Asher -- HOME

ASHER IS HOME!!
I spent Shabbat in the hospital with Asher. Mostly slept in the chair, but at 2 in the morning I crawled into a corner in his bed and slept a little while. Shabbat morning, Asher was much better. He ate g'fish (thanks Sharon and Stuart), and a little challah. The residents came by, his surgeon came by, his GI doctor came by. And they told us that at 530 he could go home. We had a quiet day. Asher walked around the hospital, tried steps (no problem) and got the IV taken out. He cant lift anything, so I packed up the car, he got wheeled down and I drove him home.
He cant eat sugar, it creates a syndrome called "dumping" . Jonathan made banana oatmeal cookies and I made banana bread (theme here?) Raphi and Susan came to visit - we had home made hot chocolate (not Asher).
AND, best news, we both pretty much slept through the night.
We thank everyone for their prayers. And visitors are welcome!

Asher -- Erev Shabbat

Asher is much better!!! Tubes are gone (except for IV). He showered. and best of all got to drink Rebecca's yogurt shake this morning. Nice visit with Rebecca and Saul. Now we're preparing for Shabbat. We have electric candles and the Yedwabs got me (us -- if he's allowed) food for Shabbat, including cookie s-- good people!!! We're hoping that Asher can come home Sunday morning.

Regular Room

GOOD DAY!!!
Jonathan brought chicken broth (no kosher chicken broth or jello at Micha-el Ha Tzaddik. and he brought Asher his own version of Casey. Earlier the Yedwab's visited and his cousins Suzie and Roger sent beautiful flowers. Later Rebecca and Saul came bearing newspapers and watnots. The visits made Asher very happy.
He WALKED! up and down the hallway several times. And he ate ices and the broth.
Visitors welcome.....
After everyone left I climbed into the bed (Asher was reading in the chair) and I slept for about 2 hours.
Asher got into bed, and I crawled in next to him and we watched Julia and Julie. I loved it - he thought it was cute. Although he told me that I was "detergent to his laundry." Unfortunately laughing so hard was painful for him.

Left near my usual midnight. The front entrance is locked and I have to leave through the emergency room.
(this is for Midge ---) I use to get really sick from the chemo. And on father's day, the kids went to see their father and my folks went to my brother's. I waited until they had all left. but then I called Midge and David. I was very sick and had to go to the emergency room at St Michael's (and hadnt been back until this week - the memories came flooding back.) Midge took me to the hospital and stayed with me (and missed a wedding) meanwhile she was in a foot cast, so she was sitting on the table. I had terrible stomach pains and was happier doubled over sitting on the chair. The doctor comes in and begins talking to Midge and it was a few minutes before he realized that I was the patient. It was all rather comical -- Midge and I described it as Lucy and Ethel go to the emergency room.

So its nearly one, but I cant sleep. Although i've barely slept this whole week, except in Asher's bed. I'm staying overnight at the hospital for Shabbat. Maybe I can sleep in Asher's bed again tomorrow LOL.

Post Surgery - out of ICU

Asher is out of ICU and feeling much better. The surgical cut doesnt look so bad (he's been showing visitors). And he's feeling much better !!!! it seems all my work to get kosher food went awry. So we've put out a request for someone to make and bring us sugar free jello. And maybe Jonathan can get us some clear broth for Asher.
They took away his happy button and now will only get pain meds if he specifically requests it. We're hoping other tubes will get taken out during the day. And they want him to walk. He's eating lemon ices and is very happy about it! I dont know if you can tell from the picture (he's on the phone with BethAnne) but he's looking much better.

Post surgery - 24 hours later

Asher is doing very well. B"H
While he's still in ICU, they are trying to find a bed for him in a regular unit. His color looks good and his tests and evaluations are good. His surgeon and doctor have been into see him and they are pleased.
He had company today (real company -- not just me) and sat in a chair for several hours.
We are very encouraged. We're past surgery stage and into recovery stage.
St Michael's is excellent. In fact, the nursing staff is much more responsive than Mt Sinai. The staff here care.
thank you all for your wishes and blessings
(and chocolate!!!)

Day After

Asher is sleeping here. He was in recovery until 11pm when they finally had an available room in ICU. While in recovery Yoel came out. He was so good with me. I needed the company. We visited Asher for about 5 minutes every half hour and read food blogs while we waited for Rebecca, Saul and some much needed food! We visited a few more times. Then after the kids left, I was able to stay in recovery with Asher. The ICU was exactly what Asher didnt want! Noisy, bright, busy!!! First we had to cover Yashki (his Jewish name). Then Cindy - wonderful nurse - closed the lights, and was planning to close the doors. However, about midnight when it was clear that Asher was actually sleeping, she forced me to go home. Seidel (Asher's favorite niece) was terrific. She talked with me all the way home by phone. I had difficulty sleeping - and finally spoke to the nurses about 6am. They said Asher had a good night. I'll see him this morning. Then Raphi is going to sit with him, so I can go to my office luncheon for an hour. All your t'fillot were wonderful. THANKS

I have a FLAT TIRE! urg

Post Surgery - Same Day

At 430 Dr Constantine found me in the waiting room to tell me that the surgery had gone well. He described the surgery and explained that he removed the bottom half of the stomach. He reattached the intestines -- but i dont get all the details. I know that where the reattachment occurred, it has to heal for 48 hours before Asher can eat. Meanwhile there's a tube from his stomach, through the esophagus and out his nose. that'll be there for awhile. I know there was going to be a tube in his stomach. I asked the surgeon about it, and he realized that i thought there would be a tube literally sticking out Asher's stomach like from an alien movie -- he got a good laugh out of that!! The ulcer and stomach will be biopsed, but he's confident that it'll be clean.
I got to see Asher in recovery -- he's pale, with lots of tubes out of his nose and lots of IV's into his hand. I met with the surgeon and a cardiologist and a pain manager. Asher is nauseous -- they gave him something. and he said his pain level was 10 out of a 0 - 10 scale -- they gave him opiates. I think those drugs are making him sleep. So i'm out here another 15 minutes until i can go check again. Meanwhile i put his suitcase back in the car as ICU wont let him have anything in it tonight. I've just got my backpack with my pocketbook and laptop and finals that i havent graded yet. after yoel and becca leave i'll grade some.

