ICU #36

Today was a '2 steps forward, 1 step back' day. Last night Linda had some bleeding from her lower incision and required 2 units of blood. Fortunately her vitals remained fairly stable during the mini-bleed and mostly returned to normal during the course of the day. The docs have given her meds for gi tract bleeding and are waiting to see if this works. She was quite disappointed that she couldn't do the trach cradle today - just too weak and tired from last night's ordeal. However tonight she was looking much perkier and Pete (RT) was by to say they'll try all day tomorrow.

Deb phoned tonight to say she and Sean are flying in on Saturday - just for overnight - so she can see her 'baby sister' and maybe concoct an escape plan!! Looking forward to seeing them!

ICU #35

Wow - another busy day for her! She was looking quite tired tonight. They decided to insert an ATV (or is that some kind of dangerous sport vehicle?) line so they can remove all her intravenous lines. The new one is safer and has 3 ports for whatever needs to go into the blood stream. They also did a ct scan this afternoon and found a small pocket of fluid in her abdomen which could just be drainage or could be a small abcess - they're keeping an eye on it. Relieved to hear that they won't have to open her up to get at it - just insert a needle in the abdomen. She's doing well with the feeding line and indicated (we're developing a complicated system of facial expressions and hand gestures as a form of communication) that she could taste it - don't know how - maybe the smell is bringing back gustatory memories!

During our conversation (!) this morning, Linda asked about her thoracic incision (done for the massage of her heart) and so I told her about that Wednesday night - quite a lot for her to take in and she looked, understandably, scared. But she knows she's getting better and maybe now understands why we 'hover'. She also wanted to know when she'll be getting out of ICU so I asked the docs and they said the only thing holding her back from going to the surgical recovery floor upstairs was her breathing. She needs to be on the trach cradle for a full 24 hours - breathing completely on her own - before she can go. That sure spurred her on - today she did 8 hours.

Hasta la vista, amigas y amigos!

ICU #34

Another busy day for Linda. The gi feeding tube was inserted so we'll see now the intestinal tract is working. She was rolling her eyes today when we asked her if she was hungry - obviously would like something to chew on!! They also took out 2 more abdominal drainage tubes and sewed up all the holes from tubes. A bit tired this afternoon from all the activity but still calm and giving us smiles. They're still wondering about the continuing elevated white blood cell count (just sitting at an above normal rate) so they may do another ct scan tomorrow of her belly to make sure there are no abcesses. She was on the trach cradle for 4 hours today - probably more tonight - getting stronger!

ICU #33

A  busy day! Linda had 2 x-rays - one on her chest and they found a spot of pneumonia. We're hoping it won't get worse because she is still on antibiotics. Plus they're hoping to get her sitting up soon. The second x-ray was for the gi tract and things are looking good - no leaks in the esophagus or stomach so in the next few days they'll be inserting a feeding tube to get those intestines really working again. Very alert tonight - took in her ipod so she could listen to some music and she was nodding her head to the music. Talked to Dr. Temple today and he said we're not quite out of the woods yet but on the way. Good news!

Had a tasty dinner at Tracy's tonight and saw our new accommodations - we'll be moving over the Thanksgiving weekend. We're sooo lucky that Tracy is willing to 'put up' with us (and the pooches) for a few  weeks.

Some of you have asked about sending cards - probably the best bet is to send  straight to the hospital Foothills. A couple have arrived there just fine.

ICU #32

Good morning! Lucille and I both had a full night's sleep last night - wow - feels good!

Sorry there was no update yesterday - problems with service at the RV camp and the computer in the ICU waiting room is down. But Linda continues to get better - more strength in that right hand - brushed her teeth yesterday and is helping more more when the nurses turn her. She's also more alert and able to show specifically  where she's hurting. Today Dr Temple will probably make a decision about her incision - whether it can be closed for good. So getting ready to go up for Rounds - more later.

ICU #31

Hello from sunny and warm Calgary - temps hit 25 this afternoon - so wishing we could wheel Linda out for a whiff of fresh air and warm sunshine - but not yet. Hoping the weather holds. So they put a trach cuff on her this morning and she breathed completely on her own for 2 hours - that means the diaphragm is healing! Also she's off fentynol (narcotic) and just getting little boosts when she's feeling pain. So this afternoon I watched her have a real sleep - just calmly breathing, no thrashing about. She's also letting us know when she needs some moisture in her mouth and today took the swab from my hand and found her mouth. Small, glorious steps.

