Hey, Y'all,
I was in the kitchen while ago, eating a baked potato (well, part of one, anyway) and was thinking about all the things I have to be grateful for. I know that lately friends and I have been focused on how I am feeling, and I think it is time to give thanks for all the good that has been happening over the past two months. Here is a list of some things I am feeling so blessed about:
1. Jesus (first and foremost)
2. Family
3. Friends
4. Beginning to get my appetite back
5. Sleeping again at night
6. Driving again
7. Support of family and friends
8. Recent visit of family from Illinois/Texas
9. Gramps and his solid support
10. Slowly regaining my strength
11. Possible removal of last tube from my body next week
12. Prayer support of church family and others
13. Neighbors (they are included in friends, of course)
14. Return of Gramps on Friday
15. Ability to care for myself
16. Support of fellow bloggers
17. LOVE
I am truly blessed.
This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Much love to each of you. Bye for now.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Mostly Pictures
Hey, Y'all,
Here are some pics from the past few days of the visit from daughter Carol, son-in-law Daryl, and our two oldest great grandchildren, Hannah and Austin. As you can see, they went to the Great Smoky Mountains and hiked to Cascade Falls. It was the grandchildren's first sight of a waterfall. The children played checkers at the Cracker Barrel with grandpa watching on. We ate supper with Carol's cousin, Jeff, (my nephew) and his wife, Peggy. Mae and Imazo, my sisters-in-law were also there and we all had a great time. Imazo is Jeff's mom.
Hannah and Austin helped me water my many flowers.
Yesterday, I drove up to Terrace Estates and visited with Gramps and we talked about the visit from the family and how enjoyable it was. I knew the visit with Gramps was over when he lay down to rest, so I kissed him and told him I would talk with him later. It is now Monday morning and my day has begun here. Trash is to be carried off today and maybe I can get a few more things done.
This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. More later. Much love to all of you. Bye for now.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Alone Again, Naturally (Old Song Title)
Hey, Y'all,
Well, it is Sunday morning and my children/great-grands left yesterday afternoon, and the sound of children's voices is heard no more here. Isn't it funny how the house can seem so much emptier than it did before family came to visit, after they depart?
We did have a wonderful time, though. Let me back up a little bit. Carol/Daryl, and Hannah/Austin went to the mountains on Friday morning and the children got to see a waterfall for the first time. They hiked up to Cascade Falls in the Great Smokies and thoroughly enjoyed it. They took food and drink with them and got back from there some time in the midafternoon. In the meantime, I left to go pick up Gramps so we could all go to supper in Knoxville. When I got to the Terrace Estates, where he is stayed for now, he was lying down and said he didn't feel like going, but that he would do what ever I wanted him to, I told him just to rest, and I would talk to him later.
I met Carol/Daryl and the Greats at the church and rode with them to Knoxville. We arrived at the Cracker Barrel just at 6 p.m. and put our names into the pot. We were told it would be about a 30 minute wait since there would be 9 of us to seat at a table. While we waited, Imazo and Mae, and Imazo's son, Jeff and his wife, Peggy, arrived and we sat outside in the rockers and chatted. Hannah and Austin found a checkerboard handy and sat there with Daryl to play checkers. It was all very pleasant. After we were seated in the restaurant, we had our supper and visited for quite a while (probably an hour and a half or so). Carol and Jeff are first cousins, and like many of us, don't get to see each other very often.
After saying our goodbyes, we motored on home, and had a pleasant hour or so before bedtime. Yesterday morning was spent leisurely, and Carol and the children helped me water my flowers and refill my hummingbird feeders. Austin and Carol scrubbed out the birdbath and filled it with water and Austin and Hannah helped me fill the bird feeder with birdseed. It was such a relaxed and fun time. Carol/Daryl had gotten packed up and ready to go. Then we decided to let the children look at the basement. What a momentous decision that was!
Carol went down with them to look at the basement and they found the floor was filled with water. It seems the drain plug in the basement floor had disintegrated and popped up, and all kinds of water (nasty stuff) had come up through the drain and covered quite a bit of the basement floor. Daryl helped Carol sweep up the water into the drain, but then had to leave to go to the local hardware to get a new drain plug. Carol continued on cleaning up the water, and using Clorox to clean the floor. She had finished when Daryl returned with the drain plug and he put it in the drain hole. That whole mess delayed them for a couple of hours, but they were happy to have been here to take care of it for me. Just think, if they had not gone to the basement, it might have been weeks before I would have found out and every time I flushed the toilet, or used the washer or dishwasher, there would have been more stuff in the basement floor. UGH! How God does provide help when we most need it!
Later, we had prayer before they left, we shared hugs and kisses and I waved them on their way, thankful for their visit and for so many things.
Jennifer Chang came to visit me last evening, and it will be the last time I see her in a long time. She is going back home to Taiwan to work for a year. She is a lovely young lady. Jen brought me a bag of chocolates "to tempt my appetite", and a get well card. She is such a loving, caring Christian 'granddaughter' and I will miss her. We have been friends for about twelve or thirteen years. We reminisced about the visit I made to Taiwan almost ten years ago and spent two weeks with her and her family.
I am hoping to go visit Gramps this afternoon for awhile. Right now, I need to go have some kind of breakfast. I have been sitting here drinking a cup of Constant Comment tea, and composing my blog. I hope each of you will have a blessed Sunday. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Love to each of you. Bye for now. Pictures later.
Well, it is Sunday morning and my children/great-grands left yesterday afternoon, and the sound of children's voices is heard no more here. Isn't it funny how the house can seem so much emptier than it did before family came to visit, after they depart?
