5 Nov - Healing

 November already as we get ready to "fall back" our clocks this weekend! Nothing much new but wanted to give an update on how things are going.

Throat is still a little sore but I do believe that swelling is going down. Fatigue is become less noticeable and I don't need as many naps as before. Swallowing is still challenging but fortunately my taste has improved. Some things still taste bland but not many things taste off or bad as they has when I was in radiation. 

Richelle noticed that the hair on the back of my head was not growing despite not having a haircut for many weeks. It looks like a poor attempt to clean up my neck before inspection! LOL

My beard has no hair growing in spots too under my chin.

I have been going to Physiotherapist on base and have a number of exercises and stretches that have carried on from the program at the Cross Cancer Clinic. My right arm has some limited motion above the waist due to my SAN (Spinal Accessory Nerve) being aggravated from the surgery and radiation. My neck has a fair amount of stiffness given the surgery and radiation as well, I noticed that it is fairly sensitive to cold temps as we go for walks and the winter weather is on the way! 

Take care everyone, don't forget to turn back clocks (if applicable), and please pay respects on Remembrance Day.

Lots of thanks and love!!

Carlisle 

23 Oct - Home

This week marked the end of my radiation treatments and our return home to Cold Lake! Looking forward to some healing over the next weeks. My side effects have been:

1) Back of throat is swollen and hurts a little bit when swallowing. Swallowing specialist is pleased with what I can eat although I do typically need lots of water and take my time (long time to eat!).

2) Taste changes. Most things just taste "off" and although things still smell good they just don't taste good. Some bland things like eggs, oatmeal, apple sauce taste okay!

3) Skin on my neck is quite red and irritated but fortunately I don't see any blistering but they did say it may get a bit worse before it gets better. Using a recommended cream and it works well!

4) Still some fatigue and weight loss (around 25 lbs since before my surgery at beginning of July). 

5) Some pain and limited mobility of my right arm from my SAN (Spinal Accessory Nerve) as it was in the area of surgery and radiation and has been "aggravated" but some physio and stretching exercises are helping and should improve over the longer term. 

That's pretty much it for the bad but on the positive side, I'm thankful for all the great care and attention the different medical experts have been able to help me. Saw alot of different people at the clinic who seemed to have greater challenges yet had inner fortitude and frequently a smile or acknowledgement that there was common bond. 

Have follow up appointments in Nov with surgeon, radiation oncologist, physiotherapist.

Here is quick but quite an impactful read that although dramatic is very real and hard hitting:

https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/blog/this-is-what-it-s-like-to-be-diagnosed-with-cancer?fbclid=IwAR3suJ8vqqISZbDQwaEcOkKCV1okOl8s0PQ_QjwE4d8w1E_Z2WuvtGLl6KM

Thanks for reading all!!

Sep 30

 Hi All!!

Today was treatment 18 of 30 and when we arrived it seemed like there were substantially a lot more people at the Cross Cancer Clinic than usual. It turned out there was a server issue causing about an hour delay for everyone's appointments. Had a little bit of wait but the issue was resolved and everyone was getting looked after in no time. 

Yesterday I had my mask remade since I have lost some weight particularly around my neck and chin.

Not much else to report other than my diet is mostly liquid/pureed stuff and I have occasional gagging from swelling and irritation at back of throat. Fatigue has also increased a little but at least I sleep real well through the night. Doing more physiotherapy exercises for my neck and shoulders and am making some good progress!

Went to a pre-season Oilers game a couple of nights ago and won a signed by Zack Kassian hockey stick so that was fun. Couldn't eat/drink due to swelling so wasn't able to buy a 12 dollar beer or 8 dollar hot dog! LOL 

Very nice fall weather and the changing leaves are nice and walking through the dry leaves on the ground is fun for Richelle and I!

Take care everyone and sending lots of love!!

Carlisle

Sep 16, 8 of 30 Treatments

 Hi Everyone!

8 of 30 radiation treatments are behind me and fortunately not much to report on. Side effects have been some swelling and associated discomfort (no significant pain luckily) and some changes in taste where some things just don't taste the same. Not tasting bad just off slightly. Staff at the Cross are always so helpful and pleasant and so willing to assist. I notice fatigue also as I need some cat naps through the day but keeping active with walks and physio exercises. It's great to continually receive words from friends and family with positive thoughts and offers to help. Things are going well because we have a great support network and the amazing effect of positive vibes! Thank you all again!!! 

