February 26, 2010

Dad was welcomed into the arms of our Heavenly Father today at 10:56AM. We appreciate your never ending support. He was home with his family and very happy to be out of the hospital. I look forward to talking with you later about the incredible gift of being with Dad as he entered into paradise. God's Blessings!

February 24, 2010

Dad is taken off the respirator early today and the trach collar is already on by 9AM. We are thrilled that the hospital is moving so quickly, but also concerned that since Dad is now breathing on his own without support of the respirator, time is of the essence. We are with him again today and he is moved to an unmonitored room on the 3rd floor about 11AM. We are thrilled to have a room to ourselves where we can stay with Dad continuously, comforting him and keeping him strong in his wish to get home. Pastor Zelt arrives to visit today and while he is there, the doctors that will assist with Dad's move home meet with us in Dad's room. They will be treating Dad's symptoms not his illness during this time. They explain that we will be working with Hospice to make Dad's final time at home comfortable. The goal to get him to his home in Oakdale is not logistically possible and so we decide that moving Dad there would not be a safe decision. We all decide that my home in Fremont is the logical choice for Dad and he agrees. I am torn with this decision as I know how much everyone wants Dad at his home with Mom. I want to make sure that my family is alright with my home and they pour out the love of their hearts to me and tell me that they are happy to have Dad come to my home. The room is so peaceful without the constant sound of alarms and machines. They are giving Dad morphine now; 2 mg. constant drip, which I am told isn't much and also Adavan for any anxiety he may experience. The morphine works quickly and Dad goes to sleep. He sleeps for hours and we are not able to wake him. Sheri needs to drive home to Livermore to get her daughters, Brittney, Megan and Karlie to visit Dad. It is just too much to drive and so her boyfriend, Hugh offers to drive and get the girls and bring them back to the hospital. Dad is still sleeping and Dr. Sheikh comes into the room to explain that Dad's body is no longer absorbing the nutrition of the feeding tube and that he is planning to turn it off. He tells us that he doesn't expect him to wake and we gradually accept that Dad is in his final moments. We understand and agree to the removal of the feeding tube as this is a continuation of the request Dad gave us before he went into his deep sleep. We realize that the time is only drawing nearer now. I have a very strong need for my children to see their Papa, but it just isn't going to happen tonight as they are not local or working. Sheri and her girls arrive and Tammy is also there with her daughters Taylor and Leah. They are all standing around Dad's bed and the sobs and cries are heard throughout the hospital floor. We all try to comfort each other and explain that Papa went to sleep and the doctors don't expect him to wake. My son Joey is on his way as well and I am careful not to discuss Dad's condition as I want him to see his Papa, asleep or not. Joey arrives at about 9PM and Dad continues to sleep. He stays a bit and then drives back to his home in Livermore and the girls all decide to head down to the vending machines for snacks with their Grandma. While they are gone, the nurses come in and see that Dad needs to be shifted and they begin the tedious task of lifting moving and cleaning Dad up for his night of sleep. While they are doing this Dad wakes up and is wide awake! Someone calls the girls and they come running up to the room to see their Papa awake and smiling at them. The cry and laugh and spend time with him and he is awake and responsive for a long time. Sheri, Tammy and I finally decide that we should head home and Mom is going to sleep at the hospital tonight with Dad. Being out of ICU has many benefits and the nurses are as amazing as ever in their quest to take care of our father. I drive home feeling exhausted and concerned that we need to get Dad out of the hospital as quickly as possible.

