It is time to say good-bye to the blog. If only I could have seen this day several months ago, the aches, tears, and stress of a brain tumor would have seemed so small. Stu is doing so well--he has been back at work for a week, 4 months ahead of schedule. His eyesight is clear and 20/20. He is out on a bike as I write, getting back in shape to compete in Iron Man Arizona in November 2009. I have no doubt that not only will he finish, but he will surpass all of his other previous Iron Man times.
For all of you who wonder if the surgeon zapped the Lifetime Movie channel part of his brain, the answer is "no". But, Stu has done laundry every day during his recovery, loaded, washed, and unloaded the dishwasher, and folded the cleaning towels into the neatest little piles. He did not do that (okay, rarely did that) prior to surgery. His mood is calm, he smiles, and has a great outlook on life. A good friend called last night and told me that Stu is so incredibly different from just before surgery--he described Stu as "soft and calm, like the Stu he first met years ago". God answers prayers in the strangest ways!
So, thank you for following the blog and thank you for the posted comments. There are over 200 people who have logged on! For me, the blog has been a way to sort my thoughts, keep myself sane, and keep in touch with friends and family. Mostly however, the blog is a record for Stu, so that he can go back and see the amazing journey he has been on, and how far he has travelled. He will have regular MRI's every 3 months to make sure the "stumor" hasn't returned, but I have not doubt that whatever comes, we can handle it together.
Isaiah 43: 1-3
But now thus says the Lord:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you:
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the water, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Thank you God, for giving me Stu back.
With love,
Deb
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Week 7 post-op
As you may have noticed, I am only updating the blog every week now--guess that means Stu is doing great!! He loves is "wings" (read 'car keys'). The freedom has been wonderful to both of us, and nice for all of our wonderful friends who have been driving Stu around. Stu goes to the gym almost every day, walks/runs on the treadmill, rides the stationary bike, and now lifts some weights. He still hasn't been on his road bike out on the open prairie for fear that he may fall and truly crack open his skull. That would be messy. He plans to get in the pool on Wednesday and join his swimming buddies in a workout.
Stu's 46th birthday was Saturday. He is a little more bald, thanks to the head shave, but that is temporary. We went out to dinner, and he enjoyed the texture of his food (best he can do without a sense of smell!!).
Stu isn't sure when he will be back at work, but it takes 3-6 months for the brain swelling to completely resolve. He will have another MRI at 3 months post-op, and I think that will give a better idea. For now, he is focused on gaining back some strength and endurance, resting well, and recovering. Happy Birthday!
Deb
Stu's 46th birthday was Saturday. He is a little more bald, thanks to the head shave, but that is temporary. We went out to dinner, and he enjoyed the texture of his food (best he can do without a sense of smell!!).
Stu isn't sure when he will be back at work, but it takes 3-6 months for the brain swelling to completely resolve. He will have another MRI at 3 months post-op, and I think that will give a better idea. For now, he is focused on gaining back some strength and endurance, resting well, and recovering. Happy Birthday!
Deb
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
6 weeks post-op
Stu is back on the road!! He just got permission to drive, and I'm sure that he will be out in the truck before I even get home today... Stu's dad has been here for a week helping Stu get to appointments, the gym, dinner, etc., and he has been a blessing. What a great father-in-law!!
Stu continues to get better every day. His double vision is completely gone. His puffy cheeks from the steroids are going away, as are the extra pounds from the steroid-induced eating. His nose has healed, and the scar on his head actually looks pretty good (he will tell you otherwise). He is sleeping well, although his snoring keeps the rest of us in the house from catching too many zzzz's. He has physical therapy just once a week now, just to keep an eye on his progress, but he can do most of it at the gym by himself. I don't think it will be long until he gets out on his road bike. Ironman Arizona is only 7 months away, so he will need help from his IM friends to get back in shape.
Keep the comments coming--Stu reads the blog every day!
Deb
Stu continues to get better every day. His double vision is completely gone. His puffy cheeks from the steroids are going away, as are the extra pounds from the steroid-induced eating. His nose has healed, and the scar on his head actually looks pretty good (he will tell you otherwise). He is sleeping well, although his snoring keeps the rest of us in the house from catching too many zzzz's. He has physical therapy just once a week now, just to keep an eye on his progress, but he can do most of it at the gym by himself. I don't think it will be long until he gets out on his road bike. Ironman Arizona is only 7 months away, so he will need help from his IM friends to get back in shape.
Keep the comments coming--Stu reads the blog every day!
Deb
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
5 weeks post-op
How nice it would have been to just skip over the last 5 weeks and jump to today. What a difference. Stu is doing fantastic--he was released from occupational therapy (OT), and now only has to go to physical therapy (PT) once a week. He has surpassed all of their milestones for recovery. He had an eye exam last week, and still has a little bit of double vision, so no driving yet.
Stu had an old friend from college visit over the weekend and the guys had a great time. They went for a hike on Saturday and Monday--slower than pre-surgery, but steady! The watched TV, laughed, ate, laughed, ate, and generally had a good time. Brad flew back yesterday, and Stu's dad arrived today (surprise!!) to help with the driving. Stu was very surprised (and pleased) when his dad walked in the door.
Stu doesn't know yet when he will be released to go back to work or to drive, but he is getting ready for both. I'm sure that being stuck at home gets pretty old after a while.
Deb
Stu had an old friend from college visit over the weekend and the guys had a great time. They went for a hike on Saturday and Monday--slower than pre-surgery, but steady! The watched TV, laughed, ate, laughed, ate, and generally had a good time. Brad flew back yesterday, and Stu's dad arrived today (surprise!!) to help with the driving. Stu was very surprised (and pleased) when his dad walked in the door.
Stu doesn't know yet when he will be released to go back to work or to drive, but he is getting ready for both. I'm sure that being stuck at home gets pretty old after a while.
Deb
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Amost 4 weeks since surgery
Stu went to Phoenix Sun's game last night and had a great time--it was a big outing for him! The picture posted is a little dark, but Stu is on the left, and Kyle, his Iron man training partner is on the right. He had a great night of basketball, beer, hot dogs and nachos.
It is hard to believe that it has been almost 4 weeks since surgery. Stu has started working out at the gym in addition to his physical therapy. He walks on the treadmill for about 20 minutes, and then spins on the recumbent bike for about 20 minutes. His double vision is almost gone, so that helps him a lot. He hasn't had a nose bleed, and he has been faithful following the doc's instructions to keep foreign objects out of his nostrils.
Stu won't let me post a picture of his head scar yet.....
