August 29 Down at the farm
Sunday, August 30, 2009
August 29 OUT TO THE FARM
After breakfast, nap and lunch Travis thought he would like to go down to the farm. Grandma, Travis, Daisy, Uncle Mark and myself all jumped in the car and headed out for his first venture down there for a very long time. It was so amazing to see him tramp all over without any issues - the last couple times he'd been there it had been to just sit and have a weiner roast. He was so surprised to see all there was - he'd forgotten over the years all the wonderful places to go.
We then headed back to Grandma's house. Cathie had arrived in Ponoka by that time and Dawn came over as well. We had a barbecue and just a nice time being together. Hopefully we can have a weiner roast down at the farm yet this fall.
Posted by Auntie Terri
After breakfast, nap and lunch Travis thought he would like to go down to the farm. Grandma, Travis, Daisy, Uncle Mark and myself all jumped in the car and headed out for his first venture down there for a very long time. It was so amazing to see him tramp all over without any issues - the last couple times he'd been there it had been to just sit and have a weiner roast. He was so surprised to see all there was - he'd forgotten over the years all the wonderful places to go.
We then headed back to Grandma's house. Cathie had arrived in Ponoka by that time and Dawn came over as well. We had a barbecue and just a nice time being together. Hopefully we can have a weiner roast down at the farm yet this fall.
Posted by Auntie Terri
August 28 HEADING TO PONOKA
The doctor's gave Travis the okay this morning to go to Ponoka for the weekend. One part of his PFT's was down 1% but his volume was higher than it's ever been (since long before transplant). He had a full morning of yoga and physio and then back to the apartment for lunch and a nap.
His blood sugars at noon were very low so his nap was curtailed for some time in order to make sure they were back on track. By 5:00 he decided to go so we had supper (at Earl's again since my appointment went way longer than anticipated so had nothing prepared) and then headed off for first venture out of city! We arrived in Ponoka at 8:00 and Daisy was soo happy to see him (we weren't sure how she would receive him - sometimes in past when he'd been in hospital for a long period she would be so mad at him she would shun him).
Posted by Auntie Terri
The doctor's gave Travis the okay this morning to go to Ponoka for the weekend. One part of his PFT's was down 1% but his volume was higher than it's ever been (since long before transplant). He had a full morning of yoga and physio and then back to the apartment for lunch and a nap.
His blood sugars at noon were very low so his nap was curtailed for some time in order to make sure they were back on track. By 5:00 he decided to go so we had supper (at Earl's again since my appointment went way longer than anticipated so had nothing prepared) and then headed off for first venture out of city! We arrived in Ponoka at 8:00 and Daisy was soo happy to see him (we weren't sure how she would receive him - sometimes in past when he'd been in hospital for a long period she would be so mad at him she would shun him).
Posted by Auntie Terri
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
August 26 Things have been going quite well these past days, although he has been disappointed with his PFT's. He hasn't seen much improvement this past week - they were down 1% on Monday. He goes for another blow tomorrow morning so hopefully he will see an improvement then. Still, as he says, it's a huge improvement from before (from approx. 27% to as high as 70%).
They did more changes on his insulin yesterday at clinic and they have been markedly improved today for which we are very thankful. He is now counting carbs so has been able eat what he needed to gain back weight he had lost in last 2-3 weeks.
He and Cathy spent quite a number of hours wandering around West Edmonton Mall on Sunday and met up with Bryan there for awhile. He had not been there for years but managed it with no problem this time.
I'm sure he's going to be in better shape than most of us by the time he goes home. When I watch what he's doing in physio and OT it is quite astounding. They have added quite a number of different exercises to his routine since I left just over a week ago so he has quite a rigorous schedule every morning now. He is very tired by the time he's done - they're working him hard!
This afternoon we went to Southgate to find a holder for his new phone. His old one fell out of his pocket in physio yesterday and broke so we met his Dad at Southgate last night and they picked up a new one. Again, it was so encouraging to see him motoring all over with no problem.