A wonderful surprise visit early this morning from Cheryl (Saskatoon) on her way back from a conference in Banff. She had a wee visit with Linda on her way to the airport. Great to see her and hear news about the 'old' book club.

 Lucille and I are off to the football game this evening - Calgary vs BC. Some of you will know how thrilled I am about this venture.

More tomorrow!

ICU #30

A new trach tube today - not because anything was wrong - just a slightly larger one to make it easier for Linda to breathe. She's still on the meds for her stomach but no more blood from the gastric tube - hurray!! Not so agitated this morning - calmer. Can't tell you how wonderful it was to get a full Linda smile when I walked in this am. The physio was by today with more exercises for the limbs and Linda could do nearly all of them. The last of her pleural cavity tubes was removed today so we're down to the pancreas drainage tube, the stomach tube and 2 or 3 lower abdominal tubes - and of course, an impressive array of intravenous tubes. Change of docs today - very sorry that Atta has moved on to the Children's Hospital - he quite literally saved Linda's life last week - doing CPR with Stephanie - and he's been a source of strength for Lucille and me this past week.

Don't let the bed bugs bite!

ICU #29

Another good day! The docs have been careful to caution us to be aware that sometimes it's 2 steps forward and 1 step back. Well today we had a back step - a bit of bleeding in Linda's stomach but the Team was on it right away. The really gratifying part was that she bounced back really quickly and responded really well to the drugs to stop the bleeding - another whew!! Very alert tonight - I think it's her first evening of being truly awake - pointing to her bags of meds, etc and wanting to know what they were. We know she had other questions but it was hard to figure out what. Of course she can't talk yet because of the trach tube and it may be a few days before that happens. We tried giving her a pencil and paper but her right hand is weak. Tomorrow we'll try with an alphabet board and see if that works. We just don't want her to be frustrated or worried.

Lucille was thrilled with the birthday wishes. A tough day for her but she's a strong lady.

ICU #28

Just quick update - we were in tonight and Barb (nurse) told us Linda had smiled for her!! She's also responding to questions - nodding and shaking her head. Also another pleural cavity tube out tonight. Still in and out of consciousness but making progress. Hopefully tomorrow we'll hear results from ct scan, x-ray and cultures.

Good night - sweet dreams!

ICU #27

I'm sitting in the warm sunshine writing this - lovely change in weather.

A good day! Linda had another of her tubes removed from her pleural cavity - now we're down to just one pleural, one draining the pancreas (still not getting any worse), and the gastric tube - whew! We're at the stage with her consciousness that the Team is watching for signs of neurological damage and we're pretty sure they've ruled out cortical blindness because she is definitely focusing when I say her name and tracking more consistently - hurray!! They also did another chest xray today - don't know results yet. And she was getting ready for a ct scan when I left late this afternoon. The ct scan is to check for any absesses that may be forming in her abdomen and/or peritoneaql cavity - white blood cell count is still up there. But there's more movement - lifting her head, lifting up both arms - and she'll stick out her tongue on command.

A full week since the last catastrophe. I know she'll get better.

ICU #26

Rounds comments - they've decided to put off the ct scan of her abdomen until tomorrow - the creatine in her kidneys is decreasing and they don't want to interfere with that as her kidney function improves - ct scan includes dye through the kidneys which is hard on them. They are also talking about removing 2 of the pleural cavity tubes because there is minimal amounts of fluid coming out - good news! Still some concern about the white blood cell count but they're keeping a close eye out for any symptoms that would indicate new infection. She's holding her own!!!

Thursday is Lucille's 75th birthday - I'm amazed at what great shape she's in. If you want to send some birthday wishes, her email is lupj@shaw.ca.

ICU #26

Just waiting for Rounds. Linda is much more alert this am - lots of hand squeezes and focusing on our faces. Chelsea (nurse) said she has started to nod in response to questions and to track with her eyes - both good signs. There is some concern about the continuing elevated white blood cell count so they cultured her but it will be a couple of days before the results are back. They're also going to do a scan of her belly today to try and rule out any abcesses in there. The Team is taking good care of her.