Deb
It is hard to believe that it has been almost 4 weeks since surgery. Stu has started working out at the gym in addition to his physical therapy. He walks on the treadmill for about 20 minutes, and then spins on the recumbent bike for about 20 minutes. His double vision is almost gone, so that helps him a lot. He hasn't had a nose bleed, and he has been faithful following the doc's instructions to keep foreign objects out of his nostrils.
Stu won't let me post a picture of his head scar yet.....
Deb
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Three weeks, 2 days post-op
The visit to the ENT doc went well yesterday. My dad stayed with Stu until a friend arrived to take him to the doctor's appointment. No ambulance was needed, and the crime scene is clean. I haven't been put in shackles yet. Stu was told to keep the inside of his nose moist with Vaseline or Bacitracin ointment. Otherwise, NOTHING is to go in the nose--no tissues, no Q-tips, and especially no fingers. We shall see....
The double vision is improving each day. Stu isn't wearing the pirate's patch anymore. Anyone need a parrot??
Deb
The double vision is improving each day. Stu isn't wearing the pirate's patch anymore. Anyone need a parrot??
Deb
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
3 weeks, one day post-op
It is amazing what a difference 3 weeks can make. Stu is at home alone this week, as I returned to work on Monday. He is a little bit bored and feels stuck at home. Yesterday was his last dose of steroids (yeah!!), and his last dose of seizure medication. His double vision is getting much better (most likely a side effect of the seizure medication). He is wearing a ball cap rather than a do-rag, which is much improved. Most days he takes a shower and shaves (yeah again!)
The nose-picking OCD is not better. In fact, he has picked so much that Stu now gets regular nose bleeds. This morning I walked into the bathroom and found him standing at the sink with blood everywhere--on the floor, on counter, all over his face, and a trash can full of bloody tissues. It looked like a crime scene. As I was cleaning the floor with a wet rag and Chlorox, I could only imagine that CSI would still know that there was blood everywhere, and they would still suspect the wife. The "bloody nose" excuse just wouldn't cut mustard....
So, Stu is going to the ENT doctor today for official treatment of the bloody nose and hopefully to decrease the nose-picking habit. More to follow...
Deb
The nose-picking OCD is not better. In fact, he has picked so much that Stu now gets regular nose bleeds. This morning I walked into the bathroom and found him standing at the sink with blood everywhere--on the floor, on counter, all over his face, and a trash can full of bloody tissues. It looked like a crime scene. As I was cleaning the floor with a wet rag and Chlorox, I could only imagine that CSI would still know that there was blood everywhere, and they would still suspect the wife. The "bloody nose" excuse just wouldn't cut mustard....
So, Stu is going to the ENT doctor today for official treatment of the bloody nose and hopefully to decrease the nose-picking habit. More to follow...
Deb
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Rest Day
Stu had a wonderful surprise yesterday--his younger brother, Andy arrived to help out for a few days and to give me some rest. Andy and I planned the trip a week ago, and decided to keep it as a surprise for Stu. He seemed thrilled. He even took off his hat and showed Andy his scar!The two of them went out to dinner last night (I haven't heard who left the tip). I slept in the guest room--9 hours!!!!
Stu and Andy are at physical therapy this morning, and I am going to plant some flowers in the yard. This afternoon I might just go get a massage--who knows.
Stu is doing great with his physical therapy and continues to improve every day. He is a little anxious about me going back to work next Monday, since he will be alone in the house and can't drive. I think he is bored. If anyone has time during the day to visit or take him on an excursion, I'm sure he would be pleased.
Deb, well rested....
Stu and Andy are at physical therapy this morning, and I am going to plant some flowers in the yard. This afternoon I might just go get a massage--who knows.
Stu is doing great with his physical therapy and continues to improve every day. He is a little anxious about me going back to work next Monday, since he will be alone in the house and can't drive. I think he is bored. If anyone has time during the day to visit or take him on an excursion, I'm sure he would be pleased.
Deb, well rested....
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Day 7 at home--2 weeks post-op
What a difference 2 weeks can make--it was this time 2 weeks ago that I sat fretting in the surgery waiting room of Mayo Hospital holding back the tears, feeling so out of control. This morning, I shaved the rest of Stu's head, and left a pile of his hair on the floor. See the picture...
Today, we took a trip to one of our favorite breakfast places. On the way, the "cornflake" issue came up again. As Stu blew his nose into his handkerchief, he said that although he knows that I don't want to see certain things (aka buggers), he blew a huge chuck out and just HAD to share. I have to say, it was a pretty big chunk, but still.... Stu said this one had a heart beat and stem cells could probably be harvested from it. He just didn't understand my lack of enthusiasm as I looked at the dead fetal pig in his handkerchief. He kept picking it up, turning it over, in complete awe over what just came out of his nose. He said that if Lance, Brad, and Chris (college friends) were around to see his majestic bodily fluid, they would appreciate the moment. My thought: Why do men feel the need to save their snot? Women use Kleenex, which are thrown away--in the trash, where they should be. Men use cloth, which then has to be laundered, and those nasty "chunks" floating around in the rinse cycle just waiting to attach to another piece of unsuspecting clothing. Yuck.
So, for anyone who wants to visit, please come!! Bring Kleenex. Taking Stu for a walk is a good thing. Playing card games or Monopoly is a good thing. Stu likes to get out of the houseas well. I would suggest that if you take him out to eat, don't let him calculate the tip.
Deb
Today, we took a trip to one of our favorite breakfast places. On the way, the "cornflake" issue came up again. As Stu blew his nose into his handkerchief, he said that although he knows that I don't want to see certain things (aka buggers), he blew a huge chuck out and just HAD to share. I have to say, it was a pretty big chunk, but still.... Stu said this one had a heart beat and stem cells could probably be harvested from it. He just didn't understand my lack of enthusiasm as I looked at the dead fetal pig in his handkerchief. He kept picking it up, turning it over, in complete awe over what just came out of his nose. He said that if Lance, Brad, and Chris (college friends) were around to see his majestic bodily fluid, they would appreciate the moment. My thought: Why do men feel the need to save their snot? Women use Kleenex, which are thrown away--in the trash, where they should be. Men use cloth, which then has to be laundered, and those nasty "chunks" floating around in the rinse cycle just waiting to attach to another piece of unsuspecting clothing. Yuck.
So, for anyone who wants to visit, please come!! Bring Kleenex. Taking Stu for a walk is a good thing. Playing card games or Monopoly is a good thing. Stu likes to get out of the houseas well. I would suggest that if you take him out to eat, don't let him calculate the tip.
Deb
Monday, March 9, 2009
Monday, March 9--Day 6 at home
Sorry I haven't posted anything in a few days--all is well, and Stu is progressing nicely. He has even had a few showers since the last time I signed on!!
