Two Back, One Forward

Thursday continued downward for Diane as nausea settled in, pain got out of control and fluid began to build in her abdomen and under her lungs. Dr. Rushing said later the post operative "honeymoon" was over. Her traumatized digestive tract has 'gone to sleep'. Not only did that mean whatever meager amounts of sustenance we had managed to get into her went nowhere but the absence of protein in the intestines had caused the fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. She was miserable, listless and unaware. Cause for concern.

However Thursday ended and Friday has dawned on the upside. She is now back on an IV, strong pain medication reintroduced and sometime this morning an intravenous catheter (pic) will be inserted in her arm and threaded up close to the heart. The pic will be used to deliver nutrients until the food processing unit is back in business. Drugs have so far kept Diane from throwing up but if that unpleasantness occurs they have a plan and will put an ng (I guess that stands for nasal-gastro?) tube into her stomach. In addition Diane's sister, Lori, arrived from Missoula. These two are very close and I could feel the energy when I walked into the room yesterday and found Lori by Diane's side. Lori and Valarie are a formidable duo. Valarie as master chef and Lori as trainer, "No you don't Diane! I said 10 complete laps. I saw you cut that corner and steer for bed. You get back here!"

We are also supremely fortunate to have the right doc. You all know Diane. You may not know, but can certainly imagine, how she might have strong views on the medical profession. Two days after our Labor Day weekend Saturday emergency room marathon we found ourselves seated in Dr. Rushing's office as he discussed the diagnosis and treatment. He said he could get Diane in for surgery the next morning. We continued talking logistics, etc. but Di grew quiet. He watched her closely and then said, "Diane, I'm not sure you are ready for this. Would you like to put it off?" He read her well. She put it off. Then last night, after a long day, he was bedside with her working through the complications and what to do about them. When all the medical steps had been discussed and agreed to by Diane, he sat close to her and asked how she was doing emotionally. He then ended the visit by asking her if she would give him a hug. It brought the biggest smile to Diane's face I have seen in days.

So we count ourselves fortunate. Thanks to all of you who have called, e-mailed, and written with your words of love and support and your offers of help.

This is a journey you always know may await you. There is a heaviness to actually starting it. But we remain hopeful and are resolved to make the most of whatever lies ahead.

Jeff