February 23, 2010

This will be a short post today as it is 4:50AM and I functioning on very little sleep right now and need to get to the office as early as possible this morning. Tammy arrived at the hospital very early this morning and while she was there, she saw Dad's team of doctors and asked about the meeting today. They told her that they would meet with us at 1:00 in ICU. Tammy called us to let us know and we all prepared for what we expected would be a very long and exhausting day. Sheri and I headed to work early and handled business until about 10AM. It's just so hard to be working when our thoughts are constantly with Dad and our wanting to be with him. We arrived and spent the morning with Dad. There is a peace about him and he smiles constantly. He has told us that he wants to go home and this is why we are meeting with his doctors today. Dad is so peaceful today and he jokes with us and makes us laugh. We spend the morning just being with him and letting him know just how much we love him. Sheri, Tammy and I are so blessed to be able to spend the day with Dad and it is one of the best days ever with him since he has been in the hospital. At one point a new nurse starts her shift and Dad mouths that he wants ice chips. We look at each other, knowing that this just isn't possible. Dad is told that he can't have an ice chip and he puffs out his lip in that characteristic way and begins to cry and I say, yes you can Dad, I will get you an ice chip. The feeling of the room changes as Mom, Tammy and Sheri look at me like I am absolutely nuts! Sheri says, OK Miss Go To who can everything done. You get that ice chip for Dad and she tells Dad that Lynette is going to get that ice chip for him. All of this is done with great sarcasm as we know that he can't have one, but Dad believes I will get him that ice chip if it's the last thing I do. He smiles at me. Later that day, the doctors agree that Dad can have a couple of ice chips! I of course jump right in and tell Dad that I am responsible for getting those chips approved for him! Everyone laughs at my wanting to take credit for Dad's wish and he smiles as he looks at me, believing I had everything to do with getting that ice chip for him. It is a brief and humorous moment. At 1PM we meet with Dr. Sheikh, Dr. Whyte and Dr. Whyle to discuss Dad's wish to go home. They agree that this is not an unreasonable request as Dad has been through so much and he has fought so valiantly through it all. They explain to us that they will do everything they can to make this happen for Dad and for us. We tell Dad and he is so happy. He is ready to leave now, but we explain that the hospital although moving as quickly as possible right now, still moves very slowly. We tell him he will be home soon and promise he will soon be seeing his precious dogs, Nikki and Shadow. It is harder to leave tonight than any other night in the past 11 weeks, but knowing he will soon be home and at peace is all we need to keep us going another day. Please know that Dad is aware of all of the love and prayers of everyone out there. Although you have been so involved in his road to recovery, we must ask that you allow us the privacy our family now needs to get through his journey home. He expressed to us that he only wants to be with his family right now and we must respect his wishes. We love you all and thank you for being there for our family. We plan to be with Dad every minute of every day and to keep him safe and secure in his wish to go home. God's peace and love surrounds us and keeps us all strong.

February 23, 2010

Today's post will be very short. It is very early and I am working on very little sleep and need to get to the office as soon as possible today. Dad has asked that we take him home and the doctors have agreed to make that happen for him. Our family feels so blessed to have all of the support and love that you have wrapped around us during Dad's time in the hospital. We only ask that you understand that he has expressed to us that he wants only his family with him right now and although he feels deep love for all of you, we must respect his wishes and do everything we can to give him the peace he so deserves. I promise that I will try to keep everyone abreast of Dad's progression, but my only concern right now is my father and his wishes. Dad is so content and he is resting peacefully in his decision to go home and we want to make this happen as quickly as possible. The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine upon you and give you His peace. God's peace to each and every one of you.

