Friday #1

WOOHOO! The countdown has started! Last drain to be removed this aft, transitioning to warfarin today and tomorrow, release on Sunday!! Fly home on Monday!!! We are sooooooooooo happy!! And 4 different docs have confirmed this plan. It is really going to happen ✔️🏡👭😃👍👍👍

Thursday #2

And the central line is gone!! We're just waiting for our nurse to come and teach us how to give the tinzaparin (? spelling) shots. Lin had a sound afternoon nap, feeling perkier now!

Thursday #1

What a treat last night to go out for dinner with Lynne and Cath! Great to hear news about the extended family!! Thanks again for a welcome distraction from the Spa.

After dinner, they dropped me off at the hospital. I had a short visit with Lin, then headed out for home. When I got to my 'first choice' parking lot, I couldn't find the car. Curious. So, I trundled over to the 'second choice' lot...no car. I lost our car! For the life of me, I could not remember where I had parked the car. Then I convinced myself that someone had STOLEN the car. I started back toward the hospital through a third lot, teary and girding my loins for the drama of telling Lin we had NO car....and lo and behold, in front of my shocked eyes, was our car in a parking lot I NEVER park in. I have NO memory of parking there. Definitely time to come home, at least I know where to park the car there!

Lin had some nausea and vomiting during the night; we wonder if it was because of some orange juice she drank last night, too much acid. But she's bounced back this morning, nausea under control after a nice bland breakfast. Vitals are good, no temp. She's snoozing now, quietly.

Hugs to all 🤗🤗🤗

Wednesday #1

Another day, another step towards home! In 20 minutes, our nurse is coming to remove one of Lin's drains. HURRay, only one more to go. She's off the fentanyl and just requesting pain meds when necessary. Her WBC count is still up a bit, but it tends to be wonky at the best of times. We just came back from a saunter down to the Atrium for my morning coffee; she's moving quite well, no huffing or puffing! Today we will try some stairs.

Looking forward to a visit from Lynn and Cath this afternoon!

Tuesday #1

Good morning!

For the past few days, one of Lin's legs (the left one) has been swollen and we've been curious about it. Dr Bouchard ordered a Doppler to see what's going on. (Lin thought she should get a Sheldon Doppler tshirt!!). So, it showed no clots and that's good. Guess we'll just have to wait for it to deflate.

We've had great nurses, kind, funny and more than willing to impart information. Of course, Lin has charmed them all!

Looking forward to seeing Lynn and Cath tomorrow!

Liz Hamilton, West Vermin's former lovely lunch lady but still lovely, guessed correctly.  Yes, our Head Learner's very own superhero Spider-Man himself - MR. JIM YOUNG came to town to visit with Linda yesterday.  Linda was thrilled to say the least.  Linda simply adores Jim and they were able to spend a few hours together.  Life is full of very nice surprisies!

Monday #4

We cannot believe that all you ex-West Vernonites haven't guessed!!!!! Yes, that's another hint.

Monday #3

And guess who also came to visit yesterday? Here's a hint:

Monday #2

Lin's tower of meds, many of which will be eliminated today!

Monday #1

Dr Temple returned from his symposium. He visited Lin this morning and changed ALL the plans. Although he is very pleased with her progress, he won't allow her to leave the spa until all the drains are out (meaning any possibility of internal infection is very, very minimal). We are both disappointed and pleased: disappointed because of course we want to Be 🏡, but pleased because Dr Temple remembers and is taking NO chances. The output from the drains is lessening, but we have no idea how long before they'll be gone. On the bright side, once the tower is gone, we can escape with day passes. Zoo, here we come!!

Sunday #1

A wonderful visit from the Jackson 5 and Grandma Cia today. My goodness, those three kids are so appealing and funny and smart (and their parents are okay, too.). We got caught up on all the kids' new projects; it was energizing!! Thanks to Scott and Stacey for bringing their bairns to visit the old Vernon aunties 🤗🤗. And lovely to see our dear friend, Patti (and the bag of Lindor chocolates). We're hoping we'll see you soon in Vernon.

All sutures are gone! And even the bottom of Lin's incision looks good! Still eating small amounts of real food which are staying down and not causing too much nausea. And she got her favourite rice pudding for lunch!! All her 'numbers' are where they should be or close to it. Still on an antibiotic, precautionary.

The weather here is glorious, sunny, quite mild (12), making my fingers itchy to dig in a garden!

