Mom had Surgery Saturday!

9/17/10 MJ - My Mom found out today that she has to have her gall bladder removed tomorrow! She had been having stomach pains and nausea for awhile, and this past Tuesday she was up all night long with pain and getting sick! Finally today she went in to the doctor, and he sent her to get an ultrasound of her gall bladder. They've kept her overnight.


Update: 9/19/10 Mom had her surgery Saturday morning and it went great! They said it was just in time! She got home at 8:30pm last night and doesn't even have to go back for a check up until 2 weeks from now!

MJ is Cleared and the Brumback Reunion!

I'm a Free Woman! Dr. Dutton released me Tuesday and said I can do "anything I want, no restrictions, but take it slow!"

So, looks like I'll be in great shape to go to the beach at the end of the month! Not so sure how much I'm looking forward to the 12+ hour drive, but you can't have everything! Might be fun... Mom, Dad and Gannie are letting us borrow their car for the trip (w/DVD for the kids) so that will be nice.

Then when we get back from the beach, it's back to school!

Here are some pictures from our recent Brumback Family Reunion!

Surgery Update

Well, tomorrow is 2 weeks since my surgery. I had a Laproscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy (LSH) on 6/28/10 at 7:30am. That's fancy talk for "Removed the Uterus Only through 3 tiny incisions." I have my follow-up appointment on Tuesday. With any luck, Dr. Dutton will release me to go back to normal in a week or so!

Thomas is doing Great!

This is my very long account of what happened the day of Thomas' Surgery!

The super duper short version is: Thomas is Doing Great!

Now the long version: (Includes pictures....)

I was delighted to find that we were NOT in the same sedation suite that Thomas has had his last 2 scary IVs done. (And where he would no doubt have started panicking had he seen the place!)

Instead, we were sent upstairs to the 8th floor where Grace had her tubes put in when she was 1 year old. In fact, I think Thomas was possibly the oldest child there, although there was a little girl about 3 years older, who may or may not have been an older sister...

Needless to say, he was treated like a little baby doll and the place was decorated so cute and little stars and moons, even the stools in our room were in the shape of stars! Plus, the entire floor was way way over decorated with Halloween decorations. It was really cute.

We waited in a waiting room that looked like a hang out for kids right out of Key West Florida. Complete with Parrots on every wall and 3D Parrots on every column and desk. They even had Disney Channel playing on a TV, and several kid-sized tables and chairs, one of which had a baby about Ian's age precariously balanced on a chair. Thomas couldn't resist running over and waving at him! He tried to wave back and kind of wobbled.

When they called his name, Thomas actually ran right up to the nurse and past her down the hall! He was so excited by the place. I soooo appreciated the effort they put into making it kid-friendly. Plus, when we entered the actual "hospital-wing" part, then you never saw such Halloween decorations! There wasn't time to think "Uh Oh, this is a doctor's office!" because there were spiders, pumpkins, skeletons, witches...you name it and I mean EVERYWHERE! Anywhere else it would have been gaudy, but it worked wonders on these kids.

They took his weight and height, then led us to our room. Before we had time to get settled, though, a man showed up, nicely dressed, and carrying a moving SKUNK! (it was a puppet it turns out) He introduced the Skunk as "Stinky" and it waved at Thomas. He came over and insisted on being petted and wiggled all around while Thomas petted him. The man told us his name and that he was the Chaplain. I couldn't help but grin at the Pastor and the Skunk. He couldn't stay and chat because he was off across the hall to a frightened looking 2-yr-old boy who was enchanted by the moving animal! Thomas watched this entire exchange too.

Eventually, they came and gave the boy across from us a drink and some juice, and he quickly got Ve-rr-yy sleepy and silly. Thomas watched all of this carefully and laughed along with the adults.

He was also aware of a baby that came back crying from probably getting tubes in his ears down the hall. I explained that when babies wake up from the sleepy medicine they are very confused and they cry. He was in a room on the same side of the hall as us but 2 doors down.

