Shell had two appointments today. Both were very encouraging. The first was with her GP regarding some questions about therapy,vitamins and medication. Shell will receive physio therapy after she heals from surgery. The second appointment was with Dr. Souf the plastic surgeon. He feels things are progressing and that there are positive signs of blood flow. He prescribed an antibiotic as the last drain will stay in for one more week.
Needless to say, these two appointments took a lot out of Shell. She was exhausted when we returned home. Though tired she was elated with the news and her spirits are good. We both were a bit on edge hoping that things were alright.
As well, Dr. Souf was joking that they may hire me, when I brought out all my recordings with regards to blood pressure and drainage. I'm wondering if they let you challenge the LPN course. Would be something to fall back on.
I would like to thank Jim and Rita for giving us a ride today. The appointment was downtown with parking challenges,so this allowed me to walk Shell in and out with no problems. Jim and Rita are my old billets and have remained very close to our family since I lived there.
Our next big hurdle is getting pathology report. We are hoping for best case scenario.
Shell has been making some suggestions about taking over the blog again. We will make sure she is up for it, because this is not easy. :)
Big Bobby Blogger
Monday, March 5, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
To Bea or Not to Bea
Shell may have overdone it on his first day home. She sat up for most of the evening and ended up sick and nauseous before going to bed. After that she was able to settle down and sleep for a couple of hours. We have a set of stairs up to our bedroom which she believes she tried to take to fast. So far, today has been a good day with a bit better appetite and not as much nausea.
Before the surgery we had discussed sleeping arrangements, as we were not sure we would be able to sleep together. Shell felt if I got a body pillow and put it between us it would help. It worked, but it feels like we have another person sleeping with us! I have given the pillow the name of Bea and told Shell that Bea, may get my full attention, one of these nights or mornings. We now make jokes and references about Bea the Body Pillow.
We are back to just our family as of noon today. Uncle Mort flew home to Calgary,as well Shell's mom and dad drove back to PA. Words cannot express how we feel with regards to the help and support provided by Joe and Ione, as well as Karen,Corinne and Trent. WE LOVE YOU.
I have also expanded my home care skills to now include,temperature and blood pressure readings.
Bea's secret admirer,
Big Bobby Blogger
Before the surgery we had discussed sleeping arrangements, as we were not sure we would be able to sleep together. Shell felt if I got a body pillow and put it between us it would help. It worked, but it feels like we have another person sleeping with us! I have given the pillow the name of Bea and told Shell that Bea, may get my full attention, one of these nights or mornings. We now make jokes and references about Bea the Body Pillow.
We are back to just our family as of noon today. Uncle Mort flew home to Calgary,as well Shell's mom and dad drove back to PA. Words cannot express how we feel with regards to the help and support provided by Joe and Ione, as well as Karen,Corinne and Trent. WE LOVE YOU.
I have also expanded my home care skills to now include,temperature and blood pressure readings.
Bea's secret admirer,
Big Bobby Blogger
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Visitors
I forgot to mention our dog Zoe. When Shell came in the house she was going crazy with excitement. Zoe is the only dog I know that gyrates like a slinky. After about 5 minutes of this we were able to get her to settle down enough so Shell could pet her. Then after Shell went upstairs to bed. Zoe slept on the steps for the longest time waiting for Shell to come down.
Although Shell is home she is not up for visitors. She needs lots of rest and is susceptible to catching something as her immune system is weak. We will let you know when she feels up to it.
Big Bobby Blogger, Home care LPN, Bouncer
Although Shell is home she is not up for visitors. She needs lots of rest and is susceptible to catching something as her immune system is weak. We will let you know when she feels up to it.
Big Bobby Blogger, Home care LPN, Bouncer
Home Sweet Home
Shell was discharged at noon today. As I write this she is resting comfortably in her own bed.
Dr. Souf was in early this morning to look at things. Spent up to an hour with the Doppler machine trying to find pulses and to figure out this unique situation. Unique in that the tissue is alive though the pulse is irregular. He believes there is,or was some clotting that will dissipate as the blood vessels and good tissue continues to grow. We all have a good laugh when he shakes his head,smirks and says "Shelley you are unique"! He will continue to see her as an out patient with our first appointment being Monday, anytime. Being unique has its privileges.
We have been spending all afternoon getting supplies and medication in order to make Shell as comfortable as possible. She is still very sore,tired and doesn't have much of an appetite. I was given a crash course by Stevo the LPN. Shell gave him that name and we have been calling him that for the last few days. I now know how to empty the drain and record fluid color and level. As well as change appropriate bandages on various areas.
I would just like to add that Shell had the same night nurse as before, though she was very good. She obviously had been talked to. As she apologized for situation and her and Shell were able to have a good talk . Shell had a good nights rest which helped in her feeling good enough to come home.
We were also told that Dr. Meier will call us with pathology results within next couple of weeks. We have a scheduled appointment with her on April 11th. I believe this is to be given name of Oncologist who will be handling Shell's treatments. We are hoping that the Sentinel Node was clear so no radiation is needed.
Big Bobby Blogger, Home care LPN.
Dr. Souf was in early this morning to look at things. Spent up to an hour with the Doppler machine trying to find pulses and to figure out this unique situation. Unique in that the tissue is alive though the pulse is irregular. He believes there is,or was some clotting that will dissipate as the blood vessels and good tissue continues to grow. We all have a good laugh when he shakes his head,smirks and says "Shelley you are unique"! He will continue to see her as an out patient with our first appointment being Monday, anytime. Being unique has its privileges.