The stitches came out of his head yesterday (the lucky guy has a plastic surgeon at home who can at least do a few things). There were 35 of the little suckers, and Stu screamed for just about every one of them. He won't let me put a picture of the stitches on his head, but maybe I can convince him later. He is a much happier camper with the catheter out, normal bladder function, and now the rope gone around his scalp. He still wears a hat and a pirate's patch, but what the heck.
If any of you ever have a spouse who has brain surgery, let me give you a tip of what NOT to do: let them calculate the tip at a restaurant post-op. The occupational therapist suggested that it is an activity for Stu to do (with me watching). Last night we went to an Italian restaurant for a lovely dinner (sans pirate patch). The total cost of the meal was just over $36, and the total with tax just over $41. Stu put a $10 tip on the credit card slip, then pulled $10 out of his wallet. He said that the waitress was very good and attentive. Okay, the meal was good, and the waitress was fine, but is there something I am missing???? He left a $20 tip for a $36 meal!!! If Stu had not just had brain surgery a few weeks ago, I would be suspicious...
Stu loves the comments all of you are posting (he even posted one himself). Keep them coming!
Deb
The stitches came out of his head yesterday (the lucky guy has a plastic surgeon at home who can at least do a few things). There were 35 of the little suckers, and Stu screamed for just about every one of them. He won't let me put a picture of the stitches on his head, but maybe I can convince him later. He is a much happier camper with the catheter out, normal bladder function, and now the rope gone around his scalp. He still wears a hat and a pirate's patch, but what the heck.
If any of you ever have a spouse who has brain surgery, let me give you a tip of what NOT to do: let them calculate the tip at a restaurant post-op. The occupational therapist suggested that it is an activity for Stu to do (with me watching). Last night we went to an Italian restaurant for a lovely dinner (sans pirate patch). The total cost of the meal was just over $36, and the total with tax just over $41. Stu put a $10 tip on the credit card slip, then pulled $10 out of his wallet. He said that the waitress was very good and attentive. Okay, the meal was good, and the waitress was fine, but is there something I am missing???? He left a $20 tip for a $36 meal!!! If Stu had not just had brain surgery a few weeks ago, I would be suspicious...
Stu loves the comments all of you are posting (he even posted one himself). Keep them coming!
Deb
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Day 2 at home
The personal hygiene is a little better today--Stu got up, took a shower, shaved, and brushed his teeth. The catheter came out as well. The "mood" however is like PMS on steroids. This is going to be a fun recovery for everyone around him. I'm ready to ask the neurosurgeon to put the tumor back in!
Stu went to PT and OT today where they worked him hard. He will continue with physical therapy about 3 times per week. His gait is still just a little wobbly and sometimes his balance is off, but improving every day. He is supposed to play cards, scrabble, board games, etc at home for therapy, but fat chance that will happen. If anyone wants to stop by for a good game of Trivial Pursuit, please come over!!! (just don't expect you-know-who to be in a welcoming mood). Stu was such a funny person when he was high on pain meds....
Deb
Stu went to PT and OT today where they worked him hard. He will continue with physical therapy about 3 times per week. His gait is still just a little wobbly and sometimes his balance is off, but improving every day. He is supposed to play cards, scrabble, board games, etc at home for therapy, but fat chance that will happen. If anyone wants to stop by for a good game of Trivial Pursuit, please come over!!! (just don't expect you-know-who to be in a welcoming mood). Stu was such a funny person when he was high on pain meds....
Deb
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Day one at home (feels like day 100)
It has been a long day.... Stu plopped down on the chair in the family room about 5:30 am, and didn't get up until I made him go for a walk about noon. Then he went back to the chair until a friend came over and made him walk mid-afternoon. He has been back in the chair ever since. The personal hygiene thing has got to improve soon. I am not interested in seeing what he digs out of his nose. Period.
On a lighter side, we received a wonderful package from my Aunt Elly--it is a prayer shawl that was knitted in a 3-stitch Trinity pattern with "prayers for healing, comfort , peace, hope, and love added as the knitting progressed". The shawl was blessed by the Parish Prayer Shawl Ministry in Albion, Indiana (where she lives) on February 24th (Stu's surgery day). The enclosed note gave instructions for the shawl to be used as we wish, and be cradled in hope, kept in joy, graced with peace, and wrapped in love. I cried when I opened the package and read the note (I love you Aunt Elly!!). The shawl is beautiful and soft. It will be used with love.
My uncle passed away just a few days before Christmas, and my aunt cared for him during a prolonged illness for several years, but most severely in the last 6 months of his life. She is an amazing woman--incredibly strong, patient, and giving. If I can be even just a little like her during Stu's recovery, then I am doing good.
Tonight I need some sleep, as tomorrow will be another long day.
Deb
On a lighter side, we received a wonderful package from my Aunt Elly--it is a prayer shawl that was knitted in a 3-stitch Trinity pattern with "prayers for healing, comfort , peace, hope, and love added as the knitting progressed". The shawl was blessed by the Parish Prayer Shawl Ministry in Albion, Indiana (where she lives) on February 24th (Stu's surgery day). The enclosed note gave instructions for the shawl to be used as we wish, and be cradled in hope, kept in joy, graced with peace, and wrapped in love. I cried when I opened the package and read the note (I love you Aunt Elly!!). The shawl is beautiful and soft. It will be used with love.
My uncle passed away just a few days before Christmas, and my aunt cared for him during a prolonged illness for several years, but most severely in the last 6 months of his life. She is an amazing woman--incredibly strong, patient, and giving. If I can be even just a little like her during Stu's recovery, then I am doing good.
Tonight I need some sleep, as tomorrow will be another long day.
Deb
Day 1 at home
OMG--Stu is milking this one. We stopped at Wendy's on the way home yesterday to get a Frosty and a fish sandwich, picked up the dog, and headed home. Stu took a 4 hour nap. He wanted spaghetti and meatballs for dinner at one of our favorite Italian restaurants. I told him "no shower, no spaghetti". He finally showered, shaved, and put on fresh clothes. Yeah!!! When we arrived at the restaurant (cap and pirate patch on), he ordered a salad with salmon. Go figure.
Stu didn't sleep well last night, but at least he stayed in bed. I slept in the guest room next door because I have a wicked cold and cough and didn't want to keep him up (okay, he didn't want me to keep him up). Stu just hollered if he needed anything. He wore one of those eye covers they (used to) give you on long plane trips to keep the light out. He wouldn't take it off this morning to go to the family room. So, I led the blind man with the catheter out to the family room, propped him on the chair in front of the TV, and made him coffee served with a bendy straw, 2 Pop tarts, got his slippers, a blanket, made him Orange Jell-O with pineapple, and took care of the dogs. Now he is asleep in the chair. It is going to be a looonnnng day.