ICU #25

No news is good news - sorry about the paucity of updates today. I sat in on rounds this am - things are still progressing slowly and Linda is still mending. The Team says she'll probably be in ICU for another week at least but I'm glad she'll continue to have the care she needs there. She's still moving limbs and focusing on faces - Chris stopped in early this am on his way out of town and he was so happy that she looked directly at him. Body chemicals are gradually becoming more stable. They took her off the respirator today to see how she could handle that - she did well and now she's on minimum help - just enough so there is no stress on her recovering system.

Today all that's happened this week kind of caught up with Lucille and me and we went home for an afternoon nap. We were very surprised to wake up very cold - it has been chilly outside here but not in our cozy home. Finally a man with a toolbox came and helped us out - really quite simple but we're neophyte RVers! But we missed having our afternoon visit with our Linda. Just waiting for the shift change now. More tomorrow.

ICU #24

Interesting chats with Christine and Sandi (yesterday's nurses) about what is known about how much patients remember from their stay in the ICU - turns out not much because of the narcotics and sedation but many patients say they remember feeling confused and worried, anxious. So both nurses have been sure to tell Linda where she is and exactly what they're doing to make her better hopefully to alleviate those fears and we have been trying to do  that too .

 Chelsea (new nurse) says Linda had a good night. Will know more once we get up there.

ICU #23

Linda gave a thumbs up to Christine (night nurse) tonight when she asked about pain - more consciousness - good sign! And she's moved all 4 limbs!!

It's been so good to have Linda's nephew, Chris, here. He's been a rock for Lucille.

ICU #22

A  wee update - they inserted the filter in her vein and everything went well. Vitals still stable.

ICU #21

Linda had a good, stable night. Just had a chance to sit in on Rounds - Dr. Ferland (ICU) was pleased with Linda's progress and commented on how she keeps fighting and getting stronger. We still may have some battles - she's at high risk for embolisms but the Team is taking precautions and inserting a filter in a major vein today which will catch any clots that may form. They're starting to wean her off the narcotic for pain slowly and hope for more consciousness during the next day or 2. Every hour that passes without complications brings her closer to wellness.  Thanks for all your prayers, good wishes, and love sent our way. I have been telling Linda about your kind words every day - not sure that she's hearing all I say (that's not new!) but I know she's hearing some of it.

ICU #20

She's still holding her own. All vitals were stable this afternoon. Sandi (today's nurse) was really pleased when she able to get Linda to wiggle her toes (yeah!) and squeeze her hand (double yeah!!). Talked to this am's surgeon - said her stomach looked good, the pancreatitus has not gotten worse and the trach tube went in without a problem. There's still infection but she's on antibiotics and we just have to wait.

A huge surprise this afternoon - I was called to the ICU reception desk because 'a man from Vernon' was calling. Turned out it was Linda's favourite crib partner, Jim Young, and he was in the ICU waiting room! He took a slight (!) detour from Golden where he's visiting - just to see Linda. What a wonderful and kind visit - super to see him and get 'Vernon hugs'.

Dr. Temple (THE surgeon/magician who got rid of the pesky cancer) was in tonight and was pleased to see Linda responsive and glad that they waited to decide about her stomach until this am.

ICU #19

Still haven't talked to the surgeon but she's still holding her own. The Head RN says her numbers (heart, bp,output) are all good. She's still in the woods but every hour that passes with her vitals stable and no more complications is great.  More later.

ICU #18

Linda is back from the OR and looking good. They didn't find any necrosis in/on the stomach so it's still in there (hurray!). They washed her out and sewed her up, put in a trach tube (we're soo glad the respirator is out - she looks more like herself). Heart rate is good, blood pressure good (with NO meds), still producing pee, and the fluids from her abdominal tubes are just pinkish - Whew, relief here. More later.

ICU #17 (arrghh for the last title!)

Our Fighter (maybe a new license plate!) had a pretty good night - no trauma or crises. She's off to the OR at 8 this am. We'll keep you posted.

