BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: mouldy
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 04:00 PM

Excellent news!
I think the power of the Mudcat has been proved once more.

Now get some rest!!!

Andrea x

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 05:16 PM

Thanks for the news on the surgery! (The news on the bland diet isn't so heartening, but we understand. Grits and oatmeal it is. . . )

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: GUEST,Bat Goddess in Boston
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 06:28 PM

Ah well, please bear with me. What I'd really like to do right now is scream -- but there's certainly no place private around here to do that.

Tom is still in PACU and it looks like they are going to keep him overnight, but that hasn't been decided quite yet, nor where he will be when they DO decide.

Thanks at least partially to that defib suck, etc., they've decided he took a bit too long to come out of the anesthesia and is more tired than he should be (though it's the same degree of tired he's been since they readjusted the defib). And his oxygen levels have been low -- that's the main thing, I guess. He's been on oxygen all day and the level sinks when they take him off. He was on a nebulizer when I left a little while ago.

I'm exhausted -- waiting is exhausting, and that's what I've been doing all day. First in Wang 309, then Gray, then back to Wang. Dr. Z only talks to people at Wang 309. Then I came back to the hotel for a bit. Then I went back to Wang 309 where they told me there hadn't been room for Tom to come back from surgery there, so he was in PACU. So I went there -- couldn't take Tom's stuff with me because they said it was too heavy for me to carry (bulky jacket, etc.). So up to PACU. Tom was awake, but just -- and, of course, not particularly talkative. So another hour went by waiting for Tom's gear. Finally I decided I might as well go get it since I didn't have to deal with my own jacket, purse, etc. Did so -- over to Wang 309, then back to PACU. Keep in mind, the whole Mass General complex is like 3-D chess so I'm up one elevator, down another, schlep halfway across the hospital (well, closer to 3/4 of the way), up another elevator; repeat backwards.

In between I decided to pay Kendall and Jacqui a visit. Kendall was resting, but Jacqui and I had some quiet conversation. And I got to admire the view of Boston and the Charles River from the 19th floor -- spectacular. Before I went back down to Tom, I stopped at the patients' lounge, too, on 19 and admired the wraparound view there. Wonderful.

Then back to Tom. He's restless, but his O2 levels still not great and they can't decide whether to do an x-ray and some other analysis, etc.

They kicked me across the hall into the waiting room for awhile (gee, is that waiting room 3 or 4?) and then let me back in 45 minutes later -- they'd forgotten about me.

I guess it got down to whether he'd be under the responsibility of the surgical team or the medical team -- in a room somewhere. I think it was finally decided the medical team, but then the medical team had an emergency to deal with and said they'd get back to the PACU.

Sooooooo...here I am again at the hotel's biz center and it's now almost 6:30. I've been up since 4:14, was at the hospital at 5:45. Spent the whole day there with a short trip over here (twice). Got to call them at some point here and find out where he's going to be and then go over and see Tom again before I can come back here and collapse into bed.

Who knows when he'll finally get out of there tomorrow -- and what train we'll be able to catch home. I probably need to take another clonazapam, but I'm afraid I'll fall asleep on the spot and I can't do that yet, no matter how much I'd like to.

Sorry for the whining, but I am really really tired.

Stopped to pick up something to eat before I got to the hotel -- got a Thai chicken wrap that turned out not only to have not really been "wrapped" but wasn't cut in half either. (If if it had been, I suppose, I'd have two halves that weren't wrapped. Sigh.)

Gotta go. Maybe eat some more of that unwrapped wrap. Call the PACU and find out where my darlin' is.

I certainly hope I can give you all more info tomorrow morning.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: GUEST,Bat Goddess in Boston
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 06:30 PM

Oh, and nobody LISTENS to him because his voice is low and breathy. Sometimes it's as if he doesn't exist.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 06:59 PM

Linn,
My experience with these surgeries is that things develop minute by minute. Like Kendall's feeding tube last week. You are exhausted. Tom is honestly in the best hands possible. If they are concerned about his oxygen levels, then there are real reasons to be concerned. He is safe where he is. "Can't decide" means they are waiting to see if he can recover on his own. If not, then they'll do some xrays, tests, etc and figure out what the next step is.
Breathe, girl. The whole business if frustrating and frightening but you need to stay level-headed, take notes, and ask questions.
Eating crap is the worst thing you can do - you won't be able to sleep tonight.
Tom is there for the night either in the PACU or in a room. Plan on spending the night in the hotel. Plan to sit down with a glass of wine and a hot meal. Take care of yourself.
Don't be surprised if they decide to keep him for a day or two. Again, these things happen minute by minute and honest - Tom's well being is everyone's first priority.
I am sorry you are down there alone. Jacqui had Kendall's daughters to share the misery. Had we known this would happen we could have arranged some company for you.
PM with a number and I will call later.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 07:20 PM

Linn, I feel your pain.......or rather Karen does. My last trip to the hospital was a lot like you are experiencing. I still can't see what the problem was with changing Tom's ICD battery before the surgery because anasthesia can screw up your systtem all by itself.

