Leaving on a Jet Plane...Again

Finally got to talk to the Dr. in Houston (he was in surgery until 4, but I didn't know that so I sat home all day!I was going to go to WalMart today - I haven't been since 3/27!!!) -- he was SO nice. He is seeing me tomorrow at 2:30. It was too late to catch the last plane out today so we are leaving at 7:00 in the morning (I have to do my IV at 4:00 am!!!!) and will get to Houston at 9:30. I am really glad to be having a plan, to tell you the truth. He thinks that I "probably" won't have to do the IV anymore either, but we will see! We will come back Friday afternoon (in time to make the 1st basketball game & be here for all the games for everyone Saturday!). More later -- off to do IV!! My nurse is calling!! :o)

Update from Dr.

The nurse from Dr. Milton's office called just a little while ago and I have been on the phone trying to get some ducks in a row. The CT scan showed that there was an abscess on the massiter (sp?) muscle -- apparently she had already contacted the plastic surgeons here in town and no one would touch me SOOOOOOOO I called Dr. Byrne and he called his friend/colleague in Houston. He called me back and Dr. Brissett said that he would get me in (probably this week). I will call his office 1st thing in the morning (I have his personal cell # too, but will only use that as a last resort). I would like to maybe go at the end of this week and get it taken care of!!! I believe that it is something that they will do in the office and I should be able to return back home (to my sweet girlies) right away. I may need to follow up with him...maybe even weekly...but that will be much more manageable in Houston than Baltimore. At least we finally DOING something! I'll write more when I find it out!! :o)

Tuesday

Well...the good news is that I think that I am starting to FEEL a little bit better -- I don't collapse into bed every time after I do something! You have to look for the little victories, I guess! I went back to the Infectious Disease doctor yesterday and did the whole routine again. Dave & I were pretty set on insisting that someone drain my face or we were going elsewhere UNTIL the doctor said that the CT scan from the hospital show "normal post operative tissue." We'd never heard those results -- that kind of took the wind out of our sails because we couldn't insist on draining something that wasn't "drainable"!! The doctor ordered another CT scan and he indicated that it would be done there at the Diagnostic Clinic, but then the nurse said it would be at the hospital so that if it needed draining, the radiologist could do it right then. She set it up & called & told me it would be today at 12:30 at the hospital. I wasn't to eat anything and only have liquids this morning in case they needed to work on me. I got there and they took me to the same place I had the CT scan a week and a half ago. I knew that the lady looked at me kind of funny when something was said about them maybe draining it -- turns out, that if that were going to happen, it would have to be booked at another place in the hospital that does the procedures and I wasn't booked there and they couldn't do it today anyway!! They went ahead and did the scan - the girl put a STAT on it & said that Dr. Milton would have the results this afternoon. Once again, there may be NOTHING to drain! I am beginning to think that the "hard spot" is just scar tissue that will go down in time and that the infection is TOTALLY independent of it (even though we were SOO careful with everything). Even though the scar is still yucky and draining, I think maybe it is getting some better. At least that whole side of my face is not swollen like it was when I was in the hospital. AND Dr. Milton said from the get-go that I would be on IV for AT LEAST 2 weeks. Maybe we are just impatient! I FINALLY get my hair colored on Friday and she will fix it good...who knows it might be a small "reveal" -- that will be 5 weeks from the original surgery!! :o)

Saturday

Unfortunately, there is really no change in my face...I ran into my ID doc last night at the basketball tourney. He was asking how I was doing & I think was a bit surprised when I told him I was still having good days and bad days (they pretty much alternate) and that my face was still draining all the time. I will see him in the office on Monday and he said that we would do another scan (which is what Dr. Byrne). I really don't think that I am the type of person to just sit and do nothing or let others do something for me - when I feel good, I am a doer - when I don't (which usually is not often), I don't. I have to say I'm getting a little tired of this! I am pretending today that nothing is wrong. I have been to a track meet, a basketball game, and a soccer game and plan to go to Addi's next basketball game. Hopefully, they will win so we won't play again until tomorrow (if they lose, I might have to miss that game to do the IV). I am sure that I will pay for it tomorrow, but today I can pretend! Keep those prayers coming!

