102 2d

What a fabulous surprise for Linda this morning when Judi poked her head around the corner of the curtain in Linda's room!! Of course, there were tears of surprise and happiness!!! And we had a wonderful day, catching up with Judi and all her stories about her and Peter's adventures in Arizona. We spent the afternoon at Tracy's who whipped up a delicious snack/dinner for us - Linda even had a piece of cheese!! And Judi got us signed up for Skype so now we can talk with her and Peter when they return to Retirement Haven next week. Tracy thought you'd enjoy seeing a photo of us (yes, we were laughing!!).

102 2c

Well, haven't I been remiss at posting! Sorry!! Linda has just been adamant about getting out each day and I think it's done her good to be up and showered and dressed - more like real life (she's just sick of hospital life!!). Her feeding tube become clogged/blocked on Tuesday morning and it was removed so she had a couple of days of being tube-free. However, she wasn't supposed to be eating so she didn't have a whole lot of nutrition going in. She talked the Doc into letting her have the tube out yesterday, too, so when we came to Tracy's to watch The Kids Are All Right, she had a bowl of chicken soup (made by yours truly) and thoroughly enjoyed it. Today we went to a mall and she bought an iPad - she's been talking about getting one since before she went into Foothills in September so I'm thinking this purchase was way overdue. She did have the feeding tube inserted this morning - done by a real doc, not a resident - so it wasn't too much of a 'pain'. Drains are still draining, but lessening considerably!!

Talked to Lucille last night and her cast will be on until close to the end of January, but off before her back-to-back cruising in February. The cast may limit her bowling skills though!

Just in case, I don't get on tomorrow - Hope you all have a great New Year's Celebration and that the coming year is healthy(!!!!!!!) and full of laughter and hugs and chocolate and walks with dogs and butter!!

102 2 b

Lynne and Cath just drove away with Lucille and the pooches - back to Vernon. The roads and weather are good at our end - sure hope they have an 'easy' day on the road. The van was stuffed to the rafters!!

What an interesting and different Christmas this turned out to be! We spent Christmas Eve with Lynne and Cath - lovely salmon dinner!!! Linda had ice chips - she's still NPO - but really enjoyed the company and having the pooches on her lap. Linda's gift from the Team was a CT scan on Christmas morning and once that was done, we were able to bring her to Tracy's where we opened gifts and just had a relaxing afternoon. We had planned to all go to Tracy's Aunt Rose's for dinner, but Linda is always tired out from the Telebrix infusion for the scan and she decided that the hospital was the best place for her - so we took her back late in the afternoon and Lucille and I went to Aunt Rose's for 'turducken' - quite the fowl experience (no pun intended)!!! Tracy's family welcomed us with such kindness - how lucky we were to be a part of their celebration. After a fabulous dinner, Lucille stayed at Rose's to play cards and I went to visit with Linda and we spent the evening remembering PJ. Yesterday, Lucille and I braved the Boxing Day crowds and I found some great deals on new clothes for Linda Marie - she does need a new wardrobe for that slim frame!!

We're still hoping to be home sometime next week - that's what the Team is saying - we're trying to be patient.

102 2a

Happy Christmas Eve to All!!  Thought I'd share a very special Christmas photo of Linda - yes, she certainly does know how to get 'into the spirit' and yes, that is a Christmas tree ball hanging from her feeding tube!! Hope you all laugh lots, eat lots and hug lots during the next few days.

102 1z

So another busy couple of days - we got Linda out to the Farmers Market on Tuesday afternoon, didn't stay too long because Linda's shoulder was hurting. We've become quite paranoid (completely understandable given the circumstances) about any aches or pains. Anyway, multiple tests were done on and about the shoulder and the general consensus was that it was a muscle pull which, over the past couple of days, has become more manageable. Yesterday, we had her out again - this time to a nearby mall for a bit of last minute shopping. The Team is thinking that we'll be coming home sometime around the beginning of January - dependent, of course, on the stomach fistula healing. On other medical fronts, Lucille's lip is back to normal and she didn't develop a black eye!! And she discovered last night she could still play the slots - even with a fractured wrist.

102 1y

Good morning! We've had a busy couple of days. Lucille is looking and sounding much better; of course, she still has the cast on her right arm, but that doesn't stop her from being independent and getting about. Her lip is still a bit swollen, but every day looks better. We're just glad her injuries were 'minor'.  Linda continues to get better - still has some stuff coming out of the drains, but #2 is supposed to be removed today (hardly ever has anything in it) - then only 2 more to go. She is so much stronger now - easily gets out of bed and wanders around the unit on her own - especially when she's unhooked from the 'pole'. And she's enjoying having her Mom here - yesterday, they had a lovely full afternoon visit (while Leagh, [Tracy's client], and I went to see the Narnia movie in 3D. Last night, when I went up to see her, her cousin, Les, came by and regaled us all (even Linda's new roommate) with stories about his and Suzanne's trip to Guatemala. Today, we're guests (although I imagine we'll also be kitchen help!!) at a luncheon here at Tracy's with her family - really looking forward to Tracy's cooking (yum!!!!!) and meeting more of the family. Then, we really are going off to the Farmers Market with Linda this afternoon. Coady and Chicklet are doing just fine - we're amazed at their resiliancy(sp?). And I'm sooo glad to have my 'dog heaters' back in bed with me.

