia cells (>50%) and the disease continues to progress despite the latest round of chemotherapy, Mylotarg. Mom's liver is in danger of failure, but the next few days will tell for certain if the damage is reversible. Irregardless, mom's tired body cannot tolerate further treatment to manage the leukemia. Mom was very clear that she no longer wishes to suffer and wants to come home. The lovely team of doctors, nurses, and administrators (one angel in particular) are making that happen for us tonight. Mom will be transported via ambulance to Tennis Way and will remain there under hospice care. Blood and platelet transfusions and the administration of antibiotics will cease upon discharge from the hospital. We'll be coming home with the pca pain pump of fentanyl and some oxygen to assist with mom's labored breathing. The goal moving forward is to keep her as comfortable as possible. From what I've witnessed these last 24 hours, mom's pain is adequately managed and she is resting peacefully most of the time. While awake, she cannot communicate very well, but attempts to ask questions that ensure she is still coherent and follows what is going on.
The doctors are hesitant to give us a time frame at this point but based on what we've read we do not believe we have very long. We plan to take this weekend for some "Teklits Time" and stick together surrounding mom as a family as much as possible. Please respect our need for privacy with this difficult and tragic turn of events. It has been a long and very tough fight for mom, and she truly has been relentless through it all but our dear is exhausted from her battle. We hope and pray things will continue to remain peaceful for her through the end. We will keep you posted as things progress and please know that we deeply appreciate all that our army of Debbie supporters has done for our family during these last three years. We are grateful to have such wonderful individuals that make up our extended family. We love you!
Jessie
posted by Jessie @ 4:47 PM
37 Comments:
Chizzie, you are an inspiration to us all and I love you with all my heart.
My prayers are with you guys.
All my love-
Kris
(And yes, I'm seeping as I write this, Jess.)
Debbie,you know how very special you are to me.
My thoughts and all of my prayers are with all of you.
Thanks Joe and Jess for keeping us informed.
Anything you need Dennis and I are there. Love, Marian
I feel like I'm a blog stalker- I check back every minute I can. 'Teklit's Time' is all the Debbie needs, I believe. Please tell Debbie how much we love her. She has done so much for Matthew & I. Praying that you all have a nice peaceful weekend, and so on...
Love Always,
Megan, Matt & Matthew Thomas
xo xo xo
Aunt Debbie and Family,
You've shown a strength that most people probably don't possess and have been an inspiration to us all. Thank you for continuing to share your journey with us through this blog. I think Teklits time sounds like a wonderful idea and I hope you have a beautiful weekend together. You're in my prayers as always. I love you guys!
Lisa
You are all in my thoughts & prayers. Debbie, the grace & determination with which you have fought this disease over the past 3years has been an inspiration to all of us. I hope that the peace & love of your family & friends brings you comfort at this time. You are truly a very special person & I am very lucky to have had the pleasure to know you. Joe, Jessie, Joey & Mike...you are all in my thoughts & prayers & I wish you peace & comfort in the upcoming days. Take care of yourselves.
Love,
Bridget
My prayers will be with you all during this painful time. Though it has been many years since we were close I always thought about you all. Debbie you truly are an amazing woman, I feel very lucky that you were in my life,if even for a short time. You will continue to inspire all those you touched in your life for a very long time.
May Gods peace and love be with you all.
Pam Kuntz
Jessie,
Thank you so very much on informing all us FOD's that you are taking your mom home to Tennis Way to be cared for.
Know that you are a wonderful, beautiful, caring, loving and blessed daughter.
All of you being together will bring Debbie comfort.
Debbie, I love you, Friend!
God Bless you and Peace to you and all the Teklits'.
xoxoxoxo
Tessa
Debbie,everytime i think of you i find myself smiling.. although, i must admit.. im not smiling now, but also seeping as kris calls it.. your such a wonderful person, with more strength than most people can even think about having.. i will pray that being home brings you a pain free weekend with the family.your surronded by love.. keeping the faith.. love you..mdf
Continued love and prayers. And much seeping...
As always our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Mike Naughton
I'm praying for all of you.
Love,
Beach Betty
Dear Debs,and all The Teklits..
