We are Back, but not so far back! Nights are terrible!

Two of Joyce's' comments today!

And what a day it was.

Joyce has had 7 different roommates in 8 days. The private rooms are reserved for the infectious and hospice patients. The hospital, or for sure 4East, is full. Each time a new patient checks in it is chaos! And that goes into the night, which means very little sleep. Each time a patient checks out there is chaos with the family and the clean-up crew. This can happen at any time.

Today Joyce had juice for breakfast and vomited again. She had a little juice for lunch and vomited. She had hiccups and vomited. She was able to sleep (pass out?) a couple of hours, but we did very little walking because she was dizzy, and tired. In the afternoon the doctor decided she probably had a partial blockage and ordered a C-T Scan. Sure enough!

So tonight she got a Nasal-Gastric (NG) tube through her nose into her stomach to drain it out. Shortly 250 ml of fluid were in the bottle. It was not much fun to get the tube inserted, but after it had been draining for a while, she started feeling much better!

We think we are on the way again!!

She has to be almost sitting up when she has the tube in, so that is how she is sleeping. They did put a sedative in the IV, so she may sleep tonight (also her new roommate had her last visitors leaving before 9:30). The doctor said the tube may have to be in for 2 to 4 days, so I think we will be spending the weekend in our hospital retreat.

Joyce is very fortunate to have an assertive personal Dietitian. She worked with the hospital dietician to get a Total Parental Nutrient IV started along with the saline solution so she will be getting nutrients back into her body. To me that means a quicker recovery!!

The other thing I have mentioned before, is the absence of pain. I think the hospital staff can hardly believe it. It makes it incredibly easier to talk together and communicate wit the medical people. Thanks to Healing Touch!

Doug

PS: Thank you for your comments, either on this blog or her email. We look forward to reading them together every day!

Late news

Joyce just called me from the hospital (11:22pm)--She just vomited.
So we regroup in the morning.
She said she feels much better now and can go to sleep.
Doug

Be sure to leave the light on for us!

Because Joyce will probably be coming home!

Yes, we were kinda in shock too when the Doctor said that to us. Yesterday she had some herbal tea, and today we had some broth and tea in the AM and at noon. Her gut seemed to start back up today also, and the Doctor said that was the key. She has been practically pain free, we do a lot of walking and sitting up, so the Doctor said she could get well faster at home!
Tonight she had a real meal of chicken strips and mashed potato and gravy. She did not eat very much of it, but she felt fine.

We were both very apprehensive about it at first, the last thing we want is to end up coming back in a day, but things went well tonight and we have all day tomorrow to make the decision, so we are just going to wing it tomorrow.

Also Joyce did not sleep well last night so she was very tired today and we are very tired of hospital life!

We didn't play any checkers today, but she did have a Healing Touch session and a hand massage by a Volunteer that she said was wonderful.

She didn't get her meal tonight until about 7:00 and by 8:30 she was snuggled in bed with a warm blanket (and finally warm), ready for a goodnight kiss.

Joyce's niece sent this message today.
We are so thankful for your faith and the faith of your family and friends. It is so comforting to have all those prayer warriors praying extra prayers for you!

What can we say but A________men, A_________men!
Doug

Today started with Herbal tea!!

Yes, we took at least one step forward today!! Just check this out---
Yesterday the Doctor said nothing by mouth, period! Today, with signs of an awaking gut, Joyce sipped some herbal tea, about 1/3 of a styrofoam (hospital crystal) cup, actually. There was no vomiting all day, so tomorrow will be broth.

Of course we had our usual routine today, but we spiced it up with a game of checkers, twice.

We also added a new dimension with a shuttle I-Pod that our friends sent us. It was all set-up and ready to go with almost 200 songs. And one of the first songs that Joyce heard was a Beatles song!!

The next adventure was a shower with no tubes connected, what a deal.

Next we met with one of the hospital dietitians. Joyce thought this was a great meeting, so totally new thinking when she starts chemo-therapy. Doug was there too.

We met with the Oncologist Doctor who will be our Doctor for the chemo treatments. This was our initial conversation about chemo-therapy, so it was another education session. We still have a lot to think about and absorb, but we are very happy that he will be our Doctor.

And finally the last and probably best thing of the day-a warm blanket to snuggle up it.
(and maybe a couple of kisses too!)
Doug

Back on Track ? Maybe, but take it slow!

