KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: bbc
Date: 20 Nov 00 - 05:29 PM

Sorry to hear about the delay, Pat, but we don't want a relapse, like you-know-who had! Patience, my dear. We'll keep praying for you all.

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 20 Nov 00 - 05:47 PM

It's true that Karen- heck, all of you- will feel better at home but it's also true that you shouldn't rush it. I'm rooting for a speedy trip home and a calm, sweet, peaceful Thanksgiving. Keep holding up, friend, and tell Karen we're all cheering that she's feeling better!

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Rich(bodhránai gan ciall)
Date: 20 Nov 00 - 11:18 PM

Spaw,
Glad to hear such good news. Hope things continue to go well and Karen's home soon. All good things in all good time.

God bless you and your family,

Rich

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Nov 00 - 11:55 PM

You're all wonderful. Thanks so much. We're still not seeing the meds stabilize as they should and there isn't much else to be done besides wait it out. There are a lot of factors that affect the synthesis of Coumadin and you just can't push it.....I'm sorry to say. The boys and I were up tonight for dinner and Mikey did his homework with Mom's help so we keep trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy.

This morning I called Connie and ranted and raved, screamed at her and shouted, called the entire medical profession all kinds of vile things. She kicked my ass right back and I fought a little harder until I finally had it out. I then called her back and thanked her for doing something for me that almost no one else could do. Family, no matter how you acquire it, is a wonderful thing and I am very grateful for sister Connie.

If it ends up that she's still in on Thanksgiving, I have it figured out to take the whole feed to the hospital and we'll celebrate there. Whatever it takes.......And thanks to all of you for hanging in with those thoughts and prayers and healing energies. Karen again sends her thanks too. We shall see what tomorrow brings!

Spaw

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Allan C.
Date: 21 Nov 00 - 12:35 AM

Well, gee, 'Spaw. I guess it is time to break out the tabs for "Weary Blues". As I read your post I could hear Fred Neil singing that somewhere in my mind.

While you are waiting, take a look here:

http://www.holoweb.com/cannon/yellowsc.htm

and marvel as I do that someone found a way to use this for such good purposes.

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Amos
Date: 21 Nov 00 - 01:38 AM

Hang in there, Pat me bye...your TG will be as rich as any you've had, no matter where it is held. And Karen will be back soon in any case; just keep on having the moments, one after another, and you'll find yourself there. Love ya, man.

A

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Nov 00 - 01:46 AM

So what are ya saying there, Allan, that Spaw oughta stock up on mouldy hay?!**BG** Gotta be cheaper than the drug companies, right? Really, that si pretty neat.

Sorry, Pat, looks like I jumped the gun a little on the title of this one, except that I really DO believe she is on the mend.

Remember, if it is worth doing, do it once and get it right, eh? I guess that's all the docs are really trying to do. Sorry it is taking so long. The kids will be okay about Mikey's birthday and TG, as long as they are with you and Karen. That's the most important thing.

Giving thanks that Karen's system is topped off, leveled and up to par right now!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Naemanson
Date: 21 Nov 00 - 06:34 AM

Still pushing for you guys! This thread is always the first one I check. It's gonna seem wierd when it's no longer here and I can't wait for that day.

Hang in there. As I told a friend recently: Tomorrow, no matter what you do today, the sun will rise.

All you can do is keep your hopes up and work your way through to that dawn.

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: jeffp
Date: 21 Nov 00 - 08:29 AM

I know it's difficult to be patient, especially when it's getting so close. Hang in there, though. This will be a Thanksgiving that you remember for the rest of your lives, whether she's home just in time for it or you take it to the hospital for her. Give her my best, and give the kids an extra hug.

Glad you have someone to vent to. That's very important for your own sanity (such as it is). *G* Take care.

jeffp

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Nov 00 - 08:41 AM

When is Michael's birthday? The least we can do is start a Happy Birthday thread for him. Maybe today Karen can go home. Otherwise tomorrow. Can't have her eating macaroni and cheese for Thanksgiving.

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Naemanson
Date: 21 Nov 00 - 09:46 AM

I hope Karen gets home for Michael's birthday. What a great birthday present that would be for Michael.

Happy Birthday Michael!

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Nov 00 - 10:09 AM

Mikey's b-day is the 25th so I HOPE she will be home by then!

