Merry Christmas, Dad.
I love you and miss you more than mere words can say. My heart is aching.
I love you.
-- Your Frassy Frass
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
I Miss You a Little, John Michael Montgomery
So, last night Ted and I were karaoke-ing in the living room. Every song somehow reminded me of dad. He either sang it, arranged it, directed it or taught it! I had a hard time with some of them. Then I was just putzing at housecleaning and Ted sang this next song (absolutely gorgeously, I might add). I didn't know the song, so I listened to the words. I was a goner. It all fit my situation perfectly. I had to go find them and share them. Enjoy and take the time to remember...
I Miss You a Little
John Michael Montgomery
Sometimes a song can touch a nerve
That takes me back to you
When I pick up my old guitar
And I play your favorite tune
Every now and then, some little thing
I've buried comes bubblin' up
And once in a while, you feel close enough to touch
I miss you a little since you've been gone
A few little memories keep hangin' on
I miss you a little, I guess you could say
A little too much, a little too often
A little more every day
When I go by our old house
I pretend that you're still there
Waitin' for me on the porch
But there's just an empty chair
Wish I could see you just one more time
Before I drive away
So I could stop and go inside, and say
I miss you a little since you've been gone
A few little memories keep hangin' on
I miss you a little, I guess you could say
A little too much, a little too often
A little more every day
A little too much, a little too often
A little more every day
Have a great week!
Leslie :)
I Miss You a Little
John Michael Montgomery
Sometimes a song can touch a nerve
That takes me back to you
When I pick up my old guitar
And I play your favorite tune
Every now and then, some little thing
I've buried comes bubblin' up
And once in a while, you feel close enough to touch
I miss you a little since you've been gone
A few little memories keep hangin' on
I miss you a little, I guess you could say
A little too much, a little too often
A little more every day
When I go by our old house
I pretend that you're still there
Waitin' for me on the porch
But there's just an empty chair
Wish I could see you just one more time
Before I drive away
So I could stop and go inside, and say
I miss you a little since you've been gone
A few little memories keep hangin' on
I miss you a little, I guess you could say
A little too much, a little too often
A little more every day
A little too much, a little too often
A little more every day
Have a great week!
Leslie :)
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Father's Day
I never thought I'd be adding another blog here, but again, I feel compelled.
Father's Day is tomorrow. My Dad's not here and I don't quite know what to do. I don't know what to think. I've never had a Father's Day that I didn't call my Dad.
I talked to my mom the other day and was consoling her. She was having a rough day and was sad. I told her that everything we do is going to be the first time without dad. The first wedding anniversary, the first Father's Day, the first birthday. Once we do that first whatever, that's one more hurdle we jumped. I guess I should listen to myself. It's easier consoling somebody else, or making them feel better. How do I make myself feel better? It's not as easy. I guess that's why I took to the computer keyboard. I don't have much to say, I just had to say that I miss my Dad. I love my Dad. I wish my Dad was here.
Happy Father's Day to the best father anybody could be blessed with. I love you, Popsicle.
Father's Day is tomorrow. My Dad's not here and I don't quite know what to do. I don't know what to think. I've never had a Father's Day that I didn't call my Dad.
I talked to my mom the other day and was consoling her. She was having a rough day and was sad. I told her that everything we do is going to be the first time without dad. The first wedding anniversary, the first Father's Day, the first birthday. Once we do that first whatever, that's one more hurdle we jumped. I guess I should listen to myself. It's easier consoling somebody else, or making them feel better. How do I make myself feel better? It's not as easy. I guess that's why I took to the computer keyboard. I don't have much to say, I just had to say that I miss my Dad. I love my Dad. I wish my Dad was here.
Happy Father's Day to the best father anybody could be blessed with. I love you, Popsicle.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
How long did you REALLY think I'd be able to stay quiet??? :o)
I kinda figured I had a few more blogs in me. I guess I always have something to say, just not all at once. Oh, who am I trying to kid? I am an Aliverti...
It's been almost a month since Dad passed away. I can't believe it's been that long already. It was just yesterday, I swear. I still talk to him daily, and I have seen little signs that let me know he's here with me. I go visit his grave and spill my heart to him. It's hard not to hear his voice answering back, but I know he hears me. I know he answers me, too. I just have to learn to listen.
It's been an interesting month, to say the least. I think I have everything bill-paying/social security/Washington State Retirement related under control. I think. Just when I wade through it all, and find that yes, I do indeed actually have a desk under here, something else shows up. That's the tough part. I find myself elated that I'm near the end of the flotsam and jetsam that is Dad's desk, and then I'm completely overwhelmed when something else arrives in the mail. I don't do well when I'm overwhelmed. I tend to shut down. Not the most efficient way to handle affairs - I so don't recommend it! I'm working on that one (I'm almost sure it's the only) downfall that I have. *smug grin*
Here's a little piece of advice, and I'm being serious here for a moment -- Write down for your loved ones somewhere, anywhere, your financial information. You don't have to be specific in amounts, but list the banks that you have accounts at, and what type of accounts they are. Any investments you have, or accountant or financial consultant(s), write 'em down. Benefits you may be getting i.e. Social Security or retirement, put 'em on paper. Dad was a meticulous record keeper, but things that he probably never thought to write down because they were everyday occurrences, had to be found the hard way. This includes things like life insurance policies. They were probably purchased (or whatever you do to start them) back when the Earth's crust was still cooling, and hadn't been thought of since. Just write down anything you think might be important to know all in one place. Oh, make sure and tell somebody where that list is, too. Works much better that way!
The next bit of advice is having Power of Attorney for the remaining spouse. Dad wanted us to do this for Mom before he passed, so we did. Once again, Ed was right on (don't tell him I said that - I'll deny it). Having POA for Mom has made so many things so much easier. One of the main reasons was because she was co-whatever for everything. As long as she was on it, we could deal with it. Mostly. There are always those exceptions (SSI for example) where you still have to fill this out, copy that in triplicate, notarize it, sign it, seal it, enrobe it in chocolate and put on the next Wells Fargo Wagon passing by. But I am sure glad we had the POA - I'd still be mired in muck trying to get things done.
Learn from my experiences - the above mentioned items will make things so much easier. I know it's a grim subject to think about, but a necessary one. Of course, this is just my opinion. Everybody has their own views on things like POAs, etc. Just do what works for you.
Now, to the reason I really came back here -
Tonight there was a benefit concert for Multiple Sclerosis Helping Hands (MSHH). This is the show dad was working on pretty much up until the time he passed. He was convinced he was still going to be singing and dancing on the 27th of February. He just kept 'tweaking' the program to enable him to continue his involvement. This meant rearranging music, changing staging, etc. Unfortunately he wasn't able to fulfill this goal. The fabulous people involved with this fundraiser did a wonderful thing - they made this concert a tribute to Dad. The Seattle Jazz Singers and the Fantastic Stardust Follies made it a night to remember. Dad's showpiece was Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera. I still shiver when I hear his rendition of this song. It stopped shows - it was that phenomenal. Tonight's performance was unbelievable - they had a chair stage left, with a rose, a painting of roses with his Phantom mask attached to it and two candelabras. The dancers performed to an all-instrumental rendition of the song. They did not use a vocal track. At certain perfectly placed moments, they brought attention to the empty chair. It was breathtaking. Needless to say I sobbed throughout the performance. Sobbed is almost too gentle of a word. Good thing I had a Dad hankie in my hands. It was such a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man that sang wonderful songs. I will always remember this night. It was a night of joyous sounds filling the concert hall.
Dad would have been proud.
I head back to Alaska on Monday. It's time to get back to my life and take care of my home and family. It's been quite a time down here - one helluva rollercoaster, that's for sure. I'm so blessed that I've been able to be here. I have probably the best husband anybody could ask for and children that understand the meaning of family. Family. That's what's really important. Dad's illness and passing have brought this family together. I feel a closeness to my aunt and uncle that I'm so lucky to have. I have a relationship with my cousins that I've sadly not really kept in touch with. That's going to change. The Aliverti girls have always been a tight group and they just got tighter. They're my family. MY family.
Yup, I'm blessed.
Take care, and next time you hear from me, I'll be back in the frozen white north. I'm going to miss this place. And Taco Time. Why, oh why, can't there be Taco Times in Alaska??? But, that's for next time.
Good night.
Leslie :)
It's been almost a month since Dad passed away. I can't believe it's been that long already. It was just yesterday, I swear. I still talk to him daily, and I have seen little signs that let me know he's here with me. I go visit his grave and spill my heart to him. It's hard not to hear his voice answering back, but I know he hears me. I know he answers me, too. I just have to learn to listen.
It's been an interesting month, to say the least. I think I have everything bill-paying/social security/Washington State Retirement related under control. I think. Just when I wade through it all, and find that yes, I do indeed actually have a desk under here, something else shows up. That's the tough part. I find myself elated that I'm near the end of the flotsam and jetsam that is Dad's desk, and then I'm completely overwhelmed when something else arrives in the mail. I don't do well when I'm overwhelmed. I tend to shut down. Not the most efficient way to handle affairs - I so don't recommend it! I'm working on that one (I'm almost sure it's the only) downfall that I have. *smug grin*
Here's a little piece of advice, and I'm being serious here for a moment -- Write down for your loved ones somewhere, anywhere, your financial information. You don't have to be specific in amounts, but list the banks that you have accounts at, and what type of accounts they are. Any investments you have, or accountant or financial consultant(s), write 'em down. Benefits you may be getting i.e. Social Security or retirement, put 'em on paper. Dad was a meticulous record keeper, but things that he probably never thought to write down because they were everyday occurrences, had to be found the hard way. This includes things like life insurance policies. They were probably purchased (or whatever you do to start them) back when the Earth's crust was still cooling, and hadn't been thought of since. Just write down anything you think might be important to know all in one place. Oh, make sure and tell somebody where that list is, too. Works much better that way!
The next bit of advice is having Power of Attorney for the remaining spouse. Dad wanted us to do this for Mom before he passed, so we did. Once again, Ed was right on (don't tell him I said that - I'll deny it). Having POA for Mom has made so many things so much easier. One of the main reasons was because she was co-whatever for everything. As long as she was on it, we could deal with it. Mostly. There are always those exceptions (SSI for example) where you still have to fill this out, copy that in triplicate, notarize it, sign it, seal it, enrobe it in chocolate and put on the next Wells Fargo Wagon passing by. But I am sure glad we had the POA - I'd still be mired in muck trying to get things done.
Learn from my experiences - the above mentioned items will make things so much easier. I know it's a grim subject to think about, but a necessary one. Of course, this is just my opinion. Everybody has their own views on things like POAs, etc. Just do what works for you.
Now, to the reason I really came back here -
Tonight there was a benefit concert for Multiple Sclerosis Helping Hands (MSHH). This is the show dad was working on pretty much up until the time he passed. He was convinced he was still going to be singing and dancing on the 27th of February. He just kept 'tweaking' the program to enable him to continue his involvement. This meant rearranging music, changing staging, etc. Unfortunately he wasn't able to fulfill this goal. The fabulous people involved with this fundraiser did a wonderful thing - they made this concert a tribute to Dad. The Seattle Jazz Singers and the Fantastic Stardust Follies made it a night to remember. Dad's showpiece was Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera. I still shiver when I hear his rendition of this song. It stopped shows - it was that phenomenal. Tonight's performance was unbelievable - they had a chair stage left, with a rose, a painting of roses with his Phantom mask attached to it and two candelabras. The dancers performed to an all-instrumental rendition of the song. They did not use a vocal track. At certain perfectly placed moments, they brought attention to the empty chair. It was breathtaking. Needless to say I sobbed throughout the performance. Sobbed is almost too gentle of a word. Good thing I had a Dad hankie in my hands. It was such a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man that sang wonderful songs. I will always remember this night. It was a night of joyous sounds filling the concert hall.
Dad would have been proud.
I head back to Alaska on Monday. It's time to get back to my life and take care of my home and family. It's been quite a time down here - one helluva rollercoaster, that's for sure. I'm so blessed that I've been able to be here. I have probably the best husband anybody could ask for and children that understand the meaning of family. Family. That's what's really important. Dad's illness and passing have brought this family together. I feel a closeness to my aunt and uncle that I'm so lucky to have. I have a relationship with my cousins that I've sadly not really kept in touch with. That's going to change. The Aliverti girls have always been a tight group and they just got tighter. They're my family. MY family.
Yup, I'm blessed.
Take care, and next time you hear from me, I'll be back in the frozen white north. I'm going to miss this place. And Taco Time. Why, oh why, can't there be Taco Times in Alaska??? But, that's for next time.
Good night.
Leslie :)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Well, Here it is - My Final Entry, February 10th
Wow. My last blog. I have no idea what I'm going to write, but it just seems like there needs to be a final edition. Where to start?
This has been one helluva rollercoaster ride, these here past few months (apparently I'm channeling a southerner). I know exactly where I was when I got the phone call that Dad was in the hospital. I don't remember the date, but I know I had just left the veterinarian's office with my 22 pound wunderkitty, Chevy (AKA Big Block). Little did I know the path I was going to be led down. At the time it was no big deal...Dad was just having trouble with that annoying cough and his blood oxygen saturation was too low. Probably pneumonia and we can fix that. I wasn't worried. Dad sounded great, if not just a little inconvenienced. I figured if he can beat cancer, he sure as shootin' wasn't going to be taken out by pneumonia.
