Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Tuesday April 26

Today was a little better.  I slept for a couple of hours.  I got up and made a couple of laps around the hallways.  

Colin came in with donuts for the nurses.  I was in too much pain to finish my walk and did a short cut.  I laid back down and watched tv for a little bit.  The doctors came around and went over everything.  My labs were good.  The bloodwork looks good.  My blood pressure was a little on the high side so they gave me some blood pressure meds to try and get it down.  

I got a phone call from my mom in the evening that Honeybwasmt doing so well and that she was unresponsive.  Mom and Dad drove to Ohio late last night to go see her and say their goodbyes.   She passed away peacefully in her sleep shortly after 2:30 this morning.   May she rest in peace.   She was the greatest wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and yes......great -great grandma you could ever know. She had her wits about her until the very end and will surely be missed by all.   We love you honey!!!!  
 

 
 
 

Monday April 25

I was up all night in excruciating pain again.   When the doctors came in to make their rounds thus said I couldn't go home.   They didn't think it was time.   Until the pain is under control there's nothing they can do but make me comfortable.

I spent the whole day in bed.  I didn't get much walking done.   They sent me for a ct scan to make sure everything was ok in my abdomen.   Everything looked good and there were several doctors who looked over it.  

Dr. Cruz read the results and well and came in and said that everything was looking good.  If I can stay on the oral pain meds I can go home tomorrow.  I will post more then.  Wish me luck and send lots of prayers. 

Sunday April 24

Was up early.   Took a walk.   Mehgan and Amanda came in and spent the morning with me.   Amber came in too.   We hung out until lunchtime.  It was Amber and Bobby's 7 year anniversary and they went to lunch with Colin and the twins to celebrate.  

Amanda and Mehgan left around lunch and got home safe and sound.   

I spent the rest of the day just hanging out.  I was having a lot pain so the day was uneventful.  I started coloring and went to bed early.   I had a rough night with the pain and was up the whole night asking for pain meds.  It was a difficult night.

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Saturday April 23

Was up early.  Ate my breakfast.  Frosted Flakes and a piece of toast.  

Got out of bed, walked.   Washed my hair and body.   Walked a little more.   The doctors made their rounds and said that everything looked good on my labs.  

They may remove one of the drains from my stomach and see how I do.   There are currently two drains and a g tube in my abdomen in addition to my ostomy.  He is going to wait and see how I do today before they decide.  

Mehgan and Amanda came to visit.  It is nice to have new faces to look at :).  It was great seeing them!!  They stayed all afternoon and left to go have dinner.   After dinner they came back and stayed til about 9.  I was getting tired so the nurse gave me my medicine and I layed down and went to bed.  Today is a new day.  Waiting to see what it holds.   I will update later.   Have a good day!!

Friday April 22

Was up at 4 this morning.  Colin got here around 5 this morning.   I had a biopsy scheduled for this morning but we weren't given a time so he wanted to make sure he was here for it.  They have been known to come and get me at 6:30 to do the procedure.  

The nurse checked the schedule and saw that I was scheduled for 9am.  I wasn't allowed to eat or drink beforehand.  I was wide awake so Colin and I did two laps around the hallways to start my walking for the day.  

We got back and I was of course in pain again.  I asked the nurse for pain meds before I went down for the scope and a dressing change.  She loaded me up with everything I needed.  

They came around 8:30 to take me for the scope.  The scope today was awful.  It was more difficult than the others because there is formed stool in my intestine.  It's a good thing they keep saying.   So we are happy so far with all the progress 😊

I've been in pain off/on all day.  I'm hoping to be able to get in under control and only take it orally.  As long as I'm not needing the iv pain meds I can have "solids" and be discharged on Monday.

I will post more tomo 

Friday, April 22, 2016

Friday April 22

Was up at 4 this morning.  Colin got here around 5 this morning.   I had a biopsy scheduled for this morning but we weren't given a time so he wanted to make sure he was here for it.  They have been known to come and get me at 6:30 to do the procedure.  

