I got my knuckles rapped for having sent those photographs, so have been backing off a bit -
But . . now I am "in recovery," and ready to get back into communication.
A full day to report . . .
Saturday morning, about 14 hours post surgery, Tashie and Bruce were working on crossword puzzles as she drank her decaf soy latté, and he knocked back his standard double wet cappuccino.
Tashie had very little pain, and said she had slept well.
Dr. Yu came round to see her mid-morning, and was pleased with her progress.
He instructed her to avoid lifting, and otherwise carry on as she wishes.
We packed her and her belongings (slippers, magazines, Scrabble, crossword puzzle books, pomegranate juice, etc.) while the discharge nurse again reminded her not to lift anything, to take pain meds as needed, and to keep her Thursday appointment with Dr. Yu.
She refrained from misbehaving further, and spent the afternoon reclined on her bed, dressed in a lavender tea gown, and holding court.
Philip arrived, bearing chocolate Buddhas, black licorice, and black salt caramels. . . she was in her element.
He also brought her a Valentine, a pendant to hang around her neck.
She ate lots of chocolates, and seems to have worn the Valentine to sleep.
And the Bethany and Eliza pair threw together a dinner of lentils, sausages, spaghetti squash, salad, and baguette . . . that is to say, they began the process.
Bethany, in wheedling the stone from the avocado, harpooned herself with a paring knife that is kept very very sharp thanks to Bruce's having trained Clarke to do so.
The avocado slipped from her hand, and the blade of the knife went straight into her palm.
Starting off to the hospital, B & E had a moment of wondering whether they should have brought a computer and movies . . . Saturday night at the ER?
No worries - we had a Vanity Fair, an AdBusters, and a travel Scrabble.
En route, the wound started to really hurt a lot, but we were reassured that she was able to flex her fingers.
Stitches, bandages, Percoset, and splint. So a patient on Tenth Avenue, and a patient on Multnomah Street. Both slept well.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sunday:
Visits with much the same cast as yesterday, as the "out-of-towners" were given preferential standing on Tashie's dance card.
She claims she is not uncomfortable, and as yet, has declined offers of pain medication.
Having spent a rather social morning, she slept a great deal of the afternoon, and here and there popped a chocolate into her mouth.
Bruce and Bethany here briefly in the evening, after which we watched WordPlay, and then she went to bed with her NYT crossword puzzle.
Monday:
Really tired today - spent a lot of it dozing, and not a little worrying about the Wisconsin, Texas, and Ohio primaries.
We had a plan to see Persepolis with Rachel and the kids, but Tashie was too tired to go after all, and a bit concerned about "bugs" in the theatre.
Tuesday:
Her weekly appointment with Dr. Kou, who treats her with herbs and acupuncture, and will continue to do so even when she is getting radiation.
we stopped for lunch on the way home. She was her wonderful charming and poised self, but the minute we got home, she fell asleep.
Before falling asleep, she commented, "That was uplifting, getting out for a little adventure!"
So that is the update.
We see Dr. Yu at 1:00 on Wednesday for a post-op check.
She also will be seeing a radiation oncologist in the next few days.
Thank you for your wonderful notes and prayers and energies coming her way!
Love -e
20 February 2008
16 February 2008
16 February 2008
Some of you know more, some less, but I'm in no shape to sort it all out. Briefly, a couple of weeks ago Tash was diagnosed with breast cancer. Biopsy showed it to to be invasive, but of a type responsive to surgery and hormone therapy. After consultation with her surgeon (Dr. Yu), she decided to have a lumpectomy and a follow-up course of radiation followed by tamoxifen.
So, surgery was late this afternoon,, and here's the short version. The surgery went extremely well... Dr. Yu took out a substantial amount of tissue and the sentinel lymph node as well. He feels pretty good about it. Tash tolerated the surgery beautifully and looked great by the time she got to her room (I'm guessing that was about 8 PM). Her vitals are all fine. She's on oxygen and morphine, a dandy combination for her. I'll be going over fairly early in the morning to take her a latte, and we expect that she will be discharged after Dr. Yu sees her sometime tomorrow. She will be in residence with Clarke & Lisa at the 10th street apartment through Thursday, then to our place for a weekend dash to Camp Sherman.
That's about all I'm good for tonight, my dear friends, and so, good night!
