tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6098084154182757952024-03-14T04:34:36.687-07:00Team TamiThis blog was set up for our dear Tami who is fighting the life threatening disease - Cancer. Hopefully the blog will help you come along the journey with us and provide a way to encourage others to join us for her AFAF community fundraiser. For details, click on the marathon photo.Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-55267048995888176832013-02-23T00:04:00.001-08:002013-02-23T00:04:32.325-08:00Hope for a smoother ride.......HI All.....Tami is out of the hospital again....oh how we hope and pray she could stay out of there and just heal......Amy said she was feeling much better and acting like her regular self again. Madison is enjoying her mission home experience and is excited about the future, Tim is working and the girls are going to school....we hope for a smooth ride for a few weeks.....we can only hope.......Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-71566077866937595572013-02-21T10:41:00.004-08:002013-02-21T10:41:50.658-08:00Roller Coaster Ride continues..........Hi All......I started the last blog with...."Another roller coaster ride".......welll......we might as well start like that again because nothing seems to be going smoothly. I came home a week ago Tuesday night and Amy arrived in Massachusetts that same evening. Her first few days were very similar to my first few days out there. Tami was very tired and just sleeping.....Then Amy called me Last Saturday and told me Tami had a fever again....It was over the limit that Dr. Lambert had given me. Tami just wanted to sleep but thankfully Dr. Lambert called Amy back and told her to get her to the emergency room again.<br />
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Dr. Lambert was at a symposium and out of town but her team took care of Tami. Dr. Lambert supposses that Tami was never free of the infection from her blood clot and it just came back and this time it was in her kidneys and blood. Tami has been very sick....she said she only remembers being that sick one other time. But yesterday Amy e-mailed us and said, "A Much Better Day". We were so thankful for that. Dr. Lambert gave Tami some Orange flavored Metamucil and Amy said she was totally enjoying that prick to her taste buds!...Orange Flavored! She so enjoyed that.<br />
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Dr. Lambert also said she has another trick up her sleeve to try to block the leakage Tami is still experiencing. So they'll try that in a short while. The last one they did has not helped her a lot but hopefully the next one will. All in all....as the little problems come to many of us every day.....I've heard some say. "Well, it's not like Tami so I can handle this"......she is helping many of us with the troubles of life just by summoning the strength to keep fighting......."Fight To The Finish".......As Tami was so very sick a few days ago, her fight had just about gone out of her, but with a little more energy, her fight is still on and we still have HOPE.......She finds a way to "GO WAY DOWN DEEP" to find the push to carry on. We hope all is going well for those of you who read this....Amy's sister Taylor is going on a mission in May to New Mexico. Tami and Amy skyped in the hospital and they were able to be a part of that fun experience of opening a mission call.......We are so glad that things have smoothed out a little and we continue to hope for a smoother ride for her shortly. Lana is going out to Mass. on Monday and will stay for two more weeks. I can't believe that my 2 weeks and Amy's 2 weeks have come and gone. We're all hoping for a few weeks of healing and peace.<br />
Love, JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-64208783816554697152013-02-10T16:46:00.002-08:002013-02-23T00:14:11.380-08:00Major storms.........of Living and LifeHi again from Woosta....<br />
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Well another roller-coaster ride from back east, including a major Noreaster that shut down schools, government and mass transportation including airports for 3 days.<br />
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Tami was very weary and tired when we got back here....I was somewhat concerned for her overall lack of energy and pain levels. She thought she had strained a muscle in her groin when she arrived in Salt Lake but that pain kept getting worse and worse. Tami forced herself to attend a fireside in Weston the Saturday after we got back because Dr. Lambert was taking her mother and Tami wanted to meet her. We drove about 45 minutes away but Tami knew she was getting to the point that she couldn't walk. We really enjoyed the musical fireside and meeting ward members and Dr. Lambert and her mom, but I believe Tami had to take an extra pain pill or two to make it there. She worked hard to be able to go to church the next day, but the pain had escalated and Tami seemed soooo tired. We also noticed that the area of pain in her leg had swollen and was extending inflammation down to her knee.<br />
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I finally called Dr. Lambert for the second Time last sunday and she told me, "If you're worried Judy, take her right to the emergency room. It was 11:00 at night and Tami wanted to just stay in bed, but I finally said, "Come on Tam, we have to go." After spending the whole night in the Emergecy room, they concluded that Tami had a blood clot with a surrounding infection in her upper leg. So the last week we've been in 3 different rooms on two different floors and she's had multiple contrast Tests and x-rays. The pain with her blood clot caused her to be unable to put any weight on her leg and more problems than she had anticipated.<br />