Words are few right now, but please know you are all lifted up in our prayers and hearts. I pray for peace for all of you-your strength and courage are all amazing beyond words. May you feel our love and prayers as each of you wrap your arms around your wonderful wife, mom and Grandmom..
Dear Debs,and all The Teklits..
Words are few right now, but please know you are all lifted up in our prayers and hearts. I pray for peace for all of you-your strength and courage are all amazing beyond words. May you feel our love and prayers as each of you wrap your arms around your wonderful wife, mom and Grandmom..
My thoughts and prayers are with all you and this is a very special time for your family. This is what Debbie wants, to be around her family. If you need anything, I am around the corner. Jenny
To Debbie and her wonderful family,
I love you all and will pray for Debbie's comfort. My heart goes out to all of you. The love you shared reaches far beyond each other and I thank you for that.
With much love,
Edie
Debbie,Joe, Jessie,Joey and Mike,
I will have you all in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. May you be surrounded this weekend with family and alot of love....
Please give Debbie and big kiss and hug from us. We love you Debbie!
All our love,
Chuck,Donna,Wyatt and Mackenzie
Teklits Gang~~~ In my thoughts and prayers. Deb you are an awsome inspiration.
Mo... thanks for the email.
Love, ~~~dee
We love all of you! COD Eileen, Dave, Mere, Colin and Bee
Dear Debbie and family,
Know how much you are all loved. Your keeping all of us up to date on Deb's progress has brought us closer to all of you. Keep her safe and comfortable in the arms of your (and our) love.
Love, husg and kisses,
Beth
Well FOD's - it's pretty much been a 12 hour seep-a-thon out here in CO and it looks like I'm joining Megan's blog stalker club.
Joe, Jessie, Joey and Mikey - you guys are in my thoughts and prayers so much and I am so thankful that my Chizzie has you with her right now...I know that has always been her fondest wish.
Chizzie, I still remember the first time I saw you. It was in that dreadful ICU at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, in the room on the left side of the hall right next to the nursing station. You know that phrase, "Our eyes met across a crowded room"? Well, our eyes met across a crowded hospital bed and I knew right then and there we were going to be friends for life. I'd like to make that friends for eternity if you don't mind. (Okay, now I'm SOUNDING like a stalker.) I'm so thankful to have you in my life, honey. You have been such a blessing and comfort to me. And a lot of damn fun, too! So many memories...
I love you more than words can say.
God bless you all.
seep-seep-seep.
Today's word:
Let Go, Let God
I let go of all concern and trust God for the perfect outcome.
Awaiting the outcome of a situation can challenge my peace of mind, but only if I let it. I choose not to let it.
Looking to God in prayer, I call upon my vital source of inner strength. I deepen my spiritual understanding and gain greater insight and patience. During my prayer time, I release any concerns and preconceived ideas about how the situation will unfold. I am ready for great results.
My faith in God helps me replace any negative perception with a positive outlook. With renewed strength, I relax into a realization of God's presence and let events develop according to divine timing.
Through greater strength and deeper faith, I trust God for the right resolution and the perfect outcome.
"What is my strength, that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should be patient?"--Job 6:11
Meeting at Night
The grey sea and the long black land;
And the yellow half-moon large and low;
And the startled little waves that leap
In fiery ringlets from their sleep,
As I gain the cove with pushing prow,
And quench its speed i' the slushy sand.
Then a mile of warm sea-scented beach;
Three fields to cross till a farm appears;
A tap at the pane, the quick sharp scratch
And blue spurt of a lighted match,
And a voice less loud, through its joys and fears,
Than the two hearts beating each to each!
Robert Browning
----
Debbie, I was reading early this morning before Matthew woke up and found this poem. I thought of you and your beach house, and thought I'd share it.
MEG
Dear Debbie and family, I'm praying that God comforts you all through this difficult time. Thanks to Debbie for being such an incredible, joyful, thoughtful, selfless person.
Love,
Angela Giardino
Debbie,
I can't stop thinking about you and hoping that you are comfortable. I'm so glad you have your family around you. I've have you all in my constant prayers.
We are so glad that we got to meet you.
Although we only spent hours together, I feel like I've known you most of my life. You have truly inspired me.
I am sending you all big hugs and bigger prayers.