Stu didn't sleep well last night, but at least he stayed in bed. I slept in the guest room next door because I have a wicked cold and cough and didn't want to keep him up (okay, he didn't want me to keep him up). Stu just hollered if he needed anything. He wore one of those eye covers they (used to) give you on long plane trips to keep the light out. He wouldn't take it off this morning to go to the family room. So, I led the blind man with the catheter out to the family room, propped him on the chair in front of the TV, and made him coffee served with a bendy straw, 2 Pop tarts, got his slippers, a blanket, made him Orange Jell-O with pineapple, and took care of the dogs. Now he is asleep in the chair. It is going to be a looonnnng day.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Post-op Day 7: DISCHARGE DAY!!!!!
Home today!! The rehab doctor evaluated Stu yesterday, and said that he is stable enough to go home today and return for outpatient rehab. I raced home last night to get the house ready--basically baby-proofing the house so that Stu won't trip on anything or get into trouble. I put a rubber in the shower, non-slip bathmats on the floor, and moved any throw rugs. Sharp objects are in hiding....
Stu is not happy about the catheter--he has to have it "in" for a week to let his bladder rest. At least he doesn't have to get up in the middle of the night to pee!!
The information I have now is that Stu can't drive for 3 months, and will not be back at work for 6 months. I suppose all of that depends on how he progresses, and everything can change. I'll bet he is back to work in just a few months, and back on his bike in a few weeks.
Now, if I can just convince him that a shower is a good thing....
Deb
Stu is not happy about the catheter--he has to have it "in" for a week to let his bladder rest. At least he doesn't have to get up in the middle of the night to pee!!
The information I have now is that Stu can't drive for 3 months, and will not be back at work for 6 months. I suppose all of that depends on how he progresses, and everything can change. I'll bet he is back to work in just a few months, and back on his bike in a few weeks.
Now, if I can just convince him that a shower is a good thing....
Deb
Monday, March 2, 2009
Post-op day 6: 5 pm
It is a warm afternoon, about 85 degrees outside and a beautiful day. Stu and I went for a walk this morning all over the hospital and to the clinic building next door. He refuses to take a shower, shave, or change his clothes. I know that he can't smell, but he doesn't realize that the rest of us CAN. He needs a lesson in personal hygiene.
The rehab doctor saw Stu this morning while he was with the physical therapist, and is very pleased with his progress. He walks fairly well, but can't do the "walk the straight line" test the cops use when they pull over a drunk. So, they want to send him home with me tomorrow and he will return for out patient therapy. I don't know how will take care of a brain injured husband, and crazy young dog, and old easy dog, and another old invalid dogs who falls over. It will be a challenge.
The catheter came out just a few hours ago, but Stu still can't pee on his own. The nurse just told me that I will have to cath him at home every 4 hours. How far does love go??? This is the true test...
Stu also has double vision from nerve injury to his eyes--the muscles don't work exactly right, but they will recover. For now, he has to wear a pirate patch over one eye for 2 hours, then move the patch to the other eye. He just needs a parrot on his shoulder. Since he has double vision, does that mean that I look twice as good?
More later!!!
Deb
The rehab doctor saw Stu this morning while he was with the physical therapist, and is very pleased with his progress. He walks fairly well, but can't do the "walk the straight line" test the cops use when they pull over a drunk. So, they want to send him home with me tomorrow and he will return for out patient therapy. I don't know how will take care of a brain injured husband, and crazy young dog, and old easy dog, and another old invalid dogs who falls over. It will be a challenge.
The catheter came out just a few hours ago, but Stu still can't pee on his own. The nurse just told me that I will have to cath him at home every 4 hours. How far does love go??? This is the true test...
Stu also has double vision from nerve injury to his eyes--the muscles don't work exactly right, but they will recover. For now, he has to wear a pirate patch over one eye for 2 hours, then move the patch to the other eye. He just needs a parrot on his shoulder. Since he has double vision, does that mean that I look twice as good?
More later!!!
Deb
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Post-op day 5: 11:30 am
I can't believe it has only been 5 days since surgery! The doctors decided to keep Stu in the hospital for another week as an in-patient in rehab. He will move to the rehab floor (3rd floor of the hospital) tomorrow. They are guessing about a week, but it will depend upon his progress--could be more, could be less. He is in therapy right now as I type.
It was shower day this morning. Although Stu can't smell, the rest of us can, and he needed a shower. As much as guys joke about wanting a sponge bath from a good looking nurse, it just doesn't do the same thing as a good scrub-down under running water. So, the man who would never let me even scrub his back pre-surgery let me scrub every nook and cranny this morning without too much protest. I even washed his hair and scar... It was tricky getting him dressed again, especially the socks. I never was good at getting socks on little kids, and I suck at getting those tight white compression hose on an adult. He has clean clothes on (t-shirt, boxers, and hospital bottoms). He still wanted him same hat, even though I bought him a few new ones for Valentine's day in preparation. Men.
It is almost lunch time. We usually sit in the room and have lurch together. It is nice.
Deb
It was shower day this morning. Although Stu can't smell, the rest of us can, and he needed a shower. As much as guys joke about wanting a sponge bath from a good looking nurse, it just doesn't do the same thing as a good scrub-down under running water. So, the man who would never let me even scrub his back pre-surgery let me scrub every nook and cranny this morning without too much protest. I even washed his hair and scar... It was tricky getting him dressed again, especially the socks. I never was good at getting socks on little kids, and I suck at getting those tight white compression hose on an adult. He has clean clothes on (t-shirt, boxers, and hospital bottoms). He still wanted him same hat, even though I bought him a few new ones for Valentine's day in preparation. Men.
It is almost lunch time. We usually sit in the room and have lurch together. It is nice.
Deb
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Post-op day 4: 2:30 pm
Stu just got back from a long walk with the physical therapist. As a treat, my sister brought Stu's dog to the front door of the hospital and Stu got to play with his 16 year old dog, Austin. Both of them were very, very happy!!
I haven't been able to stop the nose picking OCD... he just asked for a tissue because he said he has a "keeper". My sister brought Stu 2 boxes of Puffs Plus today to protect that cute little nose. The Puffs are absorbent--they absorb lots of blood and chunks. OMG--he just pulled another chunk out called it a "bad boy". Does brain surgery cause a person to pick their nose? He told the nurse yesterday "you can pick your nose, you can pick your friends, but you can't pick your friend's nose". Where does he come up with this stuff??? Do you think I can find a muzzle for a human nose on e-Bay?
Deb
I haven't been able to stop the nose picking OCD... he just asked for a tissue because he said he has a "keeper". My sister brought Stu 2 boxes of Puffs Plus today to protect that cute little nose. The Puffs are absorbent--they absorb lots of blood and chunks. OMG--he just pulled another chunk out called it a "bad boy". Does brain surgery cause a person to pick their nose? He told the nurse yesterday "you can pick your nose, you can pick your friends, but you can't pick your friend's nose". Where does he come up with this stuff??? Do you think I can find a muzzle for a human nose on e-Bay?