Lots of 💗

Carlisle

Sep 8

 Hi Again!

Just some photos of me in the machine with the plastic mesh mask. Everything went well again same as yesterday.

Kind of a funny story as we walked back to where we are staying, a man approached Richelle asking if she had a cigarette to give however he immediately said "I guess not" when he noticed her "Stand Up To Cancer" shirt she was wearing!

Have a good one!

💗

Sep 7, First Radiation Treatment

 Hi Everyone!

Thanks again for all the support and healing thoughts! Also thank you for your interest in my/our journey as it has numerous ups and downs and our collective focus towards a positive end state is the ultimate goal and gives value to the hurdles along the way.

Today we traveled to Edmonton to begin my radiation therapy, and number 1 of  30 treatments (6 weeks of daily M-F) has been completed. Everything went well and there were no issues. 

As I laid there with a plastic mesh mask that helps me remain still, I reflected on my many years in the military of working on numerous radar and radio equipment and always be cognizant of hazardous radiation zones and the need to exercise a high level of safety and here I was, as others left the room, directly in the path of radiation that is intended to help defeat any cancer still there after my extensive surgery.

As the treatments progress there is typically no side effects initially however after a week or two there may be some challenges with skin irritations, swallowing (due to swelling/irritiation), fatigue and other potential side effects. We just have to take it day by day and stay nourished, hydrated, well rested and good spirited!

While at Cross Cancer Institute (CCI), we have seen some familiar faces from my hospital stay as others and their loved ones carry on with various treatments to address individual cancer diagnosis'. It offers a chance to catch up and share common but somewhat unique experiences.

Staying near the CCI and it very apparent that University is back in session with the uptick of pedestrians. As you may be aware my daughter is at University of Saskatchewan so seeing the many people going to from their studies/activities I think of her and hope she is doing well and having a good time.

Will try to get photos of machine and setup with me in it.

 Take care everyone and sending our Love!

Carlisle

Aug 27, 2021 -Tattoo

 Good Morning,

Yesterday we went to Edmonton for initial set up for the radiation treatments where they created a custom pillow type support and a face/head/neck mesh which will set and hold me in place so I'm in the same position for each treatment. I also got my first tattoo which provides a permanent benchmark on my chest for each treatment.

Arm is healing slowly but well:

We should get treatment dates in about a week or so. There are numerous professionals helping in many areas such as nutrition, speech, swallowing, dental so we have plenty of material to review and of course specialists available to answer any questions that may come up.

Take care everyone!! 💓

Carlisle

Aug 21, 2021

 Hello Everyone,

Richelle has done a great job keeping this blog up to date while I have been healing and recovering! I wanted to give an update and again thank everyone for all the support and kind words.

We went to Edmonton this past week to see the Surgeon as a follow up to my procedures and discussed what is recommended going forward. The procedures and outcome which are again:

• Removal of  small tumor at base of tongue. All went well and samples in tissue taken immediately adjacent did not show cancer.
• Removal of lymph nodes (just over 100) and only five came back positive for cancer and all from one area,
• My skin donor site on my arm is healing well and the Dr removed some scabs along with stitches, All healing well
• Skin donor site on my leg is healing well. Looks red and I apply a cream to avoid dryness and itchiness.
• Neck trach site is healing well, stiches were removed a week or so ago

I still have swelling both in my throat and on my neck. This is challenging for swallowing and speaking.

I was on a puree only diet however in recent days I have been comfortable expanding to some different things that are easily chewable and can swallow well. This helps expand some "menu" items and as always any progress is great no matter how small! Speaking is improving I'm told however I don't notice it but when I think back a week or two I can recall that there have been strides forward.

Still having some pain with my neck and am continuing doing the exercises for my shoulders/neck to help restore movement and alleviate pain. Naps are needed but their frequency has diminished.

Looking ahead, I will be undergoing radiation therapy however no chemotherapy. I have an appointment this coming week where they will create the mask I will wear to keep me steady and go over what will happen in about a couple of weeks. This is Edmonton at the Cross Cancer Institute.

Hopefully will heal some more before this begins as it is likely that I will encounter some irritation and a possible temporary side effect is that things may taste "off".

We have been so fortunate and are so grateful for all the kindness, care, and professionalism of  all the medical experts and in particular the nurses at U of A hospital. Thank you again to everyone and it's hard to believe we are almost in September but I look forward to the coming weeks and am hoping the radiation does what it needs to without too sever side effects.

