Well, I am glad to report that we are finally back in our own beds on SSI!
We managed to close Hobby Airport for our departure. Lightning strikes and thunder bolts. You would have thot the king of Houston was leaving.
Boy, I tell you, driving in the gate of the Island Club made me realize all over again that I don't miss the paved world and skyscrapers no matter how many parks they put in the cities to fool you into thinking that you are in the country.
John was fastened in the wheel chair(do you know that they use seat belts in the wheel chairs) for the breadth of the airport and thru security, which is a blessing. He has reached the age where he doesn't have to remove his shoes-of course he can't reach them so that is handy.
All went well except that the patient insisted on walking on his walker when he was supposed to be riding in his wheelchair (jetports, entry to plane and stewards/stewardesses aren't allowed to touch him.)( I was following with bags and baggage and whispering to said help to please hold him up by the back of his belt.)
Once home we were welcomed by a banner of Congratulations and red white and blue flowers in our kitchen as well as a very sumptious dinner and groceries for the week, which-unbeknownst to us tho not for lack of trying to get in touch with us, was across the street. That's another story altogether entitled "the saga of the travelling chicken" or "why the chicken crossed the road."
John is now resting and trying to regain his strength. Unfortunately, he has lost 5 pounds since giving up hospital food....He is also not walking as fast as he was around the nurses' station. I'll leave you to your own conclusions...
He is standing straighter than before the operation. Rehab really worked on that . I didn't say a thing except that I liked it better.
Thus ends the journey.
Doctors felt that they got all the cancer, but no guarantees. No other treatment is forseen.
We will go back for a check-up after my daughter's wedding in August. It will most assuredly be a more pleasant flight then in June.
God bless each of you. We really feel we couldn't have done this without God and you.
Lots of love, Jackie
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
June 29th 2012 - ready to leave Houston
Well, it is hard to believe that I have driven to the hospital for the last time this morning.
2 suitcases and a box are wrapped awaiting UPS. We will be buying our clothes back on the other end!
John is showered and freshly shaven and hardly looks as if anything has happened. We are READY!!!!
Now the wait begins for the doctor to dismiss him. I feel like hugging him!!
The other night I decided to change the pace a bit and took my first segway tour-of downtown Houston.(I didn't allow enough time to get there-didn't realise that Downtown Houston is really that far DOWN!) What fun once I got the hang of it . The sidewalks were mostly deserted at 6 PM as were the streets. The old and new architectures were fascinating in addition to the stories the guide told. I was with 4 people from Brisbane. Many laughs and lots of fun.
We spend tonight in the appartment then drive the rental car to the airport in the morning. From there we are in someone else's hands.
Love to each and everyone of you for all that you have done to make this process so much easier; we will be forever grateful.
Jackie and John
2 suitcases and a box are wrapped awaiting UPS. We will be buying our clothes back on the other end!
John is showered and freshly shaven and hardly looks as if anything has happened. We are READY!!!!
Now the wait begins for the doctor to dismiss him. I feel like hugging him!!
The other night I decided to change the pace a bit and took my first segway tour-of downtown Houston.(I didn't allow enough time to get there-didn't realise that Downtown Houston is really that far DOWN!) What fun once I got the hang of it . The sidewalks were mostly deserted at 6 PM as were the streets. The old and new architectures were fascinating in addition to the stories the guide told. I was with 4 people from Brisbane. Many laughs and lots of fun.
We spend tonight in the appartment then drive the rental car to the airport in the morning. From there we are in someone else's hands.
Love to each and everyone of you for all that you have done to make this process so much easier; we will be forever grateful.
Jackie and John
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
June 25th 2012 update
Well, I can take a(n) hint... Recent calls to me have been the philosophy that 'no news is good news.' That is absolutely correct.
Mea culpa for my delay.
I have wonderful news for all of you.
I can't remember where I left off; I think it was announcing that John was safely out of surgery.
He went uphill and I went down. I was too exhausted at night to write! I think sitting in one room all day and going to bed at 9 is too much for me! At least John has thrived.
He has delighted with each plateau whether it is finally graduating from ice chips(thanks for the suggestion of a little bourbon in the chips!) to liquid diet-always starting with the lemon ice and ending with the beef broth(ugh). Then came the solid food; he asked me to join him-what was heaven to him was, well, hospital food to me. (Carry in for me from now on.)
I was thrilled when his doctors (as many as four) pronounced him too weak in the legs to go home and kicked him upstairs to physical rehabilitation. Of course, that was not his strong suit before the operation!