We did have a wonderful time, though. Let me back up a little bit. Carol/Daryl, and Hannah/Austin went to the mountains on Friday morning and the children got to see a waterfall for the first time. They hiked up to Cascade Falls in the Great Smokies and thoroughly enjoyed it. They took food and drink with them and got back from there some time in the midafternoon. In the meantime, I left to go pick up Gramps so we could all go to supper in Knoxville. When I got to the Terrace Estates, where he is stayed for now, he was lying down and said he didn't feel like going, but that he would do what ever I wanted him to, I told him just to rest, and I would talk to him later.
I met Carol/Daryl and the Greats at the church and rode with them to Knoxville. We arrived at the Cracker Barrel just at 6 p.m. and put our names into the pot. We were told it would be about a 30 minute wait since there would be 9 of us to seat at a table. While we waited, Imazo and Mae, and Imazo's son, Jeff and his wife, Peggy, arrived and we sat outside in the rockers and chatted. Hannah and Austin found a checkerboard handy and sat there with Daryl to play checkers. It was all very pleasant. After we were seated in the restaurant, we had our supper and visited for quite a while (probably an hour and a half or so). Carol and Jeff are first cousins, and like many of us, don't get to see each other very often.
After saying our goodbyes, we motored on home, and had a pleasant hour or so before bedtime. Yesterday morning was spent leisurely, and Carol and the children helped me water my flowers and refill my hummingbird feeders. Austin and Carol scrubbed out the birdbath and filled it with water and Austin and Hannah helped me fill the bird feeder with birdseed. It was such a relaxed and fun time. Carol/Daryl had gotten packed up and ready to go. Then we decided to let the children look at the basement. What a momentous decision that was!
Carol went down with them to look at the basement and they found the floor was filled with water. It seems the drain plug in the basement floor had disintegrated and popped up, and all kinds of water (nasty stuff) had come up through the drain and covered quite a bit of the basement floor. Daryl helped Carol sweep up the water into the drain, but then had to leave to go to the local hardware to get a new drain plug. Carol continued on cleaning up the water, and using Clorox to clean the floor. She had finished when Daryl returned with the drain plug and he put it in the drain hole. That whole mess delayed them for a couple of hours, but they were happy to have been here to take care of it for me. Just think, if they had not gone to the basement, it might have been weeks before I would have found out and every time I flushed the toilet, or used the washer or dishwasher, there would have been more stuff in the basement floor. UGH! How God does provide help when we most need it!
Later, we had prayer before they left, we shared hugs and kisses and I waved them on their way, thankful for their visit and for so many things.
Jennifer Chang came to visit me last evening, and it will be the last time I see her in a long time. She is going back home to Taiwan to work for a year. She is a lovely young lady. Jen brought me a bag of chocolates "to tempt my appetite", and a get well card. She is such a loving, caring Christian 'granddaughter' and I will miss her. We have been friends for about twelve or thirteen years. We reminisced about the visit I made to Taiwan almost ten years ago and spent two weeks with her and her family.
I am hoping to go visit Gramps this afternoon for awhile. Right now, I need to go have some kind of breakfast. I have been sitting here drinking a cup of Constant Comment tea, and composing my blog. I hope each of you will have a blessed Sunday. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Love to each of you. Bye for now. Pictures later.
Friday, July 24, 2009
A Few Pictures
Hey, Y'all,Our daughter/husband, and two oldest "greats" arrived yesterday afternoon and our home was filled with sounds of childrens' voices and how very nice it was! Hannah and Austin were telling us about how they had seen Lincoln's birthplace and then gone on to see the Mammoth Cave. Austin told how he asked if he could turn out the lights in the cave, and was allowed to turn some of them off, then the guard turned off the rest of them and how very dark it was.
They each had a bouncy ball and had a lot of fun bouncing and doing "tricks" with them. I had forgotten what fun children can be. They all had lunch and a few minutes later the kids were in the living room where they had placed their back packs and sleeping bags. Hannah (8) had her drawing materials, and Austin (6), had his Lincoln logs and they were soon occupied with those.
Later in the afternoon, the kids got into their swim suits and we loaded everyone up in the cars, and Daryl took the kids and headed to the Wal-mart to pick up a beach ball and fun stuff for the kids to play with. Carol and I headed up to Morristown to pick up Gramps for the afternoon. Needless to say, he was pleased to see us and ready to go do whatever. By the time we reached Cherokee Lake, Daryl, Hannah, and Austin were already there and in the water. Carol had brought our folding chairs, so Gramps and I sat in the shade and watched them play and swim. They are both on the swim team and swim like little fish. (no fins or gills though.ha)
After about an hour at the lake, we went to supper at Applebee's in Morristown, and enjoyed our time together, and then it was time to leave and I took Gramps back to the Terrace Estates and then motored on home. What a lovely day it was! They are headed to the Smoky Mountains today, and the children are excited about seeing a waterfall. I hope they have a wonderful time. They invited me along for the ride, but I said, "I reckon not". I know I will be more comfortable here.
This evening we go into Knoxville and have supper with family there. (Probably at the Cracker Barrel). Well, that is about it for right now. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off. I look forward to a visit in October from Daniel, Whitney and their four children. By that time I hope and expect to be fully recovered and back to my sassy, feisty self. That's it for now. More later. Love to all of you.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Vanderbilt update
Hey, Y'all,
My neighbor, Scott, and I left yesterday morning at 5 a.m. and had a pleasant drive to Nashville. We found the first facility without any problems (well, actually, Scott did). We were about an hour early for my first appointment, but I was able to have the appointment over sooner because of that. When I had finished with my CT scan, I asked the young man who did the test if he knew of a good place nearby where one might eat breakfast. He directed us to a place only a couple of blocks away called "The Pancake Pantry". He said it was one of the top places to eat breakfast. Wow! He was right.
Scott and I motored on over to the Pancake Pantry and were almost immediately seated at a table for two. The Pantry has one large dining room, and lots of tables.