Lots of Love!! Carlisle 

Aug 15, 2021

Resting at home update!!

Good Morning, just a little update from home. We have been home since Wednesday the 4th of August, so it’s been a week and a few days.

We have been busy, with daily arm dressing changes. On Thursday the 5th the Home Care Nurse came to our house. Then told us, they couldn’t do Military members….weird situation….there was paperwork put in when Carlisle was still in the hospital. So that the nurse could come and change the arm dressings.  

So I got on the phone, to get things worked out. Carlisle’s voice still isn’t up to talking lots, so I had to make calls. If you know me, its not my favorite thing to do, but we got things worked out. 

Friday to Sunday we had to drive in to the Health center daily to get Carlisle’s dressing changed. Then Monday we went to the hospital on base.

So we went Monday to Wednesday at the base hospital, and then I got enough dressing supplies so I could change Carlisle’s arm dressing. We go back this Monday to make sure things are looking good. 

On Wednesday we went to the Base hospital to get Carlisle’s  stitches removed by his trachea area, then we went to the  Cold Lake hospital to get blood work done. Needed to get blood work done at the CL hospital, so that the results will be assessable to the Alberta health records, so the surgeon can see the results. We will go back next week as well. We had another hospital adventure, like always….😎 but they figured it out. They ended up taking blood from Carlisle’s foot, because the one arm can’t be used, the lab tech (not sure of her name) couldn’t use the other arm because Carlisle had the picc taken out recently, so his foot was the next best thing.

So I have been nursing Carlisle back to health, with dressing changes, and covering his arm before his shower with a garbage bag and tape. Need to keep his arm graft are dry as possible.

So Carlisle is on a puréed diet, things are hard to swallow if they aren’t smooth. So we have a food processor, and margarita blender. These didn’t blend the food smooth enough, so Carlisle had ordered a blender, we are addicted to watching America’s Test Kitchen, and they review products, so they had talked about blenders, way before Carlisle’s surgery, so it was on our list to buy. So Carlisle ordered it, but it said it would be ten or so days to be delivered.  

So Carlisle and I went to Canadian Tire on Thursday and picked up a blend, and bonus it was on sale.  We brought it home and tried it out, it worked better then what I was using.  So Friday morning, the door bell rings, it’s the Postal lady or another delivery driver.  Guess what it is??  That’s right the other blender.   

So this one works better, I had to drop Veronica off at work, so I picked up a couple cheese burgers. And pureed them up for Carlisle. It can blend just about anything we are eating. Oh ya and I made a chocolate Milkshake for dessert tonight. Okay so here’s the names of the blends- CT (Canadian Tire) Black + Decker 10-speed blender and our ATK (America’s Test Kitchen) top pick Breville blender.

Carlisle also shaved off his beard, and Veronica gave him a haircut.

Carlisle is healing, some days he has more cat naps then other days. He looks healed on the outside, but inside things are still healing. 

We are heading to Edmonton on the 19th to see the surgeon and then he has an appointment at the Cross cancer clinic on Friday.  So check back for more updates.

Thanks again for everyone’s love….still healing to do!!! 🥰

Aug 4, 2021-Day 22 (Wednesday)

Discharge day….😎 got a text from Carlisle saying he was going to be released today.  Not sure of the time, but we can see the light. 

I walked to the store, because we didn’t know what time Carlisle would be released, thinking we might have to stay over night at the hotel, so I got a few things for us to eat, just in case.

So I walked back to the hotel and unloaded the groceries, and put things into the fridge.

Then headed over to the hospital, no line up today, came up stairs, Carlisle’s Doctor is on the floor, as Im heading to sign in.  She says Carlisle is being released today, in an hour or so (they have to take a blood test, to make sure his blood will clot, then they can take out his picc) 

I helped Carlisle get ready, the IV is hooked up again getting his last meds before he’s released. He’s getting dressed, then we realize the darn IV is hooked up and we can’t put his shirt on…☹️ so I went and got the nurse, to see if she could undo his IV, so I could get his shirt on. That’s when she took his blood, and disconnected his tower again.

