This is the process for the "Mask". (This picture is not of Jeanine or her techs. It is just an indication of what the "Mask" looks like before it is molded to her face and head.
Bill
Bill
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Through Memorial Day
God Bless our troops!
Jeanine had kind of a rough day yesterday! She was pretty active Saturday and Sunday, then yesterday, she just felt "kinda puny" all day. During the early evening, we noted that she had some swelling over the surgery area. We elevated her a bit more during the night. She had a rough time going to sleep. Slept well after she did. She awoke this morning, and the swelling was pronounced and very noticeable. Placed a call to Dr. Mickeys office, and at 2:30 pm the call was returned. Discussions indicated again that this swelling is "normal". The area where the scull was removed and replaced hasn't "sealed completely", thus the fluids seep into the area above the scull and below the scalp. Thus, "swelling". Now we did notice, even before the Dr. returned the call, that the swelling has begun to diminish some. She feels less "pressure" than she had last night and earlier today. Thank God, webelieve all is well. I only wish that I knew a bunch more about the things that can be "normal" than I do; but Dr. is good to answer our questions and relive our minds. This afternoon now, she feels good, and is busy hustling about. She has been making calls to various pharmacies concerning the intended chemo drugs. Needless to say, we are shocked at the cost of these drugs, and the relatively small portion paid for by the insurance company. But, that too is in Gods hands, and he will guide. Thursday we will see the radiation specialist for the "mask", and then treatments start June 4. Will post more later, or as anything develops.
God bless you all.
Bill Nichols
Jeanine had kind of a rough day yesterday! She was pretty active Saturday and Sunday, then yesterday, she just felt "kinda puny" all day. During the early evening, we noted that she had some swelling over the surgery area. We elevated her a bit more during the night. She had a rough time going to sleep. Slept well after she did. She awoke this morning, and the swelling was pronounced and very noticeable. Placed a call to Dr. Mickeys office, and at 2:30 pm the call was returned. Discussions indicated again that this swelling is "normal". The area where the scull was removed and replaced hasn't "sealed completely", thus the fluids seep into the area above the scull and below the scalp. Thus, "swelling". Now we did notice, even before the Dr. returned the call, that the swelling has begun to diminish some. She feels less "pressure" than she had last night and earlier today. Thank God, webelieve all is well. I only wish that I knew a bunch more about the things that can be "normal" than I do; but Dr. is good to answer our questions and relive our minds. This afternoon now, she feels good, and is busy hustling about. She has been making calls to various pharmacies concerning the intended chemo drugs. Needless to say, we are shocked at the cost of these drugs, and the relatively small portion paid for by the insurance company. But, that too is in Gods hands, and he will guide. Thursday we will see the radiation specialist for the "mask", and then treatments start June 4. Will post more later, or as anything develops.
God bless you all.
Bill Nichols
Friday, May 25, 2007
Radiation consultation completed today
Hi Folks: Still moving along. Radiation consultation today. Concluded that Jeanine will go back on May 31, at which time they will form a "mask" to her face and head. In its present form, it looks kinda like a white fishing net. The netting is quite close, and is roughly the shape of a head and face. We're told this will be placed over her head, warmed, and it will then conform to every detail on her head and face. Cooled, it will be stiff. This "mask" is then "marked" with the areas that the concentration is to be targeted to. Dr. Chang did an excellent job of explaining that the "microscopic tentacles" that could not be removed surgically are the targets. The Chemo weakens the cancer cells, and the radiation zaps them. Tolerances are very very close, especially around the optic nerve and around the ear. They have to get very "close", but use care not damage those tissues. Back to the "mask" she will be seated in a special chair. The "mask" will be very rigid and is the device that will hold her head perfectly still during the radiation therapy. She should have no pain. Will probably lose a patch of hair, and could have some skin irritation that would be treated with ointments as if for a sunburn. She will go to daily (5 days a week) for 33 days. The chemo and radiation are administered at the same time. Chemo at home each night, (pill form) and radiation each Monday through Friday. She will be monitored with blood work to make sure the platelets and white and red cells stay in the right range. Also, there will be periodic MRI's. We continue to learn just how very serious and delicate these treatments are. We are assured that "she made it through the big one", the surgery. The actual treatments will begin June 4. We are convinced that we have the right medical team, and pray that God guides them along this path. We feel he has already.
Blessings to all, and hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day.
Bill
Blessings to all, and hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day.
