Hello All~
Jan is "being sprung" from the hospital today! Oh happy day! :)
Joe is traveling down to pick her up...they think they'll be heading home around noon or so...perhaps a little later...
Her shoulder pain just "comes and goes" now. So, it is better, but still giving her some difficulty.
She was very pleased on the phone this morning to report that she was able to have a full blown shower. She said this helped her feel so good.
Thank you all....keep up those prayers! :)
~Nancy
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thursday, July 23rd....Special request from Jan...
I just got off the phone with Jan....and she asked for: "a special prayer request" for relief of right shoulder/arm pain---it goes all the way down to finger tips"... please. It is making it difficult to get proper rest.
Jan is spending another day in the hospital. Still has some fluid in her lungs, but this has improved.
"Unless some other issue comes up....I will be going home tomorrow...noon-ish". :)
"Thank You".
~Jan
(per phone call with me...just now...).
Jan is spending another day in the hospital. Still has some fluid in her lungs, but this has improved.
"Unless some other issue comes up....I will be going home tomorrow...noon-ish". :)
"Thank You".
~Jan
(per phone call with me...just now...).
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, Update
Greetings Everyone~
Jan is staying at the hospital-at least another day. They are still watching her oxygen levels. Jan was starting to get hit with vertigo which adds to an overall nauseous feeling---this has made it difficult to get up and around.
Jan said to her doctor this morning: "I know why I am still here it is because my husband has a bad cold, and I will go home when he is better". She is trying to make sense of staying there and stay positive.
Jan really enjoyed another visit from Bob and Karen last night (and I sooooo appreciate their visits as well). :) Another thing that was soooooo good for Jan and that she talked about quite a bit was her bed bath and hair wash yesterday! Jan said "it was the best shower I ever had!" :) Oh what a nice hair wash and a visit from friends... can do for someone! :)
So, praises for good pathology report, being able to exercise, and support from friends and family!
Prayers for oxygen restoration to healthy levels, Joe's cold to be gone, Jan's vertigo and thrush to disappear. Jan's thrush in her mouth makes eating a chore...and we would definitely like to have her enjoying her meals! :)
Thank you all for positive thoughts, love, and prayers.
~Nancy
Jan is staying at the hospital-at least another day. They are still watching her oxygen levels. Jan was starting to get hit with vertigo which adds to an overall nauseous feeling---this has made it difficult to get up and around.
Jan said to her doctor this morning: "I know why I am still here it is because my husband has a bad cold, and I will go home when he is better". She is trying to make sense of staying there and stay positive.
Jan really enjoyed another visit from Bob and Karen last night (and I sooooo appreciate their visits as well). :) Another thing that was soooooo good for Jan and that she talked about quite a bit was her bed bath and hair wash yesterday! Jan said "it was the best shower I ever had!" :) Oh what a nice hair wash and a visit from friends... can do for someone! :)
So, praises for good pathology report, being able to exercise, and support from friends and family!
Prayers for oxygen restoration to healthy levels, Joe's cold to be gone, Jan's vertigo and thrush to disappear. Jan's thrush in her mouth makes eating a chore...and we would definitely like to have her enjoying her meals! :)
Thank you all for positive thoughts, love, and prayers.
~Nancy
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tuesday, July 21st- Update
Greetings All~
Just got off of the phone with Jan... She is planning to call me back again because a nurse came in and interrupted our conversation with some other tasks...
But, what I did gather is that going home has been postponed, at least for today.
Jan still does not quite get enough oxygen on her own yet, so they are reluctant to let her go home... You know, it is a good thing that she just do what is best and avoid a trip back perhaps.
Jan is "going around the track" 3 times a day now - up and walking. :) This will help wake her lungs up more quickly.
All for now,
Nancy
Just got off of the phone with Jan... She is planning to call me back again because a nurse came in and interrupted our conversation with some other tasks...
But, what I did gather is that going home has been postponed, at least for today.
Jan still does not quite get enough oxygen on her own yet, so they are reluctant to let her go home... You know, it is a good thing that she just do what is best and avoid a trip back perhaps.
Jan is "going around the track" 3 times a day now - up and walking. :) This will help wake her lungs up more quickly.
All for now,
Nancy
Monday, July 20, 2009
Monday, July 20th, 2009 More Good News!
Greetings Everyone!
I just spoke with Jan on the phone... :)
Jan received her pathology report from her surgeon this morning. The lymph nodes were negative and there was no cancer on the left side!!! I cried with relief...and then laughed and cried with relief.
This is very very very good news. Jan said: "This means that I will not be having radiation for one thing...I will still be having Chemo treatment, but...this is huge (good news)." Whew... many sighs of relief! :)
Jan said that it is still the plan to go home tomorrow. :)
We talked for a bit...and Jan brought up what perhaps a different story could be happening right now, if we hadn't gone in for our genetic testing...and had our previous prophylactic surgeries....where they were able to find (and remove) the cancer in situ in her fallopian tube...
