Hi all,
We have now passed the 4 week mark in recovery mode. Arnie has made great strides in the last little while. He is eating well and he has even been spotted making himself his own lunch and getting his own snacks! Rumour has it he has gained some weight although he has yet to confirm exactly how much. I am told it is impolite to ask someone how much they weigh.
Arnie is doing a great job following Dr.'s orders and moving around the house well and supplementing with walks outside. He has made it to the top of the street and back.
He is trying to spend more time out of our room but it seems we are a little too noisy at times. When that happens he goes back upstairs to the quiet of our bedroom to contemplate the silence. He should congratulate himself with the design and build of our house because with the bedroom door closed, silence reigns while outside, the chaos continues.
This weekend the Raiders hockey season begins so the goal will be to make it to a game. Until that time, we will be updating Arnie by phone or he will be watching on line. They won their 1 st exhibition game last night. Go Raiders!
Have a wonderful long weekend
Liz
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
August 20
Hi All,
We are now 3 weeks post surgery and still working on getting stronger and having more energy. Like any challenge, there are good days and better days. We have just returned from Montreal where the final piece of the surgery puzzle (THE DRAIN) was removed yesterday. A colleague of Dr. Metrakos was kind enough (hahaha, insert evil laugh track) to remove Arnie's drain and it really was a good thing. It seems that the drain was starting to become attached to being in Arnie's body so you can imagine that when the Dr. pulled (and pulled and pulled) the drain finally came out with some newly formed tissue that was starting to grow around the drain. Suffice it to say that Arnie was not pleased with the procedure. In fact, his exact words were it f***ing hurt. After we left, we headed back to our usual hotel where the staff were really happy to see Arnie back on his feet.
Today, we had our appointment with the Oncologist. In a nutshell, he looked at Arnie and said "I want to see you in 2 weeks and you are to make it your mission to snack all day long." The good news is nothing is off limits including beer. Of course, we will be aiming for high quality nutrition but if he really feels like a beer, he will be allowed to have it. (that is not an invitation to drop beer or junk off at our house, thank you!)
All in all, both were productive visits to the Dr.'s and we appreciate the time they take to make sure we understand the bigger picture. So here's to lots of good eating in the next 2 weeks!
Cheers,
Liz
We are now 3 weeks post surgery and still working on getting stronger and having more energy. Like any challenge, there are good days and better days. We have just returned from Montreal where the final piece of the surgery puzzle (THE DRAIN) was removed yesterday. A colleague of Dr. Metrakos was kind enough (hahaha, insert evil laugh track) to remove Arnie's drain and it really was a good thing. It seems that the drain was starting to become attached to being in Arnie's body so you can imagine that when the Dr. pulled (and pulled and pulled) the drain finally came out with some newly formed tissue that was starting to grow around the drain. Suffice it to say that Arnie was not pleased with the procedure. In fact, his exact words were it f***ing hurt. After we left, we headed back to our usual hotel where the staff were really happy to see Arnie back on his feet.
Today, we had our appointment with the Oncologist. In a nutshell, he looked at Arnie and said "I want to see you in 2 weeks and you are to make it your mission to snack all day long." The good news is nothing is off limits including beer. Of course, we will be aiming for high quality nutrition but if he really feels like a beer, he will be allowed to have it. (that is not an invitation to drop beer or junk off at our house, thank you!)
All in all, both were productive visits to the Dr.'s and we appreciate the time they take to make sure we understand the bigger picture. So here's to lots of good eating in the next 2 weeks!
Cheers,
Liz
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
August 7-14 -- "Arnie's Week"
Hi All,
It has been a week since Arnie was released from the hospital (a week since I have updated you all) and what a week it has been.
Wednesday afternoon when we arrived home, Arnie was faced with his biggest challenge, how to get himself upstairs and into bed. It was quite the long walk up to our bedroom but in the end, where there's a will, there was a way. I am sure it made him question why we live in a 2 story house. On the flip side, walking up and down the stairs has provided Arnie with the much needed exercise the Dr.'s recommend. Arnie's very own, built in stair master. Who could imagine that's really what we were building 28 years ago! Of course, he is walking outside as well, marking the distance by passing one more house each way as he goes.
As challenges go, figuring out the whole food angle (what to eat and how often to eat and in between what to drink) has been interesting. It is a process, that is all I can say. A lot of trial and ERROR! Good news though, he seems to have found a combination of foods that has allowed him to maintain his weight! The goal now is to gain weight. A work in progress.
