On her own

Well, this is a big test week.  Mom is all alone.  Aunt Janell, Grammy and I have been taking our turns taking care of Sis.  She's not resisted much. She's been very thankful.  On top of that there are visits and meals we've enjoyed from a lot of people and well, if I were to mention you all by name I'd be in trouble.  I will say the Cantrall Intermediate Teachers, Charlotte, Gina, Teri, Randy and Teri and well, many more that I've missed I'm sure.  Last week while I was in between jobs I kept mom with me most ever day.  WE found my living room, Drexel's room, the kitchen sink and even got the carpet cleaner out.  I'm doing pretty good at keeping it up...not great but I'm working on it.  Anyway, I had to keep her from mowing the yard and overdoing it.  We're only 4 weeks post op!  Can you believe it? 

I'm not going to lie, we've been through a lot the last few months, but never would we have made it without our friends.  We are very grateful for your love and support.  Mom feels like now it's better for people to see her.  So we're getting her out and about a little more.  She's been to lunch in town at Blu Cat, which I highly recommend if you're in Williamsville sometime, she went to church on Sunday and made it to Drexel's football game.  It's been busy.  However, we're happy to see you and we're happy to get out and about.  But this week she's on her own and I think she might even drive on Wednesday.  Stay tuned. 

Long Weekend

Well, she survived.  No thanks to the warden of course.  Yes, I Leah, was the Warden.  While we were in Marshall I was very particular about how long she could be up and moving around and such.  It was pretty easy to do and I can tell by looking at her when she's done too much.  Her right side begins getting very lazy and sagging.  The week was pretty busy.  She started off on Thursday in Milwaukee, Friday to Marshall, then Sunday to Red Oak Iowa.  That's about a cross country trip in one weekend.  She enjoyed seeing a lot of family and friends and didn't seem to over do it too much but she's certainly feeling it now.  

I'm off this week, so my plan was to have her at my house during the day until Drexel got off the bus, because now he gets off at her house.  I would hate to confuse the school anymore.  I'm not mad anymore, but I am trying to keep it simple.  Plus if she's here I can get stuff here done way better than I can at her house.   So, I'm trying to do both.  I'm here if she wants to go somewhere.  Tomorrow we're going to the elevator for free food from Farm Credit Services.  I love my friends.  They'll probably put me to work though.  Oh well, it's all for my farmer friends and will give mom a chance to see some people in town. 

Anyway - keep those comments coming she loves hearing from you and I think we have her strapped down for now. Keeping her home for a while at least.  Visitors are welcome. 

Check up from the Neck up!

Mom went to Milwaukee today and had her first round of visits with the doctors since she left them about two weeks ago.  They are very happy.  Her eyesight is coming along and Dr. Harris told her to just keep doing her exercises.  Dr. Sinson said she could drive next week and Dr. Harris said only if it felt safe.  Trust me it's not safe yet.  :)  Love ya mom!  

She made the ride there and back without much problem.  Tomorrow she'll go to her parents house for the weekend and we have the food trailer set up there.  Thanks to my Uncles for getting that taken care of for us.  Most of her family will be there to a, see her and b, help out in the trailer.  She will have to take the supervisor role and sit in a chair...or perch as we call it.  I'll head there after my last official day in radio and get lil Drexel off the bus.  However, we have a football game on Sunday so we're coming home a little sooner than everyone else.  

We did get some sad news today.  Aunt Elizabeth passed this morning.  We're filled with joy and sorrow at this time.  She is in a better place after fighting dementia for so long.  She lived a long full life for 90 years and taught many, many children how to read write and do math, too from a one room school house to a standard school similar to what we have today.  Unfortunately, I will not be making this trip.  She will be buried with my Great Granparents, her brothers and sisters-in-law.  I know that Grandma and Grandpa as well as Uncle Ray and Aunt Rozella plus her parents met her with open arms.  Mom and Dad will make the 8 hour trek to Red Oak, Iowa Sunday night after we close in Marshall.  Pray that mom makes these trips ok, it is very important to her to be able to be there, dad is a pall bearer.  I'm not sure that Drexel and I will be able to make the trip as terrible as we feel about that, there is a lot to be taken care of here too.  Rest in Peace Aunt Elizabeth...your tired body deserves all the glory after your 90 years on this earth.  