The nurse checked the schedule and saw that I was scheduled for 9am.  I wasn't allowed to eat or drink beforehand.  I was wide awake so Colin and I did two laps around the hallways to start my walking for the day.  

We got back and I was of course in pain again.  I asked the nurse for pain meds before I went down for the scope and a dressing change.  She loaded me up with everything I needed.  

They came around 8:30 to take me for the scope.  The scope today was awful.  It was more difficult than the others because there is formed stool in my intestine.  It's a good thing they keep saying.   So we are happy so far with all the progress 😊

I've been in pain off/on all day.  I'm hoping to be able to get in under control and only take it orally.  As long as I'm not needing the iv pain meds I can have "solids" and be discharged on Monday.

I will post more tomorrow!!    

Thursday April 21

Today was another bad day.  The pain in my abdomen is still there.  I was able to get up and walk a little more.  I walked about 5 laps.  

My ostomy output was really slow today so they put medicine through my g-tube to try and get things moving.   Well.....that was a miracle drug!!!  

We emptied almost two whole liters from my ostomy after dinner and into the next morning.  The ostomy output is really thick so it was getting stuck.  

I ate breakfast and a soft pretzel for lunch.   For dinner I had a turkey sandwich.   Colin left around 7.  I just chilled out and watched tv.  I went to bed and slept on and off for a couple of hours.   I will post more tomorrow.  

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Wednesday April 20

I had a sleepless night.   My blood pressure is really high again.   They gave me a bunch of bp meds to try and lower it.  

I am also pretty nauseous so I've been getting nausea meds as well.  The pain was better today and I was able to walk 4 laps and we went outside for a few minutes to enjoy the beautiful weather.  

I ate pancakes for breakfast and a hot turkey sandwich for lunch.  I ordered chicken and mashed potatoes for dinner but was too nauseous to eat.  I slept a little better last night.  I will post more tomorrow (today technically)

I hope you have a good day

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Tuesday April 19

Today was a little better with the pain.  I was so overloaded with pain meds yesterday that I think we may be catching up and getting ahead of the pain a little bit.  

The problem I had was the nausea.  I was super nauseous all day.  I think it's the pain patch kicking in but am not 100% sure.  

I went for three short walks.   We went outside at one point to get some fresh air.  It was really nice outside.   

Mom and Dad came for a short visit in the morning on their way home from Ohio.  It was a nice little visit.  Colin went home and cloroxed the house while they were here.  I'll try to stay on top of this more.   I just haven't been feeling well.  I will post more later.   Sorry about the slacking.  

Monday April 18

Went for another biopsy.   Everything looked great on the camera.   They found a tennis ball size pocket of fluid on my abdomen which is more than likely causing the pain in my abdomen.   They are going to keep me until it is under control.

They put me on a fentnlyol patch to see if it will help with the pain.  They also up' my oral medication as well.  They are hoping to get a good regimen down for when I get home so that we have pain control.  

It was a long day just trying to get/stay comfortable but I was able to make due.

Sunday April 17

Today was a very bad day.  I was in a lot of pain.   There is a lot of bruising coming out on the surface of my abdomen.  They are all post surgical and it's a minor setback but everything as far as the transplant goes is good.   

My biopsy was good and the bloodwork is all ok.  That was my day in a nutshell.   Not too much to report.  

Monday, April 18, 2016

Saturday April 16

Woke up and went for a walk.  Washed my hair and gave myself a sponge bath.  They sent up my breakfast tray while I was finishing up.

I sat in my chair and ate.  After my breakfast we walked.  I made one full loop, started a second and was in excruciating pain.  We took a shortcut and went back to the room.   We got back to the room and the doctors were there making their rounds.  

Dr. Cruz looked at my abdomen and made sure it wasn't distended etc.  he said he would set up a ct scan for Monday as well.  He also changed some more of my medicines to be taken orally.  And they changed my diet back to low fat again.