The groggy 2-yr-old across from us noticed this too, and was starring with wide open eyes and mouth and pointed an amazed finger at the baby. Thomas watched all this curiously. I told him the little boy couldn't figure out why the baby was crying like that. Then the boy started incoherently crying on and off. Thomas and I talked about how he wasn't sure if everything was ok, and he thought maybe he should cry too. About that time, he quieted down again. Thomas giggled at all this.

We had told him that after the little boy got really sleepy they'd put his hospital gown on him, because for some reason little kids don't like taking off their PJs. About this point, they started dressing the little one. Thomas apparently decided to prove he was a big kid and announced that he wanted to change clothes right now! So, Sam and I helped him into his gown, stashing his clothes in the plastic bag provided.

He climbed right up on the table and started playing with his Iron Man toys.

When the Anesthesiologist came in, we were very clear that Thomas had been through a very rough introduction to his first IV. He was very sorry that it had happened that way, and assured us that it would not be that way this time. He told us they'd give him something to drink first, which would make him really sleepy. "Goofy Juice" is what he called it. Then after he was really sleepy, they'd take him in the back and give him some gas, and if the doctor felt he needed the IV, they'd put it in once he was asleep, and take it out before they woke him up.

This picture was taken just after he drank his Goofy Juice, followed by Apple Juice mixed with Sprite, because he wouldn't pick one! Which he informed the doctor was a "golfer's delight".

I think he looks a little goofy here, don't you?

They took him back at 8:13am, and the doctor came in at 8:30am to say it was all over! He said that everything went fine. They didn't find anything unusual when they did the endoscopy of his sinuses, which is great news, and that they cauterized several blood vessels on both sides of his nose. Hopefully, that will stop the nosebleeds!

After about another 30-40 minutes, they brought him back from recovery, still pretty sleepy.

The nurse brought in some Red Icee, and asked me to try to get him to eat some. I gave him about 3 bites, thinking that he didn't seem to feel well, and then he lost it. The nurse was there luckily, and helped me help him. He was sick over the next hour about 3 times. Sleeping some in between. Finally, they gave him half of a Zofran that dissolves in your mouth. The result was great.

This picture is 8-10 minutes later...

We went home after this was taken, arriving home at 10:30, and slept until 1:30pm.

Although, I have to say, it was pretty funny. I got up to his room, and he was sitting up on a bean bag chair trying to pick out which book to read or which toys to play. I had to talk him into getting in the bed! He said, "I've been asleep all morning!" I told him, "Mommy is sooo sleepy, come lay down with me, bring a toy, you don't have to sleep." So, he did, and fell asleep right away!

Then about 1:30, Thomas and I woke up hungry! We had some Chicken Ramen Noodle soup, and watched Blues Clues, then He-Man.

We then spent the remainder of the day playing LEGOS Star Wars and then LEGOS Batman. Those games are addictive. We were still playing when Sam got home from work! I handed him Thomas' controller and he played for awhile too!

Then Thomas and I went over to Mom's where Gracie had been since 5:45am, and she was very glad to see us! We had Chicken Noodle Soup (sounds familiar) and some crackers, and got to see Aunt Sarah, Tyler, Ian, and Uncle Bill, plus Mimi, Gannie, and Grandaddy!

All things considered, it was really a pretty great day! And here...I was actually worried!

You know, God is good All the Time!

MJ

Thomas Surgery Tomorrow

Thomas is having a minor surgery tomorrow at Kosair. They are cauterizing a blood vessel in his nose that is causing him to have major nosebleeds. It should only take about 5 minutes for the actual procedure, but they're also going to do a scope to be sure that's all that is going on, so it will be a little longer.

We have to be there at 6:30am and the procedure will be at 8:15am.

God Answers Prayers so Fast!

After my last post, and having sent the same info out to many people on email, my Dad heard back from the Doctor, (probably just a few minutes after I wrote you all that note) and they got great news! She doesn't have to take those harsh antibiotics anymore!

Also, they are allowing her to eat REAL FOOD! They think it will help settle her stomach! This is super because she hadn't had anything to actually eat in well over a week, possibly 2 weeks now. She's been on that awful liquid diet.