102 1x

Well, the Vernon contingent arrived in Calgary - pulled by 2 tiny reindeer - but the journey was not without incident. You're not going to believe this... Lynne, Cath and Lucille stopped in Revelstoke to take on supplies and walk the dogs, and while Lucille was walking Coady, she slipped on a patch of ice and fell. After lunch, we took her to Foothills spa this afternoon and she has a hairline fracture in her wrist so she's now sporting a Christmasy red cast on her right arm. No other broken bones but she does have a fat lip and a bruise beside her eye and broken glasses. Linda did really well today - was at Tracy's for 3 hours and didn't complain a bit about not being able to eat. We're hoping that feeding tube will be out before Christmas dinner!

102 1w

Another test day - we had hoped to get out to the Farmers' Market but it looks like Linda will be spa-bound. CT scan this afternoon and yes that means the awful Telebrix - something she definitely won't miss once we blow this joint. We are both looking forward sooo much to the visitors coming tomorrow.

102 1v

Linda had a sinogram (sp?) this morning - her first of her stay here. Dye was injected in through her big drain and then the radiologist used the xray to look at the peritoneal cavity and the stomach. We have to wait for Dr T to look at the results before we hear what's going on in there. The silver lining was Linda didn't have to drink the wretched Telebrix!  Then she had a lovely snooze while I waited in line (!#*) for a new parking pass. And then (da-da-da-dum - my version of a drum roll) Linda had her first real shower in 3 months - not that she wasn't getting bathed during that time - but this was in a shower stall with hot water streaming down her body. She said it felt really good. And then we had a lovely, surprise visit from Bill and Micheline. What a great day!!!

Baking #2

So I'm standing in line at Safeway with more baking supplies (butter, almond extract, lemon) when I overhear the most intriguing, eavesdropped sentence of the entire Calgary sojourn:

"And that's how Dorothy met all her husbands."

102 1u

We went off to the Harry Potter movie this afternoon and stayed for almost a couple of hours. Quite a slow movie - we couldn't understand why they chose to include all the whiny parts - Harry, Hermione and Ron being depressed and mopey about not being able to destroy the horcrux - oh well, what do we know!!?? Linda was just happy to be out and about, but was quite tired when we got back to the hospital. Just before we left for our adventure, Dr T came by and reiterated that Linda would be a spa resident until the wretched drains and feeding tube were removed. They're going to start doing tests tomorrow to check on the fistula.
We'll be staying at the spa tomorrow and Thursday, but Friday we're planning to go to the Calgary Farmers' Market - probably the best market I've ever been to.

Our address:  1011 17th Avenue NW
                       Calgary, AB    T2M 0P5

102 1t

Well, wasn't Linda in good spirits today! She wrapped stocking stuffers (for moi!) and talked a lot about what she is going to eat once the feeding tube is removed and we are home in our very own house. She tortures herself by watching the Food Network on tv! Katie (dietitian) gave Linda hope today when she told her that she won't have to do the clear fluids post feeding tube but will advance immediately to mushy food. Dr T and the Team are of the opinion that the fistula is healing (because of the increasing paucity of drain fluid) and have said maybe 2 more weeks - of course, that's what they've been saying since Nov. 15. So we're still taking this day by day. But she does seem much stronger now than at her first discharge on Nov. 12; she climbed the stairs yesterday without huffing or puffing!!

Baking #1

Just made Ricotta Cookies from the Canadian Living Holiday Cookies - yummy! And the icing for them is soooo fluffy and light (I added some lemon zest and juice to citrus it up a bit). Another recommendation - the French Chocolate Bark from Ina's back to basics cookbook. Feels good to be baking!

102 #1s

A lovely day here in Calgary - mild and even some sun! We just returned from our outing to Chapters - Linda scooted around the store in a wheelchair (super exercise for her legs) and made me promise I wouldn't follow her and watch what she bought (LOL). On the medical front - the drains are draining, the feeding tube is feeding and the fentynol is fentynoling - same old, same old.
Great to hear about the shower for Lucas and Cheryl (and Ray, too, I suppose) - Wow - 4 months old - I bet he's a happy baby! Wish we could have been there - any pictures floating around?

102 #1r

Well, it looks like Calgary is going to be 'home' for a while longer. The test yesterday showed that the stomach fistula hasn't healed up yet so the feeding tube stays in. We're focusing on (and thankful) how careful the Docs are being about making sure Linda gets completely better. And knowing that we'll be here - probably over xmas - means we can make some plans for the festive season. First on our list is organizing Lucille's return to Calgary - we're very glad that she wants to be here with us. Tracy (maybe I should say Saint Tracy) and her family have made it clear that we are all welcome at all their celebrations - maybe we'll come home with some new traditions! We're also very excited about the pooches returning to Calgary with Lynne and Cath when they come here - not sure how the Hamilton household will handle not having the girls around! They may be overrun with quail!!