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The contrast cat-scans showed some fistulas that Dr. Lambert might be able to fix this coming Wednesday with a non-invasive surgery. She said it's like putting some glue in some openings she has and hope that the openings heal-up before the glue disintegrates....She feels optimistic about this and so Tami thinks maybe the blood-clot brought about some ways to ultimately get a bit better. There is also some concern about some spreading of the cancer, but like Tami.....we have to forget about the distant mountains to climb and just climb the ones in front of us.....and we talked and cried and decided....if we worry too much about the future....we miss this very day and the people we can love and share within it.<br />
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We watched the snowstorm from our 7th floor window and 24 hours of non-stop wind and snow. The roads were shut down so I had prepared to spend the night at the hospital. What we hadn't expected was the fact that Tami was released from the Hospital on Saturday Night but we were unable to go back to the Hope Lodge because they were still snowed-in and snow plows had made getting back impossible....so sadly...we spent the second night doing a sleep over and getting very little sleep Finally at 4:00 today, the snow plows had cleared the parking lot and we were able to get in. Quite an adventure in the snow. <br />
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I'm heading back home on Tuesday and Amy, Abby's daughter who lived here for a few years and actually helped us many times with rides to and from the airport, is coming the same day. Her sister Kemper who lives in Nashua New Hampshire will bring her down. Nashua is only about 40 miles away from the lodge. What a blessing to have Amy come and help Tami. We feel very blessed that she was able to come and spend two or three weeks out here. At that point we hope Tami is able to be a bit more independent and feeling better.<br />
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Tami has been melancholy as she thinks about home and the girls and Madison leaving on Wednesday. She's excited for Mattie and her new adventure, but sad about not being there and missing her. We've studied conference talks and scriptures and cried and enjoyed the peace of the spirit as we've pondered and she's thought about Madison. Her heart has again been full as she has considered all who have helped Madison on her way.<br />
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We can hear the snow-removal trucks still working outside as Tami works to get her TPN ready for infusion. We are grateful for the Cancer society and the Hope Lodge....It's not home, but what a blessing to have a place to stay, people to meet who are going through their own tests, and people who care. Can you imagine the costs of room and board out here? I can't. We feel blessed.<br />
<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-15358893499851728122013-01-30T18:08:00.001-08:002013-01-30T18:14:46.791-08:00Feeling of the love of many........Hi Everyone......<br />
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Just a note or two from Worcester.....Tami and I finally got in to Worcester about 2:30 this morning....Tami was exhausted and tired and when we got to long-term parking...we got a bit nervous with a man who hopped on the shuttle with no luggage at 1:00 in the morning.....we both felt nervous and uneasy but the shuttle driver helped us by dropping him off first...Tami still said...Jude, make sure no one is following us. We were glad to have each other and not be alone. Tami spent the whole day infusing food, taking care of her appendages and tubes and just recovering and tired. She was so happy to be able to come home and visit with so many....She said, "Thanks seems so empty Jude because so many people have done so much for us and supported Madison so amazingly. She didn't get to visit with everyone, and for that she felt sad and just wanted to hug and share thanks. For those who have shared sky miles for a Christmas reunion, helped with flights, shoveled our walks, purchased items for Madison, brought food, visited, called, prayed, sent cards and cared.....She cannot share her level of appreciation. Tami and Tim and the girls actually feel the "Angels sent down to them from somewhere up above....They come to us in our darkest hour.....and we feel the Love of Him from whence they came. May we all feel that peace in each of our daily struggles......We love you....<br />
Tami and JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-73258251800115006962012-12-31T12:29:00.004-08:002012-12-31T12:29:41.532-08:00Hope for a Happy New Year...........Happy New Year Tomorrow........<br />
