8:35 a.m. Denny was moved out of intensive care last night about 6 p.m. It was a long and drawn out process. Without boring you with details, he finally got the private room I wanted at 11 p.m. I'll post later in the day with more details. I'm heading over to the hospital in a little while. Denny is still not taking visitors. His fever is down. The man is amazing. He is awesomely strong! Just sit tight and I'll get back to this blog in an hour or so.
8:30 p.m. Okay, so I lied. It has been more than a few hours. The guest services area at the hospital has the computer that I update on. It is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Denny's new room number is 10574. (Please do not call the room because he cannot get to the phone and noise makes him crazy!)
When I got to the hospital this morning, they had already tube-fed him. It made him nauseous so they had to give him some anti-nausea meds. This is becoming a concern because he has only had that one feeding all day. His stomach is just not working yet. The pain meds have been known to slow the stomach action down. The docs are trying to find that happy medium between pain control and starting his digestive system.
They took the bandage off of his head. Considering everything they had to do to get inside of his head, he looked pretty good. He's kind of got this Henry the Eighth look going on. Hey, it's good to be the king!
His pain was under control this morning and he was sleeping. The nurse said he did pretty well through the night. Today was MUCH BETTER! We had an excellent nurse. We hardly had to call for anything because she was there when he needed it. The private room is a necessity. Denny is so hypersensitive to noise and light, that he gets really agitated when beepers or phones go off. The lights are off and the shades are drawn. It is dark and cool so he is sleeping well.
Thanks to the Woodruff/Theodorakas/Jones entourage that visited today. You guys made the day pass quickly for me!
Denny is still not ready for visitors. His head cannot be elevated above 30 degrees or he gets dizzy and light headed. Right now, he just needs to sleep.
I was very happy about how the day went. Denny is stronger today than he was yesterday. I can already see a difference since this morning. I can't wait to see what good things tomorrow will bring!
"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; What is essential is invisible to the eye." - Antoine de-Saint Exupery
Love to all,
Deb
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
It's a Beautiful Day!
3:45 p.m. FINAL ENTRY: I just spoke with my brother-in-law, Jimmy. He is a respiratory therapist. He said the mild fever is very common and if Denny starts taking deeper breaths then it will go away. I will make sure Denny takes deeper breaths. I checked in on Denny before I left to update the blog. He was sleeping like a baby. All signs were normal. So now, I'm going to take a deep breath and relax a little while he dreams for both of us. This will probably be the last post of the day. My access to computers at the hospital shuts off at 5pm. If I can, I'll post when I get back to the lodge. Otherwise, look for me again at 9 a.m. tomorrow. I'll go visit Denny, get the latest info, and update y'all as soon as I can.
Love to all,
Deb
2:40 p.m. My last trip in was about 2 p.m. Denny's lip is better. I need to clarify my previous entry. They did not stop all antibiotics. Just the one that they suspected was causing the problem. They substituted another one in it's place. The nurse and I have come to a more agreeable understanding. She is being nicer and more cooperative as a result.
She gave Denny more painkiller and nexium to control stomach acid. My worry at this time, is that he has developed a small fever. She says it is because he is not breathing deeply enough. I've put a call into my brother-in-law who is respiratory therapist to see what he says about that. I'm waiting for his call. Also, Denny's magnesium level has dropped lower than they want so they are giving him magnesium through his IV. When I left, he was sleeping comfortably. Sweet Dreams, Denny, your team is watching out for you!
12:45 p.m. I was thinking about Denny's swollen lip. After the nurse mentioned that it could be an allergic reaction, I asked her to talk to the doctor about the antibiotics. Denny does have an allergy to one antibiotic which they have on file. I brought this to her attention. She, in turn, talked to the doctor. It appears one of the antibiotics that they had to give Denny is a crossover from the one he is allergic to. They gave it to him thinking the benefit would outweigh the risk. We are not 100% sure this is the case. They have stopped the antibiotic for now to see if the swelling goes down.
I'm not real thrilled with the nurse working on Denny right now. I can only stay with him for a few minutes but everytime I've gone in, he is saying his pain level is at a 6 or 7. When I go find the nurse, she always gives him more pain medicine. Another time, he was trying to pull a tube out of his nose that is sutured in. I stopped him and called the nurse for more pain meds. He was trying to pull it out because it was hurting. She appears distracted by the other patient she is responsible for. She had better consider me the pitbull in lipstick because I'm watching out for our guy! :) The night nurse is much better. She is not so distracted and is very good at keeping on top of Denny's pain. I'll be with him until she gets here tonight.
