TravelinSmiths

I’m feeling better every day and each day I’m growing anxious to go home. This Camp Boswell has been good to me and for me, but I want my own bed, in my own house without any hoses or plugs attached and without anyone coming around with needles in their hands.
It’s been nice having my family come each day to visit. My daughter, Christine and her husband, Clive from San Diego have been here as well as my daughter, Kathy, from Sebastopol. Kathy being an RN has made it wonderful for all of us in relating to my doctors and nurses. Roberta certainly has enjoyed their visit and it’s nice for me knowing that she is not going through this alone.

Wow! It’s amazing! After only 1 week since his surgery, Greg has mended so well that they’re giving him the Hi Sign to go home! Yesterday they unplugged him and literally removed his drainage plug. He’s able to eat solid foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and other soft foods, and finally able to enjoy his morning cups of coffee again. All his vitals are good and there’s just no reason to keepo him in the hospital, so they’re giving him the boot! Yee Ha!

With RN daughter, Kathy here, any home nursing care he may need is fully covered. He’ll be in good loving hands. I’m just waiting for his phone call telling us to come and get him.

Yes, this is a very good day! Our prayers have certainly been answered, we truely praise and give thanks to the Lord! Amen!

Each day brings more progress. Yesterday the doctor approved a limited liquid diet, and today he’s approved a more varied diet including soft foods. Boy, is Greg ready for that! And today he was separated from his week-long constant companion, his stand up pal, the IV stand. He has been set free and is now unplugged. Also, that one in particular stubborn bodily function is now cooperating and has finally agreed to move. Amazing what we take for granted until things don’t work for us as expected. So this is all very good progess! These were main hurdles he had to overcome before they would even think of releasing him. With these challenges conquerd, he may be able to come home as soon as tomorrow, Tuesday, or Wednesday. Great!

Now I just wish I could conquer my own challenge of figuring out how to send my phone’s photos to this dang computer so I could post more pix on this here blog. or whatever this is called. Yes, I know I was shown how, and yes, I thought I had it down, but the truth is that I’m dumb as a rock and for the life of me, I can’t get the darned photos to show up wherever they’re supposed to be on this computer. Sooooo, as of this posting, you’re out of luck. So I’m outtahere. Frustrated in Surprise, Roberta

Yum! Broth, and grape juice and jello! Absolutely delicious! After 7 days of no food, his new clear liquid diet tasted like a feast. He’s only been allowed to have ice chips since he went into the hospital on July 26. and the day before surgery, he was restricted from any food, so he’s a happy dude with this new menu change. And the doctor is hoping that this change in diet will help get some important bodily functions moving again. Hasn’t happened quite yet, but he says he’s feeling it and has had a few false alarms. Just what you wanted to know, right?

Well, here’s something you DO want to know: We got the results back yesterday from the pathologists tests: NEGATIVE! Negative on all counts. No cancer found in any of the colon removed, so no need for Chemo, no need for Radiation, and no need for any other form of cancer treatment. NO CANCER! This is one time when we are absolutely, positively thrilled to receive Negative news.

I will write more tomorrow and post some new photos (if I can figure out how to do this). So th-th-that’s all f-f-for n-n-now, f-f-folks. Best regards and bye for now, r

Ahhh, what a good boy!  Pee pee in the potty!   Good Boy!       Yes, this was a good day!   He was finally able to pass pee today, a giant step for mankind.  This is mandatory for his progress.    So, yeah,  he was a good boy today.   Other than that, it was a nice relaxing day for him.  We each had our time with him, we each had our time to take hin for his walks, and we were able to see more progress in his appearance and in his alertness.  He’s feeling good and looking good.

He still requests that I keep his cell phone for him as he doesn’t feel comfortable using the phone yet.  So I inform him of who has called and of all messages from our friends and family.  His surgeon came to visit today and is expecting the pathologist test results tomorrow.  This is definitely a time when we’re all praying for the Negative.  Positively!  We want a Negative on that test result.

Tomorrow, David will visit early to say his good-byes and will make the long 12-hour drive home to Livermore, CA.  I will miss him, as he has been so helpful and such a delight for me.  Also tomorrow, Christine’s husband Clive is due to arrive in the area on a business trip.  We’re hoping he will stay here with us and I will gladly surrender our master bedroom to them while he’s here.  I purchased a blow up single bed for my middle bedroom which Doug and then David slept on.  I’m anxious to give it a try, and Clive’s visit will give me a good excuse to move into that room.               So OK, that’s it for today.              Moving right along,  R

Well, we’re so happy to report that the surgery was successful and all went well. The surgeon removed approximately 12 inches of colon, and we’re still awaiting the final pathologist report of their findings from what was removed. Those reports should be available soon. In the meantime, Greg is looking alert and is able to walk, sit up, go to the bathroom and is able to sleep well. He’ll be progressing each day, and hopefully will be released by end of next week. It is so great that the “kids” are here with us; it means so much and they are so extremely helpful to both Greg and to myself. They are a big comfort. As for visiting and phone calls, he’s asked me to keep his phone for a few days as he wants and needs to concentrate on his recovery without distractions. He said when he feels stronger, he’ll want his phone with him and he’ll welcome phone calls. If you’re interested in sending cards, it’s best to just use our AZ address at Happy Trails. We are 17200 W. Bell Rd. #1460, Surprise AZ 85375. I take them to him and he enjoys having your greetings in the room with him. OK! He’s doing great! r

Hi all,
Gregs’ surgery went well. It was a long day, surgery took approximately 3.5 hours. They were able to do the surgery via a scope in a laproscopic mode which was less invasive and will make for a much faster recovery. It appears there was no cancer remaining in his colon, but we’ll know for sure when the pathologist comes back with his results. Greg is doing well and he had no pain as of 11:30 pm last night. We will keep you all update via post updates, daily, in the morning. Check the pictures out – he is in Boswell and will remain for about a week. He knows you are all concerned and welcomes your prayers. we’ll keep this updated as best we can. best regards, and thanks for your calls and best wishes. r