I ordered a soft pretzel for lunch and ate it but I wasn't too hungry.  Colin ran and grabbed lunch for himself and when he got back we attempted to walk again.  The pain got even worse.   We got back to the room and the pain was even worse.  We both layed down and took a little cat nap.  

I tried getting up and moving a little but it wasn't getting any better.  Colin had started laundry before coming to the hospital so he went home to finish up and to clean.  He has been a cleaning phanatic to make sure everything is germ free.  

I stayed in bed the rest of the evening.  I will post more today.   Have a good night!!  

Friday, April 15, 2016

Friday April 15

Last night was a little rough.  I was up and down a lot with my bladder and my pain was pretty bad.   The nurses were wonderful as always and did everything they could to help me keep my mind off of it.  

The doctors made their rounds today and changed a couple more of my meds to oral.  I'm not taking too many via iv anymore.   They also advanced my diet today to soft foods.  So I have more variety to choose from.  

I had all three meals again today.  Frosted Flakes and an English muffin for breakfast, a hot turkey sandwich with gravy and mashed potatoes for lunch and half of a personal sized pizza for dinner.  



I know it's hospital pizza but it was really good!!

It was such a gorgeous day today.   Colin and I went outside for a little bit again to enjoy the sunshine.   We came back inside and I was asked to be examined again by a first year medical student.  I agreed and she came in and asked my medical history and she did a general exam.  

I just chilled out the rest of the afternoon.   Colin left around dinner to head home.  He seemed pretty exhausted today.

I'm sitting here watching Say Yes To The Dress.  I'm hoping to get some sleep tonight.  I hope you can do the same.   Sweet dreams!!  Have a good night!!

Thursday April 14

Better late than never I guess.  I had a scope first thing Thursday morning and they did another biopsy.   Everything looked good on the scope.   We are just waiting for the biopsy results which won't come back until tomorrow at some point.

I was able to eat breakfast.  Frosted Flakes!!!  It was delicious!!   For lunch I ate a seashell noodles and had a little yogurt.    I wasn't too hungry so I didn't want to push it.   For dinner I had a chicken breast, cooked carrots and mashed potatoes.   It was amazing!  



So far I've been able to eat and haven't had any nausea or vomiting.  

It was such a beautiful day.   Colin and I walked to the little courtyard at the front of the building and sat outside for about a half hour.   We came back to the room and I colored while he watched a movie.   He went home and I got myself ready for bed.   That was my day in a nutshell.   I hope you had as good of a day as I did.  

❤️

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Wednesday April 13

Today was a pretty good day!   Woke up early as usual.  I stayed in bed though because they had me hooked up to a bunch of medicines.  

I was given breakfast and ate broth, chocolate milk and tea.  The doctors made their rounds and everything looks good on my bloodwork.  They gave me some potassium because that was a little low.   They gave me soft foods today!!! 

Lunch consisted of green beans, baked turkey breast and mashed potatoes!!!   It was delicious!!! 



(I didn't eat the whole plate)

I went for a walk outside!!!   It was so nice to get some fresh air!!!


We came back from the walk and got hooked back up to my iv's and I took a small nap.  I got up and ordered dinner.  I had a soft pretzel and a fruit cup.  It was very satisfying!  I'm on a pretty strict fat content diet but at least I'm eating!  And so far no side effects from eating.  After dinner I colored a little.  I laid down chilled out watching the tv for the rest of the evening.  

Today is going to be nice so we will see if I can go out again.

Have a good day!!   I'll try my hardest to stop slacking.

Tuesday April 12

Sorry I missed posting on Tuesday.  I was having a really bad day and had a lot of pain.   Everything is ok with my labs etc.  I think I overdid it on Monday walking as much as i did plus having the tests done just took a toll on my body.

I ate a little bit of yogurt and some broth and had a couple of sips of ginger ale as well.  I didn't have too much of an appetite.  I took a couple little naps here and there because I was so exhausted.

My mom came and spent the night with me on her way back to Lancaster.   She had gone to Ohio to visit Honey in the nursing home they moved her to on Monday.

