After a weekend of 900+ miles of driving I am back in Lubbock. What a difference a weekend makes: Free of the infection and finally starting to eat solid foods, Judy is more energetic and healthier looking than just three days ago on Friday. No, she isn't well yet, but she has made some significant progress.
Dr. Phillips came by the room after yet another day of surgeries late in the afternoon, and he was pleased by what he saw. The word is that if Judy can show that she can eat solid foods on a consistent basis and that her bowels process the food, she will be able to go home. This could come as early as Wednesday, maybe Thursday. Mind you, all this is tentative, and we've seen our share of set-backs. Dr. Phillips said that all weekend he'd kept his fingers crossed that Judy would progress, and he was obviously relieved by what he saw today after being out of town all weekend.
Judy's appetite is not back yet, and she has to force herself to eat. Her friend Cheryl had brought a fruit/protein smoothie to the hospital, with three types of berries, and Judy actually liked it! She also ate a whole bowl of vegetable soup (including the carrots and other solids), but she couldn't force herself to eat more than one bite of the macaroni and cheese (usually one of her favorites). She is slowly figuring out what works and what doesn't. Oddly, textures make a big difference, too: She could not stand the way the beans in the soup felt in her mouth, and she quickly got rid of some small pieces of beef, too. She's been eating other things such as apple sauce and oatmeal, and every bite she can hold down is a step in the right direction.
I am dead tired and better close shop for tonight.
Jürgen
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7 comments:
Judy and Jurgen-you guys are tough for sure.
Jurgen-your way with words really bring this home-as much as the written word can. But I don't read it when I'm thinking about eating soon. I do think it's time for a photo sans NG tube!!!Not that Judy doesn't carry it well.
This must be God's sense of humor. You don't eat for 2 weeks, then in order to get out of the hospital you have to slug down "HOSPITAL FOOD".
I happen to have some home made veggie soup with no meat in it. It does have a few beans, but you can pick those out. Home made broth, all fresh ingredients, and all. I'll call tomorrow and see if I can bring some of that to you. Might make it easier to choke down some food if it were tasty-and probably way more nutritious than what you get from Chez Cov. Not that I'm bragging, but I'm pretty sure that it doesn't taste like brine from the dead sea.
I'll check in with you tomorrow. I hate to bother people in the hospital, but from the sounds of it one more visitor won't impact your recovery negatively.
Mary G.
Hey guys good to hear that Judy has continued to conquer the hurdles put in front of her. I'm confident the eating will come back quickly, particularly because of the desire to escape from the little hospital!! You guys hang in there. Fefi and I both check on you guys every day!!
Lee
Judy. It sures sound like you intend to beat this thing! As I promised, I placed you on my small groups prayer list where you are lifted up each Thursday and other various times all week long. We had hoped to be able to see you around Christmas, but the family is coming here, so we'll have to schedule a different visit. When I'm there I will expect to share a nice micro-brew or glass of wine with you (or maybe even both). Keep the positive attitude and keep looking up for your strength.
Mike
Hi Judy! This is Alison Rhea...JoAnn Rhea's OLDEST daughter! Mom just told me about your condition last night and we looked into your blog today. I'm blown away. I don't even have the words to express my shock. I will pray for you every day! I know you are a tough lady, you can kick this in the ass...and tell it where to go! You have a lot of people routing for you and I'm glad you have so many there to support you! You are in my thoughts and prayers! Love, Alison
Miss Judy,
My mom just sent me the link for your blog and I am just amazed at how awesome you are doing. You are truly an inspirational woman. You mean so much to me and my family. I am so proud of you - not only are you tough and determined, you are still the selfless loving role model I've known since I was little. I have been praying for you and will continue to do so. Jurgen, you are pretty awesome yourself. Thanks for making this blog to keep us out-of-towners updated.
Sarah Hobson
This one is easy...
WHOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Judy and Jurgen,
I just found out about your health issues. Sharon sent me the site. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you can go home tomorrow. Please let me know if I can help in any way.
Janis
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