Two week report

iThe morning of the 14th day Dan awoke to sit on the edge of our bed, bile in his throat. I thought it was the rich lasagna i purchased for dinner last night at 360. He had another take on it.

He had taken an antacid in the hospital so he just decided to use one. It had the effect of neutralizing his dyomach acid no digestion wasn't happening.

We guess. Also i had just read the dietition's pamplet for those recovering from pancreatic cancer surgery. He may need to add an enzyme prescribed by Dr. Which includes amylase, lipase and protease.

He took more naps than usual on Tuesday.

Wednesday he was fine, well rested and even stayed up later than usual before retiring.

He ate lasagne in the mid day and a pork chop for dinner with applesauce, broccoli, roasted carrots and acorn squash. Custard for desset. His appetite is great.

Today two eggs on Ezekial toast and a bowl of fresh strawberries.

Another facet of our routine is the morning belly injection. This is an anti clotting/ blood thinner. Prescribed for twenty days.

Dan is active, he began slowly when belly was freshed stitched but by now walks 1/2 mile with persistance. Yesterday he walked WalMart instead of the loop park.

Jim Starr is planning to get him putting next Monday or Tuesday, then pick up ' nurse and friend' for a slice at Julianos;)

Sleeping at night is easing. He can roll onto either side without much discomfort.

Patient report: "I continue to receive sexy loving care."

We are looking forward to a night at the Coast before our next back to back on June 8-9 with Drs. Hansen and Crocenzi

First Three days home

Dan came home on Tuesday.

He walked through the garden

Picked a prescription up/ in the car! By drive through.

Wed.

Transition. De walked to the picic table at the park and overdid it.

He was blosted and uncomfortable.

He slept most of the day.

I gave him the injection in his belly.

I went to yoga with Laura

Not an easy day:-/

Decided Care Team was too much

No bm

Thursday.

We both slept hard 12 hrs for me.

Injection again with alcohol wipe.

Dan said no to fruits snd veggies.

He picked up Boost in chocolate

We walked to the park bench and waited for Pilgrim and me.

No bm

Friday 5/20

Dan didn't sleep too well, itchy. And he is waiting for bm. He will lay off pain meds today to dleep. 

He ate a bigger breakfast, two slices of french toast. We walked, about half loop at the park.

Then napped. We went to lunch and shared an entree. Still brought some salad and mashed potatoes hime.

He napped again.

I have an outing tonight, so left him with a bowl of tuna salad.

May 10 Surgery

May Tenth

Up at 4.
Dr. Pfaff arrives to pick us up at %. a little late
Check into Providence Hospital at 5.30
Surgery at 7.35

a mixture of prayerful, anxious and unbridled sisterhood, which felf good and irreverent at the same time.

Surgery took 10 hours. It was expected to take 8.5Dr. Pfaff sat with me for the first three hours.

Anna arrived on a wing and a prayer at nine sharp! She carried a blanket, and pillow, three videos including the new Hobbitt, a box of colored pencils, a coloring book or two, (flowers) and a ton of food. Turkey, kalamata olives, hummus with pine nuts, , cutie pies and gorp, to name a few. It was a Loving Feast!

We received the first update at 10. "surgery is going great!"

Fran arrived at 12.15
Let the 'vigil' begin. . . .

Went went to the lunchroom 1.

Tuesday Day 8

Up at 7, buckwheat pancake again. Two laps at the Park. Finish the blueberry sauce i started last night and make scones. A quinoa variation with oats and almonds cranberrys and orange zest.

Dan is home! Tired and walking dlowly , he surveys the garden.

Dr Hansen gave the pathology report to Dan . The tumor and 24 lymph nodes were removed. The nodes were all vlear. The tumor very small. A few tenacles of the cancer remain. Dan may need radiation and chemo. 6/9 is Dr Crocenzi appt. he'll make the call.

Dan asks for a cup of decaf for tight vocal chords. And a bite of scone.

Then he napped. I went outdoors to weed for an hour. Then i picked kale and warmed the soup. Ehen he awoke we ate.

I delived s pr of scones to Tom and Pam and Jim and Robben. I am done for today;)

Monday May 16 day 7.

Awaken just before the alarm. 

Rested but emotionally tired. Drag myself to kitchen. Feed boy. Make a buckwheat walnut pancake. Enjoy with yogurt and apple butter. . .  So need to wait 2 hrs to take Cipro. 

Walk pilgrim two laps. Ready for Diane but she has forgotten. It feels like a relief:-/

I call Fran, Gary and Pastor who thought she might come with communion for Dan today. Sll nos.

I called Jim Starr and he was here in minutes.

During the two hour lapse, i mowed, mopped, dusted and washed the bedding.

Dan was happy to see me. He had so much love in his eyes. This breakfast-

I arrived to see Eric Gustafson. Then Jim arrived, he has played golf with Eric and Dan. Then Mike Francis came in. Busy day.

Dan walked and napped and then ate half a turkey sandwich maybe less. He sent me home with the other half.

Dan slept after Pat Campbell came by. 

