Jimmy is feeling better. He called shortly before 7 this morning, 30 seconds after I woke up. He slept better. They gave him benedryl through the IV which helped him sleep through the night and with his allergies.
The x-ray with dye contrast of his stomach indicated he was good to go forward with the tube feedings, so that will start this afternoon.
Tube feedings began a bit earlier - at 9:30 a.m. The nutritional drink - looks like chocolate milk - comes in a plastic carton that hangs upside down on the pole by his bed/chair. He gets 25 milliliters per hour.
He moved into a new room because someone needed a private room due to an infection. So he is around the corner to the left, sharing a room. He says he likes the new room better; he can sit by the window and have the picture of himself and Austin sitting on the shelf.
He has taken 2 walks so far today. He has to be up and out on the road (the floor) 4 times today.
After he got to his new room and was situated, he put in his contacts and hearing aids.
Dietician came at 2 p.m. and we discussed what types of foods/drinks Jim could have at the various stages - clear liquids, all liquids and soft mushy.
We are frustrated with our dealings with UnityPoint Home Medical. It has been an all-day process to get anywhere. The whole point of going with them was Jim's 22 years of service with Home Medical and Hospice. It seems like they aren't interested nor cordial in working with the patient/customer. When Jim used to work with them (he left there in 2011-12), on-call was 24 hours; now it seems considerably less than that. So many hoops to jump through. We managed to get it set up for the on-call guy to come to our house at 11 a.m. Saturday to deliver and set up the pole and/or travel backpack, the nutritional supplies and pump, give brief instructions and have me sign insurance papers. A family member or power of attorney has to be present - no neighbors.
Melissa, the nurse practitioner, came by to visit about how things are going and how things need to continue to progress for Jim's release on Sunday afternoon.
There were bubbles in his chest tube on Day 1 and also last night, but none today. Something to do with a chance of collapsed lung, so they watch that carefully.
Since he can't take flomax for his enlarged prostate, he has been given proscar (spellling questionable) through the J-tube. The foley catheter probably will not come out until Sunday. It is hoped Jim can go by himself, but if not, the foley will either need to be re-inserted or he'll have to do a straight cath. Neither one is exciting to think about. Have to see what tonight to Saturday and all day Saturday bring. It could be he wouldn't be released until Monday.
Physical Therapy stopped by while I was in the visitor's lounge updating this. Jim doesn't need any additional PT. We thought maybe it wise to check it out, especially with the steps into the house. But things are okay there and he has now taken his 3rd walk today.
The medicine Jim was taking for Afib was discontinued during the day to see how he would do, but numbers went up again, so at 5 p.m., he was back to taking abuterol (spelling?) I think.
He had two visitors today -- Pastor Dan this morning and Bob and Lorraine Kappmeyer this evening.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Recovery - Day 2
At the 7 a.m. call I learned Jim had a not-so fun night. His blood pressure was really high and pulse was racing. He had an EKG. He said he has Afib as a result of the surgery - the doctors apparently told him it was common with this type of surgery and would go away. He is on medicine right now, but won't be lifelong, like I am.
At 10 a.m., he had a test with dye contrast. Results indicated things were good.
Most of the day was spent napping - even he and I managed a one-hour cuddle nap, then he took a walk down to the exit sign and back. His longtime friend, Joel Russell, returned for another visit and they reminisced more about HLG Days. Jeremy Hudson, one of the chaplains here, also came up with Joel to visit. Jeremy was a chaplain at St. Luke's Hospice when Jim was a hospice aide there.
The nutrition for the tube feedings will be delivered at our home by UnityPoint Home Medical Saturday afternoon.
An x-ray of the stomach is scheduled Friday morning. If results are good there as well, tube feedings will commence Friday afternoon.
The goal is still to go home Sunday afternoon and if that indeed happens, someone from UnityPoint Home Health will meet us at home to bring the feeding pump and instructions.
The Post-Esophagectomy Surgery Eating Protocol has changed a few times. The one below appears to be the one we're going to follow.