We have been spending all afternoon getting supplies and medication in order to make Shell as comfortable as possible. She is still very sore,tired and doesn't have much of an appetite. I was given a crash course by Stevo the LPN. Shell gave him that name and we have been calling him that for the last few days. I now know how to empty the drain and record fluid color and level. As well as change appropriate bandages on various areas.
I would just like to add that Shell had the same night nurse as before, though she was very good. She obviously had been talked to. As she apologized for situation and her and Shell were able to have a good talk . Shell had a good nights rest which helped in her feeling good enough to come home.
We were also told that Dr. Meier will call us with pathology results within next couple of weeks. We have a scheduled appointment with her on April 11th. I believe this is to be given name of Oncologist who will be handling Shell's treatments. We are hoping that the Sentinel Node was clear so no radiation is needed.
Big Bobby Blogger, Home care LPN.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Power of Positive Thinking
Shell had a tough night. Not much sleep as she had some negative thoughts keep her mind racing. This was due to the night nurse being a "Chatty Cathy" mixed with a "Negative Nelly". I was there when she first rattled Shell. I discussed with Shell that she should take the opinion of the Doctor and not the nurse.
This long night led to Shell being very tired. When I arrived she had a bad headache with high blood pressure. Because of this they put her back to bed in order for her to sleep and try and get blood pressure to lower. It eventually lowered and she was able to resume sitting up and going for the odd walk.
When Dr. Souf arrived he helped put Shell at ease. Although her healing has been something that he has not seen before. He believes they will heal with time. He removed 2 drains,leaving 2 drains remaining. Has left it up to us when as to when they will discharge her. If she can have a good nights sleep we are thinking possibly tomorrow.
I just want to clarify that the night nurse was nice and very attentive but just didn't have the expertise to being making those statements.
We are on the right track and if anything it shows you the POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING.
Bob
This long night led to Shell being very tired. When I arrived she had a bad headache with high blood pressure. Because of this they put her back to bed in order for her to sleep and try and get blood pressure to lower. It eventually lowered and she was able to resume sitting up and going for the odd walk.
When Dr. Souf arrived he helped put Shell at ease. Although her healing has been something that he has not seen before. He believes they will heal with time. He removed 2 drains,leaving 2 drains remaining. Has left it up to us when as to when they will discharge her. If she can have a good nights sleep we are thinking possibly tomorrow.
I just want to clarify that the night nurse was nice and very attentive but just didn't have the expertise to being making those statements.
We are on the right track and if anything it shows you the POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING.
Bob
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Good Evening
Shell had a great evening. Getting better, as she did 5 laps around the ward. The news from Dr. Souf
has really encouraged and inspired her to get moving and active. She also had more of an appetite tonight.
Very emotional for me tonight. When I was leaving she said today was dedicated to her loving husband.
I forgot to mention that Shell's brother Trent (Uncle Mort),flew in from Calgary. The kids love Uncle Mort. He brings lots of laughs and energy. He also is a Reiki Master. He performed some reiki on Shell, which I am sure is going to help the healing process as well as help her sleep.
I would like to say hello to all the NHL Scouts who have been asking about Shell and keeping her in their thoughts and prayers. Although we work for other teams it is a very tight community. Safe travels boys.
Bob
has really encouraged and inspired her to get moving and active. She also had more of an appetite tonight.
Very emotional for me tonight. When I was leaving she said today was dedicated to her loving husband.
I forgot to mention that Shell's brother Trent (Uncle Mort),flew in from Calgary. The kids love Uncle Mort. He brings lots of laughs and energy. He also is a Reiki Master. He performed some reiki on Shell, which I am sure is going to help the healing process as well as help her sleep.
I would like to say hello to all the NHL Scouts who have been asking about Shell and keeping her in their thoughts and prayers. Although we work for other teams it is a very tight community. Safe travels boys.
Bob
Encouraging news
Another good day. Shell is continuing to improve. Able to move a bit better though is still in pain.
We had some good news regarding the flap. Dr. Souf was able to find a mild pulse and was encouraged with color. He believes the clotting could eventually dissipate. She will be discharged when she feels up to it and become an out patient of Dr. Souf's. We expect her to be in for atleast a couple of more days or quite possibly till monday. We do not want to rush her if she is not up to it.
Shell was in great spirits after news and was even able to muster a partial laugh,as she is still to sore for full out cackle.
It will not be to long and she will be back on the blog. Although I am starting to enjoy doing it and the accolades that come with it. We will make sure she is totally healed before she starts up again.
Big Bobby Blogger
We had some good news regarding the flap. Dr. Souf was able to find a mild pulse and was encouraged with color. He believes the clotting could eventually dissipate. She will be discharged when she feels up to it and become an out patient of Dr. Souf's. We expect her to be in for atleast a couple of more days or quite possibly till monday. We do not want to rush her if she is not up to it.
Shell was in great spirits after news and was even able to muster a partial laugh,as she is still to sore for full out cackle.
It will not be to long and she will be back on the blog. Although I am starting to enjoy doing it and the accolades that come with it. We will make sure she is totally healed before she starts up again.
Big Bobby Blogger
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