For all those who are planning on attending the fast tonight at 6pm, here is the address:
12459 South 1855 West, Riverton, UT 84065.
Head West on 2200 West from 12600 South. Take first right and the church will be directly in front of you.
We appreciate all the support we have had, and appreciate all those who are planning to take part in the fast. Even if you can't make it, please remember my mom in your prayers.
Thank you!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Fast
We just wanted to let everyone know that we are having a fast for our Mom. We are starting it at 6:00 Saturday night at her building. It is behind the Albertson's in Riverton. We will close it Sunday night at 6:00. We would just like everyone to know about it wherever you are. Even if you can't attend here, please fast with us.
Our family has a great testimony of fasting. We feel like it healed her before when she had a tumor in her eye, almost 20 years ago! We appreciate all the comments and the visits and the flowers and the notes and the prayers and the phone calls. It could go on forever. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Our family has a great testimony of fasting. We feel like it healed her before when she had a tumor in her eye, almost 20 years ago! We appreciate all the comments and the visits and the flowers and the notes and the prayers and the phone calls. It could go on forever. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
What's up, Chuck?
Good thing Mom is home. She is sicker than a sick dog. Poor, poor mom. She has had a time with it today. But at least she's home now. That is all she wanted after another long night in the hospital. She didn't care that she was sick, she just wanted to come home and go to sleep. I can't say I blame her. As long as she's here, we can take better care of her, and keep the crazy visitors to a minimum. And she doesn't have to be embarrassed of us kids making fun of her when she's stoned out of her mind on morphine. We jest out of love.
Not just one bag
Mom's surgery didn't go so good. It was supposed to only take 1 hour, but the Dr. didn't know that he wouldn't be able to get the stint in. After 3 1/2 hours she emerged the operating room with not just one bag as planned, but two! Needless to say she was not happy about that. The bags started draining immediately. She started eating Popsicles immediately too. Only orange! She was so funny. Morphine makes her feel better. It also makes her a little silly. She was so cute. She acted out of it but she was sharp as a tack. The nurse asked her if she wanted some pudding, her reply, "Only if its chocolate!". That's my Mom.
This morning we got some good news. The doctor called and spoke with my Dad. He is going to take her back in this morning and take out one of the drains. It is the one that drains into the small intestine and she doesn't need it to be external. She will be so happy. The better news is that in two weeks he will go in and hook the other drain to the small intestine as well. She will be elated!! The Dr. told us she can still come home today, maybe late this afternoon. It will be good to have her home again.
This morning we got some good news. The doctor called and spoke with my Dad. He is going to take her back in this morning and take out one of the drains. It is the one that drains into the small intestine and she doesn't need it to be external. She will be so happy. The better news is that in two weeks he will go in and hook the other drain to the small intestine as well. She will be elated!! The Dr. told us she can still come home today, maybe late this afternoon. It will be good to have her home again.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Frustration
Mom is doing OK! She is so yellow she is almost florescent! She had a very frustrating visit to the Doctor on Monday. The Dr actually let himself into the back door of the office with a credit card! He was locked out! I won't give the Dan version because this post would be too long.
Her blood test from Monday came back yesterday, and her blood count was up, good news. Her belirubin (or Billy Madison as Troy refers to it) was up to 26!!! A normal count is 1 or 2, when she left the hospital it was 13. They scheduled the drain to be inserted this morning. We were so glad, and I think just knowing that she would soon start feeling better gave her some extra energy yesterday. She was supposed to check into the hospital at 8:15, but they just called and said there are no beds. Just our luck! We are supposed to call back at 8:30 and see if there is anything available.
Life has kinda gotten back to normal a little. If there is such a thing as normal after this kind of news. Everyone has gone back to work including my Dad. He actually work the last 2 days which I think was really good for him. We had family pictures taken on Sunday. Everyone has asked to see them, so here are a few.
Her blood test from Monday came back yesterday, and her blood count was up, good news. Her belirubin (or Billy Madison as Troy refers to it) was up to 26!!! A normal count is 1 or 2, when she left the hospital it was 13. They scheduled the drain to be inserted this morning. We were so glad, and I think just knowing that she would soon start feeling better gave her some extra energy yesterday. She was supposed to check into the hospital at 8:15, but they just called and said there are no beds. Just our luck! We are supposed to call back at 8:30 and see if there is anything available.
