Update on Robin --- 10/03/09

As you may recall, Robin’s birthday was on Wednesday, 9/30. My last message was sent late on Wednesday afternoon. After the message was sent, some friends came by the hospital to celebrate Robin’s birthday, but since it was less than 24 hours after the surgery, she was a bit out-of-it. I guess we celebrated around her, but she didn’t remember much of it the next day.

Robin seems to be getting steadily better each day, and she is feeling much better today. Thursday, the doctors kicked up the pain medication a level, and increased her dosage of Neurotin (generic name is “Gabapentin“), used for treating postherpetic neuralgia (neuropathic pain following shingles), and nerve related pain. Robin was already taking this medication for her vertebra. Her red blood counts got too low, so she was given two pints of blood, too.

Robin’s wound is looking good. I was able to see it dressed on Wednesday. I worked the last two days (Thursday & Friday), and Robin’s attendant, Connie, stayed with her during the day. On Friday night and Saturday, I again watched and assisted with the wound dressing change. Robin’s surgeon, Dr. Mason, dressed the wound himself on Friday afternoon, and Saturday, he said he was satisfied with the progress. Robin thought that he might let her go home on Saturday, but when we talked today, he wanted to make sure she would be okay on oral pain meds.

The nurses had a bit of a crisis with Robin’s port Friday morning. (The “port” (or “portacath“) is a device installed beneath the skin with a tube (catheter) that connects to a vein. (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_(medical)) Ports are commonly used for chemo because they are easier, less painful, and probably safer than a new IV needle stick for every chemo treatment. To “access the port,” they stick a special needle through the skin into the device. It was unclear to me what the real problem was with Robin‘s port, but they were not able to flow liquids into it, so either the port or the access needle was probably clogged from the blood transfusions done Thursday night. They stuck Robin with an IV line until they finally got the port flowing again (I think they used “Draino”; it works for me at home when the toilet is clogged). After the port was proven to be working for a few hours, they took the IV out. Fortunately, the port is working fine now. (A new port would have meant another surgery).

Robin got through all the birthday cards over the past couple of days. They certainly helped to keep her mind off of the pain for a while. About 15 cards arrived during the last couple of days, raising the total to 78 cards. I wish I could share all of them with you. There were some real “crown jewels” in there for her royal highness, Robin Burns. I must say that one in particular (from the Hazens) was her favorite. It was a Hallmark “Hoops and Yoyo” sound card, and she has keeps it by the bed and periodically opens it just to hear the adulation of Hoops and Yoyo over and over again. I have attached a recording of the sound bite (Hoops&Yoyo). Winner of the award for “Most Creative” was my mother’s card, made from recycling 12 used cards. Al Gore would be proud (and so are we)! Winner of the “Raciest Card” was Joyce, who sent a card with three older men playing golf in the nude, and the caption, “…and they say HEARING is the first thing to go!” The “Most Artistic” was a handmade card from Lori. Robin received cards from the furthest reaches of the continental states, and from celebrities including an astronaut, famous artists and musicians, clergy of several religions, and “The Good Witch of the North.” They were addressed to her as “Her Majesty,” “Her ROYAL Highness,” “Queen Robin,” “Diva,” and even, “Empress.” Some folks couldn’t resist sending presents. Robin received several large bouquets of flowers, a couple of “interesting” CDs, an angel statue, a book of prayers, a stuffed toy puppy, Pink M&Ms, and a couple of books. One of the books is written by quadriplegic cartoonist, John Callahan. Of course, the title is, “Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot.“ Robin really wants me to read it to her, but either the pain medication or my voice puts her to sleep as soon as I start, so we have read the first paragraph five times so far.

I’ve got to go for now. Thanks for the cards, gifts, and especially for the prayers and support. We are moving in the right direction, but we are not there yet.

Please continue to send up your thoughts and prayers for Robin’s recovery.

Love from us both,

                  --- Larry and Robin