Matt described today as "the best day since I had my surgery"! He is doing very well and we are looking forward to his appointment this coming Thursday morning with his surgeon. Keep the prayers coming that he'll have the draining tube removed on Thursday and for the results of his surgery. He continues to get a bit stronger each day. He still tires easy, but as I have told him, it's only been 2 weeks tomorrow that you had this major surgery. He was able to work a bit on his doctoral class today as well! He is amazing!!
Today Matt had another caretaker to assist me...it was Jackson, who took very good care of his Uncle Matt. He had him look through books with him, as Jackson "read" to Uncle Matt, and also had times of play and he had Uncle Matt feed him breakfast and they both ate their lunch together at the table. LOL
Thank you for the delicious meals that are being prepared for us this week and next. The timing of the meals is perfect. Thank you for the prayers and keep them coming. We will update on Thursday when we have more information after Matt's appointment.
Jim continues to grow stronger. He too tires, but not like the fatigue before the kidney transplant, it is a different type. Tomorrow it will be 9 weeks since they transplant! He has been working 3-5 hours a day 4 days a week and is getting back into the swing of that as well. He also works from home several hours on email, etc. He is doing very well and we are so thankful for how well the kidney is working.
Our angel is doing well and is adjusting to her times of fatigue, which has lessened over the last several weeks. She continues to work full-time and sounds wonderful. We plan to see her and Bobby over the holiday break, if all plans go the way we hope. Thank you for the prayers for Stephanie and Bobby, they have such servant hearts and we're blessed to have them in our lives.
~Tina
Side-Note: (looking forward to watching an all-time favorite on tv...Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with Matt in a few minutes. I know, for the most part, the entire show by heart. Own it on DVD, but watch it on tv most every year. Last year Jackson watched it with me, this year he'll watch it on DVD with me since he will be in bed when it is on.) The little things in life that give us pleasure!!!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
11.27.11
What a full few days! Sunday is usually considered "a day of rest", but this week it will be Monday for Matt and I !! Great long weekend, with visitors and family. All good, but tiring for sure. His recovery is going well, but a day of R&R is what this caretaker is ordering for him tomorrow (LOL).
The weekend was filled with lots of laughter, catching up, as well as enjoying just being together with our family. It's almost a shame to see the weekend end. It was great to hear Matt enjoying time with some of his close friends throughout this weekend as well as time with his sister and brother-in-law and grandparents. They get along so well and hearing the conversation, joking and laughting with his friends brought back times when our home was the place for the "kids to all hang-out at".
Matt has been sleeping well at night and doing some more walking. We heard from the on-call physician and we were able to change the padding around the wires of his drainage tube, which was definitely needed. His drainage area is looking very well, but the tape was in need of being changed because of getting it wet with showering, etc. We didn't want to do that without hearing from someone at Jefferson. As before, if he spikes a fever we are to immediately get treatment, but he has been without fever since he has been home, which will be a week tomorrow!! He has an appointment this week with his surgeon and we are looking forward to what the surgeon has to say about his recovery at this point. Matt is eating more solid foods now and is doing very well with them. This has enabled his strength to continue to improve as he heals. His incision looks fabulous and will hardly be noticed when it is all healed. Dr. Lavu did an amazing job! We are again, so thankful for his expertise. He has a great God-given talent as a surgeon.
As you can see Matt is doing very well and we are thankful. The boys all stayed here at the house this afternoon, while Megan and I continued to get most of our shopping done. Jim, Matt, and Lindsay all took Jackson for a walk this afternoon. Sounds like a movie title..."3 Men and a baby"! LOL Jackson had a fun time and all got some fresh air and a bit of exercise.
What a thankful-grateful heart I have!
~Tina
The weekend was filled with lots of laughter, catching up, as well as enjoying just being together with our family. It's almost a shame to see the weekend end. It was great to hear Matt enjoying time with some of his close friends throughout this weekend as well as time with his sister and brother-in-law and grandparents. They get along so well and hearing the conversation, joking and laughting with his friends brought back times when our home was the place for the "kids to all hang-out at".
