3/19 Caturday Condo: More NEW DH UPDATE -- We love busy, Happy Caturday L&LL!!

Good Morning Afternoon Evening LL!! (YUM! Vanessa outdid herself this morning: PRIMO!)

LL! It's is I, Vanessa, president and CEO of The Coffee Cat! Life is GOOD! GUESS WHAT! GUESS WHAT! Today is Catmint Caturday!! Paw Prints Pizza is open and ready for business! They are running a Caturday Catnip special today, in honor of Catmint Caturday - lots of nip in those pies! They have even used their signature nip cheese. Best order early! They have finally perfected their cimmamum and catmint pizza! So.... gives it a try, I kinda liked it! YUM! SO.... Coffee time! For today, I proudly offer Vanessa's special 10 hour energy coffee, and triple shot espressos, with beans from Starbucks Pike Place Market, their original blend, AND.... for all my Mocha fans: and triple shot espresso, beans from the heart of central Ethiopia. and for my mocha fans: Venti Quad orange and vanilla mocha, laced with orange swirls, topped with chocolate whip, garnished with orange zest, slivered vanilla beans and chocolate swirls.... SWEET! And I gots cimmamum donuts too! And donut holes!! And Croissants and Baguettes!




I hope everyone has had a great week. We have been.... well, busy again! We are back to our normal weekday routine and busy rules once again. I just can't imagine not being on the go. It keeps us out of trouble, and makes for great times! I often think back on the weeks happenings, and wonder how in the world did we do all that! I know I write this every week, but it was the same this past week. We have had a week of adventure, and fun, and crazy as we all deal with pending spring, and somewhat warmer days. And wet days. We have been swimming, and to parks, and aquariums and waterfront parks, and the zoo! It has been a good week...


Normalcy in Three Musketeerville! The kitties are doing well. There really is so little new to report, so forgive the copy from last week...... Things are great with Vanessa, Bug and Lola. They all seem to have spring fever. We have had some warmer days where we have been able to leave doors or windows ajar, and all three of them have been found with their noses pressed to the screens, getting those wonderful scents that pending spring brings. Bug is still my mellow laud back dude, Vanessa, aka the Nanner Queen, is my sweet snuggle bunny, and Lola continues to be my crazy feisty girl. They all have such different personalities that life with the three of them is really fun. There are parts of Bug and Vanessa that so remind me of Mannie, and his unique mannerisms. And Lola? Not one bone in her cute little body is even 1% Mannie. She is definitely on the other end of the spectrum. I swear that any mold was broken when they made her... She continues to get into anything and everything, can be the most affectionate bundle of fluff when she wants to be, and the most feisty playful cat I have ever cared for. She so wants outdoors! Lola has been on the move... AGAIN!!! Our resident escape artist is still escaping... Every day she reaffirms my promise to myself that the kitties will get that outdoor catio this summer. YUPP! I still need to make their appointments for an annual checkup, sometime in March. Vanessa isn't really due until summer, but will take her too, just to do a 6 month follow-up on BW as her kidney values were a little on the high end or normal last go around. I am grateful that they are doing so well. All in all: Normalcy in MusketeerVille!