We are very hopeful that Joyce's body is waking up!! But everyone agrees that we need to go slow and be sure of each step.
It was just tonight that things started to happen, so we will start a bright new day tomorrow.

This morning the Doctors decided needed to have absolutely nothing by mouth, not even a moistened swab on her lips, because that activates the saliva glands and they didn't even want that going down her throat. She is still getting IV nourishment, and really doesn't even want to be around food or the smell of food. She has very little pain, and does not get any pain medication at all.

We have also had the help of a Healing Touch session last night and today.

Most of the day today was spent with the routine--bathroom-walk-sit-use the inhaler -rest-bathroom-walk...

Joyce had a new roommate today. Barb had ovarian cancer surgery four years ago. Doctor Argenta (Joyce's doctor) did the operation and she was in for a chemo treatment. She does not get sick from the chemo treatment and is doing fine.

Thank you for the Hiccup remedies. One of our Nurses Aides told us that Joyce has someone thinking about her every time she hiccup's! How is that for positive thinking. Joyce thinks that someone is saying a blessing for her whenever she hiccups! The power of positive thinking.

Doug

OK But it is only one step back!...Hiccup!

No tubes to get messed up . . .solid food on the menu for the first time . . .sitting up . . . walking.
But not feeling so good. Take a bite of food for breakfast and vomit.
Take a bite of food for lunch and vomit.
Time to get back to the IV tubes, and the Doctor orders an X-ray of the stomach.
The Doctor says there is an obstruction in the small intestine. so no food by mouth!
And still those lousy never ending HICCUPS!!
A peaceful, calming, Healing Touch session tonight and another tomorrow.

OK, but it is only one step back!

And keep the prayers coming.
Doug

Gassed up and celebrating!

Joyce started the day with a liquid diet. Cranberry juice, and jello!
Not just jello, terrible, terrible jello!! Joyce said I can't even talk about it.
BUT the day got much brighter when her body came alive and She got Gas!!
So finally she was able to start on a regular food diet. She was also able to shed all of her tubes, both IV and drug. She no longer is "hooked up."
She gets her pain killers by mouth every four hours and it is working fine.
She also sat in the chair 4 times and walked 4 times. The last two walks were just with two of us at her side for support. Getting back into bed is a little hard, but getting better each time.
Again, I am amazed at her progress!!
We will see the Doctor tomorrow morning and find out more about chemo therapy and when she can come home.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, please don't stop!
Doug

Moving Forward...Forward...Forward!!!

Last night was "...a night that would never end..." for Joyce. She woke up several time thinking it was morning and she had to call me because the Doctor was coming, when really it was still the middle of the night.



But, that was last night and today is spelled PROGRESS!

The day started with a healing touch session that may have been the trigger for the rest of the progress that happpened all day.

Doctor D was there in the morning and after examining the reports from Friday and Friday night, recommended a blood transfusion. He believed it would get her body back on track and he was right. Half way through the process, Joyce's blood pressure and pulse rate both came down and she seemed to be less dizzy. He also said she could be on a liquid diet and get started with some meds. Happy day!

Joyce sat up today for up to 2.5 hours and walked four different time, two of the walks over 200 feet! These are unbelievable considering she was in major surgery 40 hours previous! Joyce believes this dramatic turn-a-round was due to the healing touch, and who can argue!

Sometime during the afternoon she said "I must be getting better, I'm cold!"

Doug

A Day of Waiting July 25, 2009

The day had a good start with Joyce getting a Healing Touch session from Carole. Then came removing the oxygen and stomach tube from her nose, sitting up in a chair for 30 minutes and then again for 45 minutes.
Joyce was feeling and looking much better today and was back on the same planet with us. She took frequent "cat naps" all day, but who wouldn't, after starting the surgical procedure yesterday at 6 am and not in recovery until 3 pm!
This is all good progress.
Then we started waiting--
For Joyce's body to say "OK, I am ready to move on." Because without that confirmation, Joyce has to keep the IV that is giving her nourishment, and she cannot take any thing by mouth. The nurses assure us we will know when the body is ready!
We were also waiting for a Doctor from the surgeons group to come talk to us. We knew it wouldn't be Dr Athena, because he was going on vacation, but someone from his group was suppose to see us. We waited and waited and waited. We waited until 10:30pm and finally Joyce said "I am going to sleep!" and Doug said "I am going home!" And that is why I am here at 12:15 writing to you.
With Love,
Doug

