Day 11, morning
At first I thought yesterday was going to be scarier than other days. When I got to SICU 18 in the morning, 5 medical staff were hovered over her, busily doing stuff. Then I was told it was only (only?!) a scheduled CT. That kind of scare happens a lot, more to Josephine and others than to me. But you’re never prepared for it. Maybe Kathy, not me. The scan came back without any alarms. Awhile later Aine showed up, went through her PCT work, and just as she was finishing Dr. Tensor arrived. Another marginal set of vaso readings, a later phone conference with out-of-town Dr. Zauner, and another angio was planned, third day in a row.
The vaso spasm problems, as I think I said before, are in the two frontal lobes. A bit surprisingly, of the two, most concerning is the spasming in the left-side artery, not the right where the ruptured aneurism occurred. As Dr. Tensor explains, that’s because, for all her life, Kathy has lived with a very narrow passage in that artery, so any additional constriction is worrisome. And the passage there is so narrow (even in its normal state) that if the angio doesn’t do the job there’s not enough room to insert a balloon. So they need to be aggressive with the juice they inject (very, very slowly) directly into the vessel to make it relax and expand (it’s called cardene, not condene as I mistakenly said before – bet that made some nurses wince). Kathy responds well to it, but even so the calming effects only last a day or two. That’s why I’m fine with their doing the angio daily. And yesterday’s went beautifully (was “tolerated well”), just as the previous two did.
Dr. Tensor also told me yesterday afternoon that all else was proceeding without surprises, and – real good news – no sign of pulmonary distress (aka pneumonia).
Drs. Tensor and Zauner confer every day on approach, even though Dr. Zauner is on vacation (he returns today). Actually, I suspect he’s been in South Carolina at a medical convention. Our daughter Abby, who works as a histology technician at a UCSF brain research lab (headed up by a Nobel Prize winner, yes, I’m a proud dad), says that’s likely where he is. I’m glad they do confer, because Dr. Tensor has had a long week covering (I think I mentioned he was awakened twice Tuesday night to come in to attend to Kathy…and he has other SICU patients, like Bobby, whose needs are just as demanding).
I wish Kathy could meet her doctors. She’s a passionate doctor advocate; having worked hand-in-hand with them for over 20 years she speaks from experience. She has strong opinions about a few pet subjects and will espouse them unflinchingly in the face of opposition. She’ll smile, of course – she’s Kathy, so she can’t do otherwise, even if a stern countenance would help advance her position – and listen attentively before responding. For example, feels strongly about some things political, about her labor union, and, like all her co-workers, about the primacy of patient care over any other aim of the healthcare industry (there’s really only one, you can probably guess what).
And about the dignity and dedication of doctors. I see it every day at Cottage: doctors working with their patients, discussing approaches with their staff and with other doctors in person and on the phone, intently analyzing the data streaming across their computer monitors, taking and reading notes. I never see them just relaxing.
Dr. Tensor, roused out of sleep twice in the night to care for Kathy, performs brain surgery on her the next afternoon. To me, that’s amazing. Kathy, however appreciative she would (and will) be, might not be too surprised. Her antennae are way more sensitive than mine when it comes to knowing how to recognize and honor dignity. Just being close to her helps me see. For that, and a thousand other reasons, I really need her to come back.
14 Comments on Day 11, morningAt first I thought yesterday was
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Thanks for the update Dick. You write so beautifully. We’re still praying for Kathy (and for you). Please take good care of yourself.
love, Richard and Susan
Thanks for your update. Will Still keep everyone in our prayers, You sure can be proud of Abby .and Paige . I can’t vizualise them as adults. Just the cutest little girls, when they were in Buffalo. Take care of yourself. Lois
I too truly appreciate your kindness in keeping all of us updated regularly. Kathy is our sister and not a minute goes by that I don’t think of both of you and pray you are both well!
I know all of the doctors that work with Kathy appreciate her so much, not only for her skills, but for her capable, calm and kind demeanor. I’m sure they are honored to realize how much she respects their dedication and would be happy to see that reflected by Kathy’s current docs.
Get your rest, remember to eat and stay hydrated, it’s going to get hot!
So sorry to hear of Dave’s father’s passing in your Day 10 post up.
In case you think you’ve been hearing an echo coming from the direction of Morro Bay, that’s just us. We’ve adopted your mantra … “Come on Kathy”!
Continued love and prayers. Pat & Christine
Kathy is the star and conductor of her own opera. *She* is orchestrating this cast of hundreds. We rise, we applaud, and we return to her stage. Again and again. Always. I cannot wait to see the reviews!
Every act of this opera so far….Bravo Kathy! Bravo! xo
Hear! Hear! Bravo Kathy!! xxxooo
Kathy, Wanting this all to get easier for you. The love and strength of your family and friends hopefully will help get you through this hard job of healing. Loving you, Linda
Thinking of Kathy so much, especially at work… I keep thinking she is there. My thoughts are with you both. Richard, I thank you for this wonderful blog…. it is helping all of us and you too I hope! Stay strong and know we are all with you in spirit. Love, Christine
Again, thank you Richard, for keeping us all updated and for sharing your thoughts and feelings. I can’t tell you how reassuring it is to check on the blog and follow what’s happening and know that you are sharing our love with Kathy daily. Love, Sherri
Thank you Richard for doing this blog. Kathy is one of the sweetest ladies I know. She also has the inner strength that few display as Kathy does. She was my supporter as I did class by class working nights at SV to become an RN, then when I finally reached that goal she was one that mentored me along with Dana. I’ve always felt a kindred spirit to her because we both are middle children (sensitive, passionate and easy going), along with you and I so valued your relationship together. You both show your love for each other in all you do, and even now you continue even more so. Please tell her I’m praying for her and I’m sending my love from Japan. Please take care of yourself Richard, you are a blessing to her and she needs you more than ever to stay healthy. Praying for you both, Arlene Robertson- Martinez
We love you Kathy!, Yes we DO know of the latest issues that’s had you going into passionate Kathy mode! Let’s just say preserverance has paid off! (She would want to know this, so Richard, please make sure you read this post to her)!!! She’ll know what I’m referring to! Stay blessed!
Hi again Kathy and Richard. Thank you so much for these posts – you have such a poetic way of helping us understand. YES, she is coming back! Your love for her is pulling her through. I feel it, I believe it. Stay strong, and know our thoughts and prayers remain with you both. Please tell her we love her! Cousins, Irene & Mike Shultz
Thank you so much for keeping this blog. I wake up and read it in the morning and before I go to bed at night. Sometimes I think I can hear Kathy’s lovely beautiful voice as I think about her. I imagined the Cottage cafeteria deluged and overcrowded with all the friends and family celebrating her full recovery next year: what will they think of that crowd? Somehow I suspect they know she’s someone special already. My heart is with you both.
Richard every time I read your blogs I cry!! Some tears are of sadness but there are also tears of joy at how much you love your wife and how well you are able to communicate all that you have learned from her!! I am hoping to head down that way Sunday to give you a hug and maybe some bread!! I pray for smooth sailing in SICU this weekend for patients, staff and families!! Your description of that place makes me want to come and work there!!