That was my Tuesday in a nutshell.   Again....sorry for slacking on the updates 😀

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Monday April 11

Today was a good day!!  My biopsy results came back and everything looks good.   So far, no signs of rejection.  The doctors are going to slowly take away my iv antibiotics and transition me to pills so that when I go home I won't be hanging iv meds constantly.  

I was given permission to eat a full liquid diet which consists of puréed or cream soups, ice cream, yogurt, any beverages, cream of wheat and things of that consistency.  




It's a terrible picture of me but I'll share anyway.

I ate a little bit and so far so good.  I didn't have any nausea, vomiting or side effects so far from eating.  We are taking baby steps but are slowly moving in the right direction!!!   I'm just taking each day as it comes and each hurdle one at a time.  

Around lunchtime a doctor came in and asked me if I would mind if he sent in some first time medical students to get my history and examine me.  I agreed and about an hour later two students came in and did an exam, asked me a bunch of questions and took a lot of notes.  Apparently I'm an interesting case so they decided to choose me.

I also wanted to thank everyone again for the cards and get well wishes!!!   Colin has been hanging them on my wall here at the hospital and all of the nurses keep commenting on how much I am loved.  It makes me smile every time I look at the wall.   We have filled one wall and are starting to fill another!!


Today should be pretty uneventful.  I'm going to focus on walking today.  I will post more later.   Have a great day!!

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Sunday April 10

Sorry I have been MIA.  I've been really exhausted the past couple of days.

Friday was a good day.  I had a couple of visitors.  My friend Matt came to the hospital and hung out for a few hours.   He and Colin left around dinner.  After they left my Uncle JIm and Aunt Beth stopped for a couple of hours.   They flew into Pittsburgh to visit with Honey in Altoona for the weekend so on their way back to the airport they stopped at the hospital to see me.  I was also able to eat clear liquids!!   Making baby steps but I'm headed in the right direction.   It was a very good day!   (Ignore my fat face!)

Saturday Cyndee and Brooke came to visit.   They spent the day at the hospital with me.  They left a little before dinner so Colin could grab a couple of things at the store and so they could get some dinner.  Everything on my labs were good but my hemoglobin was low so they had to give me some more blood.  They also started giving me some of my medicine orally instead of through my iv.   So far I've been tolerating everything pretty well.  I colored in my coloring book for a little bit and of course couldn't stop until I was done with the page.  The air in my room is so dry that I woke up in the middle of the night with a nosebleed.  I was joking with the nurse that I just got blood earlier in the day and my body can't afford to lose any more!  

Today was a pretty good day as well.   Brooke and Cyndee came in with Colin around 8:30.  I had already done three laps in the hallway by the time they got here.  Colin brought bagels for he nurses for breakfast. They really enjoyed them.   It was really sweet of him. He also surprised me with stuff to do my nails.  I have to keep my nails short now so that nothing gets under them.  So no more bright polishes for me because I have stubs for nails.

Cyndee and Brooke left around 10.   They made it home safe and sound.  It was really nice having them visit.   They were also able to force Colin to eat real food.   They went to Linghorn for dinner Saturday and they went and got breakfast this morning.   Colin has been eating hospital food for the past two weeks so I'm sure it's getting old and it's probably not too appetizing.

I colored another picture and we layed down and took a nap.  My nurse Nicole scattered my medicine a little bit so I wouldn't be interrupted.  Colin and I both fell asleep for about 2 hours.  Neither of us are sleeping well.  Colin left around dinner so he could take care of some things at the house.  I of course colored some more.  I am ready for bed.  My biopsy is at 6:30 tomorrow morning so I will update then.   Have a good night!!!   Sweet dreams!!


Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Thursday April 6

Today was a pretty good day all in all.  I was able to wash my hair for the first time.   It felt awesome!!!!   I still can't shower yet but I can take sponge baths.   I cleaned myself up and went for a walk. 

My hemoglobin levels came up.   The doctors seem pretty happy with my progress.   All the labs look good.   The biopsy results came back and so far my new intestines are healthy and functioning.  