For the rest of you....we'll see you in Marshall or back here in Williamsville.  Don't be strangers.  I hope to get mom to church next Sunday.  I know she would like that. 

We've been rather busy

Ok I know I haven't updated this much lately and for that I'm sorry.  I can't say thank you enough for all the cards and letters and meals.  Drexel and I are there just about every night and I'm not at all sure what we'd do without Grammy and Aunt Janell.  Next week in between jobs I'll be out and about to help mom out.  I won't be there nearly 24/7 like Grammy and Aunt Janell have been but I'll be there often and just a phone call away.  I'm hopeful that we can go and walk around the mall a little bit.  I need some work type clothes.  I don't know what it is about your mom but you really just want to go to her when you don't feel good and that's just what I did today.  

She's still doing well.  Her double vision is there but not like it was, it's clearing up but she is having a hard time focusing and her memory is not very good right now.  She does realize it and it's ok.  I'm sure the last few weeks are a bit of a blur.  Literally and figuratively.  She's doing well, except for her sciatic nerve in her back is making her crawl out of her skin.  She's been off to see our wonderful chiropractor Gene Sullivan and he's making it work pretty well for her so far.  She's not on the stronger pain killers, but Ibuprofen and Tylenol are working pretty well for her at this point.  We'll see what the doctors say on Thursday!  I can't see how it could be a bad report.  

Oh yeah and she does have a few more weeks of staying in the house and she will get cabin fever.  I'm home with her next week but she's on her own after that...card games, projects whatever you think is appropriate is right up her alley...I'm sure she'd like the company too however, don't feel bad if she wants a nap.  We're getting more and more used to them.  :)

New Haircut and a trip to see Leah at work

Yesterday my mom got her haircut.  Well, some of it.  They did a pretty good job trying to even it up a little bit.  Hopefully it'll grow out just fine and then they will not have any problems.  Yay!  

Gigi brought us dinner last night and it was YUMMY chicken pot pie.  Night before Shelly and Amy delivered some yummy jello and spaghetti made by Momma's friends from Cantrall Intermediate School.  They decided to come by my work and see me so Grammy could see where I work, for now.  I showed them around and I think it did some good for my co-workers to see her and know what she really had done.  They knew she was having major surgery but not many knew how invasive it was.  She's a little shocking to see at first but it's all good.  

I'm pretty sure that she will stay home all day today.  She's been out quite a bit the last two days and is realizing just how incapacitated she really is.  Grammy is going home today and Aunt Janell comes in at least until next Wednesday which is when they will head to Milwaukee for a follow up with the doctors there.  Note to Kim, Willie, Micci and Demi - you may have a couple of visitors.  Then we're off to my grandparents for their Fall Festival and moving the food trailer.  I have no idea how we're going to do that but someone will be in charge.  Drexel and I are heading down after school on Friday.  

Thanks for your cards, letters, plants and flowers...they really brighten her day.  Not that she's gloomy.  She's just not...however she's a little anxious.  She wants to make sure that no one is afraid of her either.  She doesn't hurt.  I mean there is pain but she's not in pain.  She really feels like it's good for people to see her.  So, come on over.  Sit a spell. 

I promise...pictures soon.  It's hard to work and take care of everything.

Staples are coming out

I know I haven't posted pictures for a while and let me tell you personally, that the swelling and bruising have come down significantly.  She's looking a lot better and getting up and around a lot more.  Today, she will go to Dr. Bussing and take those 36 staples out.  I'll get a new picture as soon as that happens.  

I made potato soup for dinner last night.  I think it was the yummiest thing ever.  Shelley is bringing dinner on Wednesdays so Gina - Birdie - pick a night that works for you.  

Home still...and doing well.

I'm back to work every day  9 hours a day and Momma is resting comfortably at home.  Grammy is here helping her out and Dad is going back to work today.  He should be on the road by now but I'm not in charge.  Drexel is getting on the bus there for school and some sense of normalcy is slowing coming back to our lives.  Mom cannot bend over, and her staples should be out soon...like tomorrow or Thursday - yay!  Thanks to Mary Jo and Jack for bringing dinner out last night.  I'm thinking potato soup sounds good for supper tonight....it's going to be chilly...and i'm not ready to make Chili.  

