Today I hit a wall. All the sudden all these emotions took over. Yesterday we had the funeral for Missy. I think I am still in shock that she is gone. Why does our society rush to say good bye so quickly? Your loved one dies and within days they are all ready buried in the ground. I know you can't put a time line on grief. I had an AIDS client that when he died, they had a celebration of his life. His wife and daughter were there. He was African-American and I think there were 3 of us white folks at this celebration. They kept his casket open the whole time, while we sang songs and celebrated his life. I felt like then I really got to know him. When he got ill, and knew he was terminal, he moved up to WI to live with his mom. I would go over to their home every week and his mom would try to feed me. They were always so kind and generous. They didn't have much, but what they had, they wanted to share. It is hard to know if you are leading the life that God intended sometimes. How does one know? I feel like I have given of my time to those in need, but what if it has not been enough? I am one who has a hard time asking for help. I like to do things on my own. I know when I start treatment, this will have to slow down. I think the "not knowing" is starting to get to me. I just want to know what is going on and get things going. It is emotionally draining. On a very happy side note, we welcomed Connor James Gerth into our family yesterday. He is awesome and so handsome! I could not wait to get my hands on him! I even stepped up to the plate and changed his diaper. I was alittle risky though, I will need to learn how to change a boys diaper if you know what I mean! Ha!
The sun is out and this is good. I am going to meet some friends for lunch. I am going to drive for the first time in 3 weeks...stay off the roads! ha!
Blessings on your day!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
If you have a minute, please watch Claire's 3rd year montage. I do this annually. She is so awesome and sweet!
http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=6dcdb928005b8b4e549294&skin_id=601&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url
http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=6dcdb928005b8b4e549294&skin_id=601&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
I just wanted to take a minute to wish everyone a blessed Merry Christmas. This year has proven to be one of surprise and challenge. The good has definitely outweighed the bad.
We have been blessed another year to have my parents in our lives. I love you so much mom and dad! Another year of getting used to my older brother Tony and his wife Beth near by in Bloomington. My other brother Mike and his wife Nikki expecting a baby any day now! And of course, my soul mate sister Beth Anne who I can really laugh and cry with about my cancer. I certainly cannot thank Dennis enough or tell him how much I love him and appreciate all that he has done. There are not enough words! All my friends and my faith community, esp the Rosary society out at St Joes. Keep those prayers a comin'.
The hard part of the year for me was losing my Aunt Dot. Her and I had a connection like I have never experienced. Maybe it was her faith in the Lord that made me migrate towards her. She always was there to say a kind word and to tell you that it was going to be OK. She was, and still is a special lady. I know Cheri that she is holding onto Missy hand, guiding her up where she belongs. What a wonderful journey that must be! It saddens me to lose Missy. But the circle of life is certainly in our family. With Mike and Nikki expecting Baby Connor James.
It goes without saying my diagnosis has been a kick in the butt for me of course. The other night my sister took me to get my hair cut(I still cannot drive) and we were laughing with Erin about cancer,etc... the hair dresser at the next station did not understand why we weren't crying and upset. Ok, now of course we have cried and of course we are upset, but hell, life goes on. I have too many good things in my life to dwell on and focus on, that the cancer right now is just part of my life and not the main focus. Now in a few months when I am going through treatment, this may change. I have said this before, I am scared. But I cannot boo hoo over this either. What good does that do. Besides, I am not the boo hoo type!
Please enjoy the company of the ones around you this week and do not forget to thank the Lord our God for bringing his son into this world and into our lives.
Many blessings and prayers
We have been blessed another year to have my parents in our lives. I love you so much mom and dad! Another year of getting used to my older brother Tony and his wife Beth near by in Bloomington. My other brother Mike and his wife Nikki expecting a baby any day now! And of course, my soul mate sister Beth Anne who I can really laugh and cry with about my cancer. I certainly cannot thank Dennis enough or tell him how much I love him and appreciate all that he has done. There are not enough words! All my friends and my faith community, esp the Rosary society out at St Joes. Keep those prayers a comin'.