Post-Op Day 15-17 (May 27-29)
In addition to continuous J-tube feedings, he starts with clear liquids - grape juice first, then clear liquids (5-6 small meals per day).
-- What to watch for:
profuse or prolonged coughing
neck drainage
Post-Op Day 18-20 (May 30-June 1)
In addition to continuous J-tube feedings, start full liquids (5-6 small meals per day).
Post-Op Day 21-22 (June 2-3)
In addition to continuous J-tube feedings, start soft mushy diet (5-6 small meals per day - can be as small as 3-4 Tablespoons)
-- What to watch for:
feeling full easily
decrease portions if needed
Post-Op Day 23-25 (June 4-6)
Continue soft mushy diet, cycle J-tube feedings from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., flush and after, disconnect in the morning. May take medications orally.
Post-Op Day 26 until follow-up clinic visit (June 7 - )
Continue soft mushy diet, stop J-tube feedings, flush J-tube 3 to 4 times per day
At 10 a.m., he had a test with dye contrast. Results indicated things were good.
Most of the day was spent napping - even he and I managed a one-hour cuddle nap, then he took a walk down to the exit sign and back. His longtime friend, Joel Russell, returned for another visit and they reminisced more about HLG Days. Jeremy Hudson, one of the chaplains here, also came up with Joel to visit. Jeremy was a chaplain at St. Luke's Hospice when Jim was a hospice aide there.
The nutrition for the tube feedings will be delivered at our home by UnityPoint Home Medical Saturday afternoon.
An x-ray of the stomach is scheduled Friday morning. If results are good there as well, tube feedings will commence Friday afternoon.
The goal is still to go home Sunday afternoon and if that indeed happens, someone from UnityPoint Home Health will meet us at home to bring the feeding pump and instructions.
The Post-Esophagectomy Surgery Eating Protocol has changed a few times. The one below appears to be the one we're going to follow.
Post-Op Day 15-17 (May 27-29)
In addition to continuous J-tube feedings, he starts with clear liquids - grape juice first, then clear liquids (5-6 small meals per day).
-- What to watch for:
profuse or prolonged coughing
neck drainage
Post-Op Day 18-20 (May 30-June 1)
In addition to continuous J-tube feedings, start full liquids (5-6 small meals per day).
Post-Op Day 21-22 (June 2-3)
In addition to continuous J-tube feedings, start soft mushy diet (5-6 small meals per day - can be as small as 3-4 Tablespoons)
-- What to watch for:
feeling full easily
decrease portions if needed
Post-Op Day 23-25 (June 4-6)
Continue soft mushy diet, cycle J-tube feedings from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., flush and after, disconnect in the morning. May take medications orally.
Post-Op Day 26 until follow-up clinic visit (June 7 - )
Continue soft mushy diet, stop J-tube feedings, flush J-tube 3 to 4 times per day
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
If you want to visit or call Jim
He is in room 59 on 4th floor of UIHC. Don't come up on Elevator D - I discovered this morning when Rocky, Christina and Austin came to visit, that Elevator D is only for staff. So come up on Elevator E, go right and where signs indicate Elevator D is, go there. The second entrance leads to the wing for thoracic surgery patients and will take you to Jim's room.
My personal suggestion is to park in Ramp 4. I think the skywalk from Ramp 3 to the hospital is way long and tiring, but some may differ. You can choose from Ramp 1, 3 or 4.
His cell phone is (319) 210-1628 - and his phone for room 59 is (319) 353-9187. It's a wireless phone, so either number he should be able to answer.
My personal suggestion is to park in Ramp 4. I think the skywalk from Ramp 3 to the hospital is way long and tiring, but some may differ. You can choose from Ramp 1, 3 or 4.
His cell phone is (319) 210-1628 - and his phone for room 59 is (319) 353-9187. It's a wireless phone, so either number he should be able to answer.
Thankfulness
Thank Him
for where you are
what you have
today
tomorrow
Look to Him
and go
where He directs
do
what He instructs
We seek
opportunities
not considering
the moments
for development
and growth
that exist in
surgical procedures
and long periods
of recovery
He is there in the midst
but our fears
often take precedence
and we fail
to recognize
Everything HE IS
Thank Him
for showing us
how to pray
and enabling us
to do so for all
day in, day out,
continually.