We discussed how important it is to be proactive against this disease... and she said "I thought of something that people can do.... You know how when they ask what they can do for me? Well, knowing that they are getting their checks...is what would really be great for me."
I love my sister, my friend.
Then, her other surgeon walked into the room...So, we got off the phone, but plan to talk more later. I told her I was already starting a new blog for today.
Thank You and you. Amen.
~Nancy
I just spoke with Jan on the phone... :)
Jan received her pathology report from her surgeon this morning. The lymph nodes were negative and there was no cancer on the left side!!! I cried with relief...and then laughed and cried with relief.
This is very very very good news. Jan said: "This means that I will not be having radiation for one thing...I will still be having Chemo treatment, but...this is huge (good news)." Whew... many sighs of relief! :)
Jan said that it is still the plan to go home tomorrow. :)
We talked for a bit...and Jan brought up what perhaps a different story could be happening right now, if we hadn't gone in for our genetic testing...and had our previous prophylactic surgeries....where they were able to find (and remove) the cancer in situ in her fallopian tube...
We discussed how important it is to be proactive against this disease... and she said "I thought of something that people can do.... You know how when they ask what they can do for me? Well, knowing that they are getting their checks...is what would really be great for me."
I love my sister, my friend.
Then, her other surgeon walked into the room...So, we got off the phone, but plan to talk more later. I told her I was already starting a new blog for today.
Thank You and you. Amen.
~Nancy
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sunday, July 19th. Update.
Hello All~
Jan continues to be on the mend. :)
She had some small amount of fluid in her lungs that was causing her to be a bit short of breath. She continues to be on a low level of oxygen to help with this. At approximately noon (pacific time) today, she got results of a second x-ray (of her lungs) and the results showed less fluid than yesterday! Yay! :)
Jan is also getting up and walking around (which will also help with lessening the fluid). More importantly, getting around well means she'll be heading home soon. :) Right now, it appears that she will be ready to go home on Tuesday. However, the doctor said today that if she just felt wonderful tomorrow (he said "it could happen")...then she could be ready tomorrow... :) I tend to be cautiously optimistic and (given that I generally let my feelings be known...) let Jan know that I thought that extra day might be a good thing...just to have some extra help for a little longer. Hee, hee. ;)
Jan was moved to a "regular" room yesterday (and out of the ICU) which is nice...as for one thing it is much much quieter...except for one patient next door who can't hear well and turns up his tv really loud... He also was yelling a bit yesterday...then was scolded for a foul word. Oops. lol. I encouraged Jan to let the nurse know when it is too loud because the patient had probably fallen asleep anyway. ha ha ha.
Let's see....what else?...umm... Joe, Janae, our Dad, Alfonso, Brendan, Bob, and Karen all visited yesterday... which Jan loved. I told her I didn't want to stay too long since all of us might wear her out (and this is supposed to be rest time) and she said "oh no...I enjoy it" (having visitors)... then she promptly asked the nurse if they would allow me to stay AFTER visiting hours to help "organize" her things. hee hee hee. :) That's my sis. xoxoxo
We are considering a shower today... Jan really wants to be able to shower...doesn't showering feel good? :) We will see how this goes...
She is looking forward to another visit from Joe and Janae and is expecting that they will probably be able to come down after church today. I also hope to be able to see those two... :) as I missed their visit yesterday.
I have now checked out of my hotel and after spending some of the day with Jan...I will be heading back to Bellingham... :( This is a hard one...and I am torn... I would like to stay longer, but I do miss other family members in Bellingham (e.g. husband).
Thank you for all of your well wishes, positive thoughts, and prayers.
Will post more soon....and if anyone who visits Jan (or has some thoughts to share) would like to start a new thread or post how their visit was...please feel free!!! That might be nice for others as well as for Jan. I am guessing she will be able to be "online" once she returns home... :)
Much love to you all~
~Nancy
Jan continues to be on the mend. :)
She had some small amount of fluid in her lungs that was causing her to be a bit short of breath. She continues to be on a low level of oxygen to help with this. At approximately noon (pacific time) today, she got results of a second x-ray (of her lungs) and the results showed less fluid than yesterday! Yay! :)
Jan is also getting up and walking around (which will also help with lessening the fluid). More importantly, getting around well means she'll be heading home soon. :) Right now, it appears that she will be ready to go home on Tuesday. However, the doctor said today that if she just felt wonderful tomorrow (he said "it could happen")...then she could be ready tomorrow... :) I tend to be cautiously optimistic and (given that I generally let my feelings be known...) let Jan know that I thought that extra day might be a good thing...just to have some extra help for a little longer. Hee, hee. ;)
Jan was moved to a "regular" room yesterday (and out of the ICU) which is nice...as for one thing it is much much quieter...except for one patient next door who can't hear well and turns up his tv really loud... He also was yelling a bit yesterday...then was scolded for a foul word. Oops. lol. I encouraged Jan to let the nurse know when it is too loud because the patient had probably fallen asleep anyway. ha ha ha.