Surgery Day July 23, 2009

This morning we woke up before 4 am. We talked for a while about the day ahead, and managed to throw the covers off and get up by 4:30. Plenty of time to water some flowers, take a double cleansing shower and gather some crosswords to take and head for Methodist Hospital. Pastor and friend Don Portwood and Dr. and friend Pam Paulsen soon joined us at the hospital and were with us most of the day. Their support this day was critical for me!
The operation took 5 or 6 hours!
It was more complicated than the gyno-oncologist expected, because of the involvement of the omentum, but he said that the outcome was optimal (which I think means that they did as much as they could and were successful in doing it.)Doctor Argenta removed the cancerous parts of the omentum, the ovaries and a small section of bowel. The good bowel was stitched back together. There are little rice grain-sized bits of cancer scattered about which could not be removed, but those are small enough to respond well to chemo, so she will start chemo once she recovers from surgery.The best news is that Joyce did not have cancer in the liver or kidneys.Joyce will be in the Methodist Hospital over the weekend at least. Tonight she was kind of awake, but very tired, but not in pain, so I hope she gets lots of rest tonight. If you do come to visit this weekend, please think about what she has been through and keep the visits short. You can call my cell phone number to check on how she is doing. That number is 612-616-3724. You can also leave messages on the blog, or Joyce’s email.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers.
Doug

Ready To Go

I am ready for surgery. Doug and I have had two weeks to prepare and we are ready. Each day has been memorable as we have learned more. Our pastor, Don, has helped both of us so much. He is an eight-year survivor of kidney cancer (usually fatal) and he has many insights and tips. About a year ago he told me about Healing Touch and introduced me to Carol, who is a former nun, experienced practitioner, teacher of Healing Touch at St Catherine's University and has started programs at several TC hospitals. I am in good hands! Every time it is a healing and spiritual experience. Today she taught Doug how to help reduce pain and reduce effects of anesthesia in my body. So he will also have an active role in caring for me.

I'm calm, confident in the skill of Dr. Argenta, gynecologist oncologist, who is doing the surgery. I plan to relax and let God's healing power work in me.

We still basically know nothing except that surgery is scheduled for 8:00 a.m tomorrow, July 23. After that we start a new chapter. Thanks for your prayers and positive thoughts. Love, Joyce, Doug, ChanMy and Larisa

to contact us

Just a reminder. To leave a message for Joyce, Doug, and our family please use Doug's or Joyce's regular e-mail address.

Diversion 7-19-09

Where were you 40 years ago on July 20, 1972 when the Apollo space walk, firt landing on the moon took place?(Doug just exclaimed as he read that. Well, it is a diversion!).
I was in Los Banjos, Philippines at the University of Philippines where LeRoy and I were training in tropical agriculture and home economics before going to Laos in International Voluntary Services. We got up early that morning while it was still dark and walked to IRRI (International Rice Research Institute) where we sat with people from all over the world and watched the moon landing on television. Everyone cheered. Pretty exciting!

The beginning

This began July 8 about 4:30 a.m. when I had severe pains in my abdomen. After a call to neighbors, Shelley and Joe, to confirm that I should indeed go to ER. (Shelley is a physician with Health Partners.) The pain decreased, Doug took me to ER. Bottom line: I had a ct-scan, which was read by the ER doctor to be ovarian cancer. She wanted me to stay in the hospital and have surgery within a day. Needless to say that didn't work and I got to go home. Whoopee!Doug and I have had wonderful times together and celebrated our 13th anniversary.

Monday, I met my gynecolgist oncologist, Peter Argenta, MD. He is medical director of Gy Onc at Methodist Hospital in St Louis Park, U of M professor and has credentials a mile long. Best of all, he's personable, caring and Doug and I like and trust him.

We looked at the scans with Dr. Agenta. He said it might not be ovarian cancer but something is going on and he wouldn't know until he could look inside but he would remove my ovaries, the omentum (fatty layer around organs) and anything else that is suspicious.

Surgery is 8:00 a.m. July 23 at Methodist.

Right now I feel great. I have no pain. We walked more than a mile today in South Minneapolis by my former home by the Creek and tomorrow I'll go to aqua aerobics.

Thank you for keeping us in your prayers, praying that the cancer is contained and Dr. Argenta can remove it all. I feel completly surrounded in God's love.

Love, Joyce

The beginning

The start of our first Blog