Currently, I am typing this at MD Anderson Nuclear Medicine facility. Jennifer is getting a Cat-scan, which will take about 45 minutes. I get to sit in the room with her while she's going through it. She is doing a great job of staying still even though she's somewhat claustrophobic. Come to think of it, I think she's sleeping. I am really tempted to put my hand in there and so I can see what happened to my thumb and index finger a few years back when I injured them. However, the guy in the window is eyeballing me, so ill probably refrain for now.
Actually, he's a nice guy.
Next on our agenda is to let the doctors review the cat-scan to find any accumulation of the radioactive iodine marker she took yesterday. If there are pockets, then they can compute the dose of radioactive iodine shell need to ablate the remaining thyroid tissue. Or, in the case of my coworkers danger, maybe they will not find anything and Jennifer goes home without dosing up.
Assuming she does dose up, she will stay with her parents for a week to get away from the kids. All you people in Winnie, bring your marshmallows. There's a free marshmallow roast at the Koch residence tonight.
More later.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
The Recovery
Hypocalcemia Sucks!
Just ask Jennifer.
Oh yeah. I got to go to the football game this weekend. We put a whooping on Arkansas. It was great, except for the first half where we led 27-10. You see. I was worried about my wife that whole time. If you don't believe me, ask my friends at the game.
Jennifer was discharged on Friday. She was pushing for it, ready to get out. Was it too soon? I don't know. The endocrinologist originally hinted that she may keep Jennifer an extra day because her PTH was not measurable and her calcium was dropping. However, by Friday afternoon, the PTH showed just under 1 (mg per dl, I believe), when it should be around 80 under normal conditions. Her calcium, with supplements seemed to have stabilized by that time too. So, the endocrine docs were fine with her being released -- with the instructions to be aware of the hypocalcemia symptoms. If experienced, she needs to take calcium supplement ASAP (like TUMS). If the symptoms do not go away in 30 minutes time, she's supposed to take more supplement and get to an emergency room to have her blood tested and possibly receive IV calcium. She also convinced the other docs that the drain tube could be removed -- it wasn't holding suction anyway. She got her wish around 5:30 pm on Friday. Hello Houston traffic.
Before we got home, she was feeling symptoms of hypocalcemia (why is it that I can spell hypocalcemia but notanat anest anesthesiologist? -- I'm kidding, just having fun with the word...see my previous posts. Back to my story.
Jennifer was tingling in her fingers and around her mouth. We stopped at CVS. I bought Ultra TUMS and Coke in a red bottle (to settle her stomach). The TUMS is recommended as the source for quick calcium intake. It seemed to work.
That evening, she started tingling again. This time it never fully went away. She got up several times in the middle of the night to take more. By Saturday morning, the tingling was still there, but much better than in the night. So she said I could go to the game. I took Ben. He loves to talk...and he did.
About halfway to College Station, I checked in with Jennifer and found out she was starting to feel worse. She had taken more tums and promised to email the nurse (at his recommendation) if the symptoms didn't stop. I checked in again when I arrived at college station. Cat said the tingling stopped, so Jennifer took Grace to gym for some private lessons. I received a different story when Jennifer called. Luckily, her mom and dad came in to help, so she said I could stay at the game.
Hence my deli am during the first half. I kept checking in and her condition was fluctuating. Her mom recommended choking down on the TUMS, rather than taking two at a time recommended by the docs....eventually, it kicked in and her symptoms started to go away. By halftime, the news appeared much better and I got to enjoy the game....and Boy Did I. I think Ben was noticed too...that motor kept going and going and going......
By Saturday night, Jennifer was much better. No episodes overnight. By Sunday tho, she was nauseous and had a headache. It's no wonder. She's popping pills like a geriatric diabetic with a blood infection and high cholesterol....I mean a lot of pills. (No offense to you geriatrics out there --Mark). Any on of those combinations will mess with you.
Monday was better. She went in for more blood test. Received a call later to inform her that she can reduce her calcium dosage....the PTH is still around one. Hopefully those little parathyroid suckers will kick in and start regulating something...they act like their on the government dole or something.
Is Tuesday and life as usual...work, school, gym, kids, bedtime....
We go in on Thursday to meet with endocrinologist for more bloodworm and to discuss hormone management options. Next week will be a meting with the head and neck surgeon to discuss the results of the surgery and hopefully pathology on the lymph dissection. Fingers crossed.
Thanks to everyone for their prayers. It's been a tough juggle for all of us. I appreciate everyone's patience with us, both personally and professionally.
Just ask Jennifer.
Oh yeah. I got to go to the football game this weekend. We put a whooping on Arkansas. It was great, except for the first half where we led 27-10. You see. I was worried about my wife that whole time. If you don't believe me, ask my friends at the game.
Jennifer was discharged on Friday. She was pushing for it, ready to get out. Was it too soon? I don't know. The endocrinologist originally hinted that she may keep Jennifer an extra day because her PTH was not measurable and her calcium was dropping. However, by Friday afternoon, the PTH showed just under 1 (mg per dl, I believe), when it should be around 80 under normal conditions. Her calcium, with supplements seemed to have stabilized by that time too. So, the endocrine docs were fine with her being released -- with the instructions to be aware of the hypocalcemia symptoms. If experienced, she needs to take calcium supplement ASAP (like TUMS). If the symptoms do not go away in 30 minutes time, she's supposed to take more supplement and get to an emergency room to have her blood tested and possibly receive IV calcium. She also convinced the other docs that the drain tube could be removed -- it wasn't holding suction anyway. She got her wish around 5:30 pm on Friday. Hello Houston traffic.
Before we got home, she was feeling symptoms of hypocalcemia (why is it that I can spell hypocalcemia but not
Jennifer was tingling in her fingers and around her mouth. We stopped at CVS. I bought Ultra TUMS and Coke in a red bottle (to settle her stomach). The TUMS is recommended as the source for quick calcium intake. It seemed to work.
That evening, she started tingling again. This time it never fully went away. She got up several times in the middle of the night to take more. By Saturday morning, the tingling was still there, but much better than in the night. So she said I could go to the game. I took Ben. He loves to talk...and he did.
About halfway to College Station, I checked in with Jennifer and found out she was starting to feel worse. She had taken more tums and promised to email the nurse (at his recommendation) if the symptoms didn't stop. I checked in again when I arrived at college station. Cat said the tingling stopped, so Jennifer took Grace to gym for some private lessons. I received a different story when Jennifer called. Luckily, her mom and dad came in to help, so she said I could stay at the game.
Hence my deli am during the first half. I kept checking in and her condition was fluctuating. Her mom recommended choking down on the TUMS, rather than taking two at a time recommended by the docs....eventually, it kicked in and her symptoms started to go away. By halftime, the news appeared much better and I got to enjoy the game....and Boy Did I. I think Ben was noticed too...that motor kept going and going and going......
By Saturday night, Jennifer was much better. No episodes overnight. By Sunday tho, she was nauseous and had a headache. It's no wonder. She's popping pills like a geriatric diabetic with a blood infection and high cholesterol....I mean a lot of pills. (No offense to you geriatrics out there --Mark). Any on of those combinations will mess with you.
Monday was better. She went in for more blood test. Received a call later to inform her that she can reduce her calcium dosage....the PTH is still around one. Hopefully those little parathyroid suckers will kick in and start regulating something...they act like their on the government dole or something.
Is Tuesday and life as usual...work, school, gym, kids, bedtime....
We go in on Thursday to meet with endocrinologist for more bloodworm and to discuss hormone management options. Next week will be a meting with the head and neck surgeon to discuss the results of the surgery and hopefully pathology on the lymph dissection. Fingers crossed.
Thanks to everyone for their prayers. It's been a tough juggle for all of us. I appreciate everyone's patience with us, both personally and professionally.
Friday, September 28, 2012
T+1. The Day After
Okay. Here's the latest update.
In general, we've been very pleased with the MD Anderson experience, considering the circumstances. They provide the best care anywhere. The staff, from doctors, to nurses, to the blue collar staff. However, I almost lost it last night.
I had gone home last night around 8:00 to check on the kids and grandparents. In reality, I was making sure the grandparents had survived the day. But, I checked homework and got on to the kids for their low grades -- a 92 is low, right? After we got the kids to bed, I headed back to the hospital, 45 minutes away on a good day. Arrived around 10:40. Visiting hours end at 10:00, but the patients are allowed 1 overnight guest (which, of course, is me).
Flashback to June, our last foray into the MD Anderson complex....several nights in a row, I arrived after 10:00, even as late as after midnight. On some evenings,the security guards checked my ID, gave me an ID sticker, then sent me on my way. Other times, they just told me to go on up, without checking ID.
Return to present:
I parked at the Mays building, a sister annex to the main building connected by a skyway. It's cheaper and easier access than waiting for valet. However, all the entries from the parking garage to the Mays building were locked- dangit. I had to park valet at the main entrance.
When I walked in, I encountered the security guard and told him I was here to see Jennifer. He asked for the room number and my ID. He then proceeded to walk over to a phone to contact the hospital administrator and inform them of my purpose and to get permission to send me up.
Here's where I almost lost it: they asked me why I was coming in so late. I wanted to reply "Nunya," but I didn't think that would get me very far. So, instead, I said I had to go home to check on the kids and grandparents and I just got back. I did use a sarcastic tone (score one for me). The administrator was going to contact the nurses station and call the guard back with instructions. We waited about 10-15 minutes (him staring at me). She never called. He called back and was finally given the go ahead. Dang, that ticked me off. I don't fault either the guard or the administrator. The guard was doing his job and the administrator was doing hers....I was tired and didn't need the extra drama (insert Oscar Winning Performance here).
Ha! I made everybody read that sob story when I know you really care about how Jennifer's doing.
Here goes:
The endocrinologist came by yesterday and informed Jennifer that her calcium was borderline low (just below normal), and her PTH was in shock, so they'd have to keep a close eye on her to ensure her calcium doesn't drop -- very dangerous if it does. The symptoms we have to watch out for include tingly hands and feet, and numbness around the mouth and lips.
Last night, Jennifer had a couple of episodes of the tinglies, so they started her on a calcium and vitamin D supplement. The tinglies went away shortly thereafter.
We saw the endocrinologist twice today. The first time was a team member (awesome guy with a good personality ---not to take away from the others). He questioned us a bit on the episodes, and told us some general info...most importantly that they will try to get us out today. (Arkansas game here I come). The second visit involved the team lead (great person too). She informed us they will up Jennifer's dosage of calcium and vitamin D. Then we coordinated labs and clinic visits for next week. While at home, if Jennifer gets tingly again, she'll need to popp some heavy duty Tums or Rolaids with calcium. It the tingle doesn't go away in thirty minutes, she should pop some more and get to an emergency room...as quickly as possible. Great :-(
Anyway, it looks like they'll release us today. Now all we have to find out is who has control over this dang drain tube, which isn't holding its suction. If we can get that out, then all will be better. However, I have a feeling it's coming home with us for a day.
We are now waiting on a blood test and a final meeting this afternoon. Will keep you posted.
In general, we've been very pleased with the MD Anderson experience, considering the circumstances. They provide the best care anywhere. The staff, from doctors, to nurses, to the blue collar staff. However, I almost lost it last night.
I had gone home last night around 8:00 to check on the kids and grandparents. In reality, I was making sure the grandparents had survived the day. But, I checked homework and got on to the kids for their low grades -- a 92 is low, right? After we got the kids to bed, I headed back to the hospital, 45 minutes away on a good day. Arrived around 10:40. Visiting hours end at 10:00, but the patients are allowed 1 overnight guest (which, of course, is me).
Flashback to June, our last foray into the MD Anderson complex....several nights in a row, I arrived after 10:00, even as late as after midnight. On some evenings,the security guards checked my ID, gave me an ID sticker, then sent me on my way. Other times, they just told me to go on up, without checking ID.
Return to present:
I parked at the Mays building, a sister annex to the main building connected by a skyway. It's cheaper and easier access than waiting for valet. However, all the entries from the parking garage to the Mays building were locked- dangit. I had to park valet at the main entrance.
When I walked in, I encountered the security guard and told him I was here to see Jennifer. He asked for the room number and my ID. He then proceeded to walk over to a phone to contact the hospital administrator and inform them of my purpose and to get permission to send me up.