Let's see....what else?...umm... Joe, Janae, our Dad, Alfonso, Brendan, Bob, and Karen all visited yesterday... which Jan loved. I told her I didn't want to stay too long since all of us might wear her out (and this is supposed to be rest time) and she said "oh no...I enjoy it" (having visitors)... then she promptly asked the nurse if they would allow me to stay AFTER visiting hours to help "organize" her things. hee hee hee. :) That's my sis. xoxoxo
We are considering a shower today... Jan really wants to be able to shower...doesn't showering feel good? :) We will see how this goes...
She is looking forward to another visit from Joe and Janae and is expecting that they will probably be able to come down after church today. I also hope to be able to see those two... :) as I missed their visit yesterday.
I have now checked out of my hotel and after spending some of the day with Jan...I will be heading back to Bellingham... :( This is a hard one...and I am torn... I would like to stay longer, but I do miss other family members in Bellingham (e.g. husband).
Thank you for all of your well wishes, positive thoughts, and prayers.
Will post more soon....and if anyone who visits Jan (or has some thoughts to share) would like to start a new thread or post how their visit was...please feel free!!! That might be nice for others as well as for Jan. I am guessing she will be able to be "online" once she returns home... :)
Much love to you all~
~Nancy
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Saturday! July 18th. 2009
Greetings all~
Last night Jan was looking really good. A low grade fever "is very common" after such a long surgery....and by the time I left it was "normal".
She was drinking ensure and had attempted some soup, but she made a "yucky" face... I am going to try to find some really good soup on my way over today.
I read some blog posts to her while there (my nephew helped me to get the page to show up without being "online"-smart cookie). She enjoyed hearing them. Her voice is back to about 95% and of course really appreciates not having that hot blanket on. :)
It was getting so late last night but they were still going to try to get her "up" and had a chair out. I was pretty tired...and Jan said... go get some sleep- so I hit the road.
In case you didn't catch Joe (and Janae's) post from today, Joe said:
"Janae and I talked with Jan this morning and she was sitting up in a chair. Praise God!!" Isn't that awesome! Thought I would re-copy that one! Yay! Another huge milestone!!! The goal now is to "get up, walking around three times a day". I know Jan can do it. :)
Our nephew's birthday was yesterday, and we have been interested in having a birthday meal in his honor (tradition). Since I have decided to stay another night in Seattle, he and his Dad are coming down here, but the bonus is that our nephew would like to go see Jan as well...(which we both thought was very sweet). As my nephew considered this, he said "Well, I'd like Grandpa to come to". The upshot is that Brendan (nephew), Alfonso (brother-in-law), and our Dad are coming to Seattle today. I am still in shock that our 82 year old Dad has decided to take this trip...He loves Jan so much and must really want to see her. :) Prayers for safe and comfortable travels to and fro.
Given that Joe is planning to come on down as well, this sounds like a very big visiting day today! I hope that (and will watch for that) we do not all wear her out...well...too much. hee hee.
Thank you, all, again for all of your support.
~Nancy
Last night Jan was looking really good. A low grade fever "is very common" after such a long surgery....and by the time I left it was "normal".
She was drinking ensure and had attempted some soup, but she made a "yucky" face... I am going to try to find some really good soup on my way over today.
I read some blog posts to her while there (my nephew helped me to get the page to show up without being "online"-smart cookie). She enjoyed hearing them. Her voice is back to about 95% and of course really appreciates not having that hot blanket on. :)
It was getting so late last night but they were still going to try to get her "up" and had a chair out. I was pretty tired...and Jan said... go get some sleep- so I hit the road.
In case you didn't catch Joe (and Janae's) post from today, Joe said:
"Janae and I talked with Jan this morning and she was sitting up in a chair. Praise God!!" Isn't that awesome! Thought I would re-copy that one! Yay! Another huge milestone!!! The goal now is to "get up, walking around three times a day". I know Jan can do it. :)
Our nephew's birthday was yesterday, and we have been interested in having a birthday meal in his honor (tradition). Since I have decided to stay another night in Seattle, he and his Dad are coming down here, but the bonus is that our nephew would like to go see Jan as well...(which we both thought was very sweet). As my nephew considered this, he said "Well, I'd like Grandpa to come to". The upshot is that Brendan (nephew), Alfonso (brother-in-law), and our Dad are coming to Seattle today. I am still in shock that our 82 year old Dad has decided to take this trip...He loves Jan so much and must really want to see her. :) Prayers for safe and comfortable travels to and fro.
Given that Joe is planning to come on down as well, this sounds like a very big visiting day today! I hope that (and will watch for that) we do not all wear her out...well...too much. hee hee.
Thank you, all, again for all of your support.
~Nancy
Friday, July 17, 2009
Friday, July 17th am...report. :)
Greetings~
Thank you so much for your comments, love, prayers, and support. I read (over the phone!!!) a couple of posts regarding Joe and Janae...Jan was happy to hear about her "fire cracker". :)
Yes...she took a phone call today when I called to check on her (and her current location) before going over from the hotel. When I reached the nurse, she said...."well you can talk to her if you want!" Wow! That was a nice surprise.
