Mom is being a sleepy head today. She cannot have anything by mouth because the doctors are fearful that she may aspirate foods into her lungs, causing pneumonia again. The feeding tube has been in since last evening. This will provide her with some much needed nutrition.
It rained here this morning, so while Mom slept, I went back to the motel and washed some clothes for us. She is worried about running out of clean underwear! She's also concerned about how her hair looks! I guess my vanity comes naturally!
Jane/Mom/auntie
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
Friday, September 28 6:45 p.m.
Well, two steps forward, one back. Mom is at the present time getting a "picc" feeding tube. This is through her arm, into her chest. My understanding is that she can receive nourishment through this tube in addition to blood draws. Perhaps you nurses out there can post a comment and explain further... She is scheduled for a permanent feeding tube in her stomach on Monday. I guess this will result in us coming home a couple of days later. We are both getting pretty anxious to get home. The plan is still to transfer her to a swing-bed unit at Manistique. Hopefully, this will work out.
More info later.
More info later.
Friday, September 28 - noon
Well,
Things are looking up! I talked to the doctors and the nutritionists this morning. The plan is to place a permanent feeding tube in mom's stomach HOPEFULLY this afternoon. She is doing much better today, but surgery on her throat to remove the Zenker's is not an option at this time as mom is definitely not strong enough for surgery.
The hospital Social worker met with me a little while ago. We are going to try to get mom transferred back to Manistique in the "swingbed"program for a while until she can go home. When she gets home, she will definitely have to have 24-hour care for a while, otherwise she will have to go to a nursing home.
If all goes well, we hope to have her transferred by next Wednesday or Thursday. I have decided to stay with her as I know her meds, and her medical history, plus we just like 'hanging out'!!
Mom is taking (another) nap, so I'm going for a walk. I always have my cell phone on, so if anyone wants to talk or has questions, do not hesitate to call (906-235-8760) Also, please share these messages with other family members who do not have computers.
Jane/Mom/Auntie - and niece!
Things are looking up! I talked to the doctors and the nutritionists this morning. The plan is to place a permanent feeding tube in mom's stomach HOPEFULLY this afternoon. She is doing much better today, but surgery on her throat to remove the Zenker's is not an option at this time as mom is definitely not strong enough for surgery.
The hospital Social worker met with me a little while ago. We are going to try to get mom transferred back to Manistique in the "swingbed"program for a while until she can go home. When she gets home, she will definitely have to have 24-hour care for a while, otherwise she will have to go to a nursing home.
If all goes well, we hope to have her transferred by next Wednesday or Thursday. I have decided to stay with her as I know her meds, and her medical history, plus we just like 'hanging out'!!
Mom is taking (another) nap, so I'm going for a walk. I always have my cell phone on, so if anyone wants to talk or has questions, do not hesitate to call (906-235-8760) Also, please share these messages with other family members who do not have computers.
Jane/Mom/Auntie - and niece!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Thursday, September 27 6:45 pm
Mom looks better this evening. She is trying to eat some mashed potatoes/gravy, jello, applesauce, and lemon pie! Naturally, she wants a 'little night cap' (see where I get it...) but for some reason they frown on moonshine in the hospital...
I just got an e-mail from Jason. He and Scott are sitting on the plane to go to Beijing. Scott left for Shanghai last Saturday to stay with Jason, Vu, and Brycen for two weeks. China will never be the same after my two sons "party their way through!" I've asked them for some pictures to post. For those of you who know Jason very well, let's hope he doesn't discover a karaoke bar somewhere... We might have to ask cousin Dawn in Denmark to go and bail him out!
I just got an e-mail from Jason. He and Scott are sitting on the plane to go to Beijing. Scott left for Shanghai last Saturday to stay with Jason, Vu, and Brycen for two weeks. China will never be the same after my two sons "party their way through!" I've asked them for some pictures to post. For those of you who know Jason very well, let's hope he doesn't discover a karaoke bar somewhere... We might have to ask cousin Dawn in Denmark to go and bail him out!
Thursday, September 27, 4:30 p.m.
Well, I wish I had better news to report. Mom had a rough night last night. She has developed some pneumonia in her lungs. The doctors said this is very common due to her medical problems and particularly her swallowing difficulties. She is being treated with antibiotics. In addition, she has been given potassium through an IV for several hours. This is very painful because it burns badly. The nurses are great--they slowed down the IV so the potassium was given more slowly.
More bad news. Doctors attempted to put a temporary feeding tube through her nose because she is getting very little nourishment. This was not successful. A permanent feeding tube will most likely be done later on, but she cannot undergo surgery right now. It seems like it is two steps back and one forward these days.
She is very weak, yet her sense of humor has not diminished. Yesterday, the nurse needed to give her some medicine. She asked Mom to spell her name. Mom was very sleepy and did not respond. The nurse asked her again to spell her name. Finally, Mom said to her, "Why? Don't YOU know how to spell it?"