I stated packing up Carlisles things, its amazing how much stuff you accumulate. I had 3 of Carlisle’s balloons still looking good, so I went to the waiting room to see if anyone needed some cheering up, and the one guy suggested I take them to the stollery (kids area of the hospital) so I went over to the elevator and pressed up. I waited then the elevator opened, there was a little girl in her hospital gown  with her parents. I said here you go, hope you feel better. She looked very happy!! 😎 so I went back to Carlisle’s room. Hope it helps the little girl to feel better, and heal quickly.

It’s 11:00am now, Carlisle is napping and I’m writing this out. Fingers crossed we get to go home soon.

We went for a walk, then sat out in the waiting room, its cooler out there. Then the lunch lady went by, so we went back to Carlisle’s room.  His nurse brought in a heated flannel blanket to wrap around his arm, to help with removal of the picc.

After Carlisle finished his lunch, his nurse came in, she was being tested, it’s a teaching hospital. So his nurse, did great and after the picc was out, and when she was leaving I heard her ask, did I pass, the tester said yes…😎

She left then came back with all the paperwork to leave. Happy dance!!! 

We packed up and headed for the hotel, it was 12:30ish, got over to the hotel acouple minutes to 1pm, I asked for a late check out. So I left Carlisle down stairs, he can’t carry anything, so I was the pack mule…😎 I run up to the hotel room, packed up, I had most of it packed, but had to pack the fridge things, and bathroom things.  I almost for got my pillow. But did forget my pjs in the bathroom up on the rack. 🤷‍♀️

Got downstairs, Carlisle needed to go to the bathroom before to headed out.  We had to call the base as well. I got a luggage rack and loaded it up, and we headed for the car. 

GPS didn’t reroute us, so our main route must have been clear. We like the gas station 1/2 for a break.

We set out for home.  Things went smooth, Carlisle did alot of sleeping, which was good. 3 hour drive is a long haul. Carlisle said it was nice to see things, there wasn’t much of a view at the hospital.

So this will be the last post for awhile. Carlisle will be healing, and resting. 

Thank you to everyone again!! We love you all!! xoxo

Aug 3, 2021-Day 21

At the hospital at 9:05am line up is out the door, I’m all ready for check in, with my covid questionnaire, and Family support card. Ready for another day of hanging at the hospital. 

Come up on the elevator to the 3rd floor and Carlisle is walking down the hall, towards me. Last night they disconnected Becker-Carlisle’s tower. They will still use it, along with his picc, to give him medicine etc if needed. 

He’s having a nap now, the head of his bed isn’t as elevated as much as it has been. 

Doctor came in, to say they want Carlisle drinking lots of water to keep his kidney function up. And could be looking at release in the next few days.

Lunch time, has come and gone, it’s 1:30pm I’ve just finished eating my lunch as well. Just resting/having a break in the waiting room, letting my food digest.

We have had a few different visitors, physical therapy, skin graft dept (can’t remember the name), doctor, dietitian. Things are busy because we just finished a long weekend, and the hospital staff is preparing to send Carlisle home….soon, maybe tomorrow or the next day. Fingers crossed for tomorrow.😎🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞😎

We went for a long walk to the healing garden on the 4th floor then took the elevator up to the 5th floor, to check out the bridge look out above. Then come back to Carlisle’s room, and he did some physical exercises he was given.

I’m crocheting, Carlisle is having a little nap.

Today is busy again, not like yesterday’s draggy day. I’m happy about the quicker day.

4:30ish dinner arrived, Carlisle got to picked his dinner, and tomorrow’s menu. So that makes meals more enjoyable. He also picked hot sauce for his puréed chicken, so that helped spice things up…😎

We walked and hung out, today was a better day, then yesterday. Just cruising along.

Carlisle’s Doctor did come by tonight, said they would try to get him home in the next few days. Fingers crossed its tomorrow…🤞🤞

I’m back at the hotel, 9:30pm.  Watching the Olympics, night to all, checking in on Carlisle’s progress.   

Aug 2, 2021-Day 20

Woke at normal time, 8:00am, was getting ready having a shower, I get out of the shower, start drying myself, and the fire alarm goes off, so I’m not going down the fire stairs in my small hotel towel.  

So I’m quickly changing, I can hear dogs barking, out in the hall. There’s 5 dogs on our floor.  I get dressed and the alarm goes off. Then my phone is ringing, its the front desk, checking in. I left the door open to the bathroom, so I guess all the steam, from my shower triggered the alarm. ☹️ Door will be closed from now on.

So I asked Carlisle if he wanted a coffee from Tim Hortons, he said yes, small. So I head down to get him a coffee, I got Medium, but that might have been to big for now. 

