Improvements - baby steps

Kathy is doing a bit better. It looks like the infection is finally under control and the blood thinners are now the main focus. The clot has to disolve and the infections has to stay under control, and then they'll discuss when to start radiation- the last leg of this marathon. It may be possible that Kath can postpone the radiation until after they take their family vacation this summer. It would be nice for them all to kick back and have some fun.

Funny Boys and Healing

Abby and I went over to Kathy's today. She was released from the hospital on Friday night and has been taking it easy these last two days. The visiting nurses are keeping tabs on the clot and the meds with visits and blood tests. Kathy seemed in decent spirits when we got there, and then Jon and Sam came down and just started making us all laugh. They told us the nickname they have for Paul, told us some funny stories and just brought a lightness into the room that was good medicine for me, and I'm not dealing with what Kathy is. She clearly gets so much pleasure and joy from her children, little and big, and they are the best medicine.

Kathy is even more beautiful now than I can remember her being with long hair. I love her cute little G.I. Jane hair and I'm just happy to see her with a smile on her face. She's been through so many set-backs in the last month or so. The good news is that it appears that the infection is getting much better and there is no urgency to get the radiation started.

I know Kathy was so grateful to Dr. McGee, Dr. Marple and Dr. Itkin for their kindness and care over the last few days - maybe they'll read this and see how much it means to Kathy that they go out of their way to care for her as the whole person she is.

Another setback - bloodclot in the arm

Kathy was hospitalized with a bloodclot in her arm last night. I haven't spoken with anyone today, but she was going to be coming home sometime today. Not sure how this will affect the IV antibiotic treatments, but I just spoke with Kathy yesterday morning and she was feeling like the infection was on the run. She said she didn't realize how much the infection had been affecting her until she started to feel better, and she seemed like she was really feeling much better. I'm hoping once they get rid of the clot that she might actually be done with the infection. She needs a little break right now.

The good news is that John is looking very happy and healthy and is back doing driver's ed. Once I get some more info, I'll update on Kathy's condition.

This is a little crazy!

Kathy's arterial line DID slide right in today on the first try. YAY! It seemed to go pretty well - the only hitch was after they x-rayed it, it had to be pulled back a little twice and redressed, which took a little extra time. BUT, while Kathy was waiting to hear that the x-ray looked good and she could go home, she got the news that John would be having his appendix out. He was with Paul at Portsmouth, and they were just waiting for final results.

I went home with Kathy to make sure she rested (and I think she isn't really resting enough.) Kevin got a ride to baseball - thanks Harry - and Ryan and Sam actually high fived each other when they heard that a THIRD brother would be "joining the club." Three boys with appendicitis in one year. That's crazy!

Ryan has lacrosse camp next week, so he'll be busy soon. I do think having the two younger ones out of the house for a few days would really help, if anyone can swing it. Then Kathy AND John can recoup and recover in peace and quiet!

Infection Control

Kathy is going in tomorrow for another attempt at a central line. She needs a few weeks of IV treatment to deal with this infection. Apparently, once you've had MRSA, it "stays" in your body, and subsequent infections must be treated as MRSA. SO - she's got to keep at it and get rid of this stubborn thing before she can move on to the radiation treatments. I think the infection is painful and Kathy is feeling uncomfortable, but even more she is dealing with the frustration of having to struggle with the problems from the infection - trying to get access to veins and having to postpone the next stage of treatments. I offered to go over and give her a foot rub or a back massage today, and she was even a bit too tired for that. Probably the most helpful thing we can all do is think of her tomorrow at 1:30 and visualize the arterial line just sliding right into place. Also, knowing that the the two younger guys aren't hanging around the house just playing video games makes her feel better too. John will stay with them tomorrow, but the play dates are much appreciated and would help her in the coming days as well.

She is a bit discouraged and tired and trying to rest. She wanted me to pass on the message that she is appreciative of the support, although she may not be picking up the phone for awhile. If you want to leave her a message, emails, cards, and posting here are great ways to touch base. And as always, I'll try to keep the blog updated when I can get through and get news from her as well.

IV Treatments at Home

This infection is tenacious and so they decided to start her on IV treatments today. They put in a port - or a central line or something like that - so that she can do it herself at home. A home health nurse will come tomorrow to show Kathy and Paul how to do the treatments and Kathy will take the meds through the port twice a day for three weeks. Not sure what the impact on the upcoming radiation will be, but my guess is that things are getting postponed until this infection clears up.

Rest is still the important factor in all of this. I hope Kathy takes it easy for the next week or so to let the antibiotics do their magic.

I've received some very nice emails from people who are reading the blog to stay updated, and I do appreciate the kind words myself. It's my pleasure to try and help keep Kathy connected to her support network and to help all of us who have Kathy in our minds and hearts keep updated.

Rest, Rest, Rest!!!

Spoke to Paul this morning...Kathy did not have to go in for IV treatment and after resting yesterday, she seems to have improved. Kath likes to keep moving and doing, but probably the best thing for her right now is to lay low, drink lots of water, sleep, and be a couch potato for a few days. Having the guys hang out with friends helps, so thanks to those we have arranged for entertainment for the boys. If you see her out and about, remind her that people who rest are not weak!!! I asked if movies and junkie magazines would help and Paul said he thought that would be good. I might have to go over there and teach her how to knit so she'll stay put...

This is really the test for her - she can deal with pain, she has courage, but allowing herself to rest and relax and just WAIT to get better is hard work.

Yucky Week

Kathy has been fighting infection in the incision site all week. Last Monday she had an infection which seemed to have cleared up, but now it's back again. She had her antibiotics tweaked - they're treating it as though it may MRSA. If things don't clear up by tomorrow, they'll put her on I.V. meds to try to clear it up. The infection is taking a toll overall - making her tired and making it hard to keep her spirits up. The different docs are doing a great job trying to get her back to normal and she said they are all very, very kind... but I know this is wearing her out. She was really disappointed to cancel her class tonight, but she is just feeling crummy, in some pain, and saving her energy to keep her spirits up too.

Kathy has done so well, and I know she's frustrated to be using up energy on an infection when she wants to put it into the final stretch of radiation. Please say a little prayer, meditation, light a candle, send good vibes - whatever is your way of calling on the collective power of positive thinking and send some over to Little River Rd. She does draw strength and courage from her friends and family.