A little while ago Mom looked at me and said, "Well, at least I DON'T have 'walking pneumonia'!!!" I told her that Jenny continues to can tomatoes and tomato juice. Mom said, "I forgot to share my secret about canning tomato juice with Jenny." So I must call Jenny tonight and share "Grandma's canning secrets!"
She keeps me going! I think we can all learn lots from Mom. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going!" She seldoms complains. Thank you for all your prayers, and I love reading the posts. Hopefully, I'll have some photos to post soon.
More bad news. Doctors attempted to put a temporary feeding tube through her nose because she is getting very little nourishment. This was not successful. A permanent feeding tube will most likely be done later on, but she cannot undergo surgery right now. It seems like it is two steps back and one forward these days.
She is very weak, yet her sense of humor has not diminished. Yesterday, the nurse needed to give her some medicine. She asked Mom to spell her name. Mom was very sleepy and did not respond. The nurse asked her again to spell her name. Finally, Mom said to her, "Why? Don't YOU know how to spell it?"
A little while ago Mom looked at me and said, "Well, at least I DON'T have 'walking pneumonia'!!!" I told her that Jenny continues to can tomatoes and tomato juice. Mom said, "I forgot to share my secret about canning tomato juice with Jenny." So I must call Jenny tonight and share "Grandma's canning secrets!"
She keeps me going! I think we can all learn lots from Mom. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going!" She seldoms complains. Thank you for all your prayers, and I love reading the posts. Hopefully, I'll have some photos to post soon.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Wednesday evening 9/26
Mom is resting this evening--what a sleepy head! I told her she could sleep 10 minutes then we we're going to bust out of her room! I got a wheel chair for her and we're going 'cruising'. St Mary's here at Mayo is huge! I've needed to walk, and I'm certainly doing it!
No news about her Echo Stress test--probably Thursday or Friday. Again, the ENT doctor said he will do surgery on Mom's throat--but not until the cardiac unit gives their ok. She is getting very little nutrition--she ate about 10 small bites of her supper just now. However, there is a KFC next my motel, and I promised her I would get her some potatoes and gravy (one of her--and Raymond's--favorite dishes!)
No news about her Echo Stress test--probably Thursday or Friday. Again, the ENT doctor said he will do surgery on Mom's throat--but not until the cardiac unit gives their ok. She is getting very little nutrition--she ate about 10 small bites of her supper just now. However, there is a KFC next my motel, and I promised her I would get her some potatoes and gravy (one of her--and Raymond's--favorite dishes!)
Wednesday, September 26 1:10 p.m.
Update: Mom cannot have an echo stress test today because she had some fluid built up around her lungs and hearts. That is now being taken care of. However, the heart test has to be postponed until the fluid is gone which may be a day or two.
The ENT doctor has agreed to do the surgery, if and when the heart team says it's a go. So, it's a waiting game. Uncle Ron left to go back home, and will return when needed.
That's all the news for this afternoon. If you have pictures you can send electronically, please send them to my email (jstefanich@gmail.com) Hopefully, I will get Mom into a wheelchair and get her out of the room today. I have pictures from Deanna and Vu (Snapfish) and from Kelly (Walmart)
Will post more updates as they occur.
Jane/Mom/Auntie
The ENT doctor has agreed to do the surgery, if and when the heart team says it's a go. So, it's a waiting game. Uncle Ron left to go back home, and will return when needed.
That's all the news for this afternoon. If you have pictures you can send electronically, please send them to my email (jstefanich@gmail.com) Hopefully, I will get Mom into a wheelchair and get her out of the room today. I have pictures from Deanna and Vu (Snapfish) and from Kelly (Walmart)
Will post more updates as they occur.
Jane/Mom/Auntie
Wednesday, September 26, 8:07 A.M.
Mom is going to have an echo stress test this morning. We should know later today whether or not she is strong enough for surgery.
On a lighter note:
Here is a copy of an e-mail from Deanna, and then Uncle Ron's reply:
Hi Aunt Jane,
Thank you so much for keeping us updated on Grandma. We really appreciate you and Uncle Ron being out there. I know it's a lot for you guys. I just wanted to send this picture of Ally and Vern holding a sign for Grandma. I don't know if you can put it on your blog or not? Grandma hasn't seen any pictures of Vern yet, so hopefully she can see this. Do you have wireless internet? Anyway, our thoughts are with all of you. Talk to you soon.
Love,
Deanna
p.s. Sorry you are stuck there with Uncle UGLY!!!!!!!!!! :) I hope he's not scaring any of the other patients! ha,ha
Uncle Ron's Reply:
Deanna
"It's amazing how the doctors and nurses (especially the nurses) took to me. I've already done 3 brain surgeries and 2 heart transplants, using only my pliers. Remember when I grabbed your toe with the pliers???"