Wednesday

Nothing exciting happening here...I have felt better today than yesterday (I can tell now). I did a few things yesterday, but I really didn't feel great from the time I woke up. I took a bath yesterday (all by myself) and I guess I held my arm up too long - trying to keep it dry - and it was REALLY sore last night. I even took Tylenol -- haven't done that in a while! Like I said, I feel pretty good.
We finally got the piano moved from my mom's house to ours. It was originally my Grandmother Trader's and my brother wanted it, but he said for us to go ahead and use it until they had more room since Emee needs one to practice on now. I have known that for a while now, but we have been a little pre-occupied! The other day, something was said about the piano and Kendie said, "We need to call the Piano Removers!"...so I finally did. I must say, it looks really great in our living room!!
Exciting days at the Stacy house...anyone is welcome to come keep me company!! :o)

Monday

I went to the Infectious Disease Dr. this morning -- well, I went to his office, but I did see him too. I had to get blood tests, do my "infusion" (IV) there, & then get more blood tests. It all took quite a while...and I have to do the whole thing again next Monday! They wanted the results from the culture so they would know whether or not to keep the antibiotics the same this week and they couldn't find the results (one Dr. took them in his office-they thought that the hospital had them...blah, blah, blah). Anyway, they finally sent me home & we had to go back this afternoon. After all that, they said that the culture didn't grow ANYTHING (I think they lost it!) and so I have to stay on the same regimen until next week -- 2 bags at night, 1 in the morning. I came home (to an empty house yet again - I've never been home alone so much in my life!) and sat outside -in the shade- and read a book. It was beautiful and I thought that it would be better than sitting in bed again! Mom took me this afternoon to get my new IV stuff for the next week and we ran a couple of errands. We were right by where Hi-De-Do is and Mom needed to drop something off there so I ran in & said "Hi!" I think it was good for her to see me and see that I am OK -- she may not can say much, but she is still sharp as a tack & I know she was worried when I was in the hospital. It was good to get out...if only for a few minutes!
It's 8:00 - got to go get hooked up to the IV!!

Sunday

HELLO!!
Well, I am not quite as tired...that's a good thing! :o) BUT, I have done NOTHING! I have truly sat in bed the whole weekend...I have missed 4 soccer games (Addi & Kendie) and Emee's 1st track meet. Right now, Emee is at KidzPraize and everyone else is at soccer -- the house is SSSSOOOOO quiet! I am feeling pretty good -- a little nauseous this afternoon -- except for still being a bit wigged out by the PICC line. Dave is a GREAT nurse and very good at doing my IV's. I am on an 8 and 8 schedule -- in the AM, I just do one bag that takes about an hour and 15 minutes. At night, I do that and then another that takes about 30 minutes. Dave will be hooking me up of a morning and then working from home until he "undoes" me and then he will go on in to work. What a sweetie! I have complete confidence in him -- I think the main reason that I don't like the PICC is that they apparently hit a nerve when they were putting it in. I had a HORRIBLE pain (like an electric shock) all the way from the top of my arm to my hand. Now, if I move my arm the wrong way, I get a shock -- apparently it is still too close or resting on that nerve. The lady that trained Dave said she didn't want me moving that arm too much b/c she doesn't want me to have permanent nerve damage (yeah, me too!) and it HURTS! So basically, I can't do much so I just sit around. My face is doing LOTS better -- the swelling has REALLY gone down. The "hard spot" is still there so I am hoping that that will start going down now that the other is clearing up! Emee made me a Neverland Sandwich (PB&J) for dinner last night cut in heart shapes -- so sweet! Her Peter Pan book had the recipe. Apparently it said to "Ask an adult first." Emee ask my mom & then said, "I don't why you have to ask an adult - it's JUST a PB&J!!!" Nothing much else to report!
Have a good week! :o)

home

Am home...am exhausted (do we see a PATTERN here -- it is one I don't much care for!)...more later, but good to be home. Dave learned how to do my IV's and they say I'll do that for about 2 weeks. Things don't usually "stress" me but this is a little much for me -- I just can't really wrap my mind around it yet & make it OK...I think it is more the PICC line than the IV. I know that today is 3 weeks and so I should be putting up a picture, but I think we will skip that until the infection looks better, OK? Later....

