Three Weeks and Two Days
Dear Fods,
Sorry to say that Debbie continues to struggle and is taking on more fluids than we can off-load. The nurses will come by tomorrow and we will see what adjustments can be made to her meds. Yesterday, Debbie had some swelling in her neck and she complained of the pain from the swelling she had on her tongue when we had to go to ICU some time ago at HUP. Not wasting time or money and since my pharmacy now rivals WalMart's, we broke out some of the old steroids and took care of the swelling. While the swelling went down today, she took on more water weight over night. A tough balance between a bigger problem and more discomfort. Hopefully, we will know more about this tomorrow.
The steroids are remarkable. We went from fighting to get Debbie to eat last week to having her ask for food! (with just 2 pills) She had Charlene's chicken stew last night and asked for an egg sandwich with cheese today. We did a shower in the middle bathroom this morning and Debbie walked to the back bedroom later in the afternoon and sat for a while looking out onto her backyard. While she did not see it because of her bad eye, a big deer ran along the creek at dusk on her way home. It was a nice Fall setting. Debbie even ate a piece of Karen Law's brownies and has been sleeping ever since. Debbie is in her bed +95% of the time and is still in much pain.
Joey went up to NY today to visit with Izzie and Allie and we expect him later this evening. Mike finally went home last night to see his own place and too bad for PSU and those bad boys from Iowa. I am sure that they will get theres next week! Jester is still here but will go home tomorrow morning. The "T-men" will be in control next week -- so God help Debbie. While her girl friends will be here during the day, it will be to the boys to handle the heavy lifting. I have written instructions from Jester and we will hope for the best. The kids have been fantastic through this ordeal.
An out of character and a closing note to Colin and Brendan of COD Eileen's clan. Where I went to school, they had a simple saying -- "Play like a Champion Today" -- and we have that sign in our house and touch it often. Where I live, we have an Italian Stallion who says, "NO PAIN!!" and "DON'T GO DOWN!!" So you boys -- just go and DO IT!!! Good Luck and God Bless from Debbie.
Thanks for the blogs and the cards. We read them to Debbie every day.
Debbie sends her love to all.
posted by Joe @ 6:39 PM
26 Comments:
Just checking to see if any other blog entries - glad the steroids are helping you get your appetite back. Keep up the spirits. It has been a long journey and I think you can do it it. I just want you to know that even though I haven't been over to see you, you are in my thoughts and prayers. God be with you this week and get that strength back. Love Shelly
I'm happy to hear that Aunt Debbie can eat again. Chicken stew, egg sandwiches and brownies sound great! It really is a beautiful time of year and I'm happy to hear that you are enjoying it. I'm sorry to hear that excess fluids and swelling are causing pain and discomfort. I check this Blog every day and look forward to hearing what the nurses say tomorrow.
It's nice to hear that there are so many helpers there. I'm right around the corner and would be happy to be worked into the rotation and take on some shifts in the evening. I'd love to help in any way!
Thanks for continuing to keep us posted and please call if you need me!
Lisa
Joe, if you haven't tried it yet, see if Deb will drink either regular or diet cranberry juice. Three glasses a day is a natural diuretic (it takes about 6-12 hours to work)with anti-bacterial benefits. You're all in my prayers.
RDS
dear debbie,joe,jessie,mike, & joey-
we walked the beach for you this wknd..and will send you some sand from your spot on the beach...high tide, is up to the dunes...kind of like what's happening to you, debbie. thought of you and your fluid retention and how we lose so much of the beach at times and then-get it back. a minute at a time-and thank the Lord for steroids!!!
look for the sun-and KNOW god is holding you even when it doesn't feel like it.
grace,peace,love,hugs
tony & jill
Hi Debbie & Teklits clan!
I'm so sorry to hear that you are more uncomfortable Debbie. Joe, you are turning into a regular Florence Nightengale whipping out those steroids! Nice job! You guys are all practically trained nurses now throughout all of this! Debbie, you are always in my thoughts & please know that I am always available should you need any help or "nursing relief" for the family. I'm going out to Seattle later in the week for an oncology nursing conference but will be back next week so just say the word if you could use an extra pair of hands! I hope you find peace & comfort soon & that they can get some of that fluid off of you! Hang in there!!
Love,
Bridget
Thanks again for the update. Deb is always in my thoughts and prayers.
Betty
Teklits Family
Still thinking about you guys every day. Even though the blog wasn't all the best news I was happy to hear the good parts!
Joe the football comments were awesome! I'm heading to the game tomorrow night and will make sure the boys remember what you have to say!