Here's where I almost lost it: they asked me why I was coming in so late. I wanted to reply "Nunya," but I didn't think that would get me very far. So, instead, I said I had to go home to check on the kids and grandparents and I just got back. I did use a sarcastic tone (score one for me). The administrator was going to contact the nurses station and call the guard back with instructions. We waited about 10-15 minutes (him staring at me). She never called. He called back and was finally given the go ahead. Dang, that ticked me off. I don't fault either the guard or the administrator. The guard was doing his job and the administrator was doing hers....I was tired and didn't need the extra drama (insert Oscar Winning Performance here).
Ha! I made everybody read that sob story when I know you really care about how Jennifer's doing.
Here goes:
The endocrinologist came by yesterday and informed Jennifer that her calcium was borderline low (just below normal), and her PTH was in shock, so they'd have to keep a close eye on her to ensure her calcium doesn't drop -- very dangerous if it does. The symptoms we have to watch out for include tingly hands and feet, and numbness around the mouth and lips.
Last night, Jennifer had a couple of episodes of the tinglies, so they started her on a calcium and vitamin D supplement. The tinglies went away shortly thereafter.
We saw the endocrinologist twice today. The first time was a team member (awesome guy with a good personality ---not to take away from the others). He questioned us a bit on the episodes, and told us some general info...most importantly that they will try to get us out today. (Arkansas game here I come). The second visit involved the team lead (great person too). She informed us they will up Jennifer's dosage of calcium and vitamin D. Then we coordinated labs and clinic visits for next week. While at home, if Jennifer gets tingly again, she'll need to popp some heavy duty Tums or Rolaids with calcium. It the tingle doesn't go away in thirty minutes, she should pop some more and get to an emergency room...as quickly as possible. Great :-(
Anyway, it looks like they'll release us today. Now all we have to find out is who has control over this dang drain tube, which isn't holding its suction. If we can get that out, then all will be better. However, I have a feeling it's coming home with us for a day.
We are now waiting on a blood test and a final meeting this afternoon. Will keep you posted.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
T-Day. (Updated 4:10 pm)
No. It's not Turkey Day. no Football game worth watching. It's Thyroid day. Time to get it out.
Recap of yesterday:
We arrived at MD Anderson yesterday to have an Ultrasound of Jenifer's thyroid and to go through the pre-op routine of giving blood (twice) and getting clearance from theane anast anesthesiologist.
The ultrasound results showed spots on the thyroid. The technicians wanted to do a needle biopsy, but Jennifer convinced them that its pointless since the thyroid is coming out today. Score One for Team Jennifer. The lymph nodes in the surrounding area did not sow any abnormalities....great news. I believe that means we are only looking at a thyroidectomy with local dissection of lymph nodes...not near as intrusive as last time.
Theane anast anesthesiologist meeting was standard....don't sue us if anything bad happens.
The surgery will take about 4-5 hours.
Side note good news: JJ, I'm excited to hear your daughter did not have to go through the follow-up radiation. You're blessed in many ways.
Today:
We arrived at 5:15 am....geez, are there any doctors that like to sleep in? We checked in, and went to pre-op. the pre-op/post-op area is a large semi-private room that houses about 34 bed stations. once we were placed in station 5, we sat there for about 45 minutes (just like a regular doctors visit). Than the flood gates opened. Teams of surgeons,ane anast anesthesiologist, assistants, OR nurses started the cattle call. All of our visit was completed in a span of twenty minutes. The surgeon confirmed that the ultrasound only showed the thyroid as being problematic. The lymph nodes looked good.
Now...I sit back in the Geranium Waiting Area with my Diet Dr. Pepper and wait. My first update should be in a couple of hours. I'll update my post as soon as I am able.
Please pray for Jennifer.
Update: 10:05 am
Met with Dr. Meyers. The surgery went better than expected. Was able to remove the thyroid, re-implant the parathyroid glands (smaller glands embedded in the thyroid). He also removed a few lymph nodes on the left side of the larynx. She breathing on her own which is a good sign the the recurrent laryngeal nerves were not damaged. The also control the vocal cords. The impact on her voice is yet to be determined. She will be in recovery and well get to see her in about an hour.....
More to come...
Update 1:45
Just saw Jennifer in recovery. She looks good....much better than when that Mac truck hit her in May. She's still under the influence of theane anast anesthesia and pain meds, but her voice is clear -- no nerve damage that we can tell so far. I've just grabbed a bite to eat (I know-- not exciting or pertinent to the story, but I haven't had Anyang since supper last night...I WAS HUNGRY!!!!!). Anyway, I'm going back into recovery until they can find her a room. Talk to ya later.
Update 4:10 pm
Jennifer FINALLY left recovery and is in a room. It took a while for her to get processed. Met with the Endocrinologist to discuss the impact on her thyroid hormone and calcium. Obviously, she's looking at synthetic thyroid hormone for the rest of her life...nothing new. The calcium is regulated by the parathyroid glands that were mentioned earlier. There is a chance that the PT may not "take" when it's re-implanted into the body. If it doesn't take, then we'd see a significant drop off in her calcium levels. Initial readings are good. Still waiting on the Parathyroid Hormone (PHT) levels.
She's resting now. I probably should too, but there's too much to do.....surf the Internet, play Angry Birds, talk to the nurses, etc. go home to see the kids -- thanks Grandma and Grandpa for covering for us...make the kids do their homework and go to bed. Maybe they'll listen to you.
Recap of yesterday:
We arrived at MD Anderson yesterday to have an Ultrasound of Jenifer's thyroid and to go through the pre-op routine of giving blood (twice) and getting clearance from the
The ultrasound results showed spots on the thyroid. The technicians wanted to do a needle biopsy, but Jennifer convinced them that its pointless since the thyroid is coming out today. Score One for Team Jennifer. The lymph nodes in the surrounding area did not sow any abnormalities....great news. I believe that means we are only looking at a thyroidectomy with local dissection of lymph nodes...not near as intrusive as last time.
The
The surgery will take about 4-5 hours.
Side note good news: JJ, I'm excited to hear your daughter did not have to go through the follow-up radiation. You're blessed in many ways.
Today:
We arrived at 5:15 am....geez, are there any doctors that like to sleep in? We checked in, and went to pre-op. the pre-op/post-op area is a large semi-private room that houses about 34 bed stations. once we were placed in station 5, we sat there for about 45 minutes (just like a regular doctors visit). Than the flood gates opened. Teams of surgeons,
Now...I sit back in the Geranium Waiting Area with my Diet Dr. Pepper and wait. My first update should be in a couple of hours. I'll update my post as soon as I am able.
Please pray for Jennifer.
Update: 10:05 am
Met with Dr. Meyers. The surgery went better than expected. Was able to remove the thyroid, re-implant the parathyroid glands (smaller glands embedded in the thyroid). He also removed a few lymph nodes on the left side of the larynx. She breathing on her own which is a good sign the the recurrent laryngeal nerves were not damaged. The also control the vocal cords. The impact on her voice is yet to be determined. She will be in recovery and well get to see her in about an hour.....
More to come...
Update 1:45
Just saw Jennifer in recovery. She looks good....much better than when that Mac truck hit her in May. She's still under the influence of the
Update 4:10 pm
Jennifer FINALLY left recovery and is in a room. It took a while for her to get processed. Met with the Endocrinologist to discuss the impact on her thyroid hormone and calcium. Obviously, she's looking at synthetic thyroid hormone for the rest of her life...nothing new. The calcium is regulated by the parathyroid glands that were mentioned earlier. There is a chance that the PT may not "take" when it's re-implanted into the body. If it doesn't take, then we'd see a significant drop off in her calcium levels. Initial readings are good. Still waiting on the Parathyroid Hormone (PHT) levels.
She's resting now. I probably should too, but there's too much to do.....surf the Internet, play Angry Birds, talk to the nurses, etc. go home to see the kids -- thanks Grandma and Grandpa for covering for us...make the kids do their homework and go to bed. Maybe they'll listen to you.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
It's Thyroid Time
Okay. It's been awhile. Time to get back into the groove and start my therapy. Just when we were getting back to our normal life. But who gets to define normal? Forgive the following, as I'm a bit rusty.
Previously on IGC:
Jennifer had just gotten rid of that pesky deadbeat carcinoma squatting on her tongue. Unfortunately, in the separation proceedings, she had to give up some of her tongue and her lymph nodes (Texas is a community property state). However, Jennifer, in her resilience was able to make use of some neighboring property to rebuild and restore the tongue to almost original quality. Last season ended with the discovery that Jennifer had uncovered more squatters in her lymph nodes. They've been tracked to the thyroid.
The doctors discovered Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in three of Jennifer's lymph nodes, but decided to wait until September to allow Jennifer to heal from her tracheostomy before they re-evaluate and potentially take corrective action. September is here. This week. Today, as a matter of fact.
Today's episode is brought to you by Jennifer's thyroid. It's a butterfly-shaped gland that wraps around the windpipe (see cool image in the link below). It produces hormones that regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight (NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f0/Thyroid_gland.jpg
We met with the surgeon today. We realized the "potential" to perform a thyroidectomy just became "we will" do a thyroidectomy when we were approached by a couple of residents to participate in a some studies involving frozen samples and live cell strings (stem cells) taken from the cancerous tissue. Oh yeah. We're part of that debate. :-)
I digress. The surgeon came in and described how he will excise the tracheostomy scar and make a longer incision along the neckline. I guess the surgery is occurring. Good thing Jennifer was accepting of it. I was still holding out for a decision to wait and observe. Oh well, at least well get this over with. Jennifer will go through a radiation treatment about six weeks later.
He showed us some pictures while describing the surgery. Lo and behold, there's another nerve he's got to watch out for. The Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve runs down the esophagus, by the thyroid gland, into the chest, the back up between the thyroid and the trachea (hence "recurrent"). If this gets traumatized, her vocal cords could be affected. Geez. Pesky nerves. So necessary, but always in the way. Looking at the picture linked above, I'm more worried about the proximity of the carotid artery. Hope that surgeon has some steady hands.
He answered a few questions, but deferred to an endocrinologist for the specifics we had around the hormone effects or necessities post surgery and with radiation. We should meet the endocrinologist during recovery. Talk about living an adventure.
In a nutshell:
Wednesday, we have the ultrasound (hopefully no abnormalities in the left behind lymph nodes), meet theana anesti anesthesiologist, and go through the pre-op check in. Thursday is T-day. Stay overnight and checkout Friday (hopefully). Saturday is the A&M vs Arkansas game. This will be Jake's first game. AND, BEFORE ANYBODY GETS ALL WORKED UP ABOUT ME NOT TAKING CARE OF MY WIFE......your just jealous. No. Really, I received clearance from the Boss to go ahead. We will have that base covered....I think. Just gotta find someone who will clean the drain tubes on Saturday --- Roto-Rooter has 24 hour service, doesn't it?
Finally, I ask that everyone keep Jennifer in their prayers again as she goes through this ordeal.
Previously on IGC:
Jennifer had just gotten rid of that pesky deadbeat carcinoma squatting on her tongue. Unfortunately, in the separation proceedings, she had to give up some of her tongue and her lymph nodes (Texas is a community property state). However, Jennifer, in her resilience was able to make use of some neighboring property to rebuild and restore the tongue to almost original quality. Last season ended with the discovery that Jennifer had uncovered more squatters in her lymph nodes. They've been tracked to the thyroid.
The doctors discovered Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in three of Jennifer's lymph nodes, but decided to wait until September to allow Jennifer to heal from her tracheostomy before they re-evaluate and potentially take corrective action. September is here. This week. Today, as a matter of fact.
Today's episode is brought to you by Jennifer's thyroid. It's a butterfly-shaped gland that wraps around the windpipe (see cool image in the link below). It produces hormones that regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight (NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f0/Thyroid_gland.jpg
We met with the surgeon today. We realized the "potential" to perform a thyroidectomy just became "we will" do a thyroidectomy when we were approached by a couple of residents to participate in a some studies involving frozen samples and live cell strings (stem cells) taken from the cancerous tissue. Oh yeah. We're part of that debate. :-)
I digress. The surgeon came in and described how he will excise the tracheostomy scar and make a longer incision along the neckline. I guess the surgery is occurring. Good thing Jennifer was accepting of it. I was still holding out for a decision to wait and observe. Oh well, at least well get this over with. Jennifer will go through a radiation treatment about six weeks later.