He is proving to be a "miracle man" (so named by his nurses) as much from his medical procedures from the past few years as well as his speedy recovery from the 10 hour operation. (I saw him each day after open heart surgery and that was a much slower recovery. This seems like lightning speed in comparison.)
He has graduated from being belted about the chest with a yoga belt to be walked around the nurses station to no belt at all and therapists are pushing better posture! Need I say more.
Each day he walks more and faster. I have to get on the inside-next to the nurses' station so that I can keep up with him. (Little like being the inside horse at a horse race!)
He still has to call to use the facilities or move out of the bed tho he is moving from bed to chair whilst reading the huge sign CALL DON'T FALL.
His rehab schedule is 3 hours a day - for someone who has not exercised since I have known him this is a whole new world. Promises to keep it up so be sure to speak to him at the gym. (Don't fall over Martin!)
Balance is still a problem (or issue as problems are now called). And those breathing apparatus(i) are constantly in use. He has three different kinds.
One day I raced to the hospital because Rehab was sponsoring a special program-I'm thinking standing, dressing, normal day routine. Turned out to be WAGS-where people bring in dogs and show their tricks. Boy, was I wayyyyyyyyyyyyy off.
A Pyrannee took a particular liking to John and insisted on putting his slobbery face in his lap; John's use to bulldogs so it was no big deal. He LOVED it.
Sunday is a longgggggggggggggggg day in the hospital; no piano music waffing thru the halls, no spell of popcorn and sooooooooooo few people. I discovered the 24th floor with a panoramic view of Houston. It took about 3 different elevators, but it was like being on top of the world.
Both girls, Charlotte and Anne, as promised have seen that I exercised everyday-as if the mile hike from the garage to the 8th floor isn't exercise enough.
We try to walk the park across the street from the apartment(or over at Rice University) -I walk and the girls run. Let's just say that we start out together. I love the sound of the gravel crunching under my sneekers. Temps have been in hi 90's-100's so we have switched to the pool or the skybridges between the medical bldgs.
John has showered and the gray grunge look is gone. He feels like a new person. A few more days and we will be back with you.
We plan to check out of the hospital Friday and fly home Saturday. Hooray! We will both be glad to be home!
I know this is getting old, but many many thank yous to all of you who have called, visited, held us in your prayers and sent such positive thoughts our way. We couldn't have done it without each of you. John and I are so very grateful. We were all in it together. Our project is almost complete.
From Houston with love, Jackie
Mea culpa for my delay.
I have wonderful news for all of you.
I can't remember where I left off; I think it was announcing that John was safely out of surgery.
He went uphill and I went down. I was too exhausted at night to write! I think sitting in one room all day and going to bed at 9 is too much for me! At least John has thrived.
He has delighted with each plateau whether it is finally graduating from ice chips(thanks for the suggestion of a little bourbon in the chips!) to liquid diet-always starting with the lemon ice and ending with the beef broth(ugh). Then came the solid food; he asked me to join him-what was heaven to him was, well, hospital food to me. (Carry in for me from now on.)
I was thrilled when his doctors (as many as four) pronounced him too weak in the legs to go home and kicked him upstairs to physical rehabilitation. Of course, that was not his strong suit before the operation!
He is proving to be a "miracle man" (so named by his nurses) as much from his medical procedures from the past few years as well as his speedy recovery from the 10 hour operation. (I saw him each day after open heart surgery and that was a much slower recovery. This seems like lightning speed in comparison.)
He has graduated from being belted about the chest with a yoga belt to be walked around the nurses station to no belt at all and therapists are pushing better posture! Need I say more.
Each day he walks more and faster. I have to get on the inside-next to the nurses' station so that I can keep up with him. (Little like being the inside horse at a horse race!)
He still has to call to use the facilities or move out of the bed tho he is moving from bed to chair whilst reading the huge sign CALL DON'T FALL.
His rehab schedule is 3 hours a day - for someone who has not exercised since I have known him this is a whole new world. Promises to keep it up so be sure to speak to him at the gym. (Don't fall over Martin!)
Balance is still a problem (or issue as problems are now called). And those breathing apparatus(i) are constantly in use. He has three different kinds.
One day I raced to the hospital because Rehab was sponsoring a special program-I'm thinking standing, dressing, normal day routine. Turned out to be WAGS-where people bring in dogs and show their tricks. Boy, was I wayyyyyyyyyyyyy off.
A Pyrannee took a particular liking to John and insisted on putting his slobbery face in his lap; John's use to bulldogs so it was no big deal. He LOVED it.