Update

Well, I am sitting here watching Survivor (good thing it is Thursday - I don't watch much TV, but I do watch this!). I have completed my first 2 antibiotics - I have no idea what they are - and am free to roam until midnight. I have a PICC line (apparently when I do go home I will still have an IV!) and they have done a CAT scan. I still don't know anything from the culture -- it will have to grow for a while. The nurse (love her) said that she thinks that I won't get out tomorrow because when I was admitted the orders were NOT for just 23 hour stay...who knows...more later...

Hospital!!

I am headed for the hospital - I just came home to pack a little bag. I had to go to another Dr. this morning as mine got sick. They wanted to reschedule, but I told them I had to be seen as I had an infection and needed to find out if I needed to go to Houston. The Dr. I saw is a guy I went to high school with and has an EXTREMELY good reputation in town. He jumped right in and did the stuff I asked about doing Tuesday -- he tried to call Dr. Byrne from the exam room but he was in surgery. He left for a minute and came back & said that he had talked to his friend (an infectious disease Dr.) and that they wanted to get me in & do IV -- weren't going to mess around!! They are also to do a CAT scan to make sure the infection is contained. Got to run -- keep praying!! :o)

Wednesday...

Not a whole lot to report today except that I am very discouraged. I even went to bed for a while today, so those that know me know that I didn't feel well -- I guess there is just not much that stops me! Part of is that it just makes me sad that the world we live in has come to what it is. I totally understand that a Dr. has to cover his behind because of lawsuits, but when did things change from just caring for people because they need help? Isn't that the "Oath" or something? It makes me so sad to think that we live in world (& my precious girlies are growing up in) that is only concerned about "ME"... how can I teach my kids to take care of others? I know it has become very cliche' but what WOULD Jesus have done? Is this how he took care of people? I am VERY thankful for my Dr. who has stepped up & is doing what he can. However, I was hoping to see SOME little change so I would at least THINK the medicine was working. I think that the thing that bothers me the most was that I didn't HAVE to have this surgery. For those of you that have reading this blog from when I first found about about the T3, I ask the very question of should I even consider this because it is taking time and energy away from my girls. I did not get this done because I was hindered in any way by the fact that my face looked funny...I didn't NOT do anything because I was ashamed. I did it because everybody said that I deserved it. Well, now it IS taking away from time that I should be taking care of my husband & girls! My biggest fear is that my girls are going to grow up with the memory that Mom was always sick & in bed and that other people had to take care of them all the time. It is ME I am upset with because it was ultimately MY decision. I know I just don't feel very good but unless things change DRASTICALLY between now and in the morning, I will be heading to Houston for who knows how long while we all put our lives on hold...I guess I'll just go have a pity party now!
On a brighter note...I did go to the eye doctor today to have him check on my eye since Dr. Byrne changed the weight and he was very pleased & thought it looked great (of course, it is still bruised and is more swollen b/c my face is swollen from the infection).
Hope your day was better than mine!! :o)

What the Dr. said...

We went to see the doctor this afternoon, not really knowing what to expect, but prepared for whatever he wanted to do. We had already decided that if there was any hesitation on his part, I would be on the next plane to Houston. However, he had a very distinct plan of action and seemed very comfortable with treating this. Just as we suspected, it is infected, but he is trying some "heavy hitter" antibiotics first. Basically he thinks that we can knock it out this way and would rather not have to open it back up for several reasons: 1) any time the face is involved, they like to try this 1st to reduce scarring 2) if they have to 'open it' I will have to do surgery again & 3) if they go back in, they risk the chance of introducing yet another infection. I got a BIG ole shot today and then am taking major antibiotics for 5 days (he said they are like getting an IV - absorption rate) and I will go in first thing Thursday morning to see if it is starting to respond. He also wants me to continue the warm compresses and do some cold too. We will have to do some reevaluating Thursday if it is not responding, but I think that if that happens, we will go on to Houston to Dr. Byrne's colleague. I think that is all I have to report right now -- thanks for all the prayers. I'm sure they are all helping and this is not going to be as severe a problem because of them!! :o)

Not good, but could be worse...