Hugs to all
👭

Saturday #2

Well, interesting developments this afternoon. One of Dr Temple's minions came by to say that Lin will probably be leaving the spa in 3-5 days, if all continues to improve like it has been the past couple of days. Fingers (eyes, toes) crossed!!!

L1 had drain flushing training this afternoon just in case Lin leaves with a drain still inserted. Our nurse gave me a higher score than Lin did. 😏

More euchre games...Deb and L1 trounced Lin and Lucille!!!💥👍

And Lin's stomach has seen the error of its ways and is working just fine (with just a bit of help from maxeran)

Saturday #1

Playing euchre with Lucille and Deb in the Garden Deli. Lin's first escape from the 10th floor. She's looking remarkably good! BP, heart rate, O2 levels all great. Creatinine trending down, no fever. On a dose of antibiotics to be sure no infection grows in that tummy!

(Lucille and Lin won the first round of today's marathon. Deb and I wanted them to feel confident.)

Friday #1

What a beautiful day at the spa! Lin is now officially on clear fluids, sipping on apple juice and waiting patiently for that first sip of her fav, ginger ale. So, the nausea and GERD have calmed down significantly. She also had some of her stitches removed this morning, still a bit of leaking from the lower incision so those sutures stayed in. Yesterday's CT/drain insertion showed another small collection of old blood by the liver and another drain was inserted this am to deal with that. We don't want any old blood in there, breeding grounds for infection. BP is stable, no temp, heart rate good, off oxygen. WOW! Looking good!!

Great visit this am with Lucille and Deb!

Thursday #2

Drain inserted, doc was very impressed with her stamina through that ordeal. Lucille and Debbie were fetched from the airport; Lin was very happy to see her Mom and much, much older sister. Good news on our return to the hospital: her temperature was back down to normal, nausea was under control, and it looks like only old blood is coming out the newly inserted drain. Of course, they are keeping an eye (or 8) on her tonight. Tomorrow is a new day and it will be a good day. Hugs to all our peeps wherever you are 🤗🤗🤗🤗

Thursday #1

Well, that pesky stomach of Lin's has been giving her some grief, lots of GERD like symptoms and some vomiting. But she has been able to keep a zofran pill down which lessens the nausea for a while. This is not a surprise; she has had difficulties with her stomach since the first surgery. She just needs to soldier on and she's determined to do just that.

The CT scan showed something brewing in her gut, maybe a small infection or abscess and her temperature and WBC have risen a bit, but NOT spiking. So the medicos are keeping a close eye on that too. And now they've decided to insert a drain which will happen this afternoon. It will drain that nasty stuff. And they've started Lin on an antibiotic. We're a bit disappointed, hoping we'd get out of here without this. But we're tough old broads.....

And finally, we went for a walk earlier this am to the elevator chairs, sat and chatted. When we got up to return to the room, we noticed blood on the front of her gown and the back of her housecoat. We hustled back to the room, grabbing our nurse on the way. Some leakage ( from the lower end of the incision). A doc arrived promptly, had a look, and surmised that a hematoma that was located directly below where the serosang was may have 'dissolved', hence the leak. Keeping an eye on that, too.

Whew! Lots to be keeping a close eye on today. We'll keep you posted!!

Wednesday #2

Wow! A prolific afternoon!!👍NG tube successfully removed at 2:00 this afternoon, still on a maxeran drip, but nooooooo nausea. On a tiny sip regime until tomorrow morning just to make sure that stomach of hers is ready. Jen, the dietician, came by with many handouts and suggestions. Then, a new physio came and checked her out and talked about starting to practise STAIRS in the next few days (woohoo, we know what that means, much excitement from L2). Then, her JP tube (draining from abdomen) was removed. She still has the central line (with nutrients line) and oxygen.

L1 was sent off on a shopping mall expedition for new pj bottoms - success, but got a wee bit lost trying to return, almost went to Edmonton!

Lin has finished reading the complete blog and all the comments and says we are the luckiest women in the world to have such wonderful and supportive family and friends. I concur. 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

Wednesday #1

Good morning!

So the great stomach rehabilitation has begun! The NG tube was clamped at 6 this morning in the hopes that Lin could handle the acid/enzymes until noon. A wave of nausea about a half hour ago was quelled by a dose of zofran, so it looks like she'll make it til noon! Then the tube will be unclamped and, if less than 250 ml come out, the tube will be removed.

