Team Tami

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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

She made it through another scare.....

Another scare, another surgery, and I got to hear her say.....Hey Jude........She is really quite amazing.  Her faith is strong, she's tired and ready to start feeling better and we're on the sidelines cheering with all our energy and hearts.  She had some more problems this afternoon and Dr. Lambert is about out of magic tricks.  The head surgeon assisted Dr. Lambert tonight and after cleaning her inside again......they couldn't find a leak so they closed her back up.  Tim feels like he has witnessed a miracle and after feeling all was lost this afternoon, his spirits are up and he hopes for the best.  Before Tami went into surgery, she told Tim, "It will be all right".  She has been the one to strengthen Tim at times.  Tim went back to the Hope Lodge tonight after Tami was resting in the ICU.  She still has a long road to travel but again.....she's in the Lord's hands and there is a continuous transmission of prayers heading upwards and with Tami's faith she surely will be blessed. 
With Thankful Heart
Judy

Monday, November 26, 2012

I lost count of her surgeries..........

Well, another one for the books.....Dr. Lambert has done all she could do to help our Tami.  The hours spent in Tami's behalf are adding up to be a record I'm sure. 

She's out of surgery and back into the ICU.  I talked to Tim tonigt and Julie drove him back to the Lodge.  Julie is Tami's friend and her husband Kevin is battling Leukemia in the same hospital. Tim stayed with Tami all night last night and so he's tuckered out.  There really is no place to hardly sit in the ICU and the nurses like it better if no one is around. 

Tami made it through again but is struggling to stay out of pain......Now our prayers are that she will be able to heal from the inside out and again feel Sunshine on her shoulders.  Her insides are pretty beaten up from so many surgeries and scar tissue, but there is always hope that little miracles can happen.  I believe they do and can.  Mom was at Lana's today and always enjoys Lana taking care of her.  Mom also stopped by my home for a couple of hours and I enjoyed her being here.  She feels so bad for Tami and a prayer and song is constantly in her heart.  When there is absolutely nothing we can do to make her better.....we look to the only source of true healing.....I know Tami has faith to be healed......we know her health is in The Lord's hands.
We love you all

Judy

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Tami fights another battle.....Yes I Can

Hi Everyone....
I arrived at the cabin on Friday morning after Thanksgiving and thought of a year ago when Tami was with us.....but when I arrived, I received a phone call from Tim telling me that Tami had to go in for emergency surgery.  She had another break in her insides and even though she had just eaten, Dr. Lambert trumped another Doctor and took her in immediately.  Over 5 hours later She told Tim that Tami was tough and she thought she'd make it through.........They didn't close her up because she's going back into surgery on Monday.  Her insides were inflamed and so they're treating that and then trying to fix things up again.  All of these happenings tend to make us contemplative and we all hurt so much for her.  I found myself thinking of her, her unconquerable spirit and faith, and yet her concern for all that needs to heal.  We're so thankful that Tim is with her and doing the best he can to support her and lift her spirits when he's also alone back there.  This whole trauma of being so far away when we can't be with her has been a dilemma that has pressed us all to wonder why it had to be this way....but  "Chin Up, Wilbur"......Our prayers and fasting have taken on a whole new meaning and we've all looked to the Lord with hope and faith and trust.  Tami always said....."I feel like I'm going to get better, I just don't know what I've got to go through to get there".   Well, we know that hasn't been easy, but she's still fighting.  Mom talked to her tonight.  Tami wanted to hear mom's voice and knew that Mom's prayers have a tendency to get a little higher that some others.  She still needs our faith and prayers.  We also know that each of us in different ways need those hopes and prayers also.  Thanks for your concern for our dear one....we so love her......

Judy

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Song...I know Heavenly Father Loves me

Happy Thanksgiving...and we hope you all had a good one. 

Tami is still in the hospital and when cali called her while we were having our Thanksgiving feast, Cali asked her if she had anything to say to us all.  She just wanted us all to sing, "I know Heavenly Father Loves me."......It goes.....

Whenever I hear the song of a bird
or look at the blue, blue sky.
Whenever I feel the rain on my face,
or the wind as it rushes by.....
whenever I touch a velvet rose
or walk by a lilac tree
I'm glad thatI live in this wonderful world
Heavenly Father created for me.

He gave me my eyes that I may see
the color of butterfly wings
He gave me my ears that I may hear
the magical sounds of things
He gave me my lips, my heart, my mind,
I thank Him reverently
for all His creations of which I'm a part.....
yes, I know Heavenly Father loves me.