I heard Carlisle’s roommate say the coffee wasn’t good here, they have Sanka instant coffee on the menu, so I got him one as well. Come to find out it’s his 92nd Birthday today. 🎉🎶🎂🎶🎉

Came through check in and up to Carlisle’s floor, delivered the coffees, then we headed out to the waiting room so I could eat my muffin, guests can’t eat or drink in the rooms.

1:15pm finish lunch, went for a walk and now Carlisle is sleeping. I’m crocheting again, passing the time.

2:50pm this day is dragging…I have been watching the clock all day.

3:00pm Xray on wheel rolls in to Carlisle’s room. We look at each other like, maybe they have the wrong room. Nope they are here to take a chest X-ray for Carlisle. He’s having a bit of trouble with his picc not working, hard to take blood, so I guess they want to make sure things are working properly.  

Around 4:30 dinner came, more of Carlisle’s favorites …😜

8:20pm this day has been the slowest here, time is standing still but on the brighter side I finished another doily square, and added it to my others I finished while at the hospital.

Soon I will be heading back ti the hotel for the night!!  Thanks for stopping by for our daily update!! 

Aug 1, 2021-Day 19

Woke up at 7am got ready, loaded the car. Set out for Edmonton, stopped in Bonnyville to fill up the car with gas. It’s $127.9 a litre, cheapest on the route.

GPS took me on the scenic tour of Northern Alberta. Our normal route said road was closed so I was rerouted via GPS, every time this happens we get to see different areas and towns.  I only hope the GPS doesn’t get me lost….😜 sometimes I feel lost driving….but we usually arrive at our destination.

Got back to Edmonton around 1pm, parked at the hotel, went upstairs dropped off my laundry and packed up Carlisle’s few clothes, I had brought from home. 

I made a couple calls, I had tried while driving down on the road, but coverage wasn’t the greatest.

Headed over to the hospital, had some lunch in the cafeteria, then headed upstairs to see Carlisle.

Earlier Carlisle’s feeding tube was taken out. Carlisle said it was before breakfast. He had alot for lunch, somethings didn’t get eaten. I opened to see what was under the brown cover, I said you didn’t eating the avocado….Carlisle says its peas and carrots purée….lol luckily they give him enough to pick from. 

We have been hanging out, Carlisle was watching a movie and I was crocheting, we have been for a few walks, now Carlisle is having a nap after the nurse took vitals.

Hopefully Carlisle can get released in the next few days, but don’t want to rush things.

6:00pm finished dinner, just letting the food settle. Not much going on. It’s a bit quiet in room 8….😎 

Came back to hotel about 8:30pm.

Another healing day at the hospital,  I’m ready for bed, night to you all!! 

July 31, 2021-Day 18

Ready to go over to the hospital, but waiting for our refresh of towels, etc. No hotel service available, they don’t come in our rooms, until we check out. But can ask for whatever we need, at the front desk.

Saturday July 31st, where has the time gone, its Day 18 at the hospital. Hopefully only a few more days, before we can head home to CL. 

Things are moving, its already 1:10pm, we got to the hospital about 10:00am.  I went and helped Carlisle wash up, get changed and ready for today.  We both came out to the waiting room, sat for a bit, Carlisle doesn’t like to wear the mask with his feeding tube, it swishes and the bandage slides off, so needs to be replaced.

I have been crocheting out in the waiting room, most of the day, Veronica is with Carlisle now.

3:00 pm decided to drive Veronica back to CL. Came home got groceries, so when we cone home we can just drive home. Hopefully Tuesday maybe Wednesday, but we will see. Got home, picked up the mail, watered the gardens. I’ll head back to Edmonton in the morning.

Thanks to Micheline for checking on our place, we really appreciate it.  

That’s all for today, hope your having a great weekend. xo

July 30, 2021-Day 17

Good Morning!!!

Got to the hospital around 10:10am, check in.  We both come up stairs to the waiting room, then I go and sign us in.  

Carlisle is just getting his arm bandage changed, its looking great.

Helped Carlisle get ready for the day. With the IV and tower its a pain, its a two person job. New gown, this one is a better fit, its longer.

We get ready for a walk and head out to the waiting area. We have a little visit, then head for a walk. We took Carlisle to the Healing garden.  