Everytime we go somewhere I keep thinking I have to drop him at the door and then go park and then it hits me - NO, he can walk from wherever. It takes quite awhile for the mind to get used to the New Travis - he said it's a 1,000 times more so for him - I believe it!!
Posted by Auntie Terri
They did more changes on his insulin yesterday at clinic and they have been markedly improved today for which we are very thankful. He is now counting carbs so has been able eat what he needed to gain back weight he had lost in last 2-3 weeks.
He and Cathy spent quite a number of hours wandering around West Edmonton Mall on Sunday and met up with Bryan there for awhile. He had not been there for years but managed it with no problem this time.
I'm sure he's going to be in better shape than most of us by the time he goes home. When I watch what he's doing in physio and OT it is quite astounding. They have added quite a number of different exercises to his routine since I left just over a week ago so he has quite a rigorous schedule every morning now. He is very tired by the time he's done - they're working him hard!
This afternoon we went to Southgate to find a holder for his new phone. His old one fell out of his pocket in physio yesterday and broke so we met his Dad at Southgate last night and they picked up a new one. Again, it was so encouraging to see him motoring all over with no problem.
Everytime we go somewhere I keep thinking I have to drop him at the door and then go park and then it hits me - NO, he can walk from wherever. It takes quite awhile for the mind to get used to the New Travis - he said it's a 1,000 times more so for him - I believe it!!
Posted by Auntie Terri
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
August 14 SEVEN WEEKS TODAY
It's hard to believe transplant has been that long ago but in other ways seems like it happened forever ago. It is so amazing to see where he's come since then - we thank the Lord for how He has brought him through all of that.
If we hit no glitches, we are over the halfway point of going home. In some respects that is a very scary thought - it's a very secure feeling being across the street from the hospital.
I anticipate that it will be a very traumatic time, especially for Travis and Cathie. There's quite a huge adjustment coming - he has had someone with him almost 24/7 for almost a year. In these next weeks there's a lot of things to consider and sorting out to be done as he starts his New life - there's a lot of questions about how this will all come about (ie: what he will be able to do and can't do). Please pray, especially for them, as we look at all of this in the coming weeks.
Clinic was today - Dr. Nador said he is doing 'awesome'. His blood work all came back good (his TAC levels are great so he doesn't have to increase that for which we are very greatful). His x-ray was good and the doctor was not concerned about the slight drop in the PFT's. He said his lungs sound totally clear. AND his blood sugars were fine last night eventhough he had a HUGE supper at Earls - he even was able to take his snack with his 8:00 meds.
Travis is having difficulty sleeping and his back still gives him a lot of trouble but in talking to other patients this morning, it sounds like a Very common complaint.
There may be no postings for the next few days - I have to go back to work this afternoon for a week. However, if something unusual occurs, I will send a post. Therefore, no news is good news.
Just keep up the good work, Trav!
Posted by Auntie Terri
It's hard to believe transplant has been that long ago but in other ways seems like it happened forever ago. It is so amazing to see where he's come since then - we thank the Lord for how He has brought him through all of that.
If we hit no glitches, we are over the halfway point of going home. In some respects that is a very scary thought - it's a very secure feeling being across the street from the hospital.
I anticipate that it will be a very traumatic time, especially for Travis and Cathie. There's quite a huge adjustment coming - he has had someone with him almost 24/7 for almost a year. In these next weeks there's a lot of things to consider and sorting out to be done as he starts his New life - there's a lot of questions about how this will all come about (ie: what he will be able to do and can't do). Please pray, especially for them, as we look at all of this in the coming weeks.
Clinic was today - Dr. Nador said he is doing 'awesome'. His blood work all came back good (his TAC levels are great so he doesn't have to increase that for which we are very greatful). His x-ray was good and the doctor was not concerned about the slight drop in the PFT's. He said his lungs sound totally clear. AND his blood sugars were fine last night eventhough he had a HUGE supper at Earls - he even was able to take his snack with his 8:00 meds.
Travis is having difficulty sleeping and his back still gives him a lot of trouble but in talking to other patients this morning, it sounds like a Very common complaint.
