Dr. Phillips made his rounds this morning. He's concerned, but not truly alarmed. He calls it a bump in the road and is confident that we'll be over this rough patch before long. No, he doesn't like how things have developed, but every patient is different, with different challenges.
Right now Judy is being given contrast liquid for her CT scan, scheduled for around noon. The liquid is administered through the NG tube; after that, Dr. Phillips wants it removed. So far Judy is OK with the liquid which is being administered very slowly.
Her blood sample from yesterday showed that there is an infection; the infectious disease doc hopes to find out where. The fever is lingering, going up and down between 99.5 and up to 102.
Dr. Phillips was adamant that follow-up surgery is a last resort. He does not want to go back in if he can avoid it. If the CT scan continues to show fluid in the anastomotic area (where the bowel was reconnected), the first course of action would be to try to reduce it by aspiring it. Dr. Phillips made clear that, if truly necessary, any surgery would not happen until early next week--especially since he will be out of town over the weekend.
This last point was really important for us as I am supposed to leave town this afternoon to go to Bryan/College Station for the next TMBRA race. Judy was adamant that I have to go, but if there had been the possibility of surgery, well .... As I said, this decision is now off the table.
Our friend Lorane has traveled back from New Mexico to stay with Judy for the entire weekend. We hadn't planned for her to have to spend the time in the hospital but rather thought both of them would be at the house, but that's the way it is. I suppose they can both knit here as well as there, right? I will stay with our old friend Michelle in CS, who is a PA and, more importantly, the wife of Ken who had his own battle with cancer. So, both of us will be in good hands.
I will stay in touch with Judy here in the hospital and will try to make blog updates if possible, but there could be a bit of a lag, depending on when I can log onto the internet.
I read Judy your comments in response to last night's post, and whenever I tell her "such and such wants you to know that..." her eyes light up and she revels and basks in your outpouring of love and concern. For those of you at the race in Bryan who couldn't make it to the POP, we'll have another poster to sign for her.
In this case--not like in the political arena--we can truly say: Thank you, our friends!
Jürgen
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6 comments:
Hey there! Just wanted to drop a note to say we're thinking of you. Your strength is amazing-hang in there!
Loves & prayers,
Bert & Dayla Merritt
(Friends of Wes & Susan)
I guess you just have to do the hills and the valleys. We miss you very much but know you are getting the best care even though the food doesn't sound so good. I know you are tough and that your heart is strong. I am thinking that tomorrow will be brighter. If you need me I am here for you. Cathy Pope
That is such a great shot of you all 'wired up' in the playground. Always a child at heart. That will keep you going for sure! Be patient, you'll be back at full strength soon with the outlook and support that you have.
We always tip our red your way!
Love you guys!
Cath and John
Hi Judy!
Your lovely Texas weather reached us today way up here in Vermont. Sunny and today was almost 65F! Hang in there! We're praying for your speedy recovery!
Hugs,
Cindi
Judy & Jergen-- We have been out of the info loop and just heard about your challenge from Bill Morman. We're really sorry not to have known to contact you before. Thank you for giving all of us who care for you this chance to communicate. You're both always wonderful to be around at the races. We know they will be run with integrity, accuracy and humor. That's no small thing in a world where so many people don't seem to try. So, while the contact is tangential, it still makes our lives better and us happier for knowing you. Judy, I've always wanted to ride with you but now I might be able to keep up if I catch you before you're back up to full speed! Keep us on your 'dance card'.
Fred & Suzanne Schmid
I know this is hard on both of you, but Jurgen, I know you have been so supportive and loving, the best medicine of all. I am so thankful that Candice can be there to help out with the care and that sweet Natalie and Emily give her much needed moral support. Give Judy my love and if you need me, I'm still here and available!
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