Hi all..it is late on Wednesday evening and I am having a bit of a problem getting to sleep. Martha and I came home today for a bit to regroup before I return to be with Jen. Randy will go back Friday and I will meet him there..we are hoping to at least say hello before he heads back to work. It felt so odd walking into the house tonight..I look forward to catching up on some things but my heart is with Jen in Dallas.
As Nick said, the Zale clinic seemed to be the right place..we have tried our best to discuss the pros and cons of rehab clinics and although all we have seen or researched are topnotch, we all felt most comfortable, overall, with the Zale Lipsey choice. When Jen will actually transfer is still not certain, but it is sooner rather than later and we are all ready for that day.
This morning, Jen was able to experience an actual shower while in CICU! What a treat for her and as she said, it felt wonderful. This afternoon, she had her graft sight bandages changed which is a painful process, but as usual, she made us proud, and...we were encouraged that the areas looked good and were beginning to heal as hoped.
It seems as if she will be transferring to a medical floor in the next day or two which is a good thing. Although we are all comfortable with CICU and the care there overall, if she is stable enough to find a new home..then, that is what should happen.
While we are gone, I am so relieved that Nick's mom, Marie, will be able to spend more time with Jenny. She is such a great and strong woman and we are all so happy to call her family.
Jill and Shannon will return this weekend and will be able to spend a "girls only" day together..Jenny is looking forward to their trip and appreciates the efforts they have made so very much.
Now that Jen is getting so much stronger, she reads the blogs several times a day and is so grateful for all of your comments and posts and support. She received several cards today..and reads them over and over...we have a special box to keep them in. I can't thank you all enough for the love and time you spend in thinking and praying for her..as I have said so many times, this along with Nick, has helped keep her with us...not to mention her determination.
Walt..I will miss my daily doughnut fix but will see you soon and to Ann and Cecile as well as Don and Bill Matthews..you are so dear..how lucky we are to have you.
More soon...Love, Marilyn
Wednesday
Tuesday
Zale Lipshey
As Jen begins to improve in every area we are eagerly awaiting her move to a rehab facility. Her grafts are healing as they should and her health is getting stronger each day. Her spirits remain incredible with the ongoing support of family and friends.
Today we visited Zale Lipshey Rehab Hospital which is part of UT Southwestern. It was an extremely impressive facility in many ways. Very new, small and personable with a great staff. We felt a real sense of comfort and believe Jen would have a wonderful stay. Hopefully she will be beginning her rehab here in about 10 days.
This is some what of a frustrating time for Jen, being in the same bed and room for almost 11 weeks now. She is ready to move on and start learning the things that will help her to regain her independance again. There will be lots of frustration, tears and satisfaction in the coming weeks and we hope that all of you will share in the process at Zale. The visiting times are very liberal.
Babe we are almost beginning the next phase in this amazing journey, what you have achieved so far has been nothing short of a miracle. If it is at all possible I love you more and more as each day passes, you have shown me more courage than I ever thought possible.
I love you Hottie Biscotti,
Hubby
Today we visited Zale Lipshey Rehab Hospital which is part of UT Southwestern. It was an extremely impressive facility in many ways. Very new, small and personable with a great staff. We felt a real sense of comfort and believe Jen would have a wonderful stay. Hopefully she will be beginning her rehab here in about 10 days.
This is some what of a frustrating time for Jen, being in the same bed and room for almost 11 weeks now. She is ready to move on and start learning the things that will help her to regain her independance again. There will be lots of frustration, tears and satisfaction in the coming weeks and we hope that all of you will share in the process at Zale. The visiting times are very liberal.
Babe we are almost beginning the next phase in this amazing journey, what you have achieved so far has been nothing short of a miracle. If it is at all possible I love you more and more as each day passes, you have shown me more courage than I ever thought possible.
I love you Hottie Biscotti,
Hubby
Sunday
Rainy Sunday Morning
Hello Dear Friends....I can't believe it has been 5 days since we last posted. As I have said before, the days just seem to speed by...I am beginning my 10th week in Dallas and more important, Jen's 10th week in CICU.
She has seemed to do well since the skin grafts. The bandage change on Friday was a bit rough but as usual, Jenny handled it with courage. The plastic surgeon will be looking at the wounds tomorrow and we are hopful that the grafts are "doing their job". She is so ready to move on to rehab and at least we now feel we are truly getting closer to that day.
Speaking of which, Nick, Marie, Martha and I are visiting the Zale Lipshy Inpatient Rehab Unit on Tuesday. This is a smaller facility than Baylor but also located in Dallas and we have been encouraged to tour. It is my feeling that following this, Jen and Nick will make a final decision as to where she will go...but it does look as if either way, we will be staying in Dallas.