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I just had a good visit with Tami and Tim after yet another Doctor's appointment. Things went well and they're trying to help Tami and get her well enough so she could visit at home to get Maddie to the Temple and have her missionary farewell. I think most of you know that Madison is leaving on February 13th for the Denver Colorado South Mission. Tami would like to be able to fly home and go through the temple and then return to Massachusetts to finish her healing. Dr. Lambert siad that might be a real possibility. At some point, she would like to get to the point that she can eat and drink and feel like she is doing well enough to leave her important insurance and Dr. who cares and loves her. That may take 1 or two months or 6 or more months. Dr. Lambert doesn't know for sure how she will heal and so we just take it a week or two at a time. We think Tim might be able to come home in a couple of weeks and then go from there. All in all, we look forward to another year and in some ways we're glad we can't see what it is that our trial for this year may be. If Tami had known what last year had in store for her......she may have turned tail and ran....but not knowing, we put our trust in the Lord and go forth each day and do the best we can. Tami sounds good, she feels relatively well and longs for a good cold glass of water..........<br />
But knowing she can't, her spirits are still good, she has hope to heal and she has actually helped me to do better by thinking of her and changing a little myself. Isn't it a wonder that those we love can inspire us to be better by what they suffer? All in all I was pleased with the fact that they had a wonderful Christmas with her family, her hopes are up and she looks forward to a better year.<br />
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Love, JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-11110159206322053962012-12-25T23:20:00.002-08:002012-12-25T23:20:57.889-08:00Gifts of Christmas..........Merry Christmas......<br />
A Christmas miracle in that Tami is at the Hope Lodge with her girls and Tim for Christmas and they went to see Les Miserables in Woosta. Tami is very weak and tired but to hear her on the phone this evening gave me great peace and hope for Tami. I don't think any of us can comprehend her going without food and water....she said it was like being on a 40-day fast......and endure the ravages of her body.......She said a day doesn't go by that she doesn's think of the words and feel of the faith and peace of........"Be Still and know that I am God". Her faith is strong.....her hope is great....and her spirit is strong. What greater gift could we as her family have today than her gift of love and life. And what a gift to have so many send cards and letters and the gift of a ward member to fly the girls back to be with their mom and dad for Christmas. The gift of friends who take care of the girls and have given so much of their means and time. The gift of the American Cancer Society at Hope Lodge for their untiring efforts and funds to have a place in the inn for all who have been to help and Love. Words could not adequately express Tim and Tami's thanks and the thanks of her extended family for all everyone has done. This has been truly a Christmas to remember. May your days be merry and Bright.........................<br />
With Love,<br />
JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-5411950379035560342012-12-02T22:38:00.002-08:002012-12-02T22:38:56.667-08:00A good day..........Hi Everyone,<br />
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It's been a few days since we've posted and we're just hoping each day for the best and with Tami's new IV nutrition, she seems to be feeling better and even up and taking a shower and a walk today. Those things seem like little things to us, but They are giant steps to Tami. Marsha said she got to talk to Tami today and said she sounded good. Each day really seems like a miracle after all her set backs.....even Dr. Lambert asked Tim if she could share her testimony about life's miracles with operating and working with Tami. As I stepped outside tonight with the wind blowing, the sun setting, the geese flying overhead, my heart was full of Thanksgiving for the little miracles and the blessings the Lord has given us all. The road is long and hard, but each day is a gift from God and we just thank Him for letting us have the journey. We hope Tami can heal rapidly and soon be again in out midst.<br />
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Love, JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-56180955799970326272012-11-27T22:11:00.001-08:002012-11-27T22:11:13.529-08:00She 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. <br />
With Thankful Heart<br />
JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-31273168499371077802012-11-26T21:51:00.000-08:002012-11-27T22:11:54.726-08:00I 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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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.<br />
We love you all<br />
<br />
JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-25073715175304843002012-11-24T22:13:00.001-08:002012-11-24T22:17:08.160-08:00Tami fights another battle.....Yes I CanHi Everyone....<br />
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......<br />
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JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-12090716427576824432012-11-22T20:48:00.001-08:002012-11-24T22:15:27.123-08:00Song...I know Heavenly Father Loves meHappy Thanksgiving...and we hope you all had a good one. <br />
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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.....<br />
