I think it is John that needs prayers! We found out yesterday that the retina of his eye is again detaching. He can let the eye shrink and maybe eventually be removed or go through another 3 hour surgery. The surgery may or may not work - hopefully the eye can be saved by reattching the retina and filling the eye with oil and maybe he will be able to see shapes. Then we hope for the retina to stay in place. This is the third surgery since the middle of March. He has what is probably the best retina surgeons in the states. Dr Ip oversaw the last surgeries but will personally do the surgery himself - so he said. The VA suggested he go to the University Hospitals so see IP but he can do the surgery either place so we opted for the University Hosp. This is hard on John - the surgeries and the loss of vision but he keeps plugging along.
I had my knee replaced on May 11 - right knee- so can't drive for another week. John only drives around town with the one eye so we are left at the mercy of our neighbors and Rusty and Chari to get to dr appointments, etc. Anne was with John while I was in the hospital and then Ellen was here for a week after I got home. I'm doing absolutely great.
The procedure I had is only done in 6 centers in the US and is done in a little hosptital 35 miles away by a surgical group from Madison. An MRI is taken of the knee, sent to Belgium and made and then placed in the knee. There is very little pain as the rod doesn't need to inserted into the leg. I was walking the first afternoon. There is a strict exercise program before and after surgery that is set up in the "Knee Manuel". I would certainly suggest this program to anyone having a knee replacement. I still use a cane, but walk really well without it. Knee surgery is usually very painful but this procedure isn't. Every one has a "coach" to help them as there is group PT 2x daily while in the hospital and if you are from a distance, the coach can stay in your room. John was my coach. You have to like white meat chicken because it seemed every meal was that. I don't like white meat chicken!
We're hoping that the summer is better than the Spring. John has been working with his flowers - his hanging gardens. Wants them in shape for a flower show in June. We need some hot sun - he can give them water but not sun!
If you are down this way, stop in. our Uncle needs encouragement!
Our best wishes
John and Florence
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memories of our Vets!
Enjoy a safe Memorial Day. My veteran is recovering well, he's getting a little stronger everyday. Tomorrow we'll see both of his surgeons at the Scripps Green Hospital, so we may just have lunch at the Beach House in Cardiff to celebrate our 11th Anniversary.
For those of you that don't know, Tom received several medals from his service in Vietnam, one was a Purple Heart when he was shot through the chest in August 1967. He returned to Vietnam and served with Special Forces (MACVSOG) and ran secret missions into Laos during the end of the war. They weren't allowed to talk about it for 20 years, so it's only been in recent times that the stories of these veterans have been heard.
Peace and Love, Denise and Tom
My Vet's Gene, Dad and brother Bill, all served well....but none in combat. But still a chance to pause and remember them. Special thoughts for Uncle Art who was killed in WWII....and all the Uncles and cousins who were in the service for us!! m
For those of you that don't know, Tom received several medals from his service in Vietnam, one was a Purple Heart when he was shot through the chest in August 1967. He returned to Vietnam and served with Special Forces (MACVSOG) and ran secret missions into Laos during the end of the war. They weren't allowed to talk about it for 20 years, so it's only been in recent times that the stories of these veterans have been heard.
Peace and Love, Denise and Tom
My Vet's Gene, Dad and brother Bill, all served well....but none in combat. But still a chance to pause and remember them. Special thoughts for Uncle Art who was killed in WWII....and all the Uncles and cousins who were in the service for us!! m
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Golfers Needed!
Frank & I belong to an organization, Hope Chest News. Each year we have a GOLF fundraiser that brings out the best and the worst golfers wanting to help Heart and Lung Transplant patients. As always we are looking for Golfers July 27th. and donations for our Silent Auction. It looks very promising that our son-in-law Lloyd White, Cathy's husband will be able to play. He needs some more to join him.
This year we have a great RAFFLE also. Don't have to be present to win, 1st. $1000.00, 2nd. $750.00 and 3rd. is $500.00 tickets $5.00 each. We could all use a bit of extra cash.