Life has kinda gotten back to normal a little. If there is such a thing as normal after this kind of news. Everyone has gone back to work including my Dad. He actually work the last 2 days which I think was really good for him. We had family pictures taken on Sunday. Everyone has asked to see them, so here are a few.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Not much News
I feel like we need to update, even though there really isn't a lot to tell you. Mom is doing good. Just being home makes her feel better. Makes us feel better too. She is out of umph! We had visitor after visitor yesterday and she was pooped. It was really nice to see so many friends that care so much about her.
She is going to see Dr. Bredding today at 1:45. They are going to take her blood and see what her count is. If it is any lower than when she left the hospital they will most likely do a transfusion. Which hopefully will give her more energy! They will also see when the bile drain is scheduled.
So, not much news yet. After her appointment today we will have more news. We are just enjoying her the most we can while she is home.
She is going to see Dr. Bredding today at 1:45. They are going to take her blood and see what her count is. If it is any lower than when she left the hospital they will most likely do a transfusion. Which hopefully will give her more energy! They will also see when the bile drain is scheduled.
So, not much news yet. After her appointment today we will have more news. We are just enjoying her the most we can while she is home.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Home Sweet Home
She coming home!! After the bad day yesterday, we got some fantastic news! She is coming home!
She had the procedure to take the first stent out, and after the procedure she was up and eating all without Morphine! The Doctor said as long as the pain was under control, and she wasn't having any problems with Nausea, then she was A-OK to come home.
Our spirits have been lifted today, and we know all the thoughts and prayers are working. Keep it up!! Thanks again for all the support!
She had the procedure to take the first stent out, and after the procedure she was up and eating all without Morphine! The Doctor said as long as the pain was under control, and she wasn't having any problems with Nausea, then she was A-OK to come home.
Our spirits have been lifted today, and we know all the thoughts and prayers are working. Keep it up!! Thanks again for all the support!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Pain
Yesterday we left the hospital flowers in hand and being a little silly. We held our heads high and looked forward to the events of today. We had in every way planned on Mom coming home. When my Dad arrived at the hospital he found Mom in horrible pain. She had a slacker nurse during the night that was just to lazy to call the Dr and give her something for the pain. Don't worry, that nurse will never be seen around Mom's room again. The Noorda Mafia took care of her. After Dad got the good nurse and some Morphine she was doing much better.
She went in for the planned MRI this morning only to see exactly what everyone thought, the Stint put in on Tuesday was blocked and not draining the bile. She was in a lot of pain most of the day. Not her usual good spirits. Which is hard to see and makes me scared for what the close future will bring. The Doctors all felt the same, she should stay there until they get the pain under control and the can find something to drain the bile. We would like her normal color back.
So, tonight as we left the hospital it was a little bit different. Head down, slow walk, eyebrows pointed down in confusion and maybe a little tear or two.
Tomorrows events, take the stint out, schedule new drain and keep Dad happy.
She went in for the planned MRI this morning only to see exactly what everyone thought, the Stint put in on Tuesday was blocked and not draining the bile. She was in a lot of pain most of the day. Not her usual good spirits. Which is hard to see and makes me scared for what the close future will bring. The Doctors all felt the same, she should stay there until they get the pain under control and the can find something to drain the bile. We would like her normal color back.
So, tonight as we left the hospital it was a little bit different. Head down, slow walk, eyebrows pointed down in confusion and maybe a little tear or two.
Tomorrows events, take the stint out, schedule new drain and keep Dad happy.
One Day At A Time
As I sit here at my desk, thinking of the week's events, I notice influences of Mom all around me. Lead pencils with those crazy big erasers on the top, a QVC box holding the mini TV just high enough for her to see over the top of the hutch on her desk so she can watch QVC, the crazy snow globes, pictures of the grandkids. It makes me a little bit sad, but then I realize that there are influences of Mom everywhere. Even as I sit at stoplights, watching a golden- age woman cross the road with her grandsons do I see my own mom's influence. Every time I see my Madison simmering in the heat, cheeks flushed, I can't help but think of how Mom would feel the same way. That is what is so great about a mom like ours, not even something like cancer is big enough to bring her down.