February 22, 2010

For my birthday, Sheri bought me tickets to see a Christian singer that we love out in Lodi. We enjoyed the show and both felt it was good to get away from all of the worries of life for just a couple of hours. I am so thankful for my sister and her never ending love and support. We didn't get home until pretty late and by the time I got to bed, it seemed like it was already time to get up again. My plan this morning was to get to the hospital by 6AM so that I could hopefully meet with Dad's doctors and discuss this idea of moving him to another facility. Unfortunately, I woke up at 4AM as planned, but didn't get out of the house until 7 and arrived at 7:30. When I got to the ICU front desk, I was of course asked what I needed because visiting hours don't start till 10AM. I explained that I drove out because I needed to see my father this morning and the nurse called to Dad's nurse to see if I could come in and see him. I was told yes and I gowned and gloved, entering Dad's room. I met with his nurse today, Kim. She is absolutely one of the kindest nurses and people I have ever met. I can't say enough about the people at Stanford. The are incredible individuals that treat my father like their own; I call them "Dad's Angels". Kim explained that Dad had a very rough night. He didn't sleep and at 6:30AM they unfortunately had to put him back on the respirator at 50% oxygen. I am saddened by this news and talk with Kim a bit more. Dad is awake and anxious this morning. He wavers on the verge of tears and seems so sad and discouraged over the last few days. I hold his hand and talk with him about what is happening in my life. I remind him of all of he amazing people who love him that are constantly praying for him. I know after seeing Dad that I need my family with me today. I can tell that I will need to stay the course today and I call Sheri, Mom and Tammy to fill them in on the latest news of Dad. Sheri is at the office trying to get things handled and utter and complete guilt fills my heart that she is dealing with things at work for me and my business. I tell her not to worry and to please come to the hospital; Mom quickly cancels the eye doctor appointment she has and tells me she is on her way. Tammy unfortunately is unable to leave work as her boss is not in and I promise to keep her posted on the day's events. Sheri arrives and she and I spend time with Dad. Kim tells us that Dad is going to have to have surgery again today. Although the three drains they removed, did their required work of draining Dad's chest, he is struggling again with his breathing. They don't have any plans to reduce the ventilator today since they like to keep him as comfortable and calm as possible before a procedure of any kind. I call Ed and he contacts Pastor Zelt from our home church, Prince of Peace. Pastor tells Ed he is planning to drive right out to the hospital to see Dad. He arrives at about 1:00 and we take him back to Dad's room. We are so thankful for Pastor Zelt. He is an amazing Man of God and we pray that his time with Dad today will be uplifting and encouraging. I know how busy he is and am so glad that he was able to come and spend time with Dad. Dad was so happy to see Pastor and he gave a huge smile when he saw him walk into his room. Dad knows that Pastor and our church was always praying for him over the past three years and I know that seeing him was what Dad really needed today. We discuss the surgery that Dad will have today and the doctors explain that the reason Dad needs another drain put in is that the antibiotics just haven't been able to fight this area in his chest. It is a very difficult area to treat, Kim explains to us. Dad will have his surgery at around 5PM today. When Mom arrives we head up to see Dad and she tells him how much he is needed at home. She needs him to plant the flowers and Nikki and Shadow miss him so much. Dad smiles at Mom and then looks at her with such sadness. I know how much he wants to go home and more than anything we want to get him out of the hospital, but because of the ventilator, it's just not possible. We are told at 4PM that Dad is leaving to go to surgery, we say our good byes and each of us squeezes his hand and tells him that we love him and will be waiting for him to return. Sheri starts to leave Dad's side and Dad looks at her and points and mouths where are the doctors. She tells him the are waiting for him in the operating room and he kind of points at her and mouths something about her doing the surgery. We get a good laugh at the fact that Dad for a brief moment thinks Sheri is going to perform his surgery. It must have been the gown and gloves and I am sure the steady stream of faces sometimes causes him to have to do a double take with us. He chuckles when he realizes his mistake and we leave to wait for him to have his surgery.

It should be a couple of hours. We head down to atrium to wait together. I enjoy these times, because we are together and we can talk about how we are feeling and what we think about what is happening with Dad. After about 1 1/2 hours we head up to the desk to check on Dad's progress. The man at the desk looks at us and says, "Your father?". I say my father and her husband, pointing at Mom. He looks at Sheri, then at Mom, then at me and he says, "You are all sisters". Well let me just tell you, Mom was pretty happy about that comment! I on the other hand, having turned 50 on the 14th, am not thrilled to hear this and on top of that, one of my clients thought that I was Sheri's mother the other day! As we are getting ready to head back to the ICU Waiting Room to wait for Dad, we see his surgeon Dr. Whyte. Dr. Whyte knows us of course as he has done several surgeries for Dad up to now. We ask if he was doing the surgery and he explains that he didn't even know that Dad was in surgery today. He leaves to check and see what is going on for us and also to find the family that he originally came to find when we stopped him. He returns and we sit together and discuss Dad's condition and our worries about his lack of improvement and return to the ventilator. He explains that Dad is receiving a good amount of calories each day, but that he is concerned that he isn't putting on any weight, in fact he is loosing weight. He is also very concerned about Dad being back on the ventilator as he was off for two full days over the weekend and now is needing it again. He said that we need to sit down tomorrow and talk with "Dad's ICU Team" and with him to decide what our next course of treatment will be. We check in to find that Dad has returned to his room and is sleeping peacefully. Kim is still there and will remain until 7PM and she really wants Dad to rest. We agree and plan to leave him for the night. Sheri and I drive to the office and begin the task of returning calls and handling the business of the day. I can't say enough about the amazing people who I call "my clients". They have been so supportive and understanding throughout this journey with Dad. I am so blessed and thank God for the wonderful people in my life. I get home and Mom and I talk for a long time, we finally go to bed at about 11:30 and I tell her that I love her. She is trying so hard to stay strong right now, but I know that this is so hard for her. I lay in bed trying to sleep and finally I do. What tomorrow holds I don't know, but I am so thankful that Dad made it through yet another surgery and that he is resting peacefully tonight.