Perhaps after she is moved and has completed the "sitting up" task, she will have more energy to talk on the phone as well to others... As it was...I could tell this was somewhat difficult...so I kept the conversation piece short and just read to her while she got to listen. :) (I don't have internet connection or phone reception in the ICU...so I have not been able to read the posts to her until over the phone today---she liked that). Although I have definitely reported to her comments (and family phone calls) that have occurred. I think however that getting the opportunity to hear your voices was really nice for her.
Jan was very groggy and is still getting her voice back. She does not have that "hot" blow-dryer type blanket on anymore! (answered prayer). Although she is still feeling little warm and running a low-grade fever. Of course they are watching this, but think it is because they cooked (my word hee hee) her under that blanket for over 24 hours.
They are waiting for a room to become available ...out of ICU!!! She is ready to move out of there now, but things are filled up. They have not yet sat her up (as planned for today) but are still planning to do so. She has been able to drink water, cranberry juice (before I left last night), and today she has had some jello! Yay! :)
She is in pain when she is moved (which I am sure you know if fairly frequently). I have been encouraging her to use her pain button in preparation for movement...and not to base "pushing the button" solely on how she feels only when she is lying completely still.
Overall...she is doing very well...docs, nurses, "residents"...all keep saying "things look good". Yay!
Thank you all for everything~
Nancy
Thank you so much for your comments, love, prayers, and support. I read (over the phone!!!) a couple of posts regarding Joe and Janae...Jan was happy to hear about her "fire cracker". :)
Yes...she took a phone call today when I called to check on her (and her current location) before going over from the hotel. When I reached the nurse, she said...."well you can talk to her if you want!" Wow! That was a nice surprise.
Perhaps after she is moved and has completed the "sitting up" task, she will have more energy to talk on the phone as well to others... As it was...I could tell this was somewhat difficult...so I kept the conversation piece short and just read to her while she got to listen. :) (I don't have internet connection or phone reception in the ICU...so I have not been able to read the posts to her until over the phone today---she liked that). Although I have definitely reported to her comments (and family phone calls) that have occurred. I think however that getting the opportunity to hear your voices was really nice for her.
Jan was very groggy and is still getting her voice back. She does not have that "hot" blow-dryer type blanket on anymore! (answered prayer). Although she is still feeling little warm and running a low-grade fever. Of course they are watching this, but think it is because they cooked (my word hee hee) her under that blanket for over 24 hours.
They are waiting for a room to become available ...out of ICU!!! She is ready to move out of there now, but things are filled up. They have not yet sat her up (as planned for today) but are still planning to do so. She has been able to drink water, cranberry juice (before I left last night), and today she has had some jello! Yay! :)
She is in pain when she is moved (which I am sure you know if fairly frequently). I have been encouraging her to use her pain button in preparation for movement...and not to base "pushing the button" solely on how she feels only when she is lying completely still.
Overall...she is doing very well...docs, nurses, "residents"...all keep saying "things look good". Yay!
Thank you all for everything~
Nancy
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thursday, July 16th Evening
Hello again from the UW~
Jan is now munching on some ice chips. We are slowly working up to Jan drinking some juice tonight (without becoming nauseous) ...because tomorrow the "nurses are going to get her sitting up and then she'll probably move out of the ICU" (this was per one of her surgical "teams"). This "usually leads directly to walking" around. She'll be walking by the next day-Whew! No messing around here.
Other than that...just pretty much been watching her sleep, then giving her an ice chip, giving her some more lip balm, giving her a wet washcloth...watching her sleep some more, another ice chip, and so on...
OH...that reminds me what I really intended to mention... Jan is and has been under a heated blow dryer blanket (Yes-in this nice warm weather---and even in a swollen situation!)...and this is tough. It is supposed to be best for healing but she is "hot"! She "only needs to be under" it until tomorrow, but it would be nice to just be able for her to rest and not feel so hot. :)
Thanks for reading this, thinking of, and praying for Jan.
~Nancy
PS--Just as an FYI for anyone that may have been trying to reach me----and perhaps has not been able to....I am not allowed to have my cell phone on while in the ICU or in the 5th floor ICU waiting room. (Interference). Sorry---Jan is number one. :) xoxoxo
Jan is now munching on some ice chips. We are slowly working up to Jan drinking some juice tonight (without becoming nauseous) ...because tomorrow the "nurses are going to get her sitting up and then she'll probably move out of the ICU" (this was per one of her surgical "teams"). This "usually leads directly to walking" around. She'll be walking by the next day-Whew! No messing around here.
Other than that...just pretty much been watching her sleep, then giving her an ice chip, giving her some more lip balm, giving her a wet washcloth...watching her sleep some more, another ice chip, and so on...
OH...that reminds me what I really intended to mention... Jan is and has been under a heated blow dryer blanket (Yes-in this nice warm weather---and even in a swollen situation!)...and this is tough. It is supposed to be best for healing but she is "hot"! She "only needs to be under" it until tomorrow, but it would be nice to just be able for her to rest and not feel so hot. :)
Thanks for reading this, thinking of, and praying for Jan.