It always seemed as though the Docs were arguing among themselves over me with very little input from Karen and with the motivation being more to cover their ass if I checked out.

Hang in, get some rest and go for it tomorrow as Sins said.

We love you both.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: gnu
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 07:33 PM

Hang tough kiddo. Hang tough.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 07:49 PM

Linn and Thomas my heart is with you. I agree with previous, he is in good hands. It is hard not to worry and hard not to have any control over the situation. Take good care of yourself Linn, enjoy what little bits you can. enjoy the bath tub and get room service and a good book, tomorrow is another day. Tom is a tough guy, he needs some rest to heal and what a better place than where he is. xo Rita

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: GUEST,Bat Goddess in Boston
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 07:57 PM

Sorry, Sins -- already ate the unwrapped Thai wrap. It wasn't warm, but wasn't spozed to be. Sprite will have to do instead of wine, but I'm taking a handful (exageration) of aspirins (I've got a raging headache) and a benedryl and will drift off to sleep soon. (Yeah, drift with a loud THUD!)

Ran into (almost literally -- I was coming out of one door and they were coming out of another and we got a couple paces past each other before the collective brains recognized each other) Dr. Zeitels and Dr. Bryson. They'd been called in for an emergency (not Tom!), the emergency that kept Tom from getting a room until just a little while ago. So...the three of us went in to see Tom, still in the PACU. Tom was feeling better -- he'd finally had something to eat (last meal was last night), he was definitely awake and recovered from the anesthesia.

I'd talked to a doctor on the phone just before I went back over and she said she had compared his oxygen levels last time he was here (last October) and now and wondered if I knew why there was such a difference. I said the defib setting; she said that "shouldn't" have affected it; and I said, both the breathlessness and the tiredness arrived at exactly the same time -- when they readjusted the damned defibrillator! She said that was useful information. Sigh. Just what we'd been saying all day. Tom thinks they just saw numbers that didn't look right and forgot that he just came out of anesthesia, etc. Well, I can't blame them for wanting to be careful.

Looks like we'll be able to get a train home tomorrow morning as planned -- as long as Tom keeps reminding them that we need to be out of the hospital and to North Station by 10:30.

Heading upstairs to bed REAL SOON. Will check in tomorrow morning after I've talked to Tom.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Leadfingers
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 08:34 PM

Hope for a GOOD resolution in the morning !!
But if he is off caffeine AND alcohol , he may as well stay in the Hospital !
Good Thoughts from London !!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 08:56 PM

Terry! CELLAR!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 08:59 PM

When I went to see my gynecologist about some test results and her recommendation on a hysterectomy, I interrupted her and said "Either you remove it or I will but I will have a hysterectomy." There was no further discussion; a date was set.

i am beginning to feel the same way about Tom's battery. Do it or I will!

Rest easy Linn.
Let us know what tomorrow brings.

AND EAT A DECENT BREAKFAST!
Auntie SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 09:38 PM

Linn, hopefully by now you are wrapped in the arms of Morpheus (since Tom can't be there with you...) and things will look better by the light of day. You've had an incredibly stressful time, but we are all here with you and will continue to be here.

And thanks for keeping us posted!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: GUEST,Bat Goddess in Boston
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 07:20 AM

Well, Sins, I don't know about GOOD, but I've just had two really really good (and satisfying) cheese danishes (or as an old friend would say, "cheese norwegians" -- just like danishes only better) and I'm working on the coffee. Probably not as "good" as the almond roll, fruit & cottage cheese and smoothie I had yesterday morning at Eat Street.

Too early to call Tom yet, so I'm here momentarily. (Fellow here to output something so I'm going back up to the room to call Tom.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 08:18 AM

wot a saga.

sending more love & hugs

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 08:36 AM

Comfort food is good. The temperatures are supposed to be in the 40s so hopefully you can get Tom out and home.
Deep breaths and remember things change by the minute at Mass General - sometimes for the better.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: GUEST,Bat Goddess in Boston
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 08:40 AM

Arghhhhhh!!!!