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Morticia
Date: 21 Nov 00 - 05:29 PM

Gee, Pat, I'm so sorry it's taking so long,you and the boys must be serioulsy p**sed off, but hey, think what the alternative to waiting for Karen to come home might have been and it's a whole bunch better than that ,right? You could also be thankful I'm not there force-feeding you all chicken soup.Still beaming as much love as possible your way
Yours
Terri

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Nov 00 - 06:40 PM

Karen had a good talk with the Doctor today and she got a lot of answers that we suspected but were not sure of. First, the clotting was extensive in both lungs and this was a "near thing." We are fortunate.....and blessed with great friends.

Second, the Heparin and Coumadin are starting to finally line up in a sensible plan and though it may not be Thanksgiving day, it will be very soon and she'll be home. The damage to her lungs will never fully heal, but taking the right steps will make things about normal. There is still no test results that show where the clots came from, but thereare still several underway, such as Factor 5, that are not yet finished. The possibility is that they may not locate the precise reason and we will have to be very sensitive to recurring problems in the future.

Believe it or not, this all is good news. She will be able to be "reasonably normal" and that's what counts. As we were talking this evening, she said, "Well, I guess I can't be perfect anymore," and then with a smile, "I guess the new car smell is gone."

I don't like new cars anyway.

Spaw

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Nov 00 - 06:54 PM

While I am sorry all of this happened, I will be eternally grateFULL that this was a "near miss." A bit too close. Also glad to hear the good news and new cars are not all they're cracked up to be.

Ah, Pat & Karen, I am sending you the biggest snogs and hugs Wyoming and Ohio have ever seen and then some. And, I am giving thanks for all of the wonderful friends and family you have who've helped with this. We are all blessed to know both of you and each other and may it ever be so.

I also give thanks for the continued improvement and the well being of you all.

luvyaBUNCHES...kat

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 21 Nov 00 - 06:55 PM

Thanks for the update Catspaw. I didn't realize the American Thanksgiving is this Thursday. I thought it was Monday passed. I get so mixed up all the time.

So are you boys going to have a Thanksgiving dinner with Karen at the hospital? What a long haul this is.
I really feel for all you guys.

Sending you lots of good loving thoughts.

Bonnie

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Nov 00 - 07:04 PM

New cars are tacky. Somehow Karen strikes me as a classic Porsche. Stick in a new transmission, change the oil, and she owns the road. Happy Thanksgiving Spaw people. You are dearly loved.
Mary

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Tinker
Date: 21 Nov 00 - 07:05 PM

Spaw it was good to see you on Paltalk last night. I've been keeping all of you in my best Lullabye thoughts. They're some of the best images I've got to send, and my kids are loving extra song time. I know my house would need lots of soothing at this point in the "almost but not quite stage".... keep us posted. If there are things that can be done to make the next few weeks easier, ie: the special toy no one has the time to try and track down in a bunch of stores, let me know, love to help. With four kids I'm probably got it on the radar anyway.

Tinker

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: BK
Date: 21 Nov 00 - 10:59 PM

"Thank the Maker!" wonderful to hear good news. I'll be croakin' out a verse or two of "The Mary Ellen Carter" for y'all.

Hang in there.. hospital food CAN be survived!

Cheers. BK

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Naemanson
Date: 21 Nov 00 - 11:04 PM

Thanks for the update and the good news.

So now you have to plan on Thanksgiving in the hospital. Whoever said it up above was right. This will be a Thanksgiving you will remember for a long time. At some point in the future one of the boys will be home for Thanksgiving with his girlfriend or wife and he will turn to you and Karen and say. "Remember that Thanksgiving that you were in the hospital... ?" And then he will come up with a memory of some little thing that completely passed you by.

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Helen
Date: 21 Nov 00 - 11:09 PM

'Spaw, KarenSpaw, & the boys,

I've been tracking this thread daily, and even though I'm not writing here daily, I've been thinking of you all.

Still sending love & light, and lots of Vegemite flavoured hugs & kisses.

Helen

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: georgeward
Date: 22 Nov 00 - 03:12 AM

Pat, I don't know y'all as so many others do (though I certainly know you by your posts), but I've got to second Naemanson's note above. We almost lost Vaughn after she gave birth to Nathaniel (23 yrs. ago). Now the day their godmother smuggled the boys into the ICU to see her is treasured family folklore. The fears, the tedium and the wall-to-wall frustrations do pass. And the caring does remain.