Love,
Bruce
So, surgery was late this afternoon,, and here's the short version. The surgery went extremely well... Dr. Yu took out a substantial amount of tissue and the sentinel lymph node as well. He feels pretty good about it. Tash tolerated the surgery beautifully and looked great by the time she got to her room (I'm guessing that was about 8 PM). Her vitals are all fine. She's on oxygen and morphine, a dandy combination for her. I'll be going over fairly early in the morning to take her a latte, and we expect that she will be discharged after Dr. Yu sees her sometime tomorrow. She will be in residence with Clarke & Lisa at the 10th street apartment through Thursday, then to our place for a weekend dash to Camp Sherman.
That's about all I'm good for tonight, my dear friends, and so, good night!
Love,
Bruce
15 February 2008
15 February 11 pm
The surgery proceeded smoothly, and Tashie was dozing in her room, tucked into her bed with a warm blanket.
We all had short visits with her, during which she was very sleepy, but seemed glad to have us around.
We'll be bringing her home tomorrow, after Dr. Yu checks her out.
I am going to tumble into bed so that I can get up early and fluff up her room a bit before the homecoming.
Thank you for your notes, your prayers, your good thoughts, and your tender words.
We all had short visits with her, during which she was very sleepy, but seemed glad to have us around.
We'll be bringing her home tomorrow, after Dr. Yu checks her out.
I am going to tumble into bed so that I can get up early and fluff up her room a bit before the homecoming.
Thank you for your notes, your prayers, your good thoughts, and your tender words.
15 February 10 pm
It is five o'clock, and Tashie went into the OR about ten minutes ago.
But back to the beginning. . .
This morning started out a bit precariously, as she suddenly felt her legs give way shortly after getting up.
It was a bit scary while it was happening, but we have concluded that it was probably anxiety plus dehydration.
Bruce and Eliza took her to the ultrasound lab for some pre-op work, and while waiting, worked on the large type NYT cross-word
In Tashie's bag was the NY Times, the New Yorker, the Atlantic, The Omnivore's Dilemma, a Valentine's Day card from Lal.
Tashie was telling stories when we suddenly realized that we had brought no camera to record this event.
So Eliza motored back to the apartment, fetched a camera, travel scrabble, a coffee for Bruce, and a pesto panini to share.
During which time . . .Bruce monitored the standard of care rendered during the ultrasound and the concurrent implantation (temporary) of a fine wire to localize the tumour.
Bethany came from the office, to join us just as Tashie was finishing up.
Next step was actually not a step, but a roll in the wheelchair over to the short stay unit.
While Eliza filled some papers, bethany held up tashie's films for viewing. . . despite the disapproving looks from the transfer lady.
She took the films from bethany;s hands, commenting that she had not been holding them correctly.
But Bethany the Brave (she has received medals in assertiveness training) took them back, whereupon the lady declared that this demonstration was "upsetting to the patient."
Tashie was thoroughly interested, as were all of us.
However . . .at this point, Bethany moved Tashie's attention to the Daily Mass Proper.
Thereupon, they lifted their voices in song, belting out Go tell It On The Mountain, Just a Closer Walk with Jesus, and others.
we waited to be checked in at the SSU, Tashie and Bethany sang hymn and spirituals.
Minutes later, Tashie was rolled into her room, this time with not two, but three in the posse . . . she requested that the Daily Mass Proper not be left behind.
Bethany took over as photographer, telling everyone Tashie was the AARP cover girl. She looked ravishing in her skimpy hospital gown and flannel stole.
We settled in, started Michael Hoppé's WindSongs, and in walked Matthew, just arriving from Bainbridge. Four in the posse.
Susan soon followed: five in the posse.
The nurse attending to the next bed patient swiped back the curtain separating the beds, and announced that we were too loud.
Only two people would be allowed to stay. We were being scolded.
But back to the beginning. . .
This morning started out a bit precariously, as she suddenly felt her legs give way shortly after getting up.
It was a bit scary while it was happening, but we have concluded that it was probably anxiety plus dehydration.
Bruce and Eliza took her to the ultrasound lab for some pre-op work, and while waiting, worked on the large type NYT cross-word
In Tashie's bag was the NY Times, the New Yorker, the Atlantic, The Omnivore's Dilemma, a Valentine's Day card from Lal.
Tashie was telling stories when we suddenly realized that we had brought no camera to record this event.
