FRIDAY -- WALKING & TALKING!!!

FRIDAY-Walking and TALKING! I had a surprise call from Tom's hospital nurse this morning that he wanted to TALK TO ME--they put him on and he TALKED-sounded 90% like his old self-said he "was looking for a lovely girl for a date"! It was WONDERFUL-no more dialysis he said, and he hopes to walk more again today-is making it thus far on trach collar so that is also good!
I also believe they are aggressively moving him to get stronger so he can move soon closer to Orlando into a skilled facility for rehab before he would come home-definitely insurance would be happy, and we would all be closer to getting him back to all of us normal! And he misses all of us so-told me to tell the kids and all-so maybe now I can leave him his cellphone and he can definitely chat with all--
I will go again this week-end to see him-HAPPY DAY!

WEDNESDAY -- A GREAT VISIT!

ONWARD AND WALKING-yes, yesterday, Wednesday, Erik and I arrived at his new private room to see him sitting in a chair, a little weary, but alert and he had walked unassisted 20 yards down the hall and 20 yards back..

Was breathing on his own with trach collar 16 hours the day before, and was on again all day yesterday-once he can go the full 24 hours, he will officially be "off vent" and on to more rehab--still a little dialysis now and then as he produces so much fluid. They plan to do a scope of his stomach to assess a little bleeding there-may be a "peptic ulcer", but that would not surprise me after many thousands of $ of prescription drugs they have plied him with!
He wants the scope to have all answers he can. Fragile, but strong, good in mind, determined, and progressing slowly but surely..ERIK was terrific with him-helped him back into bed, cheered him up so, and is on top of everything. Bodily, they are alike so that is good too as Erik does a lot of homework about technical things in every direction. Meanwhile, I had such good conversations again with him, learning more and more how smart and valuable he is to his clients, and moving into some cybercrime he also understands-could be a good complement to his ongoing business. And we enjoy a little dinner on way back, sitting on the patio looking at florida sun setting--not so bad.
ONWARD and more walking--still a long way to go-
Enjoy your florida day, where ever you are-such a beautiful time of year.

FEELING HAPPY TODAY!!!

GOOD NEWS TODAY!

Tom continuing slowly and steadily on the road to recovery and making great progress!!! Hoping he has a good night in his private room now that he is out of ICU! Keep up the good work, Tom! We're all thinking of you and cheering you on!!!

A BIG LEAP FORWARD!!!

HEAR YE, HEAR YE-- I was told by our nurse this morning they are moving him to his own private room-- this is a first since FEBRUARY 24--they hope he will breathe all 24 hours on his trach collar, which is mostly on his OWN--we are moving along...just hope he is okay with all-- he can get a little scared now and then-- so think of him tonight!!
Awesome-

SUNDAY -- A NICE DAY TOGETHER!

Plodding along together....

MONDAY MORNING SOLID-Terrible rain storm last night which took me a long time to come back from Tampa, but I had a grand time with Tom, covered the waterfront of news, and he is steady and solid-heartrate and bloodpressure right on, breathing on his own all day Saturday (back on vent at night to rest), and on his own all day Sunday--sharp as a tack, and sweet and loving.
Hope to get him up again today. Stopped dialysis again for a few days, but had taken 24 lbs of fluid out of him last week, so he looks real good now and hoping in time his one kidney will crank into better action-
Bears returned to feeder at midnight, even in thunder, lightning and rain, and one stood over 9 feet tall-never saw such a big one!! Came right up on patio and looked at me in the eye and cats were hovering! (This pic is one from GOOGLE, not the bear I saw...)
So glad to hear our friends John and Ginny Lord will fly to Tampa mid-May and thrilled that we will see them-will mean a lot to Tom as well--Jon also wants to come back again about that time, so hope there is major improvement by then, maybe even talking some!!
Love all the touches on the blog- so special-he will be so happy to see it all one of these days--
Have a great, clean, fresh MONDAY-rain

LIFE IS LIKE A RAINBOW....

RAINING IN FLORIDA! but....

Clouds and....

rain...

bring flowers!

HAPPY SPRING!

Out of our "cloudy days", some sweetness blooms!

MID-WEEK UPDATE

MID-WEEK solidity--got there earlier today and he was finishing up dialysis, looked very relaxed and quite content and very alert--this dialysis is temporary, but currently quite often to get his creatnin lower--and his kidney function more stable-still too up and down--We had a great time, I can read his lips better, and he writes quite very well now for notes.

Anxious to get up, but can't quite yet-he bled some yesterday at a catheter when they stood him up--a little more time perhaps. He breathes some on his own, but we hope soon, much MORE!! He can't get out of ICU, into a room and home to Orlando until this breathing is independent!!