I went for coconut frozen yogurt and returned with Mike Morgan just before 4:00. The nutritionist came by with a booklet to read.

Dan napped again and i began packing my photo, cards, prayer shawl, hula girl and Pilgrims bowl.

I have an arrangement to go home with Katie after her work day at OregonEye  Specialists where she works.

Its a quick ride home and I am grateful to her. Shes Fun!

Once home i eat and t/w Fran. We are not getting together.diana also checks on me.

I make the bed and not much more. Oh yeah, i make blueberry sauce and thaw the lentil soup. Quinoa scones tomorrow!

Sunday May 15, Day 6

Iy Good News!

"BOWEL MOVEMENT!" Dan per text

I slept well and long allowing the time with God in the night.

Bacon and an egg for breakfast with a peach.

No rides scheduled this morning, so i am anxious. BSLC is too high pitched for me today and that ride Janet V, didn't return my call. Hope she is away and not dead.

I did some dishes, laundry and cleaning.

Then called Jim Starr for a ride. And Angela S for a ride to and from Yoga.

Noticing how nervous I am I took a half white pill with pink spots.

And got the mail. And packed my lunch.

Apple and cheese.

Jim comes for us. I arrive in time to hear what Dr. Hansen has to see. Hydration more important than food in coming months. May go home Monday or Tuesday;) 

Dan made his bed today. Ate lunch sitting in a chair. With Pilgrim looking on.

After lunch Dan walked and napped, used the facilities sgain and ordered dinner and breakfast.

He tired.

He is rethinking coming home Monday. If he can rest and be fed he would like more.

Ron picked me up at 4:00 and we went home.

The relaxing agent has worn off and it was great to calm down. I want to put this experience into some words bit I xan't focus.

Here is Dan's dinner:

Beef stroganoff, broccoli and strawberries. Water.

I had his 1/2 tuna with avocado , cherries and chocolate w walnuts.

New book by Ms. Oz, Relish

Mr olson took me home. It was rainy i got into my jams, cancelled ride to yoga.

Struggled to stay awake for Call the Midwives!

Saturday :Day 5

Too early awake 5:00, too late for melatonin. I make a cup of decaf and turn on All Classical. I feel the same color as the sky. Partly cloudy.

Then miraculously i read and sleep and dream the most amazing fun dream ever. Mari, Anna me clay face masks, towels a menu. Terry lee and Dr Tsugawa. . . Ordering off a menu almost.my alarm rings at 8:00

Dan:

Another mostly sleepless night. My insides are uncomfortable and I'm hungry

Eat french toast w banana, walk Pilgrim two laps and Jim arrives. He comes up for 5 minutes, a comfortable easy visit.

On our way in, i realize i have a UTI starting. Nurse Cynthia2 suggestx i call my advice nurse who calls the on call Dr. Ad she prescribes cipro. Woohoo! So grateful!!

I am sorry this has been my focus:-(

Meanwhile, Dan is feeling better. His drainage tube was removed. No pain when he stands. Not using psin med pump today. He walked without assistance and then he asked to shower.

Today he will be eating for the first time since surgery! Jello doesn't count.

He enjoyed reading two GetWell cards while sitting up in his chair.

As I leave to take Pilgrim outdoors, Who should appear but Mike Morgan! ( A nurse stops me to please visit 740, a man wants to say hi to Pilgrim.)

We return and visit abit with Mike whos going to the opera tonight.

Dan naps snd at 2:00 a woman comes with a menu. Dan orders lunch and breakfast! After five days, he closes his eyes and weeps with DeLight, disbelief and Gratitude;)

Dan ate his soup and s quarter of the sandwich. I took the other hslf home, as not to be wasteful.

Dsn needed to use the toilet but his body wasnt quite ready. He had apsin in his right side. Maybe the meal or the colon moving?

He walked again and sat in the chair. He was fading. Nurse Zchnthis gave him Tylenol and oxycotin. He felt weird.

Jim and Robben picked me up early and we went to Walgrens for my rx. Once home i ate the sandwich adding avocado. Added a chardonnay snd the dryest dark chocoate ever.

Grateful!!'

Layed out hoping for the pills to work their magic. Watching hgtv. I really got run fown this week. To bed at nine.

Started s new book called traveling with Pomegranates.

Good progress today! Dan is doing great snd healing is tiring. We are okay with nice and easy. 

Day 4: Friday

Up and rested by six, so i climb back into bed listening to morning noises .

Showered, shampoo and blow dry. French toast.

Dan:

Hi I feel lousy, bloated but the bed cushion helped. Slept a bit.

After a walk with Pilgrim called Jim/ Robben for ride home Saturday and returned Sharron Matthews call re Care Team food for freezer. We are good!

Diane arrives for us at 9:30. She'll wait in lobby and we'll have lunch then she'll return home. Dan is a bit cranky due to being so tired. He wants quiet and sleep! No visitors;)

Drs Hansen and Jan  Came earlier to remove Dan's bandage. His incision is over a foot long. Despite his bloating and funk, he passed gas so this is good news to Nurse Betty (whom he finds annoying).

Glad for a book to read.

Went to lunch with Diane. We each ate a salad, Dr Godwin said Hello!