May it be so for all of you. -George ::-.--O

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 22 Nov 00 - 03:45 AM

Well the NYCFTTS band will just have to keep marching up and down until she comes out, the only trouble is they're already up to their knees in drool. I better indent for some waders.Continued good wishes to all the family.
RtS

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: KathWestra
Date: 22 Nov 00 - 11:56 AM

Dear Pat, Karen, Tris & Michael -- Much love to all of you, wherever you spend Thanksgiving Day. Know that your experience, shared here in this amazing community, has helped me (and probably many others)to remember what Thanksgiving is all about. It's not turkey dinners or holiday parades or football games on TV. It's about finding blessings in dark hours. It's about knowing what's really important in this life: being together whether that's in a hospital room or at home, sharing love and friends, having people who are willing to help you find the perfect birthday toy, and recognizing how much you love that vintage car. Sending continued hopes for a good recovery. Kath

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Naemanson
Date: 22 Nov 00 - 01:52 PM

I am headed up North to visit my family for the holiday and will not be able to check in here until my return. Please know that I will be thinking of you and wishing you, Pat, Karen, Michael, and Trystan, the very best Thanksgiving no matter where you celebrate it. Hopefully, when I check back in here I will see that Karen is home again. I'll bet she can't wait.

And for the rest of the US Mudcatters have a great Thanksgiving. And for those of you who are not United Statesians have a great week's end.

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Wesley S
Date: 22 Nov 00 - 02:49 PM

Spaw - Hers hoping that you,Karen and the kids have the best possible Thanksgivings under the circumstances. It sounds like you have a lot to be thankful for. Of course I have to ask.... How does a woman manage to be married to you and still think of herself as "reasonably normal" ??

I'll be thinking of y'all tomorrow when I fix my own wifes Thankgiving dinner in bed. There are a lot of other scenarios that are worse. Lets count our blessings friend.

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Nov 00 - 12:09 AM

Thanks to all yet again. And Wes, we still remember and think of you two and your almost here twins. I'll be interested to hear about your next Thanksgiving.

We spent almost 5 hours today. I took a couple of pounds of shrimp that I had steamed over beer and vinegar and we started celebrating a day early. I think we'll extend this years celebration til Mikey's birthday. The boys did quite well to be there so long. Tomorrow we'll do the turkey thing and hopefully see a solid bump in the protime numbers.

Ya' know, I am the luckiest of all men as I found, quite by accident, a woman who could tolerate me.....not an easy job. Even better, Karen keeps me grounded. And best of all, for reason's unknown, she loves me......and I her. I cannot imagine where I would have gone had I not met her and what I would do now without her. I have much to be thankful for and Karen and I are both thankful for the friendships here.

Happy Thanksgiving wherever you are and whatever you are doing.

Spaw

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: dwditty
Date: 23 Nov 00 - 12:16 AM

Spaw,
You and your family will be in our prayers as we gather together tomorrow. I can definitely relate to your relationship with Karen. I, too, have been saved from God only knows by a truly remarkable woman.

You are obviously making the best of a difficult situation. By the looks of it, Karen and your boys are equally lucky to have you to care for them so well. God bless you all.

dw

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 Nov 00 - 01:14 AM

Spaw, your Karen sounds great. That deft touch... May you and yours have the happiest, most meaningful of days tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving Day to the US 'Catters and to everyone, a wish for a wonderful weekend.

Ebbie

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 23 Nov 00 - 06:50 AM

Catspaw that was really beautiful what you wrote about Karen.
Gives me hope.
Wishing you all much happiness on this Thanksgiving.

Little Neo

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: mike putt
Date: 23 Nov 00 - 08:23 AM

Delighted to hear that you're on the mend

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Noreen
Date: 23 Nov 00 - 10:00 AM

Spaw, that was lovely. All best wishes to you and Karen and the boys.

Noreen

xx

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: MMario
Date: 23 Nov 00 - 11:21 AM

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the Catspaw family - including Wayne and Connie and Clarance and Cleigh!

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: bbc
Date: 23 Nov 00 - 01:43 PM

Happy Thanksgiving! Much for which to be thankful, regardless of location. Sorry Karen couldn't come home yet, though.

Thinking of you & sending hugs from NY,

bbc (taking a break from the kitchen)

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: IvanB
Date: 23 Nov 00 - 02:01 PM

Spaw, it's great to hear that it seems there will be some resolution soon. All my best for Karen, you and the boys, and continued healing vibes for Karen's continuing recovery. Sounds like you two have a special relationship. That's good too, because it'll help you get through just about anything. Again, all my best, and here's hoping you're having a wonderful Thanksgiving despite the adversity.

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Helen
Date: 23 Nov 00 - 09:23 PM

Uh-oh, 'Spaw. It's starting to happen already. The Vegemite dosage must have been too strong. You're starting to turn into an Aussie. Shrimp (that's "prawns" over here) steamed over *beer*.