The hard part of the year for me was losing my Aunt Dot. Her and I had a connection like I have never experienced. Maybe it was her faith in the Lord that made me migrate towards her. She always was there to say a kind word and to tell you that it was going to be OK. She was, and still is a special lady. I know Cheri that she is holding onto Missy hand, guiding her up where she belongs. What a wonderful journey that must be! It saddens me to lose Missy. But the circle of life is certainly in our family. With Mike and Nikki expecting Baby Connor James.
It goes without saying my diagnosis has been a kick in the butt for me of course. The other night my sister took me to get my hair cut(I still cannot drive) and we were laughing with Erin about cancer,etc... the hair dresser at the next station did not understand why we weren't crying and upset. Ok, now of course we have cried and of course we are upset, but hell, life goes on. I have too many good things in my life to dwell on and focus on, that the cancer right now is just part of my life and not the main focus. Now in a few months when I am going through treatment, this may change. I have said this before, I am scared. But I cannot boo hoo over this either. What good does that do. Besides, I am not the boo hoo type!
Please enjoy the company of the ones around you this week and do not forget to thank the Lord our God for bringing his son into this world and into our lives.
Many blessings and prayers
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
I never look at the masses as my responsibility.I look at the individual.I can love only one person at a time.I can feed only one person at a time.Just one, one, one.You get closer to Christ by coming closer to each other.As Jesus said,"Whatever you do to the least of my brethern, you do to me."So you begin. . .I begin.I picked up one person-maybe if I didn't pick up that one person I wouldn't have picked up 42,000.The whole work is only a drop in the ocean.But if I didn't put the drop in,the ocean would be one drop less.Same thing for you same thing in your family same thing in the church where you go just begin. . .one, one, one."--Mother Teresa
Monday, December 22, 2008
This was on my Down syndrome Indiana listerv. Please pray for those women who abort their children for any reason.
LIKE most Australians, I felt triumphant for the Horsham doctor Bernhard Moeller and his family when, swayed by public outrage, the Federal Government made an about-face and granted them permanent residency.
The family's original application had been rejected on the grounds that their son, 13-year-old Lukas, who has Down syndrome, would cost the health system too much.
In granting the family residency, decency and fairness had prevailed. We could give ourselves a little pat on the back, in our support for the family, for being guided by what is good and true.
I wondered where that same goodness and truth had gone this week after reading an article entitled "More Down Testing Would 'Halve' Births (The Sunday Age, December 7), in which experts believe that every pregnant woman in Australia, regardless of age, should be offered screening for Down syndrome.
Currently, screening is mainly offered to women over 35, who are perceived as having a higher chance of such a pregnancy. Down syndrome, or Trisomy 21, because of the extra 21st chromosome, is the most common genetic condition, present in one of 800 live births.
The tenor of the story was that if all women were offered screening, then even more women found to be carrying a baby with Down syndrome would have the opportunity to terminate. And, in so doing, Down syndrome births "would be halved".
I feel saddened that, on one hand, we could see the unfairness and prejudice of the Moeller's situation. On the other, we send a message through the push for uniform, national screening that the life of a person with Down syndrome is, essentially, not worth living.
I know it's on this point that many people will disagree. It's all about informed choice and the right of a woman to be given the opportunity to decide whether to proceed with such a pregnancy, right?
Well, yes, that's true, in a sense. And this is where I want to stay clear of difficult territory. I can't say what's right or wrong for another woman. Or stand in judgement. But I can say that whatever "choice" a woman makes, either way, is rarely simple or easy.
Studies bear out the fact that many women who terminate a pregnancy for a particular reason suffer depression in varying degrees as a result of their choice.
Equally, in the case of the minority of women (about 3 per cent in Victoria), who choose to proceed with a pregnancy, knowing they are carrying a baby with Down syndrome, it is rarely without profound levels of grief and soul searching.
I'm one of these women. Now, having worked through some incredibly difficult emotions and issues, I am the proud mother of a beautiful 16-month-old boy, Gabriel.
Almost two years ago, at 36 years old and 12 weeks' pregnant, still not even showing, I was gently told by a sonographer that I had a one in four chance of carrying a baby with Down syndrome.
For my husband and I there was never really a choice about whether we would keep this child. As hard as it was coming to terms with the news, I swayed between firmly knowing and desperately hoping that there would be a place in our family for this baby and that, as corny as it might sound, love would conquer all.