I brought the sportpage, he loves his sports and the upcoming draft and loves his Orlando Magic!







Told him I had been approved for a new roof from wind damage a year ago and quite a few missing shingles, so that is SUPER news! Business is still a little quiet, but spurts of news and appointments coming up-like Erik reminds me, it is the "ebb and flow" of life, and right now things are ebbing!! He is busy, and that is so good. Jon leaves tomorrow morning for a little caribbean beach vacation which he so deserves after finishing the new trip catalog this week-we can find him, and Stef, but probably will let them relax! THEN he goes to Mongolia early July with a National Geographic trip-he is loving that..yerts and all!
Love the tulips from Sharon--love this time of year, and hope for more good times and things-love to all.

BOUQUET OF GET WELL WISHES!

Sending thoughts and a bouquet of cheer!

SUNDAY -- SOLID BUT SLOW!

SOLID BUT SLOW-that was what we thought when we beat the rain to visit with Tom Sunday, Erik and I--had had dialysis to get his creatnin down again, and it is working abit-was perky enough to enjoy some jokes, write some conversation, and catch up on all news-also back on ventilator, so not strong enough yet to go too far-but he makes scurrying tracks with his fingers showing he would like to get up and walk SOON-let's hope. Bumps and jumps-wishes that he were in Orlando instead, but probably cannot be, but I called his doctor here to ask a few questions for all of us. Erik is terrific and then took me to dinner in Tampa-Tom is so glad to see us and tells us not to be "strangers"--forgot to tell him the bear visited our birdfeeder again, but he wanted to watch the Magic game too, and they did win!
Sharon and Kent sent a nice photo book for him that I shall be delighted to take the next time I go-he will enjoy that and so will the staff! Thanks so-
Spring is springing but we are all still waiting to jump!
Thanks, all--
(Lovely card too from Sharon's friends, the Mitchells, in NH-so nice-)

THINKING OF YOU!

Flitting your way bringing GET WELL cheer!

Best wishes, Tom!

SATURDAY -- PORT IN TODAY FOR DIALYSIS

FEELIN' GROGGY TODAY!














ROCK IN PLACE one more day--they are late to get his port in and start dialysis by 2 days so TODAY they are finally doing so, and he is sedated-probably only take 2-4 hours, BUT, he will be groggy, so Erik and I will probably go over tomorrow to have a better quality experience--meanwhile, Kathy, Erik and I are going to go up to nearby Mt. Dora for afternoon, walk around the cute little town, have a little lunch, and enjoy the beautiful day-tomorrow it may rain..
AND believe it or not, there was a turtle , a big one, walking toward our pond yesterday morning when I went to get in my car, and I considered it a good good omen especially from Sharon, who reminds me not to think of frogs for Kent, but turtles for Tom! Onward--I had not seen a turtle around here for months, maybe years--!! Marilyn


P.S. This is Sharon explaining about the turtles.... Rather than looking for big "frog leaps" in progress in Tom's recovery, I reminded Marilyn of The Hare & the Tortoise story -- slow and steady wins the race. Hoping Tom keeps steadily plodding along on the road to recovery -- slowly, a step at a time, sometimes just resting, sometimes a bump in the road, but moving forward! I found lots of pictures of turtles on line that fit the various stages of Tom's journey to recovery, so you'll be seeing them now and then on the blog. :)

TOM STANDING AND IN A CHAIR!

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED-it's tax day and Tom stood up yesterday and sat in chair-a first for a long while--they plan to do a little more temporary dialysis again tomorrow as lab tests showed his creatnin was high again, (grr), but over all-we are marching. Will be back over to Tampa in day or two again to say Hello, and share with him all the greetings, love, hugs, prayers that are coming his way (and mine)-thanks so-

SLOWLY BUT SURELY....

SLOWLY, BUT SURELY--trekked to Tampa to find him quiet, all together and aware of all-good color, at peace and breathing on his own with CPAP machine which means he initiates the breaths and oxygen is forced behind it-will put him back on vent tonight to rest himself and go again tomorrow, longer and longer until he does 24 hours on his own-- I had been greatly concerned but most of my questions had answers today, and best of all a phone call, at my request, from his beloved kidney doctor in Orlando who is following him and caring-a great opportunity for me to ask a few questions and get clear answers that we are on the right track, albeit a little slow, but baby steps are the answer he says and it is working!!
Tom whispered questions about my business and asked about the kids and knows it is 50 days today that he is in this venture-he rolls his eyes, is a little bored for sure, but I talked about a lot of things to feed his thoughts and left him to think about lovely things, memories, and people .
So I feel quite better and believe no one can know how long or when but that we WILL get there and it will be sweet-
So much thanks to all who care and let us know that--I appreciated a surprise in the mail when Jon's boss at National Geographic sent cards to both Tom and me with such sweet comments that Jon is such a fine employee and we can be so proud--means a lot and was nice to know that all at National Geographic also are cheering for us all!
Slowly, but surely--
Erik was caring, and last night came by the house with a box of chicken wings and ice tea and time for me-we sat on back patio and enjoyed each other again, along with the pond behind us and lovely evening-so sweet of him.