Thank Him
for the pain
from which
we receive
blessings
Thank Him
for friends and family
who come alongside us
and give support
in whatever way they can
Thank Him
for every reminder
keeping us
close and closer
to Him.
Thank Him
for moments
of rest,
however brief,
that renews
our stamina
as we press on.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the way of God, in Christ Jesus for you" ~ I Thessalonians 5:18
for where you are
what you have
today
tomorrow
Look to Him
and go
where He directs
do
what He instructs
We seek
opportunities
not considering
the moments
for development
and growth
that exist in
surgical procedures
and long periods
of recovery
He is there in the midst
but our fears
often take precedence
and we fail
to recognize
Everything HE IS
Thank Him
for showing us
how to pray
and enabling us
to do so for all
day in, day out,
continually.
Thank Him
for the pain
from which
we receive
blessings
Thank Him
for friends and family
who come alongside us
and give support
in whatever way they can
Thank Him
for every reminder
keeping us
close and closer
to Him.
Thank Him
for moments
of rest,
however brief,
that renews
our stamina
as we press on.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the way of God, in Christ Jesus for you" ~ I Thessalonians 5:18
Recovery - Day 1
Jim called me at 7 this morning. I don't know how well he slept through the night... I'm thinking probably not real well. He has a lot of pain on right side of chest, so the pain medication he receives through an IV was increased this morning.
Dr. Parekh, the surgeon, has scheduled a colonoscopy for him 8 to 10 weeks out -- it will be July 21. I'm just positive Jim will thoroughly enjoy taking that delightfully tasting prep drink again (NOT)!!
It's going on 1 p.m. I arrived at 10 a.m. He has had pain in the mid-chest area. His day nurse, Ashley, said it could be the chest tube poking whenever he moved a lot. Eventually he was given more medicine more frequently through the IV button - like every 6 minutes. He had a visit from the pharmacy guy regarding his meds and how many are or are not available in liquid form. He cannot take flomax so are looking into something different - possibly a tablet that can be crushed and dissolved into the feeding tube. The flomax helps with bathroom duties, so the catheter will probably stay in until things can be better managed.
Two goals were set today. One - Tube feeding begins on Friday. Two - to go home by Sunday.
Today is Day 1. Yesterday, the day of surgery, was Day 0. If everything is okay, the earliest he will go home is Sunday afternoon, but it might be Monday.
Several visitors have come this morning - the Dunnahoos from Wilton Baptist, where Jim has preached occasionally; Rocky, Christina and Austin - our adopted family ... they brought flowers and a get well balloon and cards. Austin picked out a card just for Papa with a giraffe on it, because he knew Papa liked giraffes. It was so sweet. Austin didn't quite recognize Jim as his voice was rather hoarse. A longtime friend, Joel, who loves Hannibal almost as much as Jim does, came to visit too.
At 5 p.m., Jim had a chest x-ray. That revealed the nose tube was tangled up inside him, making it no longer user friendly, so the tube was removed.
Another test is scheduled in the morning that will show how things are progressing for the planned tube feeding on Friday.
Dr. Parekh, the surgeon, has scheduled a colonoscopy for him 8 to 10 weeks out -- it will be July 21. I'm just positive Jim will thoroughly enjoy taking that delightfully tasting prep drink again (NOT)!!
It's going on 1 p.m. I arrived at 10 a.m. He has had pain in the mid-chest area. His day nurse, Ashley, said it could be the chest tube poking whenever he moved a lot. Eventually he was given more medicine more frequently through the IV button - like every 6 minutes. He had a visit from the pharmacy guy regarding his meds and how many are or are not available in liquid form. He cannot take flomax so are looking into something different - possibly a tablet that can be crushed and dissolved into the feeding tube. The flomax helps with bathroom duties, so the catheter will probably stay in until things can be better managed.
Two goals were set today. One - Tube feeding begins on Friday. Two - to go home by Sunday.