He showed us some pictures while describing the surgery. Lo and behold, there's another nerve he's got to watch out for. The Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve runs down the esophagus, by the thyroid gland, into the chest, the back up between the thyroid and the trachea (hence "recurrent"). If this gets traumatized, her vocal cords could be affected. Geez. Pesky nerves. So necessary, but always in the way. Looking at the picture linked above, I'm more worried about the proximity of the carotid artery. Hope that surgeon has some steady hands.
He answered a few questions, but deferred to an endocrinologist for the specifics we had around the hormone effects or necessities post surgery and with radiation. We should meet the endocrinologist during recovery. Talk about living an adventure.
In a nutshell:
Wednesday, we have the ultrasound (hopefully no abnormalities in the left behind lymph nodes), meet the
Finally, I ask that everyone keep Jennifer in their prayers again as she goes through this ordeal.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Time for a break
We finally were able to get away for a vacation. The Frio River was up do to some timely rains. Tubing was great...although Jennifer had to spend her time in the cabin, or on the shore, because she could not get her skin graft wet (it was still weeping a bit). Jennifer left it uncovered all week and it took a tremendous turn toward healing (almost time to break out the Sharpies).
No phone and intermittent Internet access made it even more special.
After the river, we travelled to San Angelo,. We had a great time visiting with my family, participating in birthday parties, shooting Jumbo Grasshoppers*, treasure hunting, and taking care of Dad.
*It's that time again. The weather has been ripe for a grasshopper infestation. However, these aren't your typical flying grasshoppers (of which there were plenty about). The grasshoppers we were shooting with BB guns were the Jumbo Grasshoppers, aka giant grasshoppers, aka lubber grasshopper. These guys are 2-3 inches long with wing pads instead of functional wings. They pop up every few years and wreak havoc on our cotton crop. My brother and I, as kids, had to walk around the turn rows with baseball bats and go "country mafia" on them. Eventually we grew tired of of breaking legs and getting grasshopper guts all over us (yes...they are pretty juicy), so we grabbed our BB guns and made a game of it. We were natural dead-eyes....good times.
We also broke out the metal detector and search a spot where an old house used to stand. Found some buckles, hitch rings, and an old butter knife, beat up from years of plowing over it...but still exciting to find.
Keep thoughts and prayers out to my Dad as he's going through some difficult times. We are trying to pinpoint the issues and adjust accordingly. Wish him well.
Oh yeah.. This is all about Jennifer. She had a great time getting away.
Jennifer had a follow up appointment with the plastic surgeon. They were excited at her progress. The next follow up is four months away to determine whether additional tweaks need to be made to the tongue flap and/or the skin graft. Good news.
The physical therapy went well too. We've been in it for a month, so they re-evaluated her mobility. Remember the 90 degree neck mobility she had (looking left-to right)? She has improved it to 140 degrees, far exceeding expectations. Same for the up and down movement. I did take a picture of the contraption they use for measurements (see earlier posts referencing the GPS device from the early 1800's). Out of respect to Jennifer, I will not post them here. But if you ask me (when she's not around), I'll show you. :-D
Hands and wrist are getting better. The arms still need more work. They increased the resistance in her workouts, really challenging her now. The therapist assigned three more weeks of workouts. That should be all she needs before she's turned loose for the last time.
We discussed Jennife's ability to drive. The therapist was fine with it, as long as we are comfortable. Her improved range of motion pushed her over the top. Great news.
As her caregiver, I did ask the therapist if I need to continue to arrive with Jennifer (since she will now be able to drive on the interstate). Recall, Jennifer was chastised for not having her caregiver with her during her early CT scan. We just want to play by the rules. The therapist said "Well, you don't do anything when your here. And I only allow you for entertainment value...... ". ---- I quit listening after that....I discovered I was only a tool for entertainment. :-(
So, going forward, I only plan to attend the actual doctor's appointments. Jennifer still needs my expertise in this area. As for the physical therapy, I will let Jennifer continue without me.....I'm good with that, as I'm the epitome of physical fitness. ;-)
Other than PT, the next foreseeable appointment is mid September to address the thyroid issue. Unless something changes before then, I will most likely post at that time.
Thanks for the thoughts, prayers, and kind words. They are much appreciated.
No phone and intermittent Internet access made it even more special.
After the river, we travelled to San Angelo,. We had a great time visiting with my family, participating in birthday parties, shooting Jumbo Grasshoppers*, treasure hunting, and taking care of Dad.
*It's that time again. The weather has been ripe for a grasshopper infestation. However, these aren't your typical flying grasshoppers (of which there were plenty about). The grasshoppers we were shooting with BB guns were the Jumbo Grasshoppers, aka giant grasshoppers, aka lubber grasshopper. These guys are 2-3 inches long with wing pads instead of functional wings. They pop up every few years and wreak havoc on our cotton crop. My brother and I, as kids, had to walk around the turn rows with baseball bats and go "country mafia" on them. Eventually we grew tired of of breaking legs and getting grasshopper guts all over us (yes...they are pretty juicy), so we grabbed our BB guns and made a game of it. We were natural dead-eyes....good times.
We also broke out the metal detector and search a spot where an old house used to stand. Found some buckles, hitch rings, and an old butter knife, beat up from years of plowing over it...but still exciting to find.
Keep thoughts and prayers out to my Dad as he's going through some difficult times. We are trying to pinpoint the issues and adjust accordingly. Wish him well.
Oh yeah.. This is all about Jennifer. She had a great time getting away.
Jennifer had a follow up appointment with the plastic surgeon. They were excited at her progress. The next follow up is four months away to determine whether additional tweaks need to be made to the tongue flap and/or the skin graft. Good news.
The physical therapy went well too. We've been in it for a month, so they re-evaluated her mobility. Remember the 90 degree neck mobility she had (looking left-to right)? She has improved it to 140 degrees, far exceeding expectations. Same for the up and down movement. I did take a picture of the contraption they use for measurements (see earlier posts referencing the GPS device from the early 1800's). Out of respect to Jennifer, I will not post them here. But if you ask me (when she's not around), I'll show you. :-D
Hands and wrist are getting better. The arms still need more work. They increased the resistance in her workouts, really challenging her now. The therapist assigned three more weeks of workouts. That should be all she needs before she's turned loose for the last time.
We discussed Jennife's ability to drive. The therapist was fine with it, as long as we are comfortable. Her improved range of motion pushed her over the top. Great news.
As her caregiver, I did ask the therapist if I need to continue to arrive with Jennifer (since she will now be able to drive on the interstate). Recall, Jennifer was chastised for not having her caregiver with her during her early CT scan. We just want to play by the rules. The therapist said "Well, you don't do anything when your here. And I only allow you for entertainment value...... ". ---- I quit listening after that....I discovered I was only a tool for entertainment. :-(
So, going forward, I only plan to attend the actual doctor's appointments. Jennifer still needs my expertise in this area. As for the physical therapy, I will let Jennifer continue without me.....I'm good with that, as I'm the epitome of physical fitness. ;-)
Other than PT, the next foreseeable appointment is mid September to address the thyroid issue. Unless something changes before then, I will most likely post at that time.
Thanks for the thoughts, prayers, and kind words. They are much appreciated.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Therapy Sessions
Today is starting out rough. Jennifer's very tired and a bit dizzy this morning. She hasn't been sleeping well. However, we have to trudge through therapy. The therapist has another therapist monitoring the session. Is it wrong that she warned him to stay away from me?
It's been over a week since I last posted, so I thought I'd bring everyone up to speed on progress..
At home:
Everybody's starting to settle into a routine. Kids are messing up the house. Jennifer's yelling (but not as loud as before). I'm kidding....she's as loud as ever. Just kidding again. Kids at home all day does wear her out....so much for sick leave. School starts in a month. Hooray? Poor kids haven't had much of a summer. Then there is a battle for Daddy's time...because they used their allotted Mommy time throughout the day. Such is the life of Daddy. (sigh)
At work:
Who am I kidding....Jennifer's not working -- yeah yeah...stay at home mom and stuff...but... (geez, I'm kidding). My job has been good, but hard to stay caught up with everything going on. I hope I'm not letting anybody down. It truly becomes a juggle and a challenge with time management. We can't wait for vacation. Then we can "get away" from it all (sorry for stealing your tag line Southwest Airlines). The mental break will be welcome.
Jennifer plans on returning to work right after we get back, partly because sick leave is running out. I think she's ready for the change. I hope she's physically ready. She does a lot of data entry, so the finger dexterity will get tested.
Hey..everybody at her office go easy on the questions...she'll answer questions in due time....but do ask to see the skin graft, it's pretty cool).
At the Hospital
I know this is what everybody is wanting to hear, not my musings. As I mentioned earlier, Jennifer's very tired. As I type this, she is sitting on the therapists table, sleeping. She was also sleeping while doing the exercycle earlier in the session. She's tired....welcome to my world. I've been tired since the age of 5...
Her arm (graft) is really looking good. Once its fully healed, we're still going to use the Sharpie to create temporary tattoos, but, until then, Jennifer is fine-tuning her shark attack story...that's all the rage now.
Her range of motion is getting better. The strength in her arm is improving, but we have a long way to go to overcome the atrophy that set in her shoulder and hand. It's amazing how quickly the body can deteriorate from lack of use. That's a real concern in the overall healing process. We took it for granted that the process would go well, not realizing that the surgery would impact so many areas of the body: neck, shoulder, arm, hand, fingers.....mentality.
Today's session gave her a hard workout on the arm. She can almost lift the arm out to the side at a 45 degree angle. She's 1/4 of the way there. Rotation is still limited, especially moving the arm behind her. She was worn out. This was the first time, since she was released from the hospital that we did not walk the quarter-mile breezeway from the parking garage to the hospital....she actually wanted to ride the shuttle to and fro....a sure sign she is worn out.
For all of you bad mouthing me for pushing her, I did allow her to take a nap on the way home and once we got there....before she had to pick up Grace in the thunderstorm...the rain hasn't ceased.
I think she is better rested this evening. We started the shopping for our vacation. Can't wait.
I think I have a special treat for those interested -- before and after shots:
3rd night home (June 10th) : Notice the purplish hue....eeewww....and it oozed a lot. Those dark spots are the holes purposefully created to allow blood and fluid to drain from underneath the graft, the pie crust effect. Pretty cool concept.
Day ?? I lost track of Counting - July 16th. Most of the pie holes have closed up. The skin is more normal in appearance, and the oozing has almost stopped completely. Exercising causes the graft to appear as in the photo above....the oozing increases, the graft looks inflamed and darkens in color.
Once healed, don't you think we can make some cool tattoos with a Sharpie? Let me know your thoughts. We already have: a kite, a family crest, the 12th Man emblem, and more.
I stated in a post a long time ago that the little 2 cm tumor hit us like a truck. This is just a piece of it.
Have a good evening.
It's been over a week since I last posted, so I thought I'd bring everyone up to speed on progress..
At home:
Everybody's starting to settle into a routine. Kids are messing up the house. Jennifer's yelling (but not as loud as before). I'm kidding....she's as loud as ever. Just kidding again. Kids at home all day does wear her out....so much for sick leave. School starts in a month. Hooray? Poor kids haven't had much of a summer. Then there is a battle for Daddy's time...because they used their allotted Mommy time throughout the day. Such is the life of Daddy. (sigh)
At work:
Who am I kidding....Jennifer's not working -- yeah yeah...stay at home mom and stuff...but... (geez, I'm kidding). My job has been good, but hard to stay caught up with everything going on. I hope I'm not letting anybody down. It truly becomes a juggle and a challenge with time management. We can't wait for vacation. Then we can "get away" from it all (sorry for stealing your tag line Southwest Airlines). The mental break will be welcome.
Jennifer plans on returning to work right after we get back, partly because sick leave is running out. I think she's ready for the change. I hope she's physically ready. She does a lot of data entry, so the finger dexterity will get tested.
Hey..everybody at her office go easy on the questions...she'll answer questions in due time....but do ask to see the skin graft, it's pretty cool).
At the Hospital
I know this is what everybody is wanting to hear, not my musings. As I mentioned earlier, Jennifer's very tired. As I type this, she is sitting on the therapists table, sleeping. She was also sleeping while doing the exercycle earlier in the session. She's tired....welcome to my world. I've been tired since the age of 5...
Her arm (graft) is really looking good. Once its fully healed, we're still going to use the Sharpie to create temporary tattoos, but, until then, Jennifer is fine-tuning her shark attack story...that's all the rage now.
