WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Friday, March 31,2006-8:43PM Arizona time.

You probably have heard it said that "Some days are diamonds and some days are stone." Today was a diamond day. The effect of the newly prescribed Decadron medication has been to restore Jan's mental acuity and improve her gross motor skills. Her physical agility has improved to the point where she can walk without help. And she can focus and engage family and friends in normal conversations. It almost seems miraculous since the changes have been so sudden and dramatic. They come at a perfect time because many of Jan's family will be visiting during the next week, and she will be able to enjoy their love and companionship.

Thanks for your many prayers, kind words and concerned caring.

Some days are indeed diamonds!

Pat

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Thursday, March 30, 2006-9:16PM Arizona time

We started the day with a visit from Rebecca, the hospice nurse.
She ordered a different medication to help curb Jan's Nausea.
It also incuded a small dosage of a drug that increases mental acuity. Consequently, after a rough morning, Jan's spirits
improved, and she was buoyed by the news that members of
her extended family would begin arriving tomorrow to spend
some time with her and our family.

Pain is still being controlled by breakthrough Oxycodone on an as needed basis.

Thanks to all for your warm expressions of kindness and the consolation of your friendship.

Pat

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Wednesday, March 29, 2006-7:01PM Arizona time

Today the doctor installed the permanent Peritoneal
catheter. 3000cc of fluid was drained from Jan's abdomen.
She didn't feel any immediate relief because the abdominal
area around the site of the insertion continues to cramp
and spasm. The pain medication and a hot pad help
alleviate the pain.

Jan continues to experience a lack of energy and
sleeps most of the time.Occasionally, she will enjoy a small piece of cake and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

She never complains and continues to be sensitive to the
needs of her family and friends. I think that I was lucky
enough to have married a very saintly person....

Pat

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Tuesday, March 28, 2006-9:43PM Arizona time.
Jan is tired a lot of the time, but did have the energy to complete a short walk around our neighborhood. She often feels sick after eating and takes Ativan to curb her feelings of nausea and "urpiness". Tomorrow, we will try again to insert the peritoneal catheter. We believe that she will experience some relief from the nausea and stomach pain after the fluid is drained from her abdomen. We are hoping for the very best....
Pat

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Monday, March 27,2006-8:52PM, Arizona time
Jan was tired and sleepy most of the day. We did manage a walk and a trip to the doctor. He wanted to insert the peritoneal catheter, but declined to do the prodedure and rescheduled Jan for Wednesday. He felt the procedure would be safer, if we waited a few more days. The greater the amount of fluid in the abdomen, the less likely it is that the catheter will
puncture her intestines and/or an internal organ. An abundance of fluid in the abdomen means that there is more space between the abdominal wall and the internal organs. And it is into that space that the catheter is inserted. Today the space was too small to justify the risk associated with the procedure. If Jan had been terribly miserable, he would have tried it because the benefits would outweigh the risks.
However,Jan is generally resting comfortably and in good spirits.
Alls well,
Pat

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Sunday,March 26, 2006- 7: 31 -Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Today I wrote thank you notes. I took a couple naps and played with Gracie. I talked with Kathy about her visit coming up in April. My writing is struggling and everyone is on my case about it. I don't think I will write much tonight, or until I can write again independently.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Saturday, March 25, 2006- 8:13 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Yes, I was totally zonked last night. When Pat woke me to say he'd just written the blog, I had no idea where I was! Today I have a bit more energy. I've done laundry and written thank you notes. Veronica and I joined our friends, the "lunch bunch" for a fine meal. When I came home, Tom was on the computer, so I listened while Pat chatted with him. After a short nap, I chatted with Bill. Now we are watching the Suns game. I've felt a bit tired today, but I am unwilling to give in to it. My family is getting organized for April visits, most of which Pat is coordinating. We want to make hay while the sun shines, so to speak. The weather should be fine, and I've been feeling well. Time to make some happy memories. Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Friday, March 24,2006-9:46PM Arizona time.
Jan sleeps as I write this blog. She wrote thank-you notes today, and went on a short shopping spree at Border's book store.
They had a special teacher appreciation sale, so she picked
up a meditative music CD. She has slept most of the evening. The medications she is taking and even short periods of activity contribute to fatigue which leads to her need to rest and sleep.
She is in a positive frame of mind and her spirits remain high as she prepares to visit with extended members of her family who will come from faraway places to visit with us during the month of April.
Best wishes to all for the blessings of a terrific weekend.
Pat