We decided to find out definitively so that we could better prepare for the pregnancy, birth and any immediate health issues the baby might have. An amniocentesis at 16 weeks confirmed what we already seemed to instinctively know.
I believe it's only a matter of time before screening for all women becomes standard practice. The wheels of genetic testing have been in motion for some time, and are set to accelerate with the introduction in as little as two years of a blood test for Down syndrome for a woman as early as six to eight weeks' pregnant.
One of my main concerns is the "informed choice" that will become more readily available to women will exist perfectly in theory but will be little more than a subtly biased justification for termination.
For a choice to be truly informed, it must provide the full picture, the negatives and positives. While no medical professional ever openly questioned or disparaged our decision, any positive information, particularly early on, was generally conspicuously lacking.
This is the common experience of other women I've since met who knew they were carrying babies with Down syndrome.
It's easy to lay blame with the medical profession. That's not my intention. While I do believe it's the job of medical professionals working in prenatal diagnostics to be properly informed on advances for people with Down syndrome and other genetic conditions. I also feel that much of the diagnostic and scanning technology (throughout all stages of pregnancy) is in such a nascent state that the medical profession, and society in general, has not properly worked through the ethical and moral dilemmas it throws up.
For instance, I have been amazed at the number of seemingly well-meaning strangers who, when they see my son has Down syndrome, will ask me straight out whether I "knew" before he was born. And then proceed to tell me what they would or wouldn't do in the same circumstance. In the past, I've been left hurt and angry, feeling I somehow have to justify my child's existence.
Will uniform national scanning serve to further marginalise people with Down syndrome and their families, particularly those "who knew"? We decried the barbarity of institutionalising people with disabilities and fully dispensed with that model only two decades ago. Is uniform scanning that different in its intention: dispense with the "problem", a so-called easy fix?
I often ponder the irony that while prenatal scanning becomes more sophisticated and endemic, there has never been a better time than the present for a baby with Down syndrome to be born. There are the heart and other operations and medications available to ensure a high quality of life. There is the realisation of the crucial role of early intervention, with various physical and cognitive therapies for children. It is no coincidence that many children with Down syndrome are being integrated into and graduating from mainstream schools and beyond.
This is a large side to the story that is rarely told to expectant parents. My hope would be that any policy developed for uniform scanning would aim to keep abreast of advances in Down syndrome and clearly communicate these changes to expectant parents.
The Moeller's situation encouraged me to think that we can be an accepting and caring society, that there is room for people with Down syndrome, including Gabriel.
This was brought home to me more so when my son underwent surgery for a heart condition almost two months ago. The operation itself was a success but less than 24 hours later Gabriel arrested because of an aggressive reaction to a staph infection. We nearly lost him. Through the days on life support, the trips back to theatre to have his chest cleaned of the infection, and countless other complications, the nurses and doctors, particularly his kind Russian surgeon, assured us they would, as with any child, do whatever it takes to nurse Gabriel back to health. And they did.
These days my biggest encouragement, however, is Gabriel. And here's something all the scanning and technology in the world couldn't tell me: just how much I would love my boy for who he is, extra chromosome and all, and how truly wonderful he is. That love, as corny as it sounds, can conquer all.
Angela Blakston is an Age journalist currently on maternity leave.
LIKE most Australians, I felt triumphant for the Horsham doctor Bernhard Moeller and his family when, swayed by public outrage, the Federal Government made an about-face and granted them permanent residency.
The family's original application had been rejected on the grounds that their son, 13-year-old Lukas, who has Down syndrome, would cost the health system too much.
In granting the family residency, decency and fairness had prevailed. We could give ourselves a little pat on the back, in our support for the family, for being guided by what is good and true.
I wondered where that same goodness and truth had gone this week after reading an article entitled "More Down Testing Would 'Halve' Births (The Sunday Age, December 7), in which experts believe that every pregnant woman in Australia, regardless of age, should be offered screening for Down syndrome.
Currently, screening is mainly offered to women over 35, who are perceived as having a higher chance of such a pregnancy. Down syndrome, or Trisomy 21, because of the extra 21st chromosome, is the most common genetic condition, present in one of 800 live births.
The tenor of the story was that if all women were offered screening, then even more women found to be carrying a baby with Down syndrome would have the opportunity to terminate. And, in so doing, Down syndrome births "would be halved".