So Eliza motored back to the apartment, fetched a camera, travel scrabble, a coffee for Bruce, and a pesto panini to share.
During which time . . .Bruce monitored the standard of care rendered during the ultrasound and the concurrent implantation (temporary) of a fine wire to localize the tumour.
Bethany came from the office, to join us just as Tashie was finishing up.
Next step was actually not a step, but a roll in the wheelchair over to the short stay unit.
While Eliza filled some papers, bethany held up tashie's films for viewing. . . despite the disapproving looks from the transfer lady.
She took the films from bethany;s hands, commenting that she had not been holding them correctly.
But Bethany the Brave (she has received medals in assertiveness training) took them back, whereupon the lady declared that this demonstration was "upsetting to the patient."
Tashie was thoroughly interested, as were all of us.
However . . .at this point, Bethany moved Tashie's attention to the Daily Mass Proper.
Thereupon, they lifted their voices in song, belting out Go tell It On The Mountain, Just a Closer Walk with Jesus, and others.
we waited to be checked in at the SSU, Tashie and Bethany sang hymn and spirituals.
Minutes later, Tashie was rolled into her room, this time with not two, but three in the posse . . . she requested that the Daily Mass Proper not be left behind.
Bethany took over as photographer, telling everyone Tashie was the AARP cover girl. She looked ravishing in her skimpy hospital gown and flannel stole.
We settled in, started Michael Hoppé's WindSongs, and in walked Matthew, just arriving from Bainbridge. Four in the posse.
Susan soon followed: five in the posse.
The nurse attending to the next bed patient swiped back the curtain separating the beds, and announced that we were too loud.
Only two people would be allowed to stay. We were being scolded.
15 February 1 am
Please light your candles and lift your voices in supplication for clear nodes and clear margins!
All your good thoughts coming this way are already buoying her spirits.
We will send out an update tomorrow evening.
e
PS: Tashie's biggest challenge tomorrow will be rousing herself at 7 am to have breakfast before the 8 am cut-off for food!
All your good thoughts coming this way are already buoying her spirits.
We will send out an update tomorrow evening.
e
PS: Tashie's biggest challenge tomorrow will be rousing herself at 7 am to have breakfast before the 8 am cut-off for food!
14 February 2008
14 February 6:30 pm
News of Tashie:
Tashie has had ten days filled with various doctor appointments, and she remains a trooper, upbeat and optimistic. . . .
Bruce and I have been with her for every appt - (Bruce introduces us as "our mother's posse!")
Yesterday we learned the results of Friday's biopsy, and today Tashie made her final decision re. her approach and plan.
She will have a lumpectomy tomorrow at Providence, and will stay the night.
She will spend about three to four weeks recovering from the surgery, and building herself up for radiation.
Radiation will be given daily Monday through Friday, and will continue for six weeks.
Today, after her pre-op visit with her wonderful surgeon, Dr. Yu, we had lunch at Silk, her current favourite.
Then she came home to rest and collect her thoughts, and I went out in search of warm cushy slippers, a New Yorker, the Atlantic, comfy recuperation wear, large type crossword puzzle books, etc etc.
We are off to dinner at Bruce and Bethany's - they are indulging Tashie with all sorts of yummies before she goes NPO for surgery!
In haste and with love -
Eliza
PS: Tashie's email is livtashie@comcast.net
Tashie has had ten days filled with various doctor appointments, and she remains a trooper, upbeat and optimistic. . . .
Bruce and I have been with her for every appt - (Bruce introduces us as "our mother's posse!")
Yesterday we learned the results of Friday's biopsy, and today Tashie made her final decision re. her approach and plan.
She will have a lumpectomy tomorrow at Providence, and will stay the night.
She will spend about three to four weeks recovering from the surgery, and building herself up for radiation.
Radiation will be given daily Monday through Friday, and will continue for six weeks.
Today, after her pre-op visit with her wonderful surgeon, Dr. Yu, we had lunch at Silk, her current favourite.
Then she came home to rest and collect her thoughts, and I went out in search of warm cushy slippers, a New Yorker, the Atlantic, comfy recuperation wear, large type crossword puzzle books, etc etc.
We are off to dinner at Bruce and Bethany's - they are indulging Tashie with all sorts of yummies before she goes NPO for surgery!
In haste and with love -
Eliza
PS: Tashie's email is livtashie@comcast.net
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