Today is Day 1. Yesterday, the day of surgery, was Day 0. If everything is okay, the earliest he will go home is Sunday afternoon, but it might be Monday.
Several visitors have come this morning - the Dunnahoos from Wilton Baptist, where Jim has preached occasionally; Rocky, Christina and Austin - our adopted family ... they brought flowers and a get well balloon and cards. Austin picked out a card just for Papa with a giraffe on it, because he knew Papa liked giraffes. It was so sweet. Austin didn't quite recognize Jim as his voice was rather hoarse. A longtime friend, Joel, who loves Hannibal almost as much as Jim does, came to visit too.
At 5 p.m., Jim had a chest x-ray. That revealed the nose tube was tangled up inside him, making it no longer user friendly, so the tube was removed.
Another test is scheduled in the morning that will show how things are progressing for the planned tube feeding on Friday.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Today is the day
"This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." ~ Psalm 118:24
That was my first thought shortly after getting out of bed at 4:07 this morning and my devotional reading led me to Exodus 33:14, which said "... 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' "
It was a long walk along the skywalk from Ramp 3 to Elevator H and 6th floor (especially for friend Jani Ford and I, as Jim had wheel chair privileges), but we checked in at the surgery waiting room area on the 6th floor at UIHC right on the dot at 6 a.m. Within minutes, we were transported to a room on 5th floor, where Jim was readied for surgery.
Pastor Dan came by at 6:45 -- we were surprised to see him on his day off. He read from Psalm 121 and prayed with us. It was much appreciated that he took the time to come. Jim's sister, Dianne Weldon, arrived at 7:30.
Jim had his hair clipped from chest to groin. No more fur.
At 7:15 a.m. I learned Jim had failed to communicate some aspects of the surgery with me. First it was going to be minimal-invasive, then traditional, .... he couldn't seem to make up his mind. And then last week he changed it back to minimal-invasive. I was ready to shoot him.
So, instead of a 4-hour procedure, it would be up to 7 hours, possibly longer. He was in the operating room from 8:15 a.m. to 2:44 p.m. We talked with Dr. Parekh at 2:15 - he said everything went well, no complications. For the next 10-15 days, the risk of infection where the stomach and 1-2 centimeters of esophagus connect is high. Don't want any redness or drainage.
The thoracic epidural that had been suggested for pain control didn't happen because of neurofibromatosis (bumps on his body) and the brain tumor surgery he had in 2006. He receives pain medication through an IV and can push a button every 10 minutes.
And then because of his hiatal hernia, he had to numb the throat area himself with a lollipop swab (disgusting stuff) - I think the anesthesia team called it awake fiber optic. It was supposed to help him not aspirate.
He was in the recovery room from 2:44 to 5:15 p.m., and then taken to 4th floor, right around the corner from Eleavor D. His room number is 59. He can have visitors. Dr. Parekh said depending upon how things go, he could come home on day 4 or 5.
It is now 9:30 p.m. Jim just called me on his cell phone. His nurse already has him sitting up on the side of the bed. Tomorrow he will be up walking. He can talk, but his voice is hoarse. He didn't talk much above a whisper several hours ago. He wants to get better soon, so we all have to be positive.
And now for a little trivia we learned from other "waiting" people ... there are 2,400 bathrooms through the hospital.
We thank you for your prayers along the way and continuing in the long days ahead.
That was my first thought shortly after getting out of bed at 4:07 this morning and my devotional reading led me to Exodus 33:14, which said "... 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' "
It was a long walk along the skywalk from Ramp 3 to Elevator H and 6th floor (especially for friend Jani Ford and I, as Jim had wheel chair privileges), but we checked in at the surgery waiting room area on the 6th floor at UIHC right on the dot at 6 a.m. Within minutes, we were transported to a room on 5th floor, where Jim was readied for surgery.
Pastor Dan came by at 6:45 -- we were surprised to see him on his day off. He read from Psalm 121 and prayed with us. It was much appreciated that he took the time to come. Jim's sister, Dianne Weldon, arrived at 7:30.
