Kathleen was able to get a good night's sleep. She was up and walking already this morning. The doctor stopped by to change her bandages and our instructions are to try and walk at least 6 times today, so 1 down, 5 to go. She was steady on her feet, so her brain is adapting to only having one balance nerve quite well. Still a lot of swelling and her right side facial nerve is not functioning very well, but the doctors tell us this is normal when there is a lot of swelling. She was able to eat part of a piece of toast and drink a little water, so the score is Kathleen 1, nausea 0 in the early part of the first half. (I could have gone with "after the first inning", but with world cup soccer in the forefront, I thought the soccer reference was a bit more appropriate).
We found out something interesting about our room -- It is lead lined. The doctor tried to tell us it was because they use this room for radiation treatment, but personally, I think the nurses knew they were dealing with super woman, so they put us here instead of a regular room. ;-)
Our room is becoming quite the flower shop! Thansk to everyone for the gifts, thoughts and prayers. They really help lift Kathleen's spirits. She is fully up to speed on all the messages sent via the blog, so keep them coming!
---Mark
Kathleen,
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear everything is going well. My Mom and Dad send their well wishes, this computer communication is WAY too much for them. I made Kathleen potatoes last night in your honor (that's how I have them labeled on my recipe card) you know those yummy hash brown cheesy things...yummy!!!! I hope you have wonderful walks today! I'll be thinking of you and sending well wishes your way all day!! Tootles, Aunt Amy
Last night we had a big rain and hail storm, and the wounded clump birch on the side of the house now is leaning on the house when the wind blows. Delaney has suggested we get a metal rod with threads in it, and band the tree together. Uncle Buck is working on the equipment side of this.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are bouncing back, keep it up.
I will see if D will go on 6 walks today.
Uncle Buck and Grams
So happy that we were able to tell Rich's Sat. morning pray group that you are doing well. You have been on their prayer list. Love getting these frequent updates. Aunt Martha & Uncle Rich.
ReplyDeleteKathleen, Glad to hear you are continuing to make good progress. You and your family remain in our prayers and know that you will continue to get stronger. Just a thought, but every time I have a bad headache, I drink red wine and it seems to help. Have Mark get you a bottle of something nice! Best wishes, Chris and Sherri Thornton
ReplyDeleteHappy Saturday! Glad to hear Kathleen is up and able to eat a little something. Let us know when you are coming home and what would be helpful to have. Meals? Snacks? Beverages? Anything at all.
ReplyDeleteWe are coming to Cedar Rapids this afternoon - anything you need from home just call my cell and we can drop off at the hospital.
Kathleen we love you very much and are so very proud of you!!!! Please ask, ask, ask for anything or any help you may need, it is never an imposition. See you soon and take care!!!!
Love ya
Erin
Happy Saturday M & K, Great news...caught up on some sleep, eating a bit & walking. Keep up the progress. Maybe some simple stock would go down well. I stopped by to see Red, Bonita, Delaney & Sydney (Kinsey was napping) a little while ago. Sydney popped Delaney's Buzz Lightyear kite...perhaps dog ownership can wait ;)Good luck with your 6(!) walks today and may the meds keep you feelin' fine! XOXOXOXO
ReplyDeleteKathleen...
ReplyDeleteThese posts were so confusing for me...until I realized that I was reading them "newest to oldest"...oh boy!
I'm so happy that you are doing well..Mark is not understating things when he calls you superwoman but I'm not sure about the lead lining hindering anything you might have planned. But try to hold back and just rest.
Thanks for the updates Mark!
XO - Lori
Kathleen, your progress sounds like it's going right as it should. That's such good news! Get the rest you need and everything is one step at a time. Feel better soon! and thanks for being such a good scribe, Mark!
ReplyDeleteToo funny on the lead-lined room comment. I think you both sound like a Super Duo. I bet Mark is keeping you smiling with his humor Kathleen. It's nice to get to "know" Mark, though I wish the circumstances were different.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the wonderful progress Kathleen. I think I see a new tag line for your DSP siggie: SUPER WOMAN!!! LOL.
Kathleen - you are in our thoughts and prayers every day. I laughed about the lead-lined room and all the comments about you managing the hospital!! I expect to see you posting instructions for DSP newbies any day... Cut yourself some slack, though, and relax a bit :)
ReplyDeleteLynnie
Mark, You are a great scribe, and your sense of humor I'm sure has helped calm some nerves. Kathleen, you are SuperWomen in so many ways, just keep your cape in the closet for now ... They've only asked you to walk, no flying for a few days. :) We are midway through Nebraska on a 13 hour drive home from the Rockies ... I'm guessing you would have picked 13 hours of the plains over Thursdays option ... So, we continue eastward without a peep of complaint when we think of our friend, and wish you a continued great recovery! Keep up the great reports! Lisa, Tim & Jack
ReplyDeleteKathleen, we are in Rapid City this weekend for a family reunion (approx. 50 of a much larger group were here). Anyway, we've done a bit of touristing between family events...said a prayer for you at the Stavkirke Chapel (a replica of a Norwegian chapel) and at the traveler's chapel in the Wall Drug complex in Wall, SD.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to hear that you continue on the mend. Keep up the good work!
Mark--I agree with the previous posters. You are doing a great job keeping us all up-to-date on Kathleen's progress. Thanks so much!
Awesome! Keep that good news coming!
ReplyDeleteI hope you're not only taking pictures of IV tethers and other hospital equipment, Mark. Take plenty of pictures of Mrs. Perfect Patient so we can have graphic evidence of her ordeal once her face returns to its beautiful self. When you're feeling up to it, Kathleen, I'll tell you about my own growth. Oh, okay, I'll tell you about it now: My right foot grew an inch! I thought it was evidence of late-blooming health, but noooo. It's evidence of falling arches. Oh well, the good news is that now we can share shoes!
ReplyDeleteLove you! Auntie JuJu
P.S. Thank you very much for doing the most to fill up the 2010 Family Picnic Post this year!
Kathleen, my thoughts and prayers continue to be with your and your family. Red threads, GrandmaCrys
ReplyDelete