Friday, July 13, 2007--WELCOME HOME, POP!!!
Happy Friday the 13th! Pop made it home late last night and he's been resting ever since. We gave him today to rest and then Emily and I will visit him tomorrow.Kevin called Pop from the Hofbrau Haus in Munich today, to play oompah music and tell him about the famous landmark. He called Emily and me as well, but I nearly hung up on him, 'cause I thought he was either a crazy telemarketer or some guy calling from a loud frat party! Sorry, Kevin! Come home soon, 'cause we miss you.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Pop was still waiting to go home at 6pm tonight. It's 9:30pm and hopefully he's home. Mom will let me know in the morning (Emily and I have been running since 4pm today). Sorry there's not more of an update.Kevin's in Deutschland, but we didn't hear from him today. It was a crazy day. Emily was dressed in winter clothing (with shoes) for her swimming survival class. The teacher pulled her into the water and let her go, and Emily turned right over on her back and floated. Unbelievable. I'll add pictures in my next post.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Oh puhleez, let it almost be over!! The blood doctor says Pop can go home tomorrow. His latest CAT scan shows a large, internal hematoma, which the doctor says can dissolve on its own without surgery...over the next 6 weeks. Oh, I sure feel sorry for Mom, because I don't think Pop's allowed to do woodworking! (The doctor said rest...yikes!) Details are a little sketchy until Mom phones the doctor with additional questions, but it looks like Pop's finally on his way home. I sure hope he can sleep once he gets there--he was absolutely exhausted today.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
So here we are on an alternate day, which always turns out better. The story stays the same as last night--Pop can go home Thursday as long as the CAT scan shows bleeding has stopped. He feels good, is eating meals and stretching his arms and legs periodically. The nurses think he's doing ballet and get a kick (pardon the pun) out of watching him. Emily showed Papa some ballet moves today (1st position, plie, arabesque), so he's all set. I'm getting used to catching unasked for glimpses of Pop's naked bum, but hey, what a girl will do for her dad (helping him into bed).Tomorrow is the 2nd anniversary of "Gotcha Day" for us as a family. This means that two years ago, on July 11, 2005, Kevin and I were standing in a hotel conference room in China, gazing into our daughter's eyes for the first time.
So tonight, I met Russ/Cindy/Abigail for dinner--their Gotcha Day anniversary is today (Happy Anniversary!!) and they were just referred another little girl!! Say hello to Chloe Ming Bolton!! Melissa/Kate were there minus Daddy Scott--their Gotcha Day anniversary is coming up in October. And they are adopting a little boy! Take a look at Addison Braun!! How exciting!! A big hello to friends and adoptive parents Lisa/Jeff/Trace/Taylor and Ernest/Natalie/Ashley. We missed y'all tonight. The girls as usual were a hit in the restaurant--one employee in particular kept staring at Emily in fascination. I asked him if she resembled someone he knew, but he kept telling me he was amazed she was so tiny for a 3-year old...and he was a small Chinese man! Oh well, it was a funny excuse for staring.
Kevin is doing fine in Europe. After getting a buzz from French espresso, he's now in Milan, Italy where they probably drink just as much coffee. I taught him to say, "Come, let's go for some coffee" ("Andiamo prendere un caffe"). Kevin, if you read this, the only other Italian I know is "Cuanto cuesta, perque vorrei comprarlo", or, "How much does this cost, because I want to buy it." Beyond that, the Italians just laughed at me. That might help you out a little, though, in your free time. Tomorrow Kevin leaves for Munich, Germany, where we might never see him again, once he gets hold of the German beers. Oh, wait a minute, I forgot, this is a business trip. We love and miss you, Daddy!
Monday, July 9, 2007
It's interesting, depending on which doctor you talk to at a certain time of day, you get a slightly different story. Sorry, I usually have faith in the medical system, but right now I'm a bit disgusted. And, like it's been for over 2 weeks now, every other day is a lousy one.In the morning the surgeon said Pop had no more bleeding (so, no surgery!) and could go home. So we waited all day to see when he'd be discharged. In the evening the blood doctor told us he had no more bleeding but will remain in the hospital for 2 more days, receive the CAT scan that never happened, and then might go home. Sheesh...whatever. Emily and I didn't visit Pop today because we were waiting to hear that he was discharged.