Lola


Bug


Vanessa



Our adventures continue. It has indeed been a busy week, with all sorts of weather, and temperatures. We were outside when we could, indoors when we couldn't. We made trips to the pools, parks and playgrounds, museums, aquariums and waterfronts. And more pools. This past week Nicholas's preschool had a school field trip to the Woodland Park Zoo. That was utter chaos as any school trip with preschoolers can be, but a ton of fun too. Nicholas's mom was able to go, and William too. We stopped off on the way home at a local park, Newcastle Beach Park, near the boys home. It was nice to see a park geared for kids their age so close to home. It was great to get back to the Seattle Aquarium for yet another week, the boys love it there. While there Nicholas watched, again as in prior weeks, an employee feeding the fish that live , the same gentleman that worked with him a few weeks ago. We have been to the aquarium alot in the past few months. Most there know Nicholas by name now, William too. As I have said before it is so cool that these employees take the time to talk to him, explain things, and listen to what he has to say. KUDOS Seattle Aquarium! After our visit there we spent some time at the adjoining Waterfront Park watching all the tourists, chasing the seagulls, lots of puddle running as there always seems to be puddles there, and then getting ice cream. It has become a new tradition for us, no matter what the weather. YUM! Chocolate for William, and Mint Chip for Nicholas. Good stuff! This time the weather was so great, all sun, that I knew the boys would want o ride The Great Wheel, so we did that too. Views were outstanding for that ride. The afternoon was so sunny that day, and warm at 60, that I elected early to try for a return trip to Juanita Beach Park, for the afternoon. It has been along time since we have been there. It was one of our summer go to places. Both Nicholas and William were so glad to be back. It was warm enough for them to be in swim suits, at least part of the time. Water was cold, so after about an hour of water and sand fun clothes were back on. What a great day that was! What a great week it was. It has been so fun! It has indeed been a good week for the boys, and their grammie!

William and Nicholas: Summer, please! Juanita Beach Park


William, Erin (aka mom), and Nicholas: the carousel at Woodland Park


Nicholas, enjoying the view from the Great Wheel


William: Starfish! at the Seattle Aquarium


AWESOME WEEK in the pool! Nicholas and William continue to swim on their designated days, with a joint swim time, Brother's swim, for them both on Wednesday Afternoons. It is one of my favorite times, as they really do have fun together in the pool. Nicholas has his me and grammie swim night on Friday night, followed by out traditional Friday night burger feast after we play and swim in the pool. Lessons continue to go well for Nicholas. On occasion they have the kids swim the length of the pool, not an easy task for a 5 year old, but he makes it! He is becoming quite the little swimmer. William is beginning to express interest in lessons, so maybe soon for him too, probably in September. Nicholas continues to be out underwater energizer fishie, and I often think he spends as much down below the surface as he does on top. I am beginning to see signs of this in William too, He now asks to jump in unassisted, and tries to swim on his own. He was so excited last week when he realized that he could stay on top of the water by himself. I expect that soon they both will be chasing each other way down under. Happy times when that happens. We all love that joint time. SWIMMING RULES!!! As always, we are grateful for our time in the pool. It has all enabled to boys to explore anther aspect of growing up, one they really enjoy. It has just become the norm for us, we go each week, and just never tire of it. It proves to be such fun for both boys, and their excitement with it all has not wavered.
GO NICHOLAS! GO WILLIAM !!


William: I LOVE underwater!!!


Nicholas: Exploring the depths....


For my own personal time, I continue to hike the local trails here when I can: Meadowdale, Sunset Bay, Picnic Point, Mesika, And the Big Gulch. It is great to have such good places to go to when time permits. Due to DR appointments for DH I was unable to get out on a hike, but did make do with local trails. I can grateful I can get those in. I am still anxiously awaiting spring, and my annual trek(s) over the mountain passes to hike the wonders of Eastern Washington, so vastly different that the forested mountains of Western Washington. Deserts RULE! Soon, I hope! This week, like last week, the mountains had a few days of new snow, like a foot or more, so.... not yet!

DH UPDATE : Surgery is set for this Monday, 3/21, where they will remove the cancerous lobe of his right lung. We met with his oncologist this past Tuesday, fora general review of everything. The next steps depend on what they find when they remove the lobe, biopsy the lymph nodes, ad how every thing looks. There could be radiation therapy after 4 to 6 weeks, there could be more chemo, a combo of both, or there could be noting. I should know more after surgery on Monday.

Have a great Caturday everyone! It is rather low-key here... I Went to swim meet this morning in Federal way, to see a few friends from way back, and say HI to my sons former coach who was here in town with his team. It was wonderful to see him, and the others again. Before the meet I took time to walk a walk/bike trail near the pool, The BPA Trail. Sure was a great way to exercise the legs before I had to "camp out" on those bleachers. Been a great day today!