Called Tom -- no answer. Called his nurse. She said she knew nothing about him leaving today to get train home and hadn't actually seen him yet this morning, but she'd talk to the doctors -- call back in 10 minutes.

In the meantime, I tried Tom again. He was not really awake, but that's how he's been in the mornings since the defib adjustment -- takes him forever to wake up, get dressed, etc.

Called the nurse back. She said she'd talked to the doctors and they didn't want to release him today. No other information. They wouldn't recommend we leave, but could sign a paper taking responsibility and then get him home. She couldn't make any suggestions as to what I should do.

I called Tom -- told him what the nurse said. Basically told him to start waking up seriously if he wanted to come home today.

Then called his cardiologist in York, Maine. Lynn, his nurse and the person who knows everything about everything, won't be in until 9, when I'll give her a call.

I don't want to go to the hospital until I check out of the hotel, but I may have to -- I can then come back and use computer, etc. until checkout at noon.

Got people waiting for the computer now.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: GUEST,Rominy
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 09:16 AM

Am following thread Linn and will have Will update me later with it while I am at work so Jeff and I know what to expect Thurs also. Glad surgery went so well.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 09:59 AM

Deep breaths and remember things change by the minute at Mass General - sometimes for the better.
Getting him home today is not nearly as critical as getting home safely and healthy. Talk to the doctors.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: GUEST,Bat Goddess in Boston
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 11:35 AM

Okay, there was the grand convocation of doctors, etc. in Tom's room about a half hour ago, where they went over everything -- and I corrected some of the stuff they had wrong (he's not diabetic and never has been) and filled in some other stuff (details since the biopsy, through vascular issues, Plavix debacle, blood infection, and into yesterday's surgery and recovery).

They intend to find out what the REAL problem is with his lethargy and breathlessness -- if it's not the defibrillator/pacemaker battery issue. He's at Mass General -- one of the finest hospitals in the country -- so maybe we'll finally get stuff sorted out.

I'm checking out of here (hotel) at noon, having lunch and heading back over to Tom where I'll hang out until a bit after 2:00 and then find my way over to North Station and get the 3 o'clock home -- bus rather than train, so I'll see some different scenery.

Will be in Durham (and my car) around 5, and then home to a cold house and attention-starved cats. Hope there isn't too much snow. It's raining in Boston and I suppose in Portsmouth, but inland there's snow, I guess. Haven't checked the weather report since earlier this morning.

That's it. Tom's feeling fine, just tired. As much as he'd like to be home, he says he's happy with what's going on.

Got phone calls, etc. to place tomorrow morning before I go to work, but, Rominy, if you're paying attention to this thread, I should be to work Thursday at the regular time. I'll keep you posted!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 11:43 AM

Good, Linn. I have been watching to see how this is playing out. Tom is in excellent hands. They will sort it out and maybe even replace the battery before I have to.
Hang in there, girl.
It is raining in Maine and along the coast. Have a safe trip.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 12:00 PM

I'm so glad that meeting happened and you were there to participate. Let's hope they sort this out.

Stay warm and dry and get enough rest!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Nancy King
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 12:53 PM

Really glad you had a chance to meet with the docs -- and glad they've decided to deal with problems, even if it does mean Tom staying in the hospital a while longer. MUCH better than getting home with problems still ongoing, then having to come back.

Hope you have a chance to relax tonight! After stoking the fire, feeding the kitties, etc., etc. Don't forget to pick up some wine on the way home...

Love to both of you!
Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 01:19 PM

Linn-

We're all hanging in there with you and Tom.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Janie
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 01:56 PM

Eyup.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: jacqui.c
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 02:12 PM

I'm keeping an eye on this thread - this is hard going, I know.

Here's hoping they sort out what the problem is in a timely manner ad do something about it.

xxxxx

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Tinker
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 02:31 PM

Linn, hopefully the weather will cooperate and by the time you read this, you will have attention starved cats keeping you company.

like others have said I am very relieved that they are now looking for the cause of the breathlessness and fatigue. Sending light and love and just lots of good thoughts.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 02:31 PM

I'm glad the confab is happening. I'm pulling for you here in the snowy Monadnock region- 15" and still falling fast!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 05:14 PM

mee too.. watching with the others. wishing someone could already be warming your house for you... what about near neighbours helping out while you are travelling to and fro?

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 06:03 PM

Would have been nice if the heat fairies had the house warm and waiting when I walked through the door dripping wet bearing a spinach and feta calzone which I have yet to tuck into.