There may be no postings for the next few days - I have to go back to work this afternoon for a week. However, if something unusual occurs, I will send a post. Therefore, no news is good news.
Just keep up the good work, Trav!
Posted by Auntie Terri
Thursday, August 13, 2009
August 13 WOW! WHAT AN IMPROVEMENT
It was so encouraging to see how Travis has improved since I saw him a week ago. He stands much straighter, his strides are much bigger and he travels much faster. Now when he walks he can talk at the same time! He's even choosing to walk across the hilly part of the parking lot. I feel that the tremors are less for the most part too - a Real bonus. By looking at him you would never believe he'd been through what he has.
Today started out early and was a very full morning. We didn't get back til in the afternoon. He had blood work (they had to pull his PIC line on Tuesday - it was totally plugged - discouraging), x-ray, PFT's (down slightly from Tuesday) , physio and almost an hour of yoga exercises - I joined in on that and he showed me up!
After lunch we both went to have a nap and just as I was about to doze off the fire alarm went off - initially I just thought it was a test - but a phone call proved differently. So...down 10 flights of stairs! He said his legs were a bit shaky by the time we got to the entrance but he did great. Turned out to be a false alarm - thankfully - but it took quite awhile for them to figure that out so that was the end of naps.
Tonight he had a hankering for the clam chowder at Earl's so we went there for supper - Thanks for supper, Trav. We plan to hit the gym downstairs later on after his supper settles. We're expecting his blood sugars to be high tonight - hopefully they will start letting him count carbs and give himself insulin accordingly.
Posted by Auntie Terri
It was so encouraging to see how Travis has improved since I saw him a week ago. He stands much straighter, his strides are much bigger and he travels much faster. Now when he walks he can talk at the same time! He's even choosing to walk across the hilly part of the parking lot. I feel that the tremors are less for the most part too - a Real bonus. By looking at him you would never believe he'd been through what he has.
Today started out early and was a very full morning. We didn't get back til in the afternoon. He had blood work (they had to pull his PIC line on Tuesday - it was totally plugged - discouraging), x-ray, PFT's (down slightly from Tuesday) , physio and almost an hour of yoga exercises - I joined in on that and he showed me up!
After lunch we both went to have a nap and just as I was about to doze off the fire alarm went off - initially I just thought it was a test - but a phone call proved differently. So...down 10 flights of stairs! He said his legs were a bit shaky by the time we got to the entrance but he did great. Turned out to be a false alarm - thankfully - but it took quite awhile for them to figure that out so that was the end of naps.
Tonight he had a hankering for the clam chowder at Earl's so we went there for supper - Thanks for supper, Trav. We plan to hit the gym downstairs later on after his supper settles. We're expecting his blood sugars to be high tonight - hopefully they will start letting him count carbs and give himself insulin accordingly.
Posted by Auntie Terri
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
August 11 UPDATE FROM AFAR
I have been back home working since the last post so have not seen Travis personally. By all reports he continues to grow stronger and healing.
He has continued to have a problem with his blood sugars even after they altered the insulin quite a lot before. Thankfully, they did further adjustments to it at clinic today.
His PIC line was pulled today - when they tried to use it yesterday for his blood work they found the other line plugged as well. I don't think they have plans to put in another at this point. If so, we had hoped the doctors would allow a trip to Calgary to get the kind that he's had for years and experienced no problems with.
The PFT's continue climbing for which we are very thankful.
The TAC was increased a bit today - he is still struggling with tremors.
Am looking forward to seeing him tomorrow - will try and get some pictures on the blog then.
Thank you for your continued interest, concern and prayers.
Posted by Auntie Terri
I have been back home working since the last post so have not seen Travis personally. By all reports he continues to grow stronger and healing.
He has continued to have a problem with his blood sugars even after they altered the insulin quite a lot before. Thankfully, they did further adjustments to it at clinic today.
His PIC line was pulled today - when they tried to use it yesterday for his blood work they found the other line plugged as well. I don't think they have plans to put in another at this point. If so, we had hoped the doctors would allow a trip to Calgary to get the kind that he's had for years and experienced no problems with.
