Nan Mustard's Recovery

This blog is a record of Erin (Nan) Mustard's recovery.

Friday, July 21, 2006

Friday is looking up

Dear Friends,
Nan is talking on the phone, that is always a good sign. She was doing much better when I got here this morning at around 7 am. Soon after I arrived she wanted to walk so around the floor we went, strong and feeling pretty good. The doctors had already removed the vac. sponge this morning so Nan has a wet to dry on it right now.
A little later in the morning a doctor from interventional radiology came. His visit was very insightful and answered many many questions. For example he explained that when a nephrostomy tube is installed they include a circle of the tubing inside the kidney which can only be released by turning a tiny device which is located down the line on the outside about 8 inches. I always wondered why that device was there. He said it is almost impossible to dislodge the tube out of the back by accident. That gave me some relief because we are concerned about the tubes being accidentially jerked out.
The doctor also told us that if the tubes had been inserted here they would need to be replaced now. That is every three months or so. He also told us that there is a process where the external tubes can be internalized safely. We may consider this in the future, Nan would love to get by without the tubes and bags always in the way.
Dr. Morgan was here with us and explained several things. He went into great lengths to explain how Gleevec worked in resisting tumors and then how Rapumune assisted in resisting tumors. He also insisted that we make an appointment with a high quality surgeon in California, perhaps someone at UCSF or Stanford. He wants us to be "friends" with someone good just in case we need follow up assistance due to the extensive surgery. That is very good advice.
There is general concensus that Nan's current partial blockage is due to the many meds they gave her to try to slow the output of her colostomy. Everything that was done was for her good but it backfired a bit. She is back on a liquid diet and so far has had hot teas, broth, Italian Ice and is doing well. Dr. Bertagnolli was just here and like usual was full of information about the surgery. She gave us the name of the top oncology surgeon at UCSF who is a personal friend and will become our contact when we go home if something needs attention.
It now appears that Nan will be released on sunday from the hospital and we may very likely go directly to Roxanna and Ricks house for a brief stay, then back on Wednesday to see doctors in clinic and then ready to head home on thursday or friday. We will have to see how things go. Nan will need to try solid food tomorrow to see if that works OK. She is really doing much, much better. She was delighted to have a visit from Amy today, our lead ICU nurse. What a great help she and her team was in caring for Nan

Please pray that God will guide us over the next few days. Dr. Bertagolli is doing a seminar in Colorado next week so I think we just saw her for the last time on this trip. We will see her again in two months when we come back for follow up CT scans. We are so thankful to God for his blessings and help in every way. We are very thankful to each of you for your help, cards, emails and financial donations. You have helped us through an impossible situation!

Please have a nice evening, we are being hit by thunder and lightning right now and heavy rain, glad we are not outside right now. Marilyn has put off her trip home back to RI until the weather improves.

Please have a nice evening, we send our love,

tim and nan and marilyn

6 Comments:

  • At 3:42 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Nan & Tim,

    Keep up the exercise program! Things are getting you closer to home and what a thought that is. I can see you sitting in your blue recliner and Star in the middle of it all. That dog will become like your right arm. I pray for you both a peaceful and restful Sabbath. My house will be full of people once again after church and if you concentrate real hard you will smell all the Mexican food. God is very good to each of us and we love Him for it.

    I have an employee who is going through a really tough time right now. She needs your prayers. Rick and I feel that the Holy Spirit is working with her and we need your prayers for her. Thanks.

    Talk to you later,
    Much love,

    Sharon

     
  • At 4:35 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    So glad things are looking up! I'm sure it was rather scary being so far from the hospital and not knowing what the problem was or what to do about it. Enjoy the safety of the hospital for the week end and look forward to going back to Roxanna's. Then soon and very soon you will be going home!!! You will be getting stronger each day. I know Nan well enough to know that she WILL make that trip home just fine! She will grit her teeth and bare whatever discomfort may come to get home to her familly, her little Star, her own recliner and her own things. Ah what a wonderful day that will be for both of you!

    Rest well this week end take extra special good care of each other.

    Love you much ~ Carol and Roger

     
  • At 7:41 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hi Mustards,

    We are so happy that the News on the blog tonight is good. We thank the Lord and hope for a peaceful Sabbath and Weekend for You two.

    The thought of You being Home at last is what we have all been waiting to See come to pass.

    The Contacts offered to You Locally in S.F. are a real plus. And to have Nan at home will be a real boost for Her too.

    We will Pray for a good night and real progress in the Morning.

    We continue to Fry in the Heat out here 106 today and they say 110 tomorrow, Not what We like but who can do anything about the weather but talk about it ?

    Much Love ,

    Bob & Carrol.

     
  • At 8:49 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Well it sounds better then the symptoms did. Nan I am starting to think this is for shock effect :) he hee just kidding. I am glad they have not taken your hot tea. It seams to be one of the only comforts that you get to keep from home. I am glad it is looking up for you. I was very worried you keep going through so much. Keanna and Steve had come by. Keanna was showing her ballet shoes, wow those are TINY. But she looked so sweet in her tutu and her blonde hair twirling around her face. What a knock out she is, and looks so much like Grammy too!
    She keeps talking about when you get to come home and she is going to visit you and the tiny dogs. How loved you are by your grandaughter. Take some pleasure in knowing that while you wait to be released once again. Take care and keep happy thoughts. My prayers to you always.
    Love,
    Pam :)

     
  • At 8:52 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    HiErin and tim:

    I just saw the news about Erin being back in the hospital, I was so disapointed but it seems she is doing much better. Erin it was just a small step backwards and now we will pray that you come home at the end of next week. I'm in San Diego on my anual trip with my friends, We went yesterday to see Pagent of The Masters in Laguna. Today we will be going to see My Fair Lady at the Welk complex and tomorow we will be doing something else. I will be home on Monday. I will keep checking for updated news. Tim take care of yourself and Erin.

    Love you both
    Mary Puente

     
  • At 12:56 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Oh Nan and Tim,
    I have tears of joy in my eyes as I read your entry for Friday. How awesome is our GOD and how very faithful and trusting are His servants Nan and Tim.

    Have a blessed Sabbath and I look forward to seeing what miracle our Lord God brings to you tomorrow.

    Love and prayers,
    Phyllis Lytle, North Carolina

     

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