Her range of motion is getting better. The strength in her arm is improving, but we have a long way to go to overcome the atrophy that set in her shoulder and hand. It's amazing how quickly the body can deteriorate from lack of use. That's a real concern in the overall healing process. We took it for granted that the process would go well, not realizing that the surgery would impact so many areas of the body: neck, shoulder, arm, hand, fingers.....mentality.
Today's session gave her a hard workout on the arm. She can almost lift the arm out to the side at a 45 degree angle. She's 1/4 of the way there. Rotation is still limited, especially moving the arm behind her. She was worn out. This was the first time, since she was released from the hospital that we did not walk the quarter-mile breezeway from the parking garage to the hospital....she actually wanted to ride the shuttle to and fro....a sure sign she is worn out.
For all of you bad mouthing me for pushing her, I did allow her to take a nap on the way home and once we got there....before she had to pick up Grace in the thunderstorm...the rain hasn't ceased.
I think she is better rested this evening. We started the shopping for our vacation. Can't wait.
I think I have a special treat for those interested -- before and after shots:
3rd night home (June 10th) : Notice the purplish hue....eeewww....and it oozed a lot. Those dark spots are the holes purposefully created to allow blood and fluid to drain from underneath the graft, the pie crust effect. Pretty cool concept.
Once healed, don't you think we can make some cool tattoos with a Sharpie? Let me know your thoughts. We already have: a kite, a family crest, the 12th Man emblem, and more.
I stated in a post a long time ago that the little 2 cm tumor hit us like a truck. This is just a piece of it.
Have a good evening.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
July 4th, gymnastics, weekend update
Just a quick note. I hope everyone had a great 4th of July Holiday. We did. I still have all my fingers.
Thursday was a visit with the physical therapist. Jennifer did some excercises for her wrist and shoulder again. She's still pretty weak in those areas, but getting better. I was "encouraging" Jennifer, so the physical therapist had me download an app on my iPad....it makes the Whip sound. :-D. Awesome. The therapist did apologize to Jennifer after I started using it. Awesome again.
Grace was at Bella and Marta Karoly's gymnastics camp this week. This is where the USA gymnastics team trains. We picked her up today. All the girls did some dance numbers, then demonstrated some skills. Bella is a fireball around the girls...very enthusiastic. His staff was great. Grace had a great time and wants to go again next year. Next week, the USA Gymnastics team arrives for their preparation for the 2012 Olympics in London. We just missed them.
The rest of this weekend is rest. Jennifer walked 4 miles today and she's feeling it. It doesn't help that she has to wear the lymphedema mask for 3 hour stretches each day.
Next week is more therapy...a day at a time.
Thursday was a visit with the physical therapist. Jennifer did some excercises for her wrist and shoulder again. She's still pretty weak in those areas, but getting better. I was "encouraging" Jennifer, so the physical therapist had me download an app on my iPad....it makes the Whip sound. :-D. Awesome. The therapist did apologize to Jennifer after I started using it. Awesome again.
Grace was at Bella and Marta Karoly's gymnastics camp this week. This is where the USA gymnastics team trains. We picked her up today. All the girls did some dance numbers, then demonstrated some skills. Bella is a fireball around the girls...very enthusiastic. His staff was great. Grace had a great time and wants to go again next year. Next week, the USA Gymnastics team arrives for their preparation for the 2012 Olympics in London. We just missed them.
The rest of this weekend is rest. Jennifer walked 4 miles today and she's feeling it. It doesn't help that she has to wear the lymphedema mask for 3 hour stretches each day.
Next week is more therapy...a day at a time.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Lymphedema
We had a lymphedema appointment today, followed by a physical therapy appointment.
The lymph system is the super highway that transports the waste away, and the lymph nodes are the "spaghetti bowl" interchanges. Wow. That sounded official. It's basically my own description of the system as I envision it.
Lymphedema is a condition caused when the body, or a specific area, cannot drain the waste fluid (proteins, fats, etc.) away properly due to blockage. As a result, the area build with the fluid, swells, and can harden. Blockage can be due to various reasons, but, in this case, we just removed 41 nodes and we also have a giant scar running across the highway.
Jennifer has lymphedema, so we met with the pathologist today to get an assessment, some therapy, training, and a really cool Epstein Facioplasty support mask......Ladieeessssssss and Gentlemennnnnnnnnn! In this corner, we have the welterweight wrestling champion, Jammin' Jenny.
Just kidding. It looks more like the part of a nun's habit that goes around the facial area. Now, if I can lay my hands on a neck brace.......
The pathologist is the same we've met with a couple of times before. He's pretty sharp. He started by asking what our concerns were. Although we haven't heard wheezing lately, Jennifer still experiences a feeling that her trach did not close properly, pronounced when she swallows and feels a pulling on her throat. He inspected the trach site and mentioned that the outer skin area may have healed/stuck to the inner trachea area, jwhich could give that sensation. So, he started stretching her skin around the trach hole to basically separate the two areas (tear them apart)...eeeewwww. The outer hole is healed, but it was hard to watch.
He examined Jennifer's swelling and made his assessment. Since the scar is blocking the highway, we have to train the body to reroute the drainage around the scar, down the neck, and into the collar/arm area, where it will drain as normal. Time to get off the freeway and take some Farm-to-Market roads. We're setting the cones. Luckily, the scar angles below the ear enough that we can redirect right over it, rather than going up and around the ear.
He next instructed Jennifer on massage techniques to open the downstream drains and work her way up the system to the swollen area....then, in reverse to push the fluid though the system. Awesome! I am totally amazed at what you can do with your body. Next thing you know, they'll be telling us that you can actually lose weight if you do physical activity -- probably by burning fictional units of energy -- lets call them calories. Hah. Just kidding again...that's purely science fiction.
He then took measurements around Jennifer's head and crafted the Facioplasty device right in front of us. Is basically a spandex and Velcro device that holds special pads made of foam. Two types of foam are used. The first type is a pad made of small, cubed foam pieces. These are placed in an cloth sleeve and shaped around the problem area of her neck. The resulting pad is shaped like an elongated pancake, but has an irregular surface area due to the cubes. The second pad is made from a smoother foam piece. He cut and shaped it on the spot so it would conform to her neck..he did an awesome job and we discussed his certifications in arts and crafts. He even joked he had a Masters in Arts and Crafts.
The first pad is worn for about thirty minutes. The irregular surface area actually breaks up the "hard" fluid, which preps the area for the next steps....the massage therapy mentioned above. We witnessed it. It was pretty cool. After Jennifer massages through the system and back, she then wears the smooth pad for at least 2-3 hours...this puts pressure on the area to help push fluid through the recently opened drain lines (FM Road 42). It also maintains an evenness in the area.
As you can tell from my long write up, we spent a lot of time on the lymphedema massage. It was very productive.
Next was the appointment with the physical therapist. Last week, Jennifer worked on stretch exercises for head, neck, arm, hand, face, tongue, lips.....
Today was strength exercises. Unfortunately, they did not hook her up to the circa 1840's gps device like last time. Today she took some strength measurements for her hands....squeezing a grip, pinching with her thumb (lateral), with her index finger and thumb, and with two fingers and a thumb. Naturally, there was clear evidence of atrophy in he left hand (where the skin graft is).
The therapist gave her a ball of putty (more like hard clay). She is to squeeze and pinch it like a stress ball to build strength and endurance in her hand and fingers. I'm more concerned that the therapist just gave my wife ammunition to throw at me or the kids.....but moreso at me.
She got to lay down and the therapist did some neck stretches and manipulation....I think Jennifer found Heaven for a moment. She may have even fallen asleep for a bit. I tried to get in on it to, but, as it turns out, the caregiver doesn't get the good treatment like the patient. What's
that about? Whoa is me.
Jennifer then worked with an elastic band to build strength in her arms and shoulder. She did great on the straight arm and bent arm stretches. The rotator cuff exercise was a bit tougher, but she did great.
The final test was that we got out at 5:00 and had to drive from the south side of Houston all the way to the north side during "holiday" traffic. We passed that too.
We also have started receiving the bills...how does this affordable healthcare act stuff work? Do I just send the bills to 1600 Pennsylvania avenue? It's free, right?
I took the kids to buy some fireworks...not a lot, but maybe a lot...remember Jennifer, sometimes it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Also remember that to forgive is the right thing to do.
I wish everybody a wonderful Fourth of July, the day, I believe, to have the most historic significance for our country, when the Declaration of Independence was finalized and signed by the 56 brave men. Remember why they took that action.
Stay safe and enjoy.
The lymph system is the super highway that transports the waste away, and the lymph nodes are the "spaghetti bowl" interchanges. Wow. That sounded official. It's basically my own description of the system as I envision it.
Lymphedema is a condition caused when the body, or a specific area, cannot drain the waste fluid (proteins, fats, etc.) away properly due to blockage. As a result, the area build with the fluid, swells, and can harden. Blockage can be due to various reasons, but, in this case, we just removed 41 nodes and we also have a giant scar running across the highway.
Jennifer has lymphedema, so we met with the pathologist today to get an assessment, some therapy, training, and a really cool Epstein Facioplasty support mask......Ladieeessssssss and Gentlemennnnnnnnnn! In this corner, we have the welterweight wrestling champion, Jammin' Jenny.
Just kidding. It looks more like the part of a nun's habit that goes around the facial area. Now, if I can lay my hands on a neck brace.......
The pathologist is the same we've met with a couple of times before. He's pretty sharp. He started by asking what our concerns were. Although we haven't heard wheezing lately, Jennifer still experiences a feeling that her trach did not close properly, pronounced when she swallows and feels a pulling on her throat. He inspected the trach site and mentioned that the outer skin area may have healed/stuck to the inner trachea area, jwhich could give that sensation. So, he started stretching her skin around the trach hole to basically separate the two areas (tear them apart)...eeeewwww. The outer hole is healed, but it was hard to watch.
He examined Jennifer's swelling and made his assessment. Since the scar is blocking the highway, we have to train the body to reroute the drainage around the scar, down the neck, and into the collar/arm area, where it will drain as normal. Time to get off the freeway and take some Farm-to-Market roads. We're setting the cones. Luckily, the scar angles below the ear enough that we can redirect right over it, rather than going up and around the ear.
He next instructed Jennifer on massage techniques to open the downstream drains and work her way up the system to the swollen area....then, in reverse to push the fluid though the system. Awesome! I am totally amazed at what you can do with your body. Next thing you know, they'll be telling us that you can actually lose weight if you do physical activity -- probably by burning fictional units of energy -- lets call them calories. Hah. Just kidding again...that's purely science fiction.
He then took measurements around Jennifer's head and crafted the Facioplasty device right in front of us. Is basically a spandex and Velcro device that holds special pads made of foam. Two types of foam are used. The first type is a pad made of small, cubed foam pieces. These are placed in an cloth sleeve and shaped around the problem area of her neck. The resulting pad is shaped like an elongated pancake, but has an irregular surface area due to the cubes. The second pad is made from a smoother foam piece. He cut and shaped it on the spot so it would conform to her neck..he did an awesome job and we discussed his certifications in arts and crafts. He even joked he had a Masters in Arts and Crafts.
The first pad is worn for about thirty minutes. The irregular surface area actually breaks up the "hard" fluid, which preps the area for the next steps....the massage therapy mentioned above. We witnessed it. It was pretty cool. After Jennifer massages through the system and back, she then wears the smooth pad for at least 2-3 hours...this puts pressure on the area to help push fluid through the recently opened drain lines (FM Road 42). It also maintains an evenness in the area.
As you can tell from my long write up, we spent a lot of time on the lymphedema massage. It was very productive.
Next was the appointment with the physical therapist. Last week, Jennifer worked on stretch exercises for head, neck, arm, hand, face, tongue, lips.....
Today was strength exercises. Unfortunately, they did not hook her up to the circa 1840's gps device like last time. Today she took some strength measurements for her hands....squeezing a grip, pinching with her thumb (lateral), with her index finger and thumb, and with two fingers and a thumb. Naturally, there was clear evidence of atrophy in he left hand (where the skin graft is).
The therapist gave her a ball of putty (more like hard clay). She is to squeeze and pinch it like a stress ball to build strength and endurance in her hand and fingers. I'm more concerned that the therapist just gave my wife ammunition to throw at me or the kids.....but moreso at me.
She got to lay down and the therapist did some neck stretches and manipulation....I think Jennifer found Heaven for a moment. She may have even fallen asleep for a bit. I tried to get in on it to, but, as it turns out, the caregiver doesn't get the good treatment like the patient. What's
that about? Whoa is me.