She's ready for visits...so don't think you can't see her.  Don't expect tricks but if you're ready to come by just let me know....or call her cell phone.  She will tell you if she's up for visitors or not.  I guess the best news is that she has slept through her pain medicine time the last two nights...so she's not waking up with pain.  That's great!  She's getting better and stronger each and every day.  Yay Mom!

Oh yeah...Charlotte - Congratulations on that new grandbaby!!  You better have pictures when you come over!!!

Day 2 - Home

Last night was a good night and we celebrated Drexel's 6th Birthday.  He had a football game, we got new steps on the front porch and lots of work done inside with Momma.  

Anyway - all is well, I'm exhausted.  Yes Gina, I found my Starbucks.  3 a.m. comes really really early and I ate too much supper.    

Home Sweet Home

We've made it home.  The cards and letters are always welcome.  I doubt we make it to church in the morning but as soon as she's ready we'll make it back.  Drexel is having a hard time seeing her staples but I'm sure that will change once he gets used to them...and it'll be hard for you to see them too.  However, they won't be there for too long.  Yay.  

Visitors are welcome.  However, she's pretty tired so know that she might ignore you...and sleep.  Thanks for all the cards and well wishes.  Aunt Janell is here now, Grammy will be here Monday and all is well on the home front. 

Home Today!

Well, as soon as the Physical Therapist see her, she gets her bath and changes clothes she'll be on  her way to Williamsville!  Yay us!  Dad says he has everything under control....so I'm going to catch up with them from Willie and Kim's!  Yay!  Plus I need Starbucks for the drive home.  Yes, I'm an addict.  

Will update when we return to Williamsville.  She's going to get a little overwhelmed today as it will be a long day of travel and seeing her babies who are all very anxious to see her.  

Pray that the road home is short and not very upsetting. 

What a difference 12 hours makes...now she's showing off!!!

Mom is up moving around and feeling pretty good.  She just had a piece of my pizza from Pizza Shuttle, which is really good by the way.  I told her that we would walk again before I go home, well, to Kim and Willie's.  I think I'll actually get up early tomorrow.  Yeah...anyone out there know me and how much I like to sleep?  Well, the goal will be to get up earlier, let's just say that much.  So I think that we will be calling it a night here before long and on our way out to the burbs.  I'm just starting to learn my way around here, well with some help from Google Maps on my phone!  Yahoo!

I'll let you know as soon as I do about heading home tomorrow.  Keep your fingers crossed.  She's very much ready to go that way and I think that it's time.  Drexel will love that for his 6th Birthday!!

Chewing....

A little ass chewing never hurt anyone I don't think.  I have some good friends from college who are now pharmacists, why I didn't become one and have that salary I'll never know except that I remember the hell they went through in college with exams and I knew I didn't want that.  

Anyway - Mom is up and EATING!!!  Yay!  She looks so much better than she did and I only had to get on one doctor about it.  *sigh* finally I got through to someone and they got her some drugs that will make her life a little easier.  Finally finally finally it's happening.  I did have to laugh that mom and dad both let me chew on the doctor and stood back and watched.  Thanks to Micci and Willie and Kim for being here as my witnesses!!  I was just plum po'd!  

We are back on the road to recovery at this point.  I just told her I don't want to hold the bucket anymore but I do want a pizza and a beer.  I haven't had anything since I found my Starbucks. 

Not much better but we're trying

So I've only told one doctor today to get bent.  Yay me.  Oh well, it's a bad day and I don't like bad days.  I finally got through to them that the really hard stuff that works great for a lot of people...so well that they get addicted to is not what works for MY Mother.

Anyway - sorry for not many posts today.  I have a hard time telling you all the gory stuff.  I have a hard time letting you know that her day is not good when it's been so great up until now.  

I did manage a couple new pictures today......

Aaarrrgggh Mates.  The patch helps with the double vision.  Dr. Hansen or someone in his office will take the staples out next week.  She's still trying to be strong but it is oh so hard right now.  

Thanks for all the messages.  Keep them coming they do help.  If only for me and daddy.  