Bill
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Invitation to Celebrate Tom Jones' Life
Hello Family and Friends,
I just wanted to invite you to my home Friday, 5/25, after the 2:00 memorial service of Tom Jones. Sandy, nor Tommy, have enough space to gather after the service so I am offering my home for their friends and loved ones to have a place to gather. There will be plenty of food, so please join us to give them your love and sympathies.
My address is: 3108 Andrew Court, Bedford, TX 76021
I will get more information to you regarding how to get to my home. I look so forward to seeing each of you and helping out my dear friend Sandy.
Love and blessings,
Jeanine
I just wanted to invite you to my home Friday, 5/25, after the 2:00 memorial service of Tom Jones. Sandy, nor Tommy, have enough space to gather after the service so I am offering my home for their friends and loved ones to have a place to gather. There will be plenty of food, so please join us to give them your love and sympathies.
My address is: 3108 Andrew Court, Bedford, TX 76021
I will get more information to you regarding how to get to my home. I look so forward to seeing each of you and helping out my dear friend Sandy.
Love and blessings,
Jeanine
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Chemo Consultation today
Good evening all:
Chemo consultation went very well. Dr. Maher spent over a hour going over every last detail of the procedure; what to expect, and what to ignore. We are both very comfortable with her and her staff. All of the newest procedures and technics are in play. The chemo will be by mouth, and she will take that at home every night. The radiation procedure will be at Southwestern Medical center (13 miles), and she will do that 5 days a week for about 6 weeks. There will be weekly monitoring of blood and other tests, including periodic MRI. Dr. Maher also indicated that she was prescribing medication for sick-to-the-stomach, and she says it is very effective. Tomorrow we go to the radiation specialist. We're told they will make a "mask" that will be marked for the "target" areas for the radiation.
Anxious to see how that goes. She will lose "some" hair from the radiation. (Only in spots)
That's it for now. More follows tomorrow after the radiation consultation.
Prayers work y'all! Thank you for them!
Bill
Chemo consultation went very well. Dr. Maher spent over a hour going over every last detail of the procedure; what to expect, and what to ignore. We are both very comfortable with her and her staff. All of the newest procedures and technics are in play. The chemo will be by mouth, and she will take that at home every night. The radiation procedure will be at Southwestern Medical center (13 miles), and she will do that 5 days a week for about 6 weeks. There will be weekly monitoring of blood and other tests, including periodic MRI. Dr. Maher also indicated that she was prescribing medication for sick-to-the-stomach, and she says it is very effective. Tomorrow we go to the radiation specialist. We're told they will make a "mask" that will be marked for the "target" areas for the radiation.
Anxious to see how that goes. She will lose "some" hair from the radiation. (Only in spots)
That's it for now. More follows tomorrow after the radiation consultation.
Prayers work y'all! Thank you for them!
Bill
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Swelling is coming back down!
Hello all: There was a marked improvement in the swelling around her eyes today. We are grateful and much less concerned. Tomorrow is her first day of consultation about the treatments. We are anxious for a better indication of what that will bring.
Until tomorrow.
God Bless.
Bill
Monday, May 21, 2007
Sad News for Sandy Jones from HP
Hello Folks,
Been quite a hectic day today. I awoke to swelling around my eyes and as Bill said in his blog posting it was due to the fluids and sleeping flat instead of being elevated.
I received a call from my dear true friend Sandy Jones. She and I worked together at HP and I believe a lot of you know who she is. She informed me that her husband, Tom, had passed away from a heart attack today! I was so totally shocked (still am). She and I will be planning the funeral arrangements, which I know are going to be as few as possible. Tom was a very private person and that's how he wanted his death to be too. I ask that you pray for Sandy and her family. I know that Tom went to heaven...that's the only place he could go.
If you would like to send her a sympathy card, then please send to my address at:
Sandy Jones
c/o Jeanine Nichols
3108 Andrew Court
Bedford, TX 76021
We have many things to be thankful for and Tom was one of them. Thank you God for giving us Tom. Be with Sandy as she grieves for the loss of him.
Many blessings to each of you,
Jeanine
Been quite a hectic day today. I awoke to swelling around my eyes and as Bill said in his blog posting it was due to the fluids and sleeping flat instead of being elevated.
I received a call from my dear true friend Sandy Jones. She and I worked together at HP and I believe a lot of you know who she is. She informed me that her husband, Tom, had passed away from a heart attack today! I was so totally shocked (still am). She and I will be planning the funeral arrangements, which I know are going to be as few as possible. Tom was a very private person and that's how he wanted his death to be too. I ask that you pray for Sandy and her family. I know that Tom went to heaven...that's the only place he could go.