Jennifer then worked with an elastic band to build strength in her arms and shoulder. She did great on the straight arm and bent arm stretches. The rotator cuff exercise was a bit tougher, but she did great.
The final test was that we got out at 5:00 and had to drive from the south side of Houston all the way to the north side during "holiday" traffic. We passed that too.
We also have started receiving the bills...how does this affordable healthcare act stuff work? Do I just send the bills to 1600 Pennsylvania avenue? It's free, right?
I took the kids to buy some fireworks...not a lot, but maybe a lot...remember Jennifer, sometimes it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Also remember that to forgive is the right thing to do.
I wish everybody a wonderful Fourth of July, the day, I believe, to have the most historic significance for our country, when the Declaration of Independence was finalized and signed by the 56 brave men. Remember why they took that action.
Stay safe and enjoy.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
T & P Day
For avid Internet users, those that are familiar with the shortcuts used in blogs or forums, "T&P" usually means "Thoughts and Prayers." It's expresed when people learn of tragic situations, illness, passings, etc. In this case, "T&P" means Therapy and Pathology. -- physical therapy and speech pathology. However, we welcome the original intended use of "T&P" as well.
We are starting with physical therapy.
We answered some general information questions. Then the therapist took measurements to get a baseline of where Jennifer is currently. After contemplating the dire physical consequences that awaited me, I decided not to take a picture of Jennifer in the contraption they strapped on her head. The contraption was a series of rulers and compasses (mathematical and magnetic) used to measure distance and angles relative to a starting point. She looked like she was wearing a GPS device that was invented before the advent of electricity (and satellites). Instead, Jennifer assured me I could take a picture next time. I think she may have just said that to postpone the inevitable.. I will get a picture at some point. I have a new mission. ;-)
It turns out that Jennifer can only swivel her head about 90 degrees.....40 to the left, and 50 to the right. You need about 120 degrees of coverage to drive safely. So, it looks like I will be "Driving Miss Jenny" for a little while. Fine with me, I'll get to wear a golf cap.
After the baseline, we went over a series of arm, head/neck, hand, and lip exercises to stretch muscles and get them back to where they were before. pucker..smile...pucker...smile...pucker..smile, left, right, up, down. Jennifer can already feel a difference.
We then scheduled for the next two months. Twice a week therapy.
We discussed the Epstein Physioplasti mask for treating lymphedema, but the physical therapist was out of stock. Jennifer really wants one to get rid of the double chin she has now. I told her that, once the lymphedema swelling is gone, she won't have an excuse for any double chin that hangs around. That got me a dirty look....there's the look I'm use to seeing. Jennifer is back, baby (insert fist pump here).
The physical therapist prescribed a giant wedge to help support the upright position when sleeping. At the end of the day, we carried it around the hospital like a prize "Look Jennifer! I finally won you a giant stuffed animal. Too bad it's in the shape of a giant three dimensional scalene triangle.". Jennifer used it when napping today. She LOVED it. I wish we would have had it about three weeks ago. It would have saved a bunch of fitfull nights. Oh well. Here's to fewer sleepless nights.
We then booked it to the speech pathology appointment, 5 elevatore over and 10 floors up. MD Anderson is its own metropolis.
Speech Pathology:
We asked our questions: When does swelling go down? How do I eat red beans and rice? My tongue's tired (I know. It's a statement.). How am I progressing?
Jennifer has a little lymphedema, so we are scheduled to see the lymphedema certified pathologist next week. It's Brad, the original pathologist we saw. We like him (not to take away from Denise, the current one. We like her too.). We learned that part of the massage therapy for lymphedema is to retrain the body to ship its waste via alternative channels than the now-blocked channel.
We then worked on sounds (s, d, t). Jennifer's doing great with them, but needs to work on her tongue therapy (I have ideas ;-), but I digress). I still have to practice on my sounds.
Swelling of the tongue should still go down, but may require lipo if not down in three months. Personally, it's looking much better than the first two weeks.
She was given the green light to eat a cheeseburger. Funny, the therapist said to start with fast food burgers because they are generally smaller/thinner and greasier. You know....pink slime and all.
For that matter, she was given the green light by the therapist to try anything....only to stay away from popcorn, nuts, and chips for the near future. I am no longer the Food Nazi. Chapter closed. Now I will be Awnold Swartzenhoelscher, the physical trainer.
A little side note: Jennifer was having problems with the red beans and rice. The therapist called it scatter food because it scatters when it gets in the mouth. Cornbread does the same. The tricks are to put scatter foods into a medium that will hold them together: red beans and rice -- squish the rice into the beans; cornbread -- lots and lots of butter; Mexican food -- put the Spanish rice into the retried beans. Better yet, try to stay away from the dry rices and stay with the soft, sticky rice.
All-in-all, the consults were good and we have some direction on what to do, and how often. Jennifer is motivated to push through this. I can't wait to see the response from the therapists next week when we start the marathon schedule.
Thanks to everyone for the T&P. Coworkers for helping pick up the slack, etc. I only wish Jennifer would have gotten me something for my birthday....all she does is hang around and do nothing all day. Geez....Just kidding people. I don't need anything, I have her and the kids.
Till next time....take care all. We are.
We are starting with physical therapy.
We answered some general information questions. Then the therapist took measurements to get a baseline of where Jennifer is currently. After contemplating the dire physical consequences that awaited me, I decided not to take a picture of Jennifer in the contraption they strapped on her head. The contraption was a series of rulers and compasses (mathematical and magnetic) used to measure distance and angles relative to a starting point. She looked like she was wearing a GPS device that was invented before the advent of electricity (and satellites). Instead, Jennifer assured me I could take a picture next time. I think she may have just said that to postpone the inevitable.. I will get a picture at some point. I have a new mission. ;-)
It turns out that Jennifer can only swivel her head about 90 degrees.....40 to the left, and 50 to the right. You need about 120 degrees of coverage to drive safely. So, it looks like I will be "Driving Miss Jenny" for a little while. Fine with me, I'll get to wear a golf cap.
After the baseline, we went over a series of arm, head/neck, hand, and lip exercises to stretch muscles and get them back to where they were before. pucker..smile...pucker...smile...pucker..smile, left, right, up, down. Jennifer can already feel a difference.
We then scheduled for the next two months. Twice a week therapy.
We discussed the Epstein Physioplasti mask for treating lymphedema, but the physical therapist was out of stock. Jennifer really wants one to get rid of the double chin she has now. I told her that, once the lymphedema swelling is gone, she won't have an excuse for any double chin that hangs around. That got me a dirty look....there's the look I'm use to seeing. Jennifer is back, baby (insert fist pump here).
The physical therapist prescribed a giant wedge to help support the upright position when sleeping. At the end of the day, we carried it around the hospital like a prize "Look Jennifer! I finally won you a giant stuffed animal. Too bad it's in the shape of a giant three dimensional scalene triangle.". Jennifer used it when napping today. She LOVED it. I wish we would have had it about three weeks ago. It would have saved a bunch of fitfull nights. Oh well. Here's to fewer sleepless nights.
We then booked it to the speech pathology appointment, 5 elevatore over and 10 floors up. MD Anderson is its own metropolis.
Speech Pathology:
We asked our questions: When does swelling go down? How do I eat red beans and rice? My tongue's tired (I know. It's a statement.). How am I progressing?
Jennifer has a little lymphedema, so we are scheduled to see the lymphedema certified pathologist next week. It's Brad, the original pathologist we saw. We like him (not to take away from Denise, the current one. We like her too.). We learned that part of the massage therapy for lymphedema is to retrain the body to ship its waste via alternative channels than the now-blocked channel.
We then worked on sounds (s, d, t). Jennifer's doing great with them, but needs to work on her tongue therapy (I have ideas ;-), but I digress). I still have to practice on my sounds.
Swelling of the tongue should still go down, but may require lipo if not down in three months. Personally, it's looking much better than the first two weeks.
She was given the green light to eat a cheeseburger. Funny, the therapist said to start with fast food burgers because they are generally smaller/thinner and greasier. You know....pink slime and all.
For that matter, she was given the green light by the therapist to try anything....only to stay away from popcorn, nuts, and chips for the near future. I am no longer the Food Nazi. Chapter closed. Now I will be Awnold Swartzenhoelscher, the physical trainer.
A little side note: Jennifer was having problems with the red beans and rice. The therapist called it scatter food because it scatters when it gets in the mouth. Cornbread does the same. The tricks are to put scatter foods into a medium that will hold them together: red beans and rice -- squish the rice into the beans; cornbread -- lots and lots of butter; Mexican food -- put the Spanish rice into the retried beans. Better yet, try to stay away from the dry rices and stay with the soft, sticky rice.
All-in-all, the consults were good and we have some direction on what to do, and how often. Jennifer is motivated to push through this. I can't wait to see the response from the therapists next week when we start the marathon schedule.
Thanks to everyone for the T&P. Coworkers for helping pick up the slack, etc. I only wish Jennifer would have gotten me something for my birthday....all she does is hang around and do nothing all day. Geez....Just kidding people. I don't need anything, I have her and the kids.
Till next time....take care all. We are.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Thanks Kids
I just have to say thanks to the kids for making this easier.
Cat's done a great job of helping out around the house while I've been back at work. Everything from entertaining the boys, especially Jake, preparing lunch, and putting the boys to bed allows us to take care of other things in the short amount of time we have in the evenings.
The kids in general have helped clean the house, even though they tend to mess it back up within an hour or two of "being let loose.". :-). As it's always been.
Cat is even working, I believe in conjunction with her friends, on a new story. I'm plugging it here....www.wattpad.com. Search for "the mythology games.". It's a work in progress. It's influenced by several well known stories, including The Hunger Games and Percy Jackson.
On to Jennifer.
We have appointments with the therapists on Thursday (speech and physical). Jennifer's been sore and has a limited range of motion in her neck and arm. Hopefully we'll get some additional pointers on exercises and techniques to improve her motion with minimal side effects (i.e. pain).
I will say that she is trying hard to improve her movement. She is also trying to work around the house where she can because she gets bored being home-bound. Again, thanks to the kids for helping when she's "on a mission."
Other than the soreness, the skin graft is looking good...I think. Heck. Never really saw one in the healing process before so I can honestly say its the best I've seen. It really does appear to be healing nicely and she's able to "air it out" all day long. However she has some pain in the wrist and the general area. It could be due to the natural atrophy of the skin graft. We'll confirm this week. I told her to quit using that arm to spank the kids and give it a chance to heal.
The trach hole had finally stopped wheezing about a week ago, so we think it's closed up. That's good. It's worse than me snoring......geez. Lighten up. I'm kidding. Nothing's worse than me snoring.
The neck: We are worried about lymphedema, a condition where the lymphatic system is unable to drain fluid from tissues, usually due to an obstruction. She still has some swelling in the neck region, which we know will go down in due time. The therapist will show us some massage techniques. She also has limited motion on the side-to-side and up-and-down motion of her head. Part of that is due to the trauma of the surgery, the other is for fear of undoing the healing progress so far. Again the therapist will identify her limits so she can push but not undo.
If you recall from earlier posts, there are three sets of nerves that are impacted by a neck dissection. One affects arm movement, the other affects feeling on that side of the face and the ear, the third affects that side of the mouth/lip.
Well, I mentioned the limited range of motion -- the arm is still restricted as she can't lift it beyond a certain point or, as we found out, she can't extend it beyond a certain point if it's in a certain position. Wow...just really observed that today.
The ear. Oh the ear...for those that knew me growing up, I can tell you some ear stories. Unfortunately, Jennifer has to experience the wrath of the ear at a different level. Her ear is still numb. Yet, it hurts to touch. (hypersensitive?). Just the slightest brush is painful. I think it's good that she has some feeling, per se. However, we have a new set of questions to ask the doc.
Now the mouth. The left side of the lower lip and cheek kind of drags when she smiles. I personally believe its getting better. At what rate, I don't know.
We live in a world of instant gratification. This is a true test of patience and endurance. We had two great weeks of progress post surgery. The last week and a half seems, on the surface, to have stalled. We keep having to remind ourselves that we are encountering minor victories each day....and that is progress. Ben and Jake's karate instructor is always pointing out the minor victories of her Tiny Tigers class. I'll do the same for my surgical Tiny Tiger, Jennifer.
