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
This 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.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
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
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
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
Sunday, October 21, 2012
A visit from a cousin....and FRENCH FRIES
Hi everyone.....
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.
Judy
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.
Judy
Friday, October 19, 2012
More good days than bad....and Detroit won!
Hi Everyone.....
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.
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.
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.
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.
Love,
Judy
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.
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.
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.
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.
Love,
Judy
Monday, October 8, 2012
Enjoying the Temple
Hi Everyone....
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.
Love,
Judy
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.
Love,
Judy
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Marathon Milestone
Just a short update about our Tami......The past month has been up and down.....it seems mostly down for her but she has been planning to go to St. George to somehow get across the finish line at the marathon. We wrote letters and got special permission to use a wheelchair at the finish line and those who ran the race would help push her through.....Well.....She had two daughters run the race, also nephews, friends and supporters. They walked back to the aid station to pick up Tami and help her across. They just had to wait for out dear Madison and then I went back to find them and to get a couple of pictures.....Well, to my surprise, I couldn't find the wheelchair, but there was Tami.....jogging along slowly with a group of those who loved her. You have to understand that she has had very few days where she wasn't nauseated and to have 3 in a row as of today is just short of a miracle. Tomorrow Dr. Lambert goes throught the temple and as of tonight she is planning to go. Tami wanted to get the medal at the marathon that said "finisher". Because she had qualified for the marathon by finishing her other races and simply to have the realization that she could be there after all the problems she's had since last April. This is a real milestone for our Tami.....She wondered last year if the Lord would allow her to stay and live and run the race of life.....She ran over the finish line supported by many family and friends who love her and I think that is symbolic of the future for her.....Live and Love and Run!!!!
There are several small stories we'll try to include in the future.....
Love
Judy
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