Boni
The first time I met Debbie was...
at Corpus Christi School at a "lunch mother's" luncheon. We all happen to sit with one another, Kathi Moore, Donna Diveney,Pam Kuntz, me and the star of the show Debbie Teklits. By the end of the luncheon Debbie had invited all of us over to her house for a girls breakfast. That was 24 years ago. Since then, Debbie has "mothered" our little group through our ups and downs. If we traveled on a girls weekend - Debbie handled the food assignments. When we had to exit a hotel one night because of a fire alarm that went off about 12:30 at night... Debbie led the way down the fire steps (all of us in matching nighties from a previous shopping trip to a Eagles Eye warehouse sale). On this same trip to the city we were all bringing snacks for the room to share at night and when I said that I would bring a famous cheese ball that Kevin made - and it turned out to be a big hunk of frozen hamburger... Debbie had a good laugh and rolled with it. Good grief my eyes were bad back then too.
We had great times together... Girls dinners, luncheons and the famous Teklits Christmas parties and I can't not forget to mention the ladies Tea Parties.
This past year I was sick and all that Debbie was going through herself she still managed to "mother" me through my illness.
Debbie you're my golden friend, you're my favorite friend (don't tell Kathi Moore) I just love you and will always treasure our friendship. You are the best!
My prayers are with you and your family.
Donna Tea Bags
Debbie, Joe and family,
As you hold tight to each other during these precious hours and days of "Teklits Time," please know you are foremost in our thoughts. Throughout this entire ordeal, the courage and determination you all have shown--each in your own way--has been a true inspiration to those who know you.
Along with your countless friends and family members, we continue to raise up all of you in prayer. Debbie, we ask our God to allow your suffering to subside, to give you comfort; we pray that all of you are blessed with God's grace and peace.
May the love you share as a family give you strength to uphold each other and endure what you face now and in the time ahead.
With love,
Linda & Tim Radel
Teklits family,
I pray that you guys find comfort in eachothers company and love. Debbie is the most amazing person I have ever known and you guys are so lucky to have such an awesome wife, mother & grandmother in your lives. Words to help comfort you escape me as I feel my own pain..... but at the same time joy, joy for having had Debbie as a friend and an adopted sister all these years. She has taught me much, I venture to say she has taught us all a great deal. Love, Courage, Strength, Friendship and so much more.
If you folks need anything at all, just say the word.
With love,
Patty
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lea, Louis and Amer
Dearest Debbie,
I am so thankful you are home where you want to be, with your family. You have always told me you did not want to be alone. I know you felt and continue to feel the love of your family and many, many friends. You are and will continue to be an inspiration to us all.
I am so very thankful we reconnected again to share more special moments together to add to the wonderful memories of our beginning friendship at the Colmar breakfasts and luncheons as the kids grew up. The many family vacations and holidays we shared with the whole Teklits family will always be a treasure.
Thank you for being such a wonderful friend and support through much of my life.
I pray that your "Teklits time" is a time where you can all share and feel each others love through the wonderful family you all are.
Sending all of you our love and thoughts at this sad and difficult time.
Donna, Brandon, Chad and Derek xoxo
Debbie,
We went to Bob White's pumpkin patch yesterday. We got many pictures of Matthew with huge, long pumpkins that make him look so small. He has started licking the pumpkins... ughhh, I'll have to bring wipes next hayride & pumpkin patch. Literally everything goes into his mouth- I really have to watch him, it's kind of scary. And besides licking them- I think he thinks some of the round ones are people. He talks or yells and screams at them. Poor pumpkins!?! I hope Izzy, Emma & Christian are having their fair share of pumpkins also.
I'm dragging the boys to a thanksgiving festival in Allentown today. It's all about the native americans, and there is supposed to be some very interesting things going on. Arrow head hunting, arrow head making, pow wows, face painting... corn meed, yum. I'm hoping it will put last weeks ALPACA FESTIVAL to shame, ha! Plus, all of these events are free, so we have to go! Right?
I don't think an hour goes by that I am not thinking of you. I hope you guys are doing okay and enjoying your time together. It is such a beautiful weekend. The air is so crisp and flavorful. Perfect bonfire, cuddle-with-a-blanket time! I Love you!
xoxo Meg, Matt and Matthew
Good morning Chizzie, the Family Teklits and FOD's
It was a beautiful sunrise here in CO this morning and I hope that you had all had a restful night on Tennis Way.
