Problems are lingering

It is 3 p.m. on Thursday, and Judy just has returned from a CT scan of her abdomen. She was earlier given a barium contrast liquid, and the docs are hoping to find out what is causing her continued abdominal problems. The blood and urine cultures that were taken yesterday are not fully analyzed yet, but from what I understand there is an infection as indicated by the urine culture.

I have just arrived here at the hospital after teaching and was filled in by Candace, Judy's sister-in-law. Judy's night was apparently a little more restful than two nights ago, but she is not over the hump, it appears. Her NOT having been moved back to ICU indicates to me that we're looking at only a temporary set-back, but let's keep our fingers crossed that she can overcome it quickly. It is really tough on her because she is not allowed any liquids orally, ony via the drip--not even an ice cube.

Her spirit is still high, though, and she cracked us up when, after being put into her bed after coming from radiology, she told us in all seriousness that one of the doctors had told her that she could have a whole Popsicle, right now. The nurse, Candace, and I just looked at each other, and the nurse said "the doctor said that?" And Judy, as serious as a heart attack, looks at us and just says "yep." Mind you this was no hallucination--she was trying to trick us and wanted us to smile and laugh, the way we all four did.

Candace told me that the radiology report may come in as early as this afternoon. Once I know more, I will update the blog.

Thanks you all for your continued comments and e-mails. I keep telling Judy when something new has arrived, and her face always brightens up when I tell her that so-and-so send her sweet note. She gets so much strength from you and the knowledge that you are thinking of her. She loves all of you. And for myself, I can only tell you that your support is a big boost for me, too. All of us together, we will get through this mess.

Jürgen