Even better news.....


I was able to eat a Popsicle!!!    It was amazing!!!  I may be able to start on other fluids later this week.  

I have no tests scheduled until next week so the rest of this week is just going to be focusing on walking and getting strong enough to go home.   

I did 2223 walking steps today and was able to do 20 stairs so physical therapy no longer has to see me and has signed off on my care.  Making progress!   I will post more tomorrow.  Have a good night!

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Tuesday April 5

I had my biopsy this morning.  Everything looked good on the camera.  They will have the biopsy results back in the next day or two.  

I walked 4 laps around the hallway today and was able to walk up and down 9 steps.  

My hemoglobin was low again so they gave me another unit of blood.  They removed my catheter today and so far I'm emptying my bladder on my own.  I don't have anything scheduled for tomorrow as of yet.   I'm in a decent amount of pain right now from all the moving but I'm hoping it's a good "healing" pain.

That's really my only update for the day.  I hope you have a good evening!!  I'll try to post more tomorrow. 

Monday, April 4, 2016

Monday April 4

Sorry I haven't posted the past couple of days.  I was really not feeling well on Saturday and was recouperating yesterday from my tough day.

Here's my update for today :)

I had a new Picc line inserted first thing this morning.   It was pretty quick and painless.   I had the central line removed from my me know so I feel a little more free now!!!   It was hard having iv's hooked into my neck.  I felt like they were constantly pulling and I was paranoid I was going to rip them out.

After that I came back to my room.  I received a lot of goodies today at the hospital and over the weekend as well.  A huge stack of cards came in the mail today.  Thank you to everyone who sent cards.  I will be honest though.....I cried a lot when reading them because I was so overwhelmed with the kind words and the prayers.   

I jumped a little ahead with that so I'm going to backtrack a little.   Saturday I had a surprise visit from Ashley.  She brought me some gifts from the Schavins family as well as this beautiful art piece with notes from everyone who participated in the craft event that Kelly had a few weekends ago.   


Colin took it back to the apartment to hang it up there. There really isn't anywhere to put it in my tiny little room.   It's so creative and thoughtful.   Thank you!!




Back to today.  They sent me down to radiology to get a small bowel follow through.  It's a test where you drink a bunch of barium-type liquid and they take pictures every 10-15 minutes until the liqiud makes it the whole way through and they are able to check the "connection sights" and make sure there's no leaking, perferation and to check the overall function of the small intestine.  We went down around 1:45 and got back to my room about 4:30.  Most of the liquid was staying in my stomach so it took a while to get through the first connection.  Once they got to the connection site and watched it at a couple different angles they sent me back to my room but said I will have to get a few more X-rays so they will just send the portable one to my room.  

They came in twice to X-ray me so far.  It's nice because I don't have to be transported back and forth between scans and I was starting to get really uncomfortable.  

At this point I'm doing ok.   I had a long day of being tossed from test to test and bed to bed.  I'm settled in for the night.  

Tomorrow I have another biopsy.  They are going to do two a week for now.  I will do my best to post more tomorrow.   Have a good night!

Friday, April 1, 2016

Friday April 1

They took out my catheter last night (again) and I am still having trouble voiding on my own.   They had to straight cath me and empty my bladder for me twice.   I was up all night in pain between the pain of having a full bladder and the incisional pain from trying to to force myself to pee.  

Mom slept in the hospital with me last night which gave her a sense of how impossible it is to get any rest while you are in here.  She was up all night with me.

I had my biopsy this morning.   Everything looked good on the camera but they won't have the actual biopsy results back until Monday.  They changed a couple of my meds around today as well and put the Foley catheter back in.  They put me on medication to jump start my bladder as well so I will have the catheter in until Monday.  I'm still having high blood pressure which they are trying to control.

I took three walks today and am making some progress.  I was also able to take a little nap this afternoon which was much needed.  I'm laying down now for the night.  I hope to get some sleep but we all know how that typically goes for me.  

Sweet dreams!!!