On a positive note, Pop still feels good, and Kevin made it safely to Paris. Kevin says espresso is served in the offices, and he's "wired and tired, weeeee!!" Friend Amy arrived safely in Alaska and loves it, and we didn't talk to Grami Frani today because we were waiting to see when Pop would be discharged from the hospital.
I apologize for not emailing anyone about this extremely negative update, but our email account is currently being serviced and only works part time.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Nothing much today. No CAT scan since not many folks work on Sundays. Pop remained under observation, and was given more blood since he's still bleeding internally. A surgical decision will supposedly be made tomorrow. Pop's still in good spirits and taking liquids and his Interferon. No word on his blood cell counts. Friends Kanti and Ranju visited--they're helping Mom at the house and are great friends. Next, my friend Estelle and Summer visited Pop, and 2 1/2 year old Summer drew Pop a pretty picture to hang on his hospital wall.We continue to meet other families visiting loved ones. A nice lady whose husband had emergency surgery for a cerebral hemmorage broke down after she was given news that her husband's arm restraints were being removed, and he was being taken off a respirator after 4 days. When we left her he was struggling to breathe comfortably on his own, but doing well after reaching this critical milestone. Shortly after that, a Code Blue (patient's heart stopped) was called on 400 West, which turned out to be right next door to Pop. The patient was saved, but an apparent family member was slumped outside the door when we left. It's certainly the real world here.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Yesterday's lift off fizzled and Pop crashed. Mom took Pop to the ER this morning after his legs began swelling. A CAT scan revealed an internal hematoma that might break up by itself overnight, or may require surgery. Pop has been readmitted to the hospital (Holmes Regional, room 602, so far).The good news is, if there are no complications during the night and the hematoma begins to break up, it can be aspirated through a needle. The bad news is, if nothing changes, Pop faces another full-blown surgery. Tomorrow morning (Sunday) a second CAT scan should reveal all.
Pop is being monitored all night, plus he's receiving an Interferon injection to bring his blood cell counts within normal levels (his white cells are too high, red too low). Interferon is a strong drug that can cause high fevers. Pop also had a blood transfusion to try and bring his red blood cell count up before he's given the Interferon.
The great news is, Dad's spirits are good, which is mostly what counts. He ate dinner tonight, and that's a BIG change! :D
Another quick note: Kevin leaves Sunday morning for a business trip to Europe (Paris, Milan, and Munich, poor guy). What awful timing, but try and have fun, Daddy. We'll miss you!!!!
A Note from Grami Frani
Grami Frani sounded much better today. She feels much better, and hopes to go home by Tuesday. Yeay, Grami!!News from the Koullias Household
Congratulations to nephew Stephen Koullias for buying his first car out of his savings. Stephen is the proud owner of a 2006 Mustang, woo hoo!! We'd better get a picture soon, Stephen! It joins brother Anthony's Toyota Camry in the driveway. I remember those days of filling up our parents' driveway and garage! Best of luck to you guys...and tell your mother to slow down!!Friday, July 6, 2007
We have lift off!! (Florida joke) Pop is actually going home today!! We couldn't believe it, after watching him go through so much stomach pain from the intestinal infection. But the medicine is working, and he got the green light today, hurray!! He's starting to look like his old self again, he's so relieved.Bad News at the Koullias House
Things aren't too great at my sister Cindy's house in Pennsylvania. Several days ago, around 2:00 in the morning, the garage caught fire. Luckily, a neighbor was up and saw the flames, called 911, then kept ringing Cindy. When Cindy finally answered, the neighbor told her to get the family out. She and Ico got all 3 kids out quickly, plus the family dog (who disappeared for 4 hours).
Cindy said the flames reached the second floor of the house. Damage was pretty extensive in the garage (to at least one of the cars), and into the laundry room. Smoke filled the basement living area, and the 1st floor. Experts say that if the neighbor hadn't called, the gas cans in the garage would have exploded, causing the cars to explode. The fire would then have made its way further into the house, where the smoke detectors would have finally have sensed it, but that would have been too late. So now smoke detectors will be installed in the garage. What a horribly close call. We're so glad they're ok.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
We didn't hear much from Grami today--we'll get the hospital number and start calling. Pop wasn't doing so well this morning--he ended up developing Clostridium Dificil, which is an infection of the bowels. It's not uncommon after surgery, but it meant having to don plastic gowns and gloves just to visit him! Poor Emily had to stand in the doorway and yell out, "you otay, Papa?" and tell him she was starting ballet class today and had a "pitty, pitty tutu".