~Nancy
PS--Just as an FYI for anyone that may have been trying to reach me----and perhaps has not been able to....I am not allowed to have my cell phone on while in the ICU or in the 5th floor ICU waiting room. (Interference). Sorry---Jan is number one. :) xoxoxo
Thursday Afternoon, July 16th
Greetings All~
Been hanging out with Jan...she likes it when I rub her feet. :) She's probably been waiting for me to rub her feet for years... (lol). ;)
Jan seems to be doing very well. Very groggy-just trying to let her rest as much as possible and allowing her time to heal.
She is having IV fluids and is waiting to eat something...she would like to have less of a raspy voice-her mouth is quite dry... We've been using a wet swabby thing and she appreciates that. I was going to try some ice chips...but they are not letting her yet... I will check again. :) Moving is a bit painful...but I keep reminding her about her "button"..hee hee hee. "Oh yeah" she says...
The report so far is that she'll probably move out of ICU tomorrow. Will keep posting when possible.
Keep coming with those positive thoughts and prayers. What you all are doing is awesome!!! Thank you!!!
~Nancy (and Jan - with a smiley sleepy face).
Been hanging out with Jan...she likes it when I rub her feet. :) She's probably been waiting for me to rub her feet for years... (lol). ;)
Jan seems to be doing very well. Very groggy-just trying to let her rest as much as possible and allowing her time to heal.
She is having IV fluids and is waiting to eat something...she would like to have less of a raspy voice-her mouth is quite dry... We've been using a wet swabby thing and she appreciates that. I was going to try some ice chips...but they are not letting her yet... I will check again. :) Moving is a bit painful...but I keep reminding her about her "button"..hee hee hee. "Oh yeah" she says...
The report so far is that she'll probably move out of ICU tomorrow. Will keep posting when possible.
Keep coming with those positive thoughts and prayers. What you all are doing is awesome!!! Thank you!!!
~Nancy (and Jan - with a smiley sleepy face).
YAY!!!! Thursday, July 16th. AM
Hello Everyone!
Jan was sent to the ICU (as expected) at approximately 12:40am (early this morning). Joe saw her being wheeled by...and said that "She looked like she was passed out"...hee hee. Comfortable, in other words. :)
More good news...looks as if the disease was fairly contained. Does not sound as if it was into the lymph system. Still waiting to talk with the other surgeon who completed his part earlier in the day yesterday.
At 8:30am, I spoke with the "nurse who is taking care of" Jan. He was extremely encouraging. He stated that Jan "says that she is doing well". She has been having some discomfort in her abdomen, but they are getting a handle on this problem. He said that overall she is "doing pretty well...she is drowsy, somewhat lethargic. She says her mouth is dry". Of course, I had my suggestions for her nurse to help with this issue, and it was kind of him to allow me to "suggest". ha ha. I suppose I am not the first to try to tell an ICU nurse how to do their job...ha ha ha. The nurse said that because of the lethargy she may or may not remember speaking to visitors right now being so groggy. That's okay...it will be great to see her when they "approve" of my visit. :) Her nurse also said that she is on IV sugar (for nutrition-fluids, etc) and most likely will eat a little something either late late tonight (as tolerated) or tomorrow. Jan would probably like some ice cream... :)
Jan is in an ICU room with another patient. There is a limit to visiting in the ICU-particularly the number of people in the room at one time and the length of the visit...and the nurses have to "allow" you into the unit. She will most likely "spend another day" in the ICU.
I am headed back over the UW hospital shortly and will try to post more soon.
Sorry that I had not posted earlier...I had some computer internet connection difficulties (with the internet connection at the hotel)...I am hoping this clears up with the hospital internet connection. I am on one of the hotel computers right now...because I just felt it was imperative that I blog to you all!
Thank you thank you thank you so much for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers.
Will post more as soon as possible.
Blessings to you all.
~Nancy (a happy sister).
Jan was sent to the ICU (as expected) at approximately 12:40am (early this morning). Joe saw her being wheeled by...and said that "She looked like she was passed out"...hee hee. Comfortable, in other words. :)
More good news...looks as if the disease was fairly contained. Does not sound as if it was into the lymph system. Still waiting to talk with the other surgeon who completed his part earlier in the day yesterday.
At 8:30am, I spoke with the "nurse who is taking care of" Jan. He was extremely encouraging. He stated that Jan "says that she is doing well". She has been having some discomfort in her abdomen, but they are getting a handle on this problem. He said that overall she is "doing pretty well...she is drowsy, somewhat lethargic. She says her mouth is dry". Of course, I had my suggestions for her nurse to help with this issue, and it was kind of him to allow me to "suggest". ha ha. I suppose I am not the first to try to tell an ICU nurse how to do their job...ha ha ha. The nurse said that because of the lethargy she may or may not remember speaking to visitors right now being so groggy. That's okay...it will be great to see her when they "approve" of my visit. :) Her nurse also said that she is on IV sugar (for nutrition-fluids, etc) and most likely will eat a little something either late late tonight (as tolerated) or tomorrow. Jan would probably like some ice cream... :)
Jan is in an ICU room with another patient. There is a limit to visiting in the ICU-particularly the number of people in the room at one time and the length of the visit...and the nurses have to "allow" you into the unit. She will most likely "spend another day" in the ICU.
