Quite a Day!

written by Ron Polinder

Some dandy developments today:

1.  Colleen is out of ICU, earlier than we anticipated.  Dr. Foltz continues to do cartwheels over the progress Colleen is making.  Today he came in with his surgical scrubs, somewhat aqua in color.  Colleen looked him over and said, "You need some turquoise jewelry to go with that."  Dr. Foltz cracked up and said, "I'm not really into that," to which Colleen said, :Well I am, and I can take care of that."  :)

2. She sat in a chair today, though her core muscles are still very weak. The Rehab folks were in this afternoon and there appears to be lots of reasons to stay right here at Swedish for these services, not the least of which is the ongoing oversight of her doctors.  And we know insurance will cover.

3.  Earlier we had reported about the "trial" that Colleen will participate in.  We indicated a 50/50 chance of being selected for the vaccine.  In reality, they will select 2 of 3.  And if symptoms reoccur, they will immediately begin the vaccine.  Again, Colleen is the very first person from the entire Northwest that has qualified for this study--so we think they will continue to give her lots of attention.

4.  I am writing from her room now, but this morning we talked on the phone.  Colleen sounded like Colleen--I could not believe the progress, and her acuity. We are giving thanks that Colleen is coming back to herself, though she still needs quietness and rest.  Physically she has a long ways to go, but there is much optimism about recovery.

We will not be sitting on the back porch at Rosemary Way anytime soon, but we are grateful for all the good people at Swedish that we get to hang out with.  Colleen is in love with the nurses, even trying to match them up with certain relatives. In turn, I am in love with 500+ people on Caring Bridge.

Ron    

Assessing

written by Ron Polinder 

Writing from Lynden tonight--good to check in, see precious grandkids, pay some bills, stock up....

It has been another good day in that Colleen is responsive, coherent, loving and downright funny at times.  The PT/OT team came in and got her on the edge of her bed, though her left-side weakness is frightening. Dr. Foltz, who came in twice today, again reassured us that will come back.

Her left eye opens more easily that her right because of the right-side swelling from the incision.  By the way, prior to the 2nd surgery, they did shave a third of her head.  She kinda looks like a punk rocker. :) Still on feeding tube--maybe tomorrow that will come out.

So the near term looks promising.  But we would be naive if we did not consider what we face longer term.  One day soon, we will need to get the doctor's fuller assessment in that regard. It is not a conversation we are looking forward to.  Yet, we ought not borrow trouble from the future.   

So tonight we will use the words of brother Sherm's favorite song--No never alone, no never alone!  He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone.  Most of you will remember that song from our youth.  It speaks to the progress, and the prognosis.  Regardless, we are not alone--we belong...........

Ron

the good things.

Seems like life as of late has been full or reminders of how broken this world is that we live in. The most comforting thing is the hope that takes us beyond life in this world, that even sickness and pain and death can't take away our hope of what is to come.  In the middle of all of the mess there is still beauty and things that make me smile. Laughter helps keep me functional in the middle of times like these.

I moved down to Bangkok last week to be near the hospital here. Last night as I was walking home a man tried to hit on me until his eyes moved down to my stomach where they got big when he saw my pregnant belly and he suddenly ended the conversation and shuffled on by. I chuckled to myself the rest of the way home. 

Grateful today for the fresh fruit sold on the street...for the diversity all around me here...for enough money to eat...for friends and family whose love remains just as strong despite long distances...for these little jabs and kicks in my belly throughout the day...for the rain to bring relief to the suffocating humidity...for the kids at AYDC in Chiang Rai who have made my life all the more rich...for community in Chiang Rai, and new relationships here in Bangkok...for the chance to hear Colleen's voice on SKYPE last night...for health today....and a comfortable bed tonight.

Mostly Good

written by Ron Polinder

Wholesome developments today--Colleen's mind seems altogether active and functioning.  Her responses are slow, but right on target. So some really nice exchanges with those of us here--also her childhood and lifetime friend, Diane DeWaard Dykman.  

Colleen overheard me talking on phone re some insurance issues, but when hanging up, she was quick to correct me on some details. She also said she wanted to get home to Rosemary Way--not quite ready for heaven yet, meaning she's got some livin to do.  :)

Dr Foltz visited twice, briefly, and remains very pleased with her improvement.  But she remains very weak--will likely be in ICU another 3 days.  I read her some Caring Bridge which she enjoyed, but later in the day when offering more she said, "Too heavy."  And now tonight she indicated to S and Sh she just wants to rest, can not handle visitors for a couple of days.

Hanging around a hospital for a week, you soon learn what can go wrong--pneumonia, blood clots, infection, and more.  The PT came in today, and gave us instructions on how to keep exercising certain muscles.  Colleen's left side is particularly weak.

So, no shortage of matters to pray about, but always with thanksgiving for the terrific progress we have seen, and for the love we have experienced.

Ron