ICU #15

Small steps - she's still not out of the woods but no trauma or crises today. Heart rate is normal, blood pressure too. She's almost breathing on her own. When I say her name (in a certain tone) she turns her head and opens her eyes - still not focusing on me but ... small steps. Both the surgeon from last night and the head ICU docs came by and were surprised at how well she was doing. The woods doesn't seem quite so dark right now.

ICU #15

We're still hopeful. Some good signs - kidneys are producing (although creatine is higher than normal), lactaid (which I think indicates something to do with organ breakdown) has decreased to a nearly normal level, she is more active when Lucille and I are there talking to her (but still not awake because of sedation). Still not sure when they'll take her to OR but the secretions from the tube from her stomach now looks like bile rather than bloody and the longer they wait, the more chance that the inflammation will subside and maybe they can save it. Lucille and I are not taking calls right now - please understand that it's hard for us to talk now.

ICU #14

Linda is still struggling and the ICU Team has been very straightforward that this is an uphill battle. She goes back to the OR later this afternoon to check that the stitches in her stomach have held. We're still hopeful. Chris (Linda's nephew) is on his way from Brandon. It will be good to see him.

ICU #13

Another tough day. Linda is struggling - on life support. The ICU team say the next 24 hours are critical.

ICU #12

Just talked to Brian (new nurse today) and he says she's holding her own - heart rate, blood pressure, kidney function all still working. We managed to get some sleep and will be going up soon.

ICU #11

Linda is fairly stable now but we're back in the woods for a while. We had a rough night. Last night at about 7:30 she developed a bleed internally and 'bled out' and that caused her heart to stop and blood pressure to plummet. Fortunately Stephanie (nurse) and Atta (3rd year med student) were by Linda's bedside and got The Team there quickly - they performed CPR for 20 minutes while they tried to replenish her blood supply. Once her heart had started up again, they took her to the OR and re-opened her incision - found the splenic artery had torn (maybe because of the pancreatitis) and the surgeon sewed it up. She came through this okay but the surgeon was still worried about whether the stitches would hold and whether there were other compromised arteries, so an angiogram was scheduled. They embolized (clotted) the artery and found no other compromised arteries and she was back in the ICU by about 1:30. The next 72 hours are critical - to tell whether any of her organs were damaged by the heart failure and whether the CPR kept enough oxygen going to the brain. We called Deb and she and Sean drove here arriving at 4. We just got back from the hospital - Linda's heart rate and blood pressure are stable and her kidneys are working and her pupils look okay.  We are so thankful she was still in ICU where help came quickly. Yes - pray for our Linda.

ICU #10

We had many visits with Linda yesterday and each time there was more response from her - small head nods, eyes focused. She is meeting 5 out of 6 components of some scale that I can't remember the name of - the final component is 'appropriate behaviour' (meaning consistently responding to commands) (funny how medical and educational jargon overlaps!!). Talked to Melanie at 5 this am and she said she'd had a good night - a bit agitated but the respirator is sure to be irritating her throat. Still progressing, still getting better, still strong!

Uncle John and Lottie left early this morning, and JPL leave in an hour or so - was wonderful to have them all here and we will miss them all. But we will be fine.

ICU #9

We've just had a visit with Linda and today's nurse, Stephanie, is pleased with her progress. She's breathing on her own (hurray!!), off the blood pressure meds and her bp is stable. She still has a bit of a fever but that's fighting that infection. The Team is trying to wake her up - she's more responsive than yesterday but still not responding to questions (although I'm sure she knows when we are there with her because her heart rate goes up 1 or 2 notches when we hold her hand and speak to her). We're so pleased she's holding her own and getting better!!!!! Liz, Judi and Peter all said she was looking better than they thought she would!!

ICU #8

Linda continues to get stronger. Her vitals - blood pressure, heart rate - are improving every day. The Team is hopeful about removing the respirator tomorrow. First, Linda's sedation needs to be reduced and she needs to be more responsive - responding to questions, squeezing hands. So they started reducing the sedation today - it will be a slow process. But we're so glad that they're taking time to make sure this goes well. She was opening her eyes tonight - wonderful to see!! Still haven't heard about the blood culture but she is still getting the gram positive organism antibiotics and The Team is pleased with how the antibiotics are working. So all in all, a good day!

