The good news is that Mom's c.diff seems to have resolved, although she will have to remain on the flagyl for some time, and she'll always be flagged as having the infection when she's admitted to the hospital, but so be it. At least we're making some progress.
The bad news is that Mom's colitis is extensive, and she will have to remain in the hospital for a few days and receive heavy doses of vancomycin. It's a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is great for treating nasty infections, but resistance can occur with this drug if not monitored and administered carefully. Patients on "vanc" often have to have peak and trough levels measured from carefully timed blood draws, and compliance (ie taking the drug as directed at home) is very important to prevent resistance as well.
Family visited throughout the day in shifts, and Gwennie delivered a few Christmas presents so Mom wouldn't feel as if she totally missed out. I've got to say, despite having her wisdom teeth pulled just a few days ago, that little lady has turned out to be quite the Mini Martha. I think she could have a great career in nursing :)
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!
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"Family visits throughout the day" are now more literally "throughout the day". We got the news last night that I can henceforth spend the night in downtown Hartford's The St. Francis with my dear wife until I am able to bring her home. Best of all, we got the honeymoon suite! (Not really, but we will somehow make it romantic.)
Thanks once again from Liz and me to EVERYONE who has been so generous and thoughtful throughout this character-building experience. As I hear the annual complaints about how commercial this holiday season has become, your kindness reminds me that the holiday spirit is alive and well both now and throughout the year.
Dear Lizzie,
Merry Christmas! Doug and I have been following Monica's accounts of your tumultuous post-op recovery. It has been a rough ride indeed. We know this has not gone as smoothly as you had hoped but we are grateful for the loving care and support of Paul, you family and closest friends and the extraordinary nursing care of Monica. You are blessed indeed.
We think of you often and will continue to send positive thoughts - and prayers - for success with your next challenge - chemotherapy. You are a strong woman, physically and in spirit, and we know you will come through this and regain your health and go on to new adventures.
Once you are feeling better and wanting company, we would like to bring in that meal and a movie we talked about pre-surgery. We are rootng for you and know that 2008 will bring all good things!
Love and special hugs to you and Paul,
Connie and Doug
PS We sent same email to St. Francis. If you are up to visitors at the hospital, we'd love to come fora quick visit. Monica, is she up to visits?
Monica, I assume your Mom is seeing these notes a few times a week as she was getting those from St. Francis.
Hey Liz- Know that we are all practicing patience too. Do you know how hard it is for close friends to sit on the sidelines?
I am so happy that you now have Nurse Judy managing your care. Oncology professionals have a far greater understanding of your needs both medical and personal. They listen, they hear and they respond. They don't take any chances.
By the way, I just got good news. My tumor has decreased in size in a very short time and my air passage has improved significantly (it had been almost totally obstructed). I'm on the road to recovery. I can't wait for you to join me on the same journey.
Hang in there. You'll get there; you just took an unpaved road.
Margot
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