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.



Monday, October 6, 2008

Judy is finally progressing


OK, we said that once or twice before, and we don't want to jinx anything. But several of the small steps have been adding up, and things look a little brighter than just a few days ago.

One very encouraging piece of information was the cytology report for the fluid that had been aspirated from her chest area before the weekend: It did not contain any cancerous cells! This is an important psychological boost, especially since we had expected the result to show the opposite. We are realistic in that this doesn't necessarily mean that the cancer has not spread out of the abdominal cave, but at least there was no sign of cancerous cells in this small pocket.

Dr. Phillips (and yes, this is Dr. Benny Phillips) listened to Judy's belly this morning and detected some slight gurgling and action--faint, but definitely perceptible and a first sign that her small intestine is slowly waking up. Never has a little toot been more eagerly awaited than right now!

Her physical strength is returning. She gets out of the bed without any help, and we walked around the station this morning for about 10 minutes. And this afternoon, as you can see in the photo (which I will upload in a few minutes), Emily and I took her on a walk outside. Man, did she love it! She was beaming from one ear to the other.

We still don't have an idea when discharge may be happening, but after a little bit of being "blue" this morning, Judy came around (with the help of a visit from her old friend Leonard G.) and her spirit is back to where it has been all along: abnormally high! Let's hope that the good news will continue tomorrow.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Judy,

Priscilla, Elizabeth and I were absolutely thrilled to learn of your walk outside today. We know that must have been like a walk in the park.

Obey the doctors orders (Jurgen's too, when it's convenient :)) and you'll get to go home soon. Remember, I'm still looking forward to our date on your tandem...which is something I've never done before.

All our positive energy and prayers are with you, with so VERY, VERY much love.

David, Priscilla and Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

good show judy, weve been hoping for this breakthrough.

tom & diann

aka Kathy said...

Oh how wonderful it is to see you sitting outside enjoying the day.
{hugs}
Kathy J

Anonymous said...

How wonderful to see you outside with the blue sky behind you! The future's so bright you better wear shades! God bless you and Jurgen! Cindy Weisinger

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear the positive news and to see the picture. Its such a boost to get out in the fresh air and I know Judy felt much better after her trip outdoors.

Looking forward to continued progress and hoping for a restful evening for you both this evening after what sounds like a full day today.

Scott,Rachel, Harrison and Luke

Unknown said...

Judy,

PRAISES!!!! We are so glad you got to go outside!!! The afternoon was so nice. We'll keeping praying for you to get stronger every single day!!!!

Jurgen, keep your head up! Judy's gonna be fine!

Lots of love, hugs and prayers.
Amy

Anonymous said...

Judy-
I'm so glad to see you getting out and about. I think of you every morning as I am on my way to face the kiddos. And then again with my tye-dye shirt.
I can't wait to see you so we can walk through the woods.
Be on the lookout for a package from mom.
Love ya,
Jennifer and Tobin

Anonymous said...

Judy,
It's so great to see you outside with Emily by your side. The fresh air and birds singing must raise your spirits I would imagine. You're still on 2 wheels they're just side by side is all. Rest now after your work-out today. See you very soon, Love,Lorane

Anonymous said...

Judy, you look good outside both you and Emily. God bless you sorry I've been a little late posting.

Anonymous said...

So great to see you outside Judy!
Although I had to chuckle...it was sunny here yesterday too (Northern VT)-but you wouldn't want to be outside in only trendy hospital garb. Yesterday I finally had to break out a hat and gloves for my ride to the credit union.
Continuing to send "speedy recovery" thoughts your way.
Hugs,
Cindi

Anonymous said...

Whoa, is that a great picture of you and Emily outside in the sun! That's got to feel good. Sorry I missed it (We had an insurance man meeting), but I hope to see you today. Keep up the good work! It's happening.
Cheryl and Fred Weber

Anonymous said...

Hi, Judy,
You may not remember me, but my office at Texas Tech is next door to Jurgen's. I substituted for a couple of his classes years ago when you two were in Paris, and then near the end of that semester, you two had me over for supper one night. Some of your other bicycle friends were there, and I remember how terrified you were by a protective mother blue jay that'd nested in your backyard. Anyway, I had a great time, and I was shocked the other week to hear the news about your sickness. I hope everything goes well for you. I wanted you and Jurgen to know that I think about you both each day, and both of you are in my prayers.

Peter Myers

Peter Myers

Unknown said...

Hey Judy. This is Amy Hoskins. I am the one that has Muscular Distrophy. I have the braces on my legs. My husband is a pedalmasher. He is the one that broke his collar bone at Eldorado. We are praying for you. God performs many miricals. I hope you are doing good. Keep your chin up. I know you are strong. God Bless: Our email is trailhog1963@yahoo.com Sincerely: Amy Hoskins