The days stretched into weeks. I kept asking if he needed me to come down there. His answer was always the same, "Not yet." As it was nearing Christmas, he wanted me to stay with my family in Alaska. It wasn't necessary for me to be in Edmonds. A few days passed and I asked again. This time there was a little hesitation in his voice. I could tell that he was getting worried. Of course, he wasn't worrying about himself, but worrying about Mom. You see, he had taken such close care (even closer than usual) of Mom since her strokes 10 years or so ago. She really didn't have to do much for herself. It was his honor and privilege to take care of her. He saw that she got her daily medicines, and that she ate well. He was worried that if he wasn't there, how would she do on her own? I told him I would come down and he did sound a little relieved. BUT I could only come down on one condition, he said. He made me promise to wait until after Christmas. I made that promise and then made reservations for the day after (ha!). I couldn't find a loophole this time (dammit!) so I had to do what he said, therefore I waited until a few hours past midnight and I was on my way.
That conversation took place about a week and a half before Christmas. I have to say that was probably one of the hardest times of this whole journey for me. I didn't really know what was going on with him, and as it turns out, neither did the doctors. This simple pneumonia (or what I thought was pneumonia) wasn't turning out to be so simple. They really didn't know what it was or what was causing it, therefore they didn't quite know how to treat it. In essence, they didn't know what "it" was. After several different medications, they concluded that his lungs were probably damaged from the years of chemo. Made sense, I supposed. They finally figured out the meds to deal with it and I thought we were good to go - on our way to getting home.
The docs deemed him well enough to be discharged to a rehabilitation facility. You all know what happened from there on out.
Why am I telling you all this? I don't know. I guess it's just important that you know how this journey began. Dad was optimistic, of course. He knew he'd beat this slight nuisance. Hell, he'd beaten three different kinds of cancer, this was a walk in the park! Of course, he was constantly asking how we were doing. He put more importance on everybody else than on himself. Ed was being Ed.
Two months later we buried my father. He beat the bilateral pneumonitis that initially hospitalized him. He beat the VRE blood infection. He beat pancreatic cancer. What a fighter! I know I've said that before, but it can't be said enough. What this man went through on what was ultimately the last journey of his life, I can't even begin to fathom. The uncertainty of finding the original infection. The uncertainty of being able to walk again. The uncertainty of not knowing when you are going to go home. The uncertainty of his hair growing back (hey, we all have different concerns *wink*). All this while sleeping in a strange bed that made a crinkly sound when you moved and using pillows that wouldn't hold a good plumpin.' Yet that indomitable spirit never faltered. Ed was being Ed.
His memorial service was beautiful. I can't even begin to describe the feeling that overcame me when I saw all those familiar faces there to pay their respects to my Dad. I have never, ever felt so much pride, coupled with so much pain. The thought of never seeing my father on this earth again still hasn't quite sunk in. The world without Ed Aliverti? Incomprehensible.
I look back and in retrospect, everything was how it was supposed to be. Great grandson Dylan Edward arrived early. If he had waited until his due date (Feb. 12th), Dad would never have 'met' him. He was born beautifully healthy and not a tiny baby by any stretch of the imagination (6 lbs. 3.6 oz, 19 1/2" long). He was supposed to be born when he was, no matter what the calendar (and the doctors!) said. Meeting Dylan was one of Dad's long term goals. He made it, just not in the way we thought it would be. Ed was being Ed.
We had three extra years with my Dad. Of course, there is never enough time, but I'm so thankful to have held onto him for just a little while longer. The things we were able to do, the memories we were able to make. For this, I will be eternally grateful. I saw him officiate at my daughter's wedding (yes, we had to call him The Very Reverend Ed Aliverti - his words, not mine!), ride the train to Whittier and then board a glacier cruise to see 26 different glaciers. Of course, the latter was during a torrential rainstorm where the rain was falling from left to right, but bless their hearts, Mom and Dad bundled up and had a blast! This trip was in honor of Caitlin's (my youngest) 21st birthday. We still laugh at the fact that she was less than perky on this excursion. You see, in spite of our warnings, she stayed out a little, um, late the night before. I believe the glaciers looked suspiciously like the inside of her eyelids, to her. But I'm veering off subject (not unusual, if you know me)...
Now I've come to the part of our program where I thank you, the many friends that cared so very much. Not only for Dad, but for my Mom, my sisters and I, and our entire family. It was said in my Uncle's beautiful eulogy that Dad had many families. Truer words were never spoken. Each and every one of you was so important to Dad. Your stories were his stories. He revelled in every single one of them and was so proud to be associated with you. He taught, announced, sang and danced. Every one of those aspects were part of what made him who he was. For that, I am eternally grateful. I was raised by one of the best men you will ever hope to find. I can only aspire to be half the person Dad was. Thank you all of you. You lifted us up when we needed it, and continue to do so. The words 'thank you' just don't seem adequate. Just know that they come from the heart.
What I've learned from this journey is hard to put into words (so far, that doesn't seem to be an issue). Grace, hope, faith and love. That's all Dad needed. He taught me up until the very end. Ed was being Ed.
God bless all of you. You've made this journey a little easier. I now close my final blog with a slightly melancholy heart. I'm going to miss you. You take care, and drop me a line now and again to let me know how you are doing. I will continue to use the alivertiblog@hotmail.com address. You use it, too!
"I. Have. Spoken!"
There it is...Leslie is being Ed.
Good night.
This has been one helluva rollercoaster ride, these here past few months (apparently I'm channeling a southerner). I know exactly where I was when I got the phone call that Dad was in the hospital. I don't remember the date, but I know I had just left the veterinarian's office with my 22 pound wunderkitty, Chevy (AKA Big Block). Little did I know the path I was going to be led down. At the time it was no big deal...Dad was just having trouble with that annoying cough and his blood oxygen saturation was too low. Probably pneumonia and we can fix that. I wasn't worried. Dad sounded great, if not just a little inconvenienced. I figured if he can beat cancer, he sure as shootin' wasn't going to be taken out by pneumonia.
The days stretched into weeks. I kept asking if he needed me to come down there. His answer was always the same, "Not yet." As it was nearing Christmas, he wanted me to stay with my family in Alaska. It wasn't necessary for me to be in Edmonds. A few days passed and I asked again. This time there was a little hesitation in his voice. I could tell that he was getting worried. Of course, he wasn't worrying about himself, but worrying about Mom. You see, he had taken such close care (even closer than usual) of Mom since her strokes 10 years or so ago. She really didn't have to do much for herself. It was his honor and privilege to take care of her. He saw that she got her daily medicines, and that she ate well. He was worried that if he wasn't there, how would she do on her own? I told him I would come down and he did sound a little relieved. BUT I could only come down on one condition, he said. He made me promise to wait until after Christmas. I made that promise and then made reservations for the day after (ha!). I couldn't find a loophole this time (dammit!) so I had to do what he said, therefore I waited until a few hours past midnight and I was on my way.
That conversation took place about a week and a half before Christmas. I have to say that was probably one of the hardest times of this whole journey for me. I didn't really know what was going on with him, and as it turns out, neither did the doctors. This simple pneumonia (or what I thought was pneumonia) wasn't turning out to be so simple. They really didn't know what it was or what was causing it, therefore they didn't quite know how to treat it. In essence, they didn't know what "it" was. After several different medications, they concluded that his lungs were probably damaged from the years of chemo. Made sense, I supposed. They finally figured out the meds to deal with it and I thought we were good to go - on our way to getting home.
The docs deemed him well enough to be discharged to a rehabilitation facility. You all know what happened from there on out.
Why am I telling you all this? I don't know. I guess it's just important that you know how this journey began. Dad was optimistic, of course. He knew he'd beat this slight nuisance. Hell, he'd beaten three different kinds of cancer, this was a walk in the park! Of course, he was constantly asking how we were doing. He put more importance on everybody else than on himself. Ed was being Ed.
Two months later we buried my father. He beat the bilateral pneumonitis that initially hospitalized him. He beat the VRE blood infection. He beat pancreatic cancer. What a fighter! I know I've said that before, but it can't be said enough. What this man went through on what was ultimately the last journey of his life, I can't even begin to fathom. The uncertainty of finding the original infection. The uncertainty of being able to walk again. The uncertainty of not knowing when you are going to go home. The uncertainty of his hair growing back (hey, we all have different concerns *wink*). All this while sleeping in a strange bed that made a crinkly sound when you moved and using pillows that wouldn't hold a good plumpin.' Yet that indomitable spirit never faltered. Ed was being Ed.
His memorial service was beautiful. I can't even begin to describe the feeling that overcame me when I saw all those familiar faces there to pay their respects to my Dad. I have never, ever felt so much pride, coupled with so much pain. The thought of never seeing my father on this earth again still hasn't quite sunk in. The world without Ed Aliverti? Incomprehensible.
I look back and in retrospect, everything was how it was supposed to be. Great grandson Dylan Edward arrived early. If he had waited until his due date (Feb. 12th), Dad would never have 'met' him. He was born beautifully healthy and not a tiny baby by any stretch of the imagination (6 lbs. 3.6 oz, 19 1/2" long). He was supposed to be born when he was, no matter what the calendar (and the doctors!) said. Meeting Dylan was one of Dad's long term goals. He made it, just not in the way we thought it would be. Ed was being Ed.
We had three extra years with my Dad. Of course, there is never enough time, but I'm so thankful to have held onto him for just a little while longer. The things we were able to do, the memories we were able to make. For this, I will be eternally grateful. I saw him officiate at my daughter's wedding (yes, we had to call him The Very Reverend Ed Aliverti - his words, not mine!), ride the train to Whittier and then board a glacier cruise to see 26 different glaciers. Of course, the latter was during a torrential rainstorm where the rain was falling from left to right, but bless their hearts, Mom and Dad bundled up and had a blast! This trip was in honor of Caitlin's (my youngest) 21st birthday. We still laugh at the fact that she was less than perky on this excursion. You see, in spite of our warnings, she stayed out a little, um, late the night before. I believe the glaciers looked suspiciously like the inside of her eyelids, to her. But I'm veering off subject (not unusual, if you know me)...
Now I've come to the part of our program where I thank you, the many friends that cared so very much. Not only for Dad, but for my Mom, my sisters and I, and our entire family. It was said in my Uncle's beautiful eulogy that Dad had many families. Truer words were never spoken. Each and every one of you was so important to Dad. Your stories were his stories. He revelled in every single one of them and was so proud to be associated with you. He taught, announced, sang and danced. Every one of those aspects were part of what made him who he was. For that, I am eternally grateful. I was raised by one of the best men you will ever hope to find. I can only aspire to be half the person Dad was. Thank you all of you. You lifted us up when we needed it, and continue to do so. The words 'thank you' just don't seem adequate. Just know that they come from the heart.
What I've learned from this journey is hard to put into words (so far, that doesn't seem to be an issue). Grace, hope, faith and love. That's all Dad needed. He taught me up until the very end. Ed was being Ed.
God bless all of you. You've made this journey a little easier. I now close my final blog with a slightly melancholy heart. I'm going to miss you. You take care, and drop me a line now and again to let me know how you are doing. I will continue to use the alivertiblog@hotmail.com address. You use it, too!
"I. Have. Spoken!"
There it is...Leslie is being Ed.
Good night.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Let the Celebration begin!
As I sit here on the eve of Dad's funeral, I'm torn between sadness and joy. The reality of Dad's passing hasn't quite set in just yet. Probably because I haven't really had time to sit and reflect on the wonder that is Dad. We've been busy making the preparations, which has been a multi-day process. Thank goodness we have the fabulous Beck's Funeral Home and Holy Rosary Parish. They are taking on the colossal project of celebrating Dad's life, and doing it with great compassion and patience. I'm feeling a tad overwhelmed and I don't even have to take care of the details!
Tonight's (self-imposed) task was to find pictures for the memory table. How do you winnow down 77 years of an extraordinary life into a few pictures? Where do you even start? I just picked and chose a few that I thought represented who the man was. I could sit here forever picking out more and more snapshots. Instead, I had a Kit Kat bar. Ahhh, the Kit Kat bar. It was one of Dad's favorite candybars. He would take my girls down to (then) Olson's grocery store here in Edmonds and as a treat they'd get a Kit Kat bar. It was their little ritual, one that I never quite got invited to share with them. I didn't mind.
I'm looking forward to this celebration. It's going to be filled with tears - lots of tears. But the tears won't necessarily be tears of sadness. There will be tears of joy mixed in. I'm sure I will run the gamut of emotions tomorrow - from the highest highs to the lowest of the lows. Somehow, I can hear Dad's voice telling me not to cry for him. I will celebrate him. Remember him. Love him.
Goodnight --
Leslie
Tonight's (self-imposed) task was to find pictures for the memory table. How do you winnow down 77 years of an extraordinary life into a few pictures? Where do you even start? I just picked and chose a few that I thought represented who the man was. I could sit here forever picking out more and more snapshots. Instead, I had a Kit Kat bar. Ahhh, the Kit Kat bar. It was one of Dad's favorite candybars. He would take my girls down to (then) Olson's grocery store here in Edmonds and as a treat they'd get a Kit Kat bar. It was their little ritual, one that I never quite got invited to share with them. I didn't mind.
I'm looking forward to this celebration. It's going to be filled with tears - lots of tears. But the tears won't necessarily be tears of sadness. There will be tears of joy mixed in. I'm sure I will run the gamut of emotions tomorrow - from the highest highs to the lowest of the lows. Somehow, I can hear Dad's voice telling me not to cry for him. I will celebrate him. Remember him. Love him.
