posted by Buttons Padin on May 17, 2008
It’s working! What’s working, you ask? Pretty much everything. Christy is getting stronger every day – the visiting nurse physical therapist was here yesterday and gave her an A-OK. Christy is raring to get back to Wendy Gee, but, sorry Lee, I think she needs a bit more R&R. Also, this Lots of Helping Hands site has proven the ideal application to help our family manage all the moving pieces of Christy’s care. What we’re finding, however, is that Lizzie having set up 5 dinners per seek is more than we need (and, if you ask Christy, she’ll tell you in no uncertain terms that is more than my waistline needs). As we go along, I may contact some of the chefs among you all to offer my thanks on dinner but ask for a rain check.
In an effort to fight cabin fever, we’re also going to try to get Christy out of the house more often. A walk in the sun, a drive by the water, whatever. Although she and I made a quick trip to the grocery store last night at 8:30 (she just HAD to have an ice cream cone), finding that the hustle and bustle of even an empty store was a bit much. If any of you ever take Christy out, which I encourage, please remember to hold her arm and walk on her right. That’s the side where her vision is bad and you can act as her bumper as she gets use to her new sightlines.
This is our second weekend home from the hospital, we have plans to go to friends for dinner tonight, Allie will be taking Christy shopping today and we hope to get some gardening done. Enjoy the weekend, all of you Helping Hands, and know you have all brought sunshine…even on a rainy Friday.
Buttons
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Thursday - Look, Ma, no more staples
posted by Buttons Padin on May 15, 2008
It's been a big two days for those traveling down Christy's Road to Recovery. Yesterday, we had a meeting with our amazing oncologist Dr. L. and her equally spectacular nurse practitioner and sidekick Nurse R. (Can a girl be a wingman?)
Dr. L. took us through the pathology report from the surgery and told us that most of what the surgeon had removed was radiation scaring with very little tumor regrowth. (A huge, collective sigh of relief from the crowd) It does appear that the chemo we had been using worked and that the radiation treatments from the radiologist had been very successful. So what do you do with news like that? Popped a bottle of champagne and zipped down to the club for a celebratory dinner.
Today, we visited Dr. S., a mild mannered surgeon during the day who is probably a superhero at night. Dr. S. went into even greater detail about the pathology report indicating his complete support for Dr. L.’s next course of chemo treatments. Maybe not champagne again tonight, but still a few quiet cocktails are in order.
Now, this is all really great news…but we’re not out of the woods yet. As friend and RN Helen said, cancer can be treated as a chronic disease, managed on an ongoing basis. That’s a great way to look at what we’re up to. However, we’re not out of the woods yet and there are still have a lot of treatments ahead of us with more trips to the doctors and blood test labs. That being said, the bumpy road we’ve been traveling this past week has started to smooth out. We just have to look out for the potholes. Speaking of potholes, Christy’s new, red Volvo arrives tomorrow. Just wait until she’s behind the wheel again speeding down her Road to Recovery. Zoom, Zoom!
Keep the well wishes coming and thanks for all the help we’re getting and scheduled to get. Buttons
It's been a big two days for those traveling down Christy's Road to Recovery. Yesterday, we had a meeting with our amazing oncologist Dr. L. and her equally spectacular nurse practitioner and sidekick Nurse R. (Can a girl be a wingman?)
Dr. L. took us through the pathology report from the surgery and told us that most of what the surgeon had removed was radiation scaring with very little tumor regrowth. (A huge, collective sigh of relief from the crowd) It does appear that the chemo we had been using worked and that the radiation treatments from the radiologist had been very successful. So what do you do with news like that? Popped a bottle of champagne and zipped down to the club for a celebratory dinner.
Today, we visited Dr. S., a mild mannered surgeon during the day who is probably a superhero at night. Dr. S. went into even greater detail about the pathology report indicating his complete support for Dr. L.’s next course of chemo treatments. Maybe not champagne again tonight, but still a few quiet cocktails are in order.