The most exciting news of the last week is that Arnie had his 61 staples removed today. Arnie's concern when he first realized that he had staples closing his incision was how are they going to take them out. He asked a nurse who promptly answered " with a staple remover of course!" Arnie proceeded to tell her that when he removes staples he usually tears the paper. Well, I can tell you no paper or skin was torn in the staple removing process! The nurse from carefor was so calm and so patient. It was a little funny (from my perspective of course) watching the nurse try to follow the rise and fall of his chest and stomach in her quest to grab on to a staple. Compared to the staple removing, the dressing change on his drain was a piece of cake.
Stay tuned for the drain removal. And the fun just keeps on happening.
Liz
It has been a week since Arnie was released from the hospital (a week since I have updated you all) and what a week it has been.
Wednesday afternoon when we arrived home, Arnie was faced with his biggest challenge, how to get himself upstairs and into bed. It was quite the long walk up to our bedroom but in the end, where there's a will, there was a way. I am sure it made him question why we live in a 2 story house. On the flip side, walking up and down the stairs has provided Arnie with the much needed exercise the Dr.'s recommend. Arnie's very own, built in stair master. Who could imagine that's really what we were building 28 years ago! Of course, he is walking outside as well, marking the distance by passing one more house each way as he goes.
As challenges go, figuring out the whole food angle (what to eat and how often to eat and in between what to drink) has been interesting. It is a process, that is all I can say. A lot of trial and ERROR! Good news though, he seems to have found a combination of foods that has allowed him to maintain his weight! The goal now is to gain weight. A work in progress.
The most exciting news of the last week is that Arnie had his 61 staples removed today. Arnie's concern when he first realized that he had staples closing his incision was how are they going to take them out. He asked a nurse who promptly answered " with a staple remover of course!" Arnie proceeded to tell her that when he removes staples he usually tears the paper. Well, I can tell you no paper or skin was torn in the staple removing process! The nurse from carefor was so calm and so patient. It was a little funny (from my perspective of course) watching the nurse try to follow the rise and fall of his chest and stomach in her quest to grab on to a staple. Compared to the staple removing, the dressing change on his drain was a piece of cake.
Stay tuned for the drain removal. And the fun just keeps on happening.
Liz
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
August 6 -- "The Return"
Hi All,
At 2 pm today, 8 days after surgery, 9 including the actual surgery, Arnie became a free man. He was released from the Royal Vic with a snip of his hospital band. It was a special moment! For the last 2 days, the nurses had been teasing Arnie with the prospect of going home. His discharge papers were signed and all they were waiting for was for all the post op arrangement to be coordinated with Ottawa. How long could that possibly take? "The doctors are working on your summary they would say.", how long could that possibly take?
Arnie was determined that today would be the day he went home. He would not take no for an answer. In the end, it took as long as it took and then with a smile and a wave, off Arnie went in his wheelchair through the Ross pavilion and on to the main entrance and freedom. Along the way, Arnie was able to say goodbye and thank you to the many people who helped him recover from the surgery and even left one of his hats with a hospital staffer just to say thank you for all his help.
Why did we take that route to leave the hospital and not just out the front of the Ross pavilion? That would be because his trusty sidekick (me) had no idea how to find the little side road that lead there. So out the front we went and on the road back home. It was a quiet ride home with Arnie trying to figure out how to place the seat belt so it didn't rub the incision or pull on the drain. The last piece of surgical equipment that we thought would surely have to come out before he was allowed home, came home with us. And now we are experts in how to empty the drain. It seems the drain will be with us for at least another 1-2 weeks. But that's ok, it will eventually come out.
Surprisingly, the traffic leaving Montreal wasn't too bad. It took a bit longer to get home this trip because I drove slower so as not to jostle the patient. In the end, a little over 3 hours after being told he was free to go, we pulled in at home. Arnie went straight to upstairs and climbed into bed. He now has all the comforts of home but unfortunately, even though we have a new bed, the bed does not move up and down nor are head and feet of the bed adjustable. Life is full of trade-offs.....
All in all it's a good day to come home and we are very happy to have him home.
And so the fight continues .......
Be well,
Liz
At 2 pm today, 8 days after surgery, 9 including the actual surgery, Arnie became a free man. He was released from the Royal Vic with a snip of his hospital band. It was a special moment! For the last 2 days, the nurses had been teasing Arnie with the prospect of going home. His discharge papers were signed and all they were waiting for was for all the post op arrangement to be coordinated with Ottawa. How long could that possibly take? "The doctors are working on your summary they would say.", how long could that possibly take?
Arnie was determined that today would be the day he went home. He would not take no for an answer. In the end, it took as long as it took and then with a smile and a wave, off Arnie went in his wheelchair through the Ross pavilion and on to the main entrance and freedom. Along the way, Arnie was able to say goodbye and thank you to the many people who helped him recover from the surgery and even left one of his hats with a hospital staffer just to say thank you for all his help.