Lucille and Debbie arrive tomorrow for a 2 day visit.

Tuesday #2

A fairly quiet afternoon. Lin sent me off to find some reading glasses and an idiot string. Guess who came to visit while I was gone...the charming Dr Bouchard. She was all aTwitter when I returned; he's pleased with all her stats and reassured Lin that we're not in a race to get that NG tube out. It will happen when her stomach's ready.

Our nurse today reminded us sooooooo much of nephew Chris' fiancée, Tanya, same stature, same smile, same vocal intonations. We even asked her if she had relatives in Brandon. But no.

On the cruise ship taken from Peter and Judi's balcony

Tuesday #1

Message from Linda: I'm thrilled that I will be able to golf. However, these are the doctors orders: Linda must win every game, if her ball goes off the fairway, someone must get it for her, if her ball is 10 ft from the hole, it's considered 'in'.

A busy morning. The Temple team has been in, CT results showed a couple of small spots where the bleed was, looking good now. Still no infection showing...HURRay!!! The NG tube was clamped, but the horrid nausea returned, so unclamped again and will try again later. As Dr T says, we're in no rush, can be patient.

Also had a visit from Jen, the nutritionist. Because of the small bowel resection, Lin has been officially diagnosed with short bowel syndrome (SBS). Lots of info about how to make sure she gets enough nutrition. Lin was thrilled when Jen started talking about white bread and white rice as stabilizers for hydration.

And she had her first heparin shot this am. Things are progressing. Best of all, she's making jokes.

Monday #5

A quiet afternoon😊. A few walks, a few snoozes, one dash 'home' to find some earbuds for her lady ship (and a short, but satisfying visit with Aunt Rose). And, of course, while I was gone, Dr Bouchard (Dr Temple's young and quite charming protege) visited and told Lin that the heparin drip has been postponed until the results of the CT scan are reviewed. Probably know tomorrow what they decide. Sooooo glad they are taking their time with this; she has such a complicated system.

Off to bed, perchance to dream.
😴

Monday #4

And the most confounding overhead statement so far:

      'And if you fall down, dearie, and your stump breaks off, they can glue it back on'

Monday #3

And we're back from a 2 for 1 special, CT scan and X-ray. Dr Temple appeared just after we returned and was pleased with the normal temp, with indications that parts are working and with the look of the incision. Heparin drip will start again later today, smaller dose. She's having a big snooze now.

Off to the parking office. Oh joy.

Monday #2

Linda, the Feng Shui Master

(Woohoo, I HAVE figured it out!!)

Monday #1

(I finally maybe figured out how to add photos!)

Lin giving herself a 'sponge' bath.

Not a fab night for the rock star, bit of a sore and bloated stomach, but everything else seems okay..BP, temperature, O2 levels. Already been up for bathroom break and walk. Scheduled for a CT scan early this afternoon and they have started the dreaded telebrix (the stuff that makes her insides 'glow'). Dreaded, because 6 years ago, after swallowing the liquid, she inevitably regurgitated it onto someone (guess who?) BUT this time it's being dripped thru the NG tube.

Sunday #2

NO, IT,S NOT MONDAY YET!
No CT scan tonight, tomorrow morning instead.

Monday #2

A grand total of 7 walks!! Some short, but most past the nurses station. And she greets everyone she passes!

For the most, a great day! No nausea and this nutrition line has certainly helped (she decided that she was having lasagna tonight for dinner). Still lots of sleeping, resounding snores. We're now waiting for a porter to come to take her for a CT scan; her temperature has been trending up during the course of the day and the medicos just want to make there is nothing growing in there. But that possibility is NOT getting her down, still in good spirits 🌟🌟.

She even kicked me out this afternoon, sent me to Market Mall for a wander. Alas, I saw no plaid shirts.

Sunday, March 19 #1

Yes, new headings.

Lin has already been for 4 walks, no yanking open of doors today, but each walk has been longer. Nausea seems to be under control, temperature is normal, blood pressure is a little high, but as always, they're keeping an eye on it. We have a lovely student nurse (working with an RN) working with Lin this weekend. This is her last weekend of being a student and she's so excited about becoming a nurse. Wonderful to hear such enthusiasm from a kid!