KITTIES!! Remember: BLUE, think GREEN

 

We always get cute pics around here but that pic of Bug just takes the cake - triple awwwwwwwwwwwwww!
No offence to Lola and Vanessa...

I have been amazing people all week with how many eyes scallops have - well ok some of them I might have bored but most were amazed good to see the boys having so much fun again this week.

Will be thinking of your DH of Monday and sending so many vines for a great outcome.

 

Those kitties are so photogenic!

Paws crossed for the surgery!

 

Morning everyone! I hope your weekend is off to a good start. Enjoy Sunday!!



@Vyktors Mum Morning Serryn I love that photo of Bug too. When I came home yesterday I found him on the front stairs leading up to the main floor, laying across the step, in a sunbeam, same position. So of course I had to stop and give belly scritches. He just purred and purred. Such a love bug that one. AWESOME on the scallops thing!!! LOVE IT! I have been doing the same thing too. When we went on TH this week, I looked very hard at the edge of those scallops, and you can actually see them. That was really kinda cool. THX on this week, it has indeed been a good one. Many thanks on DH's surgery. Paws are crossed here too.

@Anne & Zener GA Morning Anne and Liz THX on those kitties! I think they are too. Big is sometimes hard to photograph, once in a while I get one that really looks like he does. Vanessa and Lola are easy to get pics of, must be all that extra fluff. Lola has the longest whiskers I have ever seen on a cat. THX too on the surgery. Paws are crossed here too.

 

Vanessa, I'll take some of that 10 hour energy coffeeand Triple Espresso, of course! Many tks.

What great photos of Vanessa, love the pic of Bug, and Lola looks too innocent, but so sweet. William is getting so good at swimming and Nicholas amazing in the water. What fun you guys have all week. Wish I could hitch a ride, ha, ha!
Will be thinking of you and DH tomorrow with vines and prayers for a successful surgery.
Hugs and scritches from Katie and me.

 

I'm glad the kitties and the boys are doing well. Sending prayers for your DH's surgery tomorrow.

 

As promised - thinking of you

 

Morning everyone! Happy Monday. We are off, the big day has finally arrived. I would like to than k everyone for the well wishes on DH's surgery. We expect all to go well. I will post later tonight when I know more. Thanks to all for thinking of us.

@Ann & Maggie11 (GA) Morning Ann Thanks for the visit! THX so much on the pics, they are such a good group of kitties. I cannot agree more on the boys, and their efforts in the pool. Such awesome swimmers! It really was a great week last week, alot of fun cool things to do, we hope for more this week too. Many thx for the SH vines, we are all set to go.
Auntie Ann! You Got it! I am on my way. I'll bring two! ~~ Vanessa kitteh barista

@carfurby Morning Carla THX on the boys ad the kitties, we are all doing great! I thank you too for the DH vines. It is much appreciated.

@Vyktors Mum Morning Serryn Thank You!!!!

 

Keeping your DH in my thoughts and prayers!!!

Lots of hugs,
Tena, Curry(GA), Sidney and Zeke

 

More prayers from us!!!

 

Piling on the good surgery vines from here. All toes, paws, fingers, tails crossed for your DH.

I agree with Serryn, Bug always has the cutest poses. No offense girls, but he's a ladies man.

 

Sending tons of good recovery vines to DH. You are both in my thoughts.

 

Hi Everyone! and @Sienne and Gabby (GA) , @Wendy&Neko , @Amy&TrixieCat, @Tena and Curry(GA) -- THANKS SO much for the vines. I am now home after what has been a very long day... Surgery went well, and DH's surgeon is pleased with it overall. The Lobe with the tumor was removed, as well as a minute section of the lower lobe as the tumor was resting against it, as he wanted to be sure he got it all, and that lines remained clean. The median (SP?) lymph nodes were also removed. all those items will eb sent to pathology. The procedure ran just over 4 hours, due in part to the amount of scarring in portions of the lungs due to prior procedures, biopsies etc., also due to his being a chronic smoker for way too many years, which made his job a bit tougher. There is some air leakage, a complication from this type of surgery, but it is minimal and the surgeon believes that it will heal itself. He will be in surgical ICU for a day or so until things stabilize somewhat, then to a "regular" room. He has drain tubes also to keep the area free of fluid buildup etc (well at last I think that is what he said), pain meds are being self administered through a port on his back near his spine. (that looked gruesome... ) I left him tonight in good spirits, and feeling better than he expected, amongst an overload of beeping machines and flashing lights - just like you see in the movies... We remain hopeful that all will be well once he heels.