Why did we take that route to leave the hospital and not just out the front of the Ross pavilion? That would be because his trusty sidekick (me) had no idea how to find the little side road that lead there. So out the front we went and on the road back home. It was a quiet ride home with Arnie trying to figure out how to place the seat belt so it didn't rub the incision or pull on the drain. The last piece of surgical equipment that we thought would surely have to come out before he was allowed home, came home with us. And now we are experts in how to empty the drain. It seems the drain will be with us for at least another 1-2 weeks. But that's ok, it will eventually come out.
Surprisingly, the traffic leaving Montreal wasn't too bad. It took a bit longer to get home this trip because I drove slower so as not to jostle the patient. In the end, a little over 3 hours after being told he was free to go, we pulled in at home. Arnie went straight to upstairs and climbed into bed. He now has all the comforts of home but unfortunately, even though we have a new bed, the bed does not move up and down nor are head and feet of the bed adjustable. Life is full of trade-offs.....
All in all it's a good day to come home and we are very happy to have him home.
And so the fight continues .......
Be well,
Liz
Monday, August 5, 2013
August 5
Hi All,
So holiday Monday has arrived and what a holiday it was for Arnie. His suite at the Royal Vic was cleaned and freshened by his personal staff ( me), he had his meals catered and delivered, his every whim indulged ( again by me). What a day, what a life!
Today on his walk to survey his kingdom, Arnie walked farther than he had before. Another walkabout is planned for later just to touch base with all those he met on his earlier foray.
He had a lovely offer from one woman In particular( we will call her Nurse F) to give him an enema but he politely declined. So instead we will drink more water and walk more to ensure that his bodily functions continue to run smoothly.
All kidding aside, things are progressing nicely. He is eating and drinking and waiting for the last drain to be removed although that may be a while before that happens. A sample of fluid has been sent off to make sure nothing is leaking so,as we wait for the results, Arnie continues to enjoy his stay at the much talked about, posh,Royal Victoria.
I must go, I am being summoned.....
Wishing everyone an enjoyable evening
Liz
So holiday Monday has arrived and what a holiday it was for Arnie. His suite at the Royal Vic was cleaned and freshened by his personal staff ( me), he had his meals catered and delivered, his every whim indulged ( again by me). What a day, what a life!
Today on his walk to survey his kingdom, Arnie walked farther than he had before. Another walkabout is planned for later just to touch base with all those he met on his earlier foray.
He had a lovely offer from one woman In particular( we will call her Nurse F) to give him an enema but he politely declined. So instead we will drink more water and walk more to ensure that his bodily functions continue to run smoothly.
All kidding aside, things are progressing nicely. He is eating and drinking and waiting for the last drain to be removed although that may be a while before that happens. A sample of fluid has been sent off to make sure nothing is leaking so,as we wait for the results, Arnie continues to enjoy his stay at the much talked about, posh,Royal Victoria.
I must go, I am being summoned.....
Wishing everyone an enjoyable evening
Liz
Sunday, August 4, 2013
August 2-4 -- "Weekend at Arnie's"
Hi all,
About 30 minutes after settling in to his new semi-private room, the floor nurse announced that Arnie was put in the wrong room. He was to be in the room on the other side of the hall. So up Arnie got, out of his bed to walk across the hall, watching while the nurse and the orderly pushed the empty bed across the hall into his new semi-private room that had NO roommate. This being Friday afternoon, we wondered if and when a roomie would appear. So far no one! Bonus for Arnie, someone in bed assignment heaven likes him!
The kids came in Friday night, went to dinner at Auntie Joyjoy's and Uncle Lou's and then mosied on over to see Arnie. Each had a short 5 minute visit with dad, then off they went to their respective aunts and uncles to sleep.
Saturday came and the IV went as well as the nasal drain. Arnie was now allowed a liquid diet of coffee, apple juice and strawberry jello, no diet coke in sight. Lunch was more of the same with the addition of some clear broth. And the same for dinner, only beef broth which Arnie referred to as brown liquid. In the morning when the kids came, we were able to wheel Arnie outside for some well deserved fresh air. Arnie visited with the girls and then we wheeled him back to his room. The fresh air totally wiped him out so he had a good nap.
About 30 minutes after settling in to his new semi-private room, the floor nurse announced that Arnie was put in the wrong room. He was to be in the room on the other side of the hall. So up Arnie got, out of his bed to walk across the hall, watching while the nurse and the orderly pushed the empty bed across the hall into his new semi-private room that had NO roommate. This being Friday afternoon, we wondered if and when a roomie would appear. So far no one! Bonus for Arnie, someone in bed assignment heaven likes him!