February 19, 2010

Sheri arrives after work for the 6PM visit today. We are trying to stay on a sort of schedule to make sure that someone is with Dad each day. As the weeks drag on, it is so important to keep his spirits up. She says that he is in good spirits. The nurses till Sheri that he is doing all of his own breathing and that the respirator continues to remain in the event that he has trouble breathing. The doctors want to keep it connected, “just in case”. They tell Sheri that he was up in a chair today, which is awesome news. Small steps, but huge accomplishments. Sheri told me that Dad seemed very sad, almost like he was going to start crying today. I can’t imagine what it feels like to be cooped up in a hospital for this long. Dad was always such an active person and this must be so difficult for him to handle. We wish he could talk to us and tell us what he is feeling. We know, however, in our hearts, that even if Dad could speak to us right now, he would not want to worry us. He would just shrug off the concern and worry and smile. We are concerned about Dad's emotional and mental state right now. It is so crucial that we keep him focused on getting well and remind him to stay strong and continue to fight.

February 18, 2010

The Story Of The Stanford Jacket...Our family has a running story about a jacket at Stanford Hospital. Three years ago when Dad had his surgery for esophageal cancer, we would walk past this jacket hanging near the entrance of the hospital. I remember the first time I saw it there, I thought to myself, "Wow that is such a nice jacket and someone has forgotten it." As the days passed and turned to weeks, I wondered how someone could forget this jacket since I knew leather jackets were expensive. I talked with my Mom about it and she too couldn't believe that the jacket was still hanging there and that someone hadn't stolen it by now. I thought of telling someone to take it to the lost and found, but I guess that it just wasn't that important to me by the end of Dad's two week stay. When we returned to Stanford this time, three years later, there it was again. I couldn't believe it! How could that jacket still be here 3 years later!!! People are just too human to leave it hanging there and I would have thought someone would have stolen it by now! So that day, I mentioned it to my Mom. She laughed and said she thought the exact same thing when she too saw the jacket still hanging there. She kept laughing and I asked her what was so funny? She told me that the jacket is a sculpture...a piece of art. I said there was no way. It looks so real! The next day when I returned to Stanford, I immediately approached the jacket. Sure enough...it isn't a jacket, but artwork! I remember thinking, "Am I the only idiot that thought this jacket was real?" I'm sure any of you who have spent time at this hospital are familiar with "The Jacket". This jacket is a symbol for me. When we took Dad home three years ago, we were so excited we couldn't think of anything or anyone else. But, like this jacket, others remained in the hospital, some to eventually return to their homes and others to their etermal homes in heaven. I often wonder what the artist was thinking when they hung this art. I look at it and try to stay focused on getting Dad home, unlike this jacket which will forever remain a fixture at Stanford Hospital. It helps me to remember that things are not always what they appear to be and perhaps that was the idea the artist had when he hung it up on a coat rack for all to admire. Life isn't always what it appears to be either and I hold onto each day in the hope that tomorrow will be a better day.

February 17, 2010

Emails of Love...Thank you for all of the incredible, inspirational emails I received yesterday. I wanted to thank everyone for taking time to care. It means so much to Dad! I always share with him your calls and notes when I see him. Thank you, thank you , thank you!

"What a great idea, Lynette. Thank you for sharing. I hope you had a great birthday. All my love to you and your family"

"I received your message on Facebook today. Gosh, I had no idea that your dad has been so ill. I talked to my dad a few minutes ago and pulled the website up so he could read the recent posts. He was very sad and concerned. I was not sure if your dad could have visitors so I gave dad your office number so he could call and talk to you. Sorry to hear that things have been so rough for your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family."

"Good speaking with you, I know somewhat what you going through since we went through similar circumstance five years ago with my Mom. Our prayers are with Bob and your family. "

"Thank you so much for sending this e-mail to me, it actually brings tears to my eyes and hurts to hear that dad has been suffering so much. He is in my prayers, tell him that Buddha is blessing him too… I have not seen your dad since Mark Pierce’s funeral. He was thin then, but still yelled “hey! Sach” gave me a hug and gave me that huge smile which really pleased me. When he and Frank used to share Warrior tickets, he would call regularly with such a warm voice. He has such a warm and strong spirit."

"I would like to have the website address. I have your family in my thoughts and prayers."