So here is the deal...my face is not getting better (the hard spot) and it was very swollen again this morning. I e-mailed pictures and called Dr. Byrne to follow-up like the doctor on call told me yesterday. After talking to Dr. Byrne, he thinks that I have to have a "fluid drain" done (basically packing it w/ new gauze soaked in sterile saline). They might have to open up the incision a bit to do this, but they have to get all that fluid out so that it doesn't turn into a horrible infection. He suggested an ENT (first he ask me how far I was from Houston - FAR - as he has a colleague and friend there). The first one I called (who I have heard RAVE reviews of), the office girl was SUPER nice, took all my info and Dr. Byrne's number, said she would talk to the Dr. & call me back -- that took 2 hours. When she did call back she said that the Dr. said that since it had only been 2 weeks, I should go back to the Dr. that did it -- that he didn't want to get involved this soon!! I called another ENT that I have used before and his office staff was not near as helpful and said I could come in Wednesday afternoon. When I ask to speak to the nurse, I was told that she was w/ patients and that she "might" call me back today, but it would probably be tomorrow! Finally, I called my PCP (which I should've done in the 1st place, but I thought this new, cutting edge ENT would be the way to go) and they called me RIGHT back - I go in tomorrow and she assures me that he can do whatever needs to be done &/or set me up with the wound center. He will also put me on antibiotics when he sees me. It is not life or death at this point, it just needs to be taken care of. Unfortunately, this will impede the whole healing process, but in the whole scheme of things, what is a week or two? Dr. Byrne did say that out of all the cases they have done, they have only had 1 other one that has had ANY kind of problems. I told him that if there was a chance something could go wrong, it'd be with ME!! Please keep praying!!

A little bump in the road...

Well, we have been watching my cheek because it was "hard" - we even asked Dr. Byrne about this when they took my stitches out. He said it was probably a hematoma (?) and that it would go away, just take a little longer. On Friday (I think), it started draining at a couple of places in my incision - nothing too gross...& we have been really monitoring it - and the "hard" spot seemed to soften. It is still draining...pretty much continuously...and when I woke up this morning, my face is swollen worse -- if fact, my eye is more swollen also (I think it is from my cheek, not my eye). I will be trying to call someone today, but when I was unable to sleep last night, I wondered if Dr. Byrne could even write a script for me to get filled in Texas -- I don't know how that works...I think I am going to have my neighbor (ER doc) look at it today...we'll see. Anyway, please just say a little prayer for me...we were making such good progress... I know it will all be OK, I just want to make sure I do what I need to do to make it THE BEST!! :o)

2 Weeks

WOW! Can you believe that it has been 2 weeks? This time last week, I was just trying to get home! I know that I still have a ways to go, but look at that little smile...I'm thinking it looks pretty good! One of these days I will surprise you all & actually fix my hair and put on some make-up!! I have been proud of myself for not really doing much - just been hanging out here at home. I have done a few loads of laundry, but nothing too strenuous. I think that my leg is getting better SLOWLY - I really think that is the thing that will probably take the longest to heal. I told Cindy that I can't imagine ever getting up at 5:15 again to go to the gym and she told me she was giving me 4 weeks! Slave driver! Funny, that's what Dr. Byrne said too! Hopefully by then I will WANT to go...

Have a great weekend - I'll be hanging out here! :o)

This and that...

Here are some pictures from our week. Kendie had "Cowboy Day" on Tuesday, but if you ask her, it was CowGIRL Day! We got out her boots and they were too small so I started calling all her little friends to see if anyone had boots that we could borrow. We found some from Jackie - even though her mom was concerned that they were so dirty. I just told Kendie that they were REAL cowgirl boots and Jackie had used them with the horses on the farm. I told her that we were only "borrowing" them (she wore them solid from the time we got them) and so she has been VERY conscientious about us needing to get them back to her -- she even came home that day and put them by the front door so we could return them. Addi had "Voices from the Alamo" yesterday and she was Santa Anna. She had written a paper in 1st person as that character and when someone came up, they read it outloud to them. Thanks to Alice for helping me get the pins and the hat from the costume shop!! The other picture was on the camera and I just thought that it was so cute. I don't know how many of you remember when we moved to this house, our change of address cards were a picture of the 3 of them in bed together all on top of each other (it said we needed "a bigger place"). Well, here we are, 3 years later, bigger girlies, and their all still in bed together! To top it all off, the first time it was a FULL size bed...this time it is Emee's TWIN bed!! Good thing they love each other...at least when they are sleeping!! :o)

