Chapter 9:

Prison Break 

The last three posts from the June/July 2017 hospital stay.

I Need to Get Up

July 4, 2017

At 6 AM this morning I woke to a very clear and calm voice that said, "I need to get up!"

It was not a voice in my head, it was Julie.  That was the start of what has been a much better day.  Julie is getting out of bed and transferring much better back and forth from her bed to chair and walking.  She went for a ride in the wheelchair, and she had 6 oz of chocolate milk for breakfast and 4 bites of cream of wheat.

When I was pushing her in the wheelchair this morning she mentioned the people who came to see her yesterday.  I was so surprised that she remembered anyone, because she seemed to be in such a deep fog yesterday, but she remember all the visits.

The biggest positive today is that her pain has been much more manageable.  Her spinal pain pump was turned up yesterday, and as a result, she has had very little additional IV pain medication.  This has helped her be more alert, and just feel better overall.  When visitors came today she talked more and was full of smiles and expression.  We are happy!

Prison Break

July 4, 2017

Julie was doing so well today, I decided to get her out tonight for a 4th of July cookout.  First she had to have a PICC line placed.  So thankful for the people who came in to do that on their 4th of July.  Then things fell into place nicely with a late afternoon nap and timing with medication.  I got her dressed up, and snuck past the guards, down the elevator, out the back door to the getaway car, and drove to Taylor's house where the gang was eating hamburgers.

She got tired and wanted to go to her own bed, so I took her home and she quickly fell asleep in her bed for an hour, then I woke her up and brought her back to the hospital before they started looking for her...

Today was a simple day, with simple food and simple entertainment.  Good friends came to visit, and we were with family.  Julie and I spoke a little to each other about simple and joyful things.  I was happy to have this day with her, one of the happiest days I remember.

Going Home

July 5, 2017

Julie is headed home from the hospital.   She has had two really good days and seems to be feeling as good as she did three weeks ago.

She has some more tests and radiation treatments ahead of her, and hopefully she'll be able to do the PRRT treatment.

It's her 30th high school reunion this weekend, I hope she feels like going.

Thanks  for your kindness, your love and concern for Julie, and for your empathy towards me also.  We anticipate a strong recovery in the short term, and hope for effective treatments in the future…