This started yesterday, and by this evening, after much pain and discomfort, Pop is resting comfortably and feeling better. He'd been sinking into depression, which the doctor said was normal but freaked me out, so I him to discuss kitchen cabinet installation and that distracted him for a while.
That's all that's new. Emily absolutely loved picking out her ballet slippers and purple leotard. (The sales lady swears Emily has a shoe fetish since she tried on most of the adult shoes in the room first.) She loved her Mommy 'n Me ballet class, especially as Mommy chased her around the room while she giggled. What a workout! We're only doing four classes since they were such a bargain.
That's it for tonight.
(Letter from Emily) Happy Fourth of July, everybody.
Papa Lee's Condition
Papa says he feels better, and is actually eating a little jello today! Yeay, Papa!! His body is starting to work again, although we had a scare with his tummy. Yesterday he needed an MRI (called a "circular") since his tummy was very hard. It turned out to be excess fluid inside his body. Sheesh! Poor Grandma and everybody gets scared, then everything turns out ok. It's better to be a kid.No fevers today, and Papa is walking around more, so we're very happy. You go, Papa! And he was moved to room 417 at Holmes Regional, for those of you sending Internet well wishes to Pop.
Grami Frani's Progress
Grami Frani is in the hospital for another week. Things are going slowly for her, which is surprising. I'd have thought she'd be home and making a ham or Winkies (Whimples, or Winkie Dinkie Doo) by now. We need to tell the hospital to add Internet well wishes to their website--what's up with that?? Take care, Grami!!I'm off to follow the neighborhood parade. It's led by a big fire truck, and the fireman waves at everybody! And then fireworks with Daddy down at the beach tonight, while Mommy babysits a terrified Mia at home. Have a great time, everyone.
Love,
Emily
Monday, July 2nd...
I say we opt for the sleek and sophisticated hospital gown look. Why? Let's just say I caught a glimpse of Pop, while helping him into bed yesterday, that I hope to never see again. Although I must say, he's in pretty good shape from all those workouts at the gym. It's just that gowns should open from the sides, like these do, NOT from the back! (I'm traumatized.) And just look at the accompanying robe...how chic!Good news today, although Pop was pretty much out of commission all day long, running an occasional temperature, and rarely opening his eyes. Pop doesn't have Pneumonia. That's what the surgeon says. I didn't get any more detail than that. The Cardiologist arrived today as well, and says no heart problems, the rapid heartbeat is just a side effect of surgery.
Emily is now known throughout the cafeteria, since last night she serenaded a group of employees with a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday", complete with pantomime of blowing out candles and eating birthday cake. The employees sang "Happy Birthday" to a coworker, then Emily began her equally loud version from clear across the cafeteria, and everyone dissolved in laughter. Great comic relief.
A big THANKS! to Miss Ethel for taking Mia into her home this afternoon. Thanks for your kindness!
Here's a good choice for Grami Frani! Her shoulder would be free to exams and physical therapy, and she sports a cool, summery look as well.
If she gets cool, she can just top off the summer dress with this nifty capelet! Although not the hair, puhleez!
Not to make fun, 'cause Grami Frani is still in a lot of pain. But, she's on the mend, becoming more mobile, and will hopefully go home to Aunt Tracey's house soon! Best of luck to Uncle Santo, as well. We hear he's hopefully going home this week. And friend Fran Wagner made it out of the hospital (at least one of you did!) and into extended care after her recent (second) leg surgery. Take care, Fran! Take care, everyone!
Sunday, July 1st...
Today wasn't a good day. Miscommunication was the norm, and we were all pretty exhausted by the end.First, Pop was diagnosed this morning with Pneumonia. We don't know who gave the diagnosis, so when I received the call from my sister, I raced to the hospital to try and find out more. Information wasn't forthcoming, so Mom and I sat down and drafted a list of questions about Pneumonia and other stuff; for example, how dangerous is his Pneumonia? Why wasn't anyone getting him up and walking to clear his lungs? (Noone did all morning.) We requested to see the head nurse, but she never came.