I am doing well...I think that I overdid it Tuesday...I was really tired yesterday, but wanted to go to Addi's Alamo thing so I did that, went to Bible class, and then came home & spent the rest of the day and evening in bed. My new plan of attack is that I don't have much the next few days so I plan to lay low and rest and then hopefully Monday I'll be ready to come back strong!! I think the swelling & bruising is improving drastically EVERY day!! I will put up a picture tomorrow since it will be 2 weeks. OH YEAH...I went & weighed today at Weight Watchers and I made my goal!! Not really a big surprise since I couldn't open my mouth for a few days, but at least now I can start the 6 week wait and then be a LifeTime Member and not have to pay anymore!!

Monday

OK - I know that I am still not ready to enter any photo contests, but I took this yesterday after church -- right before I changed my clothes and crawled into bed! Yes, I went to church, but I was EXHAUSTED (yet again) by the time I got there! (I pretty much just flopped down on the pew and didn't move until service was over!) I had gotten up & helped get the girlies ready so I was pretty tired to start with -- probably wasn't the best day to decide I needed to iron a shirt either. I'll admit, I was VAIN & wanted to wear this new shirt because it tied in the front and I will probably NEVER be that skinny again!! Of course, what was I thinking? No one was looking at my cute shirt or how skinny I was because everyone was focusing on MY FACE!! Anyway, it takes zero time to get ready when you do NOTHING to your hair & go make-up-less!! (Notice my new black pearls that my father-in-law gave me for Christmas, aren't they beautiful?) Later that day, I went to Addi's soccer game and had to walk over to the far field. I think it is all the walking that gets me the most. Once again, I was done in when I got home. I did a few things today (just like before I got my license - Mom drove me around) and seem to have a little more stamina today! I think it will get better a little every day!
I have put enough pictures of me up lately --- I need to get some up of the girlies!!
Hope everyone has a great Tuesday! :o)

KOREA

To the person from Korea -- I would LOVE to "chat" with you further about this, but you didn't leave me anyway to communicate with you!! Could you please send me an address or something? I have a web cam -- do you? I got it for my birthday so the girlies could talk to their grandparents and cousins, but don't really know yet how to use it completely -- but I can learn!! Anyway...please let me know something!! Thanks!! :o)

Saturday

We had our big slumber party - I guess it went well as I slept through it all!! Last night as I was getting ready for bed (earlier than everyone else), Kendie whispered in my ear, "When's it going to be time to cuddle?" Isn't that sweet? I told her I could cuddle with her right then as I was going to bed - she cuddled with me for a few minutes & then ran off - a good send off to dreamland for me!! Dave told me this morning that Emee told him yesterday afternoon, "You always say that Mommy is beautiful, but I don't think she looks so great right now!" Out of the mouths of babes!! I agree, I don't think I look so hot right now either (but I'm working on that!!)!! :o) I slept in and then took a bath and the girls wanted to go on a walk so I walked down to get yesterday's mail. To tell you the truth, I probably could've taken a little nap then! However, Addi and Kendie had soccer games at 2 and 3. I was able to sit in the car & watch Addi's and then we went down to Kendie's. Of course, she was on the field the FARTHEST from where we could park -- not only was I not able to watch from the car but it was quite a hike for me (remember I have an incision on my leg too). I was EXHAUSTED (yet again) after I got to the field. The wind got up & it was not pleasant but I was there and I saw Kendie score a goal! YEAH! I made back to the car - barely - and to the house where I promptly went to bed! Kendie & took a little nap and I feel better now, but I will probably be back in bed soon! That was our day...I still haven't decided if I will go to church tomorrow. I feel like if I could go to a soccer game, then I should go to church but then there's the whole issue of not hiding behind sunnies, not being able to wear a ball cap & scaring small children!!! We'll see!

Greetings from TEXAS!!!!!