If you are interested in any of these opportunities please contact me (Judy) javfpv@aol.com
or 952-445-2497
We really would appreciate your help.
This year we have a great RAFFLE also. Don't have to be present to win, 1st. $1000.00, 2nd. $750.00 and 3rd. is $500.00 tickets $5.00 each. We could all use a bit of extra cash.
If you are interested in any of these opportunities please contact me (Judy) javfpv@aol.com
or 952-445-2497
We really would appreciate your help.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Update on Uncle John and Flo
Mary, So glad you sent the link again to the blog. I was thinking about it and like a dumbass I forgot to bookmark it. Oh well.
Not sure how much anyone has heard but there have been a few recent events in the Schieber household. Dad went in for an eye surgery about a month ago and things went wel until he developed a staff infection in the eye. They got the staff infection right away and the drugs worked except that damage was done to the retina limiting his vision. About a week later he developed a pain in his eye and went into the emergency room and his retina had become detached. This let to surgery on the next week to reattach the retina. The surgery went well but he does and will continue to have minimal vision out of that eye. He can make out some shaped and light but that is about the extent of it.
On Monday morning Mom went and had her right knee replaced. She is still in the hospital but things are looking good. An amazing surgery. She has surgery on Monday and they started her walking on Monday evening and therapy on Tuesday. It amazes me how far they have advanced. Mom does not like anesthetics, well general anesthetics, so the surgery was done with a spinal block and valium. She came out from surgery and was alert and talking. A bit drousy from the Valium but all in all things are looking well.
Other than that the family is doing good. Annie was home for the first part of the week and Ellen is coming home on Thursday for a few days until they get settled and a routine going.
I will update again soon. Mike
Not sure how much anyone has heard but there have been a few recent events in the Schieber household. Dad went in for an eye surgery about a month ago and things went wel until he developed a staff infection in the eye. They got the staff infection right away and the drugs worked except that damage was done to the retina limiting his vision. About a week later he developed a pain in his eye and went into the emergency room and his retina had become detached. This let to surgery on the next week to reattach the retina. The surgery went well but he does and will continue to have minimal vision out of that eye. He can make out some shaped and light but that is about the extent of it.
On Monday morning Mom went and had her right knee replaced. She is still in the hospital but things are looking good. An amazing surgery. She has surgery on Monday and they started her walking on Monday evening and therapy on Tuesday. It amazes me how far they have advanced. Mom does not like anesthetics, well general anesthetics, so the surgery was done with a spinal block and valium. She came out from surgery and was alert and talking. A bit drousy from the Valium but all in all things are looking well.
Other than that the family is doing good. Annie was home for the first part of the week and Ellen is coming home on Thursday for a few days until they get settled and a routine going.
I will update again soon. Mike
Tennis Anyone?
Hi Mary,
Can you post in the CC that I will be coming to Minnesota in July and looking to play some tennis if anyone would be interested? Doubles or singles. Would like to do it weekly or even twice a week. I will be up there for 3 weeks. In August, my league starts up again, I don't want to be too rusty.
Thanks,
Cathy White
( I will be staying shakopee with mom and dad)
Can you post in the CC that I will be coming to Minnesota in July and looking to play some tennis if anyone would be interested? Doubles or singles. Would like to do it weekly or even twice a week. I will be up there for 3 weeks. In August, my league starts up again, I don't want to be too rusty.
Thanks,
Cathy White
( I will be staying shakopee with mom and dad)
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tom's back Home!
HI Everyone:
One of my happier emails of late. Tom came home from the hospital
yesterday. They had kept him for a couple extra days as his kidney
function wasn't what it should be, but he's doing okay now. It also
appeared that he was getting an infection in the leg that they took
the vein from, so he's getting antibiotics for that. He is so
grateful to be back home and in his own bed, I know it's improving
his spirits already. So far, all looks good with the outcome of his
surgeries, so we're on the road to recovery and better health.