9:00 a.m.-The ICU is not open between 6 - 8 am. I got back to the hospital about 8:05 a.m. this morning to see Denny. He looked so good! His color is great and he seemed comfortable; not in any pain. They are giving him oxycodone and morphine. When I touched his arm, he opened his eyes and smiled at me. Then he started to lift his left hand. (The nurses said that hand had to lay flat because it was monitoring his pulse.) I said, "You need to keep your hand down, sweetie." He said, "Don't tell me what to do." Ha! He's baaaaaccck!
Dr. Chicoine had already been in to see him before I got there. However, Dr. Chicoine spoke with Anita and me last night about 8:30 p.m. He said eveything was good. The surgery went better than expected. However, it appeared that the cancer had spread a little bit more towards the front of his head than it appeared on the MRI. They addressed that area and feel confident that they got it all out.
I did notice that Denny's lower lip is extremely swollen. That is quite a new look for him. HA! I asked the nurse what had caused that. She said it could be from the tape. She said she would check with the doctor to make sure it isn't an allergic reaction to something they are giving him. He also hasn't had anything to eat or drink. She said it may be this evening before they start him on ice chips. Because he has to lie flat, they do not want to start food too soon. Among other medical reasons, vomiting could result and this would definitely be a problem for Denny.
In my opinion, Denny has done better than expected. I think of all the things they said would or could happen, Denny has experienced only about half so far. In my book, that is a good thing. Now, we keep watch for brain swelling and infection. He is strong and he is fighting, so we march on. You can do it, Denny!
Love to all,
Deb
Love to all,
Deb
2:40 p.m. My last trip in was about 2 p.m. Denny's lip is better. I need to clarify my previous entry. They did not stop all antibiotics. Just the one that they suspected was causing the problem. They substituted another one in it's place. The nurse and I have come to a more agreeable understanding. She is being nicer and more cooperative as a result.
She gave Denny more painkiller and nexium to control stomach acid. My worry at this time, is that he has developed a small fever. She says it is because he is not breathing deeply enough. I've put a call into my brother-in-law who is respiratory therapist to see what he says about that. I'm waiting for his call. Also, Denny's magnesium level has dropped lower than they want so they are giving him magnesium through his IV. When I left, he was sleeping comfortably. Sweet Dreams, Denny, your team is watching out for you!
12:45 p.m. I was thinking about Denny's swollen lip. After the nurse mentioned that it could be an allergic reaction, I asked her to talk to the doctor about the antibiotics. Denny does have an allergy to one antibiotic which they have on file. I brought this to her attention. She, in turn, talked to the doctor. It appears one of the antibiotics that they had to give Denny is a crossover from the one he is allergic to. They gave it to him thinking the benefit would outweigh the risk. We are not 100% sure this is the case. They have stopped the antibiotic for now to see if the swelling goes down.
I'm not real thrilled with the nurse working on Denny right now. I can only stay with him for a few minutes but everytime I've gone in, he is saying his pain level is at a 6 or 7. When I go find the nurse, she always gives him more pain medicine. Another time, he was trying to pull a tube out of his nose that is sutured in. I stopped him and called the nurse for more pain meds. He was trying to pull it out because it was hurting. She appears distracted by the other patient she is responsible for. She had better consider me the pitbull in lipstick because I'm watching out for our guy! :) The night nurse is much better. She is not so distracted and is very good at keeping on top of Denny's pain. I'll be with him until she gets here tonight.
9:00 a.m.-The ICU is not open between 6 - 8 am. I got back to the hospital about 8:05 a.m. this morning to see Denny. He looked so good! His color is great and he seemed comfortable; not in any pain. They are giving him oxycodone and morphine. When I touched his arm, he opened his eyes and smiled at me. Then he started to lift his left hand. (The nurses said that hand had to lay flat because it was monitoring his pulse.) I said, "You need to keep your hand down, sweetie." He said, "Don't tell me what to do." Ha! He's baaaaaccck!
Dr. Chicoine had already been in to see him before I got there. However, Dr. Chicoine spoke with Anita and me last night about 8:30 p.m. He said eveything was good. The surgery went better than expected. However, it appeared that the cancer had spread a little bit more towards the front of his head than it appeared on the MRI. They addressed that area and feel confident that they got it all out.