A charming waitress came over to take our orders and we looked at the menus and were amazed at all the choices. There were a table of children seated at the next table who were having a great time. Their adults-in-charge (two moms) were seated at the next table over (wise moms). They all left and another group of adults were seated at the table vacated by the children. Pretty soon we were conversing and laughing with them.
The food, when brought to us, was delicious. I actually enjoyed eating it, and although I could only eat two of the silver dollar pancakes and the egg over easy, I was happy to say it tasted great. I am hoping that my appetite will soon return.
After we left the restaurant, we headed on over to the Vanderbilt Clinic where my surgeon sees his patients on Wednesdays. After some time, he came in and asked me a few questions and took out the 'J' tube that has been in my abdomen since June 9, and told me the hole would seal over on its own. I was sooooo glad to get that one out. He left the other drain in, but shortened it, removed "Cordy" and attached a Jackson Prewitt bulb at the end and asked me if I could live with that one for a couple of weeks. I said I reckoned I could. So I go back to see him in two weeks. He told me to finish up my antibiotics.
Well, the trip back was just fine and I bade Scott good by with many thanks. Laurie and the kids came down to see me and brought some homegrown watermelon to me.
I boiled an ear of fresh corn for my supper, which I soon sat down and enjoyed. It was good to get home because it had been a long day for me (for Scott, too, I am sure, since he was driving and had a lot of sitting and waiting, as well).
Carol, Daryl, Hannah, and Austin will be here some time this morning (before noon, I guess) and I have a lot to do. I dreamed last night that they came and the house was a shambles. (nothing new there, ha). I look forward to seeing them and they are going to be bunking with me. Isn't that neat?
This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Love to you all. Bye for now. Thanks for your continued prayers.
My neighbor, Scott, and I left yesterday morning at 5 a.m. and had a pleasant drive to Nashville. We found the first facility without any problems (well, actually, Scott did). We were about an hour early for my first appointment, but I was able to have the appointment over sooner because of that. When I had finished with my CT scan, I asked the young man who did the test if he knew of a good place nearby where one might eat breakfast. He directed us to a place only a couple of blocks away called "The Pancake Pantry". He said it was one of the top places to eat breakfast. Wow! He was right.
Scott and I motored on over to the Pancake Pantry and were almost immediately seated at a table for two. The Pantry has one large dining room, and lots of tables.
A charming waitress came over to take our orders and we looked at the menus and were amazed at all the choices. There were a table of children seated at the next table who were having a great time. Their adults-in-charge (two moms) were seated at the next table over (wise moms). They all left and another group of adults were seated at the table vacated by the children. Pretty soon we were conversing and laughing with them.
The food, when brought to us, was delicious. I actually enjoyed eating it, and although I could only eat two of the silver dollar pancakes and the egg over easy, I was happy to say it tasted great. I am hoping that my appetite will soon return.
After we left the restaurant, we headed on over to the Vanderbilt Clinic where my surgeon sees his patients on Wednesdays. After some time, he came in and asked me a few questions and took out the 'J' tube that has been in my abdomen since June 9, and told me the hole would seal over on its own. I was sooooo glad to get that one out. He left the other drain in, but shortened it, removed "Cordy" and attached a Jackson Prewitt bulb at the end and asked me if I could live with that one for a couple of weeks. I said I reckoned I could. So I go back to see him in two weeks. He told me to finish up my antibiotics.
Well, the trip back was just fine and I bade Scott good by with many thanks. Laurie and the kids came down to see me and brought some homegrown watermelon to me.
I boiled an ear of fresh corn for my supper, which I soon sat down and enjoyed. It was good to get home because it had been a long day for me (for Scott, too, I am sure, since he was driving and had a lot of sitting and waiting, as well).
Carol, Daryl, Hannah, and Austin will be here some time this morning (before noon, I guess) and I have a lot to do. I dreamed last night that they came and the house was a shambles. (nothing new there, ha). I look forward to seeing them and they are going to be bunking with me. Isn't that neat?
This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Love to you all. Bye for now. Thanks for your continued prayers.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Back to Vanderbilt Tomorrow
Hey, Y'all,
Tomorrow morning at 5 a.m., my neighbor, Scott, will be coming down the hill to drive me to Vanderbilt to have a CT scan and then to see my doctor, who will look at the scan and tell me if I can get the drains removed and be "drain-free". We have to leave early because my first appointment is at 9 a.m. Central time and, of course, we are on Eastern time. The clinic sent me directions and a map, plus he will have his GPS.
It has been quite an experience carrying around my little buddy, "Cordelia" attached to my clothing. I am hoping I can leave her there. My side is quite tender to the touch where the drain is inserted (you could even say sore).
Yesterday was very quiet here. I did have a friend come in and vacuum my house for me, because (I am embarrassed to say) it had not been vacuumed in nearly 2 months. What with my illness, there was no way I could do it because the vacuum is so heavy. The floor does look good again. Thank you, friend!
Do you have problems swallowing huge pills? I just got a new prescription for potassium tablets and they are huge. I may take them back and exchange them for smaller (day after tomorrow).
Today, I took my car in to Morristown to the dealer to have it serviced, and stopped and filled it up with gas, so it is ready to go when Scott gets here. Hopefully we won't run into a lot of traffic because I just got a call from the facility that is doing the scan and they said to be there 20 minutes early. How's that for a kick in the shins?
I am feeling a little stronger every day, and still dealing with some edema because they stopped my lasix when I was in the hospital and filled me with that saline drip. I am hoping to eventually get that out of my system. My appetite is improving a little and am hoping I will soon be able to eat without thinking of how the food tastes. (or doesn't).
I am looking forward to seeing my folks from Texas with their two oldest grandchildren. Carol and Daryl (daughter and son-in-law) with Hannah and Austin.