So, right away she had some bread and dinner rolls, and a fried egg sandwich (Doctor's suggestion by the way) and later a baked potato -very mashed up- and was very soon feeling much better.

Still a lot of nausea, but that's much better. Also, she has been able to take the 3 medicines Dr. O'Koon had called in this morning.

Bad news is: they've also taken her off all other medications, Yes, even the pain meds. She can have Tylenol and Aleve. Not going to help too much though huh? So, that is a major continued prayer request.

All things considered, a real blessing! Thanks for taking a second to lift her up this morning, it really helped!

MJ

Not a Great Day for Mom

Hi!

Just a prayer request:

Mom is home safely (since 11am Sunday) but they've continued to make her take these really strong antibiotics they had her on in the hospital. Only they didn't send her home with all 3 of the stomach medicines (like the anti-nausea stuff).

She spent all night last night throwing up and severely nauseated. This morning Dad called the Doctor who called in 3 different stomach medicines (and yes, an anti-nausea thing that was much stronger). But this morning she was feeling so awful she didn't want to take these pills, thinking it would make her sick again.

So, here's the prayer request:

That she would stop feeling sick, that she'd be able to take the 3 medicines, that she'd sleep a lot, and that they'd take her off these harsh antibiotics soon.

PS- Also today is Dad's Birthday, so she'll probably worry about him having a rotten day, so there's that too!

Mom is home!

Hi!

Just an update:

Mom came home from the hospital yesterday (Sunday) at about 11am. She is doing great, although having to adjust to the difference between the great pain killers in the hospital, and the average pain killers they sent her home with! But all things considered, she is doing really well!

She's up walking all over and watching tv, etc.

They still have her on a liquid diet (includes milk/pudding/jello) now, and by late tonight, she can add a few soft foods.

MJ

Mom days 2 and 3

These 2 pictures are out of order, the one on the left was day 3 (Saturday) and the right was day 2 (Friday).

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Mom is Up!

Mom is up and about!

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Mom is getting ready!

Hi!

Yesterday Mom could only have liquids, and today clear liquids. Then tomorrow, she has her colonoscopy. Assuming everything is as the doctor expects, she will get to come home and rest until the next day, and then Thursday is the surgery.

Then, as she recovers from the surgery, she'll be heading back to eating regular foods again! That will be a BIG relief!

Thanks for the prayers!

More later.....

Mom's Surgery is 1 Week Away

Well, Mom is scheduled for her surgery a week from today, October 1st.

She has a doctor's appointment tomorrow, and then, assuming he doesn't change everything again, she will go in next Wednesday for a scope, the worst of which will be the liquid diet the day before and the Prep the night before. Then if he sees that everything looks as they expect it to inside, (and there is no evidence of any cancers) then they will let her go home for the night, and she will have the surgery early Thursday morning.

I'll update again when there is more to say!

Prayers are welcomed! We'd love another amazing healing. Imagine his surprise if he went in for the scope and couldn't find anything to operate on! :-)

MJ

Our God is an Awesome God

God is Amazing!

Mom didn't need the procedure after all!

She went in and got all prepped, did her blood work, which was still very thin, but they agreed to do it anyway, since her platelets were up, and they told Dad she'd be gone for about 2 hours.

He left to go get lunch. They took her up for the CT Scan, and it showed that she was almost totally healed! WOW! Good Prayer + Good Medicine!

They called Dad right back again and brought her back downstairs, where they had her lunch waiting for her!

She won't have to do anything further except finish her antibiotics and go for follow-up visits with the doctor!

I told her, "You know you can't expect these kind of results every time Madame!"

When I told Kris in Lexington, and she said, "I think I'm going to cry!" Bill just said, "WOW! That's just...WOW! WOW!"

God is just so amazing. I guess this is why the doctors just kept making her wait! God was letting the medicine do its job, and she doesn't have to endure the needles! Amen to that!