"I have your dad’s health in my prayer. Please forward the website address to me. Please take care yourself."

"I am so sorry to hear that your Dad has not been well. I was not aware that he was sick or in the hospital. Please let me know if I can help in ANY way. Yes, please send me the website address when you are able. Take care, and please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers."

"I’m so sorry to hear about your dad being hospitalized like this!! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. If you have time, please do send me the link for the website. My dad has asked about your dad lately too. If I can do anything to help out, please let me know. I don’t live far from you. Here’s my cell: XXX-XXX-XXXX."


"I too am heartbroken-pls pls pls keep me posted "

"Lynette: I just received a call from your Uncle Denny last nite and was saddened to hear of your Dad’s condition-pls keep me posted and I am here for you your Mom and anything you need just call me!! I realize he cannot see visitors in the ICU but I would love to see him when possible. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers."

"Thanks Lynette. You did a great job with the website. My thoughts and prayers are with you"

"Lynette, I am so sorry to hear about your dad!!!!! I had no idea!!!! As a concerned friend, I so appreciate the Blogspot and the time and energy needed to put it together. It can be theraputic as well for you. This time is difficult enough without having to deal with numerous phone calls and trying to update everyone. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your family. I have many memories of your dad....as I'm sure all that know him too can attest. Please know that if I were there I'd be giving you big hugs....and whatever support I could! From this distance all I can offer is my diligent prayers...and love. Hang in there girlfriend....I love you!"



I'm so sorry sweetie. I know how hard it is. He is a very handsome man. Your sisters and you are very beautiful. You are all in my prayers and my heart.

Just wanted to tell you how impressed I am by the website & appreciate being able to read the updates. You are all taking such good care of your Dad, God bless you. Give Bob my love ok?
He is the best boss I have ever had & a good friend too (no offense to my dad or Mike – they understand!) He is a strong man & his faith will see him through this.
Please let me know if there is anything you need. Give your Mom a big hug too. I am sure this is so hard for her.

Dear Lynette, As part of your "family´ for 9 years I would appreciate the opportunity to let your Dad & mother know I still care.

You should be proud of your web site. Very professional.. If you and Sheri need a little assistance, I told you that I’d be happy to help. My wife can come by and answer phones for you. Or, Linda, Diane, or me would be happy to office for a couple of hours. Let me know. Lot’s of love is going on in the Fraga family, that’s for sure. We all pray for your Dad’s well being.

February 16, 2010

Today has been a long day.
I didn't get out to see Dad until early evening and wondered how his mood would be today. I arrived at the hospital at 6:25PM, knowing that I only had 5 minutes left of the 6PM visiting 1/2 hour available for ICU patients. He is in room 21 and this is the first time I have visited Dad since he was put into isolation. I knock on the glass and his nurse turns to see me. She points at the gowns and gloves and I put on both before entering the room. It's really cold in here. His nurse looks so familiar and we both realize that she is the nurse who took care of Dad when he first arrived in December. December seems like a million years ago now. She is awesome as they all are; Dad's Angels on Earth. Dad is asleep and he looks so thin and his cheeks are sunk in looking. She tells me that Dad had a very tiring day today. He is finally resting and we decide that I won't wake him on this visit. If i do, I will only have to leave in a minute and it is better to wait and wake him when I return at 8PM for the next visiting 1/2 hour. I see his Prayer Shawl sitting on the window sill and ask the nurse if I can put in over his legs. She says of course and helps me spread it out. She talks with me about Dad's day. Today, the three drains were removed from his chest cavity as the drains weren't producing any more fluids, which is great. The MSRA Staph infection is being treated and there is no fever at this time. They have also removed Dad's staples from his back where his surgery incision was made. Dad is still on the ventilator, but the Respiratory Therapist was able to put the Trach Collar on him at 3am this morning for a very short time. He became tired quickly she explains, but at least there was a small step towards getting him off the ventilator. Other than that, nothing has changed. It is now 6:50PM and the nurses are going to start their shift change, so I must leave to wait for the next visiting time. I thank Dad's nurse for her care/information and whisper to Dad that I will return, just in case he hears me in his sleep.