Jim had his hair clipped from chest to groin. No more fur.
At 7:15 a.m. I learned Jim had failed to communicate some aspects of the surgery with me. First it was going to be minimal-invasive, then traditional, .... he couldn't seem to make up his mind. And then last week he changed it back to minimal-invasive. I was ready to shoot him.
So, instead of a 4-hour procedure, it would be up to 7 hours, possibly longer. He was in the operating room from 8:15 a.m. to 2:44 p.m. We talked with Dr. Parekh at 2:15 - he said everything went well, no complications. For the next 10-15 days, the risk of infection where the stomach and 1-2 centimeters of esophagus connect is high. Don't want any redness or drainage.
The thoracic epidural that had been suggested for pain control didn't happen because of neurofibromatosis (bumps on his body) and the brain tumor surgery he had in 2006. He receives pain medication through an IV and can push a button every 10 minutes.
And then because of his hiatal hernia, he had to numb the throat area himself with a lollipop swab (disgusting stuff) - I think the anesthesia team called it awake fiber optic. It was supposed to help him not aspirate.
He was in the recovery room from 2:44 to 5:15 p.m., and then taken to 4th floor, right around the corner from Eleavor D. His room number is 59. He can have visitors. Dr. Parekh said depending upon how things go, he could come home on day 4 or 5.
It is now 9:30 p.m. Jim just called me on his cell phone. His nurse already has him sitting up on the side of the bed. Tomorrow he will be up walking. He can talk, but his voice is hoarse. He didn't talk much above a whisper several hours ago. He wants to get better soon, so we all have to be positive.
And now for a little trivia we learned from other "waiting" people ... there are 2,400 bathrooms through the hospital.
We thank you for your prayers along the way and continuing in the long days ahead.
Monday, May 11, 2015
The night before
Jim started his colonoscopy prep at 12:30 p.m. today. The effects of it hit him around 5 p.m., so staying close to the bathroom was most beneficial. I think he's cleaned out now.
Before heading off to bed and a restful (??) sleep of few hours, he had to take a surgical shower using Hibiclens soap, which the hospital provided for him. It's supposed to prevent infections. Jim only read the instructions three times to make sure he got it right.
The surgery is definitely major, but the shower instructions brought some laughter ...
Use a clean wash cloth and clean towel each time he showered - tonight and also in the morning when he gets up at the bright and early hour of 4 a.m. Tonight, in addition to clean underwear, he needed clean pajamas.
Use a clean wash cloth and clean towel each time he showered - tonight and also in the morning when he gets up at the bright and early hour of 4 a.m. Tonight, in addition to clean underwear, he needed clean pajamas.
Remove all body-piercing jewelry ... I don't think he has any.
Our friend Jani spent the night. We decided it was better if we all wake up at the same time in the same house than get up earlier and drive to her house and discover maybe she wasn't awake yet. That happened several years ago for another surgery Jim had.
Off to bed now. Morning will come way too soon.
The opportunity is here
Do not resist
Do not run
from pain-filled days
that enter
and stay for a time
Do not rely
on yourself
your reasonings
Come to the Lord God
who sees all
hears all
understands all
trudges beside you
before you
behind you
in all days
of uncertainty
You ask
seek opportunities
to serve
Do we know ...
How can it be
the problem
the burden
the trial
the difficulty
the stress
is an opportunity
to show another
the way
of Jesus
We asked
We said
we would go
we wanted to serve
together
The opportunity is here
The door opens
and we step in
a choice made
to rely on
Jesus
for the strength
desperately needed
He is our everything
in the midst of
every thing
that comes
Every situation, circumstance
undergone
can make us stronger
when the way we travel
is the way
He instructs us
Our human emotions
make us crumble
but it is still
to the Lord
we look
for stability
and security
Jesus
Oh how we need Jesus
There is nothing to be gained
without Him
We are lost,
floundering
We look to Him
for hope
with hope
in Hope
and we pray
the opportunity
that is here
He will bring us
safely through
together.