Sunday is a longgggggggggggggggg day in the hospital; no piano music waffing thru the halls, no spell of popcorn and sooooooooooo few people. I discovered the 24th floor with a panoramic view of Houston. It took about 3 different elevators, but it was like being on top of the world.
Both girls, Charlotte and Anne, as promised have seen that I exercised everyday-as if the mile hike from the garage to the 8th floor isn't exercise enough.
We try to walk the park across the street from the apartment(or over at Rice University) -I walk and the girls run. Let's just say that we start out together. I love the sound of the gravel crunching under my sneekers. Temps have been in hi 90's-100's so we have switched to the pool or the skybridges between the medical bldgs.
John has showered and the gray grunge look is gone. He feels like a new person. A few more days and we will be back with you.
We plan to check out of the hospital Friday and fly home Saturday. Hooray! We will both be glad to be home!
I know this is getting old, but many many thank yous to all of you who have called, visited, held us in your prayers and sent such positive thoughts our way. We couldn't have done it without each of you. John and I are so very grateful. We were all in it together. Our project is almost complete.
From Houston with love, Jackie
Sunday, June 17, 2012
June 17th 2012
This is from John's lips-I took dictation.
I sat up all yesterday afternoon. Enjoyed watching the US Open. Am rooting for Jim Furyk.
Ice chips for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Been moved from third floor(post-op) to fifth (recovery.)
Am hoping that the staff is as good here as it was on 3rd.
My son, Trevor, and his wife, Karen, stopped by for a visit. JB( other son) and family have called. Anne, Jackie's daughter from Istanbul, is coming tonight to replace Charlotte who leaves tomorrow.
I am most appreciative of all the calls and messages and look forward to seeing you all when we return to SSI.
John
I sat up all yesterday afternoon. Enjoyed watching the US Open. Am rooting for Jim Furyk.
Ice chips for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Been moved from third floor(post-op) to fifth (recovery.)
Am hoping that the staff is as good here as it was on 3rd.
My son, Trevor, and his wife, Karen, stopped by for a visit. JB( other son) and family have called. Anne, Jackie's daughter from Istanbul, is coming tonight to replace Charlotte who leaves tomorrow.
I am most appreciative of all the calls and messages and look forward to seeing you all when we return to SSI.
John
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Cinco de mayo update
Dear friends and family,
Well, we are back on track!
John has a date, pre-op the 13th of June with surgery on the 14th.
As many of you know he is ready to get going-putting it mildly!
We will have a nice apartment a couple miles from the hospital. It looks beautiful.
My daughter, Charlotte, the good, will be coming down on the 13th and staying for about 5 days. I really appreciate-certainly not a strong enough word for how I feel about her coming to be with me at this difficult time. She is leaving her 3 and 6 year olds at home with a sitter she has gottento come in for the occasion.
I'll never be able to "repay" her. She was my right arm when John went thru open heart surgery two years ago.
I know she will have me in shape as she likes to distract me by walking me; yes, all I lack is a collar and leash.
Now my challenge is to keep John upright until then. I am looking for a Michelin man costume!
John is in good spirits. He is lucky to not be feeling any of the typical symptoms that come with pancreatic cancer. This is probably why it is normally so quick; when you know it, it is too late to cure it
We are in a good place spiritually and physically. God has been good to us and we are counting on him to bring us thru this little inconvenience.
Lots of love and hugs to all you wonderful people. We have so appreciated your messages of love, concern and caring. Keep them up. This is IT!
Jackie and John
Well, we are back on track!
John has a date, pre-op the 13th of June with surgery on the 14th.
As many of you know he is ready to get going-putting it mildly!
We will have a nice apartment a couple miles from the hospital. It looks beautiful.
My daughter, Charlotte, the good, will be coming down on the 13th and staying for about 5 days. I really appreciate-certainly not a strong enough word for how I feel about her coming to be with me at this difficult time. She is leaving her 3 and 6 year olds at home with a sitter she has gottento come in for the occasion.
I'll never be able to "repay" her. She was my right arm when John went thru open heart surgery two years ago.
I know she will have me in shape as she likes to distract me by walking me; yes, all I lack is a collar and leash.
Now my challenge is to keep John upright until then. I am looking for a Michelin man costume!
John is in good spirits. He is lucky to not be feeling any of the typical symptoms that come with pancreatic cancer. This is probably why it is normally so quick; when you know it, it is too late to cure it
We are in a good place spiritually and physically. God has been good to us and we are counting on him to bring us thru this little inconvenience.