Not a good day

Well, Friday isn't starting out to be a good day but we're working through it.  Mom doesn't do well with narcotic pain medicine.  We had this same trouble a few years back when she had her hysterectomy.  Hopefully we'll get it straightened out this afternoon and all will be ok.  Cross your fingers that happens soon.  She's been throwing up and not good at all....however the doctors still think she's going to be ok and get everything settled down.  So...just so you know that's what we're dealing with today.  They still have our discharge papers set for tomorrow so the Good Lord Willing and the creek don't rise we'll be home safe and sound then. 

Alergic Reaction

So...long story I took off this afternoon to spend some "Tynne Time" and while I was gone it was a bad time back at the hospital.  Mom had an allergic reaction to Oxycodone a highly addictive drug, so maybe that is a good thing.  I'm back now and her color is good and she's not nearly as woozy as she was before.  Moral of the story I can't leave any more.  She is really nervous that this set her back and she won't be home this weekend but I think as well as she's come out of it and that they put her on Vicadin life will be a little better.  She did get up and go for a walk and that was successful so that is good news.  It didn't have anything to do with her reaction but it really scared her to have that reaction.  She's much much better now so we're heading in the right direction all over again. Yay!  

We couldn't get through this without all of you back home reading this.  I mean that from the bottom of my heart.  I read her every single one of your messages and comment and she gets really excited when she knows what's going on.  I'm glad that this is a great way for you all to keep informed and in the loop.  

We love you and we miss you!!  Can't wait to see you this weekend!!

We've MOVED!!!

Here's Mom wheeling down the hall with Paula her nurse in ICU today.  We've been moved to a private room. So, here's the deal I know you all want to send her something...she doesn't need it in braile, Brian, but she does like to know you're thinking of her.  I've read her all the comments and she knows I'm putting up these pictures so don't worry I'm not going to be slipped arsenic or anything. She's up watching tv and her eye is slowing starting open up and you can check it out maybe tomorrow.  She does have some double vision right now but Dr. Harris said he can fix that.  Physical Therapy was in and said that she doesn't need to see them...she's just fine.  What a long strange trip this has been!

Ok...here's the pictures.  Remember she's not the Lois you saw Monday or over the weekend or at the fair, but she's in there trust me!!!

That's the day after surgery.  The next ones are after the bandage came off...her haircut is bad but not too bad.  

Now here's the incision

well, that's all for now.  Not sure why this is doing this funky writing but it is...oh well.  Mom's great...enjoy.

Bandages are OFF!!

Mom's got her big band aid off.  I took some pictures and I'll post them soon.  She's still in ICU and is first on the list to go to a regular room.  However, the good news is that she will be coming home on Saturday as long as things stay the same.  She is happy she's watching her soaps and lunch will be here in a bit.  The catheter is out and she's getting ready to go potty for the first time after surgery.  So all is going very well she's going to be able Saturday...so we're very happy and the doctors are very happy.  I will post pictures soon...be forewarned they are a little different than the last time you saw her.  Remember...she looked something like this. 

Froedtert Hospital

I just thought I should let you know what kind of place we're at here.  You can read about it for yourself here, but I can tell you first hand it's not like any other hospital I've been to.  I really have enjoyed the care she's receiving and I know part of it is because she's still in ICU.  She most likely won't get out of here tonight.  They have had to close the ER because the beds are full.  Good news for a hospital I guess.  She did over do it a bit in her sitting up earlier but she's getting along just fine now...resting and getting ready for dinner.  (Shelly - she's having a hard time chewing so soft foods are the best next week.)

Anyway I just thought I'd give you some background on her doctors.  Dr. Sinson was the neuro surgeon, he had the easier of the two jobs by just opening her up and replacing the bone.  He's young and really confident and sweet.  I like good bedside manner.   Dr. Harris is the eye specialists.  He had the hard job.  The longest part, well, maybe not.  Dr. Sinson was working on her for over two hours to open everything up just right.  Dr. Harris took those little teeny sharp tools and carved out the tumor.  He says it looks good as far as her eyesight goes.  

Anyway - I just thought maybe you would like to know what kind of hospital this is.  I like it and am happy with their choice.  I love our first class hospitals in springfield but this place is not like a hospital.  There's a deli and a coffee shop and a bank here.  It's incredible.  

Off to dinner with my sorority sister Lisa and her little boy Ethan.  

P.S. dinner is here...she's going to be try and eat and then rest.  She still says she over did it today. We can't take her to the party with us tonight...doggone it.