I feel saddened that, on one hand, we could see the unfairness and prejudice of the Moeller's situation. On the other, we send a message through the push for uniform, national screening that the life of a person with Down syndrome is, essentially, not worth living.
I know it's on this point that many people will disagree. It's all about informed choice and the right of a woman to be given the opportunity to decide whether to proceed with such a pregnancy, right?
Well, yes, that's true, in a sense. And this is where I want to stay clear of difficult territory. I can't say what's right or wrong for another woman. Or stand in judgement. But I can say that whatever "choice" a woman makes, either way, is rarely simple or easy.
Studies bear out the fact that many women who terminate a pregnancy for a particular reason suffer depression in varying degrees as a result of their choice.
Equally, in the case of the minority of women (about 3 per cent in Victoria), who choose to proceed with a pregnancy, knowing they are carrying a baby with Down syndrome, it is rarely without profound levels of grief and soul searching.
I'm one of these women. Now, having worked through some incredibly difficult emotions and issues, I am the proud mother of a beautiful 16-month-old boy, Gabriel.
Almost two years ago, at 36 years old and 12 weeks' pregnant, still not even showing, I was gently told by a sonographer that I had a one in four chance of carrying a baby with Down syndrome.
For my husband and I there was never really a choice about whether we would keep this child. As hard as it was coming to terms with the news, I swayed between firmly knowing and desperately hoping that there would be a place in our family for this baby and that, as corny as it might sound, love would conquer all.
We decided to find out definitively so that we could better prepare for the pregnancy, birth and any immediate health issues the baby might have. An amniocentesis at 16 weeks confirmed what we already seemed to instinctively know.
I believe it's only a matter of time before screening for all women becomes standard practice. The wheels of genetic testing have been in motion for some time, and are set to accelerate with the introduction in as little as two years of a blood test for Down syndrome for a woman as early as six to eight weeks' pregnant.
One of my main concerns is the "informed choice" that will become more readily available to women will exist perfectly in theory but will be little more than a subtly biased justification for termination.
For a choice to be truly informed, it must provide the full picture, the negatives and positives. While no medical professional ever openly questioned or disparaged our decision, any positive information, particularly early on, was generally conspicuously lacking.
This is the common experience of other women I've since met who knew they were carrying babies with Down syndrome.
It's easy to lay blame with the medical profession. That's not my intention. While I do believe it's the job of medical professionals working in prenatal diagnostics to be properly informed on advances for people with Down syndrome and other genetic conditions. I also feel that much of the diagnostic and scanning technology (throughout all stages of pregnancy) is in such a nascent state that the medical profession, and society in general, has not properly worked through the ethical and moral dilemmas it throws up.
For instance, I have been amazed at the number of seemingly well-meaning strangers who, when they see my son has Down syndrome, will ask me straight out whether I "knew" before he was born. And then proceed to tell me what they would or wouldn't do in the same circumstance. In the past, I've been left hurt and angry, feeling I somehow have to justify my child's existence.
Will uniform national scanning serve to further marginalise people with Down syndrome and their families, particularly those "who knew"? We decried the barbarity of institutionalising people with disabilities and fully dispensed with that model only two decades ago. Is uniform scanning that different in its intention: dispense with the "problem", a so-called easy fix?
I often ponder the irony that while prenatal scanning becomes more sophisticated and endemic, there has never been a better time than the present for a baby with Down syndrome to be born. There are the heart and other operations and medications available to ensure a high quality of life. There is the realisation of the crucial role of early intervention, with various physical and cognitive therapies for children. It is no coincidence that many children with Down syndrome are being integrated into and graduating from mainstream schools and beyond.
This is a large side to the story that is rarely told to expectant parents. My hope would be that any policy developed for uniform scanning would aim to keep abreast of advances in Down syndrome and clearly communicate these changes to expectant parents.
The Moeller's situation encouraged me to think that we can be an accepting and caring society, that there is room for people with Down syndrome, including Gabriel.
This was brought home to me more so when my son underwent surgery for a heart condition almost two months ago. The operation itself was a success but less than 24 hours later Gabriel arrested because of an aggressive reaction to a staph infection. We nearly lost him. Through the days on life support, the trips back to theatre to have his chest cleaned of the infection, and countless other complications, the nurses and doctors, particularly his kind Russian surgeon, assured us they would, as with any child, do whatever it takes to nurse Gabriel back to health. And they did.