If you would like to send her a sympathy card, then please send to my address at:
Sandy Jones
c/o Jeanine Nichols
3108 Andrew Court
Bedford, TX 76021
We have many things to be thankful for and Tom was one of them. Thank you God for giving us Tom. Be with Sandy as she grieves for the loss of him.
Many blessings to each of you,
Jeanine
Dr. advises swelling normal - elevate head when sleeping
Good Monday afternoon:
Jeanine woke this morning, noticing her eyes were swelling from the nose outward, and a "soft" area where the skull had been removed for the surgery. The swelling did not get any better, in fact it enlarged. We initiated a call to the surgeons office. When the call was returned, and after we described the occurrences, we were informed that this is pretty normal, and mostly because she has been sleeping "flat". She needs to be upper-body-elevated at least 6 inches when she sleeps. A quick trip to the home medical supply store, and we have two wedges. One has a 7" rise and the other a 12" rise. She will experiment with both tonight. Dr. advises that it could "take a few days" for the additional swelling to go away. Needless to say, we are much relieved, and continue to thank God for all the improvements as well as a clean explanation of issues that caused us concern this morning.
Will continue to keep you all informed.
God Bless
Bill
Jeanine woke this morning, noticing her eyes were swelling from the nose outward, and a "soft" area where the skull had been removed for the surgery. The swelling did not get any better, in fact it enlarged. We initiated a call to the surgeons office. When the call was returned, and after we described the occurrences, we were informed that this is pretty normal, and mostly because she has been sleeping "flat". She needs to be upper-body-elevated at least 6 inches when she sleeps. A quick trip to the home medical supply store, and we have two wedges. One has a 7" rise and the other a 12" rise. She will experiment with both tonight. Dr. advises that it could "take a few days" for the additional swelling to go away. Needless to say, we are much relieved, and continue to thank God for all the improvements as well as a clean explanation of issues that caused us concern this morning.
Will continue to keep you all informed.
God Bless
Bill
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Howdy from Jeanine
It's Sunday and I've been to church with hubby! We have so much to be thankful for and I know that God is going to use me to be a witness for him.
We've had a busy weekend so far and will try to get ourselves back to the real world before Monday rolls around.
Friday Bill took me to see Shrek 3 and we had such a fun time! It was such a great movie and I took all of my Shrek animals with me to enjoy the movie!!! I wore my Shrek ears and got lots of comments on how adoreable I was! Gee, I'm blushing!!!!Yes, I'm one of those Shrekish kind of gals and just enjoy everything that has to do with Shrek! Been to McDonald's and purchased one of everything that they have to offer! I'm just having soooooooooooo much fun!
Then, yesterday my bro Don and his wife Shelley went with Bill and I to Hico, TX for the 4th annual steak cook-off. We usually go to the Magnolia, Arkansas steak cook-off, but because it was so far away, and we didn't know how my body would be responding, and because my step-son Raymond told me that I couldn't go, we went to Hico instead!!! Raymond had told me that his mother (who had a brain annurism about 3 years ago) had difficulties with her brain dehydrating from heat and he felt that I needed to stay close to home due to the many unknown things that could happen to me. So, I decided that I didn't need to suffer any of the problems that she went through. I was just so fortunate to see that Hico was having their steak cook-off! The weather was perfect and we had such a wonderful time. I am so blessed to have such a loving family and that they enjoy doing what I enjoy doing! Steak cook-offs are my thing and we go to as many as we can! So, next time you hear of one, let me know and we'll see what we can do about getting there!!!!
Today is another beautiful day. We went to church and I got to love on all the folks there that knew I had had a brain tumor operation. They all had been reading my blog page and were really delighted to see me up and about. I keep telling all of you that you will know God before he is done with me! He just has so much to do with me before I say farewell to you. After church we were invited to go have breakfast with some of our dear neighbors and we thoroughly enjoyed their company! We are so looking forward to all the opportunities we have with our friends, families and neighbors.
I want to thank each of you for your love, kindness, prayers and support throughout these last few weeks. I would have never in a million years thought that this would be happening to me. I didn't suffer from a headache or anything to give me an indication that I had brain cancer. Now, that's God working!
I thank you so kindly from the bottom of my heart for the outpouring of love you have bestowed to Bill and I. Your prayers, flowers, cards, food and mostly love have sustained us. Please continue to pray for Bill and I as we walk through this journey. We don't know what will happen, but we know with the love and prayers from each of you that we will never ever walk alone. Not only will you be with us, but God is the one who will never fail us.
Bill, thank you for taking such good care of me. I love you more than you will ever know.