I decide to head to the cafeteria to eat something, but missed it by minutes as it closes at 7PM. The small deli type counter is open, so I grab a Chicken Salad and sit down to wait. When I return, they are moving Dad to another room. Apparently someone is much more contagious than Dad right now. They tell me to come back in 10 to 15 minutes, but I watch as they prepare to move him. It always amazes me what they must go through to move Dad. The tubes, equipment...it's just amazing to watch. They have to disconnect the respirator for the move and one of the nurses "bags" Dad for the short walk down the hallway. Watching this man compress the bag that provides my father with breath is a mind boggling experience. I wonder how he knows just how often to push the bag and what would happen if he forgot to push the air into Dad's lungs at just the right moment. I know, I know...too much time to think and thinking about crazy things! Anyway, they get him settled in a room and he now has a roommate. Dad is already asleep again but I take his hand and I wake him. He opens his eyes very slowly and a big smile spreads across his face. I love when my father smiles, it makes my heart feel at ease. I tell him about my day and tell him not to try and talk. He can't talk, but usually tries to mouth words and that only tires him, so I chatter on as usual. I tell him about the website and all of the emails and phone calls today. He smiles and shakes his head from side to side as if to say, wow, I can't believe this is happening to me. Dr. Shiekh arrives for a late round with patients and he looks at Dad and asks, "How are you doing today Mr. Fraga?" Dad shrugs and the doctor proceeds to tell him that he heard he was on the Trach Collar today and is thrilled about that. He explains to Dad that he is still off his any heart medication and that he plans to have a Cardiologist come by tomorrow to check and make sure his heart is doing well. He tells Dad that he plans to do another scan of his chest to check and see that everything looks good. He then turns to leave, asking me if I have any questions tonight. I tell him I do and we walk towards the door. I explain to him that when Mom was here on Sunday, the nurse told her to see about a family meeting with Dad's team of doctors. Dr. Shiekh says that a meeting isn't really necessary and that he can talk with me now. He says that the plan is to keep doing what they are doing now, which is to wait for him to get stronger and off the ventilator. He feels that Dad is doing well and says that Dad is getting the best of the infection and the infection isn't getting the best of Dad. He knows that Dad has been through so much, but can't really say more at this time. He says they will keep him here until they can move him. I am so frustrated. I want a quick fix to his condition, but know it just isn't going to happen. After a few minutes, Dad drifts off again and I pull up a chair and hold his hand. I can feel him squeeze my hand once in a while and sit and pray. I am so depressed today and cry at the drop of a hat. They don't ask me to leave at 8:30 so I stay until 9PM. I grab Dad's white board and leave him a note and ask the nurse to read it to him when he wakes up. I tell him good bye and that I will be back tomorrow.

February 15, 2010

Family...this morning my thoughts are about my family. I took this picture to Dad when he first went into the hospital. It has always stayed with him as he has moved from hospital to hospital, bed to bed and room to room. I hope that when he looks at this each day reminds him of how much his family loves him and that we are anxious to have him home with us again.

February 13, 2010

Mom is visiting Dad today and plans to come to my house after she leaves the hospital. She calls in the late afternoon to say that Dad is being moved again. They have determined that he has a Staph infection called: MRSA. This is dangerous because of Dad's very weak condition. We all went into panic mode due to the infectious nature of the strain and immediately began web searching and contacting our individual doctors. Dad is now in an isolated room in ICU. When we visit we must put on a gown, gloves, mask and be very careful with gel use in and out. He is depressed and sad and it just feels like this will never end for him. My biggest fear is that the one antibiotic that can treat the staph will not be effective and that his condition will worsen. I pray and worry constantly about this latest news. I haven't seen him since Friday and guilt continues to plague me when I am not at the hospital with him.

February 12, 2010

Dad is still in ICU and still on the Ventilator. His nurse today is Lori. Lori fills us in on the current condition with Dad. She showed us his drains and where they exit his body and the fluid that has accumulated since his surgery yesterday afternoon. She advises us that they have started to reduce the amount of support the Ventilator provides Dad. She then asks us if we would like his doctor for the day to come in and talk with us about his current condition. We are shocked that after nearly 10 weeks of visiting, we never knew that we could ask to speak with a doctor when visiting the ICU. His doctor comes in and explains that they did what they needed to do during the surgery yesterday. The drain positions were checked and the third drain for the upper right quadrant was inserted and secured.
He says that Dad has a yeast infection in the upper right quadrant and that this is a difficult place to treat. Not sure really what he means, but didn't sound great to us. The good news is that the infection hasn't spread. When they took a sample Tuesday during the first surgery, they grew it and it did multiply which means it can spread. The key now is to make sure it doesn't and treat with tons of antibiotics. The is exactly what they are doing right now. He says that last night Dad had issues with breathing and that he needed to have the Ventilator on full support. He says that his weak condition continues to be a problem for him and that he has so many problems with breathing due to Dad's inability to work his lungs on his own. It is a minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day process of waiting, watching and praying for his strength to improve. The doctor concludes that he will probably remain in ICU through the weekend. Dad has great difficulty with coughing today. His entire body and especially his head seems ready to burst with the pressure of trying to cough. We continue to tell him not to try and speak as this causes more trouble for him. I took some pictures and told him that I had started a website for everyone to keep track of him. His mood isn't great today as he is in pain and we say our good byes for the day. It is always so very hard to leave Dad and we especially had a hard time today as he was struggling with coughing when we left him.