102 1q

Linda had a gastrografen (?) swallow test today - and yes it involves the bane of her life - Telebrix. But it was to see if that wretched fistula in her stomach has healed and we'll hear the results tomorrow. A quiet day here (apart from the test). We'd hoped to maybe have a turn outside in a wheelchair (lovely weather here) but she slept instead. The Docs are still pleased with her progress and she's gaining strength.

102 1p

Yes - feeling better today - hate to credit the neti plunger but it does seem to have helped. We had a great chat with Katie, the dietitian, today - about Linda's post Foothills Resort and Spa needs and diet. We sure will be trying some new styles of eating - lots of small meals which we all know is the best way to consume. And she'll get to eat lots of 'fattening' food to keep her weight stable. (Yeah, says Linda).

Good day today.  Lorraine is feeling much better and even offered to make supper for her and Tracy - perogies and sausage - oh for real food - I still have the feeding tube attached to me - not quite the comfort food I enjoy!  My chest pain was better today and we were able to for a substantial walk - nice to get up and move around.

That's all for now!

Linda

102 #1o

So Linda has progressed to cranberry juice which, hopefully, will show that the fistula is either healed or on the way to being healed - shown by drain and wound manager output (hmm...wonder if that makes sense?). She's in good spirits and feeling good except for the discomfort of that one drain site (which is being alleviated by drugs). She says it feels great to be drinking something - I'm sure she wishes it was eggnog or a 'cold, frosty one' (her exact words). I continue to be annoyed with my sinuses (Stop, I say, stop!!!!). The Team says she can have a pass this week so we'll try to get her out one day to Tracy's for a change of venue.

Hi All,

Lorraine managed to get to visit today at the hospital, but she is still battling her cold.  I am not surprised she caught a cold, she has been so busy taking  care of me and worrying about me.  She went home this afternoon to have a wee rest. 

As for me, my chest pain where  my newest drain was put in continues to bug me, but we tried a dose of codine this afternoon and that seemed to help a fair bit.  Other than that, things are coming along - I hope to get some of my drains out this week and move forward.

I ordered some gifts online from LLBean and Signals (great stores) last week - what a great invention that is!  I just hope they arrive on time.   

That's all for now.  Take care.


Linda

102 #1n

Well, my immune system finally gave in to all the germs floating around. I was home today with a cold - mainly in my sinuses, a bit feverish. So I didn't get to see Linda Marie. Fortunately I left the cell with her yesterday when I left so we were able to chat on the phone a few times. Tracy forced me to use the gross neti nasal plunger thing and it certainly has helped dislodge stuff. Linda said that she's feeling okay - that drain site is still bugging her but they're keeping a close eye on it and she hasn't developed any symptoms of serious infection. She was up for walks today. Tomorrow I'll go to the hospital and wear a mask.

102 #1m

So I got a BIG smile from Linda this afternoon when I came back to the hospital with a new MEC jacket as an early Xmas giftie. She tried it on, modeled it and pronounced it a perfect fit!

The Team was by this morning and were quite happy with what is draining from the Cooks. And they expressed (again) how pleased they are with her quick 'bounce-back'. Still some pain around that 1 drain, but no nausea, no weakness, no temperature.

Hi All.  I am plunking away with my jittery typing looking out my window at the downtown Calgary skyline -it sure looks like a frosty morning, but sunny which is cheery.

My chest pain continues but the docs said if it becomes infected they will put in another drainage tube to clear the infection - not a big deal all in all.  Other than that I am on the mend - still don't when we will be able to leave - day by day.

Lorraine went to a craft sale yesterday with Tracy - right up her alley and she bought a few items.  We  are slowly getting ready for Christmas with buying stocking stuffers and ordering gifts online. 

102 #1l

A good day! Some soreness from that drain they inserted on Tuesday but Linda Marie is being brave and making sure she has the painkiller needed to deal with it. The other drains are putting out minimal amounts so we're hoping that inflammation is subsiding. Still on the feeding tube but the amount going in has been upped to almost maximum so she's getting all the nutrition she needs to heal.

She sure was happy to read all the comments in response to her first blog. It's great to see her back on the computer. That trembling right hand is getting steadier!

102 #1k

Hi Everbody!  Linda G here blogging on..... It's been a journey to be sure but many blessings thrown into the mix as well.  Thanks to each and everyone of you for hanging in there with us - it has meant more to us than you know.  Having good friends and family are  really what life is all about (and a little morphine now and then is good to)!

Lorraine and I have learned to go day by day with all the pokes and prods and that has made it easier to deal with the peaks and valleys of this journey we are on.  Certainly more peaks than valleys - Dr. Temple remains optimistic about my recovery and we are too!

Well that's all from me for now - nice talking to you all. 

Take care,   Linda