Matt has been sleeping well at night and doing some more walking. We heard from the on-call physician and we were able to change the padding around the wires of his drainage tube, which was definitely needed. His drainage area is looking very well, but the tape was in need of being changed because of getting it wet with showering, etc. We didn't want to do that without hearing from someone at Jefferson. As before, if he spikes a fever we are to immediately get treatment, but he has been without fever since he has been home, which will be a week tomorrow!! He has an appointment this week with his surgeon and we are looking forward to what the surgeon has to say about his recovery at this point. Matt is eating more solid foods now and is doing very well with them. This has enabled his strength to continue to improve as he heals. His incision looks fabulous and will hardly be noticed when it is all healed. Dr. Lavu did an amazing job! We are again, so thankful for his expertise. He has a great God-given talent as a surgeon.
As you can see Matt is doing very well and we are thankful. The boys all stayed here at the house this afternoon, while Megan and I continued to get most of our shopping done. Jim, Matt, and Lindsay all took Jackson for a walk this afternoon. Sounds like a movie title..."3 Men and a baby"! LOL Jackson had a fun time and all got some fresh air and a bit of exercise.
What a thankful-grateful heart I have!
~Tina
Friday, November 25, 2011
11.25.11
Matt is doing remarkably well. We had a bit of an issue yesterday when he started having some pain and swelling and redness on his side area, but today it is almost normal and the pain is much less or gone. We thought we would have to travel to Jefferson today, but since he is much better and we did not hear back from the on-call physician, we will just hold off until Matt's appointment with his personal surgeon on Thursday. Matt definitely plans to discuss this particular situation with his doctor on Thursday due to not hearing back from the on-call personnel. Thankful that he is doing so well.
Matt went for a much longer walk today and he is really doing and looking less drained with good color in his face and no fever (thank you Lord) since he came home on Monday. Last night was a great night sleep for him (first truly since he had his surgery) and though he tires easier right now, he is improving every day.
Though we didn't have grand plans for Thanksgiving, I must say it was one of the best ever. We had a lovely dinner (thank you to Megan making over half of the meal), and then an afternoon of football and just enjoying being with each other. Some napping, lots of laughing and just "being". I enjoyed just looking at my husband, who is doing great from his recent kidney transplant, our daughter and son-in-love, who continue to do anything and everything, most times without even saying a word, our son, Matt, how is healing so nicely and gaining strength daily, and the pure joy that Jackson, our grandson gives all of us, just being, JACKSON!! Like I said, one of the best ever!! GISG
If fact today, Jim, Matt and Lindsay insisted that Megan and I go do some shopping and just spend the day and not think about anything but just getting out and about! We stayed in contact through cell messages and Megan and I had a great day down in Rehoboth at the outlets. We left around 10:00 a.m this morning and arrived home around 6:00 p.m. I mentioned to Megan that it has been since the middle of September that I have gone and done something for such a long period of time, and not think at all about the time or having to hurry and get back home. SO thankful for the men on our lives.
Enjoy this holiday weekend and make sure through the hustle and bustle of this time, you don't like precious blessings, such as "just being" pass you by. Those little things ART the most important things.
Keep the prayers coming!
Thankful for you,
~Tina
Matt went for a much longer walk today and he is really doing and looking less drained with good color in his face and no fever (thank you Lord) since he came home on Monday. Last night was a great night sleep for him (first truly since he had his surgery) and though he tires easier right now, he is improving every day.
Though we didn't have grand plans for Thanksgiving, I must say it was one of the best ever. We had a lovely dinner (thank you to Megan making over half of the meal), and then an afternoon of football and just enjoying being with each other. Some napping, lots of laughing and just "being". I enjoyed just looking at my husband, who is doing great from his recent kidney transplant, our daughter and son-in-love, who continue to do anything and everything, most times without even saying a word, our son, Matt, how is healing so nicely and gaining strength daily, and the pure joy that Jackson, our grandson gives all of us, just being, JACKSON!! Like I said, one of the best ever!! GISG
If fact today, Jim, Matt and Lindsay insisted that Megan and I go do some shopping and just spend the day and not think about anything but just getting out and about! We stayed in contact through cell messages and Megan and I had a great day down in Rehoboth at the outlets. We left around 10:00 a.m this morning and arrived home around 6:00 p.m. I mentioned to Megan that it has been since the middle of September that I have gone and done something for such a long period of time, and not think at all about the time or having to hurry and get back home. SO thankful for the men on our lives.