The wine is in the car -- and I really need to go out and clear the slush off the deck (it evidently snowed a bit before it turned to rain), ash it so it's not slippery if it freezes, and get the rest of the stuff out of the car.

A fire is started -- first quick attempt didn't take despite two charred pieces still in the firebox. Should this go round.

Need to call Tom, too, and let him know I'm home safe, sound (well, that's a matter of opinion), but sopping wet. Can't get into something dry until I finish the outside things. (And I think I want to heat the calzone up a bit more.)

My up-the-hill neighbor piled a bunch of firewood on the deck which will make my life a LOT easier for the next few days. Thanks, Izo!

I really felt like I was inside a game of 3-D chess at Mass General. Wish I knew how many miles I put on, both in the hospital and making multiple runs between the hospital and the hotel. Despite all the waiting, I DID get a bunch of exercise the past three days.

Got to see Kendall again before I left. Tom wasn't particularly great company and I didn't want to head to North Station before 2, so I decided the patients' lounge on Kendall's floor would be a great place to just look out over Boston (from 19 floors up) and either think about the current situation...or not. A friendly student nurse even took me up to (card only floor) 20 to use their lounge, then I went back down and talked to Kendall for a few minutes before heading back to White 11 where Tom is.

Gotta go do stuff. Will be back later.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 06:43 PM

The house really isn't uncomfortable -- temperatures in Nottingham must have been pretty moderate the past couple days.

Wine brought in (but not poured yet). Groceries brought in (but not the extra kindling).

Fire in stove has finally caught.

Found out it was Izo, and Drew & Sabrina who stacked the wood on the deck -- thanks, everyone!

Tried to call Tom -- got message that "patient you have tried to reach is out of the room or unavailable" -- so I'll try later.

Right now I think I'll pour a glass of wine, take a hot shower (my hair is still dripping very cold right now), crawl into some sweats, and go change the bed. Didn't have time to before we left, and staying in a hotel does spoil one, doesn't it?

Later,
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 06:54 PM

Sorry--the heat fairy was at work today.
Got your phone message. Welcome home, Linn.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 08:01 PM

Welcome home, my dear. Enjoy your wine, have a bath, pamper yourself a bit.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 08:51 PM

Stove stuffed, bed changed, more wine gotten and about to head back upstairs to bed, to read, try to slow down enough to sleep.

Tried to call Tom several times, but he wasn't answering. Finally called his nurse -- Tom was sleeping soundly. I'm not going to disturb his slumbers. Will call him in the morning.

Took a hot shower and washed my already sopping wet hair, but this time with HOT water. Talked to my sister for quite awhile -- she follows the updates here.

Put some frankincense and myrrh on the stove -- wonderful.

Shutting down the house for the night -- tomorrow is another day.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Nancy King
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 11:50 PM

Jeez, Linn -- you know we love and appreciate the updates (really!), but it's NOT necessary to log on and report before unloading the car, getting the fire started, showering, eating your dinner, etc. etc....
Might want to think about your priorities!

That said, it is good to hear that you're home safe. Sleep well, please.

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: My guru always said
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 04:12 AM

So glad that they're having a serious look at Tom to get the whole kit&caboodle sorted out!!

This thread is obviously more like a lifeline for Linn, with grit and determination and friends like these she'll hold on till Tom gets home and then she'll be able to truly relax. Meanwhile please try to look after yourself Linn, eat a proper meal now and again!

Still sending positive thoughts to you both and thanks to all those good friends who are able to give practical assistance whenever they are able.

Love & hugs,
Hil x

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 07:32 AM

I don't know what I'd do without this thread, without the help and encouragement of you, dear friends.

Yesterday I felt probably more alone than I ever have. In some ways this whole ordeal (starting when the surgery was postponed last December) has been worse than when Tom had his heart surgery in 2004.

I think it might be safe for me to call him now -- I really missed not being able to talk to him yesterday after I got home -- couldn't even say "goodnight".

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 08:01 AM

Linn-

It's not exactly a new and brighter day around here this morning either but I hpe things go better for you and Tom.

Charley Noble, with a stalled out furnace

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 08:16 AM

Give him a (verbal) hug from us!

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 09:19 AM

Finally got through to Tom -- had to call his nurse first. Yes, he has been asleep a lot, but also a couple times he hasn't been able to reach the phone before the message kicks in (and if he gets on the line then, there's no one there).

They've sent off the usual fluids for analysis -- I guess his white blood cell count is up. Maybe there's another infection. I'll call later and see if there's any more info.