Deb
Post-op day 4: 9:30 am
I'm sitting beside Stu again while he picks his nose--he can get his finger in up to the second knuckle. It is getting disgusting. He just says "sorry" when I tell him to stop picking. After he was done with the "cornflakes", my sister brought him breakfast from Chick-fil-A, including the chocolate milkshake he requested. What a lucky guy.
The dreaded catheter is back in his bladder. Stu couldn't quite "empty" last night, and had to have it threaded back in. For all of you guys who don't know where a catheter goes, well, it just follows the stream of urine right up to the bladder. You don't get a general anesthetic to have it inserted, and you don't get any local anesthesia either. :)w
Stu has more physical therapy and occupational therapy today. Otherwise it should be a quite day. Depending on how his therapy goes over the weekend, he will either be home on Monday or admitted to in-patient rehab here at Mayo.
Deb
The dreaded catheter is back in his bladder. Stu couldn't quite "empty" last night, and had to have it threaded back in. For all of you guys who don't know where a catheter goes, well, it just follows the stream of urine right up to the bladder. You don't get a general anesthetic to have it inserted, and you don't get any local anesthesia either. :)w
Stu has more physical therapy and occupational therapy today. Otherwise it should be a quite day. Depending on how his therapy goes over the weekend, he will either be home on Monday or admitted to in-patient rehab here at Mayo.
Deb
Post-op day 4: 5 am
Stu and I watched a movie together last night--or at least I watched, he dozed. It was Iron Man--very good moving for those of you who haven't seen it. I tucked him in at about 8 pm last night. kissed him goodnight, and hopefully he had a good night's sleep. He wants a milkshake for breakfast (chocolate).
He wants to have visitors--5 West, room 2. If he is sleeping, let him rest. Keep the visits pretty short, but he said he wants the company. His parents flying back to Iowa tomorrow.
Deb
He wants to have visitors--5 West, room 2. If he is sleeping, let him rest. Keep the visits pretty short, but he said he wants the company. His parents flying back to Iowa tomorrow.
Deb
Friday, February 27, 2009
Post-op day 3: 5:00 pm
The day is getting better. Stu is enjoying his new room--he is in a t-shirt rather than the hospital gown. I gave him a sponge bath :) and had him shave and brush his teeth. We did another lap around the nurse's station. The PA came in a changed his head bandage. I saw the stitches for the first time..
Okay, so I am a plastic surgeon, and I see all kinds of nasty stuff--blood, guts, pus, etc. However, when I saw the stitches across his entire scalp, a huge wave of nausea hit me. Ugh. It is different when it is on family.
The OT (occupational therapist) came in to work with him this afternoon. It was fascinating. Stu had trouble telling time on the clock (he couldn't do it at all yesterday). He had to sort a deck of cards by suits, and after about 7 minutes, he still didn't have it complete. He had to count coins and make change, and was very slow. He wrote down his name and our address, and his handwriting was just a little bit different andhe wrote things out differently. The therapist said it was a huge improvement from yesterday, but it was subtleties that I wouldn't have seen otherwise just from conversation. He confuses time of day--thought he had a milkshake for breakfast, but it was last night. He recognizes everyone and remembers names without problems. However, his sense of humor is increased. He has been dancing as JT all day "bringing sexy back"....
He still is picking cornflakes (or branflakes) out if his nose, and doesn't realize everyone is watching. I hope that habit goes away!
Deb
Okay, so I am a plastic surgeon, and I see all kinds of nasty stuff--blood, guts, pus, etc. However, when I saw the stitches across his entire scalp, a huge wave of nausea hit me. Ugh. It is different when it is on family.
The OT (occupational therapist) came in to work with him this afternoon. It was fascinating. Stu had trouble telling time on the clock (he couldn't do it at all yesterday). He had to sort a deck of cards by suits, and after about 7 minutes, he still didn't have it complete. He had to count coins and make change, and was very slow. He wrote down his name and our address, and his handwriting was just a little bit different andhe wrote things out differently. The therapist said it was a huge improvement from yesterday, but it was subtleties that I wouldn't have seen otherwise just from conversation. He confuses time of day--thought he had a milkshake for breakfast, but it was last night. He recognizes everyone and remembers names without problems. However, his sense of humor is increased. He has been dancing as JT all day "bringing sexy back"....
He still is picking cornflakes (or branflakes) out if his nose, and doesn't realize everyone is watching. I hope that habit goes away!
Deb
Post-op day 3: 1:45 pm
Stu has busted out of ICU---he is free!!! He is now on a regular hospital floor, 5W-02. Yeah! He still had padded bed rails in case he gets a little rowdy, but otherwise he looks great. The physical therapists and occupational therapists (PT and OT) will start working with him more. He is a little wobbly on his feet, but seems okay.
Hopefully Stu will be able to get a little more sleep in his new room (me too).
:)
Deb
Hopefully Stu will be able to get a little more sleep in his new room (me too).
:)
Deb
Post-op day 3: 8 am
It was a much better night. I spoke with Stu's nurse at 5 am to check on him, and she said that he slept just a tiny bit, but wasn't the raging lunatic that he was the night before. The handcuffs are off. I left Stu with his cell phone last night when I left the hospital, and he called me on the cell at 6 am asking where I was and how soon I would be there. I think he misses me....
So, here I am, sitting quietly in the corner of his room while he watches golf. Somehow that part of his brain that likes Lifetime Movie Channel (aka "Chickalodian") just hasn't kicked in yet. I might have to give up on that idea.
He is heading down to get a CT scan shortly, and if all looks good, he will move out of ICU and to a regular room. Hopefully, he can get some sleep.
Stu wanted to me know this morning that he got 6 cornflake size buggers out of his nose last last night. He also said that he now has a reputation with the ICU nurses that he is a picker and a fidget (not complementary)-hence the handcuffs.
He is still wearing the bandage on his head--haven't seen the scar yet or the lovely haircut. That will be a fun one to post.
Deb
So, here I am, sitting quietly in the corner of his room while he watches golf. Somehow that part of his brain that likes Lifetime Movie Channel (aka "Chickalodian") just hasn't kicked in yet. I might have to give up on that idea.
He is heading down to get a CT scan shortly, and if all looks good, he will move out of ICU and to a regular room. Hopefully, he can get some sleep.
Stu wanted to me know this morning that he got 6 cornflake size buggers out of his nose last last night. He also said that he now has a reputation with the ICU nurses that he is a picker and a fidget (not complementary)-hence the handcuffs.