The kids came in Friday night, went to dinner at Auntie Joyjoy's and Uncle Lou's and then mosied on over to see Arnie. Each had a short 5 minute visit with dad, then off they went to their respective aunts and uncles to sleep.
Saturday came and the IV went as well as the nasal drain. Arnie was now allowed a liquid diet of coffee, apple juice and strawberry jello, no diet coke in sight. Lunch was more of the same with the addition of some clear broth. And the same for dinner, only beef broth which Arnie referred to as brown liquid. In the morning when the kids came, we were able to wheel Arnie outside for some well deserved fresh air. Arnie visited with the girls and then we wheeled him back to his room. The fresh air totally wiped him out so he had a good nap.
The afternoon brought another milestone, his first poop! He came out of the bathroom smiling as if it were the best thing to happen since sliced bread. Yes, he is taking himself to the bathroom all by himself.
Sunday morning the kids all came in their VEREDs UNITE shirts for a photo op with the patient. We nabbed someone off the floor to take the picture of Arnie surrounded by his fan club. He is considering charging people who want their picture taken with him in the future since he is always thinking about new ways to raise money, but for now, we managed to get it done for nothing.
The best news for Sunday was the appearance of real food on his tray table. Although some of the food looked rather sketchy, he was happy to be able to eat his first solid food in 6 days and did not complain much. I do have to back him up on the cream of wheat, it looked like slop and I gave him my blessing not to eat it.
All the kids have returned home except for Michael who is enjoying Osheaga (a Montreal music festival) which ends tonight.
We did go for one stroll around the floor this aft and I am trying to get him to walk again but so far no luck. For all that he promised that he would listen to me, I am here to tell you that so far it's not really happening. I know Arnie would say it's not right to hit someone when they are down but I am pushing him for his own good. You all get that right? And no, please don't respond to this with requests for Arnie to listen to me. I can handle being ignored.
All in all, Arnie is making great strides forward, taking it one day at a time. Hopefully soon to be back home!
Ps, I did give him the option to proofread this before I sent it out but he just smiled while I laughingly asked "are you sure?"
Hope everyone had a great weekend.
Liz
Friday, August 2, 2013
August 2
Hi all,
Another day post surgery and more positive steps forward. Today his Foley catheter came out. Are all you men wincing? He did not care for that procedure! As well, he now has a regular IV line, the central line is out. They have stopped the epidural to see if he can manage his pain with some regularly awesome drugs, oxycodone and OxyContin. Yes, both of them but well regulated. If he does ok, they will take the epidural out. As well they are considering taking out the nasal drain.
Arnie is now in a semi private room. He bid goodbye to the loud roommates. But you should see the new roommate. Only time will tell how this plays out.
Arnie put on big boy sweatpants so he feels more human.
I saved the biggest news for last..... Can you guess? Well, if you guessed that he passed gas, pat yourselves on the back. Is it too much info if I told you he also went to the bathroom standing up?
All in all, another good day and its only 1 pm.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Liz
Another day post surgery and more positive steps forward. Today his Foley catheter came out. Are all you men wincing? He did not care for that procedure! As well, he now has a regular IV line, the central line is out. They have stopped the epidural to see if he can manage his pain with some regularly awesome drugs, oxycodone and OxyContin. Yes, both of them but well regulated. If he does ok, they will take the epidural out. As well they are considering taking out the nasal drain.
Arnie is now in a semi private room. He bid goodbye to the loud roommates. But you should see the new roommate. Only time will tell how this plays out.
Arnie put on big boy sweatpants so he feels more human.
I saved the biggest news for last..... Can you guess? Well, if you guessed that he passed gas, pat yourselves on the back. Is it too much info if I told you he also went to the bathroom standing up?
All in all, another good day and its only 1 pm.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Liz
Thursday, August 1, 2013
August 1
Hi all,
Another day, another big step on the road to recovery.
Today Arnie sat in a chair for an hour and a half, went for a walk for 45 min and also had enough energy to tell the family of another patient to shut the F up. A very proud moment indeed.
I also got to see his incision and the row of staples keeping Arnie together.
He will have to do something big tomorrow to top today's events
All in all, a good day.
Liz
Another day, another big step on the road to recovery.
Today Arnie sat in a chair for an hour and a half, went for a walk for 45 min and also had enough energy to tell the family of another patient to shut the F up. A very proud moment indeed.
I also got to see his incision and the row of staples keeping Arnie together.
He will have to do something big tomorrow to top today's events
All in all, a good day.
Liz
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