Goodnight --
Leslie
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Ed's Obituary
Good morning --
Dad's obituary is in today's Seattle Times and Everett Herald (links below). It is also slated to run in tomorrow's Walla Walla Union Bulletin. When I have that URL I will post it under seperate cover.
Seattle times
The Everett Herald
Have a blessed Sunday. I hear there's some football game today. Are the Seahawks playing?
Leslie :)
p.s. Go Saints! Not necessarily a fan, but if I have to root for somebody, I'm going with the team that's never been to a Super Bowl (at least that's what I've been told)...
Dad's obituary is in today's Seattle Times and Everett Herald (links below). It is also slated to run in tomorrow's Walla Walla Union Bulletin. When I have that URL I will post it under seperate cover.
Seattle times
The Everett Herald
Have a blessed Sunday. I hear there's some football game today. Are the Seahawks playing?
Leslie :)
p.s. Go Saints! Not necessarily a fan, but if I have to root for somebody, I'm going with the team that's never been to a Super Bowl (at least that's what I've been told)...
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Just checkin' in...
...to see how y'all are doing. The sun is out today and it's mostly not cold. Better yet, it's mostly not raining!
It's been a tough couple of days, but I tell you what - YOU all have made this easier. Reading your anecdotes has become my nightly ritual. It's my way of decompressing from the day. I just sit at Dad's desk, on his computer, looking at his stuff (can't the man throw ANYTHING away?) and read your stories and comments. It's a way of connecting with his world, most of which I only experienced from a distance and secondhand. The way in which you all tell your stories is amazing. The admiration and love just eminates (oooo another good word!) from your postings.
I just wanted to tell you thank you. Thank you for making this such a wonderful celebration of his life!
Now? Now it's time for some retail therapy. I will be back later.
Enjoy your day --
Leslie :)
It's been a tough couple of days, but I tell you what - YOU all have made this easier. Reading your anecdotes has become my nightly ritual. It's my way of decompressing from the day. I just sit at Dad's desk, on his computer, looking at his stuff (can't the man throw ANYTHING away?) and read your stories and comments. It's a way of connecting with his world, most of which I only experienced from a distance and secondhand. The way in which you all tell your stories is amazing. The admiration and love just eminates (oooo another good word!) from your postings.
I just wanted to tell you thank you. Thank you for making this such a wonderful celebration of his life!
Now? Now it's time for some retail therapy. I will be back later.
Enjoy your day --
Leslie :)
Thursday, February 4, 2010
More Celebration Information!
Beck's Funeral Home is planning this celebration, along with Holy Rosary Parish. Beck's has a website for Dad that includes funeral information, and a place to share your memories, if you so choose. The address is:
http://www.becksfuneralhome.com/
You will see Dad's name listed on the left side, just click him!
Leslie :)
http://www.becksfuneralhome.com/
You will see Dad's name listed on the left side, just click him!
Leslie :)
It's time for a Celebration!
Come celebrate Ed's life with us!
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
Funeral Mass at 11:00am at Holy Rosary in Edmonds, with reception to follow at Holy Rosary School.
I will post directions, etc. later tonight, but I wanted to get this out there so people can start making plans.
Also, folks have been asking where donations may be made. Two places came to mind. They are both very near and dear to Dad and the entire Aliverti family, so...
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
MSHH (Multiple Sclerosis Helping Hands)
9792 Edmonds Way #229
Edmonds, WA 98020
or
Virginia Mason Pancreatic Cancer Fund
VM Medical Foundation
attn: Dr. Vincent Picozzi
Mailstop B-2
VMMC
1100 - 9th Ave
Seattle, WA 98111
Have a great afternoon -
Leslie :)
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
Funeral Mass at 11:00am at Holy Rosary in Edmonds, with reception to follow at Holy Rosary School.
I will post directions, etc. later tonight, but I wanted to get this out there so people can start making plans.
Also, folks have been asking where donations may be made. Two places came to mind. They are both very near and dear to Dad and the entire Aliverti family, so...
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
MSHH (Multiple Sclerosis Helping Hands)
9792 Edmonds Way #229
Edmonds, WA 98020
or
Virginia Mason Pancreatic Cancer Fund
VM Medical Foundation
attn: Dr. Vincent Picozzi
Mailstop B-2
VMMC
1100 - 9th Ave
Seattle, WA 98111
Have a great afternoon -
Leslie :)
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Wednesday, February 3rd
It is with a heavy heart and great sadness to let you all know that my Dad, Ed Aliverti, passed away peacefully this morning at 5:48.
He fought such a valiant fight. I am so proud of him. I love you Popsicle. You are my hero, today and forever.
Today, take a moment to hug those you love and think back to a time you spent with Dad. I bet you'll smile.
I will post a time and location for his party when that information becomes available.
God bless you all. Thank you for everything.
The Aliverti Family
He fought such a valiant fight. I am so proud of him. I love you Popsicle. You are my hero, today and forever.
Today, take a moment to hug those you love and think back to a time you spent with Dad. I bet you'll smile.
I will post a time and location for his party when that information becomes available.
God bless you all. Thank you for everything.
The Aliverti Family
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 31st
Good evening! After a much needed day off, I am back! Just when you thought it was safe...
I didn't go down to see Dad yesterday, so this part is from what I understand from Gina. Yesterday they tapped Dad's other lung and drew off another liter of fluid. He is breathing MUCH easier now, although it is still a little struggle. He's still on the C-Pap-like breathing apparatus, which forces the oxygen into his lungs, thus expanding them. This forced air, at this point, is probably expanding the lungs more than if he were to do this himself. Oh and get this - Gina called down there yesterday morning to get an update from his nurse. She said the doctor was so impressed with Gina and me (I?) after our stint assisting the first lung tap, he requested us again! lol Gina was going down so she said she and her husband would be happy to. Turns out the docs freed up before G got down there, so it was all done by the time they got there. I just find this too funny. Soon, we will be running the joint! Typical Alivertis.
We did go see him today. He's still breathing pretty darned good, as long as he's on that apparatus. They just don't want to use this too long or his body won't try and do it itself. They are hoping to wean him down to a regular nasal canula, cannula, cannulla, canoodle or whatever it is actually called/spelled. I'm too lazy to look it up tonight. :o) I keep leaving out little words as I type this so I must be tired! That, or I'm channeling my inner Yoda. If you discover a missing word, please keep it to yourself. Hopefully nobody else will notice.
He's speaking in fuller sentences now, also. When it was so hard to breathe it was, at the most, two words at a time. His voice sounds much stronger now, too. Not what it was, but it's not as raspy. He did mention today that he is extremely BORED! I can't imagine laying in that hospital bed for as long as he has. I'd be going stir crazy, to say the least. I wish his bed faced the other way, so he could look out at Lake Union off in the distance. Such a beautiful view. It's too bad he only sees part of it. He does have a lovely print of a watercolor on the wall at the foot of his bed. It's a water and sailboat scene. You will see him just staring at it and he may even tell you he sees a bear in it. Kind of like looking at clouds, I guess. I'm thinking I want the meds he's on so I can see the bear, too.
He has been rather tired these past few days. He was on some pretty good pain medicine after each of the lung tappings. They should be probably tapering that down by now, but maybe not. I say visiting would be okay, as long as it's not too long at a time. He tends to doze, so don't take it personally! lol I just think visitors might help abate some of the boredom. The main thing is, if 2 or 3 people are in there, please wait for a few minutes out in, what I call, the Fish Room. That's the lobby area where you catch the elevators.
Oh! Speaking of elevators, I'm sure you're anxious to know how the elevators and I are getting along (lie if you have to). I believe I have appeased the elevator gods and I'm happy to report I've always ended up where I intended to go. No more milk runs for me! :o) But, I digress...
Back to the visitors. If you are the visitors visiting the visitee, and you happen to be visiting said visitee and more visitors appear, please be mindful and perhaps switch out with the waiting visitors, so they can visit the visitee.
That was just fun to write.
I think that's it for now. I apologize to those that have so thoughtfully sent us emails. I haven't had much chance to get to them to answer, but I guarantee you, I read them out loud to Dad when I'm down there. Just what DID we do before iPhones? I can access the emails right there in the room. Too cool.
You all have a great week! Keep the prayers and good vibes flowing. We are all convinced that they are working. Speaking on behalf of the entire Aliverti clan, we thank you so very much. And to those that have taken it upon themselves to take care of our food needs, all I can say is, are memberships to Jenny Craig included?!? My goodness! What kind and thoughtful friends we are surrounded by. We wouldn't have it any other way.
Good night --
Leslie :)
I didn't go down to see Dad yesterday, so this part is from what I understand from Gina. Yesterday they tapped Dad's other lung and drew off another liter of fluid. He is breathing MUCH easier now, although it is still a little struggle. He's still on the C-Pap-like breathing apparatus, which forces the oxygen into his lungs, thus expanding them. This forced air, at this point, is probably expanding the lungs more than if he were to do this himself. Oh and get this - Gina called down there yesterday morning to get an update from his nurse. She said the doctor was so impressed with Gina and me (I?) after our stint assisting the first lung tap, he requested us again! lol Gina was going down so she said she and her husband would be happy to. Turns out the docs freed up before G got down there, so it was all done by the time they got there. I just find this too funny. Soon, we will be running the joint! Typical Alivertis.
We did go see him today. He's still breathing pretty darned good, as long as he's on that apparatus. They just don't want to use this too long or his body won't try and do it itself. They are hoping to wean him down to a regular nasal canula, cannula, cannulla, canoodle or whatever it is actually called/spelled. I'm too lazy to look it up tonight. :o) I keep leaving out little words as I type this so I must be tired! That, or I'm channeling my inner Yoda. If you discover a missing word, please keep it to yourself. Hopefully nobody else will notice.
He's speaking in fuller sentences now, also. When it was so hard to breathe it was, at the most, two words at a time. His voice sounds much stronger now, too. Not what it was, but it's not as raspy. He did mention today that he is extremely BORED! I can't imagine laying in that hospital bed for as long as he has. I'd be going stir crazy, to say the least. I wish his bed faced the other way, so he could look out at Lake Union off in the distance. Such a beautiful view. It's too bad he only sees part of it. He does have a lovely print of a watercolor on the wall at the foot of his bed. It's a water and sailboat scene. You will see him just staring at it and he may even tell you he sees a bear in it. Kind of like looking at clouds, I guess. I'm thinking I want the meds he's on so I can see the bear, too.
He has been rather tired these past few days. He was on some pretty good pain medicine after each of the lung tappings. They should be probably tapering that down by now, but maybe not. I say visiting would be okay, as long as it's not too long at a time. He tends to doze, so don't take it personally! lol I just think visitors might help abate some of the boredom. The main thing is, if 2 or 3 people are in there, please wait for a few minutes out in, what I call, the Fish Room. That's the lobby area where you catch the elevators.
Oh! Speaking of elevators, I'm sure you're anxious to know how the elevators and I are getting along (lie if you have to). I believe I have appeased the elevator gods and I'm happy to report I've always ended up where I intended to go. No more milk runs for me! :o) But, I digress...
Back to the visitors. If you are the visitors visiting the visitee, and you happen to be visiting said visitee and more visitors appear, please be mindful and perhaps switch out with the waiting visitors, so they can visit the visitee.
That was just fun to write.
I think that's it for now. I apologize to those that have so thoughtfully sent us emails. I haven't had much chance to get to them to answer, but I guarantee you, I read them out loud to Dad when I'm down there. Just what DID we do before iPhones? I can access the emails right there in the room. Too cool.
You all have a great week! Keep the prayers and good vibes flowing. We are all convinced that they are working. Speaking on behalf of the entire Aliverti clan, we thank you so very much. And to those that have taken it upon themselves to take care of our food needs, all I can say is, are memberships to Jenny Craig included?!? My goodness! What kind and thoughtful friends we are surrounded by. We wouldn't have it any other way.
Good night --
Leslie :)
Friday, January 29, 2010
Friday, January 29th, Part 2
They call me DOCTOR Jones! lol That's for Uncle Bob... :o)
Wow. Where to start? It's been a tough couple-a days. Yesterday he was moved yet again to 'his' room. Turns out he was temporarily in 1565 while they were spiffing up 1578, where he was headed. A fresh coat of paint, new whiteboard and a corkboard. Pretty nice! BUT Dad doesn't like change a whole lot. Or rather, it discombobulates him.
When he moved from the CCU unit to Floor 15, his neato air mattress didn't make the journey with him. Apparently this distressed him. Repeatedly. He called me at midnight:15 and let me know that he didn't have his good air mattress. Yup. This was late-night worthy all right! After convincing him I'm sure they just had to clean it before it left the unit, (hey, that might have been what really happened!), we hung up the phone. I could tell he wasn't going to go to sleep, so I called the nurses station to request a little sum-sum to help him rest. I told his nurse that he had just called me. First words out of her mouth, "Did he call you about the mattress?" I laughed and said that indeed, that's why he called. "Oh" she says. "He called everybody about that mattress!" Apparently floor 15 got a call from the ICU. Dad, somehow, had called down there and wanted to know where his mattress was! I told the nurse what I had told Dad and told her to just go with it. Needless to say, he's sleeping on a pretty blue and purple air mattress.