These days my biggest encouragement, however, is Gabriel. And here's something all the scanning and technology in the world couldn't tell me: just how much I would love my boy for who he is, extra chromosome and all, and how truly wonderful he is. That love, as corny as it sounds, can conquer all.
Angela Blakston is an Age journalist currently on maternity leave.
Friday, December 19, 2008
I am having one of those days where I am suppose to be relaxing, but having a really hard time doing so. My sister, Claire, and I ran to WMart this morning and it wore me out! My belly was sore and I was tired. The incision they did was up and down my belly button, not across. So it is sore and tender still. Plus my belly is swollen. I feel like I did almost 3 years ago before having Claire!
I had a hard time sleeping last night. I think because I had not thought of anything for a week. Being so sick and miserable, that yesterday was overload! We are concerned about Dennis' job at Valeo. They are laying more people off and cutting back on hours etc...
But honestly, it is hard to feel sorry for ourselves when so many people are in the exact same position. Some without jobs at all.
My cousin and her family are weighing on my mind. The lose of a child is still the biggest mystery to me. It is hard when you as a parent pray to God to protect and look over your child, yet at the same time, he takes them away from you. I always have to think back and know that "his ways, are not our ways." And you have to reach out to God not only when you are suffering, but praise him as well when things are good.
Just so much happening at once.
I had a hard time sleeping last night. I think because I had not thought of anything for a week. Being so sick and miserable, that yesterday was overload! We are concerned about Dennis' job at Valeo. They are laying more people off and cutting back on hours etc...
But honestly, it is hard to feel sorry for ourselves when so many people are in the exact same position. Some without jobs at all.
My cousin and her family are weighing on my mind. The lose of a child is still the biggest mystery to me. It is hard when you as a parent pray to God to protect and look over your child, yet at the same time, he takes them away from you. I always have to think back and know that "his ways, are not our ways." And you have to reach out to God not only when you are suffering, but praise him as well when things are good.
Just so much happening at once.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Another somewhat disappointing visit with the DR., but I was not surprised. The pathology report was not back yet. What they could tell her and what they could see looking at the node, was that it was a type of lymphoma, but they could not tell just yet what type. And really, you have to understand folks that once you start getting into lymphomas and leukemia, these are not just easy cancers to detect and diagnose. I do thank God that all my blood work has been good and that it looks like there would be no chance of it being a leukemia either. So, we wait again.
She did say that she knew enough to go ahead and set me up an appt with an oncologist at IU med who specializes in lymphomas. She set me up with the one my sister saw. We go in January 12th. I have no doubt the minute the report comes to her desk that she will call and at least let us know the diagnosis. Our new saying is,"It is what it is."
The reason for not being surprised was because when my sister spoke with her on Monday and there was no report, and her telling us several times that the lymph node bios are always longer, I had this gut feeling all along. But she did have to check my incision etc...
On a side note, Claire went to preschool today to meet and greet her classmates. Mom and Beth took her and sounds like she had an absolute blast! I cannot wait for her to start in January.
I just ask for you to continue to lift our family up in prayer. Not just ours' but those too that have lost a loved one this year. This time of year can be hard on many families. I know it will be on that we will never forget.
I ask that you esp lift my cousin Missy up in prayer as she goes to be with our heavenly Father. It is hard when you have faith and trust in the Lord to not accept that this is his plan, but it is. He knows our souls better than anyone else. He knows that the family would not like to see Missy suffer and not have the quality of life that she so deserves. Please pray for her husband and 2 very young boys that no matter how long it takes, he will accept this plan for him and his family and understand that it is through his faithfulness in the Lord that he will get through this.
Also for my friend Michelle Koester who will under go surgery for something they found on her scan the other day. She has come so far surviving lymphoma and thyroid cancer.
Peace
She did say that she knew enough to go ahead and set me up an appt with an oncologist at IU med who specializes in lymphomas. She set me up with the one my sister saw. We go in January 12th. I have no doubt the minute the report comes to her desk that she will call and at least let us know the diagnosis. Our new saying is,"It is what it is."