He appreciates the many well wishes and cards that he's received and
because he has been very emotional, it's been hard for him to want to
talk to anyone by phone yet. We are scheduled to go back to Scripps
to see his surgeons this Thursday and Friday and he has a visiting
nurse to check his vitals and for infection. A social worker from
the hospital called today, so we may pay her a visit on Friday also.
Thank you to everyone for your sensitivity and condolences in the
loss of Mike. Tom has been so sad because of it and I know that time
heals, but now that we're home, he'll be better able to grieve and
accept the loss. Last night a small memorial was held for Mike at
the motorcycle club of a family friend, Mike's moms ex-boyfriend,
Ronnie who was like a second father to Mike and his wife wanted to do
it for Mike and for their own closure, so even thought we weren't
there, it seemed like the right thing to do. Mike's uncles will be
holding his ashes until we go back to St Louis.
Love to all and thanks again for keeping us in your thoughts and
prayers.
Denise and Tom
One of my happier emails of late. Tom came home from the hospital
yesterday. They had kept him for a couple extra days as his kidney
function wasn't what it should be, but he's doing okay now. It also
appeared that he was getting an infection in the leg that they took
the vein from, so he's getting antibiotics for that. He is so
grateful to be back home and in his own bed, I know it's improving
his spirits already. So far, all looks good with the outcome of his
surgeries, so we're on the road to recovery and better health.
He appreciates the many well wishes and cards that he's received and
because he has been very emotional, it's been hard for him to want to
talk to anyone by phone yet. We are scheduled to go back to Scripps
to see his surgeons this Thursday and Friday and he has a visiting
nurse to check his vitals and for infection. A social worker from
the hospital called today, so we may pay her a visit on Friday also.
Thank you to everyone for your sensitivity and condolences in the
loss of Mike. Tom has been so sad because of it and I know that time
heals, but now that we're home, he'll be better able to grieve and
accept the loss. Last night a small memorial was held for Mike at
the motorcycle club of a family friend, Mike's moms ex-boyfriend,
Ronnie who was like a second father to Mike and his wife wanted to do
it for Mike and for their own closure, so even thought we weren't
there, it seemed like the right thing to do. Mike's uncles will be
holding his ashes until we go back to St Louis.
Love to all and thanks again for keeping us in your thoughts and
prayers.
Denise and Tom
Friday, May 8, 2009
Tom and Mike Update
HI Everyone:
Tom had his pacemaker surgery today and it was a rather quick
procedure, he was ready to eat about 2 hours later and seems to be
doing fine. He is still having a slight problem with the A
Fibrillation, which they've been correcting with meds, but they
expect that the surgery will be successful in due time. He is
getting some strength back after two sleepless nights and when you
read the rest of the story, you will understand why he couldn't sleep.
Things have been surreal for the past week while we've been dealing
with Tom's heart surgeries, because at the same time as when Tom went
into surgery last Friday, I found out that Mike, his 27 yr old son,
was on life support back in St Louis. I'm going to give you a very
brief explanation of the circumstances, but Tom was already under and
they were starting his surgery when I found out about the situation.
Tom's Dr made the decision that the surgery should go on as Tom's
health was vulnerable and he may not have been able to handle the
situation in St Louis. I was fortunate that my sister, Dar and Bob,
brother-in-law were just arriving from AZ and she has been with me
since. She and Bob were my life savers. To make a very long story
short, Mike was on life support for 3 days from Friday am until
Sunday pm and was removed from life support, as the only activity was
for breathing slightly and he would be institutionalized for life,
his kidneys and liver were gone. Unfortunately, Tom, being his
closest living relative, had to be the one to make the decision to
remove Mike from life support and because Tom was heavily sedated
and was the only decision maker (Mike's mom died about 13 years
ago), things were not only bad for us, but also for the family and
friends that were with Mike during those horrible 3 days at the
hospital in St Louis. I was handling things from the hospital here
and put a few people in charge at the hospital in St Louis, but
because Tom had to make the decision, he had to find out about it,
before it seemed like the right thing to do. It was an apparent drug
overdose. Mike had been telling everyone close to him in St Louis
and us that he was clean from any drugs for at least the past 3
months. I called Kelly, Tom's daughter and Tom's good friend, Bill
DeIuliis in St louis to take care of things for us, as he also knew
Mike quite well, so I knew that Tom would be comfortable with that
decision and would know that Mike was in good hands.