Well, that is about it from Blabbin' Grammy tonight. Love to each of you and thank you for your support. Bye for now.
Tomorrow morning at 5 a.m., my neighbor, Scott, will be coming down the hill to drive me to Vanderbilt to have a CT scan and then to see my doctor, who will look at the scan and tell me if I can get the drains removed and be "drain-free". We have to leave early because my first appointment is at 9 a.m. Central time and, of course, we are on Eastern time. The clinic sent me directions and a map, plus he will have his GPS.
It has been quite an experience carrying around my little buddy, "Cordelia" attached to my clothing. I am hoping I can leave her there. My side is quite tender to the touch where the drain is inserted (you could even say sore).
Yesterday was very quiet here. I did have a friend come in and vacuum my house for me, because (I am embarrassed to say) it had not been vacuumed in nearly 2 months. What with my illness, there was no way I could do it because the vacuum is so heavy. The floor does look good again. Thank you, friend!
Do you have problems swallowing huge pills? I just got a new prescription for potassium tablets and they are huge. I may take them back and exchange them for smaller (day after tomorrow).
Today, I took my car in to Morristown to the dealer to have it serviced, and stopped and filled it up with gas, so it is ready to go when Scott gets here. Hopefully we won't run into a lot of traffic because I just got a call from the facility that is doing the scan and they said to be there 20 minutes early. How's that for a kick in the shins?
I am feeling a little stronger every day, and still dealing with some edema because they stopped my lasix when I was in the hospital and filled me with that saline drip. I am hoping to eventually get that out of my system. My appetite is improving a little and am hoping I will soon be able to eat without thinking of how the food tastes. (or doesn't).
I am looking forward to seeing my folks from Texas with their two oldest grandchildren. Carol and Daryl (daughter and son-in-law) with Hannah and Austin.
Well, that is about it from Blabbin' Grammy tonight. Love to each of you and thank you for your support. Bye for now.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
On the Mend - Again
Hey, Y'all,
Isn't it funny how days just seem to run together so that you are not sure what happened when, but only that it happened? That is how these last few weeks have begun to seem to me. It seems like I have been in and out of Vanderbilt so many times they should install swinging doors for me. Ha
Day before yesterday, my friend, Judy, took me to visit Gramps at the assisted living facility where he will be until the end of July. Then he will be coming home with me, and we will manage together, sink or swim. We will be eternally grateful to his nieces for arranging his stay there. I don't know what we would have done otherwise. Anyway, he knew I was coming, so he was really looking spiffy. With neat pants and shirt, and his shoes shined, he was escorted down the hall to see us by one of the ladies who work there. When he hugged me, he said I don't know where to hug you without hurting something, so I hugged him.
We sat in the living room area which is a very large room tastefully decorated, with chairs and couches lining the walls and some in the center of the room. Occasional tables are placed throughout the room as well. Judy visited with us for a few minutes and then left to run some errands while Gramps and I continued our visit.
The residents had been eating some homemade ice cream just before we got there. They had some extra and brought some to Judy and me, but I opted not to eat it, and passed it over to Gramps, who of course, took it.
After a while Gramps decided to show me his room and we walked down the hallway. He was able to tell me the direction to begin with and we went on around till we found his room. Almost all the doors of the residents are decorated with wreaths of some description. Gramps' niece made him one with UT as the theme. It is gorgeous and he pointed to it quite proudly. We entered his room and sat down and began talking about the mail he has received since being there. He showed me a father's day card from grandson, Andrew, and wanted to know who he belonged to. I said, "that is Carol and Daryl's son, that you took fishing." Then he remembered. He remembers his fishing buddies.
He took out his electric razor and asked how he could clean it, and said he didn't know how to take it apart. So I took the hint, and cleaned it for him. He had a clean razor then to use. He tested it out of course. Ha. I thought, "yeah, he hasn't seen me in a month and a half and one of the first things he wants me to do is to clean his razor." Ha.
Gramps seems to be pretty content right now, and he knows I have been really sick but getting better. I showed him the drains and the scars across my belly. He said, "we should sue that doctor that made the mistakes!" I said, 'nope, we are not. Just forget it; put it out of your head."
I am hoping to maybe go see him again tomorrow, but am not sure I can.
Yesterday morning, my dear friend, Ina Ray, came to see me and brought her autoharp. She brought me breakfast, and we sat and talked and laughed. Later, we went out on the porch and she brought out her autoharp and she played and we sang. We sang blues, we sang cowboy songs, country songs and hymns. We had a lovely time and I hated to see her go. The visit was just too brief for my liking. (see picture above)
Later in the evening, my neighbors - Scott and Laurie - came down and we visited for a couple of hours. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends.
I am feeling stronger by the day, and right about now, my energy is flagging, so I need to close this down for now. Thank you again for your prayers. Love to you all. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Bye till later.
Friday, July 17, 2009
My New Buddy
Hey, Y'all,
I left home last Sunday and went back to the Jefferson City Emergency Room with a fever of 103.5 and tossing my cookies. They immediately (well, when I got back there to the actual room) began getting my medical history of the past two months. They took blood samples, urine samples, and sent me back = you guessed it = to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. I am glad they did. The four hour ride in the ambulance was loooonnnggg and agonizing, but we finally made it.
By the next morning they had determined that I had an abcess on my liver that was causing all the problems. They also decided to put a pick line into my right arm at the bend of my elbow. They didn't get it right the first time, so they did it again the next day and got it right. A pick line allows them to get blood with out sticking you again. They knew they would need a lot of blood. They install a pick line using x-ray and they insert a tube into your vein and it goes up to very near the heart.