Enjoy this holiday weekend and make sure through the hustle and bustle of this time, you don't like precious blessings, such as "just being" pass you by. Those little things ART the most important things.
Keep the prayers coming!
Thankful for you,
~Tina
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
11.22.11
Today it is exactly one week since Matt's major surgery! He had a decent night sleep and he has had a very good day today. Not much more to share today, but I know that many want progress of his days. He made his appointment to see Dr. Lavu (his surgeon) next Thursday morning. At that time, we are praying that the draining tube will be removed and we should receive the report from his surgery on the biopsy results.
Next week we have food preparations being done for us from some very close friends, church members from Newark church as well as some of Matt's co-workers from Wilmington University. Even though the meals are not starting until next week, we want to say THANK YOU for these provisions, it truly helps me out as the care-giver to not be concerned about a meal preparation for several days at a time. We are blessed by your servant hearts! Matt has truly enjoyed the cards and words of encouragement.
A special thank you to our wonderful daughter, Megan for providing several meals for us this week as well as making all the side dishes for our Thanksgiving meal this coming Thursday. Also to our son-in-love, Lindsay for doing anything we need done, that I'm not able to move, lift, arrange, due to it being too heavy, etc. These things mean so much to me, Jim and Matt at this time. A very special thank-you to our grandson, Jackson, who, at 13 months, keeps us all smiling with his precious walking, talking, playing, smiling ways!
Have a great Thanksgiving and may you be thankful every day of the year, not just one Thursday in the month of November!
Blessed and Thankful,
Tina
Next week we have food preparations being done for us from some very close friends, church members from Newark church as well as some of Matt's co-workers from Wilmington University. Even though the meals are not starting until next week, we want to say THANK YOU for these provisions, it truly helps me out as the care-giver to not be concerned about a meal preparation for several days at a time. We are blessed by your servant hearts! Matt has truly enjoyed the cards and words of encouragement.
A special thank you to our wonderful daughter, Megan for providing several meals for us this week as well as making all the side dishes for our Thanksgiving meal this coming Thursday. Also to our son-in-love, Lindsay for doing anything we need done, that I'm not able to move, lift, arrange, due to it being too heavy, etc. These things mean so much to me, Jim and Matt at this time. A very special thank-you to our grandson, Jackson, who, at 13 months, keeps us all smiling with his precious walking, talking, playing, smiling ways!
Have a great Thanksgiving and may you be thankful every day of the year, not just one Thursday in the month of November!
Blessed and Thankful,
Tina
Monday, November 21, 2011
11.21.11 HE IS HOME!!!!
November 15th, Matt went to Jefferson University Hospital and had a Distal Pancreatectomy and Splenectomy and today, November 21st, he is HOME!!! Amazing!! We have only great things to say about Dr. Lavu and the staff in the surgical ICU and Floor 13 of the Pavilion Blg. They made our time away from Matt stress-free, because our family new that Matt was in very capable hands. The friendliness of Jefferson was equal to the warmth we felt at Christiana Hospital when Jim had his recent surgery, which is a smaller facility, and we would definitely recommend others to Dr. Lavu and his staff.
Jim and I both had some concerns about the long trip home from Philadelphia, but Matt did great! He has had a good day since getting home around noon and we are praying that he has a good night sleep as well. He looks remarkable. SO thankful that he is home. Every day will be a day of getting stronger. There will be days, as Matt mentioned in the previous blog note that may not be as good of a day as another, but he is moving in the right direction since last Tuesday each day and for that we are grateful indeed.
Happy to have all my family back in Delaware!
~Tina
Jim and I both had some concerns about the long trip home from Philadelphia, but Matt did great! He has had a good day since getting home around noon and we are praying that he has a good night sleep as well. He looks remarkable. SO thankful that he is home. Every day will be a day of getting stronger. There will be days, as Matt mentioned in the previous blog note that may not be as good of a day as another, but he is moving in the right direction since last Tuesday each day and for that we are grateful indeed.
Happy to have all my family back in Delaware!
~Tina
We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder
Sunday, November 20, 2011
11.20.11 Thoughts from Matt
Today was a day of learning for me. Having never gone through anything like this you "relearn" things that you knew once again by going through something like this...it's a process!