Judi, Peter, and Liz arrived - wonderful to see them! Both Uncle John and Peter have similar senses of humour and kept us chuckling all through dinner.

ICU #7

Linda's Uncle John (Lucille's bro) and his wife Lottie, have been living next door to us since last Wed - how lucky we are to have them close. They've been feeding us, watching over the pooches and taking them for walks, and just generally being wonderful and kind. Last night they came up to the hospital with us and both thought Linda's colour was good. When I called ICU late last night, we got more good news - heart rate down to 110, they're starting to wean her off the meds that were stabilizing her blood pressure, temp has been constant at 38. Kate (night nurse) said they will be starting to bring her out of the sedation slowly today and also slowly (thank goodness that's the operative word) lessening her dependency on the respirator in the hopes they can remove the tube later today or tomorrow.

Pouring rain here today - cats and dogs!

ICU #7

Linda continues to be stable; she is still on the respirator and they say this will continue until at least tomorrow. Her heart rate has stabilized at about 130 - 134. Blood pressure is being kept constant with meds. She's sedated now and seems to be responding to the antibiotics - at least her temperature hasn't gone up again - they're keeping it at about 38 degrees - needs to be a bit hotter than normal to help fight the infection. Blood cultures come back tomorrow at which point they will be able to (as Kim said this morning) nail the buggers to the wall with the appropriate meds. They're also keeping an eye on her legs - will do some kind of doppler test later today to check for clots.

Lucille and I stayed home this am - did housework (amazing how calming it is to sweep and clean!). I gave the pooches a haircut and took them for a long walk, then helped Lucille with her hair ritual. Feeling better and breathing easier knowing that Linda Marie is holding her own!

Looking forward to seeing Judi and Peter and Liz tomorrow.

Hugs to all from L3

ICU #6

Just spoke with Linda's ICU night nurse. She is stable. Her temp rose during the night and they used a special blanket to help lower it. Heart rate down to the 130's. Still on the respirator. We'll see her this morning and then update.

ICU #5

The ICU team say that Linda is stable now - but we had a roller coaster scary day. Her heart rate became very elevated this morning and the team tried a variety of things to get it down but none worked consistently and they became worried about a heart attack. Then she started to struggle with her breathing - gasping for air even though she's still on a respirator and her oxygen levels were okay. Bloodwork came back showing that she had developed pancreatitus (inflammation of the pancreas - probably from the stripping). Then her temperature went up indicating infection. So they did a chest xray and found a small embolism in the lungs but not big enough to cause the problems. They then did a CT scan. They're sure that there is infection in her abdomen so have started antibiotics but they won't know what specific antibiotic to give until more bloodwork comes back (tomorrow or Monday) indicating the specific kind of infection we're dealing with. So she's sedated now, breathing easier, and her heart rate is slowly lowering. Thank you for all the love and care you've sent - make sure it keeps coming - I know she'll get better.

ICU #4

Just spoke with Susan, today's ICU nurse. She said the notes say Linda had a good night. They will try to remove the respirator today, heart rate is still elevated, but other vitals are good. We'll be going to visit in an hour or so.

ICU #3

Lucille and I went to visit tonight after dinner and Aiofe told us that the ICU doc had spoken with one of the docs from the Tom Baker Center who knows about PMP and he said that a high heart rate is fairly common after these kind of surgeries. It should come down in a couple of days.

ICU #2

Lucille and I had two visits with Linda this morning; each time she looked better and was more lucid. I went back this afternoon and since they didn't kick me out, I stayed for the whole afternoon. Linda still has the respirator in, but she is starting to breath more on her own. Aiofe (today's nurse - her name is Irish) said that there's a good chance it will come out tomorrow. Her blood pressure  is stable. Dehydration can occur after surgery so they are pumping her full of fluid, making her a bit puffy - but that will subside in a few days. The only worry (and Aiofe assured me that they were doing tests to figure out why) is her heart rate which is high. Hopefully it will have come down when we go back tonight. I watched Aiofe change the dressing on her incision - 49 staples - lot more than last time and it's starting to heal.  She's responsive to questions and gave me lots of hand squeezes. No major complications! Keep sending those great balls of healing and love!!