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Thursday, March 23, 2006--9:02 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: the doc said that my jelly belly wasn't quite bit enough for the tap/ insertion of denver drain. That was fine with me, because it meant V and I could make it to lunch and a movie with a friend. He thinks by Monday we'll be ready. The tap hole continues to drip, but the technicians managed to close it up tight and I have not yet had to change the dressing. With this being Peoria's spring break, I have a lot of lunches and coffees schedued with "the girls" and my biggest fear was that these doctor appointments would interfere with my fun. So far, it looks like only one fun time was interrupted. Maybe I'll even get my thank you notes done if I could stay awake long enough!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Wednesday, March 22, 2006--8:24, Arizona Time
Today I enjoyed coffee and a donut with V and a friend. However, while I was there, I began to feel my pants get damp. Soon my two layers of shirts became damp, and I discreetly said it was time to go home. When I got home, I discovered that I was right, my clothes were soaked. I looked and saw that there was really a visible problem with my belly, but I was not too concerned because I WANTED the fluid to drain off! I figured it would stop by itself eventually; however, I thought it best to check with our hospice nurse. Her main concern with the leaking was infection, so she came over with rubber globes, betadine, and gauze. She could not believe that my belly looked like it was 5 months pregnant when we'd just drained 4 liters yesterday. A relative has asked where the fluid comes from; it most likely comes from the liver. The liver spits out fluid into the peritoneum. There is a possibility the cancer cells could be growing in the peritoneum. In any case, we really do not know why the fluid develops. We do know it needs to be drained at certain times to provide comfort and well-being. Sometimes the belly needs to be tapped more frequently, as the fluid increases more frequently. Apparently this is happening to me. The extra fluid is making the jelly belly return and is pushing the fluid out the drain hole. One option when you have to drain frequently is to insert a Denver Drain, a tube which allows you to drain the abdomen without the hospital visit. We discussed the pros and cons of inserting a Denver Drain in the peritoneum. The odds are with the pros, so tomorrow we are going to have a Denver Drain installed and the belly drained again. What I like is that you can tap whenever you need to (comfort!) and the Rebecca can do it right in our living room (convenience). Tomorrow around noon we will get the belly drained again and the drain installed. BTW, I picked up my glasses this afternoon. Now if I could just manage to keep from falling on my face again!!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Tuesday, March 21, 2006--9:54 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Pat and I spent a loooong day at Thunderbird Sam, after Pat managed to get us scheduled for the abdominal tap a few days early. They were very apologetic about the scheduling problems we'd had. OutPatient was better than the ER, more comfortable, with a soft bed and plenty of soft drinks. The "tap" was completed late in the afternoon, we were the last ones there, with everyone sweeping up around us. Pat read much of the day, and I slept an incredible amount. Anyway, the results: The tech drained about 3800 cc (nearly 4 liters) of fluid from my belly!! Imagine four bottles in my tummy! It blows me away. No wonder I have digestive problems. After all that sleep, you'd think I'd be full of energy. But I am not. I
am ready to sleep. Good night, everyone!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Monday, March. 20 20 06 Arizona time
Jan Writes. Blog tonight:The belly tap is set for
Friday. The pill that that brings relief also makes me unstable and goofy. Do I dare do more!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Sunday, March 19, 2006-8:11 pm Arizona Time
Jan Writes: A lazy day at the Thompson household; gray, rainy days put me in that kind of mood. Pat and I did spend quite a bit of time helping V with her school work, and I wrote some thank you notes. I did some cleaning and a little reading. No walk today; I figured tomorrow will be a gorgeous day, so I'll just wait. Physically, I just felt a little yucky. I think I'm ready for the jelly belly to be drained; hopefully we'll have word tomorrow about a time and date--SOON! Hope everyone has a good, safe Monday.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Saturday, March 18, 2006--7:26 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: I was up early today with digestive problems, which passed. Pat and I enjoyed a windy but beautiful day by walking even further than ever; we have to get out and measure to see how far we're going. We saw a roadie on a shiny, midnight blue bike. I was a little envious. I don't think my balance is good enough for the roadie bike, but maybe the cummuter. I took a long nap this afternoon, made zuchinni bread, and watched a bit of basketball.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Friday, March 17, 2006--9:37 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Aye, and Happy St. Paddy's Day to Ye! Today I hope the blog works, because the past two days Pat had to go back and fix it. It has not been allowing me to post. Today went by very quickly. I had a lot of emails at school to reply to, and miscellaneous paperwork type things. Pat and I spent a lot of time talking, and he did chores as well. I made flounder creole--mmmm. I spent some time chatting on the computer with brother Bill, and of course we all sadly watched the Suns lose tonight. Couldn't buy a rebound! Tomorrow we will all rest, and Sunday will be a better day!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Thursday, March 16, 2006--7:50 pm Arizona Time
Yesterday I did not want to boast on the blog, but after reading comments from my fellow employees, people are asking for clarification. Today I received an award given to people in our district called the Pride Of Peoria Award. A couple co-workers nominated me, and then people from the various schools I've worked at wrote letters explaining why I should be given this recognition. The day was moving, from receiving beautiful bouquets of flowers and kudos from my current staff at a meeting, to reading the letters my colleagues had written. I can't tell you how many times I cried! Later, I did a few things around the house, napped, and Pat took me to shop for new glasses. On a funny note, we received a letter from the school's insurance company telling us that upon my demise, they are going to give Pat the sum of 47,000,300! Holy Cow! Now I'm gonna have to watch Pat when he offers me extra medication, telling me he doesn't want me to suffer! For 47 million, if there is any way I can reincarnate back into Pat's life, I will be there! Of course, honest Pat called the district and asked them if they had noted the mistake. Yes, he was a Pride of Peoria recipient before he retired!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Wednesday, March 15: 7:32 p.m. Arizona time