I am excited to be going home tomorrow and so happy about the progress so far. Even though there were no major moving forward or set backs, I was in a lot of discomfort today. Some was the surgery and some is just normal things (like my back starting to be sore from sitting and laying so much). I went for a walk with my mom at the end of the 1:00 football game and as we began to walk a rush of discomfort and pain began in the surgical area site. I quickly told mom I had to go back to the room and sit down. The pain ended up being nothing, but it was a good reminder to me: there will be good days and there will be not as good days. It's like an Eagles season (except I will succeed in my goals and don't have a terrible backup QB starting for me)...that was my attempt at humor...sorry I am still pretty drugged!
So all of this is to say thank you for your care, concerns, and constant supports, thoughts, and prayers for me. All of that unwavering support will get me through the days that I will continue to recover and those days that I do not recover as fast and to my ultimate goal of complete recovery...
~Matt
"Side comment from mom: Matt had a good day, though he didn't see much progress today. He feels better with soft food or liquids over "regular food" (that is okay at this stage of his recovery). He is tube free, except for one draining tube for his pancreas that will come home with him and he is also on several medications (which for him is very odd, since he has not been on many medications throughout his adult life), for regulating "this and that". He truly is doing well, though he has a time or two throughout his days where he feels a bit "yucky". Unfortunately, it's all the process of healing after a major surgery. All signs point to him coming home tomorrow!! Prayers are so appreciated as we move into the next stage of Matt's recovery."
I am excited to be going home tomorrow and so happy about the progress so far. Even though there were no major moving forward or set backs, I was in a lot of discomfort today. Some was the surgery and some is just normal things (like my back starting to be sore from sitting and laying so much). I went for a walk with my mom at the end of the 1:00 football game and as we began to walk a rush of discomfort and pain began in the surgical area site. I quickly told mom I had to go back to the room and sit down. The pain ended up being nothing, but it was a good reminder to me: there will be good days and there will be not as good days. It's like an Eagles season (except I will succeed in my goals and don't have a terrible backup QB starting for me)...that was my attempt at humor...sorry I am still pretty drugged!
So all of this is to say thank you for your care, concerns, and constant supports, thoughts, and prayers for me. All of that unwavering support will get me through the days that I will continue to recover and those days that I do not recover as fast and to my ultimate goal of complete recovery...
~Matt
"Side comment from mom: Matt had a good day, though he didn't see much progress today. He feels better with soft food or liquids over "regular food" (that is okay at this stage of his recovery). He is tube free, except for one draining tube for his pancreas that will come home with him and he is also on several medications (which for him is very odd, since he has not been on many medications throughout his adult life), for regulating "this and that". He truly is doing well, though he has a time or two throughout his days where he feels a bit "yucky". Unfortunately, it's all the process of healing after a major surgery. All signs point to him coming home tomorrow!! Prayers are so appreciated as we move into the next stage of Matt's recovery."
Saturday, November 19, 2011
11.19.11- You asked if we need anything
I was so excited to share the picture and how good of a day Matt had that I forgot to mention that, as we have to do with Jim we will also need to be cautious with Matt and being exposed to colds, flu, etc. He is more susceptible to getting infections due to his surgery, since he had his spleen removed. There is a good possibility that Matt will be discharged on Monday!! With this being shared, visits will be welcomed, but please call first (our home) and if you have any type of sniffles, sneezes, etc, we want you to wait to come to visit. Protecting is definitely one of the definitions of being a care-giver and our family will be protective of our loved ones still recovering for sure.
We are so grateful for all your love and support and ongoing thoughts and prayers. Several of you have asked about meals and if you are interested in making a meal for our family, please contact Matt's sister, Megan, who is organizing some meals for about 2 weeks starting the week after Thanksgiving, through the Newark church as well as Wilmington University. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL who have committed to making a meal already! If you need Megan's information, but ask me through an email, text or facebook.
We are very humbled by the outpouring for our family throughout the last several weeks! We're blessed beyond meausre because of you blessing us!
We are so grateful for all your love and support and ongoing thoughts and prayers. Several of you have asked about meals and if you are interested in making a meal for our family, please contact Matt's sister, Megan, who is organizing some meals for about 2 weeks starting the week after Thanksgiving, through the Newark church as well as Wilmington University. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL who have committed to making a meal already! If you need Megan's information, but ask me through an email, text or facebook.