I am headed back over the UW hospital shortly and will try to post more soon.
Sorry that I had not posted earlier...I had some computer internet connection difficulties (with the internet connection at the hotel)...I am hoping this clears up with the hospital internet connection. I am on one of the hotel computers right now...because I just felt it was imperative that I blog to you all!
Thank you thank you thank you so much for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers.
Will post more as soon as possible.
Blessings to you all.
~Nancy (a happy sister).
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Wednesday, July 15th, 5:30pm (pacific standard)
Hello All~
I just took a "phone call" from the "back" line... It was one of the OR nurses who called to report that "Jan is doing just fine...things are going just fine"...it will be awhile and "this is the way" this surgery goes...It is a long process.
The nurse suggested that we "go to dinner". Speaking of we.... Joe arrived this afternoon to wait for information & to be here for Jan.... and a couple of Joe and Jan's friends arrived to sit with us as well.
Keep praying!! It works!
More later~
~Nancy
I just took a "phone call" from the "back" line... It was one of the OR nurses who called to report that "Jan is doing just fine...things are going just fine"...it will be awhile and "this is the way" this surgery goes...It is a long process.
The nurse suggested that we "go to dinner". Speaking of we.... Joe arrived this afternoon to wait for information & to be here for Jan.... and a couple of Joe and Jan's friends arrived to sit with us as well.
Keep praying!! It works!
More later~
~Nancy
Wednesday, July 15th noon-ish....
Hello All~
Jan was wheeled off to the surgery room at 11:55am.
It was a long wait from this morning at 7:00am...and Jan just wanted to "get going"....very understandable (and me too). However, I would like you to know that around 9:30-10:00am, Jan said that her headache was "going away". Answered prayers. Amen. ;)
Approximately, 10:30am they started an IV and at about 11:15 they gave her "something to relax" and mentioned that she would "probably be getting sleepy". Jan was already very sleepy (partially from the early morning)-even so, within 5 minutes of that medication she was falling asleep. ;) However, she would still peek out from the covers and the sleepy lids---every once in awhile...taking notice of people coming and going, checking on the time, or to check to see what I was doing (which was usually just sitting there)...Yes, it is no surprise that Jan was checking on others' welfare even as she was the one headed in for surgery.
And as you probably know...Jan is never without a sense of humor...At one point she started to notice that she was slurring her words and joked to me: "When are they gonna start that medication to help me relax?"...and then big smile. hee hee hee.
During our time in the "back" we had the opportunity to meet with almost all of her "team". Both surgeons, two anesthesiologists, nurses, etc. etc, all of whom were pleasant, gentle, helpful, extremely encouraging, knowledgeable, comforting, and according to Jan: "Just Perfect". :)
The nurse plans to update those waiting about "1/2 way" through just to let us know how its going. But, if they don't come out...the nurse said "Don't worry". Sometimes they just don't know exactly when they will be out to offer information, but assured me that they will "do their best". I informed Jan's nurse that #1 priority was Jan and that if they did not come out I (and others) would know that they were taking care of our #1 priority. :)
It is also now important to note that since they did not take Jan to the operating room until 11:55am----and the total surgery time is "on average ten to twelve hours" (according to one of her surgeons this morning), we are easily looking at later in the evening....before she will be out of surgery. Perhaps even around "mid-night".
Thank you again for all your warm thoughts, well wishes, love, and prayers. I know Jan appreciates this very much. She has said so.
I will do my best to keep you all posted.
Blessings to you all now-----and will post more later,
~Nancy
Jan was wheeled off to the surgery room at 11:55am.
It was a long wait from this morning at 7:00am...and Jan just wanted to "get going"....very understandable (and me too). However, I would like you to know that around 9:30-10:00am, Jan said that her headache was "going away". Answered prayers. Amen. ;)
Approximately, 10:30am they started an IV and at about 11:15 they gave her "something to relax" and mentioned that she would "probably be getting sleepy". Jan was already very sleepy (partially from the early morning)-even so, within 5 minutes of that medication she was falling asleep. ;) However, she would still peek out from the covers and the sleepy lids---every once in awhile...taking notice of people coming and going, checking on the time, or to check to see what I was doing (which was usually just sitting there)...Yes, it is no surprise that Jan was checking on others' welfare even as she was the one headed in for surgery.
And as you probably know...Jan is never without a sense of humor...At one point she started to notice that she was slurring her words and joked to me: "When are they gonna start that medication to help me relax?"...and then big smile. hee hee hee.