Uncle Ron
On a lighter note:
Here is a copy of an e-mail from Deanna, and then Uncle Ron's reply:
Hi Aunt Jane,
Thank you so much for keeping us updated on Grandma. We really appreciate you and Uncle Ron being out there. I know it's a lot for you guys. I just wanted to send this picture of Ally and Vern holding a sign for Grandma. I don't know if you can put it on your blog or not? Grandma hasn't seen any pictures of Vern yet, so hopefully she can see this. Do you have wireless internet? Anyway, our thoughts are with all of you. Talk to you soon.
Love,
Deanna
p.s. Sorry you are stuck there with Uncle UGLY!!!!!!!!!! :) I hope he's not scaring any of the other patients! ha,ha
Uncle Ron's Reply:
Deanna
"It's amazing how the doctors and nurses (especially the nurses) took to me. I've already done 3 brain surgeries and 2 heart transplants, using only my pliers. Remember when I grabbed your toe with the pliers???"
Uncle Ron
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Tuesday 9/25- noon
Mom's ENT doctor just talked to us. IF the heart doctors think mom's heart is strong enough for surgery, she has agreed to it. The ENT doctors would not remove the pouch, but would go through her mouth and attach it to the esophagus, creating an opening for food to pass. However, the ENT team has to meet first, decide whether or not this can be done, and then order an Echo Stress Test.
That's all I know for now. I must find some lunch somewhere. I sent Ron to have breakfast a while ago, but I want something more than sausage, eggs, and hashbrowns!
Mom/Jane/Auntie
That's all I know for now. I must find some lunch somewhere. I sent Ron to have breakfast a while ago, but I want something more than sausage, eggs, and hashbrowns!
Mom/Jane/Auntie
Tuesday, September 25, 9:35 a.m.
Mom just returned from her barium x-ray. The team of G.I. doctors came in and said that the ENT (ears, nose, & throat) team will be in this morning or early afternoon to discuss options with us. IF surgery is an option, the cardiac doctors will have to clear her. So she will have an echo stress test done.
Mom is glad to have ice cream, broth, and jello! That helped her a lot.
More news as I get it.
Jane/mom/ auntie
Mom is glad to have ice cream, broth, and jello! That helped her a lot.
More news as I get it.
Jane/mom/ auntie
Jane's News and More...
I thought we could try using a blog for our big (and growing) family. I will begin by posting the past few e-mails to all of you regarding Mom's hospitalization and the updates since then. I have been getting lots of messages and thought the rest of the family may enjoy reading them --just be nice to me!!
For those of you who have never used a blog, you can read the messages and post comments. However, remember that everyone in the group can read them. So Fred, don't say bad things about Jan!!!
I got this idea from Dawn. If you don't have her Blog address, it is http://ourcopenhagenlife.blog.com
September 23:
As most of you know, Mom is here at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. She was transferred here from Petoskey on Friday, September 21.
She has had many, many doctors in to see her. The most recent one was an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor. All of the doctors are reviewing her history, and they are consulting.
They are scheduling an Endoscope of her stomach either today (Sunday) or tomorrow. This should tell us where the bleeding came from. She has not had any bleeding since last Thursday afternoon. She received 2 units of blood at Petoskey Friday morning, and today her blood count is fine.
As far as surgery to the Zenker's diverticulum (you can search Google for more information on a Zenker's diverticulum), we don't know yet; in fact, we're not sure if this will be done. It is a HUGE risk, and surgery will only be done if absolutely necessary. Mom is not in favor of the surgery because of the many risks it involves, particulary at her age and her current health condition.
As soon as I know when the scope will be, I will send another e-mail.
Hopefully, this helps--I love talking to all of you, but it's hard to get info out to everyone! THANK YOU to Julie for providing me with many of these e-mail addresses. If you know of anyone I can add to this list, please e-mail me their name and address.
Does anyone have an e-mail for Mom's brothers and their families in Texas?
Love you, and thank you to all for your prayers.
Jane
September 23, evening:
Mom will have the endoscope done on Monday. No time yet... she is in good spirits.
Mom is at St. Mary's Hospital, Domitilla Building, 6th floor, room 306. Her phone number to her room is 507-287-5148. She would like to have calls, but please be brief (5-10 minutes--unless she is gabby!) The nurse gave her some pain medicine in her IV this afternoon, so she is resting better--but is a little sleepy...
More later,
Jane/Mom/auntie
P.S. Did you all know that Fred pushed Janet off a trailer and she hurt her arm??? She says it's not broke, but Fred now has to do all the canning... Serves him right...
Also, Ron and I haven't fought YET. See, miracles CAN happen...
September 24:
Hi Everyone,
Mom is currently having an Endoscopy performed. We probably won't know anything for a few hours--hopefully by this evening. She mostly lightly won't feel like talking for a few hours after this. I'll let you know.
btw: Ron and I STILL have not had a fight; however, it was close a few times...