MJ

Quick Mom Update

Quick Update: Mom heard from the doctor, she's supposed to be at the hospital tomorrow at 12pm. If heard blood work is ok, they'll do the procedure.

No Procedure Today.

So, Mom is not having the procedure AGAIN today.

They called in and they were told the doctor who needs to perform the procedure won't be there today. You'd think they would have realized that last Saturday...but it won't help to get upset, so we wait and call back tomorrow....

She is much better today. Less pain and discomfort, and some of the symptoms are less. We figure it's the antibiotics.

I told her maybe by the time they do the procedure, which they have to do a repeat CT Scan for, they'll find out it's all cured!

Good Prayer + Good Medicine + Patience!

MJ

Planned Procedure for Mom

It looks like it is diverticulitis. The masses are abscesses. They're doing a procedure tomorrow at Baptist East at 1:30 and she'll have to be there till about 7:30. Basically the doctor will use a device like a tube inside a long needle to suck out the abscess and infection. Then she'll have to stay put for about 4 hrs. (That's why they said she'll be there so long.)

More Later!

Prayers for Mom

Ok, so here is a prayer request.

Mom went to the doctor today and they found two very large masses which they don't know what they are. They are in the abdominal area. She has been in a lot of pain for several weeks. She called to make an appointment with them finally (after 2 weeks of trying to take Tylenol and ignore it) on the 10th, and was told that since she couldn't be seen until the 19th. (Today)

She has a CT set up for tomorrow to see what they can find out. With and without contrast. The doctor also had blood work done today.

He told her that he believes that the basic plan is that she'll have surgery in the next 2 weeks to have whatever these 2 large masses are removed. Then based on what they are, we go from there.

Thanks for your prayers and help!

MJ

Sarah's Kidney Stone Surgery was a Success

Sarah and Bill are at home tonight!

They took her back to prepare for surgery at 8:30am this morning, and by 11am she was out.

I don't have a lot of details, but I do know that it was a lot worse than they thought before they went in, and felt like the kidney stone had been there for possibly as long as since she first had Ian. (Who will be 10 months on the 25th!)

They were able to place the stint, which they will have to put her back under again in a couple of weeks to remove.

The great news is, now she'll begin healing. And they are home now.

We have Tyler again tonight, and Ian is at Mom's again, since we thought Bill and Sarah needed the quiet.

Thanks for the prayers! Keep them coming!

MJ

Sarah has a Kidney Stone

Sarah is spending the night in the hospital!

She has a kidney stone that they are going to remove tomorrow.

Sarah started having some pain day before yesterday and last night it got worse and worse. Bill was rubbing her lower back and there was a big lump where her kidneys should be. Since she was continuing to complain of the pain, he agreed that she should call the doctor. When she came back in the room, she said that Dad was on the way to pick her up to take her to the ER. Then Mom came to stay with the kids so Bill could join them.

They had already given her an IV and morphine by the time Bill got over there. They had realized right away it was likely a kidney stone from the amount of pain she was in. She said that before they had even finished giving her the injection of morphine she felt much much better and sleepier.

An hour or two after Bill got there they did a CT Scan to be sure it was a kidney stone, which they verified.

They are doing a surgery in the morning at 9am.

She is at Baptist Hospital East.

The procedure will include going in and breaking up the stone some, removing it, and placing a stint that will help the kidneys drain, as there is some infection already enacted.

We have Tyler here and Ian is at Mom's house.

As for Valentine's Day, Bill took her something, then later, Sam and I went by with a card for her, as well as a really cute get well card that Thomas had made for her, plus a cookie for each of them from the Great American Cookie Company. And we stuck around for awhile and talked.

They are sharing a room with a lady who is older, and who we think must have had a pretty good fall, because they said she was very banged up and bruised when they saw her.

So, prayers are in order all around I guess. And praise that it was found so quickly and diagnosed so quickly!

Thanks!

MJ

Happy Birthday Sam!

Sam will be 32 Years old tomorrow!