He is still wearing the bandage on his head--haven't seen the scar yet or the lovely haircut. That will be a fun one to post.
Deb
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Post-op day 2: 4:30 pm
The Starbucks in on its way--my sister Jennie is bringing in the Pike Place Roast with 1/4 inch of half and half, as requested. The cookie is on the nightstand...
It has been a good afternoon. Stu took a little nap, finally, but still has his handcuffs on. He keeps the remote in his hand, and has just enough slack on the restraints to reach his "junk". He thinks this is heaven. He said he is really Bruce Banner, and all the nurses find are shreds of green clothing left on the bed. My friend Alison and I gave Stu and hand rub, and since he couldn't escape, we washed his feet and gave him a foot rub too. As we were massaging his calves, one of the male PA's came in the room behind us. Stu pulled up his jammie bottoms, and motioned with his fingers "up here". Yeah, get us in trouble! I think the surgery stimulated his sense of humor!
I'm definitely taking the wrist restraints home!
Deb
It has been a good afternoon. Stu took a little nap, finally, but still has his handcuffs on. He keeps the remote in his hand, and has just enough slack on the restraints to reach his "junk". He thinks this is heaven. He said he is really Bruce Banner, and all the nurses find are shreds of green clothing left on the bed. My friend Alison and I gave Stu and hand rub, and since he couldn't escape, we washed his feet and gave him a foot rub too. As we were massaging his calves, one of the male PA's came in the room behind us. Stu pulled up his jammie bottoms, and motioned with his fingers "up here". Yeah, get us in trouble! I think the surgery stimulated his sense of humor!
I'm definitely taking the wrist restraints home!
Deb
Post-op day 2: 2:30 pm
Stu is finally sleeping. I stepped out to the waiting room so that he will sleep. He did better later in the morning, and did another lap around the nurse's station. He ate lunch (chocolate shake, half of a ham sandwich) and a celery stick. He finally got his coffee!! The cookies are waiting for him tonight. He is still in handcuffs, but the leg restraints are off. My sister thought I should take the handcuffs home for later use... :)
Stu will have another CT scan tomorrow morning, and if all looks okay and he isn't crazy, he can escape from ICU and go to a regular room. I'm getting to know all of the families waiting in the ICU waiting room--kind of feels like prison--we all ask each other "what are you in for?".
Deb
Stu will have another CT scan tomorrow morning, and if all looks okay and he isn't crazy, he can escape from ICU and go to a regular room. I'm getting to know all of the families waiting in the ICU waiting room--kind of feels like prison--we all ask each other "what are you in for?".
Deb
Post-op day 2: 9:15 am
Stu had a rough night last night. He was getting agitated when I left, and it kept getting worse. The surgeon changed the bandage on his head about 8 pm because he partially pulled it off. He pulled it off 2 more times during the night, pulled out both drains in his scalp, and pulled out the lumbar drain (the drain in his back which decreases the pressure in his head). He was put in 4-point restraints (hands and feet tied) to keep him from injuring himself. The bed is padded on the side rails now. He has been reacting to the steroids ("roid rage"), and gets very agitated. When the nurse asks him to stop, he says "okay", and stops for about 2 seconds, then starts to pull at things again. He is very polite. He was asking for me early this morning, and asked if I had called. I am sitting by his bed as I type, and he is asking me to remove the wrist restraints. I breaks my heart...
Stu let me shave him a while ago--still have to tooth brushing to go. He really likes his nurses, Betti (day), and Dawn Marie (night). They have been amazing with him. Stu hasn't slept much at all since surgery, which adds to the confusion and agitation. Unfortunately, sedation is not an option with a neuro patient, as it would mask any symptoms of other problems.
I know that today and tomorrow will be bad days-the most brain swelling. It is so painful to watch the person you love the most in the world go through this--I would take his place in a second if I could.
Gotta go--the little Houdini just slipped out of his wrist restraints..
Deb
Stu let me shave him a while ago--still have to tooth brushing to go. He really likes his nurses, Betti (day), and Dawn Marie (night). They have been amazing with him. Stu hasn't slept much at all since surgery, which adds to the confusion and agitation. Unfortunately, sedation is not an option with a neuro patient, as it would mask any symptoms of other problems.
I know that today and tomorrow will be bad days-the most brain swelling. It is so painful to watch the person you love the most in the world go through this--I would take his place in a second if I could.
Gotta go--the little Houdini just slipped out of his wrist restraints..
Deb
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Post-op day 1: 5:45 pm
Stu just had dinner--yummy yellow jello, rainbow sorbet, and orange drink. Ohhh-such wonderful hospital food! I can't believe people actually buy Jello in cafeterias or other restaurants--it is meant only for hospitals and recovery.
Stu did a whole lap around the nurse's station for his walk this afternoon. It kind of pooped him out, but he is ready for a swim. He is ready for his Iron Man training!
I'm signing off for the night, and will try to get some sleep tonight. I'm tired.
And by the way, his nurse today is Nurse Betti.. (she is great)
Deb
Stu did a whole lap around the nurse's station for his walk this afternoon. It kind of pooped him out, but he is ready for a swim. He is ready for his Iron Man training!
I'm signing off for the night, and will try to get some sleep tonight. I'm tired.
And by the way, his nurse today is Nurse Betti.. (she is great)
Deb
Post op day 1: 3:20 pm
Well, no coffee or cookies for Stu yet--just that wonderful hospital delicacy of orange Jello. He let the nurse, then me, spoon feed him. He is still asking for Starbucks, however....
The physical therapists are in the room right now getting him out of bed and in the chair again. He is happy to have the catheter out of his bladder, but it hurts to pee. He has been watching golf, moaning,
Oh my goodness---forget the chair, he is going for a walk!! His cute little butt is sticking out of the back of his gown. They are testing the strength in his feet,a nd he is a little wobbly, but seems to be doing fine. The surgeon just came in the room, and said he is doing very well. The brian will have maximum swelling at day 2 and 3, so he may get a little groggy tomorrow and the next day. He will stay in ICU until then, and in the hospital until at least next Monday. All is well so far, and God has been listening.
Thank you for the e-mails and comments. I have been reading them to Stu, and he loves it!
Deb
The physical therapists are in the room right now getting him out of bed and in the chair again. He is happy to have the catheter out of his bladder, but it hurts to pee. He has been watching golf, moaning,
Oh my goodness---forget the chair, he is going for a walk!! His cute little butt is sticking out of the back of his gown. They are testing the strength in his feet,a nd he is a little wobbly, but seems to be doing fine. The surgeon just came in the room, and said he is doing very well. The brian will have maximum swelling at day 2 and 3, so he may get a little groggy tomorrow and the next day. He will stay in ICU until then, and in the hospital until at least next Monday. All is well so far, and God has been listening.