THANK YOU EVERYONE for keeping him in your thoughts. I am more than grateful.

@Wendy&Neko Bug is blushing... but I have to agree! For sure a ladies man.

 

I'm so glad it went well. We'll continue to send along healing prayers!

 

Michelle, I just am getting caught up. I'm so relieved that your DH's surgery went well and we wish him a full and speedy recovery. I'll write more tomorrow and by then I will have had time to read the rest of your weekly report.
Lots of hugs, scritches, love,
Ella & Rusty

 

((((Michelle)))) Was out of town but you and DH were in my throughts and prayers---So glad to hear the surgery went well and I will continue to hold you and your DH in my prayers and continuing to send mega healing vines!!!

Love all your pictures--Look at Lola plotting her next excape LOL! And thank you Vanessa for that fabulous cuppa coffee--Auntie Ruth is extremely grateful for the coffee--seems Seattle really does have the best coffee, the coffee they serve in Cali just isn't the same!

Glad you still had you normal uber busy week with the boys--and wonderful pics as well!

Hope you get a good night's sleep and take care of yourself as well!!

 

a zillion hugs your way - I'm so glad the surgery today went well for your husband. *whew* piling on healing vines and sending them north!

and tee-hee, yes, the pictures are adorable, as usual!

 

(((Michelle))) many prayers for a full recovery for your DH. He must be very strong and I hope they keep his pain under control. Many prayers for you, too, Michelle.

 

Sending heaps of healing snowflakes from the big ditch for DH. What a procedure! Those beeps, bells and whistles are a good thing though annoying as heck. Hope he doesn't need all that for long.

 

{{{Michelle}}} I haven't had time to read many condos or post the past couple of days, but I knew about the surgery and had you and DH in my prayers. I am so relieve to hear that all is well so far (anti-jinx). I will keep both of you in my thoughts and prayers and send many vines for good news from the biopsies.

 

I'm glad things went well. Sending prayers for a full recovery.

 

Morning Michelle
I am adding more vines and prayers for DH to have healing and a good recovery. I am so glad he had a successful surgery.
Lots of hugs and comfort vines for you.

 

Thank you for posting an update. I'm glad the surgery went well and I hope the recovery is fast. Please take care of yourself. Sitting in a hospital with someone you care about is emotionally and physically draining so kitty time is in order when you get home.

 

Good news, Michelle! I'm sending vines for his speedy recovery.

 

Good Morning Everyone. wow, lots needed this morning.

@Amy&TrixieCat , @Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA) , @Tiger(GA) and Ruth , @julie & punkin (ga) , @Marje and Gracie , @Anne & Zener GA , @Tricia & Cinco & Harvey , @carfurby , @Ann & Maggie11 (GA) , @Sienne and Gabby (GA) , @Linda and Bear Man Thank you all for visiting, and for caring, and for all those vines! We will be back for a bit this morning, in hopes of connecting with their rounds, talk with the surgeon and see how things are this AM. We hope for a good pathology report. We know what is there is cancer, but we hope that what we believe to be true with that is what is actually is, same with the lymph nodes. The results of this, plus scans to be done in a months time, will determine the course of action in 4 to 6 weeks, whether we do radiation, or more chemo, or both or nothing. So paws crossed we get a decent pathology report. As Sienne says, there will be that "me time" today too, with a short hike planned mid-day, for some down time for me.

@Tiger(GA) and Ruth many thx on the pics! Doesn't Lola's personality show through. One can see her wheels turning in her photos! THX too on the week, we did indeed ahve fun.