Now, this is all really great news…but we’re not out of the woods yet. As friend and RN Helen said, cancer can be treated as a chronic disease, managed on an ongoing basis. That’s a great way to look at what we’re up to. However, we’re not out of the woods yet and there are still have a lot of treatments ahead of us with more trips to the doctors and blood test labs. That being said, the bumpy road we’ve been traveling this past week has started to smooth out. We just have to look out for the potholes. Speaking of potholes, Christy’s new, red Volvo arrives tomorrow. Just wait until she’s behind the wheel again speeding down her Road to Recovery. Zoom, Zoom!
Keep the well wishes coming and thanks for all the help we’re getting and scheduled to get. Buttons
Tuesday night and all's well on Normandy Lane
posted by Buttons Padin on May 13, 2008 Edit
We're now settling into the swing of things with Christy's Gal Pals coming in to stay with her during the days. What fun she's having and a special joy was the double shift Greg's Mom Teresa took today. With the sun out, the two "in-laws" spent an hour and a half sitting in the back yard yacking like two lifelong friends. :-)8 (that's a smile with a bow tie.)
Lizzie is back at work and I'm now spending the majority of the day in the office. I'm trying to stay a bit later in the morning and get home earlier...but best intentions are not always possible. What do we have to look forward to: The lease on our car is up this week and Christy has picked out a bright red Volvo sports wagon. As my Dad would say: Zoom, Zoom. Allie's also back to work regularly and able to be home ~6:00 to releive the late shift. Oh, one more thing Allie is happy about...her boyfried, Hediki Matsui, just hit a homer and tied the game for the Yankees in the top of the 9th. Can you tell how proud I am of both of our girls?
It's late, so it's Bedtime for Bonzo. Let Christy know what you're thinking...and doing by posting a Well Wish.
To all the gals, XOXOXO, To all the guys, Yuck.
Buttons
We're now settling into the swing of things with Christy's Gal Pals coming in to stay with her during the days. What fun she's having and a special joy was the double shift Greg's Mom Teresa took today. With the sun out, the two "in-laws" spent an hour and a half sitting in the back yard yacking like two lifelong friends. :-)8 (that's a smile with a bow tie.)
Lizzie is back at work and I'm now spending the majority of the day in the office. I'm trying to stay a bit later in the morning and get home earlier...but best intentions are not always possible. What do we have to look forward to: The lease on our car is up this week and Christy has picked out a bright red Volvo sports wagon. As my Dad would say: Zoom, Zoom. Allie's also back to work regularly and able to be home ~6:00 to releive the late shift. Oh, one more thing Allie is happy about...her boyfried, Hediki Matsui, just hit a homer and tied the game for the Yankees in the top of the 9th. Can you tell how proud I am of both of our girls?
It's late, so it's Bedtime for Bonzo. Let Christy know what you're thinking...and doing by posting a Well Wish.
To all the gals, XOXOXO, To all the guys, Yuck.
Buttons
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day
posted by Buttons Padin on May 11, 2008 Edit
Yes...it IS a happy Mother's Day. It's bright and sunny here and, whereas we had planned to visit Christy's parents in New Jersey, Christy's sister Joan and family are driving Betty and Don here. They will be joining us for he 12:00 mass at St. Augustines to hear Lizzie sing Ave Maria, Lizzie's gift to Christy.
Christy is feeling pretty well. Getting stronger every day yet poor vision remains a problem and huge frustration. The notes from everyone have been uplifting and getting Christy out to church and a simple lunch with her family will be a huge tonic.
Congratulations to all the Moms who are helping Christy down her Road to Recovery.
Buttons
Yes...it IS a happy Mother's Day. It's bright and sunny here and, whereas we had planned to visit Christy's parents in New Jersey, Christy's sister Joan and family are driving Betty and Don here. They will be joining us for he 12:00 mass at St. Augustines to hear Lizzie sing Ave Maria, Lizzie's gift to Christy.
Christy is feeling pretty well. Getting stronger every day yet poor vision remains a problem and huge frustration. The notes from everyone have been uplifting and getting Christy out to church and a simple lunch with her family will be a huge tonic.
Congratulations to all the Moms who are helping Christy down her Road to Recovery.
Buttons
The New Normal Has Begun
posted by Buttons Padin on May 9, 2008
Christy has been home now for almost 24 hours and what a difference that has made for her. Her anxiety level the last day in the hospital was high and the post op MRI, where she had to wait for an hour after her Tylenol had worn off, was unbearable. (Note to self: Christy never goes to an MRI again with a strong advocate by her side!)