Do not run
from pain-filled days
that enter
and stay for a time
Do not rely
on yourself
your reasonings
Come to the Lord God
who sees all
hears all
understands all
trudges beside you
before you
behind you
in all days
of uncertainty
You ask
seek opportunities
to serve
Do we know ...
How can it be
the problem
the burden
the trial
the difficulty
the stress
is an opportunity
to show another
the way
of Jesus
We asked
We said
we would go
we wanted to serve
together
The opportunity is here
The door opens
and we step in
a choice made
to rely on
Jesus
for the strength
desperately needed
He is our everything
in the midst of
every thing
that comes
Every situation, circumstance
undergone
can make us stronger
when the way we travel
is the way
He instructs us
Our human emotions
make us crumble
but it is still
to the Lord
we look
for stability
and security
Jesus
Oh how we need Jesus
There is nothing to be gained
without Him
We are lost,
floundering
We look to Him
for hope
with hope
in Hope
and we pray
the opportunity
that is here
He will bring us
safely through
together.
Friday, May 8, 2015
The tears still flow
The tears still flow
Is it wrong
Can I not be concerned
about the ordeal
and still trust the Lord
Should I hide my face
from you and another
so you do not see
God knows
He sees my every thought
every emotion
every movement
He knows my pain
He hears my cry
He does not condemn me
but covers me gently
with His Love
His music
His words of wisdom
The tears still flow
Is it wrong
My trust is in the Lord
I know He is with me,
with us
yet I fervently wish
what has come
had not
I want him beside me
I want me beside him
for days and weeks and years
to come
The tears still flow
Is it wrong
I know whom I believe
and whom I trust
The Lord Jesus is He
and He is with me
walking
talking
along every path
The tears still flow
of sadness
of joy
Is it wrong
Can I not be concerned
about the ordeal
and still trust the Lord
Should I hide my face
from you and another
so you do not see
God knows
He sees my every thought
every emotion
every movement
He knows my pain
He hears my cry
He does not condemn me
but covers me gently
with His Love
His music
His words of wisdom
The tears still flow
Is it wrong
My trust is in the Lord
I know He is with me,
with us
yet I fervently wish
what has come
had not
I want him beside me
I want me beside him
for days and weeks and years
to come
The tears still flow
Is it wrong
I know whom I believe
and whom I trust
The Lord Jesus is He
and He is with me
walking
talking
along every path
The tears still flow
of sadness
of joy
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Trust Me
The still small voice
of the Lord
came to me
"Trust Me"
He said.
Have faith
in
Who I AM
What I CAN DO
When I COME
Where I GO
Why I SAY
How I DELIVER
Trust Me
Do not fret
Do good
Commit yourself to Me
Wait patiently for Me
I will uphold you
Keep My way
I AM your strength
I will help you
I will deliver, rescue you from the enemy
Trust Me.
(taken from Psalm 37)
His voice
in the stillness
of early morning
I heard
"Trust Me," He said.
I will take care of Jim
I will take care of you
Turn to Me
everytime
whenever the enemy digs
Do not give in to his maneuvers
He is up to no good
Turn to Me
Talk to Me
Share your every fear with Me
and I will be with you through it all
Hold on to Me
I will guide you
I will keep you safe
I will bring calmness and peace
to your soul.
Trust Me child,
Trust Me.
of the Lord
came to me
"Trust Me"
He said.
Have faith
in
Who I AM
What I CAN DO
When I COME
Where I GO
Why I SAY
How I DELIVER
Trust Me
Do not fret
Do good
Commit yourself to Me
Wait patiently for Me
I will uphold you
Keep My way
I AM your strength
I will help you
I will deliver, rescue you from the enemy
Trust Me.
(taken from Psalm 37)
His voice
in the stillness
of early morning
I heard
"Trust Me," He said.
I will take care of Jim
I will take care of you
Turn to Me
everytime
whenever the enemy digs
Do not give in to his maneuvers
He is up to no good
Turn to Me
Talk to Me
Share your every fear with Me
and I will be with you through it all
Hold on to Me
I will guide you
I will keep you safe
I will bring calmness and peace
to your soul.
Trust Me child,
Trust Me.
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