@Sienne and Gabby (GA) THX, that is exactly what I did. After spending close to 14 hours there yesterday, I had too no mater what as I am the medical proxy in the event of, and to make sure he was settled before gong home. When at home me and the kitties had a nice wind down snuggle time. Amazing how therapeutic that can be!

@Anne & Zener GA LOL, and yes, me too on all those bells, bleeps and whistles.. add a few hummms and whooshhhhh too. But all was as to be expected when I went home last night. So we hope it is the same this AM. I am sure it will. be.

 

Hi Michelle,
I hope that your DH is doing well today and that you were able to get out for a few hours of walking. It is necessary to take that time for yourself, that's for sure! Thank goodness for mobile phones!
I just finished reading about your last week's adventures with the boys. That was a busy week. Love the pictures.
The kitties look great. Rusty is looking forward to seeing them today at the Full Worm Moon Party planning session and tomorrow at the Full Moon Party. He says they should bring some fat PNW worms!

Vanessa, Kitteh Barista, today's espresso was the best Ethiopian yet. Thank you!

Lola needs a "Road ID" if she is going to do all those escapes. Here's the link. The "Scout Small" is good for cats. Michelle, while you're at it, you should get yourself a Road ID. You do so much solo hiking, it is a good insurance policy. I wear mine all the time (I have the Road ID "slim").

Hugs, scritches, and lots of vines for your DH,

Ella & Rusty

 

I'm sorry to read of all that stress, Michelle! Prayers for a quick recovery for your DH. I'm glad it all went well.

Your condos always make me so tierd. Love the pics! I'm glad you are enjoying life to the fullest with your family and kitties. I hope you are getting some rest in there, too. Hugs!

 

(((Michelle))Thanks for another uppdate. Hope you got out a bit today, not the greatest of weather but this time of year is so unpredictable.

Sending my strongest healing prayers and vines for your DH for a speedy recovery! I bet that felt nice to snuggle with the kitties last night!

 

Morning everyone!

Thanks again for all the vines! As of last night DH remains in the ICU, which is fine. He was beginning to feel the pain associated with the surgery later in the day yesterday, just as his surgeon told him he would. Today probably too. On the good side, things are moving along. The air leakage is improving with no other complications, he's eating well, and he really hopes that they will leave him alone for a spell so he can sleep. One knows how it is in hospitals, they are in her every two hours doing this and that, and having him perform lung function tests and exercise, more x-rays to see how things look. We still anticipate a 3-5 day stay. Not counting surgery day, today is day 2. Me may be moved to the MCU today. all in all, he's doing well. Thank you all for thinking of us.

@Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA) Morning Ella! Yes on DH, yes on mobile phone (!!!) and yes on the time for me. I did make a nice beach walk, about 5 miles yesterday. It was sunny and the tide was out, so a good time for me, to unwind and just relax. It was a great afternoon. THX on the pics, and last week,. it was a busy one for sure, but WOW, we had such fun! I love th road id! and for Lola too! THX for the link. I had intended to get one for me last year, not too sure why I didn't. I will this year for sure. I have a FitBit, and I see they have one that attaches to that. That would be perfect. THX! THX too on the kitties, all is well there. They are busy out finding those fat worms,... we seem to have an abundance of those.
Auntie Ella! You gots it! I will bring extra toady. I hear you guys are COLD again... ~~ Vanessa, kitteh barista
Rusty! DUDE! no worries! We gots LOTS of those worms, big fat long ones! Buckets of them... See you at the planning session, and the party! We are so ready! ~~ Vanessa, Lola and Bug

@Rachel & Chyna (GA) Morning Rachel THX for the visit! THX on the DH vines, all is progressing as expected, so he should pull out of this OK. THX for the well wishes. LOL on the tired, and I am grateful for auto pilot mode, I use that alot.
Many thx too on the pics. and YUPP, time for me too, I had a really nice beach walk yesterday. YAY!

@Tiger(GA) and Ruth Morning Ruth I did get out yesterday, grateful for that period in the afternoon that was full sun. Tide was out so I went to Picnic Point, as it is so close to the house. Very nice down there! Many thx too for the DH vines, things are improving there. You are so right: love the kitty snuggles. They were all lined up at the door waiting for just that when I got home last night.

