Update, July 21st, Tuesday, 10:20 AM

Hi. The Stanford visit resulted in being told that at least one more weeek of living near by, in Geyserville, is necessary. While the wound is healing nicely, there is one part of it that is still deep enough to require the wound vac packing. Next week should see us leaving for home and using "wet to dry" gauze packing, which is something I can do and will not require specialized supervision from Stanford. We would still see a home health nurse in McKinleyville, but, just to review and assure progress, not to pack the wound. Diuretics were further reduced by Stanford doctors and, again, the staff at the hospital were very encouraging about the wound status and Linda's progress. Thanks, to all for the support. John

Update Sunday, July 19th, 10:10 AM

Hi. Saturday was a day in which Linda rested, for the most part. She had some allergy problems last night and was kept up from coughing a couple of times. Today, will be more rest and, tomorrow, we will be back at Stanford for the weekly check. The wound vac continues to operate reliably and we note no apparent negative effects from the reduced diuretics. We hope to be given the green light to go back to McKinleyville tomorrow and, yet, know that the wound may not be healed enough for us to leave Geyserville. Thanks, for your attention to Linda. These are tough circumstances to deal with and the knowledge that people care, makes a big difference. John

Update July 17th, Friday,6:47 PM

Hi. Linda was just cleared to leave the hospital. We will drive back to Geyserville as soon as the paperwork is completed. Her diuretics were adjusted and she feels better. Just a blip along the way. But, a bit of a freight there for a while. We will be back at Stanford on Monday for our scheduled appointment. The wound vac was changed today and the wound continues to heal and, actually, looks pretty good. Thanks, for the support. John

Update-July 17, 2009 11:45 am

Hello All,

Last night linda was complaining of shortness of breath, fatigue and had difficulty breathing. My dad took her down to stanford late yesterday and upon arrival they ran some tests which indicated her heart and lungs were fine. More tests today showed however that her symptoms were due to her fluid levels, so they have taken her off her diuretics and she has improved. Now they have to figure out what the right amount of diuretic is for her to take. For now she will remain at Stanford until they can figure that out. More updates later:)

Mandy

Update Wednesday, July 15th, 12:31 PM

Hi. The visiting nurse left a short while ago. She Indicated that the wound was much improved. Linda's doctor reduced the amount of diuretics she must take,but, otherwise, meds remain the same as when Linda left the hospital ( blood thinners, blood pressure, stomach pills for acid reflux, calcium, electrolytes, etc. ). Linda is now taking a nap but ,when she awakes, I hope to take her for a walk around the circular driveway they have here. Emma is due to come by later today and Linda is, of course, looking forward to seeing her. Mandy continues to hold down the fort in McKinleyville. She was here over the weekend. Rascal was sick with intestinal problems but is now recovered, much to our relief ( as well as his, I'm sure ). Hot days, now, in Geyserville with temps in the high nineties. For folks rooted in Mendo for 5 years, and in McKinleyville for 5 years, these temps are difficult and, yet, reminicent of our days in Chico where the summers would reflect triple digit days, as a matter of course. All is well. John

Update, July 13th, 7:44 PM

Hi.  The visit to Stanford today went very well.  The wound vac was changed and the Stanford staff felt that the wound was healing very well.  In fact, they said there may be a chance that the wound would be sufficiently healed next Monday to allow consideration of travel back to McKinleyville next week.  We do not want to get our hopes up too much but it was good to know that relocation home may be possible.  So, we shall see.  John

Update Monday July 13th, 11:01 AM

Hi;  Sorry, about no blog the last few days.  A little mix up in communication.  All is well.  Linda is off to Stanford today.   The visiting nurse meeting, Friday, went well as the wound continues to heal.  The nurse indicated she thought it would be at least another two weeks, however, before Linda will not require the wound vac.  (maybe more, as this process takes a long time with wounds as large as Linda's ).  Linda was a little blue after hearing this but, yesterday, was feeling better and was actually heartened by the news of the wound getting better.  We'll know more after the visit today and get an estimate from Stanford as to a projected date when we will be able to be in Mckinleyville.  Thanks, for all the interest and concern.  John