The reason for not being surprised was because when my sister spoke with her on Monday and there was no report, and her telling us several times that the lymph node bios are always longer, I had this gut feeling all along. But she did have to check my incision etc...
On a side note, Claire went to preschool today to meet and greet her classmates. Mom and Beth took her and sounds like she had an absolute blast! I cannot wait for her to start in January.
I just ask for you to continue to lift our family up in prayer. Not just ours' but those too that have lost a loved one this year. This time of year can be hard on many families. I know it will be on that we will never forget.
I ask that you esp lift my cousin Missy up in prayer as she goes to be with our heavenly Father. It is hard when you have faith and trust in the Lord to not accept that this is his plan, but it is. He knows our souls better than anyone else. He knows that the family would not like to see Missy suffer and not have the quality of life that she so deserves. Please pray for her husband and 2 very young boys that no matter how long it takes, he will accept this plan for him and his family and understand that it is through his faithfulness in the Lord that he will get through this.
Also for my friend Michelle Koester who will under go surgery for something they found on her scan the other day. She has come so far surviving lymphoma and thyroid cancer.
Peace
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Once again I wanted to thank everyone for their prayers and support. My family for taking care of Claire so well. I miss my baby! My husband who I could not live without! I love you Dennis! The cards that have come in have meant so much to me. The food, thank you Lisa, would love the recipe to your chicken! You have always fed my family well in time of need, that is for sure! Will and Barb our neighbors for the sweets. Can't wait to get into them! Prestons too for a whole bucket of cookies! Yum! Cindy and Bob, I hope you are reading this. Your gift was such a delight! You are such a wonderful, genuine, human being down to the very core of your soul. I am so blessed and honor to know such a wonderful couple. And to think Kade and Claire brought us to gether! Thank you!
I had set back on Monday that really upset me. I began throwing up and was having ab pain, etc. My sister spoke with my surgeon, who by the way is sweet as can be, and she gave us some recommendations. She said if this continues to go to the ER and have then do a scan of my belly to make sure there is no bowel obstruction. Yesterday a.m. I did just that. I am not one to suffer in pain if I do not have to. I am a whiny girl I admit! My husband will tell you that when I am not feeling well. I had gas on my colon and was constipated. Did what the DR told me that day and last night I actually started feeling a little better. I relaxed in a warm tub and I think that helped a bit. I am finally able to see some results. You know your sister loves you when she will help with an enema! Sorry for those that are making a yucky face right now. I was sensitive with my words enough regarding my bowels and lack thereof! It's my blog! Ha!
Tomorrow we go see Dr Rager with a DX. Please pray for patience and trust and understanding in the Lord that this is what he has given me to help make my journey a more, "interesting" one shall we say.
I will try to update or have Dennis do that when we know something.
Stay warm and never forget to tell those around you that you love them
I had set back on Monday that really upset me. I began throwing up and was having ab pain, etc. My sister spoke with my surgeon, who by the way is sweet as can be, and she gave us some recommendations. She said if this continues to go to the ER and have then do a scan of my belly to make sure there is no bowel obstruction. Yesterday a.m. I did just that. I am not one to suffer in pain if I do not have to. I am a whiny girl I admit! My husband will tell you that when I am not feeling well. I had gas on my colon and was constipated. Did what the DR told me that day and last night I actually started feeling a little better. I relaxed in a warm tub and I think that helped a bit. I am finally able to see some results. You know your sister loves you when she will help with an enema! Sorry for those that are making a yucky face right now. I was sensitive with my words enough regarding my bowels and lack thereof! It's my blog! Ha!
Tomorrow we go see Dr Rager with a DX. Please pray for patience and trust and understanding in the Lord that this is what he has given me to help make my journey a more, "interesting" one shall we say.
I will try to update or have Dennis do that when we know something.
Stay warm and never forget to tell those around you that you love them
Sunday, December 14, 2008
It's been a long weekend. I am still sore and tired. I am taking less pain meds though and that is good. Trying to get more food down me, but still not alot tasting real good. I think I have eaten enough bananas though! Of all things, I know!
I am trying to get on to my emails once a day and check them. If you think about it, please hold all forwards for now. All I need to know is that you and your family is doing well. I am not comfortable sitting at the computer long enough to do forwards. I appreciate it!