We are very humbled by the outpouring for our family throughout the last several weeks! We're blessed beyond meausre because of you blessing us!
11.19.11
Matt had a restful, productive 4th day pre-op, after a night of not much sleep due to discomfort. He looked remarkably better when we saw him today. His color is good and he is no longer connected to the IV's and several other things. He continues to struggle with discomfort with eating meals, but this will get better with time. Things are going well with his recovery. He did not have a fever while we were with him at all today. He was able to rest, which is what we wanted for him today and he walked "laps" several times.
Later in the afternoon, he had a great visit with Megan, Lindsay and Jackson. The picture below says it all. Uncle Matt loves Jackson and Jackson loves his Uncle Matt. Jackson is definitely the best medicine for Matt. As a dear friend said to me when she saw the picture below: "Nothing like a little soul to heal a big soul!" Our dear son-in-love took this picture and every time I see it I fill up with tears! Jim and I are so blessed with such a connected family. God has been so good to us.
Keep the prayers coming as every day Matt is getting stronger and the healing process is continuing.
~Tina
Later in the afternoon, he had a great visit with Megan, Lindsay and Jackson. The picture below says it all. Uncle Matt loves Jackson and Jackson loves his Uncle Matt. Jackson is definitely the best medicine for Matt. As a dear friend said to me when she saw the picture below: "Nothing like a little soul to heal a big soul!" Our dear son-in-love took this picture and every time I see it I fill up with tears! Jim and I are so blessed with such a connected family. God has been so good to us.
~Tina
Friday, November 18, 2011
3rd day post-op 11/18/11
Matt:
He is doing well. He continues to walk more each day and is up in a chair longer as well. His fever was, for the most part, normal all day. We are praying that this evening it does not spike up again like last night. Matt was given "real food" today for his meals. He took some of the food in rather than the liquid diet. He will do well with this in time, but he has alot of discomfort after eating small portions of the "real food". This process will take some time and once again we will need to "wait" for an easier outcome with food of consistency. All-in-all, Matt is doing remarkable for now day-3 from surgery! GISG.
Since he is in some discomfort we are asking that he has no visitors tomorrow (Saturday). Rest and doing what he needs to do while in the hospital is the best thing for Matt at this time. PLEASE check in with me about visiting while he is at the hospital and when we first bring him here to our home for his complete recovery process. He is getting stronger in many ways, though they are little ways, he doesn't see them yet, but he will. We do and we're so happy for his progress!
Jim:
Jim had his appointment today. He is now 7 1/2 weeks post op his kidney transplant. He continues to do well and at this point we are working on regulating his one medication because of a minor symptom that he is dealing with. He still is not able to lift more than 10lbs, etc. He is amazing and we again, are so thankful!!! He is scheduled for his 3-month (routine) kidney biopsy for Dec 22nd. This is a kidney biopsy that is done at 3 and 6 months to make sure the kidney is not having any issues and especially any rejection problems. The first 6 months are critical for Jim and his kidney and all signs point to a great outcome. GISG He returns to the transplant team again in two weeks.
As you can see they are both doing well at the stages of their recovery that they are at. THANK YOU for your support, love and especially thoughts and prayers for them and our family.
Also a side-note, our angel, Stephanie, has been continuing to work fulltime and deals with fatigue from time to time, but continues to do very well. Again, we are SO thankful for her and Bobby and having them in our "family".
God has truly watched over us all throughout this time of surgery, healing and recovery!
~Tina
He is doing well. He continues to walk more each day and is up in a chair longer as well. His fever was, for the most part, normal all day. We are praying that this evening it does not spike up again like last night. Matt was given "real food" today for his meals. He took some of the food in rather than the liquid diet. He will do well with this in time, but he has alot of discomfort after eating small portions of the "real food". This process will take some time and once again we will need to "wait" for an easier outcome with food of consistency. All-in-all, Matt is doing remarkable for now day-3 from surgery! GISG.
Since he is in some discomfort we are asking that he has no visitors tomorrow (Saturday). Rest and doing what he needs to do while in the hospital is the best thing for Matt at this time. PLEASE check in with me about visiting while he is at the hospital and when we first bring him here to our home for his complete recovery process. He is getting stronger in many ways, though they are little ways, he doesn't see them yet, but he will. We do and we're so happy for his progress!