If there are those of you who would like to send an email, then here is my email address: jeaninenichols@sbcglobal.net
If there are those of you who would like to send snail mail, then the home address is: Jeanine Nichols
3108 Andrew Court
Bedford, TX 76021
817-793-6764
Keep your love and prayers coming my way! I love you all!
In God's love,
Jeanine
We've had a busy weekend so far and will try to get ourselves back to the real world before Monday rolls around.
Friday Bill took me to see Shrek 3 and we had such a fun time! It was such a great movie and I took all of my Shrek animals with me to enjoy the movie!!! I wore my Shrek ears and got lots of comments on how adoreable I was! Gee, I'm blushing!!!!Yes, I'm one of those Shrekish kind of gals and just enjoy everything that has to do with Shrek! Been to McDonald's and purchased one of everything that they have to offer! I'm just having soooooooooooo much fun!
Then, yesterday my bro Don and his wife Shelley went with Bill and I to Hico, TX for the 4th annual steak cook-off. We usually go to the Magnolia, Arkansas steak cook-off, but because it was so far away, and we didn't know how my body would be responding, and because my step-son Raymond told me that I couldn't go, we went to Hico instead!!! Raymond had told me that his mother (who had a brain annurism about 3 years ago) had difficulties with her brain dehydrating from heat and he felt that I needed to stay close to home due to the many unknown things that could happen to me. So, I decided that I didn't need to suffer any of the problems that she went through. I was just so fortunate to see that Hico was having their steak cook-off! The weather was perfect and we had such a wonderful time. I am so blessed to have such a loving family and that they enjoy doing what I enjoy doing! Steak cook-offs are my thing and we go to as many as we can! So, next time you hear of one, let me know and we'll see what we can do about getting there!!!!
Today is another beautiful day. We went to church and I got to love on all the folks there that knew I had had a brain tumor operation. They all had been reading my blog page and were really delighted to see me up and about. I keep telling all of you that you will know God before he is done with me! He just has so much to do with me before I say farewell to you. After church we were invited to go have breakfast with some of our dear neighbors and we thoroughly enjoyed their company! We are so looking forward to all the opportunities we have with our friends, families and neighbors.
I want to thank each of you for your love, kindness, prayers and support throughout these last few weeks. I would have never in a million years thought that this would be happening to me. I didn't suffer from a headache or anything to give me an indication that I had brain cancer. Now, that's God working!
I thank you so kindly from the bottom of my heart for the outpouring of love you have bestowed to Bill and I. Your prayers, flowers, cards, food and mostly love have sustained us. Please continue to pray for Bill and I as we walk through this journey. We don't know what will happen, but we know with the love and prayers from each of you that we will never ever walk alone. Not only will you be with us, but God is the one who will never fail us.
Bill, thank you for taking such good care of me. I love you more than you will ever know.
If there are those of you who would like to send an email, then here is my email address: jeaninenichols@sbcglobal.net
If there are those of you who would like to send snail mail, then the home address is: Jeanine Nichols
3108 Andrew Court
Bedford, TX 76021
817-793-6764
Keep your love and prayers coming my way! I love you all!
In God's love,
Jeanine
Friday, May 18, 2007
Chemo Specialist appointment
Howdy all:
We will be seeing Dr. Marr, also in Southwest Medical Center, at noon this coming Wednesday. An update at this blog will follow each of the visits Wednesday and Thursday.
Bless you all.
Bill
We will be seeing Dr. Marr, also in Southwest Medical Center, at noon this coming Wednesday. An update at this blog will follow each of the visits Wednesday and Thursday.
Bless you all.
Bill
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Radiation Consultation Scheduled
Hello all:
Events are moving rather quickly. She received word today that a consultation with the radiation specialist is set for May 24. We assume treatments will begin shortly after that. She continues to improve each day from the surgery; getting stronger and stronger. She is in great spirits, and her faith is absolutely unshaken.
More as it happens.
God Bless
Bill
Events are moving rather quickly. She received word today that a consultation with the radiation specialist is set for May 24. We assume treatments will begin shortly after that. She continues to improve each day from the surgery; getting stronger and stronger. She is in great spirits, and her faith is absolutely unshaken.
More as it happens.
God Bless
Bill
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Report following pathology findings
Hello All:
Well, the news is not all good, and not all bad. The pathology findings direct that the tumor is malignant, and Jeanine will be needing followup radiation and chemo treatments. She is being referred to two Doctors that work closely with Dr. Mickey at Southwest Medical Center. One is a professional in radiation, and the other in the chemo treatments. She will need daily radiation treatments for about 6 weeks. The chemo will not require a "port". It will be administered orally, and may or may not partially be in conjunction with the radiation treatments. We expect to hear from the doctors next week, and the assumption is that she will begin the daily treatments in about 2 weeks.