Now I really know what moms of my mother's generation went through with their C-sections. Whew! At least last time I had surgery I was able to bring home a beautiful baby girl. This time will be an expensive hospital bill and sore tummy for awhile. What is wrong with this picture? Ha!
Not planning on blogging much this week unless I hear sooner from the DR. I get my hair cut Tuesday and am looking forward to that. Claire gets to meet and greet some of her friends Thursday at preschool. Beth Anne will take her for that. My hardest thing is trying not to laugh at Claire and what she does. She is so funny! Esp when she gets to dancing! It makes my stomach hurt more! But makes my heart happy!
Have a great week and enjoy your blessings
I am trying to get on to my emails once a day and check them. If you think about it, please hold all forwards for now. All I need to know is that you and your family is doing well. I am not comfortable sitting at the computer long enough to do forwards. I appreciate it!
Now I really know what moms of my mother's generation went through with their C-sections. Whew! At least last time I had surgery I was able to bring home a beautiful baby girl. This time will be an expensive hospital bill and sore tummy for awhile. What is wrong with this picture? Ha!
Not planning on blogging much this week unless I hear sooner from the DR. I get my hair cut Tuesday and am looking forward to that. Claire gets to meet and greet some of her friends Thursday at preschool. Beth Anne will take her for that. My hardest thing is trying not to laugh at Claire and what she does. She is so funny! Esp when she gets to dancing! It makes my stomach hurt more! But makes my heart happy!
Have a great week and enjoy your blessings
Friday, December 12, 2008
Today has been the first day I have not slept all day. The only time I was getting up was to pop my pain meds. Of course I still am on those.
I am so glad to be home. The staff and Dr Rager were phenomenal. The room was like a hotel room with a fridge, DVR player, flat screen TV. You could also order anything off the menu you wanted at any time. Too bad I enjoyed very little of any of those things.
I am still in alot of pain. I was disappointed in the incision, but knew this was the best decision in getting the most tissue they could. We go back up on Thursday and am hoping to know then more.
Thanks again for all your prayers and support. One of the first things I asked for when I got out of recovery was to see my photo of Claire that I brought with me. I miss not cuddling with her:(
Please continue to keep us in your prayers. I know this has got to be alot on my family and Dennis. I am just so blessed to have them all near by. And I know it is hard on his family not to be closer.
It has also been a very hard week on my cousins and their families. I came home to find out my cousin's daughter had a heart attack and is in very critical condition. Please offer them up in your prayers as well. They would appreciate it.
Have a peace filled weekend!
I am so glad to be home. The staff and Dr Rager were phenomenal. The room was like a hotel room with a fridge, DVR player, flat screen TV. You could also order anything off the menu you wanted at any time. Too bad I enjoyed very little of any of those things.
I am still in alot of pain. I was disappointed in the incision, but knew this was the best decision in getting the most tissue they could. We go back up on Thursday and am hoping to know then more.
Thanks again for all your prayers and support. One of the first things I asked for when I got out of recovery was to see my photo of Claire that I brought with me. I miss not cuddling with her:(
Please continue to keep us in your prayers. I know this has got to be alot on my family and Dennis. I am just so blessed to have them all near by. And I know it is hard on his family not to be closer.
It has also been a very hard week on my cousins and their families. I came home to find out my cousin's daughter had a heart attack and is in very critical condition. Please offer them up in your prayers as well. They would appreciate it.
Have a peace filled weekend!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Thursday Update
Mary was discharged this morning after her biopsy surgery. I got her back home in Seymour around 1:00 PM. She is still sore, tired and on her pain medication. She has been resting and trying to get some of her appetite back. Dr. Rager told Mary this morning that the pathology report was not yet back, we will patiently wait until next Thursday's appointment to get the results of the biopsy.
Mary and Claire are both adjusting to the limited contact until some healing from the surgery can happen.
A big THANK YOU to Mary's sister Beth and Mom & Dad Gerth for helping out with Claire and everything else over the past 3 days.
Mary and Claire are both adjusting to the limited contact until some healing from the surgery can happen.
