Hope has been in recovery mode and I've just gotten a report that she went to church on Sunday and to Daniel's baseball game for a little while last night. Tired, but making great progress!
Not sure if she's resting enough ... I hear that she's already working (from home) during the day.
Good news on one of the genetic tests. The type of cancer identified is "negative" in terms of being a potential issue for Martha and Daniel. Still waiting on another genetic test that will determine if there is a need for chemo.
So far, so good!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
"You Gotta Have A Game Plan"
As you all probably know, we bolted a little after 11 yesterday, came home and she got up the stairs! A key accomplishment since that puts her in her bed and next to the bathroom and shower. She slept all afternoon till 7, ate then we watched a movie then a night’s sleep. Only ½ of a pain pill, she is tough.
This morning she had another shower and came downstairs using both legs. This is days after getting cut around more than half the circumference of her right leg! It is holding together well. Sean Boutros is the guy if you need any body parts rearranged.
We are going back to him at 9 tomorrow am and may get one or both of the drains pulled. That will be really good as it is a real hassle with tubes and little bulbs at the end that hold the drainage. Apparently you body can absorb aprox 25 cc per day and yesterday we got less on the upper and a little more on the lower. So we are anticipating that progress will occur today with activity of walking and the outflow will be less.
I feel like I have just been through a surgical residency program, really interesting stuff although I would prefer the subject not be Hope. (Wednesday AM he starts out with a sharpie sketching it out - said “you gotta have a game plan”)
Thanks to all for their help and positive thoughts and prayers.
Love, Ed
PS: Everything is real good especially since no lymph nodes were involved, however we do have the results of a genetic test outstanding. In about three weeks we get back results from 75 genes being analyzed that will determine if chemo will be of benefit for any events that may occur in the future. I think it is called onca typing.
This morning she had another shower and came downstairs using both legs. This is days after getting cut around more than half the circumference of her right leg! It is holding together well. Sean Boutros is the guy if you need any body parts rearranged.
We are going back to him at 9 tomorrow am and may get one or both of the drains pulled. That will be really good as it is a real hassle with tubes and little bulbs at the end that hold the drainage. Apparently you body can absorb aprox 25 cc per day and yesterday we got less on the upper and a little more on the lower. So we are anticipating that progress will occur today with activity of walking and the outflow will be less.
I feel like I have just been through a surgical residency program, really interesting stuff although I would prefer the subject not be Hope. (Wednesday AM he starts out with a sharpie sketching it out - said “you gotta have a game plan”)
Thanks to all for their help and positive thoughts and prayers.
Love, Ed
PS: Everything is real good especially since no lymph nodes were involved, however we do have the results of a genetic test outstanding. In about three weeks we get back results from 75 genes being analyzed that will determine if chemo will be of benefit for any events that may occur in the future. I think it is called onca typing.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Friday Surprise ... Visiting Mom
Friday afternoon we picked up Martha & Daniel after school and they had a great visit with Mom. Everyone is excited about the progress Hope has made. Dr. Boutros said that she has passed the "critical time" ~ the first fifteen hours ~ for major issues with the flap/transplant and everything is right on schedule.
They are managing her pain very well and, although Hope doesn't feel she still needs pain meds, Dr. Boutros has a "set program" and doesn't deviate. Today, the IV will be discontinued and she will go on oral meds ... the first step down.
You can see the top of "the blanket" in this photo. It looks like a light-weight inflatable mattress that covers her entire body and blows warm air. Hope LOVES it and has asked to take it home with her ... she said it's better than a Snuggie!
They are managing her pain very well and, although Hope doesn't feel she still needs pain meds, Dr. Boutros has a "set program" and doesn't deviate. Today, the IV will be discontinued and she will go on oral meds ... the first step down.
You can see the top of "the blanket" in this photo. It looks like a light-weight inflatable mattress that covers her entire body and blows warm air. Hope LOVES it and has asked to take it home with her ... she said it's better than a Snuggie!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Doppler Radar?
Day Two went well & Hope seemed to be in good spirits & well medicated. They decided on a "no visitor day", but touched base via cell phone to report that things were still going very well.
After the surgery, Hope was moved to a special floor in Memorial Hermann where they have equipment to closely monitor blood flow in the transplanted tissue. They use a long cylinder like "pen" ~ called a doppler flow detector ~ that they touch against the skin and can actually hear the circulation. Pretty cool!
After the surgery, Hope was moved to a special floor in Memorial Hermann where they have equipment to closely monitor blood flow in the transplanted tissue. They use a long cylinder like "pen" ~ called a doppler flow detector ~ that they touch against the skin and can actually hear the circulation. Pretty cool!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