During our time in the "back" we had the opportunity to meet with almost all of her "team". Both surgeons, two anesthesiologists, nurses, etc. etc, all of whom were pleasant, gentle, helpful, extremely encouraging, knowledgeable, comforting, and according to Jan: "Just Perfect". :)
The nurse plans to update those waiting about "1/2 way" through just to let us know how its going. But, if they don't come out...the nurse said "Don't worry". Sometimes they just don't know exactly when they will be out to offer information, but assured me that they will "do their best". I informed Jan's nurse that #1 priority was Jan and that if they did not come out I (and others) would know that they were taking care of our #1 priority. :)
It is also now important to note that since they did not take Jan to the operating room until 11:55am----and the total surgery time is "on average ten to twelve hours" (according to one of her surgeons this morning), we are easily looking at later in the evening....before she will be out of surgery. Perhaps even around "mid-night".
Thank you again for all your warm thoughts, well wishes, love, and prayers. I know Jan appreciates this very much. She has said so.
I will do my best to keep you all posted.
Blessings to you all now-----and will post more later,
~Nancy
Wednesday, July 15th, Morning Before Surgery
Greetings All~
Last night I called the front desk at the hotel to find out about am traffic for the approximate time that we would be attempting to navigate to the UW hospital. I wanted to find out how early we needed to depart. The gentleman said "I would leave 30 minutes early...but why don't you take our shuttle?" Come to find out there is a courtesy "free" shuttle between the hotel and the hospital. This cuts out the parking fees as well. In addition, it took the driver only 20 minutes and back streets to get to the hospital. Wow...nice and relaxed... :)
We got to the check in desk and were informed that "there was an emergency surgery....an appendectomy..." and Jan's surgery was delayed. = Bummer. Instead of 8:20am (start time), they mentioned perhaps it would be 9:50am. They are going to keep us posted. It is 8:45 and I haven't heard anything yet. We were offered blankets and pillows....and Jan is currently relaxing (perhaps even dosing a bit) with the blankets on a short little couch. Gosh she is a cutie! ;) he he. Needless to say then....that she is quite at peace. It is surreal how it seems that we are just moving through the process and how mellow we both are... It may be surreal but not surprising given all of the warm thoughts, prayers, and love that is being sent our way. Thank you so much.
Along those lines, last night Jan really enjoyed reading the comment posts from you who have made comments...If she is not up to reading them, I can do so for her. And last night my typing skills came in handy as I transcribed her post. She said "Oh this works well...we should do this again!" hee hee hee. (I was hoping that this would work well for her).
Jan woke up with a "sinus headache" this morning that is quite bothersome especially since we both thought that she wouldn't be feeling it for long-as we were right on time for anesthesia. In fact Jan even commented that she thought that "maybe God gave me this headache so that I could look forward to getting in there to be put to sleep"....later she stated again "Once I get in there I won't feel this headache...God works in mysterious ways").
With this "delay" she is having to deal with it a bit longer and the delay also means that she will not be expected to be out of surgery until later this evening...Perhaps even 8:00pm to 10:00pm. Please, keep this in mind when looking for updates and please pray that Jan's headache disappears.
Thank you, all.
More later~
Nancy
Last night I called the front desk at the hotel to find out about am traffic for the approximate time that we would be attempting to navigate to the UW hospital. I wanted to find out how early we needed to depart. The gentleman said "I would leave 30 minutes early...but why don't you take our shuttle?" Come to find out there is a courtesy "free" shuttle between the hotel and the hospital. This cuts out the parking fees as well. In addition, it took the driver only 20 minutes and back streets to get to the hospital. Wow...nice and relaxed... :)
We got to the check in desk and were informed that "there was an emergency surgery....an appendectomy..." and Jan's surgery was delayed. = Bummer. Instead of 8:20am (start time), they mentioned perhaps it would be 9:50am. They are going to keep us posted. It is 8:45 and I haven't heard anything yet. We were offered blankets and pillows....and Jan is currently relaxing (perhaps even dosing a bit) with the blankets on a short little couch. Gosh she is a cutie! ;) he he. Needless to say then....that she is quite at peace. It is surreal how it seems that we are just moving through the process and how mellow we both are... It may be surreal but not surprising given all of the warm thoughts, prayers, and love that is being sent our way. Thank you so much.
Along those lines, last night Jan really enjoyed reading the comment posts from you who have made comments...If she is not up to reading them, I can do so for her. And last night my typing skills came in handy as I transcribed her post. She said "Oh this works well...we should do this again!" hee hee hee. (I was hoping that this would work well for her).
Jan woke up with a "sinus headache" this morning that is quite bothersome especially since we both thought that she wouldn't be feeling it for long-as we were right on time for anesthesia. In fact Jan even commented that she thought that "maybe God gave me this headache so that I could look forward to getting in there to be put to sleep"....later she stated again "Once I get in there I won't feel this headache...God works in mysterious ways").
With this "delay" she is having to deal with it a bit longer and the delay also means that she will not be expected to be out of surgery until later this evening...Perhaps even 8:00pm to 10:00pm. Please, keep this in mind when looking for updates and please pray that Jan's headache disappears.