A big THANK YOU to Mary's sister Beth and Mom & Dad Gerth for helping out with Claire and everything else over the past 3 days.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Wednesday Update
Dennis here again - Mary was not released from the hospital today. Due to having to have the full incision surgery she did not get to have solid food until after lunch around 1:00 PM. Saw Dr. Rager around that time. She was pleased with the amount of tissue she was able to remove to send to the lab for testing. Mary was taken off the IV and all other connective hoses this afternoon and the plan is for release in the morning.
I drove back to Seymour to spend the night with Claire and take her to horseback riding therapy (which ended up being canceled for tonight). I will head back up to Indy to pickup my stuborn fighter in the morning.
Again thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Results of the biopsy still not expected until next Thursday, Dec 18.
With the full surgery Mary will be limited in lifting over 10lbs for the next 6 weeks. Yeah, if you know Mary she is not happy about that considering our little angel is a little heavier than that at this time and with the holidays in this window.
Pray for me and my efforts of getting her to relax and take it easy for this 6 weeks.
Dennis
I drove back to Seymour to spend the night with Claire and take her to horseback riding therapy (which ended up being canceled for tonight). I will head back up to Indy to pickup my stuborn fighter in the morning.
Again thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Results of the biopsy still not expected until next Thursday, Dec 18.
With the full surgery Mary will be limited in lifting over 10lbs for the next 6 weeks. Yeah, if you know Mary she is not happy about that considering our little angel is a little heavier than that at this time and with the holidays in this window.
Pray for me and my efforts of getting her to relax and take it easy for this 6 weeks.
Dennis
Monday, December 8, 2008
P.S. I just heard from my cousin that her twin brother Tom is going to go see a cardilogist tomorrow about fixing a hole in his heart that he was born with. Of course, nowdays, they do this usually following birth. So please lift him up in prayer too that everything goes well and that he finds the strength and peace that he is looking for.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Happy Monday everyone! I figured I had best post now because who knows when I will get back on. I will have Dennis bring his laptop to the hospital and we will see if I can post from there.
I am getting nervous about my surgery, but I also know it is a positive step forward. It seems like I have been waiting forever for this day.
Busy weekend trying to get everything done. I baked and got gifts out to therapists and neighbors. I know the Japanese family across the street is probably going to think I am wack-O giving them their treats already! Took another long 3 hour nap yesterday. So did Claire! Must be something in the air! I don't know why she cant do that for me during the week! Ha!
We had her IEP meeting today at preschool. We discussed her strenghts and weakness' and found out what they recommend for services. I was pleased with the outcome. I am going to try and get her in for a couple hours to meet her new friends before they break for Christmas. This will be interesting. With the tests they did, it was decided that she is between moderate and mildly delayed in her cognitive. Our goal is to get her the "mild" label so to speak. Somehow I don't think that will take long. She is always eager to please and to learn new things.
So my procedure is at 2:00. It should take 2 hours. Please say a silent prayer if you are thinking about it, I would appreciate it. My sister, Dennis and I will say a prayer before surgery as well.
Have a great week and blessings and peace on your week!
I am getting nervous about my surgery, but I also know it is a positive step forward. It seems like I have been waiting forever for this day.
Busy weekend trying to get everything done. I baked and got gifts out to therapists and neighbors. I know the Japanese family across the street is probably going to think I am wack-O giving them their treats already! Took another long 3 hour nap yesterday. So did Claire! Must be something in the air! I don't know why she cant do that for me during the week! Ha!
We had her IEP meeting today at preschool. We discussed her strenghts and weakness' and found out what they recommend for services. I was pleased with the outcome. I am going to try and get her in for a couple hours to meet her new friends before they break for Christmas. This will be interesting. With the tests they did, it was decided that she is between moderate and mildly delayed in her cognitive. Our goal is to get her the "mild" label so to speak. Somehow I don't think that will take long. She is always eager to please and to learn new things.
So my procedure is at 2:00. It should take 2 hours. Please say a silent prayer if you are thinking about it, I would appreciate it. My sister, Dennis and I will say a prayer before surgery as well.
Have a great week and blessings and peace on your week!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
I hope everyone is having a great week! Please take a minute to watch this video from the National Down syndrome center. It is awesome!
http://www.ndsccenter.org/morealike/flash/
http://www.ndsccenter.org/morealike/flash/
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