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Whenever I hear the song of a bird<br />
or look at the blue, blue sky.<br />
Whenever I feel the rain on my face,<br />
or the wind as it rushes by.....<br />
whenever I touch a velvet rose<br />
or walk by a lilac tree<br />
I'm glad thatI live in this wonderful world<br />
Heavenly Father created for me.<br />
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He gave me my eyes that I may see <br />
the color of butterfly wings<br />
He gave me my ears that I may hear<br />
the magical sounds of things<br />
He gave me my lips, my heart, my mind,<br />
I thank Him reverently<br />
for all His creations of which I'm a part.....<br />
yes, I know Heavenly Father loves me.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
Tim ate at the Hope Lodge. They had 5 there for Thanksgiving Dinner. <br />
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We all can be thankful this day for so many things.......Thank the Lord for them all<br />
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Love, <br />
JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-9190239420190163152012-11-20T22:23:00.000-08:002012-11-20T22:24:18.189-08:00Thanks.....giving....Hi Everyone,<br />
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......<br />
Love,<br />
JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-52958093153548790882012-11-19T22:58:00.001-08:002012-11-19T22:58:22.251-08:00Hope Lodge for Thanksgiving?????Hi all.....<br />
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.<br />
Love, <br />
JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-85519469435187492382012-11-17T22:56:00.002-08:002012-11-17T22:58:29.371-08:00Small and Simple Things.......Hi Everyone<br />
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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.<br />
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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)......<br />
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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. <br />
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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.<br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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American Cancer Society Hope Lodge<br />
7 Oak Street<br />
Worcester, Ma 01604<br />
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Love, Judy<br />
<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-59415061847795357932012-11-16T22:39:00.000-08:002012-11-16T22:39:21.972-08:00make-up......and pain.......Hello Everyone......<br />
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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.<br />
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Love, JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-54954454726290670182012-11-15T13:28:00.001-08:002012-11-17T22:57:19.504-08:00post-opWell.....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.)<br />
Love, JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-12301492660766575452012-11-15T07:02:00.000-08:002012-11-16T22:40:14.083-08:00Operation day.....Good Morning.....<br />
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.<br />
Love, JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-85716271849072303032012-11-13T21:52:00.004-08:002012-11-13T21:52:47.021-08:00still waiting.......Hello everyone......<br />
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?<br />
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Love, JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-56828041042696185552012-11-12T23:16:00.000-08:002012-11-12T23:16:32.340-08:00Testing, tubes, and No Breakfast.......Hi Everyone,<br />
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.<br />
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Love, JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-40010393222483181832012-11-11T22:19:00.003-08:002012-11-11T22:19:24.742-08:00Not too bad for a hospital day :) ..................Hi everyone....<br />
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. <br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Love,<br />
Judy<br />
Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-77112617618451955352012-11-10T22:01:00.002-08:002012-11-10T22:01:33.823-08:00Tender Mercies.........Hi everyone.....<br />
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. <br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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. <br />
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Love JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-32139222840571036282012-11-10T08:52:00.000-08:002012-11-10T08:52:03.224-08:00Off to Massachusetts......Hi Everyone....<br />
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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.<br />
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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. <br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Love,<br />
JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-79279324249474216032012-10-21T22:15:00.000-07:002012-10-21T22:15:51.249-07:00A visit from a cousin....and FRENCH FRIESHi everyone.....<br />