 

Great report about DH. I know, hospitals are THE worst place to be if you need rest. Continuing to send prayers for a quick recovery!

 

((((HUGS)))) Great report on DH. I'm so glad the surgery went well. Lots of healing vines and good thoughts for all of you!!

 

Edward has the FitBit Road ID and he loves it. It slides right on the band and doesn't interfere with the Fit Bit functions at all.

So happy to hear that the leakage is diminishing and that your DH is improving. I hope his pain will diminish today. We are sending the very best vines.



Ella & Rusty
Yo Lola, Bug, Vanessa: those big worms are perfect. We'll haul them to Rosie's later today.
~ Rusty

 

Good morning everyone! It is almost the weekend!

DH UPDATE: it was an eventful day yesterday.... coupled with a few setbacks. It seems that the epidural that they had inserted near his spine malfunctioned, and wasn't delivering the pain meds. By morning yesterday his heart rate had sky-rocketed, breathing was hard. They gave meds to get that back in line, which greatly improved his status, and installed a new epidural,. They also did a broncoscopy (sp) to remove alot of fluids build up. wow, his lungs were on overload with gunk. That greatly improved things too. They made the decision at that time to out him on a ventilator, to improve breathing, and get the o2 stats back in line. When I left last night they had him on bare minimum support. The will wean him off of that sometime this morning, after another look in the lungs and see if they need to do another bronco. They will also be sure to monitor his pain level, of which there is alot, part of the game considering the surgery done. We all hope that will begin to subside. I will check in later this morning to see how all went over night. They gave him a day of "rest" yesterday to allow him to recover some, and sleep. More later....

@Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA) , @Melissa & Tarragon , @Amy&TrixieCat THX all for checking up on us, and DH. It wasn't a stellar day yesterday, but all was dealt with and tings were a little better when I left last night. The surgery sight is healing well, now we just have to deal with the complications.
Ella - THX for the info on the Road ID and the fit bit. I may just go that route, as I know I really do need to carry something.

ENJOY your day, everyone!

 

Sorry about the eventful day yesterday. I hope today is better and your DH heals quickly. Sending prayers.

 

Wow, what an "eventful" day for sure. Sending prayers that this is the only "eventful" incident and that the rest of DH's recovery is a smooth as can be!

 

Oh my! Your DH must be incredibly strong to get through all of that! Lots more healing vines for him today. I hope it will be a good day for him on his road to recovery.
Hang in there, Michelle.



Ella & Rusty

 

MORE DH UPDATE: @Amy&TrixieCat , @Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA) , @carfurby THX everyone! I just talked with the ICU DR taking care of DH this morning. it is a much better start to today. He had a good restful night, normal BP, normal HR, normal respiration. They did do another broncoscopy (sp) this AM, and removed more more "gunk". They will be weaning him off the ventilator within the hour. so.... a much better sat rt today, no events! paws crossed that continues. THANK YOU ALL fr the vines!

 

Good news! "Get out the gunk!" (that's what we say to Rusty when he sneezes up gobs of gunk)

Ella & Rusty

 

@Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA) SO TRUE! That is what they said this AM: Got out the gunk! lol.

 

oh that william picture -" i love underwater...."
i still have the nicholas picture that looks just like it on my photobucket. ( that's so funny) de ja vu....


prayers for you and dh....
my mother had copd , it's what took her out....
I hope the surgery really improves every thing.....
prayers for speedy healing and better breathing....


i wish i could have coffee that made a cat cloud every morning....

 

I'm so glad things are better today. Prayers continue to be sent his way....and also for you to be rested and care for yourself.

 

(((((Michelle and DH))))) (((OMG on the screw up with the pain meds!!)) So glad DH had a better night though, continuing to send my strongest healing vines to feel better and get the gunk out! You two are in my thoughts and prayersHugs and scritches to your crew as well!