Thank you for the e-mails and comments. I have been reading them to Stu, and he loves it!
Deb
Post-op day 1: 10:15 am
My my, I have a very impatient husband. He wants to get out of bed and sit in a chair (then his catheter can come out of his bladder). The nurse wants him to wait for the physical therapist, but he wants it NOW. I'm thinking that bringing in his bike on the trainer would be a good thing.
And, he wants coffee, with cream, and a cookie. He is a hungry man. I'm in his room watching CSPAN (true love). I tried to convince him that he really loves to watch Lifetime, but I couldn't pull that one over on him--yet.
Deb
And, he wants coffee, with cream, and a cookie. He is a hungry man. I'm in his room watching CSPAN (true love). I tried to convince him that he really loves to watch Lifetime, but I couldn't pull that one over on him--yet.
Deb
Post-op day 1: 9:20 am
Stu is back from his CT scan, and I am waiting for results. Stu's parents are with him right now. He looks MUCH better this morning, and is much more comfortable. He said that his head hurts just a little, and he is able to lie still. He is drinking a little bit of water, and may sit up in a chair later today. He is in ICU (I thought it was intermediate care, but was wrong).
I'll be here all day checking in on him, testing the new software. I love my Stu....
Deb
I'll be here all day checking in on him, testing the new software. I love my Stu....
Deb
Post-op day 1: 4:30 am
It has been a long night. The ICU was full, and Stu didn't get a room assignment until midnight. They let me in the recovery room to see him, and then again at midnight when he got to his room. I just saw him again. He hates the bandage on his head, and says that it feels like a wire is wrapped around his forehead. He hurts. He also hates the catheter in his bladder, and said "I have to take a bladder busting piss". When Alison went in to see him, he said "Hey Alison, I'm peeing, having a catheter blasting pee". He is just tossing and turning in bed, twisting himself in all of the cords.
Stu's resting heart rate is 48 (yeah Iron man!!), which is freaking out the nurses. When he is agitated, his heart rate goes up to 65... (zone 1.03). Freak.
He is scheduled for a CT scan of his head around 8 am, just to check out the inside of his skull. Last night when I saw in the recovery room, he said he was "still working on the UPS problem". I asked him what UPS problem, and he said "delivering to the right house". Where did that come from?? He hadn't solved the problem by midnight--I'll ask him again today.
Time for a shower and some breakfast. Like Tom Boudette says, I'll keep the lights on....
Deb
Stu's resting heart rate is 48 (yeah Iron man!!), which is freaking out the nurses. When he is agitated, his heart rate goes up to 65... (zone 1.03). Freak.
He is scheduled for a CT scan of his head around 8 am, just to check out the inside of his skull. Last night when I saw in the recovery room, he said he was "still working on the UPS problem". I asked him what UPS problem, and he said "delivering to the right house". Where did that come from?? He hadn't solved the problem by midnight--I'll ask him again today.
Time for a shower and some breakfast. Like Tom Boudette says, I'll keep the lights on....
Deb
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Surgery Day: 6:45 pm
I saw Stu in the recovery room. He is awake and talking to me. His head hurts (duh), and he wants the bandage off. I will make sure that I get a picture of the skull cap and post it on the blog. His upper lip is a little bit swollen, and his face just a little bit puffy, but not bad. His parents haven't seen him yet, but should be able to soon.
Stu will have a CT scan in the morning (routine). He has a drain under his scalp to drain any blood from under the skin, and lots of IV's coming out of his arms and neck. Yes, he has a catheter in his bladder, in case any of you guys want to know.
I'm here for the night, camping out on a chair or the floor. Stu can't get rid of me no matter how hard he has tried!! What a lucky guy....
:)
Deb
Stu will have a CT scan in the morning (routine). He has a drain under his scalp to drain any blood from under the skin, and lots of IV's coming out of his arms and neck. Yes, he has a catheter in his bladder, in case any of you guys want to know.
I'm here for the night, camping out on a chair or the floor. Stu can't get rid of me no matter how hard he has tried!! What a lucky guy....
:)
Deb
Surgery Day: 5 pm and DONE!!
Stu is out of surgery!!!! He is doing very well, talking in the recovery room, counting fingers, knows who he is, and says that he loves me!!!!! The tumor is benign, and everything went well. He will be transferred to intermediate care in about 2 hours, but they will let me see him in recovery very soon. What a very long day.
YEAH!!!!!!
The software upgrade has been installed. The stumor is gone!!!
Deb
YEAH!!!!!!
The software upgrade has been installed. The stumor is gone!!!
Deb
Surgery Day: 3:40 pm
Good news from the OR--they are closing!!!!!!! He should be out of surgery by about 4:30. I am waiting for the call that the surgeon is waiting to talk to me. YEAH!!!
More in just a little while.....
More in just a little while.....
Surgery Day: 3:00 pm
The day is getting long--lots of people have come and gone, the cafeteria (camp Stu) is clearing out, and the dinner crowd will be coming soon. The last update said that Stu is still doing very well, stable as a rock, and although slow, the tumor is coming out bit by bit. They haven't given me a time frame yet of how much longer. I'm hoping that when he gets to the recovery room that they will let me in to see him. Otherwise, he will be there about 2 hours before moving to the ICU.
I will be here all night with him, and keep the posts going.
Deb
I will be here all night with him, and keep the posts going.
Deb
Surgery Day 1:40 pm
Just got another update--the same, still doing well. No estimate yet about how much longer. They have most of the tumor out, but now is the small tedious stuff. Stu is stable.
I think I will have to ask if they can stimulate the part of the brain with "romance", "flowers", "diamonds", and "cuddling".....
Deb
I think I will have to ask if they can stimulate the part of the brain with "romance", "flowers", "diamonds", and "cuddling".....
Deb
Surgery Day 12:45 pm
Just got another update from the OR--most of the tumor is out, but now they have to work on the little parts by the base of the brain. It is the "detail" work, so will take some time. They didn't give any estimates of how much longer, but Stu is stable and doing well.
Thank you again to everyone for the e-mails and prayers. I know that the blog site is freezing up when you try to post a comment, but keep trying. I love the comments!!
Just got a note from the anesthesiologist--"Stu is making our job very easy! Nice and smooth".
Deb
Thank you again to everyone for the e-mails and prayers. I know that the blog site is freezing up when you try to post a comment, but keep trying. I love the comments!!
Just got a note from the anesthesiologist--"Stu is making our job very easy! Nice and smooth".
Deb
Surgery Day, 11:40 am
Just got an update from the operating room "Doing well.... good bit of the tumor is out".