Come back and its lunch time, 11:30 am. On today’s menu for lunch: tea, tapioca pudding, apple juice, milk, and cream of cauliflower soup(nope not a fan).

3:30pm now, Veronica is visiting with Carlisle, I’m out crocheting, but needed a break, so luckily they came out for a visit.

Dinner will be here soon, around 4:30-5:00 pm.  Big spread for dinner, mushroom soup(one look…nope not a fan), vanilla pudding cup, white milk, chocolate milk, cranberry juice, Scandishake (like a milk shake) vanilla, and tea

Just got back from a walk, its 6pm.

Not much to write about.  Carlisle’s healing, and feeling better every day.  The feeding tube might come out tomorrow or tonight, so that’s an excellent sign.  Fingers crossed we will be home soon.

Thanks for checking in to see how Carlisle is doing. Just wanted to say, thanks again, for all your messages, text, and calls. xoxo

July 29, 2021-Day 16

Had a bit of a sleep in….it was almost 9am by the time I got moving. But we got to the hospital about 10am the parking lot was full, so we expected a longer line at the health check in area, but it wasn’t to bad. We go through faster than most as we are becoming pros….lol and we know the drill.  Its Day 16 already!!! 

Head up to the 3rd floor, we head to the waiting room, we get our favorite chair.  I check us in and head to Carlisle’s room. He has gotten a few more stitches in his trachea area. But did have a few liquid foods for breakfast.

Still has his IV, and tower, in tow, we are calling it Becker, even though it’s beeping less…😎 not sure when he will have to give back his tower, hopefully soon.

It’s 11:12am now, sitting in the waiting room, Carlisle’s having a nap, he can sleep better in a chair, and when he’s discharged, he’s encouraged to sleep in a chair or with his head raised up to help with drainage.

Lunch time will be soon, wonder whats for lunch today. I’m thinking the same liquids but you never know. Oh I see the food lady just going by, she asked Carlisle if we wanted his lunch out there, but decided to go back to his room.

Liquid food again today, Tea, vegetable broth and orange juice. 

12:50pm I’m heading for some lunch, Veronica and I split up, so she’s with Carlisle while I’m having lunch. She had already been for lunch earlier, while Carlisle was eating.

1:35pm sitting in the waiting room, finished my lunch. Carlisle and Veronica are in his room. I wish I had brought my crochet. Carlisle and Veronica come out to see me, in the waiting room.

2:25pm feeding via feeding tube finished.

Dinner showed up around 4:30pm, Carlisle had Tea, chicken broth, apple juice. Wonder what kind of food will be next and when. They top him up with feeding tube food.

We came back to the hotel, around 8 pm. We are watching the Olympics, then I’m going to head to bed, ready for another hospital adventure.

Thanks for stopping by, have a good night!!! xoxo

July 28, 2021-Day 15

After waking up, some what early, we got ready and headed for a walk to the grocery store, needed a few things that the corner store didn’t have. Luckily it was cooler, so we walked before the heat wave of the day happens.

We get to the check in about 10:10am there was a line up, so Veronica did the online check for us. There was a man and his daughter in line behind us, and I heard him saying we have 5 mins to get to your appointment, so we told him about the health check QR code for his phone to speed up check in for him.  They did have all 4 stations open, checking people in, so that makes things quicker for everyone.

Went up to the 3rd floor and checked us in. Carlisle was sitting in his chair, cleaning out his mouth with the green spongey thing and water.  

He was given it looks like 2 stitches in his trachea area. So hopefully he can start eating soon.

Its 11:00am now, Carlisle and Veronica have been out for a visit already.  Im not going to bore you with all the walks etc today, but we will see how the day pans out.

Everyone (no, not everyone but all the nurses, the physio staff, trachea people, etc that has worked with Carlisle) waves at Carlisle when we are sitting in the waiting room, he’s getting to know a lot of people here.

Came out to sit with me for a bit.

11:45-walking the corridor 

Feeding tube was started, having a nap its 12:15pm 

Having 1st dinner, tea, beef broth, apple juice, jello on the tray, but was instructed not to eat it yet. its 5:00pm things are going down pretty good…..😎 Happy Dance!! The nurse said she can turn on Carlisle’s feed tube after his finished to top him up.

Doctor also stopped in to check on Carlisle, around dinner time, things are looking good.

Veronica and I went don’t stairs for dinner, then she went back to the hotel and I staying over at the hospital for a bit longer its 6:50pm. 