Outside for Pilgrim to do his business and say goodbye and thank you to Diane.

Dan walked while I was away. Now napping again. Temp, BP-99., and sugars elevated at noon.

He held my hand through the afternoon and slept. He said it turned his day from bad to good. 

Mike Francis came a calling with a beautiful card snd hula girl for the dash. 

Then a Dr. Came in to greet Pigrim. I gave permission. She adores dogs and told us how healing they are;)

That cheered him. Then Oly came to visit and drive me home.

Home at 7:00. Ate the chicken caeser wrsp from Pam. A day old already. . .

Then i walked pilgrim and mowed the back lawn. I plan to get the front tomorrow night.

Dan sent another message:

Good night honey. Passed some gas this evening. 

Thursday, Day three

Dan slept in a chair overnight in two hour increments. The nurses are doing a good job of caring.

I fell asleep after Survivor, at 9 and woke up at two. I read for an hour, took another melatonin and woke to my alarm at 8:00.

Sleepy! Walked Pilgrim and ate toast and orange. Elizabeth came for me at 10:00.

She is returning at 6:30.

At the hospital, lynn is already here with Dan, she brought bouquet of roses for Dan and a lunch for me. Mushroom soup, tabouli a roll butter and a chocolate bar!

Then Nancy Babka strolls in with an arrangement of hyacinth and orchids. She is always so fun. Dan tired at this point.

He is peeing on his own today.

And using the bathroom!

Lynn left, Nancy left and Mike came by on his lunch break 11:30. I watched him eat a chef salad. I enjoyed an iced decaf again. I am tired today! Wound up too.

A calming afternoon.

Pat Campbell visits. He'll order an egg shell or other mattress so dan sleeps better. 

Pilgrim pottied and we had a visit with a lady with cerebral palsy who would like a dog.

Dan dozed, we talked and i massaged his neck and shoulders.

Thats when Pastor and Steve entered. Such fun! A prayer sgawl, a visit snd a prayer. Dan asks Steve to come for hockey one night soon when i go to Gratitude Circle. Done deal!!

Dan waked again; 2 laps, voided and ate lemon sorbet. He was tired when Gail showed up at 5::30. That was it, he frlt nsuseus with chit chat. I said a hadty adieu snd we toomk our visit outdoors. Ots was plenty warm today, near 90.

Elizabeth, DeAndre and Pat picked us up! We piled into the back seat with Pat.

I promised them a tea party!

Once home, 5 things: eat, walk water, mail, laundry. Done! And Tom needs a check!

Pam and Tom brought a lovely basket of fruit to us.

Right? Over s dozen fruits and svocados. A sandwich for tomorrow and mango juice for smoothies this is what  :

"Oh my gosh. People are being so nice to us. " Dans text

We toured the garden snd promised s barbecue.

Wednesday, Day two

 I awoke at 6.30 made coffee felt luxurious in big wuiet house. So much time and only one thing on my mind. Seeing Dan.

I ate, smelling Mothers Day Lilies from Joe, listening to Jubillee Overture 0pus 59, eating ezekiel toast and peanut butter. I wanted to shout for Joy that Dan made it through;)

Walked to park with Pilgrim. Ran into FV Diane out front.

Started this mew blog at Whippledan. Blogspot.com

Sent a care card to Shirley James.

Gary arrived at 9.00 to take me to the hospital. Its so good to see Dan and kiss;) he has bathed and brushed his teeth and i brought a small bouguet of yellow snapdragons. He is loving his nurses! Betty, Kylie and now Cynthia. He is getting a med for itching, insulin for bs of 159.

His temp is 98.2 yesterday it was 98.6 as i was calling Mr Olson.

Dan ate jello, strawberry jello! Dr Pat Campbell came by for a long visit, he spologized for having s cold. Lol

Knocking on wood. He predcribed Pepsid and melatonin to sleep. Today Dan also got Insulin and HBP med, something 'baine' for pain.

While i was Gone,  Dan walked again.

I went to lunch for an egg and lettuce salad sandwich which stuck in my throught. I was outside on a sunny day but my swallowing choked up. A clue that i am not relaxed;) with a decaf Americano st starbucks Cafe.

Found a new book by Barbara Brown Taylor . Learning to Walk in the Dark.

Then LuRae came a calling which was pleasant. Pilgrim ate and went out to releive.

I stopped by Dr Chandler's office to Thank him for treating me.

Upon returning Jan and Dr Hansen were here. Giving dan more insight into the surgery snd post op.

Eat when YOU feel like it. Start small.

Activity is the answer. Move it! Start pitting in two weeks.

They were able to keep the entire stomach snd pyloric valve. Such good news.

Depression is common at 6 weeks. Expect it;)p

Susan Williams picked us up early. The drive home was a cinch. At home there were five tasks:

Mail

Garbage

Water

Walk

Eat.

Then Survivor. . . Don Houk called to offer a ride, I called Dr Pfaff with update and neighbor Pam will pick up 0rganic fruit for me tomorrow. They have a card for San.

Yes i am tired:) to bed at 9:00