Jim:
Jim had his appointment today. He is now 7 1/2 weeks post op his kidney transplant. He continues to do well and at this point we are working on regulating his one medication because of a minor symptom that he is dealing with. He still is not able to lift more than 10lbs, etc. He is amazing and we again, are so thankful!!! He is scheduled for his 3-month (routine) kidney biopsy for Dec 22nd. This is a kidney biopsy that is done at 3 and 6 months to make sure the kidney is not having any issues and especially any rejection problems. The first 6 months are critical for Jim and his kidney and all signs point to a great outcome. GISG He returns to the transplant team again in two weeks.
As you can see they are both doing well at the stages of their recovery that they are at. THANK YOU for your support, love and especially thoughts and prayers for them and our family.
Also a side-note, our angel, Stephanie, has been continuing to work fulltime and deals with fatigue from time to time, but continues to do very well. Again, we are SO thankful for her and Bobby and having them in our "family".
God has truly watched over us all throughout this time of surgery, healing and recovery!
~Tina
Thursday, November 17, 2011
11.17.11
Matt: Matt is in a private room on a regular floor as of lunchtime today. He is doing well except for having itching from the Morphine and he continues to have a fever that comes and goes. Tonight it is at 101, so I'm asking for prayers that this issue will subside. The doctor mentioned to us and Matt today that this particular procedure along with some other factors can cause a low-grade fever for a few days. He is doing very well over-all and we are VERY thankful for this.
Today besides his several walks down the aisles and his ice chips, he was given a lunch tray (all liquids), which went okay for the little bit he "ate". He is to go VERY slowly with "meals" at this time and this process will be for awhile, as heal continues to heal from the inside out. He also played a game of cards with Megan this afternoon and had a few close friends stop by for a short visit later in the afternoon and evening. So you can see he is doing super for just being out of major surgery in less than 48-hours.
We are so thankful for all the prayers and the encouragement.
Jim: Tomorrow is Friday and we meet with the transplant team for Jim's appointment and then we'll make our way up to Jefferson to be with Matt for the rest of the day. Jim is doing well and we look forward to his appointment tomorrow morning.
Again, thank you for your support and love!
~Tina
Today besides his several walks down the aisles and his ice chips, he was given a lunch tray (all liquids), which went okay for the little bit he "ate". He is to go VERY slowly with "meals" at this time and this process will be for awhile, as heal continues to heal from the inside out. He also played a game of cards with Megan this afternoon and had a few close friends stop by for a short visit later in the afternoon and evening. So you can see he is doing super for just being out of major surgery in less than 48-hours.
We are so thankful for all the prayers and the encouragement.
Jim: Tomorrow is Friday and we meet with the transplant team for Jim's appointment and then we'll make our way up to Jefferson to be with Matt for the rest of the day. Jim is doing well and we look forward to his appointment tomorrow morning.
Again, thank you for your support and love!
| "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." Psalms 126:3 |
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
11.15.11
You all know the statement, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder"! This evening I witnessed a most precious site; our son Matt in his ICU bed, though in discomfort and groggy, he was the best sight I witnessed in several long hours!!! GISG
His doctor, Dr. Lavu, stated the sugery went very well and he expects Matt to have a good recovery. At this time, he will be in the hospital for 6-7 days. He will be in ICU for a day or so, and then in a private room. The nurse that is working with Matt is very attentive and personable as was his surgeon and those in the waiting area.
We are filled with many emotions tonight and we are so thankful for how Matt is doing at this time. Jim, who is seven weeks post-op from this kidney transplant, was able to rest in a quiet room area in the waiting room and did very well with this LONG WAITING DAY!! GIG
We made reseverations that Jefferson offers to family members at a local Holiday Inn Express and we are only 3 blocks from Matt for the night. We were so thankful to have our family together as we waited, and waited, and waited for Matt to be in his room and the procedure to be finished. We are blessed to have such a close knit family and it was very evident today just how closely knit we are. Not every one can say that. We can and it is a blessing indeed.
Thank you for you ongoing prayers and support! I will really get to know my way around the side streets of Philly these next several days. We keep you all informed when I can throughout Matt's recovery process.