The New Normal is here. The Nurse Brigade has begun with Rita here for a while when we got home yesterday, Ann is upstairs now for the first morning shift, Mary mid-day and Helen for the late shift. Having current/past nursing capabilities on board for these first 24 hours has given me much comfort. Last time Christy came home, we were all a bit too cavalier with visitors...this time we're all taking a more controlled approach.
And I can't tell you how wonderful you have been by not calling but rather sending messages via this site.
Christy is up after a long night's sleep and looking forward to seeing all her friends as the days progress.
Thanks, thanks, and if I forgot to say it to all involved, thanks.
ERP
Christy has been home now for almost 24 hours and what a difference that has made for her. Her anxiety level the last day in the hospital was high and the post op MRI, where she had to wait for an hour after her Tylenol had worn off, was unbearable. (Note to self: Christy never goes to an MRI again with a strong advocate by her side!)
The New Normal is here. The Nurse Brigade has begun with Rita here for a while when we got home yesterday, Ann is upstairs now for the first morning shift, Mary mid-day and Helen for the late shift. Having current/past nursing capabilities on board for these first 24 hours has given me much comfort. Last time Christy came home, we were all a bit too cavalier with visitors...this time we're all taking a more controlled approach.
And I can't tell you how wonderful you have been by not calling but rather sending messages via this site.
Christy is up after a long night's sleep and looking forward to seeing all her friends as the days progress.
Thanks, thanks, and if I forgot to say it to all involved, thanks.
ERP
Home again, home again, jiggedy jig
posted by Buttons Padin on May 8, 2008
That's what Christy always says when we drive into the garage. Well, we're home and boy, is Christy glad to be here.
The actual check-out process wasn't so bad, but it took a long time. This trip to the hospital was tougher for Christy than the one in November. Tuesday morning's post operative MRI took forever and Christy needed her Tylenol and was unable to get it at that point. But the ICU staff was superlative and we were extremely fortunate to have had our own Nurse Practitioner in the regular ward: Buffie - a new friend from American Yacht Club who runs that part of the hospital. Nice that Christy had her own "peeps."
We're home resting quietly. After a light lunch, it will probably be nap time for Christy and work time for me. Please don't call quite yet as she remains highly sensitive to noise. However, do keep the Well Wishes coming.
Allie and I have been reading them to Christy and they have brightened her eyes from the beginning of this. As she feels stronger, Christy might make some calls. We'll also play that by ear. As always, feel free to call me on my cell (post a message requesting the number and we'll send it to you) and I'll pass on any messages.
Next steps: In two weeks Christy will revisit her surgeon to get the staples removed. At about that time, she'll start her new routine of chemo. Don't know what the concoction is that they will use, but I have a feeling it will be pretty powerful stuff.
We have a pretty tough fight ahead of us and, with the continued support of our community of friends, we'll make it through.
More soon,
Buttons
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Day three on the Road To Christy's Recovery
posted by Buttons Padin on May 7, 2008
It's Wednesday morning and, yes, Christy, I did put out the recycling this morning...
Allie and I are with Christy again, Allie hasn't left her side during the day since we got here. She's been a saint and, although Lizzie is getting many comments on her moving commentaries, Allie has been amazing fluffing pillows, running for coffees, and showing the world how much she loves (dare I say worships) her mom.
Christy is feeling better and stronger every day. Last night, after Lizzie went home to her job, the three of us watched Roman Holiday on the computer. More than one laugh during the time, indicating that Christy is getting back to herself.
A big bonus, this being National Nurses Week, is that somebody came by with boxes of HagenDaz ice cream bars. I grabbed two, one which I devoured and one for Christy and Allie to share (standard fare for the two of them). Only problem was that Allie didn't get very much, another sign of return to normal.
Allie and I left about 8:00 to go home and begin prepping the house for Christy's return Thursday afternoon. I was checking the site when I heard Allie let out a cry of pain from her room. Knowing that she's been having a tough time, I ran to her only to find out that her greif was over Jaba Chamberlin giving up a three run homer to (eventually) have the Yankees lose to the Indians. Another return to normal.
It's now noon on Wednesday and Christy is about to be moved from the Neuro ICU to a regular room. She would have moved yesterday but a room wasn't available. And, who knows, maybe we would have missed the ice cream!