We went for a stroll around the nurses station then down the one side of the floor.

Thats all for day, there’s less and less to write about with Carlisle improving every day.

I got back to the hotel around 9:00pm, and I’m having tea and watching the Tokyo Olympics, resting up for another day of hospital adventures.  

Night to all!! 😴😴😴

ps Carlisle hasn’t looked at any messages, he’s just not ready yet!! 

He’s using his phone for the time….its hard to tell the time of day, not having a window or alot of day light. Military time to the rescue. xo

July 27, 2021-Day 14

Woke up at 8:00 am, already got a text from Carlisle…that’s a really good sign. He’s improving every day!!! 

We get to the hospital at 9:40ish, no one was in the line, we check in and get our Family Support stickers, and head up stairs.

I sign us in, at the nurses station and I head to Carlisle’s room, and there he is having breakfast …. 😎 okay so he’s not eating yet… he had the swallowing specialist in, so he could practice with the end of the stuff he had. 

Kidney specialist came in, he’s not going to be eating for a few days, just via feeding tube. Making sure things are back to normal with his kidney function numbers. 

Washed and ready for the day, its 10:45am, moved chair to the other side of his bed, so now he can see more from his chair.

Went for a walk and came out to hang with Veronica, in the waiting room. 11:30am. Veronica went back with Carlisle to his room.  The nurse changed his arm dressing, looks great.  His leg skin graft area looks like a cell phone burned his leg, the skin graft area is the same size as his cell phone. Its healing, and needs cream applied to help with healing, and for scaring, so its less itchy while it heals.

1:25pm went for a long walk, now hanging out in the chair in his room

Another walk, sitting in the visitor room for a bit, having a nap its 1:50pm  We did some green swabs after coming in from the last walk. 

Its really quiet for us now, not many people stop in to see Carlisle.  (Not many Nurses, Doctors, specialists…its healing time) That’s a good sign I guess…😎 healing naps are in order. 

2:25 pm out for a little walk, now sitting in visiting room, with Veronica.

Fast forward until 5:10pm Veronica and I went downstairs to the cafeteria for dinner, we haven’t tried everything so we have options….😎 

I’m back in Carlisle’s room, hanging out, sitting on his bed, he’s got the chair.

Carlisle’s Doctor came in, the dr and his team are going to put in a stitch or two tomorrow, to Carlisle’s trachea area, then he can start eating….fingers crossed 🤞 

It’s 7:40pm the neighbor went home not that long ago, so they are cleaning up the other bed and area, getting ready for the next person.  

Carlisle is ready for bed, but soon the nurse will be in to take vitals, I hear them having a meeting now, the next shift started at 7:00 maybe 7:15, I’m not sure. 

I hear someone’s tower beeping, so that usually happens around this time…just the way the cookie crumbs…or IV empties. Carlisle’s tower beeps less…and hopefully he wont have one soon.

11:00pm now, think we left the hospital around 8:00pm, I doing a load of laundry, then heading to bed.

Thanks again for all your love and support!!! xoxo 

July 26, 2021-Day 13

 Got to the hospital at about 9:30am, the line was a bit on the long side, with lots of people not wearing masks, there’s a big sign that says masks mandatory. We have ours, and change them in every time you come into the hospital. Veronica checked checked us in with our health check questions and I have our cards. We get Family Support stickers again this am.

Head up stairs, check in, Carlisle is sitting up in his chair, so he gets his socks and shoes on, and we head out to the waiting room.  

No food today, have to wait until his trachea area heals on its own. It’s definitely getting better, less coughing. So food is on hold for now. Its 10:20am now.

Went down for an X-ray, Veronica and I got to tag along. The guy, hit Carlisle’s IV on the wall, so it was beeping. The guy was trying to stop the beeping, then just turned it off. Back in the room at 11:10am had to go get a nurse to start it back up.

Nurse for today, RN Natalie, came in to change the bandage on his arm and check everything out. Finished up at 11:45am. 

Veronica and went to lunch, Carlisle was having a nap. Came back about 1:00pm kidney specialist is here, he’s happy with Carlisle’s numbers, so that’s good. Still on IV for now.

Carlisle is napping and the occupational therapy dep. came in to check on Carlisle’s arm skin graft. Its 1:35pm

All the departments are trickling in to check on Carlisle.

Sitting in the chair now.