Yesterday he had quite a day. It started with a song! Some of his fellow Fabulous Stardust Follies family stopped by and they filled the room! They were working on a song from the show. Dad followed along and even joined in for a few measures. It was music to my ears. Just as they all came in, the doctors came in for their rounds. I don't think that poor intern was expecting to perform for an audience! He did a great job, and it was so interesting to stand there and listen to it. He'd give his report, the attending doctor would ask questions, the interns would answer, etc. Just like on Gray's Anatomy. After they were done, the interns left the room, but the attending, Dr. Bush, wanted to hear the Follies sing. He stuck around for a song. How cool is that?!? I think it gave him a little insight as to the patient he was working with.
After the Follies left, we all stayed around for a bit. When it was evident that he was getting tired, we left him to rest and headed home. Later that night he called and asked if I could come down. Ted, Katie and I were already out and headed to Northgate, so we told him we'd come down after a trip to the shoe store (Someday I'll tell y'all about my hunt for the elusive Dansko Professional Tooled, black, size 40). I wasn't really prepared for how he was when we got there. First, he was now in his private room, thereby enduring another room change. His breathing was so labored, and he was so befuddled. It broke my heart. He just wanted to come home. He figured I could do his tube feedings like I did during his first round of chemo. Unfortunately there's more tubes plugged into him now, so I had to tell him that going home at this point in time wasn't possible. I don't think he liked that answer and I'm pretty sure I'm grounded now. Dr. Picozzi came in later and told him the scoop, and that going home probably wasn't the best plan. It took some convincing, but we got Dad to understand. We left him to sleep. I turned off his cell phone and moved the room phone. :o)
I wasn't sure what I was going to see when we went down this morning. I had a couple conversations with the worlds greatest nurse, Pat. She is so understanding and just a compassionate soul. She was even a little teary when we were talking. That's just the effect Dad has on people. You just can't help yourself. His bad night continued after we left. He's just so fragile.
When we arrived in his room, I was happy to see that he was much calmer than he had been, and that just continued to improve as the day went on. They put him on a machine similar to a C-Pap that forces oxygen into the lungs, causing them to expand. This helped him greatly. They then did a thoracentesis (yay! I got it right!) which is where they tap the area around the lung for fluid. Gina and I got to sit in with this procedure, to help hold Dad and just comfort him. It was so interesting, and nice to be a part of it. It was Dr. Bush that asked us to stay and help. I told them I expect them to knock half off the bill, for our services rendered. He said he'd check on it. I get the feeling he may have been kidding. *wink* They ended up drawing a little over a liter of fluid off from the left lung. This, in conjunction with the breathing tube thingy really seemed to help him. Unfortunately, when you have a lung that wasn't expanding, and now is, it can be painful. They gave Dad some meds to help with that, and he was sleeping when we left. We expect a much calmer night that last night. I sure hope so.
So, there you have it - the last two days in a nutshell. Again, the emotional rollercoaster. I thought this morning we may be losing him. He proved us wrong, yet again. As long as his spirit still wants to fight, we will be fighting right along next to him.
We are asking at this point in time, with the extra breathing difficulty, that you hold off on your visits. He's just always so tired, and it's hard for him to talk. We keep telling him he doesn't need to, to just listen, but well, you know Ed. That's kind of like telling me not to talk. Good luck with that plan.
You all have a wonderful weekend!
Dr. Jones, signing off...
Wow. Where to start? It's been a tough couple-a days. Yesterday he was moved yet again to 'his' room. Turns out he was temporarily in 1565 while they were spiffing up 1578, where he was headed. A fresh coat of paint, new whiteboard and a corkboard. Pretty nice! BUT Dad doesn't like change a whole lot. Or rather, it discombobulates him.
When he moved from the CCU unit to Floor 15, his neato air mattress didn't make the journey with him. Apparently this distressed him. Repeatedly. He called me at midnight:15 and let me know that he didn't have his good air mattress. Yup. This was late-night worthy all right! After convincing him I'm sure they just had to clean it before it left the unit, (hey, that might have been what really happened!), we hung up the phone. I could tell he wasn't going to go to sleep, so I called the nurses station to request a little sum-sum to help him rest. I told his nurse that he had just called me. First words out of her mouth, "Did he call you about the mattress?" I laughed and said that indeed, that's why he called. "Oh" she says. "He called everybody about that mattress!" Apparently floor 15 got a call from the ICU. Dad, somehow, had called down there and wanted to know where his mattress was! I told the nurse what I had told Dad and told her to just go with it. Needless to say, he's sleeping on a pretty blue and purple air mattress.
Yesterday he had quite a day. It started with a song! Some of his fellow Fabulous Stardust Follies family stopped by and they filled the room! They were working on a song from the show. Dad followed along and even joined in for a few measures. It was music to my ears. Just as they all came in, the doctors came in for their rounds. I don't think that poor intern was expecting to perform for an audience! He did a great job, and it was so interesting to stand there and listen to it. He'd give his report, the attending doctor would ask questions, the interns would answer, etc. Just like on Gray's Anatomy. After they were done, the interns left the room, but the attending, Dr. Bush, wanted to hear the Follies sing. He stuck around for a song. How cool is that?!? I think it gave him a little insight as to the patient he was working with.
After the Follies left, we all stayed around for a bit. When it was evident that he was getting tired, we left him to rest and headed home. Later that night he called and asked if I could come down. Ted, Katie and I were already out and headed to Northgate, so we told him we'd come down after a trip to the shoe store (Someday I'll tell y'all about my hunt for the elusive Dansko Professional Tooled, black, size 40). I wasn't really prepared for how he was when we got there. First, he was now in his private room, thereby enduring another room change. His breathing was so labored, and he was so befuddled. It broke my heart. He just wanted to come home. He figured I could do his tube feedings like I did during his first round of chemo. Unfortunately there's more tubes plugged into him now, so I had to tell him that going home at this point in time wasn't possible. I don't think he liked that answer and I'm pretty sure I'm grounded now. Dr. Picozzi came in later and told him the scoop, and that going home probably wasn't the best plan. It took some convincing, but we got Dad to understand. We left him to sleep. I turned off his cell phone and moved the room phone. :o)
I wasn't sure what I was going to see when we went down this morning. I had a couple conversations with the worlds greatest nurse, Pat. She is so understanding and just a compassionate soul. She was even a little teary when we were talking. That's just the effect Dad has on people. You just can't help yourself. His bad night continued after we left. He's just so fragile.
When we arrived in his room, I was happy to see that he was much calmer than he had been, and that just continued to improve as the day went on. They put him on a machine similar to a C-Pap that forces oxygen into the lungs, causing them to expand. This helped him greatly. They then did a thoracentesis (yay! I got it right!) which is where they tap the area around the lung for fluid. Gina and I got to sit in with this procedure, to help hold Dad and just comfort him. It was so interesting, and nice to be a part of it. It was Dr. Bush that asked us to stay and help. I told them I expect them to knock half off the bill, for our services rendered. He said he'd check on it. I get the feeling he may have been kidding. *wink* They ended up drawing a little over a liter of fluid off from the left lung. This, in conjunction with the breathing tube thingy really seemed to help him. Unfortunately, when you have a lung that wasn't expanding, and now is, it can be painful. They gave Dad some meds to help with that, and he was sleeping when we left. We expect a much calmer night that last night. I sure hope so.
So, there you have it - the last two days in a nutshell. Again, the emotional rollercoaster. I thought this morning we may be losing him. He proved us wrong, yet again. As long as his spirit still wants to fight, we will be fighting right along next to him.
We are asking at this point in time, with the extra breathing difficulty, that you hold off on your visits. He's just always so tired, and it's hard for him to talk. We keep telling him he doesn't need to, to just listen, but well, you know Ed. That's kind of like telling me not to talk. Good luck with that plan.
You all have a wonderful weekend!
Dr. Jones, signing off...
Friday, January 29th
Just a quick note to let you know that last night was a toughie. We are headed out to see Dad here shortly. He's getting tired.
Will report more, later.
Leslie
Will report more, later.
Leslie
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wednesday, January somethingth
I've lost track! lol
I just got home from my second visit of the day with dad. We're getting this driving on I-5 thing down. But jeepers, could they please make their lanes a little wider?!? I'm used to the Alaskan roads I guess. I spend most of the time with my eyes closed hoping the other drivers stay where they're supposed to. Then I remember I'm the one driving.
They (the powers that be, usually wearing long white coats) have decided that dad is no longer sick enough for ICU! They will be moving him probably tonight. *cue theme song from The Jeffersons* More than likely he will be back on the 15th floor, oncology.
I met several different doctors tonight. I will go in chronological order (mostly because I have no other order to use): First was the Gastro Intestinal or perhaps Enterologist (she said it so fast I couldn't quite understand)doc. She was there just asking dad how he felt. They are thinking they may start to introduce food by mouth as early as tomorrow (note: got a slightly different report from the next doc). Not a guarantee, but it's nice to know they are thinking they may not need the NG tube, although that option is always available. He's understandably a little nervous about eating. They have started him on Reglan, which I'm familiar with as a diabetic. I don't take it, but I do know what it is for. The stomach naturally contracts and relaxes, which is known as peristalsis. Pancreatic cancer can kill the nerves that regulate this, leaving the stomach contents to fend for themselves. The medicine helps with this. Quite frankly, I said if you want contractions, try Pitocin - it works like a son-of-a-gun! For some reason they didn't think it would work. ;) Every woman reading this just laughed out loud and every man probably has a puzzled look on their face. Google!
Next in was a doctor from the team upstairs that will be taking over Dad's care. He gave him the once over and decided that possibly they will tap his abdomen again to remove fluid. The fluid is taking up precious space the lungs could use to expand. He's breathing pretty shallowly (hope that's a word) and they'd like him to breathe deeper if possible. Dad's blood oxygen level is still hovering around the 98 - 100% level with a blood pressure that most of us would envy! I think at one point it was something like 113/67. I can only aspire to that!
To help clarify what the fluid is exactly, it's a by-product of the malnutrition and it has to do with albumin (or lack thereof), which is a protein. From WebMD.com:
"Albumin is made mainly in the liver. It helps keep the blood from leaking out of blood vessels. Albumin also helps carry some medicines and other substances through the blood and is important for tissue growth and healing."
My understanding is that due to a lack of albumin, the body leeches fluid into the cavities and tissues. This is why the swelling of the legs/ankles and fluid in his belly. This is just my take on it, and it by no means is written in stone. I just hope I'm close!
He also discussed the chances of feeding by mouth. It probably won't be a few days, according to him, so they can let the Reglan do it's thing, and see if it's going to work. Let's hope!
Last, but not least, is Dr. Picozzi, Dad's oncologist. He visited tonight and said that they see no indication that the cancer has gotten any worse. His cancer treatment has moved down the priority list. He says we need to concentrate on "NIB" - Nutrition, Infection and Breathing. He said at the most, cancer is number four on the list. The Doc has every intention of singing with Dad in 3 months at the Pancreatic Cancer Benefit thingy. I don't know what it's officially called. I think it involves Symposium. I dunno. They sing. They dance. They eat dinner.
I believe Dad will be moved tonight, but hasn't as of this writing (8:56 pm). He just called to tell me he wants his cell phone and charger. Uh oh.
Good night!
Leslie :)
I just got home from my second visit of the day with dad. We're getting this driving on I-5 thing down. But jeepers, could they please make their lanes a little wider?!? I'm used to the Alaskan roads I guess. I spend most of the time with my eyes closed hoping the other drivers stay where they're supposed to. Then I remember I'm the one driving.
They (the powers that be, usually wearing long white coats) have decided that dad is no longer sick enough for ICU! They will be moving him probably tonight. *cue theme song from The Jeffersons* More than likely he will be back on the 15th floor, oncology.
I met several different doctors tonight. I will go in chronological order (mostly because I have no other order to use): First was the Gastro Intestinal or perhaps Enterologist (she said it so fast I couldn't quite understand)doc. She was there just asking dad how he felt. They are thinking they may start to introduce food by mouth as early as tomorrow (note: got a slightly different report from the next doc). Not a guarantee, but it's nice to know they are thinking they may not need the NG tube, although that option is always available. He's understandably a little nervous about eating. They have started him on Reglan, which I'm familiar with as a diabetic. I don't take it, but I do know what it is for. The stomach naturally contracts and relaxes, which is known as peristalsis. Pancreatic cancer can kill the nerves that regulate this, leaving the stomach contents to fend for themselves. The medicine helps with this. Quite frankly, I said if you want contractions, try Pitocin - it works like a son-of-a-gun! For some reason they didn't think it would work. ;) Every woman reading this just laughed out loud and every man probably has a puzzled look on their face. Google!
Next in was a doctor from the team upstairs that will be taking over Dad's care. He gave him the once over and decided that possibly they will tap his abdomen again to remove fluid. The fluid is taking up precious space the lungs could use to expand. He's breathing pretty shallowly (hope that's a word) and they'd like him to breathe deeper if possible. Dad's blood oxygen level is still hovering around the 98 - 100% level with a blood pressure that most of us would envy! I think at one point it was something like 113/67. I can only aspire to that!
To help clarify what the fluid is exactly, it's a by-product of the malnutrition and it has to do with albumin (or lack thereof), which is a protein. From WebMD.com:
"Albumin is made mainly in the liver. It helps keep the blood from leaking out of blood vessels. Albumin also helps carry some medicines and other substances through the blood and is important for tissue growth and healing."
My understanding is that due to a lack of albumin, the body leeches fluid into the cavities and tissues. This is why the swelling of the legs/ankles and fluid in his belly. This is just my take on it, and it by no means is written in stone. I just hope I'm close!
He also discussed the chances of feeding by mouth. It probably won't be a few days, according to him, so they can let the Reglan do it's thing, and see if it's going to work. Let's hope!