On the brighter side: a few weeks ago, we had gone back to the plastic surgeon. He indicated jennifer should stay on liquids for a few days, then escalate up to soft foods gradually. Jennifer was successful eating a diced peach in front of the speech pathologist at the time. Let's recount what she ate these past few days: pasta shells with Alfredo sauce (soft), Boost (liquid), waffle with peanut butter (gross and probably considered soft), a cookie, baked beans (still hard to eat because they turn to a paste), mashed potatoes, and, to top it off, chicken strips (Chik-fil-a, and Whataburger), and porcupine meatballs (meatballs with rice). For the record, I protested the chicken strips because I consider them hard (with the crust), but she did a great job. I am no longer the food Nazi. I'm more like the food Rent-a-cop...I can tell her to stop, but am unable to enforce it (STOP!!!! OR I'LL...I'LL...get on my walkie talkie.). Sigh.
Thanks to all for your prayers. We still ask that you continue as we are not out of this yet. We have ultrasounds scheduled for mid-September to ascertain what to do about the presence of the thyroid cancer cells. Although I've left him off the last several posts, I'm copying the prayer to Saint Perigrine below.
O Saint Peregrine, you who have been called "The Wonder-Worker" because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you, who for so many years bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more: you who were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction, ask of God and Our Lady the cure of these sick persons whom we entrust to you Jennifer. Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing praise to God for His great goodness and mercy. Amen.
Cat's done a great job of helping out around the house while I've been back at work. Everything from entertaining the boys, especially Jake, preparing lunch, and putting the boys to bed allows us to take care of other things in the short amount of time we have in the evenings.
The kids in general have helped clean the house, even though they tend to mess it back up within an hour or two of "being let loose.". :-). As it's always been.
Cat is even working, I believe in conjunction with her friends, on a new story. I'm plugging it here....www.wattpad.com. Search for "the mythology games.". It's a work in progress. It's influenced by several well known stories, including The Hunger Games and Percy Jackson.
On to Jennifer.
We have appointments with the therapists on Thursday (speech and physical). Jennifer's been sore and has a limited range of motion in her neck and arm. Hopefully we'll get some additional pointers on exercises and techniques to improve her motion with minimal side effects (i.e. pain).
I will say that she is trying hard to improve her movement. She is also trying to work around the house where she can because she gets bored being home-bound. Again, thanks to the kids for helping when she's "on a mission."
Other than the soreness, the skin graft is looking good...I think. Heck. Never really saw one in the healing process before so I can honestly say its the best I've seen. It really does appear to be healing nicely and she's able to "air it out" all day long. However she has some pain in the wrist and the general area. It could be due to the natural atrophy of the skin graft. We'll confirm this week. I told her to quit using that arm to spank the kids and give it a chance to heal.
The trach hole had finally stopped wheezing about a week ago, so we think it's closed up. That's good. It's worse than me snoring......geez. Lighten up. I'm kidding. Nothing's worse than me snoring.
The neck: We are worried about lymphedema, a condition where the lymphatic system is unable to drain fluid from tissues, usually due to an obstruction. She still has some swelling in the neck region, which we know will go down in due time. The therapist will show us some massage techniques. She also has limited motion on the side-to-side and up-and-down motion of her head. Part of that is due to the trauma of the surgery, the other is for fear of undoing the healing progress so far. Again the therapist will identify her limits so she can push but not undo.
If you recall from earlier posts, there are three sets of nerves that are impacted by a neck dissection. One affects arm movement, the other affects feeling on that side of the face and the ear, the third affects that side of the mouth/lip.
Well, I mentioned the limited range of motion -- the arm is still restricted as she can't lift it beyond a certain point or, as we found out, she can't extend it beyond a certain point if it's in a certain position. Wow...just really observed that today.
The ear. Oh the ear...for those that knew me growing up, I can tell you some ear stories. Unfortunately, Jennifer has to experience the wrath of the ear at a different level. Her ear is still numb. Yet, it hurts to touch. (hypersensitive?). Just the slightest brush is painful. I think it's good that she has some feeling, per se. However, we have a new set of questions to ask the doc.
Now the mouth. The left side of the lower lip and cheek kind of drags when she smiles. I personally believe its getting better. At what rate, I don't know.
We live in a world of instant gratification. This is a true test of patience and endurance. We had two great weeks of progress post surgery. The last week and a half seems, on the surface, to have stalled. We keep having to remind ourselves that we are encountering minor victories each day....and that is progress. Ben and Jake's karate instructor is always pointing out the minor victories of her Tiny Tigers class. I'll do the same for my surgical Tiny Tiger, Jennifer.
On the brighter side: a few weeks ago, we had gone back to the plastic surgeon. He indicated jennifer should stay on liquids for a few days, then escalate up to soft foods gradually. Jennifer was successful eating a diced peach in front of the speech pathologist at the time. Let's recount what she ate these past few days: pasta shells with Alfredo sauce (soft), Boost (liquid), waffle with peanut butter (gross and probably considered soft), a cookie, baked beans (still hard to eat because they turn to a paste), mashed potatoes, and, to top it off, chicken strips (Chik-fil-a, and Whataburger), and porcupine meatballs (meatballs with rice). For the record, I protested the chicken strips because I consider them hard (with the crust), but she did a great job. I am no longer the food Nazi. I'm more like the food Rent-a-cop...I can tell her to stop, but am unable to enforce it (STOP!!!! OR I'LL...I'LL...get on my walkie talkie.). Sigh.
Thanks to all for your prayers. We still ask that you continue as we are not out of this yet. We have ultrasounds scheduled for mid-September to ascertain what to do about the presence of the thyroid cancer cells. Although I've left him off the last several posts, I'm copying the prayer to Saint Perigrine below.
O Saint Peregrine, you who have been called "The Wonder-Worker" because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you, who for so many years bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more: you who were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction, ask of God and Our Lady the cure of these sick persons whom we entrust to you Jennifer. Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing praise to God for His great goodness and mercy. Amen.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Week-end recap.
Jennifer's doing well. Went to the funeral of a co-worker's spouse today and is now tired. Though and prayers to Linda.
This weekend is the final swim meet for the kids. Divisionals. All the teams in our league compete at one meet for bragging rights. Although signed up, 6:45 start time is awfully early tomorrow, so we may "accidentally" miss. I could use the rest.
My next post will most likely be on Thursday at our rehab and speech pathology consults.
Everybody have a great weekend.
This weekend is the final swim meet for the kids. Divisionals. All the teams in our league compete at one meet for bragging rights. Although signed up, 6:45 start time is awfully early tomorrow, so we may "accidentally" miss. I could use the rest.
My next post will most likely be on Thursday at our rehab and speech pathology consults.
Everybody have a great weekend.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Finally took it easy
Jennifer took it easy today. Apparently did nothing. She said she felt a lot better.
I do nothing a lot of times, but I'm still tired. I don't get it?
Next week is rehabilitation and speech therapy. We can't wait.
I do nothing a lot of times, but I'm still tired. I don't get it?
Next week is rehabilitation and speech therapy. We can't wait.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Mid-week update
Things are going well. Unfortunately, it's the last week of swim team and our best intentions to get the kids to practice has fallen short...still too much going on. This weekend is Divisionals, which starts early and should finish early.
I'm slowly catching up at work, with a few hiccups. Jennifer is still a few weeks from driving, so we have a captive audience here. The neighbors are helping out, which is either preserving Jennifer's health, or the kids' health -- I haven't figured it out yet.
Jennifer's still working on the spring cleaning. I'm trying to keep her grounded and to go at a slow pace -- clutter is good....right?
Anyway, we're both tired, but life is falling back into place (we'll still be tired--heck..4 kids will do that.).
I'm slowly catching up at work, with a few hiccups. Jennifer is still a few weeks from driving, so we have a captive audience here. The neighbors are helping out, which is either preserving Jennifer's health, or the kids' health -- I haven't figured it out yet.
Jennifer's still working on the spring cleaning. I'm trying to keep her grounded and to go at a slow pace -- clutter is good....right?
Anyway, we're both tired, but life is falling back into place (we'll still be tired--heck..4 kids will do that.).
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Saturday update
It's been a long day. Had Grace and Ben at our swim meet at 6:15 this morning. CUDAS were winning when the meet was called due to lightning in the area. Personally, the kids sowed obvious signs of not having practiced in two weeks. Divisional meet is next Saturday, so we'll try to get the kids to some practices. All of the coaches have asked on Jennifer's health, as well as some gymnastics friends who happen to be on the opposing swim team.
Jennifer's coworker brought ALOT of food from chik-fil-a and Lubys. We ate well tonight, and wil have leftovers for tomorrow...yes.. I ate a lot. Jennifer has eaten quite a bit too....Mac and cheese, green beans, pasta.....all moving along. Btw, another friend brought pizza yesterday....again, we ate a lot.
Jennifer is trying to get back into normal routines again. In addition to rehabbing, she's in a spring cleaning mode, albeit a lighter version as I don't want her to over-exert. At the end of the day, she is showing signs of pain, so she needs to slow down a little.
She's still wheezy in the throat, which keeps us on our guard. Her skin graft to the arm is looking better every day. We'll conti ue the dressing for another 4-5 days, then allow it to be exposed for extended periods.
A couple of side notes: I'm trying some new formats on the blog site. I hope it makes it more eye friendly.
Also, since we are through the worst of it, I may slow down on the posting so I don't bore anyone to death with meaningless rambling. However, I reserve the right to post whenever I feel like it. How's that for washy-washy?
We thank everybody for their prayers and support. We ask for your continued prayers as Jennifer rehabs. We still have a long road to travel.
Jennifer's coworker brought ALOT of food from chik-fil-a and Lubys. We ate well tonight, and wil have leftovers for tomorrow...yes.. I ate a lot. Jennifer has eaten quite a bit too....Mac and cheese, green beans, pasta.....all moving along. Btw, another friend brought pizza yesterday....again, we ate a lot.
Jennifer is trying to get back into normal routines again. In addition to rehabbing, she's in a spring cleaning mode, albeit a lighter version as I don't want her to over-exert. At the end of the day, she is showing signs of pain, so she needs to slow down a little.
She's still wheezy in the throat, which keeps us on our guard. Her skin graft to the arm is looking better every day. We'll conti ue the dressing for another 4-5 days, then allow it to be exposed for extended periods.
A couple of side notes: I'm trying some new formats on the blog site. I hope it makes it more eye friendly.
Also, since we are through the worst of it, I may slow down on the posting so I don't bore anyone to death with meaningless rambling. However, I reserve the right to post whenever I feel like it. How's that for washy-washy?
We thank everybody for their prayers and support. We ask for your continued prayers as Jennifer rehabs. We still have a long road to travel.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Good Friday (No, it's not Easter, but it could be.)
Today is a very good Day for Jennifer.
We received a call from the Physician's Assistant this morning. The surgeon consulted with his colleagues yesterday morning. The PA gave us the recommendation made by the colleagues:
NOTHING.
Really. Wow. Actually, it requires a little longer explanation:
Otherwise, we are on hold for now, which is a good thing. We still have to go through the rehab tho.
Not so great news -- Took the kids to the dentist. Ooooohhhhh we have a lot of work to do on them. More about brushing techniques than anything.
Jennifer tried red beans and rice from Popeye's (love that chicken from Popeye's). It didn't work too well, so I got to eat the red beans and rice. Awesome. Oh. Back to Jennifer. She's not ready for that yet, but it will come. Time of the boost.
We received a call from the Physician's Assistant this morning. The surgeon consulted with his colleagues yesterday morning. The PA gave us the recommendation made by the colleagues:
NOTHING.
Really. Wow. Actually, it requires a little longer explanation:
- Squamas Cell Carcinoma -- The encapsulated cell found in the immediate Lymph Node - was removed during the neck dissection. So, in their opinion, they consider this sucker gone. Done. Kaput. See ya-Not. Adios. Good-bye.
Cancer. - Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma -- Due to the size of the finding, and the fact that this was extremely random that they discovered the cells in the Lymph Nodes, the colleagues also feel that they may have gotten this out with the neck dissection. So they recommend just keeping an eye on the situation for the time being.
Otherwise, we are on hold for now, which is a good thing. We still have to go through the rehab tho.
Not so great news -- Took the kids to the dentist. Ooooohhhhh we have a lot of work to do on them. More about brushing techniques than anything.