10th # 12

Three o'clock in the afternoon and we've just returned from a bathroom break and a walk to the end of the hall and back. Very strong and steady on her feet and yanking doors open!! A bit more nausea this morning, but it seems to have calmed right down. Still leaving the NG tube in until Monday, more time for stomach healing time. Heart rate and BP within normal, also temperature. This am, they give her some phosphate (Huh? Something to do with calcium). They've also re-instated the fentanyl. I was very surprised yesterday when she decided she didn't need it anymore (another Huh?). So pain levels are under control. We're aiming for 2 more walks today, that will make 5 in total and she's also 'sniffing' and deep breathing on command.
15 degrees today here....WOW!!!

10th Floor #11

Well, a bit of a rocky time here at the spa. Lin had some vomiting during the night and so the NG tube has been reinserted which has lessened the nausea. Her sensitive stomach just wasn't ready!  She was also given another unit of blood to ensure that her hemoglobin level stays stable. Talked with Dr T this am and he confirmed a mini bleed happened early yesterday, probably related to the heparin drip. And they won't be starting the heparin again until Monday and with a lower dosage. He's suggested that the bleed was probably from the scraped organs. So she just needs time to heal. Patience is a virtue.
(Wee break for a walk, get Tracy to her airport ride, dressing change)
Heart rate and oxygen levels are good. Incision looks clean and tidy, no indications of infection although they have sent blood and urine cultures to be tested, a precaution.
They are going to leave the NG tube in for a while to ensure the stomach heals and will start a TNA (nutrition line) today at 6:00 to make sure she's get in the necessary nutrients for healing.
Also had a visit from the physio today, much encouragement to sniff (which we'd forgotten!)
Lots of snoozing, even some healthy snores! And many of you have experienced Lin's remarkable snores!!
We're tough old broads....
Thanks for all the good wishes, Lin really appreciates hearing them and will soon be responding!!
Big hugs, 💃

10th Floor #10

Things are looking much better now. The ECG was cancelled because both her heart rate and blood pressure became stable...HURRAY! She's finished the transfusion and we're just waiting for bloodwork to be done to check her hemoglobin levels. Her colour is much, much better! And her NG (not NPO, sorry for the mixup) tube is gone! Sleeping peacefully after a wee walk to the nurses station.

10th #9

So...a wee bit of worry this morning. Lin's heart rate accelerated and her blood pressure went a bit wonky. Chest X-ray and ECG were promptly done and no indication of MI (heart attack) - WHEW!! Blood work came back also, showing no signs of MI. Everyone is keeping a close eye on her 👍. Blood work also showed that her hemoglobin was low, so she's now getting 1 unit of blood transfusion. Good news: catheter is gone, so we've had 2 short walks to the bathroom. And her NG tube has been clamped and if we see less than 300ml output, that tube will be gone, too. And no more leakage from the lower abdomen. Dr. Temple was in and very positive about getting this all fixed. She's sleeping lots, but alert when her eyes are open!! She's a trooper!!! More later. Hugs🤗🤗🤗

10th Floor #8

And another excellent day at the spa (as Lin likes to call this place). She is settled in her semi-private room, still sleeping lots, and when she is awake, chomping on ice cubes (to quell the sore throat caused by that wretched NPO tube). No word yet when that tube might come out, a nurse today said they wanted to make sure the resections were healing up nicely. Oxygen levels are good, no sight of infection, temperature in the normal range, 3 walks. We're going to aim for more walks tomorrow.

Tracy, Kelly (Lyons brother) and I went out for dinner to Ten Foot Henry and it was fabulous, kale Caesar salad (with ridiculously delicious dressing), bucatini with parm, salt and pepper, roasted cauliflower with yogurt sauce and buttered bread crumbs, spring salmon with avocado purée and chorizo, and char grilled chicken with hummus and pomegranate seeds. All shared, small plates...yummy!!!

Sleep well! Big hugs🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

10th Floor new Room!!

Yes, our walk took us to a semi-private room, still on the 10th floor. What a trooper!! Heparin drip started, another sign everything's moving along the way it should! And her physio just arrived and remembers Lin from 6 years ago! Amazing! (Hmmmm...many exclamation marks!!!!!!)

10th Floor #6

And we're off for another walk! The medicos are suggesting that Lin will probably be leaving the High Observation ward today. Another sign of her excellent progress. One of the nurses called her a 'rock star' this morning! And she did open her iPad ...and promptly fell asleep!