Lots of Love and continued prayers Meredith Chalk
Thanks for the blog Joe. We're all thinking about all of you. I'm glad to hear that Debbie is eating again. Great job with the steroids! Sorry to hear about the excess fluids and swelling and I hope you are feeling more comfortable Deb. If you need anything, just let me know and I'm there!
Love,
Jeanne
Teklits,
Went to the Pocono's for the weekend with the in-laws... hmmm. Fun (?) , but thinking about coming home to check the blog and see how Debbie was the whole time. If you need anything let me know. Sounds like you guys should go into nursing school together! Tell Debbie that Matthew and I said hello.
xoxo Meg & Matthew
Hi Debbie,Joe,Jessie,Joey, and Mike,
Thank you Joe for the update. I wish that things were better for Debbie. Glad to hear that she was eating something good. Always want you to know that not a minute goes by that I do not think and wonder how you are doing. You were my special intention at Mass yesterday asking God to keep you fighting.....you sure are an amazing women. I am just sad to hear that you are in so much pain.
I am praying that you begin to have less pain so you can rest easier. God is walking right beside you my dear friend even if it is little steps....Sending a warm hug to you!
Love ya,
Donna,Chuck,Wyatt and Mackenzie
Dear Debbie,
You poor darling.... wish you could get more breaks... but you've beaten worse...know we are all routing for you and sending all our love and strong vibes and prayers your way.
Lots and lots of love Visitor Alison
Debbie, Joe and Family,
Although my comments here are infrequent, I come to this place every day, always with hope of good news. I admit--like many of your FODs and CODs--I’m a Blog Stalker!
Debbie, my entire family is very sorry that you're having these many complications and so much suffering. What you’re enduring now--what you’ve gone through during these past three years--is absolutely mind-boggling. Good for you--getting out of bed for a time, having a shower, eating good food. We pray you’re comfortable and free of pain, that your blood counts stay good, that you’re able to keep up your appetite and regain strength.
I can just picture you at your window on a lovely autumn afternoon, looking out onto your backyard, the creek and the woods beyond. Geez, I do miss seeing our backyards, the change of the seasons, and the antics of all the wildlife--the mallards, the raccoons and groundhogs, the deer, even the squirrels! I wonder if Joe is still feeding the birds (not to mention those squirrels!). Even though you weren’t able to see the running deer, I hope you might get to see some of the songbirds that gather for their late-afternoon meal.
Joe, thank you so much for your updates here…one can only imagine how difficult this task must be, yet your sense of humor always shines through. Jessie, Joey, Mike...reading what your Dad writes, it’s apparent your parents raised good and caring kids! The three of you are super troopers! In thinking of and praying for all of you, a particular scripture comes to mind: Jesus’ words to His disciples, found in Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” God bless each of you.
We continue to think about all of you and keep you in our daily prayers; we’re still praying for miracles in all shapes and sizes!
Linda Radel
Dear Debbie and FODs CODs et al..
Great news.... Sam got accepted to Penn State..... he called me today when he opened his mail... I have not heard my son cry so hard since he was 6 .. he cried openly with a man's sobs......and I cried like a baby ... we are so happy.... It was the only college he was interested in and he did the application, everything on his own..... that's my boy... now Mum just has to find a way to pay for it!!!!! Debbie come on girl, I need you to show me around Penn State.... I know nothing about it!!!! other than it's the greatest college on earth (I have been tutored by Sam since he was 8 years old!).....
Debbie thinking of you all the time so much so that I hopped on your blog shortly after getting our great family news...
lots of love, Visitor Alison.
I can't believe there wasn't one blog comment about what may have been in those brownies! Glad to hear Debbie has an appetite, even with everything that's going on. I just want to say that I'm proud to have a crew like you as part of my family tree. You are an inspiration to us all. Debbie, you've raised exceptional children who may not remeber in their minds, but clearly do in their hearts, the countless hours you spent caring for them as infants. I imagine we'd all love the chance to repay our mothers for two a.m. feedings and all night walks, although certainly not for a reason such as this. I hope my family grows as strong as yours through the years. Wish we were "right around the corner" to be able to offer help. We will keep you in our thoughts, hearts and prayers instead.
Just letting you know you guys are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything.... I'm there in a flash!
Love,
Patty
Hi Debbie,
I think you you so often--wish I could just pick up the phone and have a good chat. Or better yet, wish we could go to Rice's (it is Tuesday--but very cold!) and then have a nice lunch as we discuss all the woes of the world. Keep eating and hopefully I will be up soon for a visit.