~Tina
His doctor, Dr. Lavu, stated the sugery went very well and he expects Matt to have a good recovery. At this time, he will be in the hospital for 6-7 days. He will be in ICU for a day or so, and then in a private room. The nurse that is working with Matt is very attentive and personable as was his surgeon and those in the waiting area.
We are filled with many emotions tonight and we are so thankful for how Matt is doing at this time. Jim, who is seven weeks post-op from this kidney transplant, was able to rest in a quiet room area in the waiting room and did very well with this LONG WAITING DAY!! GIG
We made reseverations that Jefferson offers to family members at a local Holiday Inn Express and we are only 3 blocks from Matt for the night. We were so thankful to have our family together as we waited, and waited, and waited for Matt to be in his room and the procedure to be finished. We are blessed to have such a close knit family and it was very evident today just how closely knit we are. Not every one can say that. We can and it is a blessing indeed.
Thank you for you ongoing prayers and support! I will really get to know my way around the side streets of Philly these next several days. We keep you all informed when I can throughout Matt's recovery process.
~Tina
Monday, November 14, 2011
Got the call!
Just a quick update. I just heard from Matt and he received the call that he is to report to Jefferson by 11:00 a.m. The surgeon had a change in his schedule, so Matt's surgery will begin when we originally thought it would be finished. It's good to know that we have a definite time. Keep the prayers coming. ...and so we wait! I should be good at this by now.
~Tina
~Tina
11.14.11
Today is the day before Matt's Pancreatic eendocrine cancer tumor w/ spleen removal. After a full weekend for Matt and two wonderful meals the end of last week and this weekend with some of his closest friends, Matt begins his prep for tomorrow's surgery. Thank you for being there and continuing to support Matt! He will be on an all liquid diet from now until the surgery, which we will receive word this evening what time he is to report. We do know that he will be the surgeon's only surgery, so that is a very good thing and now we "just wait". It's just one of my very strong points...waiting...NOT, but it truly is becoming one trait that I have learned to accept (which is a good thing) and though I don't enjoy waiting, I do so with less anxiety than previous events in my life! It is amazing how God teaches us through times when we don't think we're able to learn anything from the experience.
We think Matt's surgery will be sometime in the morning, so we covet your prayers for those hours while he is in surgery and throughout his recovery! I plan to post when I can and will keep you informed with updates. His surgery will be in Philadelphia at Jefferson University Hospital, so we will be traveling there daily while he is in the hospital, about a 50 min trip (give or take traffic). Prayers for Matt, his surgeon and the surgeon's team, for us as we "wait". We know what the power of prayer can do!! As a mother rather than a wife for this next surgery in our lives, my heart is tugged at a very different spot than when waiting on Jim's transplant surgery. Again, thanks for the prayers on our behalf.
Jim is able to attend Matt's surgery, but this will be a very long day for him as he too is still recovering from his transplant. Megan and Lindsay will also be there for the "wait" and we are all so thankful that Mom/Mamaw was able to come down from PA and have a Mamaw/Jackson day on Tuesday so we will all be together supporting each other as Matt is in surgery. Jim is doing very well and is very good at knowing when he needs to rest and when he can work, exercise, etc. His recovery is going very well. We can't thank "our angel" Stephanie enough for her gift! GISG
~Tina
"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ~Phil 4: 5-7
We think Matt's surgery will be sometime in the morning, so we covet your prayers for those hours while he is in surgery and throughout his recovery! I plan to post when I can and will keep you informed with updates. His surgery will be in Philadelphia at Jefferson University Hospital, so we will be traveling there daily while he is in the hospital, about a 50 min trip (give or take traffic). Prayers for Matt, his surgeon and the surgeon's team, for us as we "wait". We know what the power of prayer can do!! As a mother rather than a wife for this next surgery in our lives, my heart is tugged at a very different spot than when waiting on Jim's transplant surgery. Again, thanks for the prayers on our behalf.