They did a ct scan as one of the first things when I got there to determine exactly where to put a drain to drain the abcess. They immediately started me on two or three intravenous antibiotics, one of which is the very powerful vancomycin. I stayed on that for the entire time until the day I left (yesterday), when they switched me over to amoxycillin and diflucan (GAAAAG) -don't worry girls, I won't stop taking them until I am supposed to. I nearly lost it tonight swallowing the amoxycillin, but so far, I have kept it down. I took it with ensure and salty potato chips.
On Tuesday, (I think it was), they had determined where to put the drain, and I got to go down to the first floor where they do all their torture stuff (radiology) and had a new tube inserted into my right side. It is called an Accordian drain. I decided to make that drain my friend and be buddies with it. So I gave her a name - Cordelia (Cordy for short) suitable for the kind of drain she is.
She has a little round face that comes out kind of like the folds in an accordian, and when it comes out so far, you can push it in till it becomes flat, and she suctions fluid out of the tube in my body and it drains into her body (a rectangular plastic bag). At the bottom of the plastic bag is a little tube that can be loosened to allow you to drain out of the bag what has drained in from the body. Now, I say Cordy is my friend because she is just a suckin' all that bad stuff from that liver abcess, but I must also say I won't be really sorry to see her go, because that means that I will be much better.
Here, I must say once again, "Thank You, Jesus, for seeing me through all this" and thank you to all those who have inquired about me and have been praying for me"
My daughter, Allie, came and picked me up from Nashville yesterday, delivered me back home safe and sound and did some really great things for me and loved me and I am so grateful to her. My daughters, Carol and Teresa, have kept really close check on me several times each day and I feel so loved. My two sisters-in-law (actually they are more sisters than inlaw) have kept a close check on me and prayed for me.
Today, my good friend, Judy, came and put fresh sheets on my beds and helped me with the laundry, then took me to visit my Sweetie Pie, then we came back here and found a dress I can wear over Cordy so that she doesn't offend anyone's sensibilities with her drain and ugly body. Later she took me and she and her husband, Gene, and her mother, Marian, out to supper at the Gondolier to celebrate Marian's 91st birthday. We had a lovely time but I sent most of my supper home with Gene and Judy.
Well, it has been a full day, and I do eventually need to get to bed to get a few hours of sleep. Of course, I have to watch out for Little Cordy and not get tangled in her tube and not do any accidental tugging where she goes into my right side. Needless to say, no sleeping on the right side, and she has a clip that I use to clip her to my clothing night and day. What fun! My pain is constant, but so is my joy in the Lord and His Goodness to me.
This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Thanks to all those who continue to lift Gramps and I up in prayer. IT'S WORKING! More tomorrow on my visit with Gramps today. Love to all of you. Bye for now.
I left home last Sunday and went back to the Jefferson City Emergency Room with a fever of 103.5 and tossing my cookies. They immediately (well, when I got back there to the actual room) began getting my medical history of the past two months. They took blood samples, urine samples, and sent me back = you guessed it = to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. I am glad they did. The four hour ride in the ambulance was loooonnnggg and agonizing, but we finally made it.
By the next morning they had determined that I had an abcess on my liver that was causing all the problems. They also decided to put a pick line into my right arm at the bend of my elbow. They didn't get it right the first time, so they did it again the next day and got it right. A pick line allows them to get blood with out sticking you again. They knew they would need a lot of blood. They install a pick line using x-ray and they insert a tube into your vein and it goes up to very near the heart.
They did a ct scan as one of the first things when I got there to determine exactly where to put a drain to drain the abcess. They immediately started me on two or three intravenous antibiotics, one of which is the very powerful vancomycin. I stayed on that for the entire time until the day I left (yesterday), when they switched me over to amoxycillin and diflucan (GAAAAG) -don't worry girls, I won't stop taking them until I am supposed to. I nearly lost it tonight swallowing the amoxycillin, but so far, I have kept it down. I took it with ensure and salty potato chips.
On Tuesday, (I think it was), they had determined where to put the drain, and I got to go down to the first floor where they do all their torture stuff (radiology) and had a new tube inserted into my right side. It is called an Accordian drain. I decided to make that drain my friend and be buddies with it. So I gave her a name - Cordelia (Cordy for short) suitable for the kind of drain she is.
She has a little round face that comes out kind of like the folds in an accordian, and when it comes out so far, you can push it in till it becomes flat, and she suctions fluid out of the tube in my body and it drains into her body (a rectangular plastic bag). At the bottom of the plastic bag is a little tube that can be loosened to allow you to drain out of the bag what has drained in from the body. Now, I say Cordy is my friend because she is just a suckin' all that bad stuff from that liver abcess, but I must also say I won't be really sorry to see her go, because that means that I will be much better.
Here, I must say once again, "Thank You, Jesus, for seeing me through all this" and thank you to all those who have inquired about me and have been praying for me"
My daughter, Allie, came and picked me up from Nashville yesterday, delivered me back home safe and sound and did some really great things for me and loved me and I am so grateful to her. My daughters, Carol and Teresa, have kept really close check on me several times each day and I feel so loved. My two sisters-in-law (actually they are more sisters than inlaw) have kept a close check on me and prayed for me.
Today, my good friend, Judy, came and put fresh sheets on my beds and helped me with the laundry, then took me to visit my Sweetie Pie, then we came back here and found a dress I can wear over Cordy so that she doesn't offend anyone's sensibilities with her drain and ugly body. Later she took me and she and her husband, Gene, and her mother, Marian, out to supper at the Gondolier to celebrate Marian's 91st birthday. We had a lovely time but I sent most of my supper home with Gene and Judy.
Well, it has been a full day, and I do eventually need to get to bed to get a few hours of sleep. Of course, I have to watch out for Little Cordy and not get tangled in her tube and not do any accidental tugging where she goes into my right side. Needless to say, no sleeping on the right side, and she has a clip that I use to clip her to my clothing night and day. What fun! My pain is constant, but so is my joy in the Lord and His Goodness to me.
