Why the Redwood Forest slideshow?

Judy had always loved trees, and in 2008 we spent some time among the California Redwoods. Some of the ingredients in Judy's chemo cocktail were derived from trees (not Redwoods but Yews). We always knew that Judy loved the trees, and the trees got their chance to repay her affection.



Sunday, October 5, 2008

It's late Sunday night ...

... and I just wanted to let you know that this was, overall, a good day for Judy. Ever since getting off the antibioticum Flagyl yesterday, Judy's nausea has almost completely subsided. A few times today she said she felt "queasy," but there was no nausea and she has not had a single episode of the dry heaving that had sucked her energy for the past few days. The NG tube is still in place, sucking greenish fluid from her stomach.

While Wes was giving me a break today, he and Judy took a little walk around the station, the first time she has been out of the room on her feet. The NG tube is a real bother, though, since one has to be so careful not to displace it.

In the morning, Drs. Phillips and Howell came through, essentially telling us to be patient. Both think that it is just a question of time that her intestines "wake up." Dr. Phillips is still concerned that there may be some leakage in the anastomosis, the area where the bowel was reconnected--but at this point there is practically no way to know for sure. So, we are patient.

Talking about "patient": Judy has been a good one. She does her breathing exercises, stays on her diet of ice and water (plus the TPN--liquid diet), makes sure that somebody is around when she needs to use her "potty," and is making doctors, nurses, and visitors alike laugh with her demeanor and jokes.

Judy had several visitors today, and looking at who all has been here to see her is truly amazing. We would like to thank all those of you who have stopped by, and quite a number of you have been regular visitors as well as care-takers.

Judy would like to ask who sent her the vase with the orange carnations and the crystal butterfly in the purple box. Neither one of us has a recollection how either arrived, and Judy would like to properly thank whoever thought of her.

That's all for tonight. Let's hope that this will be the last Sunday in the hospital!

Jürgen

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Judy -- this is Catherine from Houston. Mr Bill & I are thinking of you & praying for your speedy recovery. Get well soon! We want to see you at the races again!

Anonymous said...

Judy,
Patience...one of the hardest things ever but think of all that character building! St. Paul's continues to lift you up in prayer and are so grateful with the blogspot that your adorable husband is keeping updated! Just need to know if you want or can be brought communion, let me know and Nancy Igo will bring that by to you.

Anonymous said...

Judy- My name is Nancy Igo. I'm a parishioner at St. Paul's, and am a eucharistic visitor for the parish. I heard you were in the hospital and wondered if you'd like to receive communion. I find sometimes that helps lift my spirits when I'm feeling sick. I realize you have an NG tube, so I thought I would ask first not knowing to what extent you are able to have food. I'm here for you and will be more than happy to celebrate with you at your discretion. Just let me know. I work at the Diocesan office, so I can be reached there at 763-1370 ext 5 or on my cell phone at 252- 0192. If the Dr. Phillips I have read about on your blog is Benny Phillips, I LOVE HIM and have all the faith in the world in him. He has been my physician for over 20 years, and I trust him explicitly. I know he will care for you in the best possible way. May God bless you and watch over you in your recovery process!

Anonymous said...

Judy,

That fighting spirit we all have known and loved over the years comes through loud and clear in this blog - even as Jurgen writes about the really rough times you are going through I can feel your faith, your strength & your resolve to beat this thing!!

Sending our thoughts and prayers your way,

Danette & Rex Castle

Jerred said...

Judy,

We are really glad to hear things are coming along now. I know you are ready to get out of there. We will continue praying for you and your healing.

Jerred, Jen, & Noah