Last, but not least, is Dr. Picozzi, Dad's oncologist. He visited tonight and said that they see no indication that the cancer has gotten any worse. His cancer treatment has moved down the priority list. He says we need to concentrate on "NIB" - Nutrition, Infection and Breathing. He said at the most, cancer is number four on the list. The Doc has every intention of singing with Dad in 3 months at the Pancreatic Cancer Benefit thingy. I don't know what it's officially called. I think it involves Symposium. I dunno. They sing. They dance. They eat dinner.
I believe Dad will be moved tonight, but hasn't as of this writing (8:56 pm). He just called to tell me he wants his cell phone and charger. Uh oh.
Good night!
Leslie :)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tuesday, January 26th
Whew! We all had a much (!) better night's sleep last night. What an ordeal!
Let's see, today's report. I didn't go down with everybody as I had to tend to the home fires. My daughter Caitlin, husband Ted, Gina and Adam took Mom to see Dad.
When they got there at around 2:30, a therapist had him doing physical therapy. They actually got to see him stand up with assistance. He stood with a walker for about 2 minutes, then took a rest. His voice is still raspy, but clearer than it was yesterday. Other than that, not much to report. Katie and Adam spent most of the time with him. It was a little warm in the room for mom. Lots of layers and add onto that the paper gown...not a good combination. Word to the wise - dress for the Bahamas if you go to see Dad!
His nurse told me today that he can have visitors 24/7. I strongly suggest you don't arrive at 2 in the morning. That might make him cranky. We are discovering that late morning into early afternoon is his best time for visiting. Usually anytime after 3 he's pretty tired.
Now that dad doesn't have the breathing tube, he has a, what I call, "The Sucky Straw." It's just like the suction thingy at your friendly neighborhood dentist's office. When he gets phlegmy (oooo, what a good word!), he is to use the sucky straw to remove it. Last night, as my aunt and uncle were leaving, we were looking at dad to say our goodbyes, when he lifted the sucky straw and did the sign of the cross. One for each of us. We were blessed by the Sucker! He kind of looked like some demented monarch from spit-suction land! To see that sense of humor come out was fabulous. The sparkle was in his eyes, too.
I am going to leave you with that visual. Good luck getting it out of your head.
Good night!
Leslie :)
Let's see, today's report. I didn't go down with everybody as I had to tend to the home fires. My daughter Caitlin, husband Ted, Gina and Adam took Mom to see Dad.
When they got there at around 2:30, a therapist had him doing physical therapy. They actually got to see him stand up with assistance. He stood with a walker for about 2 minutes, then took a rest. His voice is still raspy, but clearer than it was yesterday. Other than that, not much to report. Katie and Adam spent most of the time with him. It was a little warm in the room for mom. Lots of layers and add onto that the paper gown...not a good combination. Word to the wise - dress for the Bahamas if you go to see Dad!
His nurse told me today that he can have visitors 24/7. I strongly suggest you don't arrive at 2 in the morning. That might make him cranky. We are discovering that late morning into early afternoon is his best time for visiting. Usually anytime after 3 he's pretty tired.
Now that dad doesn't have the breathing tube, he has a, what I call, "The Sucky Straw." It's just like the suction thingy at your friendly neighborhood dentist's office. When he gets phlegmy (oooo, what a good word!), he is to use the sucky straw to remove it. Last night, as my aunt and uncle were leaving, we were looking at dad to say our goodbyes, when he lifted the sucky straw and did the sign of the cross. One for each of us. We were blessed by the Sucker! He kind of looked like some demented monarch from spit-suction land! To see that sense of humor come out was fabulous. The sparkle was in his eyes, too.
I am going to leave you with that visual. Good luck getting it out of your head.
Good night!
Leslie :)
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday, January 25th, Part 2
Wow. What a day. These last 24 hours have been something else.
This is going to be a long one, so grab a beverage and read on...
Yesterday, Dad was having another endoscopy to see about placing a stent somewhere in his digestive tract. There was a blockage somewhere, but they didn't know what or where. Long story short, as of last night at 6:00 he had not woken up (sorry for the poor grammar...too tired to think!). We received a call from the ICU doc and he explained to me and mom what was going on. It was not good. He wanted me to gather the family for a speaker phone call. We rallied the troops and everybody met at mom and dad's and awaited the phone call. It was just what we didn't want to hear. It boiled down to we needed to let him know what measures we wanted them to take to save dad's life, if any at all. We all discussed it and decided it was time to let him go. That was quite possibly one of the worst nights I've ever spent. Sleep was fleeting for all of us. Knowing I was going to bed just to get up to go to the hospital to make the hardest decision of my life was excruciating. The family met here this morning and we drove down (it took 4 vehicles to haul us all down there) at a little after nine. Aunt Dana, Uncle Bob (Dad's brother), Grandma Louise (Dad's mom), and my cousins were already there. This is where it turns good...
We rounded the corner from the elevator and I saw Uncle Bob. As I walked closer, I realized my father was sitting there in bed, looking right at me!!! A far cry from a comatose man I was expecting! He was intubated still, so couldn't speak, but he was in there alright. He was as sharp as he ever was. There was no doubt this man was still in charge. He was understandably weak, and although he said he wasn't, I think he was a little scared - again, quite understandably. My first thought was "Oh crap. He's gonna figure something's up when he sees the Aliverti Parade of Adoring Relatives shuffle through." I joked that when we got off the elevator, it was like the clown car - they keep coming, and coming, and coming... Dad even wrote later "Looks like a wake." Uh oh. With some well-worded phrases (trans: quick thinking) we brushed over the fact that half the free world was outside his door. My husband Ted, and daughter Caitlin had flown down and arrived this morning. Let's see, how many of us were there? 13 from our camp, plus the 5 that were already there and shortly thereafter 4 more arrived. Needless to say, Virginia Mason knew we were in da house! They were awesome about it all. They reserved a room just for us, so we could all hang together. I think it was just a way of keeping track of us all, short of ankle monitors.
Onward.
They did an upper GI to see if the stent they had put in yesterday was working. We found out that it apparently is, to some degree. Still not clear on just how well it's working.
The doctor talked to dad after the procedure to spell out his options. He wanted to know what efforts regarding supplementing his breathing Dad wanted them to take. They could turn off the vent and let him breathe on his own. If that didn't work, did he want to be re-intubated or just let him go. He wrote on his clipboard "I want to live." The doctor said "Well, I guess I could have skipped a whole lot of explaining! That tells me what I need to know (not an exact quote but you get the gist). The plan was to turn off the vent for two hours. Then they would take a blood gas and if it came back good, they would extubate him. He did his time and didn't have any issues at all with shortness of breath or anything that would require them turning the vent back on. While I was there, he was keeping his blood oxygen saturation at 100%. Couldn't ask for anything better! I did step out to make some phone calls when the test results came back. By the time I got up there and into our waiting room, the nurse said he was ready for us. I thought she meant it was time to take the tube out. Turns out they already had and he was waiting for us! He has one heck of a sore throat, and not much voice, but as time went by, he improved to where you could understand what he was saying. I called mom, put on the speaker phone and had him say hello. His first words were "I love you." I was jelly at this point. He talked to Jann and Gina, also. We were all in tears. But what a change from earlier - these were tears of sheer and utter joy.
I left him tonight resting quietly. He had a nebulizer (breathing) treatment in place when I left. He was starting to doze. A well earned rest.
I have never before gone through the gamut of emotions as I did these last 24 hours. From utter despair, to a conservative optimism. We know he won't ever be back to where he was, but, I still have my daddy. At least for a little while longer.
I love you dad. You are amazing and truly my hero. You have taught me so much - the most important thing being deciding what really is important in our lives. What's really worth sweating over, and more often than not, what really isn't worth the time or energy. I implore you all to hug your loved ones on dad's behalf. Tell them you love them, while you can, before it's too late.
I am going to end tonight's novella with another quote, which just happens to be the new favorite (sorry Dr. Seuss).
"I want to live."
-- Ed Aliverti
Goodnight all. God bless you --
Leslie :)
This is going to be a long one, so grab a beverage and read on...
Yesterday, Dad was having another endoscopy to see about placing a stent somewhere in his digestive tract. There was a blockage somewhere, but they didn't know what or where. Long story short, as of last night at 6:00 he had not woken up (sorry for the poor grammar...too tired to think!). We received a call from the ICU doc and he explained to me and mom what was going on. It was not good. He wanted me to gather the family for a speaker phone call. We rallied the troops and everybody met at mom and dad's and awaited the phone call. It was just what we didn't want to hear. It boiled down to we needed to let him know what measures we wanted them to take to save dad's life, if any at all. We all discussed it and decided it was time to let him go. That was quite possibly one of the worst nights I've ever spent. Sleep was fleeting for all of us. Knowing I was going to bed just to get up to go to the hospital to make the hardest decision of my life was excruciating. The family met here this morning and we drove down (it took 4 vehicles to haul us all down there) at a little after nine. Aunt Dana, Uncle Bob (Dad's brother), Grandma Louise (Dad's mom), and my cousins were already there. This is where it turns good...
We rounded the corner from the elevator and I saw Uncle Bob. As I walked closer, I realized my father was sitting there in bed, looking right at me!!! A far cry from a comatose man I was expecting! He was intubated still, so couldn't speak, but he was in there alright. He was as sharp as he ever was. There was no doubt this man was still in charge. He was understandably weak, and although he said he wasn't, I think he was a little scared - again, quite understandably. My first thought was "Oh crap. He's gonna figure something's up when he sees the Aliverti Parade of Adoring Relatives shuffle through." I joked that when we got off the elevator, it was like the clown car - they keep coming, and coming, and coming... Dad even wrote later "Looks like a wake." Uh oh. With some well-worded phrases (trans: quick thinking) we brushed over the fact that half the free world was outside his door. My husband Ted, and daughter Caitlin had flown down and arrived this morning. Let's see, how many of us were there? 13 from our camp, plus the 5 that were already there and shortly thereafter 4 more arrived. Needless to say, Virginia Mason knew we were in da house! They were awesome about it all. They reserved a room just for us, so we could all hang together. I think it was just a way of keeping track of us all, short of ankle monitors.
Onward.
They did an upper GI to see if the stent they had put in yesterday was working. We found out that it apparently is, to some degree. Still not clear on just how well it's working.
The doctor talked to dad after the procedure to spell out his options. He wanted to know what efforts regarding supplementing his breathing Dad wanted them to take. They could turn off the vent and let him breathe on his own. If that didn't work, did he want to be re-intubated or just let him go. He wrote on his clipboard "I want to live." The doctor said "Well, I guess I could have skipped a whole lot of explaining! That tells me what I need to know (not an exact quote but you get the gist). The plan was to turn off the vent for two hours. Then they would take a blood gas and if it came back good, they would extubate him. He did his time and didn't have any issues at all with shortness of breath or anything that would require them turning the vent back on. While I was there, he was keeping his blood oxygen saturation at 100%. Couldn't ask for anything better! I did step out to make some phone calls when the test results came back. By the time I got up there and into our waiting room, the nurse said he was ready for us. I thought she meant it was time to take the tube out. Turns out they already had and he was waiting for us! He has one heck of a sore throat, and not much voice, but as time went by, he improved to where you could understand what he was saying. I called mom, put on the speaker phone and had him say hello. His first words were "I love you." I was jelly at this point. He talked to Jann and Gina, also. We were all in tears. But what a change from earlier - these were tears of sheer and utter joy.
I left him tonight resting quietly. He had a nebulizer (breathing) treatment in place when I left. He was starting to doze. A well earned rest.
I have never before gone through the gamut of emotions as I did these last 24 hours. From utter despair, to a conservative optimism. We know he won't ever be back to where he was, but, I still have my daddy. At least for a little while longer.
I love you dad. You are amazing and truly my hero. You have taught me so much - the most important thing being deciding what really is important in our lives. What's really worth sweating over, and more often than not, what really isn't worth the time or energy. I implore you all to hug your loved ones on dad's behalf. Tell them you love them, while you can, before it's too late.
I am going to end tonight's novella with another quote, which just happens to be the new favorite (sorry Dr. Seuss).
"I want to live."
-- Ed Aliverti
Goodnight all. God bless you --
Leslie :)
Monday, January 25th
We are at the hospital. Please pray. I will try to post more later this evening.
Thank you --
Leslie
Thank you --
Leslie
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Saturday, January 23rd
Hi all!
I've got nothin'. You make it up, and let me know how it goes. :o)
Oh, alright. I was teasing. Been a long day of really doing nothing. I'm a little rummy... Please forgive me.
Okay, what you came for -
I talked to dad twice today, and he sounded really good both times. Nice to hear a little strength behind the voice.
First and foremost - HE IS IN A DIFFERENT ROOM! He is now in room 1566. This should be a permanent change. Secondly, he is no longer in isolation!!! No more gowning up before entering his room. I am so happy to be able to report that! As much as I'll miss the lovely yellow sweat-makers...not!
Today they put a new picc line in for the nutrition IV that he will be getting the next couple of days. They also replaced his nasal feeding tube with one that is a little larger around. This isn't for food going in, this is to, in layman's terms, pump the stomach. It's not like what we think of when we hear that term. This is something that will go on overnight, as he sleeps. They're helping out by doing this, to help expedite the emptying of his stomach. It's just quicker to do it this way, rather than letting nature take its (slowwww) course. They expect to be doing the endoscopy tomorrow to look for the blockage/restriction that's causing the issues. Once they find it, they more than likely will be putting a stent in to open 'er back up.