Sitting up

Mom got up and sat in the chair for a short period of time.  Dr. Harris came up and said he feels pretty good about her vision being fine especially if she is seeing as well as she is with all the internal stuff going on.  She then got back into bed...got some pain meds and is probably sleeping as I type this.  

They have 7 people to leave ICU today and so far only 1 has actually gone anywhere, so it looks like she'll be staying in again tonight.  The really good news is that it looks like they will send her home Friday or Saturday.  We're excited about that and she is ready to get in her own recliner I think.  However I can't say enough about the staff here.  From the people in the family center where you wait (and wait and wait some more) to the surgeons and nursing staff, they have all been just great for her and she's been really well cared for.  I'm trying to learn more about the hospital while I'm here.  It's a neat place and only here for about 20 years or less.  However, I'm without my Starbucks.  I have to find one of those soon.  I might make that a mission this afternoon while she's resting.  

Keep the messages coming and make sure you share this with anyone that needs to see it.  She really likes to hear that I've talked to people and what's going on.  She mentions names to make sure I've talked to everyone some how and some way.  So, we're all on the same page.  :)  

Off to find Starbucks - Ree now is a good time for you to comment to tell me where to go!!  :)  

love to all

Post Op Day 1

Mom is doing great.  I haven't taken the camera in but she really wants to know what she looks like.  It's not pretty but it's not bad either.  

They are moving her today out of ICU to her own room as soon as I know all of that I will be able to let you know that as well.  we're very happy with the progress she's made so far and the doctors are too!

Once again thanks for all your messages when we get her moved I'll read them all to her and we might even be home by this weekend....all of us!!  Hallelujah!  

If I don't respond to you right away via phone or text it's because we haven't gotten moved yet and icu has a no phone policy because of the equipment.  Hopefully that'll be different when we get her to a normal room.  

She says hello to everyone and thank you...she's in great spirits and so are we!

Resting comfortably

Mom is in ICU...she's comfortable, she's in some pain and Dad and I have left her alone for the evening.  She doesn't look the greatest but of course not nearly as bad as I thought she could.  I told her I was going to take a picture of her and her brother said he'd help her kill me.  She said it was ok.  I think she'd be ok with it because she kind of wants to know what she looks like...so until she's ok with seeing it you won't see it, but I will make sure she knows what she looks like.  Thanks to our friends Will and Kim Schneider I'm able to get away, and relax for a few minutes while we're watching the end of the Cubs game.  They have been a great source of stress release for me and I'm very thankful for it.  Dad is sacked out at the hotel for now he'll be here tomorrow night.  We gave her the night off from us.  The nurses will be waking her every hour to do some "tests" so we figures she's in really good hands and we're all just worn out.  Believe it or not sitting in a waiting room for 8 straight hours is hell.  I just want you to know that.  I know many of you know how that is and the updates we got and the surgeons stopping by was an added bonus. They are some pretty great guys and we're thankful to have made the right choice to come up here.  

As soon as I know the protocol for cards, flowers, balloons etc. I will let you know the address to send to.  

Thanks again for all your love and support I'll update the blog all day and all night as things progress.  

Love to all...

from the Guffeys and the Howards

We wait.

and wait and wait some more.  Mom is being taken for another CT or MRI not sure which but whatever, anyway, it'll be another hour before we can see her.  More to come.

"I'm very pleased"

Well, Dr. Sinson just stopped by.  He said that he didn't have much more to add to Dr. Harris' report.  She is coming out of anesthesia fairly well, she's somewhat alert and can tell how many fingers he's holding up so that's good news.  They are preparing to send her to ICU in a while yet but she's there she's alert she can sort of see, she's beginning to swell but that's all normal and Dr. Sinson says he's very pleased with how things went.  I hear the Angels singing.  I know that Grandma Betty was helping guide those hands and of course Marlene and all of our good good friends who are now our angels...I can't thank them enough for all their support and help in guiding those hands...and I can't thank you, our friends, our family for keeping up to date and checking the blog.  Wow.  sShe's going to be so excited to know you all are out there thinking of her!!!  I can't wait to tell her. 

Recovery

Mom is either currently in or on her way to recovery I wasn't in the room for that update, but she'll be there for a while.  At least another hour or better and then they will move her to ICU where we can see her.  I'll update you more when Dr. Sinson comes to tell us how things went. 