ICU #1

So we finally got home from the ICU about 1/2 an hour ago. Linda ended up in the Recovery Room for longer than was initially thought. We're not sure why. But we did get to talk to Dr. Temple. He said that this was one of the most extensive and difficult surgeries he has performed. Tumours covered all of peritoneal cavity organs - so they had to do a lot of stripping of surfaces - small intestine, diaphragm, pancreas, stomach (he said they were lucky to save it). They also removed the uterus, spleen, and re-sectioned the liver. I can't remember what else - it's in my notes but I think I left them in the truck. She'll be in ICU for 4 - 5 days monitored very closely by a nurse and resident - both Reta (nurse) and Atta (resident) were so kind with us tonight when we finally got to see Linda - patiently explaining all the tubes and bags of medications and machines and assuring us we will see improvements each day - she was still groggy from the anaesthesia and sedation. Time to give Coady a massage - she's missing Linda. More tomorrow.

Great news!!!!!

Dr. Temple called with the best news in the world! They got all the visible tumour; he said it was a difficult and extensive surgery, but Linda has come through it. They're doing the chemo now which should get rid of any cells left in there. We're meeting him at the ICU at 6:00 to hear more. What relief in this trailer!!!!!!!!

Surgery Update #4

Esther just called to say that the docs are nearly done surgery and will soon start with the hour and half of chemo. She's still stable and 'doing well' (hurray!!!). We may be able to see her tonight.

Surgery Update #3

Just had another call from Esther who reported that Linda was stable and 'things are moving along as they should' (her exact words). She couldn't give me any info on removals or re-sections (will have to wait to hear from Dr. Temple), but she did say they hadn't started chemo yet and probably there could be another 3 hours of surgery. Whew.

Surgery Update #2

Esther, the liaison nurse, called to say that Linda was doing well. Surgery began at 9:30 after all the preps were completed.

Surgery Update #1

Well, I'm back in the RV because Foothills has this great system which includes a liaison nurse from the operating room who will phone occasionally during the day with info. Before Linda went into surgery, we talked with Dr. Temple and he said maybe only 3 - 4 weeks - not getting our hopes for early release up quite yet - but that was sure nice to hear. Still hoping I'll get to see her later.

Tomorrow

Linda's surgery is at 7:30 tomorrow morning; we have to be at the hospital at 6:00. Please be patient tomorrow waiting for information. Her surgery is 8 - 9 hours long and I hope to see her before I return to the RV park; so it may be evening before I can post. She's having cytoreductive surgery (removal of some organs, some re-sectioning of others and scraping the tumors off wherever) and then a chemo treatment called HIPEC (hypothermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) - the docs circulate heated chemo through her peritoneal cavity for about 90 minutes to kill any remaining cells. Then it's off to the ICU for a couple of days.

Thanks for all the love and good wishes sent our way - we feel cuddled by their warmth.

Many things

Well, we have discovered many things in Calgary during the past few days:
 1.  The transportation infrastructure is truly amazing! It is sooo easy to get from one part of the city to another. I am most pleased!!
2.  The American (movie with George Clooney) may be the worst movie we have all (L2, Lucille and Kim) ever seen in our entire lives. At one point, I glanced to my left and Linda was asleep, then I glanced to my right and Lucille and Kim were asleep - so, technically I am the only one who can truthfully say the movie was dreadful.
3.  We are finding RV living cozy and comfortable and we can find most things with minimum head-scratching.
4.  Our favourite casino (and we have experienced all of them) is Casino Calgary - and, yes, Linda's luck has followed her to Calgary (hurray!)
5.  We adore our friend, Kim, from Saskatoon - we didn't just discover that - more a re-affirmation.
6.  Lucille can eat and enjoy an amazing amount of ribs at Tony Roma's.

Calgary

Arrived safely in Calgary last night - staying at the Calgary West Campground and we've had our mail forwarded here. The pooches have settled down quite nicely - our site is very close to the dog run. We've put everything away and have no idea where anything is!!  Thank goodness Cath was here to help us set up - we have new appreciation for those people who know how to back up these vehicles.