Donna's day on Tuesday was a tiring one. She had a procedure to remove the central line in her groin/thigh area and a Hickman catheter placed in her upper extremity. In addition they also took her down for a follow up CT scan of the lungs to check their progress. We have to remember that while she is doing so well compared to last week, she is still very weak, so all that activity wore her out.
She is still receiving virtually all her nutrition and fluids through the feeding tube; however, she is progressing with her swallowing. She was able to eat a cup of strawberry sorbet yesterday and took in about 4 large cups of ice chips. It is going to take time and work to get her muscles back to the point that she can control her swallowing enough for her to receive all her nutrition and fluids orally and have the feeding tube remove.
There is basically no change in the kidneys. We are still watchfully waiting to see if they start to improve on their own before any treatment gets considered.
We are all anxiously awaiting news on the progress of the TTP and plasmaphoresis. Jan asked about that yesterday. She was told that basically we will not know the status until after Donna has completed 10 days of the treatment (last treatment will be done on Friday). After that, it will be another watch and wait period to see if further plasmaphoresis or other treatment will be needed.
The physical therapist was in to see her yesterday and told her that they were going to start working on reconditioning today (Wednesday). I have no doubt that this is going to be very tiring for Donna but neccessary to get her muscles re-toned so that she can rebuild her strength.
It seems we are in a pattern of getting updates at night. Since Jan is the sole caretaker at this point, I wait until after 9 p.m. to call for updates, at the time that I know visiting hours are over so that I am not taking Jan away from caring for Donna.
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Lifting you up in prayer continually, Girlfriend. Praying for those kidneys to kick in soon. Praying that you will regain your strength and be able to eat soon. You got to get ready for that big "shin-dig!" Take it one day at a time. It will be slow at first, I am sure. But, you hang in there! Rome wasn't built in a day! ;0)
ReplyDeleteLove to you, and Jan, and the rest of the clan.
Love ya,
Suzy Q
Go Mama, Go Mama, Go Mama. Okay so that was a little corny but you know me I always have to be the strange one:) You keep one healing and we are going to keep praising God for whatever His plan is. There is not a day that goes by that someone doesn't approach me and ask how you are doing. You were right the other night you are not done fighting so you just keep it up.
ReplyDeleteLove ya bunches and bunches and bunches,
Monica (the one that causes all the ruckus)
That's funny that you said that Monica, because I've wanted to say that to your Mama too...Go Donna Go!! I guess I can be a little corny with you - hee-hee!! Donna, you keep up the good work, I'm so proud of you, and I am continuing my prayers for your kidneys, and your continued recovery. You keep on fighting, and knock their socks off! Keep on showing them what you are made of...some tough stuff! Jan, thanks so much for all that you have done lately...praying for you also! Bev, thanks for the continued updates on the blog. As Joel said the other night, God is the leader of this train, and I told him, oh yes, and we are along for the ride. Hang in there, everyone! Lots of love and prayers are with the family as well!
ReplyDeleteLorelei
It is so great to here what progress you have made. And we know you have more ahead of you. Just keep up all of the great work. You are a tough cookie and a fighter. It is sooooo exciting to get to read your progress keep up the good work. We love and miss seeing your smiling face.
ReplyDeleteTonya
Thank you Jan for being the hero that you are-that fighter spirit must run in the family! Seriously, I know that at the end of the day you must be tired too and we are praying for you and all the caregiviers as well-you all give new meaning to the word "STRENGTH" Love you ALL-Sherry
ReplyDeleteYeah, YOU GO DONNA! You'll get there....with God's greatness, and your faith and determination, you are unstoppable. I am so releived to hear that you are doing so much better than a week ago. I have been and will continue to pray for you and all of your family.
ReplyDeleteCould the "shin-dig" that Suz refers to be your big day on 1-12??? :o)
You are an inspiration Donna and isn't God great?
Love ya-
Deb
It's great to see the progress you have made in the past week. You are on my mind and in my prayers constantly. I am anxious to read the blog every day to see how you are doing. Just know that many prayers are going up for you and I believe they are being answered. Hang in there and know that you are loved.
ReplyDeleteGwen
Hi Donna!
ReplyDeleteI know you are disappointed that things are not going as well as you would like but keep hanging in there. They will get better. When I first started dealing with Chronic Fatique Symdrome (before the doctors realized it was really Pulmonary Hypertension) someone sent me a CD with a song on it that really helped me thorugh that period and other rough times as well. I can't post the song here but I can post the words. I hope you get the same comfort and encouragement from them as I did.
With all my love,
LaVerne
No Mistake
By
Mark Willett
Turning back each page in time I see where I have been. I see where you have brought me from to let me start again. And I’ve questioned so many times this road that I must take, but I found out without a doubt, he makes no mistake.
He makes no mistake no matter how rough the way when it’s his child at stake he sees me though. He understands the trials around me that cause my heart to break but it’s good to know down in my soul he makes no mistake.
It seems you’ll never over come these trials in your life, but don’t give up there’s always hope to help you win the fight. Cause friend I’m here to tell you the God I serve is great. He’ll take you through what lies ahead cause he makes no mistake.
He makes no mistake no matter how rough the way when it’s his child at stake he sees me though. He understands the trials around me that cause my heart to break but its good to know down in my soul he makes no mistake.
He makes no mistake no matter how rough the way when it’s his child at stake he sees me though. He understands the trials around me that cause my heart to break but it’s good to know down in my soul he makes no mistake.
He understands the trials around me that cause my heart to break but it’s good to know down in my soul he makes no mistake.