Gracie is yelling, "Caarrrd Daddy! Heeres the OOoorrrnge Daddy!" and handing him his birthday card and an orange marker she's been drawing on it with. It has a "ROWbot ont" she says.

Thomas identified (with some help that he needed to look for a card with a big D on the front) a card that said, "To Dad, Happy Birthday" which he proudly read to me. Then he pointed out, "It has a Doggy on it, and Daddy likes Doggies, right mama?" He wrote his name on both cards and gave both cards (without Grace- who was in the potty monitoring Daddy's floating balloon) to Daddy. I heard Sam say, "Are we supposed to wait do you think before we look at these?"

He managed to look really surprised (from a 2 yr old perspective) when Grace handed him the card again, 3 more times later.


Thomas and Sam are arguing right now over who will play which character on Legos Star Wars right now. (Currently they are having to play a level as random soldiers and C3P0 & R2D2.) He said, "Thomas, come back here, quit going so far up-screen! You've got to come beat up some bad guys down here." "Here Daddy, I want to change." "You're stealin' all my money, all right that's enough of this." "You broke me Daddy" "Yeah I know."


Thomas is physically walking around the room with his controller (right now backwards) trying to get them all.

Now there's some cartoon on. It's Dark Vader. THIS IS SERIOUS...-They're LEGO Animated toys you understand....

"There it is. That's the first level." Sam says. "I want to fight Dark Vader." Thomas declares. -Sadly that is many levels from now....

Anyway, back to the birthday, we're having a very casual party on Saturday evening at 6:30 for just whoever shows up. I think we're ordering pizza and just hanging out. I email a few people, but told them they weren't allowed to bring presents unless it was something everyone could eat at the party! :-)

The kids have bought Sam a Power Rangers Mylar Balloon that says, "Happy Birthday" which they presented him with when they ran in with a "Surprise!"

Hee hee, Sam just said, "I can't finish building the castle if you cut me up!" Not sure about the age appropriateness of this game, but he really knows how to play! I tried to play with him awhile back and he was having to tell me how.

He would say, "Jump up here Mommy. Now step on this grey button so the door will open. No, this way. No, you have to come up here! Ok good, now we can run through! Now break up all the treasurers so we can get lots of money! But don't jump off the roof or you loose all our money!" Again...there's a lesson in there somewhere...and I'm not sure whose side it's on...but well....there is that whole hand eye coordination thing and all.

Truthfully, I've loved watching Sam and Thomas bonding through these games. They also love "Spider-Man Friend or Foe."

Grace has drawn orange or red marker all across her tummy, which she just got out of the shower....she was counting her 3 markers saying, "6, 7.."

She just found her favorite toy, a gross, hairy rubber tarantula she named, "Eww". She ran over with a huge grin and yelled, "My Eww!" She's been carrying it around and showing it to people. Her favorite response is for you to look scared, or better yet, repulsed, and squish your face up and say, "Eeww!" :-)

By the way, just an update for those of you following this blog:

Sam is Officially WALKING!!!!!!!!

He switched to a cane for about a week and a half, but Tuesday at Physical Therapy they told him he could ditch that too! In fact, they felt that leaning into the cane was probably reinforcing bad habits with the limping, so to please NOT use the cane!

So, at this point, it's up to him to re-learn to walk normally. Which, considering he has probably limped in some fashion for several years now, might be awhile. They've been helping him with that as well, such as teaching him exercises, and even walking behind him physically moving the opposite hip and shoulder in the direction they are supposed to go.

Sam says it's very hard work in there and to get better, you have to REALLY WANT to get better. I found the hard work part to be true in some of my therapy when I sprained my ankle, but during the first month or so, I mostly sat around while they tried to get the swelling down!

Anyway, looks like the worst is behind us on Sam's hip surgery! Thank God for that, and Thank You for all your prayers!!!

Hope your Christmas Planning is going well!

When we did Thomas and Grace's Advent Calendars (they have 1 candy one and 1 that is ornaments that go on a tiny tree) I realized it is 1 week and 6 days till Christmas Eve! So much to do!

Merry Christmas!

MJ