Jan Writes: Happy birthday, Pat! Today we celebrated Pat's 63rd birthday, with cards, gifts, carry-out Chinese for the adults and BurgerKing for the kids, and a few calls from family. I had some digestive problems in the morning which put me on the couch, but by afternoon I was ready for a good walk ( still no walker!), past the park and to the lake. It was a perfect Arizona day. The day went by quickly with all the festvities. Now the Suns are playing, and I will join them soon. I just fell on my face, scratched it and broke my glasses. I wouldn't mind the broken glasses, since they can be fixed or replaced; it's just that first thing tomorrow I'm going to have videos taken that will be showed to my entire school district. I have the glasses taped (GEEK!), but will look for an old pair that might makes things less noticable. I may have to ask them to film only my good side! Ha ha!! Such a glamour girl!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Tuesday, March 14, 2006- Arizona Time
Jan Writes: A strange day! Somehow I slept until 10:00 am despite the noise of the family in their various activities! Even more amazing was that after a quick breakfast of an instant breakfast drink and my morning pills, I fell asleep again until 2:00 pm! Who knows what I slept through! As soon as I got up, Veronica and I went shopping at Borders, Target, and went to the mall. I treated for big, hot pretzels and cold frozen drinks- mmmm. Haven't done much since then other put my feet up and talk to friends on the phone. Thanks for calling, friends! Now the Suns are going to play. Is my life wonderful or what?!! GO SUNS!! Everyone have a great night. May your day today be as blessed as mine was today.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Monday, March13, 2006--9:11-Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Another glorious day in Phoenix! It was a beautiful sunny day, although the breeze was cool in late afternoon when Veronica joined me for a walk. Yesterday I got very fed up with all the little pebbles from desert landscaping that were scattered here and there on the sidewalks; when the walker hit a stone, it would lock up and I would just about go overboard over the front of the walker. Today when I got up, the swelling in my legs was much reduced, and both Pat and the hospice nurse noticed I was walking better. Probably the increased neuropathy medication helped improve the walking as well. In any case, I was still walking pretty well in the afternoon, so I left the walker at home. Veronica and I took the walkie-talkie's just in case we had a problem. It was much easier without the walker, although I was slower and a little less stable on the last part of our mile stroll. The hospice nurse said my belly now looks like I'm 6 months pregnant (lots of pregnancy jokes followed), which means it's time to do another abdominal tap. We'll probably go to Thunderbird hospital next week to do it. Supposedly that outpatient surgery facility gets you in and out more quickly than other hospitals. We've always had good experiences at Thunderbird, so we're happy. And I'll be glad to shrink this jelly belly! I was hemming my new pants as the nurse came in, and I told her that one pair was actually maternity pants! Hey, they fit!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Sunday, March 12, 2006--6:25 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Today I did some laundry, shortened some new pants (big enough for my big jelly belly), and helped V with her schoolwork. There was even time to do our mile walk, where we found that we can contact home(using small hand-held radios) all the way from the park. Shortly, we will be watching the Suns game. The increase in the neuropathy medication kicked in this morning; it was so nice to wake up and be able to walk!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Saturday, March 11, 2006-8:39 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: On this dark, dreary day, I was happy for the rain that our desert needs, and happy to be dry inside. I'm always cold and trying to find ways to get warm. Fortunately for me, V needed my help with a project, which meant we spent many hours in her bedroom, the warmest room of the house. Another thing that brightened my day was a big, beautiful bouquet of flowers from a former student and his family; what a nice surprise! Right now we are watching the Suns battle the Timberwolves, and at this point, victory may not be ours tonight. Today and tomorrow are laundry day, which I do with V's help--she's the muscles of the team. There was no time to read or write today.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Thursday, March 9, 2006-5:05 pm Arizona Time
Jan Writes: After breakfast and reading the paper, we had a visit from the hospice nurse. She increased my neuropathy medication in hopes of easing the leg pain I've been having. My jelly belly is beginning to swell again, and she's concerned about the lungs and breathing. She is working on getting another abdominal tap scheduled in a couple weeks, so we can just go when we need it. After lunch Pat and I went for a mile walk in the cool, cloudy weather. The kids were working all day: V was subbing and Tyler was doing some consultant work, so it was quiet in the house. Tom called on the computer shortly after our walk, and the guys had a nice chat while I listened in. The hours flew by today. I don't know how the days can pass so quickly, but they all do. Tonight we will watch the Suns, of course!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Wednesday, March 8, 2006-8:55 pm Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Today I helped Pat do the morning chores. Then,I had problems with neuorpathy, so I went back to bed because I was so cold. I am still freezing. This evening a friend/former student teacher dropped by and we had a nice visit. I found out tonight that she used to work with the boyfriend (now husband) of Kim, who frequently comments on this blog. Small World! Well. It's bed time. Blessings to all.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Tuesday, March 7,2006-9:10 pm Arizona Time
Jan Writes: I woke up feeling good and and strong, so decided to help Pat with the grocery shopping. This is the first time in months, but I felt I was up to it. All went well. I enjoyed picking out some things to cook, so I spent nearly two hours cooking. Then I was pooped. I read a little bit, but kept dosing then and for the rest of the evening. I woke up just to do the blog and go to bed. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