10th Floor #5

Good morning!
Lin is looking marvellous this morning. The flush on her cheeks, arms and legs has subsided which means that the residual chemo has worked its way out. And she's already been up for 2 walks, one of which was a full lap around this end of the floor! WOW!!. Still NPO and probably will be for a few more days. Temp is normal, no signs of infection...HURRAY!! She's snoozing now. I brought her iPad to her and she plans on reading the blog in her awake times. Hmmm...maybe an LG post coming today?
Hugs to all

10th Floor #4

An excellent first post-surgery day! Three walks, each longer than the one before. Oxygen nose plugs out. The correct amount of fluids going in and out. The chemo is starting to work its way out of her body so she is quite flushed and warm, but her temperature remains in the normal range. And no signs of infection near her drain. And she does NOT have sleep apnea. For some reason, she was convinced she did, but there is no indication that she does. I'm hoping for more awake time tomorrow so I can read all the thoughtful and caring messages you've sent. I tried today, but she'd drift off.

I had a lovely dinner tonight with Tracy at her former client's home. Great to see Leigh again and listen to his enthusiasm about the movies he's seen. Also yummy Chinese food.

Tracy and I are sipping our pre-bedtime scotch. Night night, sweet friends. 🤗🤗🤗

10th Floor #3

Well, I'm feeling a bit doltish with my computer wizard/ nerd asleep. I've taken a few photos of her which I'd like to show you, but I can't remember how I got that photo on yesterday....aarggghh! So I'll show you some photos I CAN access!

10th floor #2

Up for a short walk to the end of the hall and back! Now she's snoozing.

10th floor #1

Good morning! Just arrived here to see Lin being helped (using a walker, with a nurse by her side) to the bathroom to freshen up! Hahahahaha!! What a glorious sight!!! Nurse says she had a quiet night. Bit of leakage from her drain which they are watching. More to come as our day progresses.

#5

What a day! Linda was in the recovery room almost as long as she was in the OR. It took them a while to get her INR number and pain meds where they wanted both. She arrived on the 10th floor about 7:00, with her eyes open and fingers waving. We had a lovely wee visit after the nurse got her set up in the High Observation ward. We had a short comedy routine where she asked me what had happened and I started to tell her and she would promptly fall asleep. Then, she'd wake up and we'd do it all again...4 times. Only 1 drain, NPO for a couple of days. Nighty-night, lovelies!

Linda fighting the beast!

#4 Hospital Foothills

Just had a wee face to face chat with Dr. Temple and he reiterated that the operation went very well. He also talked about some post-surgery concerns, possibility of blood clots, infection, but Lin will be closely monitored in the observation ward on the 10th floor. That's right, folks, she's NOT going to ICU...more terrific news!!! She will be transferred to the 10th floor within a couple of hours and then I'm going to give her a huge hug from everyone 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

Foothills Hospital #3

Such great news!!!!! Just talked to Dr. Temple. Three small tumours successfully removed,  2 small resections and THAT'S IT!!! So very relieved! 😅😅 They've just started the HIPEC chemo. All will be done by 2-3 this afternoon. The prayers and good wishes/vibes did the job!!! Thanks to all you wonderful people.

Hospital #2

Just spoke with the liaison nurse, operation began at 9:30. A bit later than they anticipated, but much discussion about whether to give Lin an epidural and they decided nyet to that. Very glad about this because it could cause problems with the heparin/warfarin re-introduce. Next call from liaison nurse will come between 1 &2. Sitting with Tracy at the Garden Deli.

Foothills #1

We arrived at the hospital at 5:00 am (with Tracy) and we are now in our third waiting room. This new McCaig Tower is quite amazing, very futuristic. Lin is tastefully garbed in shades of blue: sockettes, trousers, hospital gown and robe. Some folks have experienced difficulties making comments. I will check again the settings and try to figure this out. Patti, if you have suggestions/advice for posting comments on the blog, please help others by explaining your technique. Thanks, Grandma CIA!!!

We continue to chant our mantra (much to the chagrin of the hospital staff). We are tough old broads and this is not our first rodeo. (We even have tshirts with this mantra now, thanks to our Kim 😘)

Hello from LAX! We're just waiting for our direct flight to Calgary. We decided to change airlines and flight times when we discovered that we have to be at Foothills at 5:15 tomorrow morning! The flight we are on gets us to Calgary at 4'ish, much better than the other one at midnight.
We had a fabulous time on the cruise, lots of laughter and high jinks with the golden oldies. We're feeling refreshed and optimistic about the next part of our journey. I'll be updating you tomorrow after the surgery! Big hugs coming to you from L2