I did notice that Denny's lower lip is extremely swollen. That is quite a new look for him. HA! I asked the nurse what had caused that. She said it could be from the tape. She said she would check with the doctor to make sure it isn't an allergic reaction to something they are giving him. He also hasn't had anything to eat or drink. She said it may be this evening before they start him on ice chips. Because he has to lie flat, they do not want to start food too soon. Among other medical reasons, vomiting could result and this would definitely be a problem for Denny.
In my opinion, Denny has done better than expected. I think of all the things they said would or could happen, Denny has experienced only about half so far. In my book, that is a good thing. Now, we keep watch for brain swelling and infection. He is strong and he is fighting, so we march on. You can do it, Denny!
Love to all,
Deb
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Surgery Day
5:40 p.m. FINAL ENTRY - Dr. Haughey just called. He said Denny's surgery is done. He is getting ready to go into recovery. Dr. Haughey believes that they were able to get all of the cancer. They did not have to remove some of the tissue behind his left eye as originally planned. Denny came through with flying colors. The next few days will find him in intensive care. We are requesting that there be no visitors at this time. I will let you know via this blog when he is ready to greet you. Many thanks to all who came and waited with me, as well, as those of you who kept him in your thoughts and prayers. Miracles are still happening! Thanks for keeping the faith. Go Team Woodruff!
3:20 p.m. The surgical nurse just called and said they are coming down the homestretch. Doctors are starting to close everything up. This will take awhile but the next phone call I receive will be from the doctor. Denny's vital signs are looking good. As my dad would say, "He's winning!" Go, Denny!
1:40 p.m. The ENT is still bringing the tumor out through Denny's nose. He hasn't had to make a facial incision so far. He told us he would try to minimize the scarring but if he had to go through the front of Denny's face, then it would be necessary. Denny is still holding his own. From here on out it will be the intricate process of locating the cancerous cells in the tumor area and the surrounding margins. So far...so good.
11:50 a.m. The neurosurgeon has made his incision going in through the top of Denny's head. The ENT just started his exploration up through Denny's nose. Both are evaluating the next steps. He is in good hands. Feel confident that these doctor's know what to do. All vital signs are being carefully monitored. Deepest thanks to Pastor Garry for the comforting words to Denny before surgery. Words cannot express our appreciation. Thanks, also, for Cousin Shelly's blog comment. We appreciate your prayers! Harvey, if you are reading this, Denny really appreciated your "chin held high" comment. You helped prepare him for battle. Many thanks for that, dear friend!
9:45 a.m. Denny's surgical nurse called. The lumbar drain was put in but they were unable to get the chest catheter (also called a central line) in. His veins were too constricted. They added several IV's instead of just the one big one. His heart rate and other vitals are doing fine.
8 a.m. Denny went into surgery. The doctor said it will take between 12 to 14 hours. They have decided to put in a chest catheter and a lumbar drain. This will add about 2 hours to the original plan. Denny has the A-team working on him. The doctors are world reknown and so are their staff. Updates should be coming every 2-3 hours. Stay tuned.
Good Morning! Hope everyone slept well because today is going to be a long one. Denny and I are getting ready to leave for the hospital. I will update the blog when I get new info.
Love to all,
Deb
3:20 p.m. The surgical nurse just called and said they are coming down the homestretch. Doctors are starting to close everything up. This will take awhile but the next phone call I receive will be from the doctor. Denny's vital signs are looking good. As my dad would say, "He's winning!" Go, Denny!
1:40 p.m. The ENT is still bringing the tumor out through Denny's nose. He hasn't had to make a facial incision so far. He told us he would try to minimize the scarring but if he had to go through the front of Denny's face, then it would be necessary. Denny is still holding his own. From here on out it will be the intricate process of locating the cancerous cells in the tumor area and the surrounding margins. So far...so good.
11:50 a.m. The neurosurgeon has made his incision going in through the top of Denny's head. The ENT just started his exploration up through Denny's nose. Both are evaluating the next steps. He is in good hands. Feel confident that these doctor's know what to do. All vital signs are being carefully monitored. Deepest thanks to Pastor Garry for the comforting words to Denny before surgery. Words cannot express our appreciation. Thanks, also, for Cousin Shelly's blog comment. We appreciate your prayers! Harvey, if you are reading this, Denny really appreciated your "chin held high" comment. You helped prepare him for battle. Many thanks for that, dear friend!
9:45 a.m. Denny's surgical nurse called. The lumbar drain was put in but they were unable to get the chest catheter (also called a central line) in. His veins were too constricted. They added several IV's instead of just the one big one. His heart rate and other vitals are doing fine.