Jennifer tried red beans and rice from Popeye's (love that chicken from Popeye's). It didn't work too well, so I got to eat the red beans and rice. Awesome. Oh. Back to Jennifer. She's not ready for that yet, but it will come. Time of the boost.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
2 Week Anniversary
We're almost back to normal for a brief moment. I went to work. Jennifer obviously stayed home.
But, a lot has happened in the few hours after I arrived home.
I grabbed the iPad to review the blog and create a post. Yes....my posts have been created on the iPad, so the formatting is not as diverse as if using a desktop, and the autocorrect setting probably has made for some interesting reading, as I have not proofed most of my posts.
Back to my story....I grabbed the iPad and noticed a HUGE series of cracks going across the bottom and up the side. The corner is also crushed. AAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH! Apparently Jake brought it with him when the babysitter took them to the library today. He dropped it on the concrete......aaaaarrrrrrrghhh. Just frustrating and annoying. Aarghh. Okay. Moving on.
Jennifer had a good day. She's working on her jaw and arm therapy, to get back her range of motion due to the nerve trauma. We were talking this evening and then Jennifer had a slight whistle ---out of her throat. Whoa. Strange. We decided to tape some gauze over it just in case. Our neighbor came by to look at it (she's a nurse). Apparently it's not completely closed yet, but that comes with time. Just weird to experience. Reminds me of the waiting room scene in Beetlejuice when the "dead lady" was smoking and the smoke was exiting the hole in her throat. Hmmmmmmmmm I wonder if Jennifer would be willing to smoke a cigarette and reenact that scene? Hey...I'm just wondering!!
Other than that, the arm looks great. Much better than even yesterday at the hospital.
She's sounding great (except for the wheezing through the neck).
She's also eating well. Eggs, soup, etc. I am a bit concerned that I have been referred to as the Food Nazi (No Food For You!!!) by someone who is working to subvert the healing process by giving Jennifer ideas on how to circumvent the required dietary restrictions (you know who you are). That aside, all is going well.
Nothing new on the thyroid front. Have not heard from the doctor today. I do have a coworker whose daughter has the same thyroid cancer and is about to go through surgery and treatment in the next couple of weeks. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family. Same goes to a neighbor that we learned has been battling cancer for a couple of months.
Tomorrow is the dentist. All four kids. Jake's first time. I am steeling myself for the lecture for whatever bad habits the kids have developed. Jennifer gets to sit this one out...why me???? ;-)
This weekend, another swim meet, then hopefully some down time.
Thanks to all for the thoughts and prayers, the help over the past few weeks, the help around the house (food, cleaning, laundry, mowing).
But, a lot has happened in the few hours after I arrived home.
I grabbed the iPad to review the blog and create a post. Yes....my posts have been created on the iPad, so the formatting is not as diverse as if using a desktop, and the autocorrect setting probably has made for some interesting reading, as I have not proofed most of my posts.
Back to my story....I grabbed the iPad and noticed a HUGE series of cracks going across the bottom and up the side. The corner is also crushed. AAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH! Apparently Jake brought it with him when the babysitter took them to the library today. He dropped it on the concrete......aaaaarrrrrrrghhh. Just frustrating and annoying. Aarghh. Okay. Moving on.
Jennifer had a good day. She's working on her jaw and arm therapy, to get back her range of motion due to the nerve trauma. We were talking this evening and then Jennifer had a slight whistle ---out of her throat. Whoa. Strange. We decided to tape some gauze over it just in case. Our neighbor came by to look at it (she's a nurse). Apparently it's not completely closed yet, but that comes with time. Just weird to experience. Reminds me of the waiting room scene in Beetlejuice when the "dead lady" was smoking and the smoke was exiting the hole in her throat. Hmmmmmmmmm I wonder if Jennifer would be willing to smoke a cigarette and reenact that scene? Hey...I'm just wondering!!
Other than that, the arm looks great. Much better than even yesterday at the hospital.
She's sounding great (except for the wheezing through the neck).
She's also eating well. Eggs, soup, etc. I am a bit concerned that I have been referred to as the Food Nazi (No Food For You!!!) by someone who is working to subvert the healing process by giving Jennifer ideas on how to circumvent the required dietary restrictions (you know who you are). That aside, all is going well.
Nothing new on the thyroid front. Have not heard from the doctor today. I do have a coworker whose daughter has the same thyroid cancer and is about to go through surgery and treatment in the next couple of weeks. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family. Same goes to a neighbor that we learned has been battling cancer for a couple of months.
Tomorrow is the dentist. All four kids. Jake's first time. I am steeling myself for the lecture for whatever bad habits the kids have developed. Jennifer gets to sit this one out...why me???? ;-)
This weekend, another swim meet, then hopefully some down time.
Thanks to all for the thoughts and prayers, the help over the past few weeks, the help around the house (food, cleaning, laundry, mowing).
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Happy Birthday Grandma (updated 4:15pm)
Happy Birthday Grandma. I hope you have a great one.
Jim T. My deepest sympathies over the loss of your mother. Jennifer and I offer our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
I couldn't post last night because heavy storms knocked the power out in the Spring area. However, we had a nice evening.
I was able to go to work with the comfort that that Cat and a neighbor were watching over Jennifer, who is already getting along well.
The grandparents returned the boys to the house. Since the power was out, we decided to go out to eat......along with everybody else in a 10-mile radius. Everything was packed. The girls won and we went to a Mexican restaurant. It was a very good meal. I had fajitas. Jennifer had...the juice from the charro beans. Grace said it tasted like the beans dirty bath water (and I always tell the kids not to drink the bath water). I was kind and did put a little queso on Jennifer's spoon.
Unfortunately, the feeding tube is still bothering her (dang you Jim Gaffigan). We think, rather than moving in the esophagous, it may have twisted and bunched up a little. She decided to go with a tube feed because it was iritating her throat to swallow. We'll check with the doctor today about the tube situation.
The power was still out when we got back to the house around 10:00 pm, but came on about 30 minutes later....thank goodness, the kids were running my batteries down and we had all the candles lit...our house smells like one of those craft shops.
I started to get the tube feeding set up. Poured the liquid nutrition into the IV bag and was ready to flush the tube with tap water. However, I couldn't get the dang thing open. It's a simple concept. The stopper to the tube is the same type that you have with blow-up toys (balls, water wings, etc.). All you have to do is grab the tab, and pull the stopper out of the hole. IT WOULD NOT BUDGE!!! I worked on that stupid thing for thirty minutes and it did not move a millimeter. I have blisters on my thumb and index finger trying to work it out. I used pliers (needle nose AND regular). I tried to lubricate with corn starch...which worked on the outside, because I couldn't get a good grip after that. Finally, we just gave up and she drank a Boost. Unfortunately, no pain meds tonight...but she said she didn't need them.
I would venture to guess that, after the subterfuge with the Cheetos and other things that she probably did behind my back that......stay with me on this.......SHE SUPERGLUED THE STOPPER TO THE TUBE. That's the only conclusion I can come up with....throw away logic that states some of the medicine is indeed sticky and may have just sealed the stopper to the tube......I'm going with the theory around superglue.
Finally, after that battle, I still had to change the dressing on her arm. I see a slight change in the area of concern, but we are Scheduled to see the doctor today and will have that checked.
More later.
Okay, it's later. 11:30 am to be exact (or approximate).
Just saw the surgeon. We have a good news bad news scenario again.
GOOD NEWS:
He removed the bandage over the stoma (tracheostomy site). It's healing nicely. We can leave it open, but will choose to bandage when we get home because the skin is not fully closed.
He also removed the feeding tube at her request. We will now see a speech pathologist and try to upgrade the menu from liquids. Jennifer is going to request approval to eat Puffy Cheetos in order to "take baby steps toward crunchy Cheetos." I'm just requesting puréed foods.
BAD NEWS
We received the results of the pathology report. No squamous cell carcinoma in the sample tongue tissue (great), but it was found in one lymph node. The doctor said it didn't leave the encapsulated area, which means its isolated (still good?). We're not sure what this means to us, other than he is presenting her case to his colleagues tomorrow for feedback.
WORSE NEWS
The lab identified three nodes containing papillary thyroid carcinoma...-- thyroid cancer. End result will require the removal of the thyroid AND radiation to kill off any remaining. CRAP!!!!
Due to the nature of that surgery, it's recommended that we wait about 6 weeks before undergoing the treatment to allow time for Jennifer to recover from this surgery. CRAP. CRAP!!!!
This morning started out with foggy weather in Houston. It just got foggier in the hospital.
Okay.. It's tough right now, but well get through this.
Uncle Joe, a thousand may not be enough. We need more.
I'm afraid to say anything else after we visit the plastic surgeon this afternoon.
4:15 pm
Back to good news
We followed up with the speech pathologist. Jennifer's doing great. She was able to work the applesauce and fruit cocktail and was pretty much cleared for puréed foods and soft foods....but no Cheetos yet (although she'll say she heard differently). Everything else is progressing with the tongue and speech.
We followed with the plastic surgeon. The PA said the arm is looking great and that I did a great job dressing the wound. We'll continue for another week and then let the arm air out on a regular basis. AWESOME. The area of concern was okay, part of the healing process.
Stomach incision is healing nicely.
They cut the blue stitch from the free flap on the tongue. The blue stitch is a marker for identifying where the artery is so the follow up doctors and nurses can easily find the blood flow location when they use the Doppler...(the heartbeat in the tongue from my earlier posts).
All-in-all, it was a day of mixed blessings. We had major success on the recovery front, but upsetting news on the forefront. I understand that thyroid cancer is common and highly treatable. It was just unexpected news that caught us off-guard. As I said earlier, well get through it. Recovery may take longer, or a different path. But, once we figure the path out, we'll be able to navigate fairly well. Just may have to change summer plans again.
Thanks to all for their thoughts and prayers, their hospitality, and their support...we really can't do it without you.
Jim T. My deepest sympathies over the loss of your mother. Jennifer and I offer our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
I couldn't post last night because heavy storms knocked the power out in the Spring area. However, we had a nice evening.
I was able to go to work with the comfort that that Cat and a neighbor were watching over Jennifer, who is already getting along well.
The grandparents returned the boys to the house. Since the power was out, we decided to go out to eat......along with everybody else in a 10-mile radius. Everything was packed. The girls won and we went to a Mexican restaurant. It was a very good meal. I had fajitas. Jennifer had...the juice from the charro beans. Grace said it tasted like the beans dirty bath water (and I always tell the kids not to drink the bath water). I was kind and did put a little queso on Jennifer's spoon.
Unfortunately, the feeding tube is still bothering her (dang you Jim Gaffigan). We think, rather than moving in the esophagous, it may have twisted and bunched up a little. She decided to go with a tube feed because it was iritating her throat to swallow. We'll check with the doctor today about the tube situation.
The power was still out when we got back to the house around 10:00 pm, but came on about 30 minutes later....thank goodness, the kids were running my batteries down and we had all the candles lit...our house smells like one of those craft shops.
I started to get the tube feeding set up. Poured the liquid nutrition into the IV bag and was ready to flush the tube with tap water. However, I couldn't get the dang thing open. It's a simple concept. The stopper to the tube is the same type that you have with blow-up toys (balls, water wings, etc.). All you have to do is grab the tab, and pull the stopper out of the hole. IT WOULD NOT BUDGE!!! I worked on that stupid thing for thirty minutes and it did not move a millimeter. I have blisters on my thumb and index finger trying to work it out. I used pliers (needle nose AND regular). I tried to lubricate with corn starch...which worked on the outside, because I couldn't get a good grip after that. Finally, we just gave up and she drank a Boost. Unfortunately, no pain meds tonight...but she said she didn't need them.
I would venture to guess that, after the subterfuge with the Cheetos and other things that she probably did behind my back that......stay with me on this.......SHE SUPERGLUED THE STOPPER TO THE TUBE. That's the only conclusion I can come up with....throw away logic that states some of the medicine is indeed sticky and may have just sealed the stopper to the tube......I'm going with the theory around superglue.
Finally, after that battle, I still had to change the dressing on her arm. I see a slight change in the area of concern, but we are Scheduled to see the doctor today and will have that checked.
More later.
Okay, it's later. 11:30 am to be exact (or approximate).
Just saw the surgeon. We have a good news bad news scenario again.
GOOD NEWS:
He removed the bandage over the stoma (tracheostomy site). It's healing nicely. We can leave it open, but will choose to bandage when we get home because the skin is not fully closed.