Jeanine is in great spirits and feels good. We are all optimistic that the treatments will be effective, resulting in a full recovery, and a long and normal life. (so far the worst pain she has suffered was when the Dr. removed all those stitches today) Dr. Mickey did not downplay or sugar-coat the seriousness of this cancer, and compared the results rate somewhat to that of breast cancer.
It goes without saying that all the prayers have brought us this far, and God will continue to direct us. Please continue to include Jeanine in your prayers
because we can attest that prayers work!
A sincere thank you from myself and all the family for all your concern, thoughts and prayers. We will add to this blog as we go along and try to keep everyone updated.
Bill Nichols
Well, the news is not all good, and not all bad. The pathology findings direct that the tumor is malignant, and Jeanine will be needing followup radiation and chemo treatments. She is being referred to two Doctors that work closely with Dr. Mickey at Southwest Medical Center. One is a professional in radiation, and the other in the chemo treatments. She will need daily radiation treatments for about 6 weeks. The chemo will not require a "port". It will be administered orally, and may or may not partially be in conjunction with the radiation treatments. We expect to hear from the doctors next week, and the assumption is that she will begin the daily treatments in about 2 weeks.
Jeanine is in great spirits and feels good. We are all optimistic that the treatments will be effective, resulting in a full recovery, and a long and normal life. (so far the worst pain she has suffered was when the Dr. removed all those stitches today) Dr. Mickey did not downplay or sugar-coat the seriousness of this cancer, and compared the results rate somewhat to that of breast cancer.
It goes without saying that all the prayers have brought us this far, and God will continue to direct us. Please continue to include Jeanine in your prayers
because we can attest that prayers work!
A sincere thank you from myself and all the family for all your concern, thoughts and prayers. We will add to this blog as we go along and try to keep everyone updated.
Bill Nichols
Monday, May 14, 2007
Pics from after the surgery
Here are some pics of Jean after the surgery. You'll see her beautiful view from her hospital room and some shots of the incision. 
Pics from before the surgery
Enjoy some pics of Jean from before the surgery. You'll notice some beautiful tapestries in some of the pics. The hospital was full of them! 
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Mothers Day Update
Hello everyone. It's Mothers Day, and Jeanine has had a couple nights of pretty good rest. She's been sleeping in her recliner. Tonight, I think she will return to her regular bed. She is doing great. We take walks together outside, and she presses further and further.
This morning, she went with me to 7:30 Mass. It was a little cold in church, so she wore a ballcap that I had in the car. Her head gets cold! Keep that warm, and she complains about nothing.
Today was a very special day for me at church, as it was my first time as a Eucharistic Minister. Very special indeed, because Jeanine insisted that she be in attendance. We are truly blessed in many many ways.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day.
Bill
This morning, she went with me to 7:30 Mass. It was a little cold in church, so she wore a ballcap that I had in the car. Her head gets cold! Keep that warm, and she complains about nothing.
Today was a very special day for me at church, as it was my first time as a Eucharistic Minister. Very special indeed, because Jeanine insisted that she be in attendance. We are truly blessed in many many ways.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day.
Bill
Friday, May 11, 2007
Homecoming
To All:
I am delighted to report that I came home at noon today, with Jeanine at my side! She was discharged from the hospital this morning, and is feeling great. With all the excitement of leaving, she was a bit tired when we arrived. However, she wanted "a piece of cheese" (that she has been craving for 3 days) for lunch. She had some cherry tomatos, a couple of slices of ham, and some bites of avacado that Ray and Juanita had left. She is glad for all the beautiful flowers that had been brought home earlier. The "plants" will be carefully placed in our garden somewhere so they continue to grow and flourish. (I'll get Kenneth and Belinda to help me chose spots because they are so good at that, and have added flowers in our front yard that are beautiful. Ray and Juanita chose a beautiful rose that they too will help me select a location for.) There were also a ton of cards in the mail that has accumulated for the last several days. She is now seated in her recliner with a letter opener and enjoying each and every one of those. I think however, in the next few minutes, cuddled under her "prayer blanket", she will get some good sleep for a few hours.
Thanks again to all for your prayers, cards, gifts, flowers and gifts, and I will have more posted later. Kara will be visiting her parents in Oklahoma City this weekend, but I have some pictures to send to her for posting. (That's way over my head!)