Mike has been cremated and we plan to have a celebration of his life
at a later date, when Tom is healthy enough to travel and can return
to St Louis to get his ashes and grieve with his family and
friends,. Everyone has been so helpful, kind and torn by the
situation, but have also been so concerned about Tom. The only
people that knew in St Louis were those family and friends visiting
and caring for Mike and I waited until after Tom was told about Mike
to tell anyone in my family or any other friends, as I wanted Tom to
be the first to know.
I know that you're reading this and can hardly believe it and that is
exactly how it has been for everyone. We are coming to grips and I'm
anxious for Tom to come home as he will be able to deal with his
emotions here. At the hospital he told me that he can't even get a
good cry going and it's so understandable. When Tom had to make the
decision he had only about 4 hours to absorb the information and had
been under medication so we had to wait until he could be more
coherent. At that point, he asked Dr Hemp, "if you had a son, and
you were faced with this situation, what would you do?" and the Dr
told him that he would discontinue life and Tom said "me too", I
agree", so then his Dr and I called back to St Louis on Tom's behalf.
It will be okay to acknowledge our loss and you may even encourage
Tom to talk about it, but if he doesn't want to, he won't. I don't
think that Tom wants anyone to be blind-sided by the news, and I'm
sorry that I'm sending it by email, but I wanted you to know and in
fact, it may be easier to handle this way. I have spent countless
hours on the phone over the past 10 days relaying information about
Tom and then Mike's situation and death. Mike's death notice will be
in the St Louis Post Dispatch this Sat and Sunday and you can view it
online.
We are hoping that Tom will be coming back home on either Friday or
Saturday and Dar will be going back home to AZ on Sunday. Bob will
be coming back to pick up Dar and also visit with Tom and I. I'm
off work, on leave until May 16th, maybe longer.
Life can really throw us some challenges and heartbreak along the
way. This has truly been a heartbreak and a challenge. Take care of
yourselves and if there is someone that I have failed to tell that
you think would want to know, could you please pass it on. Thanks
you always for your love and support.
Love, Denise
Tom had his pacemaker surgery today and it was a rather quick
procedure, he was ready to eat about 2 hours later and seems to be
doing fine. He is still having a slight problem with the A
Fibrillation, which they've been correcting with meds, but they
expect that the surgery will be successful in due time. He is
getting some strength back after two sleepless nights and when you
read the rest of the story, you will understand why he couldn't sleep.
Things have been surreal for the past week while we've been dealing
with Tom's heart surgeries, because at the same time as when Tom went
into surgery last Friday, I found out that Mike, his 27 yr old son,
was on life support back in St Louis. I'm going to give you a very
brief explanation of the circumstances, but Tom was already under and
they were starting his surgery when I found out about the situation.
Tom's Dr made the decision that the surgery should go on as Tom's
health was vulnerable and he may not have been able to handle the
situation in St Louis. I was fortunate that my sister, Dar and Bob,
brother-in-law were just arriving from AZ and she has been with me
since. She and Bob were my life savers. To make a very long story
short, Mike was on life support for 3 days from Friday am until
Sunday pm and was removed from life support, as the only activity was
for breathing slightly and he would be institutionalized for life,
his kidneys and liver were gone. Unfortunately, Tom, being his
closest living relative, had to be the one to make the decision to
remove Mike from life support and because Tom was heavily sedated
and was the only decision maker (Mike's mom died about 13 years
ago), things were not only bad for us, but also for the family and
friends that were with Mike during those horrible 3 days at the
hospital in St Louis. I was handling things from the hospital here
and put a few people in charge at the hospital in St Louis, but
because Tom had to make the decision, he had to find out about it,
before it seemed like the right thing to do. It was an apparent drug
overdose. Mike had been telling everyone close to him in St Louis
and us that he was clean from any drugs for at least the past 3
months. I called Kelly, Tom's daughter and Tom's good friend, Bill
DeIuliis in St louis to take care of things for us, as he also knew
Mike quite well, so I knew that Tom would be comfortable with that
decision and would know that Mike was in good hands.