Lots of love and hugs to all you wonderful people. We have so appreciated your messages of love, concern and caring. Keep them up. This is IT!
Jackie and John
Saturday, April 14, 2012
April 14th 2012 update
Well, another surprise. After the heart cath, then the blot clot 2 weeks ago, who would have thot there would be yet another-before John's operation?
BUT the best laid plans...
Tuesday night John had a nasty fall and fractured two ribs. The surgeon at MDAnderson felt that this could affect his breathing and make him susceptible to pneumonia. So surgery is delayed until the end of May.
We are now busy undoing all the cancellations we made for the next 6 weeks(implants-dental(!), hair, parties, begging bridge partner to take me back, cancelling the driver, rescheduling the plant watering person, hoping my place in painting class hasn't been sold to that new girl and trying to recoup plane tickets for Charlotte, Jackie and John; hopefully a medical letter will suffice..
In this disappointment if there is a silver lining, tho' slightly tarnished, it is that we have more time to unpack from the last trip a week ago and catch our collective breath. We miss Charlotte's "kiddlewinks", a three and five year old who were with us for Easter and just left this AM.
Back to waiting mode...
Jackie and John
BUT the best laid plans...
Tuesday night John had a nasty fall and fractured two ribs. The surgeon at MDAnderson felt that this could affect his breathing and make him susceptible to pneumonia. So surgery is delayed until the end of May.
We are now busy undoing all the cancellations we made for the next 6 weeks(implants-dental(!), hair, parties, begging bridge partner to take me back, cancelling the driver, rescheduling the plant watering person, hoping my place in painting class hasn't been sold to that new girl and trying to recoup plane tickets for Charlotte, Jackie and John; hopefully a medical letter will suffice..
In this disappointment if there is a silver lining, tho' slightly tarnished, it is that we have more time to unpack from the last trip a week ago and catch our collective breath. We miss Charlotte's "kiddlewinks", a three and five year old who were with us for Easter and just left this AM.
Back to waiting mode...
Jackie and John
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
April 10th update
Dear Family and Friends.
We have just returned from a trip to Houston. Earlier in the week, we received the good news that the MD Anderson surgical panel had decided after a second review that the surgery should be performed by a pancreatic surgeon rather than a melanoma specialist as had been previously planned.
John has a very rare melanoma of the pancreas. The clinic said that they see only one or two cases of this a year. His spleen and half of the pancreas will have to be removed. Although very few doctors have had experience with this kind of cancer, we felt that the operation should be done by a pancreatic surgeon rather than one whose principal work is with skin cancer.
We had an excellent meeting with the new surgeon, who answered all of our questions. The best news is that the operation will be done robotically. While the operation will be very long, up to 6 hours, the hospital and recovery time will be about half that of open surgery. The operation is scheduled for April 19th.
We will go to Houston on the 17th. My daughter, Charlotte, will be with me to distract me as she did during John's open heart surgery 2 years ago. I was in very good shape after a strenous walk early each AM.! You can't believe what a moral support she is. I will never be able to thank her enough. It is tremendously generous of her to come.
We both appreciate all of your calls, concerns, prayers and messages of support. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we go forward.
While John is not looking forward to this, he is to do it!
All the best to all of you who mean so much to us,
Jackie
We have just returned from a trip to Houston. Earlier in the week, we received the good news that the MD Anderson surgical panel had decided after a second review that the surgery should be performed by a pancreatic surgeon rather than a melanoma specialist as had been previously planned.
John has a very rare melanoma of the pancreas. The clinic said that they see only one or two cases of this a year. His spleen and half of the pancreas will have to be removed. Although very few doctors have had experience with this kind of cancer, we felt that the operation should be done by a pancreatic surgeon rather than one whose principal work is with skin cancer.
We had an excellent meeting with the new surgeon, who answered all of our questions. The best news is that the operation will be done robotically. While the operation will be very long, up to 6 hours, the hospital and recovery time will be about half that of open surgery. The operation is scheduled for April 19th.
We will go to Houston on the 17th. My daughter, Charlotte, will be with me to distract me as she did during John's open heart surgery 2 years ago. I was in very good shape after a strenous walk early each AM.! You can't believe what a moral support she is. I will never be able to thank her enough. It is tremendously generous of her to come.
We both appreciate all of your calls, concerns, prayers and messages of support. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we go forward.
While John is not looking forward to this, he is to do it!
All the best to all of you who mean so much to us,
Jackie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)