Thank you, all.
More later~
Nancy
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tuesday, July 14th (evening before surgery)
Greetings All~
This is Nancy signing into the Blog-Space again...but am going to turn it over to Jan's voice (I am going to type for her!). So here is Jan:
Hi Everybody~
I continue to be blessed by the outpouring of support from all of you, thank you thank you. We had a wonderful time in California...so glad that God worked it all out to be there. Six out of twelve families from our adoption group were able to attend the reunion. Just imagine six little Chinese girls all five and six years old together in one place! Along with connecting with the other families, we enjoyed a day at Sea World and going to the beach. I hardly thought of the surgery at all. :) Yes, it proved to be a wonderful distraction!
On our return trip home I told Janae: "I am going to miss you so much while I am away at the hospital..." and she responded: "I am really not surprised by that."
Now here I am with Nancy at a hotel in Seattle for the night, with surgery scheduled for 8:20 in the morning. I know God is hearing each and every prayer and answering those requests for my peace. Sometimes I ask myself "Shouldn't I be more afraid? This is kinda strange..." I am a little slow sometimes but I know that it is God at work.
Today while at the UW, I saw my surgeon at the snack-bar...I asked him if he was ready for tomorrow and he said "Yes I am." He ordered a tall double espresso and I asked him if he'd be drinking the same in the morning and he said "I have it every morning." As long as he doesn't get the shakes I will be alright. I was so impressed that he called me by name ...something about it made me feel at ease.
I had a fun chat with my nephew earlier. We joked that my hospital stay will be quite the gala event with people wearing gowns, gloves, and some arriving in their four-wheeled carriages. I told him I hope I don't turn into a pumpkin. Speaking of turning into a pumpkin...it is time for me to get some sleep.
Love to you all,
Jan
This is Nancy signing into the Blog-Space again...but am going to turn it over to Jan's voice (I am going to type for her!). So here is Jan:
Hi Everybody~
I continue to be blessed by the outpouring of support from all of you, thank you thank you. We had a wonderful time in California...so glad that God worked it all out to be there. Six out of twelve families from our adoption group were able to attend the reunion. Just imagine six little Chinese girls all five and six years old together in one place! Along with connecting with the other families, we enjoyed a day at Sea World and going to the beach. I hardly thought of the surgery at all. :) Yes, it proved to be a wonderful distraction!
On our return trip home I told Janae: "I am going to miss you so much while I am away at the hospital..." and she responded: "I am really not surprised by that."
Now here I am with Nancy at a hotel in Seattle for the night, with surgery scheduled for 8:20 in the morning. I know God is hearing each and every prayer and answering those requests for my peace. Sometimes I ask myself "Shouldn't I be more afraid? This is kinda strange..." I am a little slow sometimes but I know that it is God at work.
Today while at the UW, I saw my surgeon at the snack-bar...I asked him if he was ready for tomorrow and he said "Yes I am." He ordered a tall double espresso and I asked him if he'd be drinking the same in the morning and he said "I have it every morning." As long as he doesn't get the shakes I will be alright. I was so impressed that he called me by name ...something about it made me feel at ease.
I had a fun chat with my nephew earlier. We joked that my hospital stay will be quite the gala event with people wearing gowns, gloves, and some arriving in their four-wheeled carriages. I told him I hope I don't turn into a pumpkin. Speaking of turning into a pumpkin...it is time for me to get some sleep.
Love to you all,
Jan
Sunday, July 12, 2009
July 12th. 2009
Greetings Everyone~
I appreciate you "stopping by" to Jan's Updates.
Please let me know if you have any difficulty with this site....You are welcome to email me. If you do email...I would suggest a reply to the email that I sent to you---that might be the easiest.
If it turns out that this site is not working well for most (or all) of us...I may switch it to something I am a bit more familiar with...but will look for Jan's blessings on that....he he he.
I am currently waiting for Jan to return from the trip to CA. We are planning to head to Seattle on Tuesday, the 14th. We will be staying together- overnight at a hotel...and then check in time for Jan on the 15th is scheduled very early.
We/I will post ...I am guessing fairly soon as I am sure I will have more to update- particularly on the 15th.
Thank you for your interest and consideration.
~Nancy (aka Jan's sister!) :)
I appreciate you "stopping by" to Jan's Updates.
Please let me know if you have any difficulty with this site....You are welcome to email me. If you do email...I would suggest a reply to the email that I sent to you---that might be the easiest.
If it turns out that this site is not working well for most (or all) of us...I may switch it to something I am a bit more familiar with...but will look for Jan's blessings on that....he he he.
I am currently waiting for Jan to return from the trip to CA. We are planning to head to Seattle on Tuesday, the 14th. We will be staying together- overnight at a hotel...and then check in time for Jan on the 15th is scheduled very early.
We/I will post ...I am guessing fairly soon as I am sure I will have more to update- particularly on the 15th.
Thank you for your interest and consideration.
~Nancy (aka Jan's sister!) :)
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