God Bless each and every one of you.
Bill
I am delighted to report that I came home at noon today, with Jeanine at my side! She was discharged from the hospital this morning, and is feeling great. With all the excitement of leaving, she was a bit tired when we arrived. However, she wanted "a piece of cheese" (that she has been craving for 3 days) for lunch. She had some cherry tomatos, a couple of slices of ham, and some bites of avacado that Ray and Juanita had left. She is glad for all the beautiful flowers that had been brought home earlier. The "plants" will be carefully placed in our garden somewhere so they continue to grow and flourish. (I'll get Kenneth and Belinda to help me chose spots because they are so good at that, and have added flowers in our front yard that are beautiful. Ray and Juanita chose a beautiful rose that they too will help me select a location for.) There were also a ton of cards in the mail that has accumulated for the last several days. She is now seated in her recliner with a letter opener and enjoying each and every one of those. I think however, in the next few minutes, cuddled under her "prayer blanket", she will get some good sleep for a few hours.
Thanks again to all for your prayers, cards, gifts, flowers and gifts, and I will have more posted later. Kara will be visiting her parents in Oklahoma City this weekend, but I have some pictures to send to her for posting. (That's way over my head!)
God Bless each and every one of you.
Bill
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Thank you from Bill
I cannot begin to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and prayers for Jeanine. Her recovery is remarkable, and continues to improve day-after-day. Dr. Mickey is discharging her from the hospital tomorrow (Friday). On Tuesday, we have a meeting with Dr. Mickey, when we will go over all the M.R.I.'s, and he is confindent that we will have results of the pathology by then. Those results will be addressed also, plus an understanding if any further treatment is required. I will have more to add later, but for right now God Bless each and every one of you. "Prayer Works!"
Bill
Bill
Thursday Update
Good morning!
I went to visit Jean last night. She is still doing well. She gets up and reads her blog and we sat and watched a storm come in through her window last night. Bill and I left around 8pm, just when they were coming to take her for her MRI. She will not be going home today, but most likely tomorrow. She has her moments of not feeling very good, but in 30 minutes or so, she's up and at it again. Bill's son and his wife are heading home this morning. So, all of the out of town guests have left now and life is slowly returning to normal.
I went to visit Jean last night. She is still doing well. She gets up and reads her blog and we sat and watched a storm come in through her window last night. Bill and I left around 8pm, just when they were coming to take her for her MRI. She will not be going home today, but most likely tomorrow. She has her moments of not feeling very good, but in 30 minutes or so, she's up and at it again. Bill's son and his wife are heading home this morning. So, all of the out of town guests have left now and life is slowly returning to normal.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Wednesday Update
Good morning all!!
Jean was moved to a regular room last night and she is doing great. The family did not go down last night and we let her get some much needed rest. She will be having another MRI this afternoon and if all goes well, she could be going home tomorrow. Hallelujah!!
Her new phone # is 214-645-4506.
The address is:
Zale Lipshy Hospital
5151 Harry Hines Blvd. Room #506
Dallas, TX
Thanks!
Jean was moved to a regular room last night and she is doing great. The family did not go down last night and we let her get some much needed rest. She will be having another MRI this afternoon and if all goes well, she could be going home tomorrow. Hallelujah!!
Her new phone # is 214-645-4506.
The address is:
Zale Lipshy Hospital
5151 Harry Hines Blvd. Room #506
Dallas, TX
Thanks!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
More Good News!!
I just heard that she is doing so great. She has the color back in her face and she is in no pain! She had two breakfast trays this morning and is back on her regular hospital diet. She's watching TV and is in good spirits. She should be moving to a regular room hopefully this afternoon, or as soon as one opens up. When I have that info I will pass it on. Thanks again!
Morning After Update
Good morning!!
Things are going very well so far. Jean was taken for a CAT scan at 2:30am and they said that everything looks good from that. She is alert and talking and can move and everything. I am working a little today, so the posts won't be as frequent. Again, thank you for your prayers. Prayers work!! It's a long recovery process, so keep them coming. Thanks again!
Things are going very well so far. Jean was taken for a CAT scan at 2:30am and they said that everything looks good from that. She is alert and talking and can move and everything. I am working a little today, so the posts won't be as frequent. Again, thank you for your prayers. Prayers work!! It's a long recovery process, so keep them coming. Thanks again!