 

Sorry I've missed all what's been going on lately, but great that your DH had a good surgery, apart from a few hiccups. Hope he is well on the way to recovery and will soon be more comfortable once he is off the ventilator. Vines for both of you

 

So glad things seems to have got back on track sending more vines to get him home asap

 

I'm so happy to read the update on your DH and that things are progressing well. I hope they can get the pain under control and no more missteps! Sending mega healing vines and prayers.

 

I'm so glad he's a little bit better today, Michelle. You know the power of Lantus Land prayers - all going for your husband!

 

Things sound so much better today for DH. Getting a good night's sleep in a hospital is HUGE! And I like the sound of "normal".

 

Glad to hear DH is doing better each day. Hopefully he gets some rest. It is so hard to get any at the hospital.

We wear road ID's when we run. I would definitely invest in one.

 

Today's DH Update: He had a good morning yesterday. They did do another bronc in the morning, removed some more "gunk". The plan was to take him off the ventilator abut noon, but early on he spiked a rather high fever. Her has never really handled fevers well, they just knock him on his butt. . When they got him off the ventilator and sat him up his heart rate soared. Seems that his hearts lower chamber, right I think, it throwing out, on occasion an extra beat. Seems also that it is extremely sensitive to change, and healing, for anything in the chest cavity. When there is stress in that region it just goes "wacko" Another complication, that and the fever. When I left last night the fever was way down, and they had begun a treatment, a mist type lung infusion to break up any remaining gunk, and reduce the amount that they lungs seems to be generating as they heal, what they call a defense mechanism. So..... they elected to keep the ventilator on, at minimum level to keep breathing and oxygen level at a desirable rate. As his surgeon stated yesterday, this is going to take time. We anticipate a full recovery, but it simply will not be tomorrow. He is resting comfortable, ore so now that the fever has subsided. No results yet from pathology, but I think they know what that will say anyways. The tumor section was obviously cancer, we just hope the rest doesn't show it was worse than anticipated. THANK YOU EVERYONE for thinking of us!

@Melissa & Tarragon , @Wendy&Neko , @julie & punkin (ga) , @Tricia & Cinco & Harvey , @Vyktors Mum , @suki & crystal , @Tiger(GA) and Ruth , @Marje and Gracie , @rhiannon and shadow (GA) , Thank you guys for checking in on us, and for the vines. it is so appreciated. We are all doing OK, and take each day as it comes. I keep myself busy and occupied with Nicholas and William, busy does wonders. It is a pool and school day today. We hope with some good weather to make a park this afternoon.

@Tiger(GA) and Ruth lol, and do you believe that on the pain epidural. wow... but they caught it soon enough and that aspect is now better.

@Melissa & Tarragon THX on your input on the road ID. I am going to see about getting one. Important I think, as I am a solo hiker....

@rhiannon and shadow (GA) It is good to hear from you. Sorry about your mom, but udnerstand too how debilitating copd can be. It has not been kind to DH, throw in the cancer and well, what a battle. We expect, as do his physicians, that he will make a full recovery, but it will take a while. LOL and THX on the pics.

 

I'm glad the fever has subsided. I hope he gets off the ventilator soon. Keeping you both in my prayers.

 

@carfurby THANK YOU Carla! I hope so too.

 

Morning Michelle, just catching up on all the updates. Vines and prayers for you and your DH to get thru all this and have a good recovery. As Julie said, the power of prayers here is amazing.
Enjoy your time with the two little Olympians today, Nicholas and William, as like you say, it can be your best medicine.
Hugs and scritches from me and Katie to you, Lola, Bug and Vanessa.

 

I'm sorry more issues have popped up - he has been through so much but the human body is amazingly resilient. Sending tons of prayers for a complication-free day today, with many more to follow!

 

Michelle --

Some of what's going on with your DH is pretty normal. With any surgery, but especially with lung surgery, they push for you to do the breathing exercises because of the "gunk" that can build up. It's really hard to want to cough that up if you've had lung surgery. I know the ICU is a scary place to hang out if you aren't familiar with the turf but, it's the best place for your DH to be. It truly is 24/7 close monitoring and the nurses are typically exceptional. Sending loads of vines for a speedy recovery.