Well, Chiz. I'm looking at the last card you sent me. Leave it to you to find the perfect card - and then get it sent! (I'm looking at two unsent cards for you buried in a pile of stuff on my desk. I'm hopeless my dear.)
Your card is so sweet and cute. There are two young girls sitting on a front porch, one with dark hair, one with blonde hair (just like us), they're eating a big slice of watermelon with what appears to be bottles of soda nearby. Diet no doubt. All that's missing is the lemon! The caption reads:
"A little gossip never hurt anyone. Look what it's done for us."
So in that spirit and because I know you like to keep up with these things...
Did you hear that Madonna and Guy Ritchie are splitting up?
(Hope this gets a rise out of you when Jessie reads the blog to you today! You know if I was there I would buy all the gossip rags in the checkout aisle to read to you while I sat by your side!)
Seriously though, I'm sending you not just gossip but love and prayers too, honey. I know what a long hard fight this has been for you. Like Donna, I'm just glad you are home with all your little chizlings at your side.
Which brings me to today's word. Once again, the Daily Word never fails, only today it brings to mind Joe, Jessie, Joey and Mike.
In my mind's eye, I envision Teklits time. I can see Joe getting busy with the pots and pans in the kitchen, making goodies for everyone to eat while Jess is tenderly caring for you upstairs. Joey, pops in and out with his patented brand of humor that always makes you smile and Mikey, that little prince, is attentively bossing you around with all the love in his heart. Each one of you are bringing your own special vibe to caring for my Chizzie.
I'll be thinking of you all today...
Unique
Being true to Spirit within, we are magnificent, unfolding creations of God.
Because of our diverse, unique features, talents, and backgrounds, we each fill a special place in life. At times we may wonder how we fit into what seems like a jigsaw puzzle of humanity. Yet being true to Spirit within each of us, we are magnificent, unfolding creations of God.
We complete one another by being a unique part of the whole.
No one person can take the place of another. Being unique in the way we think, look, and sound, we add substance to the entirety of God's family.
When all the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle are in place, the true picture emerges. So it is with each one of us. As unique as we are, we join with one another as the family of God.
"Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life."--Isaiah 43:4
I hope you all are finding such bonding times on this beautiful fall Sunday...I wish I knew the right things to say, but don't. I will be praying for you all, love you Deb...Brenda
Hi Debbie!
We miss you here on Rhoads 7, we are all so happy you made it home safely. We hope you are comfy in your own home. We love you and are thinking about you!!
Love, Tara and Danielle
Dear Debbie and family,
I just want you to know that I can not stop thinking about you this weekend. I can not express in words how I feel. Please know you are a true inspiration to me. You are an amazing lady and I feel so blessed to have you in my life.
I want you to know that you and the family are in my constant thoughts and prayers. My heart feels so very heavy during this very difficult time. I am sending you a big warm hug from the bottom of my heart... We Love you!
Love,
Chuck,Donna,Wyatt and Mackenzie
Our love and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Cindy, Keith &boys
Aunt Shirley
Well, I'm still stalking... and checking in to say good night.
Today, I did the laundry and put up my outside Halloween decorations. I've got 2 foot orange and black spiders crawling up the front porch and creeping up to the front door. Spooky. I'll get those little trick or treaters good and freaked. Hah-hah.
Oh Chiz, all I could think about was how Halloween is your least favorite holiday. In fact, how do I put this delicately? You HATE it.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and I am sending you all my love.
I continue to pray that caring, enlightened, healing practitioners are crossing your path - (like those wonderful gals of Rhoads 7 and a certain nurse who has been such a big help to you at home.) God bless them.
I love you, my friend.
Kisses and hugs to all the Teklits.
K
Debbie,
You are in my thoughts & prayers.
you are a very sweet and wonderful person. A blessing to many!! Sending comfort your way.
Love,
Kay
Dear Debbie and family,
My thoughts and prayers and prayers are with you at this difficlut time. My husband, Mike Kerlin, was on Ravdin 9 with you, Debbie, when you first came to HUP for treatment in December '05. Debbie, Mike felt that you brightened everyone's life that December with your smile and your energy. He enjoyed chatting with you and meeting up with you during laps around the unit.
Love, Mary Ann Kerlin
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