There may be a couple of words I didn't get just right, but you get the drift.  I couldn't sing a darn word, because those water-works in my eyes got all messed up, but it sure sounded good as everyone sang.

I spoke with her tonight and she would like to think that she could come home by the 1st of December....I won't discourage her, it just doesnt' seem like things fall into place that fast, but we'll wait, and watch and see.

Mom still made a fresh strawberry pie like she always does for Tami.  The rest of us enjoyed, but we know who it was really made for....even though she wasn't there.
Tim ate at the Hope Lodge.  They had 5 there for Thanksgiving Dinner. 

We all can be thankful this day for so many things.......Thank the Lord for them all

Love,
Judy

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Thanks.....giving....

Hi Everyone,
I only got to speak with Tim a short time today, but he was nervous to go to the hospital this morning because he knew Tam had had a bad night with pain.  They took the epidural away and she struggles with pain pills, but today they got her the other pain medication that she can push a button for, its intravenous, and Tim said that she got her pain under control and was having a much better aternoon.  He said the hospital would like to release her but Dr. Lambert has been a bit more cautious......probably by Thursday, so we'll see.  Tim said Dr. Blute seemed optimistic that the surgery should solve many of her problems.....that would be soooooo nice.  I'm glad Tim could go be with her for Thanksgiving.....  Last year at this time Tami was feeling about the best she had felt.  She went with some of my family to the cabin to cut Christmas Trees the day after Thanksgiving.  We did snow angels in the snow and enjoyed our time together there.  Now we're getting ready to go again and another void is there.....but I'm thankful she's where she is.....and still kickin........(if you know what I mean).  We have much to be thankful for, so we'll concentrate on that......
Love,
Judy

Monday, November 19, 2012

Hope Lodge for Thanksgiving?????

Hi all.....
Just a couple of updates today.  Tim didn't leave until 3:30 this afternoon so he won't be there until about midnight, but he said in talking to Dr. Lambert today, it was a good thing he was going because Tami may be released to the Hope Lodge tomorrow.  Tami has to have a caregiver if she is unable to totally care for herself, such as in this case.  She is still in pain but feeling a bit better......We just hope she gets all better and can find many things to be thankful for at this particular time of year.  I'll write more after I speak to Tim tomorrow.
Love,
Judy

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Small and Simple Things.......

Hi Everyone

Tami sent me an e-mail so I thought I would share some of her thoughts.  She said she felt better today because the epidural was helping with the pain so she didn't get nauseated.  She took a walk with the nurse but her legs almost buckled because of the epidural.  She said, "I'm learning the meaning of slowing down to a grateful pace" and she was thankful that her diet changed from clear liquid to at least tomato soup and ice cream.  She said those small and simple thing help me.....such as a walk, soup and ice cream.

Dr. Blute and Dr. Lambert both stopped by and told her again that her surgery was successful and Tami said, "I'm Thankful to be alive."  Dr. Lambert said she could still run and swim...(and I think that is a optimistic vision in Tami's mind to fight to the finish)......

She was able to set up for a couple of hours today and also paint with her pencils...she was very thankful she had those there and was also thankful for the nurse from the 6th floor who also gave her some supplies. 

Tim is flying out on Monday at 6:00 AM to be with Tami.......We're all thankful for that.  She said she had an appointment with Dr. Blute on the 29th of November and she was hoping they might be able to remove attached tubing if all goes well......that would be a wonderful little miracle.

Tami called Mom tonight and that gave mom much comfort.  Mom has fasted and sung hymns to feel the peace of the Lord, and hearing Tami's voice tonight lifted her spirits.  There's nothing like the love of a mother.  That is also why Tami would rather Tim be home with the girls.  Tami's hopes are up and I told her I hope she can feel our love and prayers and hope streaming through the airways and across the miles that she may feel of our support and love.  

A few of you have asked for Tami's address.  I know Tim will be at the Hope Lodge on Monday so you could send your cards there. 

                   American Cancer Society Hope Lodge
                                         7 Oak Street
                                     Worcester, Ma  01604

Love, Judy

Friday, November 16, 2012

make-up......and pain.......

Hello Everyone......