TUESDAY AM -- OFF TO TAMPA TO CHECK ON TOM

Tuesday morning with marilyn--not much new news-so am trekking to Tampa right after a morning appointment to get the latest info-have a good day, and special thanks to Steve-means a lot and will pass it on. Love the flower basket too-

BOUQUET OF GOOD WISHES!

Basket of cheery wishes for a good week!!!

SUNDAY UPDATE -- TIRED BUT GAINING!

ROCKIN' IN PLACE--Still very tired, by 2:30 this afternoon, vital signs dropping abit, they decided to put him back on some support to give him a little rest-he nearly made 3 days, and perhaps next time will make even more-he had perked up tonight. So that is good. Will try to get him into a chair tomorrow-and that is good. May try to go over again Tuesday afternoon since he did not probably remember we were there-appreciate all cards, greetings, photos! Rockin' in place on a lovely spring night--

BEST WISHES FROM YOUR SISTERS & FAMILIES!

We're thinking of you all and hope Tom feels better every day! Lots of love from your sisters and families!
John & Donna and Sharon & Kent

SATURDAY VISIT TO TAMPA

BRIEFLY-Erik worked all night Friday to solve computer issues with a client, we delivered the computers and trekked to Tampa, enjoying conversation on the way-but alas, when we got to see Tom, he was quite soundly asleep and other then opening his eyes a few times for peeps, nodding a little, he was really zonked so we did not have much social interaction--HOWEVER, he is breathing on his own completely with the help of the trach collar which gives additional oxygen..and it is tiring, BUT he is making it...getting muscles to work again...one never appreciates the ease of breathing until experiencing the vision of re-gaining same after losing it for awhile..makes one appreciate all. Life is precious. Erik was terrific, my sister Donna thrilled me with a darling flower arrangement to cheer, and it is a slow climb, but upward. Good night.
Marilyn




My sister
Donna

FRIDAY UPDATE

Tom saw some of Tiger yesterday, and it was quite awesome -- then fell asleep, but hopefully will watch more today. ALSO called the hospital this morning, and he had a good night and is continuing to breathe on his own at this time -- HURRAY -- that is good news for the day, and hope he can keep it up.
Got some pictures today of Jon golfing that I thought I would share on the blog. Marilyn

THURSDAY -- MAKING PROGRESS!

(My sister Sharon -- blogger assistant)
FLOWERS AND ALL-what a goodly time of year--and loving Sharon's touches on the blog.


Called to Tampa today and he was alert, bored (which is a good sign) and doing well overall--they began again to wean him from trach support, and put a collar on today which means he was breathing quite long on his own, and they will teach him how to speak with that as well until it comes off for good..he got tired, and was asleep when I called-but had been watching Tiger and the golf tournament-Tiger had a good day, and so did Tom--on par!
Getting into the swing of recovery now... Makes for brighter days!

Thinking of you!

HAVE A GOOD DAY!!!

WEDNESDAY ANOTHER GOOD DAY!

It's Another Good Day-alert, stable, fully aware, writing a little to communicate, and though a little bored, resting well and all are pleased. As to the SCAN-there was no word on any result late this afternoon from yesterday morning, so all are concluding that it was fine--but we shall confirm such of course. Cardiologist lady was there-I had met her before-and she said he looked so much better and couldn't imagine there were any problems--his heart rate now is perfect. So we are beginning to count the flowers and days until any kind of normalcy returns-but no one knows when--he needs to get a bit stronger to begin weaning off the vent and that is the next major step and from there, the stairway climbs!
It's a grueling trip over to Tampa, but always worth it; and I combine it with other things including a good appointment at a new hotel expansion this morning. Plus the Orlando Magic are calling me so there may be some opportunity there with the new arena--but no purchase orders yet!
Beautiful evening, and I feel good!