Just got the word to move so I'm signing off and will report again later.
Thanks for the love, help, support, blah, blah, blah. (another return to normal on my part).
Cheers,
Buttons
p.s. it's about 4 and Christy is watching "Something's Gotta Give" with Allie lying on the bed beside her. more normal stuff.
-B
It's Wednesday morning and, yes, Christy, I did put out the recycling this morning...
Allie and I are with Christy again, Allie hasn't left her side during the day since we got here. She's been a saint and, although Lizzie is getting many comments on her moving commentaries, Allie has been amazing fluffing pillows, running for coffees, and showing the world how much she loves (dare I say worships) her mom.
Christy is feeling better and stronger every day. Last night, after Lizzie went home to her job, the three of us watched Roman Holiday on the computer. More than one laugh during the time, indicating that Christy is getting back to herself.
A big bonus, this being National Nurses Week, is that somebody came by with boxes of HagenDaz ice cream bars. I grabbed two, one which I devoured and one for Christy and Allie to share (standard fare for the two of them). Only problem was that Allie didn't get very much, another sign of return to normal.
Allie and I left about 8:00 to go home and begin prepping the house for Christy's return Thursday afternoon. I was checking the site when I heard Allie let out a cry of pain from her room. Knowing that she's been having a tough time, I ran to her only to find out that her greif was over Jaba Chamberlin giving up a three run homer to (eventually) have the Yankees lose to the Indians. Another return to normal.
It's now noon on Wednesday and Christy is about to be moved from the Neuro ICU to a regular room. She would have moved yesterday but a room wasn't available. And, who knows, maybe we would have missed the ice cream!
Just got the word to move so I'm signing off and will report again later.
Thanks for the love, help, support, blah, blah, blah. (another return to normal on my part).
Cheers,
Buttons
p.s. it's about 4 and Christy is watching "Something's Gotta Give" with Allie lying on the bed beside her. more normal stuff.
-B
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
The Next Stretch Of Road
Dear Friends,
Thank you all so much for the heartwarming outpouring of support over the past few days. We cannot overstate the tremendous boost to our spirits offered by every well-wishing post and signup for “Christy Sitting.” Mom, Dad, Allie, Greg and I are all truly thankful for your love.
Mom’s surgery yesterday morning lasted about 5 hours. It was a successful surgery, and by early afternoon all 4 of us were sitting in the Neuro ICU, in the same room that we spent so many hours last November-December.
There is good news from Mom’s surgery. She came through with flying colors. There was no damage done by the operation, which is real risk whenever you fuss with the brain, and she had a beautiful, if weak, smile for her family by her bedside. Once again we have an angel for a nurse. This time it’s Dorothy; a name well suited to Mom’s Wizard of a brain surgeon.
But as with any good news, there is also news that our family must now overcome. As we were warned would likely happen eventually, the doctors found regrowth of Mom’s tumor. While this is a blow, it was not entirely unexpected. The Padin family is getting ready for Round 2, as Mom’s doctors begin planning for another, much more intense round of chemotherapy. We have a dragon to slay, but we are suited up and ready for the fight.
Mom is doing well so far post-op. Her physical appearance and overall awareness level are markedly better than at this point after her first surgery. By the time Dad, Allie and I gathered our things in the now all-to-familiar surgical waiting room, some of the pink had already returned to Mom’s cheeks, she knew what day it was, and she could read a clock. She even laughed at some of my bad jokes. These are all good signs.
Good signs or not, Mom did just have brain surgery which, by the way, deserves its reputation for intensity. Mom has some throbbing at her incision site, which we can see clear as day this time, as it is no longer hidden by hair. She is sleeping a lot, which is very good, and and eating very little, which is understandable. On a lighter note, I was somewhat disappointed by Mom’s “look” in recovery. She didn’t have a long bandage wrapped around her head this time, and there wouldn’t have been much hair left sticking out of the top anyway… but there I was facing a variant of that classic dilemma: all stocked up on Troll Doll jokes with no one to tease!
Joking aside, Mom will need some real TLC over the coming days and weeks, as nausea and seizures can both be expected. She didn’t have any seizures last time, but that is the real reason for the constant supervision over the first several weeks.