Not a lot to report after surgery......except of course she's in pain.....but I heard not too much to not at least put on some make-up.  Tim called the nurse and asked her to go give Tami a kiss on the cheek and tell her it was from her loving husband.  Tim told Tami he was coming out and she still would like him to stay home for a few days to be with the girls.  I do think we all feel the need to be with her, but she insists that we need to be there for Hope Lodge so please stay home until we are essential.  I think Tim may still try to find a flight on Monday or so.....so she's not alone on Thanksgiving.  We'll still wait a day or two....it is really hard not to be there.  Tami needs our fasting and prayers.......for those who feel so inclined.  I know we all miss her uplifting spirit.

Love, Judy

Thursday, November 15, 2012

post-op

Well.....A" long and complicated surgery," were Dr. Lambert's words but she seemed satisfied that Dr. Blute had been able to fix urology problems.  All of her tubes are still in for now and we hope Tami's body will heal up well.  She should be in the hospital for about a week and we'll go from there.  Dr. Lambert was in a hurry when she talked to Tim because she was 45 minutes late for her clinic appointments so they may speak more in depth this evening.  She doesn't have to go to the ICU at the present, so we hope she's sleeping and resting well and in no pain  (yeah right.)
Love, Judy

Operation day.....

Good Morning.....
By some small miracle Dr. Lambert was able to secure Dr. Blute the Urologist for a surgery this morning.  They should be well into the surgery unless plans changed since yesterday.  When I find out any particulars and how she is doing, I'll let you know.  I spoke with Tami at length yesterday to try to determine what we should do as far as being there, She still convinced me that she will need a caregiver as soon as she is realeased from the hospital and that Dr. Lambert will keep Tim informed about circumstances there now.  We pray that all will go well.
Love, Judy

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

still waiting.......

Hello everyone......
Day to day there doesn't seem to be a lot to report.....Tim said the water was turned off at the hospital today so it has put everything back and Doctors are shuffling trying to fit everything in.  I think they were going to try to do a smaller operation this week but it may now have to wait.  Tim also said that Deb from the Hope Lodge came and brought Tami her rollers so she could wash her hair and curl of course.  Everyone has been so good to her.  I also believe she was moved to the 7th floor today.  Tami was a little hesitant because she had become such close friends of the good nurses on the 6th floor.  If that's the case, she'll probably love the ones on the 7th floor too, don't you think?  I spoke with her this morning and she feels good.  She recognizes how bad she was feeling just a little at a time while she was here and the infection was getting her down.  She said if was like getting "Poisoned by degrees".  She feels much better now but still has some high enough counts for continued IV Therapy.  We wish she was here with us but all of us are glad she is getting some much-needed care.  She would so like to be here with Madison while she is preparing to go on her mission.  Of course she misses Cali and Tiana Too....and don't forget Tim......It's just not the same at home without Mom there.  Hug your family today for Tami, will You?

Love, Judy

Monday, November 12, 2012

Testing, tubes, and No Breakfast.......

Hi Everyone,
Sorry it's late....Tami sent me a little e-mail letter today and she was sad she couldn't have breakfast this morning because they were replacing a kinked Kidney Tube.  She said "It hurt"  Even with the pain medication.  Those have been a sore spot for her for a long time.  The testing showed still a few minor problems that Dr. Lambert hopes she can fix easily when she gets in there.  She does need the help of Dr. Blute, the Urologist and that may hold things up a bit.  They were hoping to do it soon, but it still may have to wait until December 5th.  She'll know more in the next couple of days.  Things seem to have settled down with the Insurance problems, so we're hoping for a good resolution there also.  We're still waiting before we send someone out there because we still are waiting for final decisions.  She's being a tough cookie out there all by her lonesome......we're proud of you Tami.

Love, Judy

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Not too bad for a hospital day :) ..................

Hi everyone....
I was over to Mom's tonight and we finally decided to call Tami....Mom sleeps better if she knows Tami is all right.  Initial readings of her cat scan seemed good, but further reading has to be done, Dr. Lambert just said she liked what she could and couldn't see.  Her Bacteria count is still high despite the IV therapy, but hopefully that should take care of itself in a few days. 

Tomorrow they want to do the bladder test and make sure the kidney tubes are in the right place.  They're trying to move along and get things done as soon as they can.  Tami weighed in at a whopping 103 pounds with her hospital gown on.....that's up 16 pounds from her reading back in September, so we're proud of her for that.

Tami took her colored pencils and water colors and she spent some time today drawing and concentrating on details...she said that was therapeutic since she was tied down to her IV and couldn't go anywhere.....she did get them to take her for a walk a little later and she was excited to find the vending machine.....She said she could wiggle out and go the machines for twix bars and nacho chips and root beer.   She said, "I Like Options." She gets a bit claustrophobic when she can't move around a bit.