8 a.m. Denny went into surgery. The doctor said it will take between 12 to 14 hours. They have decided to put in a chest catheter and a lumbar drain. This will add about 2 hours to the original plan. Denny has the A-team working on him. The doctors are world reknown and so are their staff. Updates should be coming every 2-3 hours. Stay tuned.
Good Morning! Hope everyone slept well because today is going to be a long one. Denny and I are getting ready to leave for the hospital. I will update the blog when I get new info.
Love to all,
Deb
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Bring it on!
The last of the packing is almost done. The bills are paid. The kids are off to school. Denny is ready to get this ball rolling.
We are amazed by the outpouring of love and support our family has received. Thanks to all for the prayers, comments, emails and phone calls.
I'm loading up the car and getting ready to head out to pick Denny up from work. I'm also thinking about our situation and the challenges that lie ahead. There are 2 choices: 1) Do nothing; or 2) Fight and win, once again, against this cancer. We pick choice number 2. BRING IT ON! Team Woodruff is ready....
Love to all,
Deb
We are amazed by the outpouring of love and support our family has received. Thanks to all for the prayers, comments, emails and phone calls.
I'm loading up the car and getting ready to head out to pick Denny up from work. I'm also thinking about our situation and the challenges that lie ahead. There are 2 choices: 1) Do nothing; or 2) Fight and win, once again, against this cancer. We pick choice number 2. BRING IT ON! Team Woodruff is ready....
Love to all,
Deb
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Invictus
Final preparations are underway for our trip to St. Louis. My mom is coming in from Missouri today. Denny and I will leave around noon tomorrow. He wants to get a half day's work in.
There has been one change to our plans. Originally, we were going to stay with Denny's sister, Anita. However, the doctors want Denny to be close to the hospital when he is discharged. Therefore, when we leave tomorrow, we will be going to a lodge operated by the American Cancer Society. It is about 1 mile from the hospital. I will be staying there for the duration; Denny will be there when he is discharged.
Of course, thousands of thoughts are racing through our minds like dandelion fluff floating in the summer breeze. I'm wondering if I have everything packed, if I've taken care of the things the kids will need for school, if I paid all the bills, and if Denny is feeling positive and strong. I'm sure I have an idea of what Denny is thinking too.
Then, the oddest thing happened. I woke up this morning and the strangest memory came to my mind. When I was working at McDonnell-Douglas, before it became Boeing, I had a co-worker named Joe I. His last name was Greek and could probably take up one whole sentence. Joe was a short, homely, rotund little man with heavy jowls; kind of like a Greek Santa Claus. However, Joe had a special gift. He had a beautiful, golden voice; rich and strong like Jack Daniel's whiskey.
One day I came into work and he was standing in the middle of the room quoting passages from his favorite poem, "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley. At first, I was embarrassed for him. "Yikes", I thought. "Who does this kind of thing at work?" Then, I started to listen.
"Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever Gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
....
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate;
I am the captain of my soul."
I can still hear his powerful voice. Isn't it strange that should be the first thing I think of this morning? Joe had serious heart problems and died not long after his office oration. The memory of that little man with the big voice was just what I needed today. Invictus!
Love to all,
Deb
There has been one change to our plans. Originally, we were going to stay with Denny's sister, Anita. However, the doctors want Denny to be close to the hospital when he is discharged. Therefore, when we leave tomorrow, we will be going to a lodge operated by the American Cancer Society. It is about 1 mile from the hospital. I will be staying there for the duration; Denny will be there when he is discharged.
Of course, thousands of thoughts are racing through our minds like dandelion fluff floating in the summer breeze. I'm wondering if I have everything packed, if I've taken care of the things the kids will need for school, if I paid all the bills, and if Denny is feeling positive and strong. I'm sure I have an idea of what Denny is thinking too.
Then, the oddest thing happened. I woke up this morning and the strangest memory came to my mind. When I was working at McDonnell-Douglas, before it became Boeing, I had a co-worker named Joe I. His last name was Greek and could probably take up one whole sentence. Joe was a short, homely, rotund little man with heavy jowls; kind of like a Greek Santa Claus. However, Joe had a special gift. He had a beautiful, golden voice; rich and strong like Jack Daniel's whiskey.
One day I came into work and he was standing in the middle of the room quoting passages from his favorite poem, "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley. At first, I was embarrassed for him. "Yikes", I thought. "Who does this kind of thing at work?" Then, I started to listen.
"Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever Gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
....