Luckily, Pop's surgeon showed up around lunchtime and told us he doesn't believe Pop has Pneumonia; instead, he believes it's excess fluid around the incision site, which is normal. (BTW, a chest x-ray was done 2 days ago, and the results aren't back yet.) The surgeon promised to get back with us regarding the diagnosis, but that's the last we saw of him today. He did tell us we could walk Pop ourselves, so we prepared to do so...but we never had the chance.
Fast forward to 1:30pm. Pop had been complaining of an irregular heartbeat for several days, but the nurses didn't see anything strange. The surgeon assured us it was normal after spleen surgery. Shortly after the surgeon left, Pop's pulse went from around 80 to 170 beats per minute. The nurses were alarmed, and a heart monitor was placed on Pop, blood drawn, and a cardiac doctor alerted. Hours later, they administered medicine to restore his pulse. He remained in bed all day long.
What a scary day! Luckily, Kevin, Emily, and my brother David arrived later on, providing a welcome comic relief to Mom, me, the nurses, and the poor guy in the next bed, whose wearing a full neck brace. Emily entertained everyone with cute ballet moves, and several rousing renditions of "Lullaby and Dood Night" (again). She continued the song through the hospital, in the elevators (to a crowd of laughing adults), and out the hospital lobby. (This kid is getting LOTS of attention here, and we're asked questions daily about her adoption.)
As for me, I'm beat. So sorry for the lack of photos. I just need to go to bed.
Saturday, June 29th...
Pop was up and walking several times today. It tires him out, but he keeps trying. He hasn't eaten food since Wednesday, but given the size of his incision--Mom and I watched his bandages being changed, and that baby is looong!!--it's not surprising. He managed to turn onto his side today, which thrilled him to no end after lying flat on his back for a week.He ran a fever this evening, and the nurses treated it quickly, so by 11pm he was back to normal. So his three sisters can rest easy up North--thanks for keeping in touch, Aunt Betty! The doctor still thinks Pop can go home on Monday, so let's keep hoping!
Mom's doing well, remaining very calm and nurturing, being friendly with Pop's many roommates (three so far), and on great terms with the nurses. She's right at home in a hospital, since she spent much of her career working in one!
Thanks to my friend (and college roommate) Amy, for driving almost 8 hours round trip from Sarasota just to visit Pop for one day. Emily cried tonight when we got home, Amy. She was sobbing for "my Miss Amy", who sat endlessly with Emily in the pitch dark, on the floor of the laundry room so Emily could beam stars on the ceiling from her "Constellation Turtle".
THANKS so much to friend Margo for feeding and checking on Mia while we've been spending our days in the hospital. Thanks to friends Wanda and Gary for giving Mia a much needed play date today with their two Airdales. Thanks to friend Ethel for offering to take Mia during the week (we'll be calling!). Everyone has been so helpful with Mia, who has been home alone throughout this, and unfortunately absorbed a lot of our stress, which is coming out...all over the floors. Poor girl! (Here she sings for the camera.)Oh, and thanks for all the great emails. They're posted on Pop's bulletin board, and he really enjoys reading them!
Grami Frani
(Grami's first visit with Emily, Aug 05)Grami Frani is mending from her shoulder replacement, but sounds like she's still in a lot of pain. That seems pretty different from her double knee replacement surgery--I remember chasing her up a flight of stairs at her house days after the surgery, trying to get her to slow down! Take care, Grami. :)
Friday, June 29th...
Sorry about not posting yesterday. We took a much needed break from travelling to the hospital every day. Plus, Pop was on morphine yesterday and rarely opened his eyes. Today he opened his eyes more often and spoke to us. His nurse had to actually ask him to use the morphine (he didn't want any drugs once he woke up) since he was having trouble breathing.
Pop's blood doctor gave us great news...no cancer!! So no chemo, thank gosh. Instead, Pop's leukemia will be managed through drugs. Emily checked Papa's heart with her stethoscope, and heard a kitty cat meow. That means Papa's fine. She also sang "Lullaby and Dood Night" to everyone in the room, including Papa's new roommate. And, she made sure to regularly ask, "You otay, Papa?"