He also removed the feeding tube at her request. We will now see a speech pathologist and try to upgrade the menu from liquids. Jennifer is going to request approval to eat Puffy Cheetos in order to "take baby steps toward crunchy Cheetos." I'm just requesting puréed foods.
BAD NEWS
We received the results of the pathology report. No squamous cell carcinoma in the sample tongue tissue (great), but it was found in one lymph node. The doctor said it didn't leave the encapsulated area, which means its isolated (still good?). We're not sure what this means to us, other than he is presenting her case to his colleagues tomorrow for feedback.
WORSE NEWS
The lab identified three nodes containing papillary thyroid carcinoma...-- thyroid cancer. End result will require the removal of the thyroid AND radiation to kill off any remaining. CRAP!!!!
Due to the nature of that surgery, it's recommended that we wait about 6 weeks before undergoing the treatment to allow time for Jennifer to recover from this surgery. CRAP. CRAP!!!!
This morning started out with foggy weather in Houston. It just got foggier in the hospital.
Okay.. It's tough right now, but well get through this.
Uncle Joe, a thousand may not be enough. We need more.
I'm afraid to say anything else after we visit the plastic surgeon this afternoon.
4:15 pm
Back to good news
We followed up with the speech pathologist. Jennifer's doing great. She was able to work the applesauce and fruit cocktail and was pretty much cleared for puréed foods and soft foods....but no Cheetos yet (although she'll say she heard differently). Everything else is progressing with the tongue and speech.
We followed with the plastic surgeon. The PA said the arm is looking great and that I did a great job dressing the wound. We'll continue for another week and then let the arm air out on a regular basis. AWESOME. The area of concern was okay, part of the healing process.
Stomach incision is healing nicely.
They cut the blue stitch from the free flap on the tongue. The blue stitch is a marker for identifying where the artery is so the follow up doctors and nurses can easily find the blood flow location when they use the Doppler...(the heartbeat in the tongue from my earlier posts).
All-in-all, it was a day of mixed blessings. We had major success on the recovery front, but upsetting news on the forefront. I understand that thyroid cancer is common and highly treatable. It was just unexpected news that caught us off-guard. As I said earlier, well get through it. Recovery may take longer, or a different path. But, once we figure the path out, we'll be able to navigate fairly well. Just may have to change summer plans again.
Thanks to all for their thoughts and prayers, their hospitality, and their support...we really can't do it without you.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Nothing to report (edited)
There is nothing new to report.
I worked out of the home office today.
It was decided to wait until Wednesday's appointment for the wound check. As of last night, the area of concern did not appear to change.
Jennifer's doing better, although I have to exert extra due diligence toward her safety....I thought, being the caregiver would mean that I would take care of her wounds, ensure her health, etc. I did not know that I'd have to protect our food sources and keep Jennifer from subverting doctors orders by trying to sneak un-authorized foods. It's like watching a toddler getting into everything.
I read the doctors reports today. It's amazing what had to be done during the reconstruction....not just a cut-n-paste.
Insurance -- well. They're in it for profit, so I may have to get the crowbar out to pry away their wallets. Always fun.
Take care all. My next post may be Wednesday after the doctor's visits.
8:00 pm:
Okay. Something happened. We started watching Jim Gaffigan's Mr. universe....HILARIOUS!!! Jennifer was laughing so hard that the feeding tube shifted in her throat. It's more centered than off to the side, which is uncomfortable. We'll keep an eye on it. Hopefully it will shift back. Maybe I need to put in a sad movie...will that have the reverse effect?
I worked out of the home office today.
It was decided to wait until Wednesday's appointment for the wound check. As of last night, the area of concern did not appear to change.
Jennifer's doing better, although I have to exert extra due diligence toward her safety....I thought, being the caregiver would mean that I would take care of her wounds, ensure her health, etc. I did not know that I'd have to protect our food sources and keep Jennifer from subverting doctors orders by trying to sneak un-authorized foods. It's like watching a toddler getting into everything.
I read the doctors reports today. It's amazing what had to be done during the reconstruction....not just a cut-n-paste.
Insurance -- well. They're in it for profit, so I may have to get the crowbar out to pry away their wallets. Always fun.
Take care all. My next post may be Wednesday after the doctor's visits.
8:00 pm:
Okay. Something happened. We started watching Jim Gaffigan's Mr. universe....HILARIOUS!!! Jennifer was laughing so hard that the feeding tube shifted in her throat. It's more centered than off to the side, which is uncomfortable. We'll keep an eye on it. Hopefully it will shift back. Maybe I need to put in a sad movie...will that have the reverse effect?
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Weekend Update (June 10, 2012)
I took a few days to tend to some items at home, but am ready to give the weekend update.
Jennifer took the swallow test on Friday. She hates barium...I guess the taste buds are working. She was able to swallow liquids, with little effort. However, she had difficulty with thicker consistencies like applesauce and pudding. Couldn't quite locate it in her mouth.
We saw the speech therapist shortly after. He cleared her for liquids, not NOTHING else at this time. I did ask him if she felt she could graduate to something bigger like applesauce if she wanted to try. He said "NO." Jennifer, if you are reading this, I'm holding you to the letter of the law.
The trip home was terrible.....Friday afternoon traffic, thunder showers, and I45 made it a rough trip. Jennifer was sick and nauseous by the time we got home. I gave her medicine and was setting up her feeding tube when she started vomiting. Up comes the pain mess and barium and more pain from the convulsive strains. She tried sipping water, to no avail, it started again. So, I broke out the magic elixir, Coke in a bottle. I drove special to the convenience store to picK it up (oh, the things I do for my wife). She sipped a little and it seemed to settle her stomach. You've seen the lists of the many uses of Coca Cola....add another on to it. It's always worked for Jennifer.
After a couple of hours, she ate a little tomato soup and I tube fed some more....still behind schedule, but better.
Saturday
It's swim meet Saturday. Grace did well.
Jennifer was much stronger today. She's consuming more of the cans of food. She had gone over 14 hours without the pain meds. The swelling's going down. I picked up a lot of very delicious canned soups (all liquid), Boost, and Ensure. She's been eating like a queen. Of course, her mission is to get rid of the tube feeding, so she's trying hard. She gave me sad eyes when I was eating a Whataburger fry in front of her she wanted to put one ine her mouth just "for the flavor." I gave her one as a test and kept a close eye....I saw her jaw move in a chew motion. I KNEW IT! I couldn't trust her not to bite it. Fortunately, the chewed area did not come off the fry and I was able to salvage the embarrassment of NOT FOLLOWING DOCTOR'S ORDERS. Back to liquids.
I changed the dressing on her arm and was concerned about one area on the skin graft that appeared to be puffy, and more red than I liked. We called the reconstructive plastic surgery center at MD Anderson and I shot a pic to the doctor on call. Unfortunately, the cell phone picture doesn't do justice to the integrity of the shot, and the doc could not see anything out of the ordinary. Swelling and puffiness are normal. Jennifer didnt have other symptons like foul smell (the wound), pus, fever, etc. She said we could some in today if we felt it was an emergency, or on Monday for a wound check in the clinic. Bottom line is to keep the arm elevated and look for changes on the wound.
Sunday
Catherine had piano recital today. She was Awesome.
Jennifer is working diligently on tomato soup, Ensure, and Boost to get up to the 2000 calories she needs for the day. As her caregiver, I am hesitant to deviate to alternative diets like puréed cream of potato soup. Since she had difficulty with applesauce, I see her having diffulty with others right now, so I fall back on my previous statement from Friday. We will see the doctor on Wednesday and try to convince him otherwise.
So far today, no need for pain meds (none since Saturday afternoon). Swelling is better. I, being the awesome caregiver that Jennifer proclaims me to be, shampooed her hair, changed the tape on her feeding tube, and encouraged her to eat more by using the threat of feeding her with the tube. I also did a wound check to review the area of concern on her skin graft. I did not see a change to it from yesterday. In fact, it may have gone down a little, so we will wait until Monday.
With the decreased swelling, her tongue is starting to slowly realign. Originally, it was severely twisted with the free flap attached and looked much worse than how the doctor described his procedure. Now, I can see the tip of the tongue (previously not in position). I can now make out the shape and it lines up with what the surgeon said he did. Looking better.
7:10 pm update. What the heck? I put my wife to my 100% tried and true interrogation techniques and learned that she had been LYING to me, and thus herself. When I took Grace to the swim meet Saturday, Cat was put in charge...Jennifer persuaded her to give her a bit of puffy Cheetos. That's child abuse, to put her in that spot. From now on, I have padlocked the pantry and all food orders must come through me. And Cat's getting a spanking.
Jennifer took the swallow test on Friday. She hates barium...I guess the taste buds are working. She was able to swallow liquids, with little effort. However, she had difficulty with thicker consistencies like applesauce and pudding. Couldn't quite locate it in her mouth.
We saw the speech therapist shortly after. He cleared her for liquids, not NOTHING else at this time. I did ask him if she felt she could graduate to something bigger like applesauce if she wanted to try. He said "NO." Jennifer, if you are reading this, I'm holding you to the letter of the law.
The trip home was terrible.....Friday afternoon traffic, thunder showers, and I45 made it a rough trip. Jennifer was sick and nauseous by the time we got home. I gave her medicine and was setting up her feeding tube when she started vomiting. Up comes the pain mess and barium and more pain from the convulsive strains. She tried sipping water, to no avail, it started again. So, I broke out the magic elixir, Coke in a bottle. I drove special to the convenience store to picK it up (oh, the things I do for my wife). She sipped a little and it seemed to settle her stomach. You've seen the lists of the many uses of Coca Cola....add another on to it. It's always worked for Jennifer.
After a couple of hours, she ate a little tomato soup and I tube fed some more....still behind schedule, but better.
Saturday
It's swim meet Saturday. Grace did well.
Jennifer was much stronger today. She's consuming more of the cans of food. She had gone over 14 hours without the pain meds. The swelling's going down. I picked up a lot of very delicious canned soups (all liquid), Boost, and Ensure. She's been eating like a queen. Of course, her mission is to get rid of the tube feeding, so she's trying hard. She gave me sad eyes when I was eating a Whataburger fry in front of her she wanted to put one ine her mouth just "for the flavor." I gave her one as a test and kept a close eye....I saw her jaw move in a chew motion. I KNEW IT! I couldn't trust her not to bite it. Fortunately, the chewed area did not come off the fry and I was able to salvage the embarrassment of NOT FOLLOWING DOCTOR'S ORDERS. Back to liquids.
I changed the dressing on her arm and was concerned about one area on the skin graft that appeared to be puffy, and more red than I liked. We called the reconstructive plastic surgery center at MD Anderson and I shot a pic to the doctor on call. Unfortunately, the cell phone picture doesn't do justice to the integrity of the shot, and the doc could not see anything out of the ordinary. Swelling and puffiness are normal. Jennifer didnt have other symptons like foul smell (the wound), pus, fever, etc. She said we could some in today if we felt it was an emergency, or on Monday for a wound check in the clinic. Bottom line is to keep the arm elevated and look for changes on the wound.
Sunday
Catherine had piano recital today. She was Awesome.
Jennifer is working diligently on tomato soup, Ensure, and Boost to get up to the 2000 calories she needs for the day. As her caregiver, I am hesitant to deviate to alternative diets like puréed cream of potato soup. Since she had difficulty with applesauce, I see her having diffulty with others right now, so I fall back on my previous statement from Friday. We will see the doctor on Wednesday and try to convince him otherwise.
So far today, no need for pain meds (none since Saturday afternoon). Swelling is better. I, being the awesome caregiver that Jennifer proclaims me to be, shampooed her hair, changed the tape on her feeding tube, and encouraged her to eat more by using the threat of feeding her with the tube. I also did a wound check to review the area of concern on her skin graft. I did not see a change to it from yesterday. In fact, it may have gone down a little, so we will wait until Monday.
With the decreased swelling, her tongue is starting to slowly realign. Originally, it was severely twisted with the free flap attached and looked much worse than how the doctor described his procedure. Now, I can see the tip of the tongue (previously not in position). I can now make out the shape and it lines up with what the surgeon said he did. Looking better.
7:10 pm update. What the heck? I put my wife to my 100% tried and true interrogation techniques and learned that she had been LYING to me, and thus herself. When I took Grace to the swim meet Saturday, Cat was put in charge...Jennifer persuaded her to give her a bit of puffy Cheetos. That's child abuse, to put her in that spot. From now on, I have padlocked the pantry and all food orders must come through me. And Cat's getting a spanking.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)