This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Thanks to all those who continue to lift Gramps and I up in prayer. IT'S WORKING! More tomorrow on my visit with Gramps today. Love to all of you. Bye for now.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Movie Day Yesterday
Hey, Y'all,
Yesterday, Mae and Imazo and I had a lovely time eating out and watching a Robin Williams movie which I had rented. We ate at Applebee's and then went back to Mae's to see the movie. I ordered the Veggie Patch pizza and could only eat half of it, so I brought the remainder home with me. I may eat it today, and then again, I may not. It just depends on my want-to.
Mae had a new Lazy-boy recliner delivered yesterday to her home and she got to try it out while we watched the movie.
After I got home yesterday, I was privileged to meet my neighbor, Scott's, dad and his uncle. They had brought some belongings of Scott and Laurie that they had left behind when they moved here from Michigan. They were only at Scott's for about 36 hours or so, and had to leave early this morning. I really enjoyed visiting with them. It was a pleasure.
My grandson, Daniel, called me last night, but I missed his call and called him back this morning. He was calling me to explain why he felt Noah should not visit us with the two older children. I am afraid I played dirty pool by doing the guilt thing begging him to let Noah come too. But he expained it very nicely and I understood where he was coming from, and am quite sure he made the right decision. I do look forward to seeing the two older children with their grandparents a couple of weeks from now. I also look forward to the time I can see the whole family some day.
This afternoon, I am planning on going over to Mark and Allie's new home and spending tonight with them. I know I need to get out more and get my energy rebuilt. It is very difficult with still no appetite. I am continuing to lose weight, but don't know what to do to change it. I just want to lie down and rest.
Well, that is about it for right now. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Love to all of you. Bye.
Yesterday, Mae and Imazo and I had a lovely time eating out and watching a Robin Williams movie which I had rented. We ate at Applebee's and then went back to Mae's to see the movie. I ordered the Veggie Patch pizza and could only eat half of it, so I brought the remainder home with me. I may eat it today, and then again, I may not. It just depends on my want-to.
Mae had a new Lazy-boy recliner delivered yesterday to her home and she got to try it out while we watched the movie.
After I got home yesterday, I was privileged to meet my neighbor, Scott's, dad and his uncle. They had brought some belongings of Scott and Laurie that they had left behind when they moved here from Michigan. They were only at Scott's for about 36 hours or so, and had to leave early this morning. I really enjoyed visiting with them. It was a pleasure.
My grandson, Daniel, called me last night, but I missed his call and called him back this morning. He was calling me to explain why he felt Noah should not visit us with the two older children. I am afraid I played dirty pool by doing the guilt thing begging him to let Noah come too. But he expained it very nicely and I understood where he was coming from, and am quite sure he made the right decision. I do look forward to seeing the two older children with their grandparents a couple of weeks from now. I also look forward to the time I can see the whole family some day.
This afternoon, I am planning on going over to Mark and Allie's new home and spending tonight with them. I know I need to get out more and get my energy rebuilt. It is very difficult with still no appetite. I am continuing to lose weight, but don't know what to do to change it. I just want to lie down and rest.
Well, that is about it for right now. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Love to all of you. Bye.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Doctor's Appointments
Hey, Y'all,
One of my daughters called me yesterday (several times because I was outside talking to a friend), and informed me that I had not blogged in a couple of days and she wanted information about my health status. I told her sorry, and said that I am doing okay. She knew I had been to see my cardiologist in Knoxville and wanted to know how he thought I was doing. I told her that it was a good report and that he was pleased in general with my progress and made an appointment to check my pacemaker later in the year. He said my heart had apparently not been damaged by the three surgeries I had in April and June. My liver (bilirubin count) continues to improve, my potassium level is good, and my kidney function is good.
Today, I went to see my family doctor, and she was pleased to see me looking so well. She was quite upset by the errors made by the surgeon who operated in Knoxville on my gall bladder. She told me he not only nicked my bile duct, but severed an artery in my liver. The doctor in Nashville did all the right things and literally saved my life. She told me to give him her thanks of gratitude when I see him in the last of July. I have to go back and have him remove the "J" tube that is still in my abdomen. She also told me that I have an option of suing the doctor in Knoxville, but I don' t believe in law suits. I just feel blessed to be alive and kicking. I know that it was due to God's grace and kindness that I am still here among the living, and the skill of Dr. Wright in Vanderbilt Hospital. Thank you, doctor and thank you, Jesus!
As for how I am feeling, my energy level is still quite low, but I bought some vitamins today, and I hope they will help.
Tomorrow is a movie day and I will be previewing a couple of them this evening. I went to Wendy's for lunch and had part of a spicy chicken sandwich and some frosty chocolate dessert (to take the bite out of the spicy). Couldn't eat all of it, but enjoyed what I ate. I am baking a sweet potato for supper.
I went to visit my friend Marian for a while this morning after I got out of the doctor's office. It was good to sit and chat for awhile.
My daughter, Carol, and her husband, Daryl are coming to visit in a couple of weeks and bringing the two oldest greats with them. I wish they could also bring Noah with them. It will be very close to his 4th birthday and what a treat it would be for him and for us. I would beg his mom and dad if I thought it would help. It would please our hearts greatly. I don't ask a lot of any of them.
Next week, I go to pick up Gramps at the assisted living facility, and I know he is anxious to come home, as I am to have him home with me. I am sure it will be hard for awhile, but we will manage. I have really missed him.
Yesterday, I had lunch at the Morristown Shoney's with my niece, Donna, and my sister in law, Big Bonnie (Gramps' sister) and that was quite enjoyable.