I tried to call Tom's primary care doctor, but he's on vacation. Left a synopsis and contact names and numbers, but not sure if he'll get them before Monday.

Now I need to go upstairs and touch base with Tom's cardiologist's office and let them know what's going on.

I feel a lot better now that I've talked to Tom.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 11:18 AM

Okay, just talked to EVERYBODY including the doctor in charge of the floor. They're listening to him, by the way, about what he says about the defib adjustment. They're treating fluid in the lungs and checking out the possible infection, but the white count isn't that elevated and they don't seem to be worried about it.

Looks like he'll be coming home tomorrow or Saturday and I'm going to see if a friend can pick him up so he doesn't have to deal with the train, etc.

Got a call from Mass General saying he needs to set up an appointment with his cardiologist in two weeks -- but he already is scheduled for the battery thing on the 10th and I got a message yesterday saying his earlier appointment was rescheduled for the 18th. Let his cardiologist's nurse know all about everything.

All of Tom's local doctors seem to be out of their offices for the week.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 11:29 AM

Linn, it will be nice to have him home and at least take some of the travel out of your daily routine. I wish we could send you some nicer weather, but all that Texas seems to manage lately is to pass long winter snow and ice. So I'll keep that here.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: GUEST,Jennifer (Knitpick)
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 12:59 PM

Oh I wish I lived near you guys, I'd make you dinner and bring it by so you'd eat well! Take good care of yourself -- I know your taking good care of Tom!

Hope things go better, and Tom gets home TOMORROW!

much love

jennifer

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: ClaireBear
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 01:16 PM

Good wishes seem inadequate, but as I can't be there in person, they will have to make do yet again. Hoping and praying for the best possible outcome: two rugged, eccentric, entwined souls in the best of health, garnished with warm, purring, happy cats!

Love,
Claire

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: gnu
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 02:45 PM

"My up-the-hill neighbor piled a bunch of firewood on the deck..." Funny what will bring a tear to an eye.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 03:39 PM

god! those conveniently missing in action medicos must be driving you around the bend.

glad neighour helped out with the fire wood. hope you can find someone to give Tom a lift home.

It is Tom's turn now for some good news and happy outcomes.

Doubling up on the energy waves towards you folks now.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 05:25 PM

The plan today was to stop in and see Tom before we picked up Kendall. Then Jacqui found out about a final scoping that had to be done at another office in Boston. It felt a little like that riddle - a fox, a hen, and a bag of grain...Jacqui had it all organized. But it didn't leave us time for a visit.

Glad you'll be home tomorrow or Saturday, Tom. But watch the weather. 8-9" of rain expected here then snow through Saturday. Time to power up the wood stove and snuggle with a good book...or Linn. Jacqui and Kendall looked so relieved to be home together.
Your turn now.
Love, Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 09:23 PM

Just talked to Tom and he sound SOOOOOOO much better -- more energy, etc. So I feel so much better, too.

He thinks they'll turn him loose tomorrow (I guess he layed down the law -- do something or let me out of here) -- there's a friend in Cambridge who can probably get him to North Station if they won't let him leave alone. We have friends up here who are ready and willing to come get him, but he really wants to come home by train and I can pick him up in Durham.

Jacqui, we understand completely about not having time to fit in a visit to Tom -- we had the same schedule with Tom's last surgery, having to get over to 1 Bowdoin Square after leaving the hospital for a last check by Dr. Z (AND Sonny!) -- and probably Dr. Bryson.

It is POURING outside! Drive home was tricky thanks to the gusting wind blowing rain -- I THINK a bit of hail -- and visibility was horrible. The driveway is a sea of mud. Hope the mail doesn't wash away before morning cuz no way was I stopping to pick it up.

Bedtime now -- lots of phone calls before I have to open at work tomorrow. I'm not lighting a fire in the stove -- warm enough in here and I just don't want to fight with it. This is NOT February in New Hampshuh weather, but I'm not complaining. At least it's not snowing!!!

And the other good news of the day is I was secret shopped (at the store I was filling in at, not my usual store) and got an excellent rating. The secret shopper must have been impressed with my juggling of multiple customers while maintaining a sense of humor.

G'night, all!
Linn

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: Janie
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 10:15 PM

Rest well, Linn. Have a good journey home, Tom, after a good night's rest yourself.

Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon's Cancer Surgery 2-23-2010
From: gnu
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 10:22 PM

Sleep is good for the blood. (Old Bugs Bunny cartoon.)

Yes. That is all I got.

Besides continued Ts&Ps.

Sleep well and renew.