As to whether or not to visit, I say come Monday, c'mon in! He's enjoying having the company. Gina and her husband Rick visited him today and he was a little lonely. I think visiting keeps him occupied and gives him less time to lay there and think. It's a fine balance between what's too much and what's not enough when it comes to visiting/visitors. Again, I will let you use your judgement as to how he's doing, and how long the visit should be. If something changes and Monday isn't a good start day, I will let you all know here.
I'm sure there's probably something else, and I'm sure I'll think of it as soon as I post this. That seems to be how it goes with me! Always one step behind...
Thank you all for the continued prayers. I think these past few weeks have been proof that they work! It's been a tough row to hoe, but he's making it, and we're making it. You all have been so wonderful to my mom, my sisters and I. You people can cook, I'll tell you what! But it's so much more than the food. It's the phone calls asking how we're doing. It's the hugs you give us. The list goes on and on (much like I tend to do - I am an Aliverti after all.). Words will never be adequate. Just know that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts and are eternally grateful for all of you.
On a totally unrelated note, I heard a quote today, and I just love it. I thought I'd share it with you --
"Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you."
- Dr. Seuss
Wise man, that Doctor Seuss.
Good night!
Leslie :)
I've got nothin'. You make it up, and let me know how it goes. :o)
Oh, alright. I was teasing. Been a long day of really doing nothing. I'm a little rummy... Please forgive me.
Okay, what you came for -
I talked to dad twice today, and he sounded really good both times. Nice to hear a little strength behind the voice.
First and foremost - HE IS IN A DIFFERENT ROOM! He is now in room 1566. This should be a permanent change. Secondly, he is no longer in isolation!!! No more gowning up before entering his room. I am so happy to be able to report that! As much as I'll miss the lovely yellow sweat-makers...not!
Today they put a new picc line in for the nutrition IV that he will be getting the next couple of days. They also replaced his nasal feeding tube with one that is a little larger around. This isn't for food going in, this is to, in layman's terms, pump the stomach. It's not like what we think of when we hear that term. This is something that will go on overnight, as he sleeps. They're helping out by doing this, to help expedite the emptying of his stomach. It's just quicker to do it this way, rather than letting nature take its (slowwww) course. They expect to be doing the endoscopy tomorrow to look for the blockage/restriction that's causing the issues. Once they find it, they more than likely will be putting a stent in to open 'er back up.
As to whether or not to visit, I say come Monday, c'mon in! He's enjoying having the company. Gina and her husband Rick visited him today and he was a little lonely. I think visiting keeps him occupied and gives him less time to lay there and think. It's a fine balance between what's too much and what's not enough when it comes to visiting/visitors. Again, I will let you use your judgement as to how he's doing, and how long the visit should be. If something changes and Monday isn't a good start day, I will let you all know here.
I'm sure there's probably something else, and I'm sure I'll think of it as soon as I post this. That seems to be how it goes with me! Always one step behind...
Thank you all for the continued prayers. I think these past few weeks have been proof that they work! It's been a tough row to hoe, but he's making it, and we're making it. You all have been so wonderful to my mom, my sisters and I. You people can cook, I'll tell you what! But it's so much more than the food. It's the phone calls asking how we're doing. It's the hugs you give us. The list goes on and on (much like I tend to do - I am an Aliverti after all.). Words will never be adequate. Just know that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts and are eternally grateful for all of you.
On a totally unrelated note, I heard a quote today, and I just love it. I thought I'd share it with you --
"Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you."
- Dr. Seuss
Wise man, that Doctor Seuss.
Good night!
Leslie :)
Friday, January 22nd
Well, I guess technically it's the 23rd, but don't tell anybody.
Hi all!
Dad had an interesting day. I haven't talked to him this evening, but I'm venturing a guess that it was a hard day on him.
First, he couldn't eat (since noon on Thursday) because they were doing an endoscopy today. Naturally, they didn't know what time, so pretty much as soon as they decided to do one the next day, food was withheld. We just get him to eat, and today he couldn't! Poor guy. The endo was at about 3:30 this afternoon. The reason for it was to place the feeding tube further down in his intestinal tract. There is a narrowing, or blockage there somewhere. Unfortunately, they were not able to investigate. Turned out after all that time, there was still undigested food in his stomach, therefore they couldn't see anything. They are starting nutrition via IV for a few days, to let the food clear out and move on its merry way. He gets to do it all again in a couple days. There are going to give him a heavier sedation, possibly a general next time.
He was moved to a different room for the remainder of today and into tomorrow. It's called a step-down room, and it's kind in between a recovery room and a regular room (from what I understand). More nurses and more attention, to make sure all is going well in the time after the endo.
As to visitors, I'd give him until at least Tuesday. If all goes as planned he will be having the next endo sometime on Monday. These past few days have been pretty tough on him.
One of the highlights of my visit this morning was I heard him sing. He was describing songs and he sang a few bars of a selection from "Annie." It was so nice to hear him singing, even if for a brief shining moment. He had quite a few visitors, so mom and I went down to the cafeteria so he could visit with them. I don't care what anybody says, I really like hospital cafeteria food! :o) So many choices!
Oh, I'd be remiss if I didn't warn you about the elevators in the hospital. Apparently it took a year, but they got new elevators with newfangled operating instructions. You know, was pushing the up or down arrow to call an elevator and pushing the button corresponding with your destination floor really that difficult? Did we really need to build a better mousetrap? Here's how it works: You will come upon the elevators and in the space previously occupied by aforementioned up and down arrows, is a really big numerical keypad. I panicked as it looks like you need a PIN or password to get in the elevator! Don't fear - you just punch in the floor you want on this keypad. It will then tell you (yes, I said tell you) which elevator car you will be taking. If the other elevator arrives before your assigned elevator, FIGHT THE URGE TO GET ON IT! DON'T DO IT! This will only lead to grief and the milk run tour of the hospital! Of course, it will be going to every floor BUT the one you want. Stick to your guns and wait for 'your' elevator. Once in it, there are no buttons to push - it's already programmed. Do verify on the area near the doorjamb that the floor you are headed to is lit up. If not, get out, re-enter desired floor, lather, rinse and repeat. If you waited for the elevator they told you to wait for, you will get to where you're going! Can you tell that I'm speaking from experience on most points here? It reminded me of the Willy Wonka elevator that goes up, down, side to side and diagonally. I think that's next for Virginia Mason... After my first run in with the new elevators, I needed a nap. Seriously. Learn from my mistakes - I'm here to help!
If you're still with me, congratulations! You don't mind reading and avoiding your laundry pile, either. Right on!
Here's to a quiet, restful weekend. I think we could all use one!
Goodnight --
Leslie :)
Hi all!
Dad had an interesting day. I haven't talked to him this evening, but I'm venturing a guess that it was a hard day on him.
First, he couldn't eat (since noon on Thursday) because they were doing an endoscopy today. Naturally, they didn't know what time, so pretty much as soon as they decided to do one the next day, food was withheld. We just get him to eat, and today he couldn't! Poor guy. The endo was at about 3:30 this afternoon. The reason for it was to place the feeding tube further down in his intestinal tract. There is a narrowing, or blockage there somewhere. Unfortunately, they were not able to investigate. Turned out after all that time, there was still undigested food in his stomach, therefore they couldn't see anything. They are starting nutrition via IV for a few days, to let the food clear out and move on its merry way. He gets to do it all again in a couple days. There are going to give him a heavier sedation, possibly a general next time.
He was moved to a different room for the remainder of today and into tomorrow. It's called a step-down room, and it's kind in between a recovery room and a regular room (from what I understand). More nurses and more attention, to make sure all is going well in the time after the endo.
As to visitors, I'd give him until at least Tuesday. If all goes as planned he will be having the next endo sometime on Monday. These past few days have been pretty tough on him.
One of the highlights of my visit this morning was I heard him sing. He was describing songs and he sang a few bars of a selection from "Annie." It was so nice to hear him singing, even if for a brief shining moment. He had quite a few visitors, so mom and I went down to the cafeteria so he could visit with them. I don't care what anybody says, I really like hospital cafeteria food! :o) So many choices!
Oh, I'd be remiss if I didn't warn you about the elevators in the hospital. Apparently it took a year, but they got new elevators with newfangled operating instructions. You know, was pushing the up or down arrow to call an elevator and pushing the button corresponding with your destination floor really that difficult? Did we really need to build a better mousetrap? Here's how it works: You will come upon the elevators and in the space previously occupied by aforementioned up and down arrows, is a really big numerical keypad. I panicked as it looks like you need a PIN or password to get in the elevator! Don't fear - you just punch in the floor you want on this keypad. It will then tell you (yes, I said tell you) which elevator car you will be taking. If the other elevator arrives before your assigned elevator, FIGHT THE URGE TO GET ON IT! DON'T DO IT! This will only lead to grief and the milk run tour of the hospital! Of course, it will be going to every floor BUT the one you want. Stick to your guns and wait for 'your' elevator. Once in it, there are no buttons to push - it's already programmed. Do verify on the area near the doorjamb that the floor you are headed to is lit up. If not, get out, re-enter desired floor, lather, rinse and repeat. If you waited for the elevator they told you to wait for, you will get to where you're going! Can you tell that I'm speaking from experience on most points here? It reminded me of the Willy Wonka elevator that goes up, down, side to side and diagonally. I think that's next for Virginia Mason... After my first run in with the new elevators, I needed a nap. Seriously. Learn from my mistakes - I'm here to help!
If you're still with me, congratulations! You don't mind reading and avoiding your laundry pile, either. Right on!
Here's to a quiet, restful weekend. I think we could all use one!
Goodnight --
Leslie :)
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Thursday, January 21st
Happy Friday Eve!
Today was a busy one for Dad. He had a CAT scan, to check his appendix. He said that if that was inflamed, or infected, that it could be contributing to his maladies. We shall see.
Tomorrow he will have an endoscopy to see if there is a blockage, or a restriction below his stomach. This is all stemming from last night's feeding tube insertion. They had difficulty getting it placed as low as they would like, and want to see why. Again, possibly related to the appendix. Although I'm not positive if there's a connection there or not. I may be getting my stories jumbled. They are all starting to blur into one big novel of a story! lol
Due to all these unforseen issues, i.e. the blood infection and malnutrition, we really aren't seeing much concern about his liver at this time. It's moved down on the priority list. Some of these other issues may be causing the liver problems, or quite possibly vice versa. We really haven't talked to his oncologist about this just yet. All in due time, I'm supposin'.
As for visitors, they are being allowed. We would ask that there please not be too many at once, or for any length of time. Two in the room at a time would be best, and for about 15 minutes or so. He loves seeing everybody, but by the end of the day, he's pretty tired. Of course the time restraint isn't written in stone. I'll leave it up to your judgement, as I'm sure you can gauge how he's feeling at the time. Do note that he is in what is considered isolation. As you go in, by the door, you will see a package of folded, disposable yellow (really? yellow?) gowns. Please don one of these lovelies before you enter his room. This is just to keep germies to a minimum. Then discard before you leave the room in the bin provided. You all are AWESOME! I guess it would help to tell you that he is in room 1476 at Virginia Mason Hospital.
That's all for now! Take care of yourselves --
Leslie :)
Today was a busy one for Dad. He had a CAT scan, to check his appendix. He said that if that was inflamed, or infected, that it could be contributing to his maladies. We shall see.
Tomorrow he will have an endoscopy to see if there is a blockage, or a restriction below his stomach. This is all stemming from last night's feeding tube insertion. They had difficulty getting it placed as low as they would like, and want to see why. Again, possibly related to the appendix. Although I'm not positive if there's a connection there or not. I may be getting my stories jumbled. They are all starting to blur into one big novel of a story! lol
Due to all these unforseen issues, i.e. the blood infection and malnutrition, we really aren't seeing much concern about his liver at this time. It's moved down on the priority list. Some of these other issues may be causing the liver problems, or quite possibly vice versa. We really haven't talked to his oncologist about this just yet. All in due time, I'm supposin'.
As for visitors, they are being allowed. We would ask that there please not be too many at once, or for any length of time. Two in the room at a time would be best, and for about 15 minutes or so. He loves seeing everybody, but by the end of the day, he's pretty tired. Of course the time restraint isn't written in stone. I'll leave it up to your judgement, as I'm sure you can gauge how he's feeling at the time. Do note that he is in what is considered isolation. As you go in, by the door, you will see a package of folded, disposable yellow (really? yellow?) gowns. Please don one of these lovelies before you enter his room. This is just to keep germies to a minimum. Then discard before you leave the room in the bin provided. You all are AWESOME! I guess it would help to tell you that he is in room 1476 at Virginia Mason Hospital.
That's all for now! Take care of yourselves --
Leslie :)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wednesday, January 20th
Salutations and good evening!
I am in Edmonds now. Went straight from the airport to the hospital this afternoon and was greeted by a roomful! Aunt Dana and Uncle Bob were there, as were some great friends from the 'hood. lol Dad was having a real good day. Was talking, eating, and he saw pictures for the first time of Dylan, his great-grandson. Took in my laptop and just turned on a slide show and he watched it probably twice through. Just kept it going. Did my heart good to see the look on his face when he saw his boy. I think it was just what the doctor ordered!
Not long after I arrived at the hospital, dad had physical therapy. I gathered this may have been the first time since being admitted at VM. I'm not positive on that. I do know it was the first time they had him get up from the bed, stand and then sit in a chair. While in the chair she had him doing ankle bends, and a couple other light leg exercises. Needless to say, when this was all done, he was plum tuckered. We left him getting ready for a nap. Don't know how long that lasted as he did have the procedure described below.