Please pray for a friend of mine, Dot, who recently received a kidney transplant at Vanderbilt. I hear from her daughter, Richelle, that she is doing well. Also, please pray for my cousin, Mike, and his wife, Beverly. He is dying from face cancer and they have done all they can for him. He is the son of my Aunt Daisy (my mother's sister, both now deceased). Thank you for your prayers. Also thank you for your continued prayers on my and Gramps' behalf.
This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Much love to you all. Bye for now.
One of my daughters called me yesterday (several times because I was outside talking to a friend), and informed me that I had not blogged in a couple of days and she wanted information about my health status. I told her sorry, and said that I am doing okay. She knew I had been to see my cardiologist in Knoxville and wanted to know how he thought I was doing. I told her that it was a good report and that he was pleased in general with my progress and made an appointment to check my pacemaker later in the year. He said my heart had apparently not been damaged by the three surgeries I had in April and June. My liver (bilirubin count) continues to improve, my potassium level is good, and my kidney function is good.
Today, I went to see my family doctor, and she was pleased to see me looking so well. She was quite upset by the errors made by the surgeon who operated in Knoxville on my gall bladder. She told me he not only nicked my bile duct, but severed an artery in my liver. The doctor in Nashville did all the right things and literally saved my life. She told me to give him her thanks of gratitude when I see him in the last of July. I have to go back and have him remove the "J" tube that is still in my abdomen. She also told me that I have an option of suing the doctor in Knoxville, but I don' t believe in law suits. I just feel blessed to be alive and kicking. I know that it was due to God's grace and kindness that I am still here among the living, and the skill of Dr. Wright in Vanderbilt Hospital. Thank you, doctor and thank you, Jesus!
As for how I am feeling, my energy level is still quite low, but I bought some vitamins today, and I hope they will help.
Tomorrow is a movie day and I will be previewing a couple of them this evening. I went to Wendy's for lunch and had part of a spicy chicken sandwich and some frosty chocolate dessert (to take the bite out of the spicy). Couldn't eat all of it, but enjoyed what I ate. I am baking a sweet potato for supper.
I went to visit my friend Marian for a while this morning after I got out of the doctor's office. It was good to sit and chat for awhile.
My daughter, Carol, and her husband, Daryl are coming to visit in a couple of weeks and bringing the two oldest greats with them. I wish they could also bring Noah with them. It will be very close to his 4th birthday and what a treat it would be for him and for us. I would beg his mom and dad if I thought it would help. It would please our hearts greatly. I don't ask a lot of any of them.
Next week, I go to pick up Gramps at the assisted living facility, and I know he is anxious to come home, as I am to have him home with me. I am sure it will be hard for awhile, but we will manage. I have really missed him.
Yesterday, I had lunch at the Morristown Shoney's with my niece, Donna, and my sister in law, Big Bonnie (Gramps' sister) and that was quite enjoyable.
Please pray for a friend of mine, Dot, who recently received a kidney transplant at Vanderbilt. I hear from her daughter, Richelle, that she is doing well. Also, please pray for my cousin, Mike, and his wife, Beverly. He is dying from face cancer and they have done all they can for him. He is the son of my Aunt Daisy (my mother's sister, both now deceased). Thank you for your prayers. Also thank you for your continued prayers on my and Gramps' behalf.
This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Much love to you all. Bye for now.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Quiet Days and Nights
Hey, Y'all,
Yes, it has been extremely quiet in my life for the past several days. It is a good thing that I enjoy my own company. Ha. I am never bored, but quite often, am accompanied by aches and pains. They have become my almost constant companions. They never let me forget they are there. Food is beginning to taste a little better, but am not able to eat very much at a time. Making it for myself is a chore, as well.
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of going over to the home of my neighbor across the way, who has a horse ranch. Darlene has three border collies, that are quite beautiful, and are quite the beggars when it comes to cadging food. She had invited me for supper - hamburgers with cooked onions, a salad of cucumbers thinly sliced with slivers of raw onions, and a huge strawberry as dessert. I am a very slow eater, and was still working on my burger, which was on dark bread, and quite tasty. The dogs had been lying at our feet and had been fed a few tidbits by Darlene.
I feel something on each leg, and look down, and there is one of the dogs, Boomer, who has his head rested on one of my legs, looking up as though waiting for food. Resting her head on my other leg is one of the other dogs. It was just too funny. I finally wound up sharing what was left with them. I had eaten all that I could, and it was quite delicious.
I had a call from Imazo and Mae yesterday, a brief visit from Laurie, and no calls from anyone else (except for my neighbor, Darlene, inviting me over for a burger).
After I returned home from Darlene's, I read some, and later had a yogurt, called Gramps and talked for a few minutes. I watched some television, and later went to bed. I had a very quiet night, getting up a few times and finally got up around 8 a.m. this morning. I chatted online awhile with Teresa, and then went into the kitchen and had some breakfast. I expect a very quiet day today.
That is about it, folks...this is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Maybe more tomorrow. Love to you all. Bye for now.
Yes, it has been extremely quiet in my life for the past several days. It is a good thing that I enjoy my own company. Ha. I am never bored, but quite often, am accompanied by aches and pains. They have become my almost constant companions. They never let me forget they are there. Food is beginning to taste a little better, but am not able to eat very much at a time. Making it for myself is a chore, as well.
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of going over to the home of my neighbor across the way, who has a horse ranch. Darlene has three border collies, that are quite beautiful, and are quite the beggars when it comes to cadging food. She had invited me for supper - hamburgers with cooked onions, a salad of cucumbers thinly sliced with slivers of raw onions, and a huge strawberry as dessert. I am a very slow eater, and was still working on my burger, which was on dark bread, and quite tasty. The dogs had been lying at our feet and had been fed a few tidbits by Darlene.