One day at a time is how we will choose to measure our time with our mom, because each and every day spent together affords blessings, memories, and ultimately influences that last us all, Mom included, an entire lifetime. One day at a time gives us all the opportunity to live, laugh, and love another day.
One day at a time is how we will choose to measure our time with our mom, because each and every day spent together affords blessings, memories, and ultimately influences that last us all, Mom included, an entire lifetime. One day at a time gives us all the opportunity to live, laugh, and love another day.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Sliver of Liver
Today brought a few new tidbits of information. Last night it was determined that there were not enough "brushings" taken from the ERCP procedure to make a definite diagnosis of the type and aggressiveness of the cancer. This meant that a Liver biopsy was called for. First thing this morning, Mom underwent a procedure in which they deaden the area over the liver with local anesthetic, and insert a needle to procure slices of the liver tissue. They were able to recover 3 good pieces, and we expect the results to be back in a couple of days. She managed well during the procedure, had a small amount of pain, but nothing she couldn't handle, cause she's strong like that. And all she really has to show for this neato mini surgery is a stinkin band aid. Not even a square of gauze. Bummer.
The doctor also came in later that morning to give us the results of the brushings. Apparently there was enough tissue to make a "temporary" diagnosis. Adenocarcinoma. It is a cancer that originates in a gland. Turns out, the pancreas is a gland. The brushings couldn't tell us if the cancer originated there, or somewhere else such as the lungs or the colon, but either way, now we know what we're up against. I don't know about you, but I always like to know the names of my enemies, and this cancer is my enemy.
Mom is doing well. She is still a nice shade of canary, and under the ever flattering florescent hospital lights, she looks maahhvelous. I think our birthday party last night ran a little late, and she was extra tired today. We'll have to be better about getting out of there at a decent hour.
That's pretty much it for now, check back soon for updates, and thank you so much for your comments. They are awesome!
The doctor also came in later that morning to give us the results of the brushings. Apparently there was enough tissue to make a "temporary" diagnosis. Adenocarcinoma. It is a cancer that originates in a gland. Turns out, the pancreas is a gland. The brushings couldn't tell us if the cancer originated there, or somewhere else such as the lungs or the colon, but either way, now we know what we're up against. I don't know about you, but I always like to know the names of my enemies, and this cancer is my enemy.
Mom is doing well. She is still a nice shade of canary, and under the ever flattering florescent hospital lights, she looks maahhvelous. I think our birthday party last night ran a little late, and she was extra tired today. We'll have to be better about getting out of there at a decent hour.
That's pretty much it for now, check back soon for updates, and thank you so much for your comments. They are awesome!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
A Thousand Words
A few pictures worth at least a thousand words!
Nunn's 10 biggest fans.
Always by each others' side.
Happy Birthday Big Dan!
Parties are always better in a hospital bed.
Nunn's 10 biggest fans.
Always by each others' side.
Happy Birthday Big Dan!
Parties are always better in a hospital bed.
Happy Birthday
I hope that isn't the only title with Happy in it. Today is my Dad's Birthday! Kinda a crappy birthday, spending it in the hospital with my Mom, but at least they are together right? So, Happy Birthday Big Dan you are The Best!!
As for an update:
My Mom called this morning to let us know that they are taking her in for another CAT scan at 9:15. She is going to drink the dye stuff and then they can look at the liver and pancreas better. They are also going to look at her abdomen and pelvis. They have given us a tiny bit of hope that the pancreas isn't quite as bad as they thought originally, but they told us not to get our hopes up. The results from the "brushing" yesterday are still sitting in a lab somewhere in front of a tech that has no idea that we are all on pins and needles waiting for him to do his job. Hopefully in a couple of days we should know.
As for my Dad, I think he is doing a little better. We made him eat a sandwich (Thanks Pat!) and go to bed early last night. He said he sleep better and actually didn't wake up until 7:00 this morning. We appreciate all the visitors and all the phone calls. He learned how to check messages last night, and loved hearing all your voices. He is laughing a lot when we are all together because that is our form of medicine. Kinda weird I know, but it works for us, and you should all know us better than that!