Dad, Allie and I will keep you informed about Mom’s improvement, and about how you can help. We’re looking forward to welcoming her home (hopefully on Thursday,) and we’re getting ready for her inevitable request that we all go back to work, at least part-time, and let her be with her friends. We are thrilled that the slots for "Christy Sitting" are almost full: thank you all for signing up, and so quickly! There will be other things that we will need, including more driving when Mom starts chemo again, but we'll cross that bridge once she is home.
We did read all the posts from the website to Mom yesterday, after her anesthesia fog cleared a bit. She was thrilled by the caring, supportive messages from all sorts of wonderful friends, family, coworkers, and the vast number of you that cross the lines between categories. I really believe that this kind of support was what brought the color back to her cheeks and even helped her feel well enough to choke down a small dinner last night.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to ALL of you wonderful, loving friends. Your support means the world to us, and we’re going to need it as we gear up for this next part of our journey. Please keep Mom in your thoughts and prayers, and let’s beat this together.
Warm regards,
Lizzie
Thank you all so much for the heartwarming outpouring of support over the past few days. We cannot overstate the tremendous boost to our spirits offered by every well-wishing post and signup for “Christy Sitting.” Mom, Dad, Allie, Greg and I are all truly thankful for your love.
Mom’s surgery yesterday morning lasted about 5 hours. It was a successful surgery, and by early afternoon all 4 of us were sitting in the Neuro ICU, in the same room that we spent so many hours last November-December.
There is good news from Mom’s surgery. She came through with flying colors. There was no damage done by the operation, which is real risk whenever you fuss with the brain, and she had a beautiful, if weak, smile for her family by her bedside. Once again we have an angel for a nurse. This time it’s Dorothy; a name well suited to Mom’s Wizard of a brain surgeon.
But as with any good news, there is also news that our family must now overcome. As we were warned would likely happen eventually, the doctors found regrowth of Mom’s tumor. While this is a blow, it was not entirely unexpected. The Padin family is getting ready for Round 2, as Mom’s doctors begin planning for another, much more intense round of chemotherapy. We have a dragon to slay, but we are suited up and ready for the fight.
Mom is doing well so far post-op. Her physical appearance and overall awareness level are markedly better than at this point after her first surgery. By the time Dad, Allie and I gathered our things in the now all-to-familiar surgical waiting room, some of the pink had already returned to Mom’s cheeks, she knew what day it was, and she could read a clock. She even laughed at some of my bad jokes. These are all good signs.
Good signs or not, Mom did just have brain surgery which, by the way, deserves its reputation for intensity. Mom has some throbbing at her incision site, which we can see clear as day this time, as it is no longer hidden by hair. She is sleeping a lot, which is very good, and and eating very little, which is understandable. On a lighter note, I was somewhat disappointed by Mom’s “look” in recovery. She didn’t have a long bandage wrapped around her head this time, and there wouldn’t have been much hair left sticking out of the top anyway… but there I was facing a variant of that classic dilemma: all stocked up on Troll Doll jokes with no one to tease!
Joking aside, Mom will need some real TLC over the coming days and weeks, as nausea and seizures can both be expected. She didn’t have any seizures last time, but that is the real reason for the constant supervision over the first several weeks.
Dad, Allie and I will keep you informed about Mom’s improvement, and about how you can help. We’re looking forward to welcoming her home (hopefully on Thursday,) and we’re getting ready for her inevitable request that we all go back to work, at least part-time, and let her be with her friends. We are thrilled that the slots for "Christy Sitting" are almost full: thank you all for signing up, and so quickly! There will be other things that we will need, including more driving when Mom starts chemo again, but we'll cross that bridge once she is home.
We did read all the posts from the website to Mom yesterday, after her anesthesia fog cleared a bit. She was thrilled by the caring, supportive messages from all sorts of wonderful friends, family, coworkers, and the vast number of you that cross the lines between categories. I really believe that this kind of support was what brought the color back to her cheeks and even helped her feel well enough to choke down a small dinner last night.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to ALL of you wonderful, loving friends. Your support means the world to us, and we’re going to need it as we gear up for this next part of our journey. Please keep Mom in your thoughts and prayers, and let’s beat this together.
Warm regards,
Lizzie
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