Let us know when the total transformation has occurred and we'll come and collect you in a hotted-up Holden with a foxtail on the aerial and a slab stacked in the esky.

Love, as always, to all of you. Helen

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Nov 00 - 09:34 PM

Her numbers came up, again, today, and it looks as though Saturday will be the Going Home Day, if all things keep going the way they have been. That being Mikey's birthday, it sure would be a great present that I'll bet he'd never forget.

They polished off the rest of the *prawns* and Spaw said the hospital had a pretty good Thanksgiving meal prepared. He said Karen keeps doing better.

Here's to the Mudcat Glow of Care & Friendship making all things right with our world! Beaming right at you Karen, Pat, Mikey, and Tris (who wants a backhoe!)

luvyakat

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Nov 00 - 12:39 AM

Kat was wonderful to call the hospital this evening and she has given you the news. We are indeed hoping for a Saturday homecoming. Even the doc was happy today and that's a good sign. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Once again I thank you for all of your support, but right now I would also ask that you CLICK HERE and let's give some of these wonderful thoughts to CarolC. She could use some serious support right now.

Spaw

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 24 Nov 00 - 06:19 AM

Oh Catspaw! Saturday is not so far away. You must be so happy!
Are you boys making a Welcome Home Mommy banner?
This is great news!

Little Bon Bon

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 24 Nov 00 - 07:00 AM

Can you hear the splashing as we jump up and down in the drool & the one doing the bad Perry Como impression of "Welcome Home" is me. Won't be online over the w/e so celebrating early!
RtS

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 24 Nov 00 - 08:51 AM

Spaw, word of advice. Clean the house up and do the friggin dishes before she gets home, or you'll get a clout round yer ear and end up in hospital yerself mate. (wimmen are funny about stuff like that aint they?)Yours, Aye. Dave.....

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Nov 00 - 10:23 PM

Tomorrow looks real good folks. Michael will get his Mom home for a birthday present. Her numbers are up and the doc was very happy this morning and said that tomorrow looked like a good bet. Thanks to all and we'll let you know!!!

Karen has some typing to do when she returns home.......We are blessed.

Spaw

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Dave Swan
Date: 24 Nov 00 - 10:30 PM

What great news. Our love to all.

D&P

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: BK
Date: 25 Nov 00 - 09:44 AM

SUPER! Think of coming home as an early Christmas present. If we lived close we'd bring a huge bowl of Caldo De Pollo! (just to make up for hospital food!)

All the best.. BK & Sweetie

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Nov 00 - 10:00 AM

hugs AnD KISSES sPAW. tHIS IS WONDERFUL NEWS. - so excited I screwed up Capslock again.

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Nov 00 - 10:37 AM

Well............................

Not today. The numbers actually dropped a bit and since she had a 7.5 last night, its unlikely that they will increase tomorrow. Tonight she gets a 10. I wish I could tell you how frustrating andd depressing this is. The doctor was equally bummed out, but there is little else to do given the nature of the drug. What it does tend to show is that she has some type of clotting problem such as Factor 5 or some other chronic condition sometimes brought on trough various illnesses. None of us want to risk her coming home and possibly throwing a clot, so we are still on the best course of action, such as it is.

I want to again thank you all. We're both trying not to be too depressed over this and we will once again do something to make it a big day and weekend for Michael. He and Mom had a long talk on the phone and he was "cool" with things and we'll head up there later and have a small party. Tomorrow we'll organize something with Connie and Wayne and their boys for a better party, but again, probably at the hospital. They were going to come down for a big dinner and party, but we'll work it out there.

Thanks folks.......It'll work out. We love you all.

Spaw

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 25 Nov 00 - 11:07 AM

For Karens sake its best to be cautious Spaw, after all its only a day or two and then she will be 100% instead of 99.9%
Yours, Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Naemanson
Date: 25 Nov 00 - 11:15 AM

Hang in there, Pat, the best is yet to come. Give my best to Karen, Michael, and Trystan.

I'll use the other thread for Michael's birthday wishes.

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Nov 00 - 06:56 PM

Dearest Pat and Karen,

We've been off-line since yesterday morning, so just now saw this news. I am so sorry it is dragging out so long, but it is so important to be safe.

We and the cats and computer finally made it to the new house, just. My first posting from the new house was to Mikey's and then this one.

Have been thinking of you all day. Sending all of my love and thank yous for healing.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: KARENSPAW 3 - On the Mend
From: Naemanson
Date: 27 Nov 00 - 10:58 PM

The last post on this one is two days old! Where's my Karen update? Is there a new thread? Did she make it home? Wha's happenin'?