 

Hi Michelle,
I hope that your DH is continuing to rest comfortably today and that he will be feeling a lot better soon. It's good that he is getting intensive care. Sienne's post is encouraging.
Did you get a few hours in for yourself today? Are you keeping up your schedule with the boys, or have you made other arrangements? Please don't try to do too much. You have a lot on your plate and you need your strength.

Thinking of you all, sending more vines and prayers to your DH, and wishing you a good Easter weekend.

Hugs and scritches,

Ella & Rusty

p.s.: you'll love your Road ID. They are beautifully engraved and look great. I have the "regular", not the "interactive", but the last line on mine cautions any first responders that I am allergic to penicillin. My friend, who is diabetic and has other health issues, has the "interactive". It gives her peace of mind to know that in an emergency her medical records can be quickly available via telephone (with the special PIN that first responders can access).

Yo Lola, Bug and Vanessa: the little bit of snow we had yesterday is all gone. But you are always welcome to come and hang out on the radiators. Next week I'd like to come to your place to play on the zip line and in Mannie's tree house.
~ Rusty

 

So sorry I have missed the latest updates. Crossing paws for less adventure in the ICU for DH. Sienne is so right about being in the ICU, those nurses rock the house! Sending hugs to you.

 

Good Morning everyone! I am sorry I have not been able to get back on the board... been busy, with the boys, and hospital visits, and time for just me. I will post an DH update in a new condo, hopefully which I can get posted soon.

@Anne & Zener GA , @Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA) , @Sienne and Gabby (GA) , @Amy&TrixieCat , @Ann & Maggie11 (GA) THANK you guys for the vines and well wishes for DH. There have been complications with this surgery, some heart issues, which are slowly resolving, and the pneumonia is back (if it ever was totally cleared up) with some sort of infection: I have yet to determine what that is, unless they are referring to the pneumonia. At any rate, his temp was down and gone by last night, so I hope that is under control too. With medication, heart rhythm was back to normal. They have also, a few days ago, got the malfunctioning epidural reinstalled, and that is now working. He is still in the ICU, on a ventilator at minimal settings. That won't come out until he is stable, then they will wean him off of that. SO... things are slowly looking better. THANKS EVERYONE for thinking of us!

@Sienne and Gabby (GA) on my gosh yes on those ICU nurses. They incredible to say the least. They have done so well by him. I agree too on the trauma that DH is going through right now. This type of surgery is brutal on the body, his is reacting with complications that we were made aware of prior to surgery so.... we wait and hope for recovery. he seems to be starting that yesterday.

@Ann & Maggie11 (GA) Right you are! Nicholas and William are the best medicine.

@Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA) THX, and yes I did get some me time in yesterday. We visits the hospital wit my son Anthony in the morning, came home for the afternoons and back with my youngest son Matt in the early evening. In between the visits I went to Picnic Point, a local beach, and spent time there,. It was a sunny afternoon, tide was out, so we had a little adventure, exploring low tides. FUN! THX on the road ID info, And i do plan on ordering one, soon! I think it really is something I should be wearing. Very interesting on the types you can get - wow on the interactive! I would use the regular. I gotta get one of those! and yes, we are still maintaining the schedule with the boys. We all want things to be normal for them, they need that. One those days I visit the hospital only in the evenings. Other family go during the day.
Rusty! DUDE! You gots snow????? COOL! We are gathering up out sow stuff, and on our way, mini pizzas too for the radiator time. SWEET! See ya soon! ~~ Vanessa, Lola and Bug

 

Sending more prayers for you and your DH. I hope the complications resolve soon and he has a quick recovery. I'm glad you got some me time in and the family is helping keep things normal for the boys. Happy Easter.

 

@carfurby THANKS Carla! We hope so too for DH, things were better yesterday, but still a long ways to go. Me too on the me time, Easter should be good here, HAPPY EASTER to you!

 

Keeping you and DH and the family (2 and 4-legs) in my thoughts.