Love, Eileen XOXOXO
Debbie... you told me wayyyy back when, that I'd be in for it when Matthew finally started crawling. Well he's been rolling around & crawling backwards for 2 months- and 2 days ago he started forwards. He wont be 9 months for 3 more weeks! You were right- he started and he's going everywhere!?! Oh man! I wish you could see him! I hope you are doing well and are comfortable!
<3 MEG
Awww Debbie,,, I know you feel terrible right now, what with all that fluid and all .. no energy... but call me lame.. but.. if you started to eat and get your strength back, then moved around more wouldn't that not only help you get rid of the fluid and get you stronger? or is it just too painful for you? are your counts still going in your
favor? Not trying to tell you what to do, or force you into anything... just praying and hoping, and wishing you felt better... at least you have the best medical team right there at tennis way...
By the way, how long can that chicken soup be refrigerated? It must be good!!
Just realized that a part of my blog sounds like that song.. can't think of it right now, ,think they sing it in "My Best Friends Wedding".. just hoping , and praying and wishing and..... Mo will know..
Deb , Joe, and kids.. you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers... keep strong.. love.. mdf
Hey Deb,
Mary Day is baiting me again. I know you won't mind if i respond b/c you love trivia. I also know that you will know this.
So May Day, the song in my best friends wedding is Dionne Warwicks' "I say a little prayer"....the moment i wake up, before i put on my make-up, i say a little prayer for you. That is a great scene w/ all the employees waving those lobster gloves around and joining in the song. It cracks me up every time and I know Deb loves it too.
There's another song I think you're mixing in w/ this one though, and that is 'Just thinkin and wishin and hopin and prayin" or somethin along those lines. And I can't remember who sang that but not Dionne W. Maybe Dusty Springfield? But I don't think its her either. Any music trivia buffs out there wanna help out?
Well time for my bed. Hope you're snoozing away in dreamland Debbie dear. You remain, as always, in my heart and prayers.
Love, Mo
Just checking in... hope you all have a good day today. Give Debbie a huge hug for me and tell her I love her.
Patty
Wishin’’ and hopin’’ and thinkin’’ and prayin’’
Planning and dreamin’ each night of his charms.
That won’t get you into his arms
So if your’re looking for love you can share
All you gotta to is hold him’ and kiss him’ and love him’
And show him that you care.
Show him that you care’ just for him.
Do the things that he likes to do.
Wear your hair just for him’ ’cause’
You won’t get him’ thinkin’ and a prayin’’
Wishin’ and hopin’.
’Cause wishin’’ and hopin’’ and thinkin’’ and prayin’’
Planning and dreamin’ his kisses will start.
That won’t get you into his heart!
So if you’re thinking how great true love is
All you gotta to is hold him’ and kiss him’ and squeeze him’ and love him.
Yeah’ just do it!
And after you do’ you will be his.
You gotta show him that you care just for him.
Do the things that he likes to do.
Wear your hair just for him’ ’cause’
You won’t get him’ thinkin’ and a prayin’’
Wishin’ and a hopin’.
’Cause wishin’’ and hopin’’ and thinkin’’ and prayin’’
Planning and dreamin’ his kisses will start.
That won’t get you into his heart!
So if you’re thinking how great true love is!
All you gotta to is hold him’ and kiss him’ and squeeze him’ and love him.
Yeah’ just do it!
And after you do’ you will be his.
You will be his.
You will be his!
Yep.. that's it!!! Thank you who ever wrote that, couldn't get that song out of my head when i went to bed last night...
Hope this wednesday is good for you.. eat. or as your aunt angie used to say.. manga!! She had some great posts!!
Debbie, take it day by day. (oh, here comes another song..ha) prayers your way.. love.. mdf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MczZzJ-jy5c
Was Dusty married to Rick Springfield?
No here is the second song i was thinking of...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqEHaQ1RbME deb.. thinking about you.. hope your day was okay.. mdf
here is the other one....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycbgHM1mI0k&feature=related
Hey Debbie:
Just wanted to check in and say hello and how much we miss you!
We have picked ourselves up after our loss on Monday. Truely the other team was the better team that night. Colin is doing fine. Joe's words were taken to heart but it just wasn't their night.
We spend lots of time wondering here how you are doing. Did some text messaging with the Jessie on Tuesday and she said you have set some goals for yourself for Thanksgiving and I have no doubt that you will reach them. You have such determination and we all are in awe of that.
Hope you continue to make progress, slow but steady. We love you!
:) COD Eileen
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