So Pop's in good spirits. He stood up once today, and will begin eating and walking tomorrow. Mom's happy with his progress, even if she did leave her humongeous purse resting on Pop's legs, at one point (Pop's legs are encased in support hose to prevent blood clots. Oh well, he's made it through almost 50 years of marriage, so he's probably safe! :)
I need to call Grami Frani and apologize for not checking in on her more often. We hear she's still in pain from the shoulder surgery, and moving along much like Pop is. Take care, Grami!
Thanks to everyone for their well wishes, cards, and flowers. Thanks for the offers to watch Emily! Thanks to Margo for caring for Mia while we spent our days at the hospital. You've all been so kind. Friends are just the greatest.
Wednesday, June 27th...
Today Pop had surgery. He was in great spirits this morning, knowing that it would be over by afternoon. Mom said once he was in pre-op and given a sedative, he was joking one minute and passed out the next! This is surgery #9 for Pop's life.Emily had a great time with Papa before his surgery, checking his heart with her stethoscope and asking, "You otay, Papa?" and interrupting her work for snacktime. Poor Pop, friend Nancy stopped by to say hi, Mom was there, Emily and I, so he was surrounded by chattering women instead of relaxing before his surgery.
Surgery came at 2:15, and the surgeon told us Pop's spleen was the largest he'd ever seen. The spleen is typically the size of a human fist, and Pop's was the size of a football!! Surgery went well, and Pop was moved to the surgical recovery floor, on floor 4, so if you're sending Internet well wishes, please send them there.
Tuesday, June 26th...
At last, five days after entering the hospital, the long awaited word from the surgeon. Pop is scheduled for surgery tomorrow, around 1pm.Pop is greatly relieved, and actually looking forward to having everything over with. The surgery is only a few hours long, and recovery time is 4-5 days in the hospital (per the anesthesiologist). The anesthesiologist also told us Pop has mild emphysema from his years of smoking, about 40 years ago.
Emily's having a great time with Papa in the hospital. She's very well behaved for a 3-year old, and entertained visitors every chance she got. There's a player piano on each floor, and Emily stops to conduct the piano, since she's fascinated by the moving keys. Papa shares his hospital bed with her and his lunches, which makes her happy. We had to say a tearful bye bye to Aunt Cindy today, since she's returning to Pennsylvania tomorrow. Emily's going to miss her playmate!
On Another Note
Uncle Santo is doing well after heart surgery. Grami Frani is through her shoulder replacement surgery, and almost qualifies as a "bionic woman", considering she has fairly new knees, as well! :) Best wishes to Mom's girlfriend Fran, who had to undergo yet another leg surgery to repair the first surgery...and then she needs a new hip.That's all for today,
Caroline
Monday, June 25th...
Not much newes today. The surgeon came and left without talking to anyone (frustrating), so we don't know when surgery will be. Pop was moved into the old hospital (still Holmes) to room 605W, for those of you visiting or sending Internet wishes.
Hi all,
Emily's grandpa (Caroline's father) was was diagnosed with Chronic Leukemia this week. While it wasn’t terribly surprising (he’s had a blood disorder for years), hearing the word “Leukemia” was still a jolt. Chronic is the more treatable form of the disease. It may be with chemotherapy, or not...we don't know yet.
Pop is currently in the hospital with a high white blood cell count and an extremely enlarged spleen that’s affecting his ability to draw a full breath. His spleen will be removed this week--we should know approximately when by tomorrow (Monday). Dad’s in good spirits, though, especially since sister Cindy, brother-in-law Ico, and kids Anthony, Stephen, and Cassie flew down from Pennsylvania this past week just to see him.
And, of course, Pop's counting the days until he returns to his beloved garage to continue woodworking. By the way, here's a piece of trivia. We call Dad "Pop" because so many of our childhood friends called him "Dad" that he couldn't figure out whose kid was in his house! So "Dad" evolved into "Pop"--for all of us--and stuck.Feel free to send Pop a message at Holmes Regional Medical Center. He’s under “William C. Lee”. Room # is currently unknown, because they’re moving him shortly.
Thanks for all your good wishes. I've passed them on to Pop.
More Family News
It seems family news comes in threes...in this case, fours. Grami Frani (Kevin's mom) will have a shoulder replacement this Tuesday. Uncle Santo will have open heart surgery shortly. And cousin Debbie Zielinski had very recent back surgery. We wish them all the very best.Hope everyone else is well. Take care, everyone.
Love,
Caroline