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate;
I am the captain of my soul."
I can still hear his powerful voice. Isn't it strange that should be the first thing I think of this morning? Joe had serious heart problems and died not long after his office oration. The memory of that little man with the big voice was just what I needed today. Invictus!
Love to all,
Deb
Friday, May 7, 2010
Rumor, Humor and the Tumor
Okay, all of the speculation is gone. No more "what if's" or "when will we know?" We have the plan now.
Denny has to be at Barnes Jewish hospital at 6am on the morning of May 13th. The doctors are still saying that the surgery will take between 8 and 12 hours. Many of you have expressed a desire to be there before he goes into pre-op. Everyone is welcome but realize it is not necessary. Denny and I appreciate this but we do not expect it.
If you plan to be there, park in the south garage (first exit to the right on Kingshighway). Go to the Surgery Registration area (not Admitting/Billing). The Surgery Registration area is down the first hall, exiting right, off of the walking bridge from the south garage. If you pass elevators on the right, you have gone too far. Surgery Registration will be on the left side of the hallway. It looks like a big waiting room. (because it is a big waiting room!)
Denny will be able to talk to you there. Then, Denny and I will leave for the pre-op which I believe is on the 2nd floor. Once Denny's surgery has begun, we, the visitors, will have to go to the neurosurgery waiting room. I think it is on the 10th floor. If you come in later in the day, just ask at the information desk or the surgery registration desk.
No visitors will be allowed after the surgery or while he is in intensive care. After that, we let everyone know via this blog when he is up to visitors. Due to the high risk of infection, we have to take every precaution. They are operating in an area previously radiated. This complicates Denny's ability to heal. If you have any type of cold, fever, etc., we ask that you wait until it passes before visiting. We thank you for your understanding!
I'm asking everyone to stay positive and keep the prayers coming. I believe that you have to "see" a successful goal in order to attain it. I see many challenges ahead but I also "see" Denny's success. It reminds me of a quote that I love:
"There are two kinds of people in this world: those who finish what they start, and"
We are going to finish what we start and...claim victory! I "see" it! How about you?
Love to all,
Deb
"We will accept no defeat!" - Team Woodruff 2010
Denny has to be at Barnes Jewish hospital at 6am on the morning of May 13th. The doctors are still saying that the surgery will take between 8 and 12 hours. Many of you have expressed a desire to be there before he goes into pre-op. Everyone is welcome but realize it is not necessary. Denny and I appreciate this but we do not expect it.
If you plan to be there, park in the south garage (first exit to the right on Kingshighway). Go to the Surgery Registration area (not Admitting/Billing). The Surgery Registration area is down the first hall, exiting right, off of the walking bridge from the south garage. If you pass elevators on the right, you have gone too far. Surgery Registration will be on the left side of the hallway. It looks like a big waiting room. (because it is a big waiting room!)
Denny will be able to talk to you there. Then, Denny and I will leave for the pre-op which I believe is on the 2nd floor. Once Denny's surgery has begun, we, the visitors, will have to go to the neurosurgery waiting room. I think it is on the 10th floor. If you come in later in the day, just ask at the information desk or the surgery registration desk.
No visitors will be allowed after the surgery or while he is in intensive care. After that, we let everyone know via this blog when he is up to visitors. Due to the high risk of infection, we have to take every precaution. They are operating in an area previously radiated. This complicates Denny's ability to heal. If you have any type of cold, fever, etc., we ask that you wait until it passes before visiting. We thank you for your understanding!
I'm asking everyone to stay positive and keep the prayers coming. I believe that you have to "see" a successful goal in order to attain it. I see many challenges ahead but I also "see" Denny's success. It reminds me of a quote that I love:
"There are two kinds of people in this world: those who finish what they start, and"
We are going to finish what we start and...claim victory! I "see" it! How about you?
Love to all,
Deb
"We will accept no defeat!" - Team Woodruff 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Living in an Ark
In case family and friends are watching the news, the Nashville area is experiencing severe weather & flooding. We have electric and are high & dry. The town of Lebanon and surrounding highways are under water. Denny and I are old hands at what to do in a flood. The Woodruff 4 and their menagerie of animals are safe & sound.
Love to all,
Deb
P.S. To Aunt Sharon Almond,
Thanks for the gooey butter cookies. Getting them in the mail made our day! Love you!
Love to all,
Deb
P.S. To Aunt Sharon Almond,
Thanks for the gooey butter cookies. Getting them in the mail made our day! Love you!
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