Martha came back yesterday and will be here several days. Matt came through Dallas on his way to meet Christy and her family for the long holiday weekend and as usual, he and Jen had a great talk. Margene has spent several days with me and she, Marie and I had quite an adventure trying to find our way back to the hospital from Target and ending up in a downpour in Garland, Texas. LONG story but one that Jen just laughed at...and shook her head.
Jenny has really taken a interest in the blog and looks forward to reading it every morning. Thanks to you all for the notes and words of encouragement. We will write again soon and update you all on the clinic tour.
Marilyn
She has seemed to do well since the skin grafts. The bandage change on Friday was a bit rough but as usual, Jenny handled it with courage. The plastic surgeon will be looking at the wounds tomorrow and we are hopful that the grafts are "doing their job". She is so ready to move on to rehab and at least we now feel we are truly getting closer to that day.
Speaking of which, Nick, Marie, Martha and I are visiting the Zale Lipshy Inpatient Rehab Unit on Tuesday. This is a smaller facility than Baylor but also located in Dallas and we have been encouraged to tour. It is my feeling that following this, Jen and Nick will make a final decision as to where she will go...but it does look as if either way, we will be staying in Dallas.
Martha came back yesterday and will be here several days. Matt came through Dallas on his way to meet Christy and her family for the long holiday weekend and as usual, he and Jen had a great talk. Margene has spent several days with me and she, Marie and I had quite an adventure trying to find our way back to the hospital from Target and ending up in a downpour in Garland, Texas. LONG story but one that Jen just laughed at...and shook her head.
Jenny has really taken a interest in the blog and looks forward to reading it every morning. Thanks to you all for the notes and words of encouragement. We will write again soon and update you all on the clinic tour.
Marilyn
Wednesday
Successful Surgery!
Jen had surgery today to cover up her wounds. It went very well with skin grafts being taken from her thighs to do the trick. One early concern was the possibility of not being able to graft enough skin to cover the wounds and having to do another surgery in a couple of weeks but luckily this is not needed.
In the areas that skin was taken from will remain very sore for a few days and feel very much like a gravel burn you receive when falling from a bike. We have both just finished a milkshake with Jen being very upbeat and relieved that there will be no more grafting. With her outlook being so positive we both felt it important to keep the momentum going.
We are missing each others touch very much. Jen is starting to really enjoy me standing leaning my head on her chest listening to her heart while she rubs my head. I miss this togetherness and so does she but we are getting closer and closer each day.
Babe you have jumped another hurdle with flying colors. You never cease to amaze me with your strength and passion. We are almost there Jen and I cant wait until we are home.
Love forever, Hubby.
In the areas that skin was taken from will remain very sore for a few days and feel very much like a gravel burn you receive when falling from a bike. We have both just finished a milkshake with Jen being very upbeat and relieved that there will be no more grafting. With her outlook being so positive we both felt it important to keep the momentum going.
We are missing each others touch very much. Jen is starting to really enjoy me standing leaning my head on her chest listening to her heart while she rubs my head. I miss this togetherness and so does she but we are getting closer and closer each day.
Babe you have jumped another hurdle with flying colors. You never cease to amaze me with your strength and passion. We are almost there Jen and I cant wait until we are home.
Love forever, Hubby.
Tuesday
From Me to You
Hi everyone, this is Jen! I am with Nick and Ryan in my room and have recruited Ryan to be my secretary (he looks great in his skirt, ha!). I've been able to read the blog every other day and I'm blown away by all the love and support that I've been given. Thank you so much for providing me with the much needed inspiration and positive comments.
I never thought that when I went to the hospital I would end up in the situation that I'm dealing with today. However, I am taking everything day by day and understanding that God chose me for a purpose that is unknown. My spirit remains strong and my desire to live life to the fullest still remains. I know I have a long journey ahead of me but I'm motivated to start rehab and learn some new tricks!
I have learned to drink by myself and read magazines. I am also so happy to be able to go outside in my wheelchair the past few weeks, which is very refreshing after being cooped up in here for more than two months. I should be in here another two or three weeks, and then I'm off into the real world! Love, Jen.
P.S. I will post again soon! :)
I never thought that when I went to the hospital I would end up in the situation that I'm dealing with today. However, I am taking everything day by day and understanding that God chose me for a purpose that is unknown. My spirit remains strong and my desire to live life to the fullest still remains. I know I have a long journey ahead of me but I'm motivated to start rehab and learn some new tricks!
I have learned to drink by myself and read magazines. I am also so happy to be able to go outside in my wheelchair the past few weeks, which is very refreshing after being cooped up in here for more than two months. I should be in here another two or three weeks, and then I'm off into the real world! Love, Jen.
P.S. I will post again soon! :)
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