I feel something on each leg, and look down, and there is one of the dogs, Boomer, who has his head rested on one of my legs, looking up as though waiting for food. Resting her head on my other leg is one of the other dogs. It was just too funny. I finally wound up sharing what was left with them. I had eaten all that I could, and it was quite delicious.
I had a call from Imazo and Mae yesterday, a brief visit from Laurie, and no calls from anyone else (except for my neighbor, Darlene, inviting me over for a burger).
After I returned home from Darlene's, I read some, and later had a yogurt, called Gramps and talked for a few minutes. I watched some television, and later went to bed. I had a very quiet night, getting up a few times and finally got up around 8 a.m. this morning. I chatted online awhile with Teresa, and then went into the kitchen and had some breakfast. I expect a very quiet day today.
That is about it, folks...this is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Maybe more tomorrow. Love to you all. Bye for now.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
New Movie Day
Hey, Y'all,
Well, I decided it was time for a movie day with Mae and Imazo. I had not seen them since I was in the hospital in Knoxville over 3 weeks ago. So I called them the other day and set it up. This morning I got up and took my medication and my shower, then had my breakfast of cereal. I took my morning sashay around the perimeter of my nearly acre yard, and then came in and cleaned the kitchen.
Around noon, I left here and headed into Knoxville. When I got to Mae's house, I got out of my little red car and went in to say howdy to Mae and hug her. Then we left for Imazo's and after hugging her, we all got into the car and headed to the Cracker Barrel for lunch. I ordered the spicy grilled catfish (one of my favorite meals there) and ordered the green beans and hashbrown casserole as the two sides and surprised myself by eating half of the dinner. I brought the rest of it home for dinner tomorrow.
We enjoyed our lunch together and went back to Imazo's for the movie. I brought one back from Teresa's for us to watch called, "Heart and Souls" and they really enjoyed it. I knew they would, because I had watched it in Alabama and enjoyed it tremendously. I enjoyed seeing it a second time. After the movie was over, we sat and chatted awhile, then talked to Darlene in Arizona. It was really good to talk to her.
I am sitting here enjoying a Dannon Yogurt as a snack. I may have a sandwich of some kind after while. A card came today for Gramps from our grandson, Andrew, but I don't know how to get it to him, perhaps I can get my neighbor to take it to him, since I don't want him to know I am home yet. Yeah, that is a great idea. Just talking about it helped give me an idea. That way, he won't have to wait until I bring him home to get it to him.
Well, I am hoping I will sleep well tonight (hope springs eternal in the human heart).
It would be great to get one good night's sleep. During the day, I have this little nagging cough which just comes on me, and at night there is the pain from my incision. (whine, whine). I know it has to get better eventually, doesn't it?
On Tuesday of next week, I go see my cardiologist at UT Medical Center and on Wednesday, I see my family doctor. I am sure they will both be pleased to see that I survived the Great Ordeal. ha. They both really care about me, I know.
My neighbors came to visit me for awhile last evening. It is always good to see them, and they are great encouragers. I am looking forward to talking to Gramps each evening. He should have gotten my letter with my picture in it today. Hopefully, it made him happy. We do not find a lot to talk about, and I have to think of questions to ask him without making it sound like The Great Inquisition, if you know what I mean.
Well, that is about it today from Blabbin' Grammy. So I am signing off for today. More tomorrow. Love to you all. Bye for now.
Well, I decided it was time for a movie day with Mae and Imazo. I had not seen them since I was in the hospital in Knoxville over 3 weeks ago. So I called them the other day and set it up. This morning I got up and took my medication and my shower, then had my breakfast of cereal. I took my morning sashay around the perimeter of my nearly acre yard, and then came in and cleaned the kitchen.
Around noon, I left here and headed into Knoxville. When I got to Mae's house, I got out of my little red car and went in to say howdy to Mae and hug her. Then we left for Imazo's and after hugging her, we all got into the car and headed to the Cracker Barrel for lunch. I ordered the spicy grilled catfish (one of my favorite meals there) and ordered the green beans and hashbrown casserole as the two sides and surprised myself by eating half of the dinner. I brought the rest of it home for dinner tomorrow.
We enjoyed our lunch together and went back to Imazo's for the movie. I brought one back from Teresa's for us to watch called, "Heart and Souls" and they really enjoyed it. I knew they would, because I had watched it in Alabama and enjoyed it tremendously. I enjoyed seeing it a second time. After the movie was over, we sat and chatted awhile, then talked to Darlene in Arizona. It was really good to talk to her.
I am sitting here enjoying a Dannon Yogurt as a snack. I may have a sandwich of some kind after while. A card came today for Gramps from our grandson, Andrew, but I don't know how to get it to him, perhaps I can get my neighbor to take it to him, since I don't want him to know I am home yet. Yeah, that is a great idea. Just talking about it helped give me an idea. That way, he won't have to wait until I bring him home to get it to him.
Well, I am hoping I will sleep well tonight (hope springs eternal in the human heart).
It would be great to get one good night's sleep. During the day, I have this little nagging cough which just comes on me, and at night there is the pain from my incision. (whine, whine). I know it has to get better eventually, doesn't it?
On Tuesday of next week, I go see my cardiologist at UT Medical Center and on Wednesday, I see my family doctor. I am sure they will both be pleased to see that I survived the Great Ordeal. ha. They both really care about me, I know.
My neighbors came to visit me for awhile last evening. It is always good to see them, and they are great encouragers. I am looking forward to talking to Gramps each evening. He should have gotten my letter with my picture in it today. Hopefully, it made him happy. We do not find a lot to talk about, and I have to think of questions to ask him without making it sound like The Great Inquisition, if you know what I mean.
Well, that is about it today from Blabbin' Grammy. So I am signing off for today. More tomorrow. Love to you all. Bye for now.
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