Monday, May 7, 2007
Jeanine's Doing Well
I just got to go in and see her. She is definitely exhausted. She knew who we all were and she laughed a little. She's doing really great. I just want to thank you from Bill and Jean for all of your prayers. They definitely work! God is good and he always provides the best for his children. I think this will be the last update of the day. I'll be back up here tomorrow and will let you know anything else we find out. Please try not to call Bill tonight. He's really tired but relieved. I will let you know contact info as soon as she gets out of ICU. There are no cell phones allowed in her room right now and there is not a room phone either. She cannot have flowers or anything there either, so as soon as she can be contacted I will let you know. Thank you again and God bless!!
Update
We just got word from the doctor. He said that she looks really good. She knows who she is and she can move her arms and legs just fine. We won't know all the details about the tumor until the pathology reports come in in a few days. She will have a CAT scan in the morning to check her progress from the surgery. Bill will get to go in and see her in about 15-20 minutes. Keep praying for good news tomorrow and a speedy recovery!
ICU
We are waiting in the ICU waiting room. We won't really know much until Jean wakes up. I'll update later tonight once we know more. Thanks for your prayers and keep them up!!
Surgery Update
The doctor came out about 15 minutes ago and said they didn't even get started on the surgery until almost 3:30pm. They do not expect to be done before 7:00pm. He said that things are going very well and that Jean is doing great so far! Keep praying and I'll update you as soon as we know new info!!
Holding Room
The nurses just came about 10 minutes ago and rolled her out to the holding room where they will prep her for surgery. The doctor came in and said the actual surgery will start somewhere between 2 and 2:30pm. It should last somewhere around 3 1/2 hours. I will keep you all updated as we hear from the staff here. Bill is in the holding room with her and will be joining us in the waiting room once they take her in for her procedure. Keep praying for us all!
An Update from Jeanine
Hello My Precious Friends,
I can't tell you how thrilled I am to know that God has led all of you to pray for me. It is so very meaningful to know how really loved I am.
I want all of you to know that I am praying for you too. We often times forget to pray for our caregivers and those who are praying for us. I lift each of you up to the Lord and ask that he keep you protected always. I want you all to know that God is with you and will provide everything you need, if you will only ask him. I am in his perfect hands and the surgeon is the vessel. God is the surgeon.
My neice Kara will keep this blog page updated. She has been a true God send for me and my husband. She is taking wonderful care of her Uncle Bill and she made sure everything at home was ready for our out of state company. That is helping Bill so much and ask that all of you to pray for him. We are so much a part of each other's lives and he is my everything, as I am his.
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. God is going to make me a blessing to all of you. I love you dearly and need each of you in my life.
Jean, Jeanine, Aunt Jean, Grandma Jean
I can't tell you how thrilled I am to know that God has led all of you to pray for me. It is so very meaningful to know how really loved I am.
I want all of you to know that I am praying for you too. We often times forget to pray for our caregivers and those who are praying for us. I lift each of you up to the Lord and ask that he keep you protected always. I want you all to know that God is with you and will provide everything you need, if you will only ask him. I am in his perfect hands and the surgeon is the vessel. God is the surgeon.
My neice Kara will keep this blog page updated. She has been a true God send for me and my husband. She is taking wonderful care of her Uncle Bill and she made sure everything at home was ready for our out of state company. That is helping Bill so much and ask that all of you to pray for him. We are so much a part of each other's lives and he is my everything, as I am his.
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. God is going to make me a blessing to all of you. I love you dearly and need each of you in my life.
Jean, Jeanine, Aunt Jean, Grandma Jean
Before Surgery Update
Well, there are about 16 family and friends here this morning. We will be gathering to pray for Jeanine before they roll her out to the surgical floor. I would like to ask you all to join us this morning in prayer. Jean's spirits are high. We all fully believe that God is in control and that this surgeon is the vessel and God is going to be doing the work. They have moved the surgery to noon today instead of 1pm. I will post more this afternoon when we get updates. Also remember Bill in your prayers and sitting and waiting is the hardest part. Thank you for all of your prayers and support.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Saturday Update
Just wanted to give you all a quick update. Jean and Bill met with the surgeon this morning and he said that the tumor is larger than we thought. It is 3.5"x2.5" and to correct my previous post, it is on the left side of the brain, not the right. Jean was in good spirits today and her sister Sandy flew in from Indiana this afternoon. She had a room full of loved ones this evening. She should be getting a good nights sleep, thanks in part to the wonderful invention of the sleeping pill. Bill is doing well. He is already in bed, which is quite early for him. His son Ray and his wife Juanita will coming in tomorrow afternoon along with Jean's oldest sister, and my parents, Bill and Connie. Jean's room is filled with the most beautiful flowers and she loves them!! Other than that, no new news. I'll update tomorrow. Please keep sending your well wishes. Jean read most of them this afternoon and was very touched by some of things you guys said. Thanks again and keep praying!!