I went to moms tonight and Tim and Tami were there. Tami looked really good I thought and she said she went to one meeting today....that was a first......at least for a long time. She wanted to stay longer and visit with friends but all the excitement upset her stomach and she had to leave sooner than later. Her trying to heal is all unpredictable and making plans is a little stressful for her. That should all change given some time. Our cousin Lynn Kirkman came to visit and check on mom. When he came into the living room, Tami immediately remembered a time 24 years ago last month that he came and gave our Dad a special blessing. He was so sick and Lynn's blessing helped Dad along his way. Lynn stayed and gave Tami a blessing and we enjoyed our visit and then Marsha set to making homemade french fries from our brother's own spuds from Corrinne. When I left she was enjoying her share and looked great to me. Her stomach was a little up and down, but by this evening it had calmed down. We look forward to better days ahead.<br />
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JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-80400330339242799712012-10-19T01:07:00.001-07:002012-10-21T22:04:11.338-07:00More good days than bad....and Detroit won!Hi Everyone.....<br />
It's late, I couldn't sleep, so I thought I would write a couple of things about Tami. The past couple of weeks seem better to me than the 2 before that. She has more good days than bad and she got on the scale today with all her clothes on of course and the scale read 100 lbs........We were excited although I think part of that is water weight from steroids, but what the heck.....it said 100 lbs. Mom and I were at her house for the bulk of the afternoon and she looked good and was up and moving about and eating. It just seemed good to see her thinking about a few other things than being sick. Tim and Tam were watching the American League final with Detroit (Tim's home town) and New York. Tim was excited that his team won. He was waiting for phone calls concerning some work applications he had submitted and he received 2 while we were there. Tim had made clam chowder and chicken and dumplings that we all shared. He's been good to Tami and worried and taken the care that she has needed, for that I am grateful. Mom made a fresh strawberry pie (Tami's favorite) while we were there and it was half gone by the time we left. (Of course we shared:)). We also shared some homemade bread that a friend had made, along with some fresh raspberry jam made by Abby. All in all it was a good day. <br />
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She still has some trouble and pain with all her tubing and can't wait for the time that she can have those removed and press forward to heal better. She hopes that can be done sometime in November, but that will be up to Dr. Lambert. She wanted Tami to weigh at least 105 before she thought of going in to fix her colon and bladder more completely. She said the weight will actually aid in the healing process.<br />
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Well, it's been a year and 2 months since we were told she would only make it six, so for me, mom, family, friends and Tim & girls......what a blessing. None of us know from day to day when our number is up, but it seems we have all had enough of a blessing in Tami to appreciate, love and relish the time we have. Each minute is a precious gift that we might lift each other along this road of life. I have been lifted just by having the opportunity to share in her recovery, if only just a little bit. I hope many of you feel the same way.<br />
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We realize that many of you have paved your own road with struggles and tears....I guess it's just universal that we become lifted by the struggles of others. We hope that all is going well for you and I'll try to post when Tami may be going back to Boston to have that other surgery. We'd sure like to get her better for the holidays.<br />
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Love,<br />
JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609808415418275795.post-8538876124195939232012-10-08T23:27:00.002-07:002012-10-08T23:27:52.665-07:00Enjoying the TempleHi Everyone....<br />
We got up at 5:00 this morning to make it to the temple. I kept praying in my heart that Tami would have the strength and stamina to do this. I was amazed as we all loaded in the car that she really was going. When we walked into the 1st room with Tami, Dr. Lambert had tears streaming down her eyes.....She said she was doing OK until Tami came in the room. Dr. Lambert had probably 20 people there to support her. John, the resident who impressed her and gave her a Book of Mormon while he served with her on a humanitarian mission to Haiti.....His wife and mom were also there. The two missionaries who baptized her, Nate and Natalie and his mom, Tami and Tim and Randy and I, a fellow she operated on 3 years ago with his family and some others I didn't know. It was really amazing to be there with her. Tami is still having some trouble with tubes.....If she can but endure until those can come out. What a day that will be. We hope all is well with everyone and Tim and Tami are continually being blessed by those who have helped them out during this difficult time. They know they are not alone and that so many others also need help, but they are thankful, none the less. Enoy this Autumn time and hug all those around you.<br />
Love,<br />
JudyJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08435308566020878361noreply@blogger.com1