TUESDAY TO TAMPA GENERAL FOR SCAN

NEWS TODAY - he went for scan to Tampa General and is back asleep-may not know much until tomorrow about results-but all else is stable-it's quite an ordeal to pack up and go by ambulance with equipment etc.- I shall visit him tomorrow and catch up on all-photos are special and I thank my sister Sharon again ..and again..Much love to all-

PICTURES FROM OUTER BANKS, NC LAST JUNE

Jon & Stef sent these pictures from when they met Tom at the Outer Banks in North Carolina last June. Good family times together to share.....



Tom & Jon
by their tents






























Jon & Stef


















Jon fishing


















Tom fishing












Hoping there will be more good fishing days ahead.... :)

MONDAY UPDATE -- APRIL 5TH

Scan appt. tomorrow now and not today. Briefly, that's all I know at this point, BUT he is having a very good day, cheerful, alert and now resting peacefully -- maybe he is feeling all the good will and love from everywhere -- we all hope so.
Love, Marilyn

Butterfly flitted back again Sunday bringing cheer...

SUNDAY -- HURRAY! A GREAT DAY!

HURRAY-alert and waiting for Erik and I to arrive, glasses on, smile on face, just terrific-wanted to clarify just where he was, how he got there, and what was going on-Erik was so delighted to see him so normal and he was thrilled to see us both-spent quite alot of time, and surely love his nurse June who is so tuned in to his PROGRESS rather than more worried about his illnesses-she does the minimal to help him get more independent and we all like that.
Now tomorrow they will take him to big hospital for CT scan of his abdomen to make sure there is nothing abnormal, so we all cross our fingers-there is still so much drainage out of the wound area.
Still on trach of course, but the goal is to get him stronger and begin to truly wean him off, get him speaking again--all a challenge, but doable.

We so enjoyed our time with him and know it meant alot to him too-again, we entertained the little ICU area and had lotsa gibittzes and facial expressions-was terrific. Beautiful day in florida-one step at a time onward. Love to all

Hi Dad!

Good to see

you so perky

today!

FRIDAY AFTERNOON -- STABLE!

Friday the afternoon--no bed in ICU at Tampa General today, but maybe tomorrow-meanwhile he is stable, alert, NO fever and still on vent-not sure what is exactly going on, but will learn soon I am sure-so he is staying where he is for now--
Warmly, Marilyn

FRIDAY MORNING UPDATE -- APRIL 2ND

Good morning Friday-late last night there were more phone calls and consultations-so there is to be no more dialysis at this time-the real problem is his overall acidic state which has allowed this infection to reoccur around his stomach and wound area, and the fear is it could spread throughout his body, especially with mitral valves-that would not be good--SO they are transferring him today from this smaller hospital to TAMPA GENERAL which is big and has the capacity to scan and also treat-he will be in ICU there, and that is probably a better thing-time is of the essence--and this acidosous (spelling) has caused his heart to drop at times too -this is a REPEAT of what happened before and they are so correct it seems in diagnosing it and also taking moves-his Orlando drs. will be back this week-end and I hope to connect them with the team in Tampa for any other imput.
But that is where we are, and I LOVE the petunias and butterfly-it is amazing how the internet, when used so sweetly and wisely, can bring such specific cheer-thank you Sharon..

KEEPING HOPEFUL FOR CHEERIER DAYS....

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 UPDATE -- RECURRING INFECTION

Okay, I love the flower greeting Sharon sent and tomorrow I shall buy some pink petunias to remind me longterm of how beautiful all is- there was a butterfly in the greeting, and it flitted all around and reminded me of the fragility of any of our relationships, and that today "it" may be catchable and close, and tomorrow it may flit far, too far to catch..
I learned finally a little more today that Tom is very sick again, with a recurring infection around his wound, that his body is very acidic which is good environment to foster infections, that he is accumulating fluids again, his kidney cannot keep up the good work of processing same, and tonight they may reconsider dialysis again, which I have learned is a good thing as it can push through cleaner bloods/fluids and get him normalized again--meanwhile, we are on a backslide temporarily as this is a repeat of what happened one time in Orlando--and it is tinged with sadness as it just makes one wonder how strong he ever will be to get all this in perspective again. On the other hand, perhaps it is the part of the uphill battle to do same, as when I saw him Monday and loved our time together, he was in my mind well on his way to normalcy and good times again..but alas, the butterfly has flitted elsewhere, hopefully to bring back some sweet nectar to make things positive again for all, and maybe a few days from now we will see the fruit of just that.
Meanwhile, time will do its work and it proves again in the florida sun that so much is out of our direct control. I just hope the butterfly did not flit away and leave me..I can find a tear or two about such a thought.