The evening got a little tough for dad. They are supplementing his eating/nutrition with an NG tube. Will be getting liquid nutrition probably during the nights. They had a struggle getting the tube positioned just right, so had to use a lot of contrast material for the xrays. Understandably, all the poking and chemicals didn't set right with his tummy. He skipped dinner tonight. We're okay with that, now that he has the feeding tube. Some of the pressure is off of him, if he doesn't feel like eating a meal.
Gina and I went down to see him tonight. Was kind of nice going later in the evening. It was later than usual, as he's usually asleep pretty early. It was quiet, laid back and an easy drive to and from. Had a good time watching Pixar short films on tv. It just felt good to be back with him. It did us all a bit of good - he had some quiet time, and we had quality time. A good evening of decompressing.
Now that I'm down here, I'm hoping the blog updates will be closer to every day. Thank you for understanding why a few were missed. I did forget to get a mailing address for him while I was there. I will try and remember tomorrow. I guarantee nothing. *wink*
Good night all, and pleasant dreams!
*cue Lawrence Welk*
Leslie :)
I am in Edmonds now. Went straight from the airport to the hospital this afternoon and was greeted by a roomful! Aunt Dana and Uncle Bob were there, as were some great friends from the 'hood. lol Dad was having a real good day. Was talking, eating, and he saw pictures for the first time of Dylan, his great-grandson. Took in my laptop and just turned on a slide show and he watched it probably twice through. Just kept it going. Did my heart good to see the look on his face when he saw his boy. I think it was just what the doctor ordered!
Not long after I arrived at the hospital, dad had physical therapy. I gathered this may have been the first time since being admitted at VM. I'm not positive on that. I do know it was the first time they had him get up from the bed, stand and then sit in a chair. While in the chair she had him doing ankle bends, and a couple other light leg exercises. Needless to say, when this was all done, he was plum tuckered. We left him getting ready for a nap. Don't know how long that lasted as he did have the procedure described below.
The evening got a little tough for dad. They are supplementing his eating/nutrition with an NG tube. Will be getting liquid nutrition probably during the nights. They had a struggle getting the tube positioned just right, so had to use a lot of contrast material for the xrays. Understandably, all the poking and chemicals didn't set right with his tummy. He skipped dinner tonight. We're okay with that, now that he has the feeding tube. Some of the pressure is off of him, if he doesn't feel like eating a meal.
Gina and I went down to see him tonight. Was kind of nice going later in the evening. It was later than usual, as he's usually asleep pretty early. It was quiet, laid back and an easy drive to and from. Had a good time watching Pixar short films on tv. It just felt good to be back with him. It did us all a bit of good - he had some quiet time, and we had quality time. A good evening of decompressing.
Now that I'm down here, I'm hoping the blog updates will be closer to every day. Thank you for understanding why a few were missed. I did forget to get a mailing address for him while I was there. I will try and remember tomorrow. I guarantee nothing. *wink*
Good night all, and pleasant dreams!
*cue Lawrence Welk*
Leslie :)
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Sunday, January 17th
Good evening!
I was just re-reading past blogs and I realized I left out one very important fact (but I may be just slightly biased) - Ed's first great grandchild was born on January 10th! His name is Dylan Edward Granath and he was born to my oldest daughter, Ashley (Ed's first grandchild) and her husband, Derrick. He weighed in at 6 lbs. 3.6 ozs and 19 1/2" long. Quite a bruiser for a preemie! Needless to say, we are thrilled. It was an adventure to get that phone call saying it was time, when he wasn't due until mid February. Everything fell into place and I was literally on the next plane outta Dodge. Made it back to Wasilla, AK on Saturday in plenty of time! We are so thankful that he is happy and healthy. He is definitely anxious to meet his great grampa!
On a related note, I will be heading back to Edmonds on Wednesday. My blogs will actually be written with first-hand knowledge! lol
Today was another testing day for dad. Dr. Picozzi wanted to basically re-run some tests Dad had done a few weeks ago. I'm thinking with the way dad's gettin' stuck with needles, we will be able to use him as a sprinkler soon! ;o) He still continues to improve, and he still has his appetite! He actually was a little upset when he couldn't eat due to upcoming tests. That's a welcome sign! He is still in isolation, so the visitors are still limited to family. Hopefully we are a day closer to changing that. When I get the word, you'll get the word!
Thank you to all those have left comments, and sent email. You can bet we are printing them out and gathering them for dad to read. You all have opened your hearts to us all and it such a nice warm feeling. I love reading the experiences you share about your times with Dad. Just makes me smile, and for that, I thank you. Sometimes it gets a little tough to smile. That's when I think about times like those you write about.
On that warm fuzzy note, I bid you all a good night. Here's to a great week ahead --
Leslie :)
p.s. I think I learned how to insert pics into the blog! Woo hoo!
I was just re-reading past blogs and I realized I left out one very important fact (but I may be just slightly biased) - Ed's first great grandchild was born on January 10th! His name is Dylan Edward Granath and he was born to my oldest daughter, Ashley (Ed's first grandchild) and her husband, Derrick. He weighed in at 6 lbs. 3.6 ozs and 19 1/2" long. Quite a bruiser for a preemie! Needless to say, we are thrilled. It was an adventure to get that phone call saying it was time, when he wasn't due until mid February. Everything fell into place and I was literally on the next plane outta Dodge. Made it back to Wasilla, AK on Saturday in plenty of time! We are so thankful that he is happy and healthy. He is definitely anxious to meet his great grampa!
On a related note, I will be heading back to Edmonds on Wednesday. My blogs will actually be written with first-hand knowledge! lol
Today was another testing day for dad. Dr. Picozzi wanted to basically re-run some tests Dad had done a few weeks ago. I'm thinking with the way dad's gettin' stuck with needles, we will be able to use him as a sprinkler soon! ;o) He still continues to improve, and he still has his appetite! He actually was a little upset when he couldn't eat due to upcoming tests. That's a welcome sign! He is still in isolation, so the visitors are still limited to family. Hopefully we are a day closer to changing that. When I get the word, you'll get the word!
Thank you to all those have left comments, and sent email. You can bet we are printing them out and gathering them for dad to read. You all have opened your hearts to us all and it such a nice warm feeling. I love reading the experiences you share about your times with Dad. Just makes me smile, and for that, I thank you. Sometimes it gets a little tough to smile. That's when I think about times like those you write about.
On that warm fuzzy note, I bid you all a good night. Here's to a great week ahead --
Leslie :)
p.s. I think I learned how to insert pics into the blog! Woo hoo!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Saturday, January 16th
Good evening!
Another busy, big day!
Dad started the day out by eating a big breakfast! He's eating really quite well since he's been there at VM. This is in stark contrast to yesterday's breakfast - Gina had to basically force him to eat a few bites of oatmeal. She knew he needed food in his stomach to take his prednisone. Today, he ordered from the menu and ate it! I guess for lunch he had a bowl of bow-tie pasta, green beans and a good sized portion of salmon. It does my heart good to hear that he's not only eating, but eating heartily! That must be the Italian in me coming out...
As to his test results, some we are still waiting on (CAT and MRI). They drew fluid out of his abdomen and it came back clear. I believe he said they also drew some out of his chest, but haven't heard on this yet. They did discover he has a pretty serious bacterial infection in his blood. They are going to treat this with some major antibiotics. The good news is they found it. The bad news is he's in quarantine, meaning absolutely no visitors at this time. When he is able to have visitors again, we will let you know. Hopefully it won't be too long. It's just that this infection is contagious. If you want to read up on it, head to Webmd.com and type VRE in the search box.
If you ever wonder if it's okay to visit dad, please feel free to call me on my cell phone. I would put the number up here, but since this is a public forum, I'm not comfortable with that. Just email me at alivertiblog@hotmail.com and I'd be glad to send it to you. Please tell me who you are, though!
Dad is again on the road to recovery. I'm happy to say he's wearing a path in that road!
As always, I am putting out the prayer request for dad and his doctors. The prayers are still very much appreciated - that will never diminish.
Have a good night --
Leslie :)
Another busy, big day!
Dad started the day out by eating a big breakfast! He's eating really quite well since he's been there at VM. This is in stark contrast to yesterday's breakfast - Gina had to basically force him to eat a few bites of oatmeal. She knew he needed food in his stomach to take his prednisone. Today, he ordered from the menu and ate it! I guess for lunch he had a bowl of bow-tie pasta, green beans and a good sized portion of salmon. It does my heart good to hear that he's not only eating, but eating heartily! That must be the Italian in me coming out...
As to his test results, some we are still waiting on (CAT and MRI). They drew fluid out of his abdomen and it came back clear. I believe he said they also drew some out of his chest, but haven't heard on this yet. They did discover he has a pretty serious bacterial infection in his blood. They are going to treat this with some major antibiotics. The good news is they found it. The bad news is he's in quarantine, meaning absolutely no visitors at this time. When he is able to have visitors again, we will let you know. Hopefully it won't be too long. It's just that this infection is contagious. If you want to read up on it, head to Webmd.com and type VRE in the search box.
If you ever wonder if it's okay to visit dad, please feel free to call me on my cell phone. I would put the number up here, but since this is a public forum, I'm not comfortable with that. Just email me at alivertiblog@hotmail.com and I'd be glad to send it to you. Please tell me who you are, though!
Dad is again on the road to recovery. I'm happy to say he's wearing a path in that road!
As always, I am putting out the prayer request for dad and his doctors. The prayers are still very much appreciated - that will never diminish.
Have a good night --
Leslie :)
Friday, January 15, 2010
Friday, January 15th
It has been a few days since the last post. I apologize.
Well, where to start? Whatta week!
Dad had is first post-hospital doctor's visit on Monday. There's good news and bad. The good news is his lungs sounded good and the xray came back clear. The bad news is there was a liver enzyme number in the bloodwork that the doc didn't like. So...
We voluntarily checked him into Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. This is where his oncologist, Dr. Picozzi, is located. Dad said it's like "going home." It's definitely his comfort zone. I think he feels better being back under Dr. P. I know I am, and I think I speak for the family.
He's having a CAT scan tonight. Don't really know much more than that. When I hear more about that, I will pass along that information.
We are asking that there please be *no visitors* while they're trying to figure out this latest issue. He's had a pretty rough time of it this week, so it's time to rest. Of course, cards and letter are always welcomed! I don't know anything address-wise other than it's Virginia Mason and he's in room 1476. When I get the address I'll post it for you.
So, needless to say it's been an interesting week. I talked to him tonight and he sounded much better than he did yesterday. We think in addition to everything else, he was extremely dehydrated. Amazing what a little fluid will do for you. DRINK YOUR WATER!!!!
Mom's hanging in there. She has her ups and downs, too. She's missing him terribly, as is Chewey, the dog. We are lucky to have a great circle of family and friends that take care and support all of us, most importantly mom. She's finding it hard to concentrate on anything but dad, but we're working hard on changing that. She does her daily walk with the dog, which is good for her soul. It's her calm time. If you're ever driving around Edmonds, around the 220th/Westgate Elem. area, look for her! Wave as you go by, or stop and say hello (providing you can do so safely!).
We are dealing with the repercussions of the strokes mom had several years back. They left scar tissue in her brain, and that's affecting her memory. Her short term memory isn't the greatest on a good day, but throw in all this turmoil and it's really taking a toll on her. She's taking it like a trooper, though! She has every bit of tenacity and strength that my dad does.
I'm learning a lot through all of this, as I believe we all are. It makes you think of things you: a) don't think of and b) don't want to think about. Don't put the inevitable chores off until you have to do them in a hurry. Luckily my dad is so organized we were able to just walk in and take over day to day chores/bookkeeping that he does. Learn from him! I guess once a teacher, always a teacher! It's what he does best!
That's it for tonight. Again, I apologize for the missed nights. Sometimes life just gets in the way!
Hope you all had a fantastic week, and enjoy your weekend!
Leslie :)
Well, where to start? Whatta week!
Dad had is first post-hospital doctor's visit on Monday. There's good news and bad. The good news is his lungs sounded good and the xray came back clear. The bad news is there was a liver enzyme number in the bloodwork that the doc didn't like. So...
We voluntarily checked him into Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. This is where his oncologist, Dr. Picozzi, is located. Dad said it's like "going home." It's definitely his comfort zone. I think he feels better being back under Dr. P. I know I am, and I think I speak for the family.
He's having a CAT scan tonight. Don't really know much more than that. When I hear more about that, I will pass along that information.
We are asking that there please be *no visitors* while they're trying to figure out this latest issue. He's had a pretty rough time of it this week, so it's time to rest. Of course, cards and letter are always welcomed! I don't know anything address-wise other than it's Virginia Mason and he's in room 1476. When I get the address I'll post it for you.
So, needless to say it's been an interesting week. I talked to him tonight and he sounded much better than he did yesterday. We think in addition to everything else, he was extremely dehydrated. Amazing what a little fluid will do for you. DRINK YOUR WATER!!!!
Mom's hanging in there. She has her ups and downs, too. She's missing him terribly, as is Chewey, the dog. We are lucky to have a great circle of family and friends that take care and support all of us, most importantly mom. She's finding it hard to concentrate on anything but dad, but we're working hard on changing that. She does her daily walk with the dog, which is good for her soul. It's her calm time. If you're ever driving around Edmonds, around the 220th/Westgate Elem. area, look for her! Wave as you go by, or stop and say hello (providing you can do so safely!).
