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.



Friday, October 10, 2008

What a rollercoaster!

After 350+ miles of driving I am in Temple on the way to Bryan/College Station. I talked to Judy on the phone several times this afternoon, and here's the latest and good news:

  • The CT scan showed that the anastomotic fluid has shrunk!!!!
  • The scan also did not give any indication of any anastomotic leakage or perforation!!!
  • Judy's "central line" has been removed as it may be behind her infection that has caused the fevers.
  • She was hooked up to the antibiotics and the bag via an IV--apparently, this was quite painful since her veins are, well, pretty much shot.
  • The damn NG tube is gone!
  • Her fever has been receding.
  • She has been able to tolerate the Tylenol and had only one or two "pukey" sessions this p.m.
  • Dr. Phillips is very confident that no follow-up surgery will be needed. Yes, yes, yes!!!!!!
  • Judy's lungs looked great on the CT scan. Yes again.

I am really sorry to put you through these ups and downs. Believe me, I would love to report nothing but positives. But the reality has been that one day we're on top, and the next we're in the sewer system. If you read this, you have decided to follow our path, and you most likely are prepared to celebrate with us and also to get beaten up. During my long drive today I thought about a lot of things, and the reality of it all is that we're all in the fight for Judy's life, plain and simple. This is really big, so big that it usually doesn't register like this for me. Otherwise I'd probably be balling all the time. I'm not sure how it registers with Judy; there are those really intimate moments when I think we both are realizing what this is about. And for you, I know, you're rooting for us in all ways, and I'm also sure that you know what all this means when you get a chance to really sit down and allow yourself to be overwhelmed by it all, but still ... most of the time this blog is just a somewhat perverse account of a human being fighting really hard to stay alive and get back to the happines that was so expected and normal just four weeks ago.

We thank you for choosing to be part of our life. Most likely, Judy has touched yours at some point (hell, you wouldn't write all this nice stuff about me!), and we certainly hope that that's what the future will bring more of.

Jürgen

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Judy:
I have been following your progress,both the ups and downs.Thank God that he has listened to all of our prayers! It appears your body is moving in a more positive direction. As I have told you many times before...You are truly one of the very STRONGEST individuals that I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Be sure to get plenty of rest to assist in your recovery. Don't forget WE HAVE SOME PEDICURES TO GET...BRIGHT COLORS ARE A MUST!!!! :-)
God Bless
Dr. S.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the updates and so glad to hear the positive news. One more step closer to leaving the hospital and going home to more comfortable surroundings! Hang in there, sure sounds like this time next week, you'll have made several updates to the blog from the Austin/Heise residence.

Scott, Rachel, Harrison and Luke.

Anonymous said...

Judy,
There are a lot of us on this rollercoaster with you, and so glad that Friday's news has us on top again. Our thoughts and prayers are with you to give you strength to get through this. Get your rest and the next good news will have you going home!!!
Love ya... Judy and Doug

Unknown said...

Judy & Jurgen,

We will continue to pray for you. Judy will win this fight. Cancer and surgeries and hospitals SUCK! No other way to put it.

Stay strong for each other. Let us know if we can do anything.

Lots of love, hugs and prayers.
Amy

Anonymous said...

what a relief to get those tubes out. leaving the hospital will give you a huge boost.

tom h

Nana (Deb Stevenson) said...

I know this a battle for life, for both of you! I continue to keep you both in my prayers and especially that the Great Physician will do His Will for Judy's life! She is a fighter and I have every confidence that she will win THIS war!! Thanks for the continued updates.

Unknown said...

Judy,

So glad Saturday was a good day! We're praying Sunday was equally good! :)

Looking forward to reading updates from 63rd Street!!!!

Lots of love, hugs and prayers.
Amy