Jane/Mom/Auntie
ps
For all you Michigan people, remember Minnosota is one hour behind you!
Monday:
Mom came through the Endoscopy test ok. I haven't talked to her yet because she is on the potty! The nurse said she is very alert. I probably won't hear the results for a while-possibly tonight or in the morning.
More later.
Jane/Mom/auntie
September 254 Monday evening:
Good news!
The doctor came in about an hour ago. The scope went very well. As some of you know, the past two attempts to do the endoscopy did not work--the doctors were not able to get the scope past the pocket in her throat. Today they were able to get the scope into her stomach area. No ulcers, cancers, or bleeding was found.
Tomorrow the ENT (ears, nose, throat) team will perform a barium test (where you drink all the fluid) to take a closer look at the problem in her throat. My hunch is that they will recommend surgery to repair it. However, there is a much better method to do it here at Mayo. If in fact she elects to have the surgery - which she now says she will have--I will explain the procedure then.
For now, she is eatting jello and drinking chicken broth, tea, and juice--the first she has had since last Wednesday. She is in good spirits tonight!
Obviously, all your prayers helped! Keep them coming!
Mom/Jane/Auntie
For those of you who have never used a blog, you can read the messages and post comments. However, remember that everyone in the group can read them. So Fred, don't say bad things about Jan!!!
I got this idea from Dawn. If you don't have her Blog address, it is http://ourcopenhagenlife.blog.com
September 23:
As most of you know, Mom is here at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. She was transferred here from Petoskey on Friday, September 21.
She has had many, many doctors in to see her. The most recent one was an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor. All of the doctors are reviewing her history, and they are consulting.
They are scheduling an Endoscope of her stomach either today (Sunday) or tomorrow. This should tell us where the bleeding came from. She has not had any bleeding since last Thursday afternoon. She received 2 units of blood at Petoskey Friday morning, and today her blood count is fine.
As far as surgery to the Zenker's diverticulum (you can search Google for more information on a Zenker's diverticulum), we don't know yet; in fact, we're not sure if this will be done. It is a HUGE risk, and surgery will only be done if absolutely necessary. Mom is not in favor of the surgery because of the many risks it involves, particulary at her age and her current health condition.
As soon as I know when the scope will be, I will send another e-mail.
Hopefully, this helps--I love talking to all of you, but it's hard to get info out to everyone! THANK YOU to Julie for providing me with many of these e-mail addresses. If you know of anyone I can add to this list, please e-mail me their name and address.
Does anyone have an e-mail for Mom's brothers and their families in Texas?
Love you, and thank you to all for your prayers.
Jane
September 23, evening:
Mom will have the endoscope done on Monday. No time yet... she is in good spirits.
Mom is at St. Mary's Hospital, Domitilla Building, 6th floor, room 306. Her phone number to her room is 507-287-5148. She would like to have calls, but please be brief (5-10 minutes--unless she is gabby!) The nurse gave her some pain medicine in her IV this afternoon, so she is resting better--but is a little sleepy...
More later,
Jane/Mom/auntie
P.S. Did you all know that Fred pushed Janet off a trailer and she hurt her arm??? She says it's not broke, but Fred now has to do all the canning... Serves him right...
Also, Ron and I haven't fought YET. See, miracles CAN happen...
September 24:
Hi Everyone,
Mom is currently having an Endoscopy performed. We probably won't know anything for a few hours--hopefully by this evening. She mostly lightly won't feel like talking for a few hours after this. I'll let you know.
btw: Ron and I STILL have not had a fight; however, it was close a few times...
Jane/Mom/Auntie
ps
For all you Michigan people, remember Minnosota is one hour behind you!
Monday:
Mom came through the Endoscopy test ok. I haven't talked to her yet because she is on the potty! The nurse said she is very alert. I probably won't hear the results for a while-possibly tonight or in the morning.
More later.
Jane/Mom/auntie
September 254 Monday evening:
Good news!
The doctor came in about an hour ago. The scope went very well. As some of you know, the past two attempts to do the endoscopy did not work--the doctors were not able to get the scope past the pocket in her throat. Today they were able to get the scope into her stomach area. No ulcers, cancers, or bleeding was found.
Tomorrow the ENT (ears, nose, throat) team will perform a barium test (where you drink all the fluid) to take a closer look at the problem in her throat. My hunch is that they will recommend surgery to repair it. However, there is a much better method to do it here at Mayo. If in fact she elects to have the surgery - which she now says she will have--I will explain the procedure then.
For now, she is eatting jello and drinking chicken broth, tea, and juice--the first she has had since last Wednesday. She is in good spirits tonight!
Obviously, all your prayers helped! Keep them coming!
Mom/Jane/Auntie
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