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