WhatsupwithJan

PAT!WhatsupwithJan
Monday, March 6, 2006-6:16 pm Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Good Day: Our hospice nurse has been ill, so today the social worker came to visit, as well as to cover for Rebecca. Nothing new with regards to hospice. Afterward, Pat and I went clothes shopping at Target. I had no idea what size to select, so had to browse three areas and try on several pairs of pants. Because taking off and putting on pants is one of the most difficult things I do in life, it gave Pat time to walk around Target several times. Want to know what's hot at Target? Ask Pat! The extra large sizes were odd, so I ended up getting one misses and one maternity pants. Hopefully they will be comortable. Even some of my sweats are too tight in certain places. You have to wear them a bit to know how they will fit in the long run. After lunch I made mostacolli and Rice Krispie Treats, then rested and read. Time has flown by, and Now I'm missing the Suns. Gotta Go!!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan

Sunday, March 5, 2006-9:20 pm Arizona Time
Jan Writes: I was tired and sleepy much of today. I did a little laundry and reading, but much more dozing than anything. I guess that's what my body needs. My skin feels very tight from waist down, today more than usual. As I did my ironing, we watched the academy awards, which I got little out of because we hanen't seen the movies. The music was good. I hope everyone's week is full of joy and peace.

Jan

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Saturday, March 4, 2006-7:35 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: I was just plain lazy this morning, lounging in my robe, reading the paper, drinking hot chocolate...This afternoon while reading I noticed how GOOD I felt, so at the end of the chapter, I did some chores, then went for another mile walk with Pat. Of course, it was another gorgeous Arizona day--our summer, Pat called it. This evening is pretty typical: Pat is watching basketball, Nicki was watching a movie on TV, Tyler is up programming, and Gracie is munching on a rawhide bone as she lies next to me. Nicki has the "bug" worse than I had it, so she headed off to bed early. The swelling in my legs has greatly improved, which helps with the walking and stairs. Now, if I could just get rid of the jelly belly and the neuropathy, I'd be in great shape! However, I really can't complain, as I am in no pain. I am enjoying every day!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Friday, March 3, 2006-6:43 pm Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Another rough morning; I've decided I have a bug of some kind. I felt okay the rest of the day. It was so beautiful outside this afternoon that I decided to extend the walk; it was just too nice to turn around and head back so soon. Pat and I figure we walked close to a mile, just short of our local park. I had no trouble with the extra distance. Guess what time it is now? Suns time! Blessings to all.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Thursday, March 2, 2006-7:33 pm Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Although the morning was tough, the rest of day was good. I walked my usual 1/2 mile, this time enjoying Tyler's company. It was such a beautiful day, and the air smelled so fresh. It was a typical day at home: reading. writing, talking with the family. Quality time? Absolutely! I am a lucky woman!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Wednesday, March 1, 2006-6:18 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: I felt well today. I did a bit of reading, baked banana bread, and walked about 1/2 mile. I spend a couple hours of each day doing recovery related activities, such as putting my feet up, and soaking them in epsom salts. No wonder the day goes by so fast! Also, everything I do takes me longer due to the edema, neuropathy and sore fingernails. And now I need to hustle upstairs to soak before the Suns play. Adios!