No more tumor!!

Dr. Harris is the eye specialist and he just stopped in to see us.  He got all of the tumor!!!  Praise God and thank you for all of that.  It's not over till the fat lady sings but it's getting closer.  Dr. Sinson is the neurosurgeon and he is now going back in and filling the pieces of bone that are missing with titanium and then he will sew her back up.  He probably still have a few hours of work and then some time in recovery then transferring to ICU.  So it's still a while yet before we are totally in the clear.

I'm high fiving and hugging and dripping with tears of joy right now.  

Thank you all so much...you have no idea how hard it is to be so far away from our friends and family.  

Still Plugging along

Jane just called. Dr Harris is still doing his work.  Remember this tumor is firmly attached to the optical nerve.  They can still not give us a firm time. as to how much longer surgery will be.  Originally they thought 6.5 hours.  She's been in for about 6 now.  Everything is still status quo at this point.  

Yes for those of you asking...I just woke up.  The couch and pillow are not like my bed but it's working for now.  

Sharp Little Instruments

Dr. Harris "is doing his part now." Jane just called to tell me.  She said that mom is good and her vitals are stable.  I don't know much about this Dr. talk but I think all that's good.  Jane sounds very upbeat on the phone and I could hear something besides this damn elevator music in the background.  She will update us again in a while, I'm going to try and take a nap.  Dad already got a short one it's my turn.  Granddad's always nodding off and one of these days Grammy will just let him do it.  :)  

Neuro still working

Jane just called.  Mom is doing well, her vitals are good.  Dr. Sinson the neuro surgeon is still working away and they don't have a estimated time to be done yet.  They will call again in a few hours.  We are going to go and grab lunch.  I'll update as soon as we hear from Jane again.  Dr. Harris will work for several hours so after he gets to working I'll know more. 

Keep the prayers and fun coming it's going to be a long day and the emails and text messages and comments are keeping us going!!

Love,

Us!

Not asleep yet

The nurse Jane just called.  They are in the prep area and they took her down for CT before and there was a delay.  So now they have her ready to be prepped.  Jane said it will take a little bit to get her prepped so about another hour before they actually begin surgery.  More soon.

She's Sleeping...we think

Hello from Milwaukee.  Mom is in surgery.  She got a bad haircut going in but I think she'll forget all about that once she gets the good drugs.  Dad said she was pretty anxious when they wheeled her away but I'm sure she's fine now.  Dad, Grammy, Granddad, Uncle Terry and Aunt Jeannea, and I will be in this nice little waiting area they have set up for us.  It's nice and quiet and I'm hoping to get a nap after while.  

Here's the details thus far.  It's going to be at least 6 hours for surgery, then another 90 minutes in recovery and following that another lag time for transfer to ICU.  So far so good...everyone is reading whatever they brought with them and the elevator music is playing.  yay.  

I'm really trying to stay upbeat.  Thanks for all your thoughts, prayers and text and emails during my drive north.  They really helped me out.  Made me tear up but helped too. 

I'll update more as soon as I know.

Phone calls from Milwaukee

The surgeon and anesthesiologist have both called this weekend to talk to mom and let her know their plans.  She's been able to express concerns she has and she is very happy about that.  The surgeon on Saturday was reviewing her slides and working through his plan.  I will be updating the blog during the surgery as the doctors update us.  So keep checking back. 

Grammy, Granddad, brother Terry, and his wife, Jeannea, Dad and I will be accompanying here to Milwaukee for surgery.  Once she is on her own and out of ICU I will return to work and home then back for the weekend to get her home and settled in.  Aunt Janell will come for the weekend and help get her settled in at home then she will return after the first week at home.  Dad bought her a bunch of Harley Davidson scarves and jammies.  

We are celebrating her birthday during the 3rd National at the Springfield Mile this weekend.  Things are starting to pick up here so I should do something productive...Yeah, this is easier and less work.  Ha!  

We've been busy and had lots of folks stop by with well wishes.  Thank you!  It's also been a lot of fun because her cousin Lolita and her husband, her college roommate as well as others have all come by and said hello.  I'm sure I'm leaving a lot of people out but know that we appreciate it all.  Send this out to all of those who need to know where to find information and/or know my mom.  

Here's some pictures from her special day.