The PFT's continue climbing for which we are very thankful.
The TAC was increased a bit today - he is still struggling with tremors.
Am looking forward to seeing him tomorrow - will try and get some pictures on the blog then.
Thank you for your continued interest, concern and prayers.
Posted by Auntie Terri
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
August 4 RACHEL'S VISITING
Today has been a good day thus far and should just get better.
His PFT's today were on the rise again and they adjusted his insulin at clinic this morning so that hopefully he can eat til he's more satisfied and still keep the blood sugars where they should be. We left the wheelchair behind today - we are VERY thankful to see that. Inspite of that he had a good workout at physio today. A number of people commented this morning about how he has improved since the end of last week - his Dad noticed quite a difference.
He is just now waiting to meet Rachel (from Calgary) for lunch. I'm sure that will be a lively time!
We hope you all had a great weekend!
Posted Auntie Terri
Later: A wonderful lunch was had by all at Sawmill thanks to Rachel's Dad & Mom. A special thanks to you for bringing Rachel all the way up here for a visit since she can't drive at this time.
Today has been a good day thus far and should just get better.
His PFT's today were on the rise again and they adjusted his insulin at clinic this morning so that hopefully he can eat til he's more satisfied and still keep the blood sugars where they should be. We left the wheelchair behind today - we are VERY thankful to see that. Inspite of that he had a good workout at physio today. A number of people commented this morning about how he has improved since the end of last week - his Dad noticed quite a difference.
He is just now waiting to meet Rachel (from Calgary) for lunch. I'm sure that will be a lively time!
We hope you all had a great weekend!
Posted Auntie Terri
Later: A wonderful lunch was had by all at Sawmill thanks to Rachel's Dad & Mom. A special thanks to you for bringing Rachel all the way up here for a visit since she can't drive at this time.
Monday, August 3, 2009
August 3 PICC LINE CONTINUES TO BE A CHALLENGE
The day turned out quite differently than anticipated. He went to the Lab first thing this morning to have his blood drawn (every Mon & Thurs) only to find that they couldn't get anything from his PICC. After working on it for quite awhile they finally drew the blood from another vein and then sent him to x-ray to see if they could determine what the problem was. The verdict was that it was probably plugged at the end so they put a special solution into one port (they couldn't get hardly anything into the second) and left it for 2 hours with the hope that it would dissolve the 'plug'. In the meantime some of his bloodwork results came back showing that his magnesium levels were too low so they administered that by another IV while waiting for the Picc line solution to work. End result: they got one port going again in the Picc for which we are very grateful and most of the day was spent in the hospital.
Travis, Cathie, Mark & I went for supper to Original Joe's tonight - he really enjoyed his jambalaya - I don't think I want to know what his blood sugars were tonight! After returning to the suite, we watched Pink Panther 2 (after Travis & Mark spent quite a bit of time trying to get it going - we never did find out what the problem was!)
Posted by Auntie Terri
The day turned out quite differently than anticipated. He went to the Lab first thing this morning to have his blood drawn (every Mon & Thurs) only to find that they couldn't get anything from his PICC. After working on it for quite awhile they finally drew the blood from another vein and then sent him to x-ray to see if they could determine what the problem was. The verdict was that it was probably plugged at the end so they put a special solution into one port (they couldn't get hardly anything into the second) and left it for 2 hours with the hope that it would dissolve the 'plug'. In the meantime some of his bloodwork results came back showing that his magnesium levels were too low so they administered that by another IV while waiting for the Picc line solution to work. End result: they got one port going again in the Picc for which we are very grateful and most of the day was spent in the hospital.
Travis, Cathie, Mark & I went for supper to Original Joe's tonight - he really enjoyed his jambalaya - I don't think I want to know what his blood sugars were tonight! After returning to the suite, we watched Pink Panther 2 (after Travis & Mark spent quite a bit of time trying to get it going - we never did find out what the problem was!)