Jim is able to attend Matt's surgery, but this will be a very long day for him as he too is still recovering from his transplant. Megan and Lindsay will also be there for the "wait" and we are all so thankful that Mom/Mamaw was able to come down from PA and have a Mamaw/Jackson day on Tuesday so we will all be together supporting each other as Matt is in surgery. Jim is doing very well and is very good at knowing when he needs to rest and when he can work, exercise, etc. His recovery is going very well. We can't thank "our angel" Stephanie enough for her gift! GISG
~Tina
"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ~Phil 4: 5-7
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
11.8.11
Next week this time, the recovery will have begun: Matt will have surgery the morning of Tuesday, November 15, to remove a cancerous tumor in the tail of his pancreas. The procedure will be approx 4-5 hours. Please pray that the surgery goes well and he is completely healed with this procedure. The surgery will be performed at Jefferson Hospital (Main Building, Chestnut and 10th Street) in Philadelphia. Matt will be in the hospital for 5-7 days, after his discharge he will be healing at our home. All correspondence should be sent to our home address since Matt will be here for several weeks.
Thank you again for all your support and ongoing prayers!
Jim continues to do well and he has gone back to work a few hours a day, in fact today he was there a little longer than his "personal physician" would have liked--ME, but he did fine! LOL Also, Stephanie, our angel-donor has been back at work fulltime for about 2 weeks now and is doing fabulously! GISG
Thank you again for all the support, love and prayers for our family.
~Tina
Thank you again for all your support and ongoing prayers!
Jim continues to do well and he has gone back to work a few hours a day, in fact today he was there a little longer than his "personal physician" would have liked--ME, but he did fine! LOL Also, Stephanie, our angel-donor has been back at work fulltime for about 2 weeks now and is doing fabulously! GISG
Thank you again for all the support, love and prayers for our family.
~Tina
Friday, November 4, 2011
11.4.11
Next appointment with the transplant team: 11/18/11, that's right 2 weeks from today (bloodwork as well), rather than weekly. Everything is going very well and only minor adjustments in his medication. We are very thankful. He can add a few more exercises to his day, but still not to lift above the limited amount. He will go to his next visit without me, because that will be the Friday that Matt will still be at Jefferson Hospital healing after his upcoming surgery on Nov 15th. The prayers for healing are so appreciated. ~Thank you
~Tina
~Tina
Thursday, November 3, 2011
11.3.11
Today marks the first day that Jim went back to work at Wilmington University, on a VERY part-time basis. He felt good about it and had a very good morning. The support that Jim is getting from WU is amazing. He will continue to do some work from home, but his main goal is the heal and gain his strength back so he can go back to fulltime status after the holidays. Knowing Jim, I'm sure his hours in the office may stay according to "our agreement", but he'll work more hours from home.
Tomorrow is Friday and we meet with the transplant team to review Jim's progress. We do not expect major changes to "the plan". This week Jim went to another level of his strength and healing. I decided to just go do "some racking" on Tuesday late afternoon for some exercise and then I planned to get our tractor and swoop up the leaves to discard them in the woods way behind our property. I needed Jim's assistance (showing me how to hook things up, etc) in getting the tractor ready for leaf removal and he said he wanted to "try to drive the tractor" at a very low speed and if he had any discomfort he would immediately stop driving the tractor, since it was only 5 weeks post-op his transplant! He didn't have any issues and he truly enjoyed the time outside and on the tractor. We got our back done in no time. He wasn't even sore/stiff, uncomfortable; I can't say the same for me, LOL!! I need to rake more often I suppose, because walking isn't enough for this "old body" of mine :-D
~Tina
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| The "Leaf Whisper" |
The count down has begun for our son, Matt and his upcoming surgery. Today it is 12 days until his Tuesday, November 15th pancreatic cancer surgery. He is preparing his work schedule for his recovery time off as well as getting questions ready for his upcoming pre-op visit this coming Tuesday, the 8th of November. As with Jim's surgery, the reality begins to get more prevelant the closer to the time of the "event". As a wife through the first event, my emotions were much different than they are at this time with our son having surgery. We are so thankful for the keen eye and early detection of the professionals that caught this spot for Matt. This is not a type of surgery that is common in a almost 30-year old otherwise healthy young man. We are grateful that this is getting taking of so quickly and truly want it to be behind all of us. As mentioned previously, Matt will be recoverying at our home rather than his condo in Wilmington.
Continue to keep my two "boys" in your prayers as one continues to recover and the other prepares for his upcoming surgery and recovery. Our family covet your prayers and support.
So thankful for all the good things God provides for our family, through your prayers, encouragement, support and love. My gratitude is great!
~Tina
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