Thursday, November 13, 2008

Four Weeks In

Dear Fods,

Tomorrow will mark 1 month since Debbie was discharged by HUP. While every time we post something positive, something negative seems to happen the next day, Debbie does seem to be on the mend again, albeit on a long, slow road to some sort of recovery. As in the past, she has no memory of the past weeks but is thankful to still be here with us all.

Since our last post, HUP agreed to increase the lasix and continue a low dosage of steroids and this seems to have helped Debbie to turn the corner. Debbie has been off-loading +4,000 CC of fluid per 24 hours and is returning to a normal form. This makes her moving less painful and the more that she moves the stronger she gets. She is eating a few "meals" per day and she is able to get in and out of bed with minimal assistance. Today she had yogurt and mac and cheese and has "ordered" a grilled cheese sandwich for dinner. In addition to her baths, Debbie is walking the halls a few times a day. Even though her food intake is minimal, it is having a marked impact in her strength. Today, she even did a few steps -- toward her next milestone. Going downstairs -- Yikees somebody better get cleaning down there!

The children and Debbie's friends continue to amaze and help us. She is very well cared for and the quality of her care could not be replicated elsewhere.

Thank you for your blogs and cards. We read them to Debbie when we can.

Debbie sends her love to all.

16 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm so happy to read your post. I've been waiting to hear what the nurses thought the other day and I'm happy to hear that things are finally starting to get better.

Please post when Aunt Debbie is up for some company. We want to visit, but don't want to come if she's not up to it or if her counts are too low. We can bring food to help the whole family regain strength and if you need help cleaning the downstairs, we'd be happy to help with that to.

Lisa

11/13/2008 7:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Debbie,

Up & walking, and eating mac n' cheese on top of it! You are an amazing woman, ms. debbie! Still praying hard for your comfort and for you Teklits nurses!

xoxo Meg & Matthew

11/13/2008 7:41 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great news! Keep on mending!!

11/13/2008 7:55 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What great news. I am always scared to check the blog as I never know what I will read. Was pleasantly surprised to hear that you were eating and walking a little. Keep it up - you can beat this. You have the holidays to enjoy with those little ones and know you will do it. Love Shelly

11/13/2008 8:46 PM  
Blogger Bosszilla said...

This is great news! Thanks for updating the post. This is like an early Christmas present as I so look forward to spending time with Debbie - you too Joe. I'm counting down the days.
Debbie, I'm so happy you are working your way back to us - and glad to hear you don't remember the past weeks. When I see you we can make up stories about where you have been - like on a cruise or counter surfing the eating establishments at the Reading Terminal Market. I'm so happy that you are eating. It's getting into winter and eating is becoming a hobby for me. I'm looking for a new one though... :-)
I continue to keep all of you in my prayers.
Sending big hugs.
Boni

11/13/2008 8:49 PM  
Blogger Patty Gianfelice said...

Hey, I'm available Monday to do any and all cleaning of the downstairs necesary ... just give me a buzz, I'll be there with bells on.
Big Hug to Debbie and a great thanks to the Teklits clan for the great care that you provide her.
You guys are awesome,
Love,
Patty

11/13/2008 9:10 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Debbie, Joe and all the gang,
How fantastic, Debbie you are true testimony to the power of love.... we are all routing for you and hope this positve posting doen't jink your next couple of days... May you continue to eat, drink and be Merry.... I think about you all the time and can't wait to celebrate Sam's Penn Statemanship! with you...... lots and lots of love, Visitor Alison ps thanks for reasurring me of miricales.... and the power of true love.

11/13/2008 10:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hey, hi..........
WOW! a minute at a time and so glad the lasix is finally kicking in and everything is moving (did you try beer?). you all remain in our thoughts and prayers (as do those hanging out at your house doing stuff).
joe-you're doing good keeping up the blog...thanks!
hard to believe it's been 4 weeks....seems like days/or months-depending on the current theme of the day.
grace,peace,love,hugs
tony & jill

11/13/2008 11:12 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm so thrilled to hear that you are able to venture from your bed. Hope that the swelling pain is fading along with the fluid.You are in my thoughts daily and have I alot of incomplete sentences waiting for you to finish, when you are ready.
I'd love to drop off some chicken from Arpeggio, and would be able to do it any night Joe and Joey would like.
Would love to see you when you feel up to it. Love to all the Teklits. Marian

11/13/2008 11:29 PM  
Blogger jean said...

dear deb, joe,family, and friends,

thanks so much for the update. I am so glad to hear some good news. I pray everyday for you and the family. Bruny calls every few days for updates. She is not computer savy, easier to call me, she sends her love and prayers also. take care and keep on with the mac and cheese, seems to be doing wonders for you.
love, hugs, and prayers, jean

11/14/2008 6:49 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great to hear you are eating more and moving around again. This is great news, of course I would offer my services to help around the house in addition to the rest, Im sure the kids and Joe are worn out. Hope to see everyone soon! Miss you all,

Brandon

11/14/2008 8:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow,I love to read a post like that. I'm looking forward to next weeks. Deb's eating my favorite comfort food. I recommend stewed tomatoes and mashed potatoes.(did you ever get that with the seafood combo at Campbells in OC) That combination is my favorite comfort food of all. Hang in there!

Beach Betty

11/14/2008 9:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Debbie,
Letting you know again how much I am thinking about you. I read your blog often throughout every single day.
I continue to hope and pray for your continuing strength.
God's blessings to you and all your family and friends who care for you and about you.
xoxoxoxo
love,
tessa

11/14/2008 10:28 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I dont know if my mom told you but on wednesday i was in the hospital... my dad said i was showing the symptoms of Appendicitis. When the nurse went to put my IV in he had to move my RELENTLESS braclet to my other arm. When he did that it mad me think of you and how many times you have had to go throught with this... and the countless days in the hospital. I was a "little" tired of the hospital after 3 hours. I cant even imagine what it would be like for days let alone weeks. Every day you inspire me even more with your desire to keep pushing forward. Dont ever stop.....BE RELENTLESS. Always keeping you in my prayers.

Love, Brendan

11/14/2008 2:53 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Debbie and Team Teklits:

Brendan neglected to mention that it was just a virus. Not to worry.

But Dave was like a caged animal having to be in the ER...Complaining on how long things were taking...we said...now you know how everyone else feels.

You are more than amazing! I might have to invent a word for your perseverance through all of this.

Continue practicing the steps and walking. You are a miracle for all of us to witness.

Love to all the T's and the nurse friends!

COD Eileen

11/14/2008 3:25 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Debbie

Man I do not know how I can compare to Brendan's post! He has grown up so fast! It is so awesome to hear that you are able to eat and are practicing the stairs. You know as the saying goes: Practice makes perfect! Keep up the good work! I'll continue my prayers!

Love, Mere

11/14/2008 7:26 PM  

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