We are dealing with the repercussions of the strokes mom had several years back. They left scar tissue in her brain, and that's affecting her memory. Her short term memory isn't the greatest on a good day, but throw in all this turmoil and it's really taking a toll on her. She's taking it like a trooper, though! She has every bit of tenacity and strength that my dad does.
I'm learning a lot through all of this, as I believe we all are. It makes you think of things you: a) don't think of and b) don't want to think about. Don't put the inevitable chores off until you have to do them in a hurry. Luckily my dad is so organized we were able to just walk in and take over day to day chores/bookkeeping that he does. Learn from him! I guess once a teacher, always a teacher! It's what he does best!
That's it for tonight. Again, I apologize for the missed nights. Sometimes life just gets in the way!
Hope you all had a fantastic week, and enjoy your weekend!
Leslie :)
Monday, January 11, 2010
Monday, January 11th
Good evening!
Sorry for missing last night's post, but I was busy being the new grandma. :o)
Dad had his first post-hospital doctor's visit today. His lungs sounded good, but he is retaining water. They did a lung X-Ray and bloodwork. Hopefully the lungs will backup what the doctor heard (or didn't hear, actually)! Started him on a diuretic and began the process of lowering his steroid dose.
He's had a tough couple of days. He's worked hard at PT and it may be catching up to him. He's not eating as well as he should. He says he doesn't taste his food very well (a side effect of the steroid) and doesn't have much of an appetite. So, when you're not hungry and can't taste it anyways, you tend to not want to eat. I wonder if his caloric needs have changed, but his intake hasn't. When they created his diet, he was sedentary. Maybe they haven't upped his calories when he upped his physical exercise. He's eating, but not enough calories. This is purely speculation on my part, but we're going to check into that. He's had a bit of reflux, so that doesn't help the eating habit, either. We've just gotta get the man to eat! Stubborn ol' codger!
With that said, we are going to ask that for this week, we take some time off from visiting. He's just exhausted and weak, and it's time to recuperate. We're asking that just family be the visitors for the next few days. I know you all understand. When he's got a little more oomph, you all will be the first to know! I know Dad enjoys visiting so much -- it's his link with the 'real' world. He is quite the social butterfly! It's just not in his best interest right now. Thank you for understanding!
Let's see...what else? I think that's about it for tonight. If any of you have any experience with pancreatic enzyme medicine(s) we'd love to hear from you. We are learning more and more about things, and this is the one that we don't know too much about. Our main question is, if you need it and don't receive it, can it cause the lack of appetite and/or reflux? What are the symptoms of somebody needing it? You can email us at alivertiblog@hotmail.com.
Thanks and have a great morning/day/night!
Leslie :)
Sorry for missing last night's post, but I was busy being the new grandma. :o)
Dad had his first post-hospital doctor's visit today. His lungs sounded good, but he is retaining water. They did a lung X-Ray and bloodwork. Hopefully the lungs will backup what the doctor heard (or didn't hear, actually)! Started him on a diuretic and began the process of lowering his steroid dose.
He's had a tough couple of days. He's worked hard at PT and it may be catching up to him. He's not eating as well as he should. He says he doesn't taste his food very well (a side effect of the steroid) and doesn't have much of an appetite. So, when you're not hungry and can't taste it anyways, you tend to not want to eat. I wonder if his caloric needs have changed, but his intake hasn't. When they created his diet, he was sedentary. Maybe they haven't upped his calories when he upped his physical exercise. He's eating, but not enough calories. This is purely speculation on my part, but we're going to check into that. He's had a bit of reflux, so that doesn't help the eating habit, either. We've just gotta get the man to eat! Stubborn ol' codger!
With that said, we are going to ask that for this week, we take some time off from visiting. He's just exhausted and weak, and it's time to recuperate. We're asking that just family be the visitors for the next few days. I know you all understand. When he's got a little more oomph, you all will be the first to know! I know Dad enjoys visiting so much -- it's his link with the 'real' world. He is quite the social butterfly! It's just not in his best interest right now. Thank you for understanding!
Let's see...what else? I think that's about it for tonight. If any of you have any experience with pancreatic enzyme medicine(s) we'd love to hear from you. We are learning more and more about things, and this is the one that we don't know too much about. Our main question is, if you need it and don't receive it, can it cause the lack of appetite and/or reflux? What are the symptoms of somebody needing it? You can email us at alivertiblog@hotmail.com.
Thanks and have a great morning/day/night!
Leslie :)
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Saturday, January 9th
Well, what a day!.
On a personal note, I received a phone call from my daughter this morning. It appeared that Ed's great grandson was going to make his entrance into this world 4 weeks early. As I type this, I am sitting in a waiting room at MatSu Regional Hospital. It's probably going to be a while, but after a harried morning, I caught a flight back to Alaska. I'm just thankful to have arrived here before he did!
Now, onto what you came here for --
I saw dad for a few fleeting moments, as I was on my way to the airport. He was pooped! He had just completed 3 hours of therapy. We got to say our goodbyes, though, and in person! Thanks to Gina for getting me there!
I really don't have any news to report, as I wasn't there, but the few times I talked to him, he was in good spirits, anxious for baby boy's arrival.
Hope you all had a great day --
Leslie :)
On a personal note, I received a phone call from my daughter this morning. It appeared that Ed's great grandson was going to make his entrance into this world 4 weeks early. As I type this, I am sitting in a waiting room at MatSu Regional Hospital. It's probably going to be a while, but after a harried morning, I caught a flight back to Alaska. I'm just thankful to have arrived here before he did!
Now, onto what you came here for --
I saw dad for a few fleeting moments, as I was on my way to the airport. He was pooped! He had just completed 3 hours of therapy. We got to say our goodbyes, though, and in person! Thanks to Gina for getting me there!
I really don't have any news to report, as I wasn't there, but the few times I talked to him, he was in good spirits, anxious for baby boy's arrival.
Hope you all had a great day --
Leslie :)
Friday, January 8, 2010
Friday, January 8th
Happy Friday, all!
I didn't get to see Dad too long today as I'm trying to catch a cold (don't recommend it) so staying away. Mom and Gina had a nice visit with him, though. From what I understand, his Phys Therapist scolded him for working too hard. Now, come on...does this surprise any of us that know him?!? lol Of course, with hard work comes tired body. He was going to have a quiet afternoon of recuperating. Which he needs as it all begins again tomorrow. He's doing therapy 6 days a week. Whether it's both OT and PT, I do not know.
I do have a mailing address for him now. It is:
Ed Aliverti
c/o Manor Care
3701 - 188th St. S.W. Room 104
Lynnwood, WA 98037
Please drop him a line - he'd love it!
That's it for tonight. It was a relatively quiet day. Hope you all had a good one!
Leslie :)
I didn't get to see Dad too long today as I'm trying to catch a cold (don't recommend it) so staying away. Mom and Gina had a nice visit with him, though. From what I understand, his Phys Therapist scolded him for working too hard. Now, come on...does this surprise any of us that know him?!? lol Of course, with hard work comes tired body. He was going to have a quiet afternoon of recuperating. Which he needs as it all begins again tomorrow. He's doing therapy 6 days a week. Whether it's both OT and PT, I do not know.
I do have a mailing address for him now. It is:
Ed Aliverti
c/o Manor Care
3701 - 188th St. S.W. Room 104
Lynnwood, WA 98037
Please drop him a line - he'd love it!
That's it for tonight. It was a relatively quiet day. Hope you all had a good one!
Leslie :)
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Our Inaugural Post!
Many of you have been calling inquiring as to how Ed is doing. We figured this would be the best way to get the information out to the largest audience. We've never blogged before, so this will be a learning experience for us. We're slowly getting into this technology thing.
I am Leslie, Ed's middle daughter. Of course, I'm the important one, but my two sisters, Gina and Jann may disagree. But I digress... ;)
We will try and keep this updated daily, if even just to say we've got nothing new to report! Sometimes life gets in the way, and a day may get skipped, but we'll catch up - eventually!
So, with that said, on to the report!
First a little background:
Dad was hospitalized for 3 weeks with what they believe is/was bilateral pneumonitis. It's not pneumonia, but similar in the fact that his lungs and surrounding area filled with fluid (I'll do some reading up on it and post info at a later date). They removed a liter of fluid from and around EACH lung. It took a while to find a medicine that worked, but finally good ol' prednisone combined with some pretty powerful antibiotics started to make headway. After making terrific progress (much to everybody's surprise [they obviously don't know him!]) they discharged him on January 2, 2010. The time in the hospital and the illness took their toll on his strength and weight. He pretty much lost his ability to walk, just due to the weakness. They had him up and taking a few assisted steps, which was great to see! With these deficits, and his oxygen tank in tow, he was moved to Manor Care of Lynnwood, a rehabilitation facility. He will probably be there up to 60 days. They are amazed at his day-to-day progress, so maybe he'll be out sooner. Of course, we hope this is the case!
The medicines he is on have their own issues - the two most notable are diabetes and what dad calls "foggy head." He sometimes is a bit confused, but when he stops to think and realign his thoughts, he comes through it. Both of these issues theoretically will correct themselves when he is off the steroids. We don't know when that will be, exactly. He took the last of his antibiotics today, which he is thankful for. He thinks he takes too many pills! We say if they work, fill him up!
As to dad's spirit, well we all know how that is! He is constantly 'up' and quite frankly, I think he scared the nurses at the hospital - he would sing, joke, and laugh with them. I don't think they quite knew what to make of this man that was supposedly so ill, yet so happy. Just when they thought they had that under control, they were introduced to the Aliverti gang! We aren't exactly known for our quiet, blend-into-the-background personalities... Need I say more? lol Humor, prayers and positive thinking are what have gotten us this far, why change now?
Now, on to today's notes:
He has Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) every day. Usually 7am (gasp!) and 11am. Today he pretty much worked clear through, with a break for a very welcome visit from a dear friend. In OT, they had him getting himself to the wheelchair and then getting to the sink for his morning hygiene routine. Then they took him to the rehab room to work with him some more. For PT they are starting with upper body strength. I believe this to be so he can wheel himself and use a walker. I have to admit I'm glad it's not me they're putting through the paces! I'd be whining for sure...
I will post a mailing address for him, when I know it. He would love to hear from you! He can't get enough reading material. We take magazines and the daily paper, and he goes through them in no time. Getting cards and letters would be awesome!
I think this will do for tonight. Stay tuned for more!
We all thank you so very much for your continued prayers, support and concern. It's what keeps us going. Well, that and the fact that we're just pretty danged stubborn...
The Aliverti gang
I am Leslie, Ed's middle daughter. Of course, I'm the important one, but my two sisters, Gina and Jann may disagree. But I digress... ;)
We will try and keep this updated daily, if even just to say we've got nothing new to report! Sometimes life gets in the way, and a day may get skipped, but we'll catch up - eventually!
So, with that said, on to the report!
First a little background:
Dad was hospitalized for 3 weeks with what they believe is/was bilateral pneumonitis. It's not pneumonia, but similar in the fact that his lungs and surrounding area filled with fluid (I'll do some reading up on it and post info at a later date). They removed a liter of fluid from and around EACH lung. It took a while to find a medicine that worked, but finally good ol' prednisone combined with some pretty powerful antibiotics started to make headway. After making terrific progress (much to everybody's surprise [they obviously don't know him!]) they discharged him on January 2, 2010. The time in the hospital and the illness took their toll on his strength and weight. He pretty much lost his ability to walk, just due to the weakness. They had him up and taking a few assisted steps, which was great to see! With these deficits, and his oxygen tank in tow, he was moved to Manor Care of Lynnwood, a rehabilitation facility. He will probably be there up to 60 days. They are amazed at his day-to-day progress, so maybe he'll be out sooner. Of course, we hope this is the case!
The medicines he is on have their own issues - the two most notable are diabetes and what dad calls "foggy head." He sometimes is a bit confused, but when he stops to think and realign his thoughts, he comes through it. Both of these issues theoretically will correct themselves when he is off the steroids. We don't know when that will be, exactly. He took the last of his antibiotics today, which he is thankful for. He thinks he takes too many pills! We say if they work, fill him up!
As to dad's spirit, well we all know how that is! He is constantly 'up' and quite frankly, I think he scared the nurses at the hospital - he would sing, joke, and laugh with them. I don't think they quite knew what to make of this man that was supposedly so ill, yet so happy. Just when they thought they had that under control, they were introduced to the Aliverti gang! We aren't exactly known for our quiet, blend-into-the-background personalities... Need I say more? lol Humor, prayers and positive thinking are what have gotten us this far, why change now?
Now, on to today's notes:
He has Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) every day. Usually 7am (gasp!) and 11am. Today he pretty much worked clear through, with a break for a very welcome visit from a dear friend. In OT, they had him getting himself to the wheelchair and then getting to the sink for his morning hygiene routine. Then they took him to the rehab room to work with him some more. For PT they are starting with upper body strength. I believe this to be so he can wheel himself and use a walker. I have to admit I'm glad it's not me they're putting through the paces! I'd be whining for sure...
I will post a mailing address for him, when I know it. He would love to hear from you! He can't get enough reading material. We take magazines and the daily paper, and he goes through them in no time. Getting cards and letters would be awesome!
I think this will do for tonight. Stay tuned for more!
We all thank you so very much for your continued prayers, support and concern. It's what keeps us going. Well, that and the fact that we're just pretty danged stubborn...
The Aliverti gang
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