Friday, May 4, 2007
Welcome and get up to speed
Good evening. I have created this blog for Bill and Jean to be able to easily keep you all up to date on Jean's medical situation. This is the place to come for the most updated info without having to call. We will be updating this blog daily. Please feel free to leave thoughts and well wishes in the comments as all will be passed on to Jean.
Here is a quick re-cap of this week.
Wednesday afternoon Jean was sitting at her computer at home and working. She began to have a seizure. Her mom was here with her and was able to get the neighbor's help to get Jean to sit up and then called 911. Bill was out of town on business and drove through some mega-storms to get home that night. Jean was admitted to the ICU and they ran a CAT scan and an MRI. The tests revealed that she has a 3"x3" tumor in the right frontal lobe of her brain.
Thursday came and we spent all day at the hospital fighting those crazy visiting hours in the ICU. They finally moved her to a regular room around 3pm. The nurse came in and said that the brain specialist they want to have operate on her does not practice at HEB and that she will be moved to another hospital. Sure enough, by 6pm she was packed up in the ambulance and we were on the road to downtown Dallas. She is now at the Zale-Lipshy Hospital. She arrived by 7pm last night and had a solid night's sleep.
Friday morning the doctor came in and they talked about some things and then he said he would be back later that afternoon. Jean asked him to come back at 5:30pm because the whole family would be there to hear everything at the same time. Jean had a more detailed MRI today and had a lot of company and some beautiful bouquets of flowers delivered. We were all in attendance when the doctor came in to discuss the surgery. He has scheduled surgery for Monday, May 7th at 1:00pm. They will go in and remove the tumor. We do not know what this tumor is until they get it out and send it to the lab. Even then it may be up to 10 days before we know exactly what it is. The surgery will be at least 4 hours long and she will be in the hospital 4-5 days after the surgery. Her recovery time will be based upon what they find on Monday. She will need to have some therapy that is very common after any brain surgery.
The address at the hospital is:
5151 Harry Hines Blvd
Dallas, TX
Room 526 (until Monday)
The direct phone # to her room is:
214-456-4526 (until Monday)
We appreciate all of your calls and concern. Please keep Jean and Bill in your prayers as they go through this trial. We know that God has all of this under control and has had His hand on every step leading up to this surgery. Also, please lift up all extended family and friends as this is a test for us all. God bless you all and we will post more tomorrow.
Here is a quick re-cap of this week.
Wednesday afternoon Jean was sitting at her computer at home and working. She began to have a seizure. Her mom was here with her and was able to get the neighbor's help to get Jean to sit up and then called 911. Bill was out of town on business and drove through some mega-storms to get home that night. Jean was admitted to the ICU and they ran a CAT scan and an MRI. The tests revealed that she has a 3"x3" tumor in the right frontal lobe of her brain.
Thursday came and we spent all day at the hospital fighting those crazy visiting hours in the ICU. They finally moved her to a regular room around 3pm. The nurse came in and said that the brain specialist they want to have operate on her does not practice at HEB and that she will be moved to another hospital. Sure enough, by 6pm she was packed up in the ambulance and we were on the road to downtown Dallas. She is now at the Zale-Lipshy Hospital. She arrived by 7pm last night and had a solid night's sleep.
Friday morning the doctor came in and they talked about some things and then he said he would be back later that afternoon. Jean asked him to come back at 5:30pm because the whole family would be there to hear everything at the same time. Jean had a more detailed MRI today and had a lot of company and some beautiful bouquets of flowers delivered. We were all in attendance when the doctor came in to discuss the surgery. He has scheduled surgery for Monday, May 7th at 1:00pm. They will go in and remove the tumor. We do not know what this tumor is until they get it out and send it to the lab. Even then it may be up to 10 days before we know exactly what it is. The surgery will be at least 4 hours long and she will be in the hospital 4-5 days after the surgery. Her recovery time will be based upon what they find on Monday. She will need to have some therapy that is very common after any brain surgery.
The address at the hospital is:
5151 Harry Hines Blvd
Dallas, TX
Room 526 (until Monday)
The direct phone # to her room is:
214-456-4526 (until Monday)
We appreciate all of your calls and concern. Please keep Jean and Bill in your prayers as they go through this trial. We know that God has all of this under control and has had His hand on every step leading up to this surgery. Also, please lift up all extended family and friends as this is a test for us all. God bless you all and we will post more tomorrow.
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