We are here...& I am TIRED!! We got to the airport early this morning and everything went on schedule until we got to Luv Field. We were supposed to land at 1:50 and our next flight leave at 2:20. We knew we needed to hurry, but the girl doing the wheelchairs (yes, I got a wheelchair & BOY, am I glad...) couldn't quite get it together or understand our need to hurry so finally Dave pushed me. We hurried to the monitor only to find out that our flight had been delayed...we finally left at around 4 (we were supposed to be home at 3:30). It is good to be home and even better to see the girlies!! So wonderful to get those sweet hugs -- Dave & I think we will make them a palette on the floor in our room tonight so that we can all sleep together!! :o) We know that they were well cared for while we were gone - THANKS MOM!!-- but still glad to be reunited. There were signs from church and 4 floral bouquets and 1 cookie one for the girlies! We definitely feel loved! Thanks everyone...now, if you will excuse me, I'm going to go lay down & take a nap!!!

Dr.'s Appointment

OK...so that the pictures are on the post below...remember, I warned you that they weren't pretty!! We went to the Dr. today to get my staples/stitches out. I was hoping that there would be someone there that looked as bad as me, but no...not even a blemish!! :o) Dr. Byrne (just love that man) was very pleased with everything so far (how can he really tell already?). He seems to think that there is already movement so he was VERY EXCITED (as are we!)! Some of the stitches dissolve which we were glad b/c we didn't think that they were ready to be totally gone. The "dis solvable" ones are light though so you can't see them! Glad for a good report -- headed home to see my girlies in the morning! :o)

Pictures..Long Awaited?? NOT pretty!!

Just a thought...

WHY DID I PACK MY MAKE-UP? I put it on in the car the other morning on the way to the airport and then made sure I put it in my suitcase...where it has stayed!! I certainly didn't take time to put it on Friday before surgery and I feel like I have quite enough "color" on my face now!! How silly...& I was so impressed with the little amount that I packed!! LOL!!! :o)

Wednesday Night

This is sure different for us since we are always at church on Wednesday nights - about this time I am usually helping Vicki clean-up the kitchen from the meal she fixes each week. I guess I haven't been much help the last few weeks...sorry, Vicki! I am feeling pretty good. I took a bath today - it went much better than the last shower (Monday) when I got very nauseous. Today I wasn't nauseous at all until long AFTER the bath the afternoon. It just comes and goes -- I think it all has to do with the whole liquid diet, too much medicine and trying to get used to real food again...I know it will get better. We go back to the Dr. tomorrow afternoon to get the stitches out and make sure everything is going OK. I will probably try to do pictures after that. Remember, I still look AWFUL - just better than the few days ago. Melynn didn't come yesterday and she thought I looked even better tonight. She was able to come hang out for a while before her Bible Study that she does on Wednesday nights. She said she would miss us when we leave -- we will miss her too -- we have REALLY enjoyed getting to know her and have had some great discussions! She got me a Johns Hopkins hat to wear on the plane - I didn't even think about bringing one o wear home and I thought that a JH's one would be only fitting! Better run - Dave & I are going to try to watch a DVD!

Better than coffee

OK...I think that I figured out something better than coffee...finally getting to brush my teeth!! Thanks to Hillary for putting a "soft" toothbrush in my little care package! My friend, Nancy (that told me about the surgery), had told me to get a baby toothbrush, but I couldn't really find one, but the super soft one worked.
Isn't Grandpa's name Zeb or something like that? I know that the Dr. on Little House is Hiram.

OK...here is the big question...you have to weigh in on this...are you ready for pictures?? Let me know!!

Tuesday

Well, I have gotten a slow start this morning, but I think in the whole scheme of things, that is good. I finally slept REALLY pretty good -- I'm going to try the bed tonight. I think now that the anesthesia is getting out, I am needing a bit more sleep...thus causing the "sluggish" start! Melynn came over last night (& of course she brought dinner - she is just a Godsend!) and we watched Dancing With the Stars. She had never seen it so we were explaining it to her - we definitely commented on their LACK of costumes! Oh my goodness! Did anyone hear in the National news about the man that drowned his 3 kids (AWFUL!!)?? It all happened 2 doors (right angle) down at the Marriott -- I can see their entrance (well) from our bedroom. So horrible...
Well, nothing exciting happening today except the Comcast guy is supposed to come & hook everything up better! Whoo-hoo! :o)