The ward brought the sacrament to her today and Dr. Lambert spoke with the Relief Society President, Bator Lachman.  All in all, Tami said she did not feel alone today and enjoyed the tranquility in her painting, (she compared her painting to mom's crocheting and how they can relax when doing those things) writing in her journal and speaking with Dr. Lambert and the missionaries who brought the sacrament.  She's at least trying to convince us all that she is okay.....I think I believe her.....she sounded good over the phone.

Love,
Judy

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Tender Mercies.........

Hi everyone.....
It's been a while since we've had very much to talk about.....but miracles are still happening.  The flight this morning from Salt Lake was delayed about an hour....and her connecting flight in Detroit was under an hour.  The flight waited for her and was about to page her and take off when she got there.  If she didn't catch that flight, there was a 17 hour wait until the next one.  She was a bit nauseated from all the hurry and scurry, but she wasn't real sick, (which I had worried about).  What a blessing.  She also had a special friend of Amy's (Abby's daughter) pick her up in Manchester, New Hampshire.  Tami said she connected immediatley with this wonderful girl and they had a great visit on the way to Worcester.  Another miracle.  Since she is alone back there, these tender mercies are a great confort to Mom and the rest of us. 

While she was waiting in the emergency room.....a wonderful friend from the Hope Lodge, Julie, met Tami.  Julie was at the hospital with her husband, Kevin.  Tami said, "I needed a hug and Julie needed a hug, that wasn't just a coincidence."  Julie was the friend who crocheted a beautiful handkerchief for Tami while they were both at the Lodge.  I also got to know Julie and Kevin.  They are truly delightful and caring friends.  So Tami felt loved and not alone one more time.

Dr. Lambert has tests ordered and a cat scan and hopes to make decisions rapidly.  Tami said she was having some major problems with her tubes this evening, so had she been in Utah still, we would have had to take her to the emergency room here.  Another miracle....to have her back there in the care of a Dr. who I believe truly loves Tami.

Tami says she does not feel alone tonight.  She says she feels the Lord with her and all those wonderful angels who have connected with her today have shared their love and the Love of the Lord.  Tami feels comforted in that.

Of course, those of us here feel helpless and we'll soon arrange someone to be with her.  Tim is in Colorado driving home.  He hit a bad storm so he may not get back until Monday Morning.  We'll keep in touch.

All last week we have been trying to put wheels into motion to expedite decisions.  But ultimately, Tami was the one who had to make them, and she felt a bit befuddled by the whole turn of circumstances. It was Dr. Lambert who told Tim that she hadn't had any epiphonies, but she felt strongly that Tami should be on the plane while she was still strong enough to fly.  All in all we are grateful that Tami is back there and getting the care she needs. 

Love Judy

Off to Massachusetts......

Hi Everyone....

It's been an interesting couple of months since Tami came home to try to feel and get better....For the most part it has been a growing and healing time but with the knowledge that more surgeries were forthcoming.  She's had an ongoing problem with the kidney tubes and last week she went back to the emergency room again with pain and found out she had a bacterial infection.  Last Monday the hospital called and told her she had an infection that needed IV treatment and without it she wouldn't get beter.  She was treated with an expensive antibiotic which did some good, but we knew she had to make plans soon.  She has been trying to make plans but she felt like she was fighting the river so to speak and things weren't falling into place.  Tim has been out of town with his job and we knew time was getting short for her treatment.  Tim called and spoke with Dr. Lambert at length and as of today she is on the plane and headed to Massachusetts.

  Abby took her to the airport this morning and she will soon be at UMass in the emergency room for treatment for her infection and possible surgeries.  She's alone right now as she heads to the hospital and we'll soon make arrangements for someone to be with her.  We don't know how long she'll be in the hospital or what her recovery time in Massachusetts will be.  We only know that we all feel better with her in the hands of Dr. Lambert. 

We feel bad for Madison who has put in her papers for her mission and was hoping that her mom would be here for Tuesday when she was going to go to the temple.  I haven't spoken with her yet, but Tami was heartsick to talk to Maddie last night about what she had to do.  Hopefully Tami will feel better soon and can come back to help Maddie off on her mission.  Madison will probably postpone her Temple date to see if possibly Tami could be here.

Isn't life an interesting journey, with hills and valleys and rocks in our path but as President Hinckley said, there are beautiful vistas along the way.  So we go along and hope some of those beautiful vistas come our way.

Love,
Judy