February 11, 2010

Just got home after seeing Dad. Today, Sheri and I went to the hospital to check on Dad at the 12 noon visiting hour. We arrived and he was so happy to see us. Prince of Peace has sent a Prayer Shawl with us to give to Dad. Someone from church crocheted it and he will keep it with him to remind him that so many are praying for him. We met with his nurse, Joeland and he is awesome! Dad wants to tell us just how much he loves his nurse today. He is on the ventilator in ICU, so he cannot speak. We get him his "Elvis" white board and he attempts to write his thoughts. As usual, we laugh with him as he can't write clearly, but fortunately Sheri is able to read his lips today. He tells us that his nurse is great and that he is kind and caring. He wants him to know how much he appreciates all that he does for him. Joeland laughs and thanks my Dad and says, "You are a great guy Bob". We are so thankful for the wonderful people who care for Dad. They are amazing and so caring! While we are there for our 1/2 hour visit before returning to work, the doctors come in and tell us that Dad has to have another surgery this afternoon to complete what they didn't finish on Tuesday. As you recall, mid surgery Dad had a "Code Blue" and required resuscitation. The surgeons are unsure if the drains were inserted properly and also know that they only got 2 of the 3 in. His white blood count is down a bit which is good, but the concern continues to be the infection. There is fluid and air around the lungs that needs to be drained out. We leave sadly and Dad doesn't want us to go. We explain that we have to get back to work and that we will return tomorrow. He mouths asking if we are coming back later today. I explain that I have a State Farm Dinner to attend and Sheri explains that she has to go home. He gets very sad and again the guilt sets in. He then mouths to me, It's OK, nothing you can do. Always thinking of others. He asks again what he weighs and we repeat, 108 lbs. We head back to the office and after about 45 minutes decide that we really need to be at the hospital. We call and Dr. Sheik takes the call to say that he expects the surgery to occur between now (2:30) and 5pm. We quickly return calls and head back out to the hospital. We stop for a brief second at The Cheesecake Factory to treat ourselves to a 1000 calorie slice of heaven. When we return, Dad has already gone into surgery. The explain that he was taken at 3:30 and we are disappointed that we didn't see him before he went in. I of course blame myself for stopping for cheesecake, but since that took only 5 minutes, we know even if we didn't stop, we would have missed him. We leave our cell number with the Kelly, the nurse on the floor and head down to the atrium to wait. Should be 1 1/2 hours. Cheesecake Heaven turns into Cheesecake Stomach Cramps. We get the call that he is back in his room and Kelly tells us she will see us soon. It is 5:15 PM. We head back to the ICU and are told that they are too busy to allow us in and that we should return at the regular visiting hour of 6pm, which we do. We find Dad alert and quite surprised to see us again. He is in really good spirits and his nurse is faithfully attending to him. We talk to him and he explains that the drains were checked and the third inserted in the upper right. He shows us the fluids coming out of Dad into the receptacles and shows us the x-ray of his chest. It shows a lot of air and fluid where it shouldn't be, but the doctors believe it will drain. Infection is again the biggest concern. We watch as the very short 1/2 hour to pass. We are allowed to stay till 6:45pm since he isn't having issues with us there and they are able to work with us in the room. We start to say our goodbyes and Dad mouths that he is Pissed Off! He doesn't want us to leave! Each time it is heartbreaking and we hate to leave him. He pushes out his lower lip like a pouting child and acts sad that we are leaving. We promise to return again tomorrow, although we know that is going to be difficult as we were out of the office most of today. We are so blessed to have clients that are understanding and caring. Another day.....