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Thursday, August 12, 2010

Getting a Feeding Tube...and other fun Adventures!

August 11, 2010
Since I have never written on a blog before, I’m going to have to ask my niece, Melanie, exactly how to enter this in. I am not quite as technologically inept as I appear.  I am thankful to Melanie and my daughter, Emily, for starting this off. I am a journal writer/not a blog writer. I like to use my journal to vent feelings that I’m not sure I would always like to share. I have many journals, and they aren’t very exciting. However, I have always enjoyed writing about my life. This is not a part of life that I’m really excited to write about. However, I have been overwhelmed by the amount of love and concern that has been shown to me—and wanted to keep all of you updated on what is going on. If we don’t answer your phone calls, don’t take it personally—right now we are seeing doctors and making arrangements for upcoming treatments. Last night I spent the night in the hospital, Scottsdale Shea, because they were putting a feeding tube in me…and then wanted to watch me to make sure that it was working all right. As you know, sleeping at a hospital is hardly restful—but I am so good at sleeping almost anywhere that I still could sleep through the pokes and prods that they do at all hours of the night. We waited all morning to be discharged, but it seemed to take the doctor forever to finally come to our room. We went home, but came back very shortly to meet with the oncologist. We were impressed with the oncologist and his physician’s assistant. There still is much coordinating to do, so that we can meet with the nutritionalist, the chemo lady, another radiologist, and whoever else is on the list. As they talked about doing radiation and chemo, it pretty much overwhelmed me. I know it is not going to be easy, and I am scared. But I have the most tremendous support system, led by Spence and my kids…and I know their faith, prayers and help will help me a lot. I love them so much—my family has never seemed more precious to me. It’s kind of dumb that it takes real emergencies for us to appreciate all the blessings we really do have. I am also so grateful for prayer and for the comfort and strength that it brings. I am thankful for so many amazing people that are just waiting to help in whatever way possible. Basically, I just love you all, and hope you feel that.  Much love always, Louise

7 comments:

  1. You are an amazing woman and will prevail through this arduous challenge! When I started reading the entry I thought Spence had written it, so when I got to the part that said "they put a feeding tube in me" for a split second I thought maybe it was his wry humor run amok! Yes, humor is good, but I immediately realized this was much too serious of a matter to be making light of, at least at this point in time. I look forward to the day we can laugh with you once this nightmare is over!
    I so appreciate your niece and Emily for providing this blog so we can all feel connected to what is going on. I love you and hope that being home today brings you some rest and comfort!! Loads of love and prayers, Deb

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  2. The specialists had better take extra, extra care in how they treat you!! You obviously have many friends who love, adore and look to you as an example of goodness, I being one of those friends (and cousin). I remember the temple I was trying to think of yesterday when I spoke with you, the Jordan River Temple. My sister Debbie lives right by that beautiful Temple. Our prayers and our children's prayers are with you. David and I love you. Becky

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  3. (This if for Deborah ... laughter helps so much!)
    I was talking to Shelby about your adventures with drinking the cranberry juice and having it come right out the tube. We had a good laugh about how much money that could save Shelby a day if she could just keep recycling the same 44 ouncer all day long. She suggested using that tube like a straw......
    WE LOVE YOU. And hate that you have to have that stupid tube and stupid cancer. As Shel likes to say, "Cancer is a jerk."

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  4. We all love you Louise and you will be in our prayers constantly. Beat this thing, we all have your back.

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  5. Love you, Aunt Louise. You're in our thoughts and especially our prayers.

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  6. Oh Louise...I'll be praying for you to beat this. Me and Geoff and Geoffrey are here for you and yours and even though we're not technically family-family, we love you just the same...and if you ever NEED anything we'll DO anything! Much love and hugs...Cat Jones and the Geoff's (sounds like an 80's punk rock band, huh?)

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  7. You have always been one of my favorite "Aunts" , You are in my thoughts and prayers daily! Love you Jeni

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