Deb
Deb
Surgery Day, 9:55 am
The surgery has started--they called me at 8:45 am to let me know the incision has been made and he is doing well. The nurse anesthetist will text me about every hour with updates. So far there are 10 of us invading a space in the cafeteria just waiting--we are pretty much camped out.
The picture is the gang in waiting...
Deb
The picture is the gang in waiting...
Deb
Surgery Day, 8:10 am
Stu is in the operating room now. They wheeled him in right at 7:30--I kissed him goodbye and told him that I love him--then I cried. One of my friends, Alison, was waiting for me in the surgery waiting room to take me to breakfast. I should get a call about 8:30 when they actually start the surgery. Stu's parents will arrive soon, and my parents will be here today as well.
Thank you to all of you who have been sending e-mails, comments on the blogs, and prayers. We have heard and felt them all. This is the day I have been dreading. I am always really good as a surgeon to make sure that I talk to families in the waiting room right away after surgery, as I see the stress they endure (even for very simple operations). Now I am in their shoes, and I hate it here.
Keep the prayers coming all day.
Deb
Thank you to all of you who have been sending e-mails, comments on the blogs, and prayers. We have heard and felt them all. This is the day I have been dreading. I am always really good as a surgeon to make sure that I talk to families in the waiting room right away after surgery, as I see the stress they endure (even for very simple operations). Now I am in their shoes, and I hate it here.
Keep the prayers coming all day.
Deb
Surgery Day, 5;15 am
It is the big day. It is still dark outside, but the nurses are busy with Stu. He is getting lose lovely white stockings on his legs, and the OR crew will be in his room to take him to the OR holding area in a few minutes. Stu didn't sleep much last night, since the nurses were checking on him frequently. He isn't quite as chipper this morning as he was last night (neither am I).
Surgery will start at 7:30 am, and is expected to take anywhere from 8-10 hours. I will keep frequent posts throughout the day. Please keep Stu (and the neurosurgeon, Mark Lyons) in your prayers.
Deb
Surgery will start at 7:30 am, and is expected to take anywhere from 8-10 hours. I will keep frequent posts throughout the day. Please keep Stu (and the neurosurgeon, Mark Lyons) in your prayers.
Deb
Monday, February 23, 2009
Hospital Admission Day
Monday, February 23
The arteriogram is done, and Stu is doing great. There were very few blood vessels to the tumor, which is a really good thing. They didn't embolize anything, since there weren't any vessels there. The test took only 2 hours. Stu was having fun with the nurses--they had to shave a little bit of the groin before putting in the IV catheter, and he asked the nurse to either shave in the shape of a heart or the Nike "swoosh". I haven't checked yet to see what he got....
He has already had his Starbucks coffee, a cookie, and is now asking for a barbecue chicken sandwich. I'm off to the cafeteria to meet his hunger needs. He has to stay flat on his back for 5 hours (so that the groin site won't bleed), which I'm sure will drive him crazy. He did have success filling up the urinal, but expected the pee to be purple and radioactive. Oh well. We are just waiting on a room assignment for the hospital bed.
Here is the big kicker--when Stu arrived back in the recovery area after his arteriogram, he actually let me feed him a cookie, and give him sips of coffee with a straw!! Wow!!
The arteriogram is done, and Stu is doing great. There were very few blood vessels to the tumor, which is a really good thing. They didn't embolize anything, since there weren't any vessels there. The test took only 2 hours. Stu was having fun with the nurses--they had to shave a little bit of the groin before putting in the IV catheter, and he asked the nurse to either shave in the shape of a heart or the Nike "swoosh". I haven't checked yet to see what he got....
He has already had his Starbucks coffee, a cookie, and is now asking for a barbecue chicken sandwich. I'm off to the cafeteria to meet his hunger needs. He has to stay flat on his back for 5 hours (so that the groin site won't bleed), which I'm sure will drive him crazy. He did have success filling up the urinal, but expected the pee to be purple and radioactive. Oh well. We are just waiting on a room assignment for the hospital bed.
Here is the big kicker--when Stu arrived back in the recovery area after his arteriogram, he actually let me feed him a cookie, and give him sips of coffee with a straw!! Wow!!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Sunday, February 22
Tomorrow Stu will be admitted to the hospital for an arteriogram (dye injected into the arteries to look at the blood supply to the tumor), and possible embolization (clotting off the feeding vessels so that there won't be as much blood loss during the surgery). The arteriogram is scheduled for 8 am, and will take up to 3 hours. He will be admitted after that. He is in good spirits tonight and seems to be handling things very well. He says he really just wants to be "darted", and wake up 3 weeks from now and have it all over. I don't blame him. His mom and dad arrived from Iowa today, and his older brother, Greg arrived yesterday.
So, the "stumor", as Stu calls it, will be history in a just a few days. He is worried that his head will look ugly when his hair is shaved....
Deb
Tomorrow Stu will be admitted to the hospital for an arteriogram (dye injected into the arteries to look at the blood supply to the tumor), and possible embolization (clotting off the feeding vessels so that there won't be as much blood loss during the surgery). The arteriogram is scheduled for 8 am, and will take up to 3 hours. He will be admitted after that. He is in good spirits tonight and seems to be handling things very well. He says he really just wants to be "darted", and wake up 3 weeks from now and have it all over. I don't blame him. His mom and dad arrived from Iowa today, and his older brother, Greg arrived yesterday.
So, the "stumor", as Stu calls it, will be history in a just a few days. He is worried that his head will look ugly when his hair is shaved....
Deb
Monday, February 16, 2009
The journey begins
Monday, February 16, 2009
Stu's diagnosis of a meningioma began on February 3rd, 2009 when a MRI diagnosed a large "olfactory groove meningioma". It is about the size of a tennis ball. His only symptom was a decreased sense of smell and taste, which he started to notice last summer. He attributed the decreased smell to the chlorine in the pool or the Flonase he uses for his allergies--who knew. His surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24th, and it will be a very, very long day. He will be admitted the day before surgery for an arteriogram (dye injected into the arteries to look at the blood supply of the tumor). I will try to keep all of you posted through e-mails and this blog. Please keep Stu in your prayers for a fast and easy recovery.
Deb
Stu's diagnosis of a meningioma began on February 3rd, 2009 when a MRI diagnosed a large "olfactory groove meningioma". It is about the size of a tennis ball. His only symptom was a decreased sense of smell and taste, which he started to notice last summer. He attributed the decreased smell to the chlorine in the pool or the Flonase he uses for his allergies--who knew. His surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24th, and it will be a very, very long day. He will be admitted the day before surgery for an arteriogram (dye injected into the arteries to look at the blood supply of the tumor). I will try to keep all of you posted through e-mails and this blog. Please keep Stu in your prayers for a fast and easy recovery.
Deb
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