Posted by Auntie Terri
August 2 MORE ENERGY
After all the activity Travis took on yesterday (including a shopping trip to the mall with his Mom plus the fact that although he tried, he could not sleep in the afternoon), we thought he may not be wanting to do much today. However, he started out the day in great style!
He again upped his time on the treadmill to 30 minutes along with his other exercises and then on to a shower (which has been a trying experience in the past) which went very well.
Tracy came by at noon for lunch at earls with Cathie and Travis and had a good time there.
After a good nap in the afternoon he was up to heading over to Bryan & Rachelle's for another barbeque - thanks guys.
It was so good to hear him say his energy level has been better the last two days which I think has been proven out in the activities he took on.
Posted by Auntie Terri
After all the activity Travis took on yesterday (including a shopping trip to the mall with his Mom plus the fact that although he tried, he could not sleep in the afternoon), we thought he may not be wanting to do much today. However, he started out the day in great style!
He again upped his time on the treadmill to 30 minutes along with his other exercises and then on to a shower (which has been a trying experience in the past) which went very well.
Tracy came by at noon for lunch at earls with Cathie and Travis and had a good time there.
After a good nap in the afternoon he was up to heading over to Bryan & Rachelle's for another barbeque - thanks guys.
It was so good to hear him say his energy level has been better the last two days which I think has been proven out in the activities he took on.
Posted by Auntie Terri
Saturday, August 1, 2009
August 1 SETTING NEW GOALS
I left Tuesday to go back to work for a couple days and Lorne remained here with Travis. Nothing really new transpired during that time. However, at Clinic yesterday the doctor decided to drop the Tacrolimus (Tac) - (anti-rejection drug - Prograf is another name for it for those of you who have been asking) from 5 mg 2x/day to 4 mg 2x/day because of the tremors it has been causing. He/we feel that there is already an improvement today - we're not sure if the Tac is the reason - if it would make a difference so soon.
He was setting new goals for the weekend - one of which was to have a bath - however we noticed that one of the chest tube sites is still weeping a bit so that will have to be put on hold for a bit longer. Another is to break away from the hospital/hotel walls. He and his Mom plan to go to Southgate for a bit this afternoon and then to go to Bryan & Rachelle's for awhile this evening.
Travis and Cathie both went to the gym this morning - he upped his treadmill time from his 20 minutes at physio yesterday to 23 1/2 today. Good going Trav! He's also done some OT exercises as well this morning.
He has been having difficulty sleeping at night - it's becoming more of an issue every night so we will be addressing that at clinic on Tuesday. The bloodsugars continue to be out-of-range in the evening in spite of the changes they have made this past week so am hoping to talk to the diabetic nurse on Tuesday.
We hope you all have a great weekend. Thank you for your continued interest and concern.
Posted by Auntie Terri
I left Tuesday to go back to work for a couple days and Lorne remained here with Travis. Nothing really new transpired during that time. However, at Clinic yesterday the doctor decided to drop the Tacrolimus (Tac) - (anti-rejection drug - Prograf is another name for it for those of you who have been asking) from 5 mg 2x/day to 4 mg 2x/day because of the tremors it has been causing. He/we feel that there is already an improvement today - we're not sure if the Tac is the reason - if it would make a difference so soon.
He was setting new goals for the weekend - one of which was to have a bath - however we noticed that one of the chest tube sites is still weeping a bit so that will have to be put on hold for a bit longer. Another is to break away from the hospital/hotel walls. He and his Mom plan to go to Southgate for a bit this afternoon and then to go to Bryan & Rachelle's for awhile this evening.
Travis and Cathie both went to the gym this morning - he upped his treadmill time from his 20 minutes at physio yesterday to 23 1/2 today. Good going Trav! He's also done some OT exercises as well this morning.
He has been having difficulty sleeping at night - it's becoming more of an issue every night so we will be addressing that at clinic on Tuesday. The bloodsugars continue to be out-of-range in the evening in spite of the changes they have made this past week so am hoping to talk to the diabetic nurse on Tuesday.
We hope you all have a great weekend. Thank you for your continued interest and concern.
Posted by Auntie Terri
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