As for an update:
My Mom called this morning to let us know that they are taking her in for another CAT scan at 9:15. She is going to drink the dye stuff and then they can look at the liver and pancreas better. They are also going to look at her abdomen and pelvis. They have given us a tiny bit of hope that the pancreas isn't quite as bad as they thought originally, but they told us not to get our hopes up. The results from the "brushing" yesterday are still sitting in a lab somewhere in front of a tech that has no idea that we are all on pins and needles waiting for him to do his job. Hopefully in a couple of days we should know.
As for my Dad, I think he is doing a little better. We made him eat a sandwich (Thanks Pat!) and go to bed early last night. He said he sleep better and actually didn't wake up until 7:00 this morning. We appreciate all the visitors and all the phone calls. He learned how to check messages last night, and loved hearing all your voices. He is laughing a lot when we are all together because that is our form of medicine. Kinda weird I know, but it works for us, and you should all know us better than that!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Update
Nope, dad hasn't eaten anything since Fudruckers last night. Well, thanks to Noma he did have a couple cookies.
The ERCP went well. The Texan Doc tells us the Proximal bile duct is completely blocked by a mass, which is a tumor, but the other side has been cleared, and the stent has been placed. The results of this procedure will take some time, but tomorrow morning when her labs are taken, we may have a good idea if the stent is helping her look more like Willy Wonka instead of the Oompa Loompas.
The Doc did also say he got some brushings. Again, the results will take time. The best results would be he gets some cancer cells. The bad results would be the tumor is on the outside pushing in. This would mean the Liver Biopsy would be a possibility, which then causes the liver to bleed. We don't want this to happen. Pray and keep your fingers crossed we don't.
Other than the gasiness, and the feeling of being hit by a truck, mom is doing good. Her spirits are high, and we all laugh a lot. This is our way of coping.
Thanks to all those who visited tonight. We all appreciate your support, and the cookies. :)
The ERCP went well. The Texan Doc tells us the Proximal bile duct is completely blocked by a mass, which is a tumor, but the other side has been cleared, and the stent has been placed. The results of this procedure will take some time, but tomorrow morning when her labs are taken, we may have a good idea if the stent is helping her look more like Willy Wonka instead of the Oompa Loompas.
The Doc did also say he got some brushings. Again, the results will take time. The best results would be he gets some cancer cells. The bad results would be the tumor is on the outside pushing in. This would mean the Liver Biopsy would be a possibility, which then causes the liver to bleed. We don't want this to happen. Pray and keep your fingers crossed we don't.
Other than the gasiness, and the feeling of being hit by a truck, mom is doing good. Her spirits are high, and we all laugh a lot. This is our way of coping.
Thanks to all those who visited tonight. We all appreciate your support, and the cookies. :)
Firsties
Okay, I'll start.
This is really hard, and I should probably have something wise to say. But I don't. All I can say is this is really hard.
Today Mom went in for her ERCP, a procedure in which an endoscope is threaded through the GI tract into the liver. The doctors will then "brush" out the cells that are clogging the Bile Ducts, and keep some of those cells for the pathologists to examine. The Bile Duct is then held open by a stent, so all the fluid and salts that have been building up in her body can finally be metabolized and excreted like they normally would, thus hopefully resolving the Oompa Loompa thing she has going on. I have no idea when those results will be back.
I do know that Dad hasn't eaten lunch yet, and he needs to but won't leave her side for anything. I'm definitely taking him something to eat later tonight, whether he likes it or not.
Whew, first post down. Who's next?
This is really hard, and I should probably have something wise to say. But I don't. All I can say is this is really hard.
Today Mom went in for her ERCP, a procedure in which an endoscope is threaded through the GI tract into the liver. The doctors will then "brush" out the cells that are clogging the Bile Ducts, and keep some of those cells for the pathologists to examine. The Bile Duct is then held open by a stent, so all the fluid and salts that have been building up in her body can finally be metabolized and excreted like they normally would, thus hopefully resolving the Oompa Loompa thing she has going on. I have no idea when those results will be back.
I do know that Dad hasn't eaten lunch yet, and he needs to but won't leave her side for anything. I'm definitely taking him something to eat later tonight, whether he likes it or not.
Whew, first post down. Who's next?
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