Back in his bed napping, its a healing kind of day. 2:50pm 

Out to the waiting room to see Veronica, we did a lap before, mostly napping…3:25pm heading back to his room after his IV tower starts beeping.

5:00pm now-Veronica and I are back at the hotel, I needed some air, I was doing alot of yawning. Having a tea, watching the news, we will have dinner then we will head back over to the hospital.

July 25, 2021 -Day 12

July 25, 2021-Day 12

Day 12 of being in the hospital, its hard to believe, things are moving along slow and steady.

Got a message from Carlisle, saying he got to eat this am…I didn’t believe it…😎 but it was true!!

We came to the hospital a little later, around 10:30am today.  We go through the regular check in, and get our Family Support stickers.

I get Carlisle his shoes and ready, we come out the waiting room after a few laps around the nurses station, to sit with Veronica.

We are back in the room, because the nurse needed to take blood. Then the mystery of where Carlisle’s IV is, he’s having a different type then just regular IV, so its always a mystery where to find the next bag.  So the nurse is on the hunt, I could hear her ask if anyone had seen his bag of IV.  She remembers seeing another bag, but couldn’t remember were. She found one bag, comes back and I mentioned yesterday there was two bags on a little shelf outside the door.  Sure enough there’s one bag there, so now there’s an extra bag. So she changed Carlisle’s IV and started his lunch via feeding tube. 

Short lived …. Food Day!!!…..so today Carlisle had coffee with sugar, jello, orange juice. Went down okay, but needs to wait until tomorrow, they may put a few stitches in his trachea area tomorrow, a bit of jello came out of his trachea so they will wait another day, every thing else went down okay. So that good news.

Its been a pretty uneventful day, just the same as I have been writing, it’s getting better every day.

I’m writing this at 1:48pm, Veronica is in with Carlisle 

Veronica and I went for lunch, I’m with Carlisle now. Just hanging out.

4:30pm Veronica and I head back to the hotel to give Carlisle a break and so he can have a nap.

Back to the hospital 7:00pm, we are sitting in the visiting room, just hanging out.

8:23pm Veronica is in with Carlisle, we will head back to the hotel soon. Tomorrow might be a busy day for Carlisle, with the weekend over.

Wanted to say thanks to the hospital staff for their continued care of Carlisle. And a big thank you to everyone reaching out, sending messages, helping out looking after our place, and so many more, a big thanks to you all!!! ❤️Much love ❤️ Hopefully we will be back soon!! 

Have a great night!! 

July 24, 2021-Day 11

July 24, 2021-Day 11

Saturday morning, Veronica has been with Carlisle and I for a week already, time is going by fast but sometimes it’s slow. We got to the hospital around 9:30am today, Covid Health lines were non existent….smooth sailing.

We can see a big tree made of concrete from the window in Carlisle’s room. So this am we set out to find it.  It’s called the Magic Tree and its on the 1st floor.  So when we are walking back Veronica realizes we didn’t get a sticker, so we go back to the front.  We have our Family Support sticker again. 

We make our way upstairs to the 3rd floor, I check in, Carlisle is sleeping.  One of the nurses let me know Carlisle got to have a shower today. 

Alan had told us yesterday about a hidden garden, so Veronica and I went to find it. Adventures in the hospital!!  We found it, when Carlisle is better, we maybe to up there again to check it out. 

Carlisle and Veronica came out for a visit, 10:30am it was a quick visit, they have gone back to his room now. 

Veronica and I later changed stations, I’m finding it harder to keep track of things, but I will try.

Nurse came in and changed Carlisle’s dressings on his arm and trachea areas. Everything is looking good.  

Veronica and I went downstairs for lunch. It’s now 1:30pm.

About  2:10pm Carlisle got some powder delivered, Beneprotein from the food services, so that’s a good sign, Carlisle maybe start eating soon.

3:00pm nurse change over, Kelly is nurse now, Jessie was on earlier, there are alot of nurses to keep track of.  Carlisle had his vitals check, things look good, fingers crossed maybe his kidney thing will be back to normal by Monday.

6:10pm we are back to visit Carlisle we brought some clothes for Carlisle, so he’s not mooning everyone, not that he did, but sometimes it happened. 🤷‍♀️

We had a short visit in the visiting room, before heading back to his room 6:40pm 

Veronica and I came back to the hotel at 8:00pm.

Thanks again for checking in on Carlisle’s recovery, every day Carlisle is improving and getting better every day!!

Happy Saturday!! xo