On one level it doesnt feel stressful, everything is happening as they said it would. on the other hand - I got light headed so that's why I took the last break (the 30 minutes i have to wait until I can see him again) to go out to the car and return his suitcase. The fresh air felt good. And Becca is stopping to get me some dinner.

Nothing like a major surgery to remind one of how integrated another person is in her life.

S - Day In surgery

I got to the hospital around 1230, I had dropped Asher off at 830 this morning. I went up to the 4th floor and found some of the nurses I know to see if they could tell me the status of the surgery – when what do I hear. “Sheri” “Sheri” Around the corner there was my hubby – in his hospital gown, reading a book. They had taken his phone about 2 hours prior (and his book, but he got one of the nurses to give him back the book). I gave him my phone and he called Rebecca, Yoel and BethAnne (Jonathan is working and cant take calls.) (Picture of Asher on phone).
They finally put him on a gurney and took him to the HOLDING area. (Picture of Asher in holding and picture of Asher with his new hat!) He had to sign all the forms, allowing for anesthesiology, blood transfusion – if needed, and finally for the actual surgery. They asked him his name about 10 times and his birthdate. So often in fact, that he no longer knew what they wanted from him! Apparently to make sure that he was cognizant – except they were making him crazy. They put in the I.V. – it took two sticks. Then we discussed how they were putting him out…. With opiates, and then zanex type meds to keep him out. During recovery there are other opiates – but not morphine, it seems that morphine is old school. We spoke to the surgeon – Dr Constantine. He told me where to wait (in the surgical waiting area) and that he’d come see me in about 2 hours.
Becca and Yoel are coming tonight.
The good news is that the most dangerous part is the actual surgery. When its over, then its all recovery. I was surprised how anxious I got in the holding room. Intellectually I know that this surgery will be fine. ……… I let Maurice know he just went in.

OK. Going to read a book. First have to put on my snuggie……

S - Day

Asher packed. What do you need for 5 days in the hospital? Books, socks (they dont let you wear much other clothing), t'fillin, toothbrush, contact lens (yea, he only wears one -- his own method for distance and reading), sweats, hair brush -- and then I added a little pillow and snuggie, clean clothes for tomorrow. He was a little anxious. This morning he spends his time in pre-admissions, I'll be in a meeting across the street from the hospital and meet him a little later on.
And yes, there will be more pictures.
Asher has now shared this link with a bunch more people. So we'll be sure to keep it updated and let you know how he is doing.
Its a little wierd. Asher is in good health. He could have gone jogging this morning, instead he was preparing to go into surgery....
I'll check back in a couple of hours.
OK 10:45 they took away Asher's phone. THey took his blood for some more testing, everything is fine. He should go in within the hour. Now I'm anxious. For no reason. I'm across the street at a meeting and they took his phone so I feel the loss of connection. Cant wait to go over.

family illness plus 2

Lest you think we are overly obsessed about this surgery....Asher and Casey went hiking today. This is one of Asher's photgraph's. (And for you young'ens who didnt want to look at his stomach pre surgery -- this picture more to your liking?)


So you might ask - why is Sheri keeping this blog? for two reasons -- one, that I really want to have an accounting of the whole process. two, to inject humor and humanity into the process for us. Hey I'm a sociologist and a techno nerd -- blogs are a perfect medium for me! In fact, if you want to see the work Asher has done on our bathroom you can view our bathroom renovation blog at http://bathroomrenovationby3in1homeimproveme.blogspot.com/ The blogs start with the most recent listing.)
This morning we spent a great deal of time on the phone with admissions/pre op. We reviewed all Asher's medications, his past medical histories, his thoughts on suicide (none), does he feel safe in his house (depends on Sheri's moods) and so on.
Our plans for a big last supper at Mosaica (thanks to a gift certificate) got snowed in... we'll have a celbration dinner in about 2 months when Asher can enjoy it.

family illness plus three

Pre surgery stomach.

I have a cold. So went to doc so I can be better before tuesday. Did you ever use a netti pot? Water up one nostril and out the other. Totally gross but works. Meanwhile the patient made lists and bought little things foe the hospial. He spent the day with his daughter. And we took care of the health proxy and hippa forms. He's less freaked today. But generally unhappy. We took a picture of his tummy preop. Ill post tomorrow. He keeps sighing.

Hospital Stay Minus 3

On Thursday we made the decision for Asher to have the surgery to remove a non healing ulcer from his stomach. Its not a trivial surgery. On Tuesday he will go to St Michael's and in the early afternoon they'll do a 3 hour surgery. He'll have a 5 day stay in the hospital. Tonight we went book shopping and began preparing a list of what we need in the hospital. The surgeon is confident that the biopsies will find the ulcer to still be clean. That's a relief! The surgeon will cut through connective tissue - not muscle -- but its still a 6 week recovery. Its an open surgery (not laparoscopic) -- that's common for this surgery and because of the placement of this ulcer on the back wall of the stomach. Nonetheless - surgery is scary. And we've made sure that all the contingencies are in place. Asher ben Channa. Please keep us in mind. We'll keep you informed!