Mike has been cremated and we plan to have a celebration of his life
at a later date, when Tom is healthy enough to travel and can return
to St Louis to get his ashes and grieve with his family and
friends,. Everyone has been so helpful, kind and torn by the
situation, but have also been so concerned about Tom. The only
people that knew in St Louis were those family and friends visiting
and caring for Mike and I waited until after Tom was told about Mike
to tell anyone in my family or any other friends, as I wanted Tom to
be the first to know.
I know that you're reading this and can hardly believe it and that is
exactly how it has been for everyone. We are coming to grips and I'm
anxious for Tom to come home as he will be able to deal with his
emotions here. At the hospital he told me that he can't even get a
good cry going and it's so understandable. When Tom had to make the
decision he had only about 4 hours to absorb the information and had
been under medication so we had to wait until he could be more
coherent. At that point, he asked Dr Hemp, "if you had a son, and
you were faced with this situation, what would you do?" and the Dr
told him that he would discontinue life and Tom said "me too", I
agree", so then his Dr and I called back to St Louis on Tom's behalf.
It will be okay to acknowledge our loss and you may even encourage
Tom to talk about it, but if he doesn't want to, he won't. I don't
think that Tom wants anyone to be blind-sided by the news, and I'm
sorry that I'm sending it by email, but I wanted you to know and in
fact, it may be easier to handle this way. I have spent countless
hours on the phone over the past 10 days relaying information about
Tom and then Mike's situation and death. Mike's death notice will be
in the St Louis Post Dispatch this Sat and Sunday and you can view it
online.
We are hoping that Tom will be coming back home on either Friday or
Saturday and Dar will be going back home to AZ on Sunday. Bob will
be coming back to pick up Dar and also visit with Tom and I. I'm
off work, on leave until May 16th, maybe longer.
Life can really throw us some challenges and heartbreak along the
way. This has truly been a heartbreak and a challenge. Take care of
yourselves and if there is someone that I have failed to tell that
you think would want to know, could you please pass it on. Thanks
you always for your love and support.
Love, Denise
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Results of Judy and Franks Tests!
Hi all,
I just heard from the EMT office and my MRI showed NO tumors, and they have no idea why my hearing loss is so much more in one ear that the other. Yeah !! so unless I have problems before I should check back in a year.
Frank has not heard from Diane his coordinator so his must have been good too. They are waiting for scans from CA so it may take a few days more in order to compare.
So far so good with all are doctor appointments we have a few more to go.
Judy
I just heard from the EMT office and my MRI showed NO tumors, and they have no idea why my hearing loss is so much more in one ear that the other. Yeah !! so unless I have problems before I should check back in a year.
Frank has not heard from Diane his coordinator so his must have been good too. They are waiting for scans from CA so it may take a few days more in order to compare.
So far so good with all are doctor appointments we have a few more to go.
Judy
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Tom's getting Better!
Hi Everyone: Things are looking up for Tom, he has most of the tubes and wires out and off now, but he will be going back into surgery on Thursday at 11am to put in the dual pacemaker. They almost took him yesterday for surgery as that's when it was originally scheduled, but I questioned the Dr as his surgeon had told me that it would take place when he said Tom would be ready, so it was almost a mistake. Tom has sutures in the heart and they needed more time to heal. Sure glad I showed up right when I did!
He was extremely tired today, but it was because he hasn't been able to sleep for the past two nights, so with the pain meds and sleeping pill, he might get a good nights sleep tonight. The maze procedure showed signs that his heart was going back into atrial fibrillation today, but they gave him a medication to straighten it out. Since the procedure has such a high success rate, the Dr wasn't all that concerned.
His surgeon told him that he will most likely be coming back home on Friday, which was music to his ears, along with a three person staff (just kidding), although he did just get moved to an ocean view room with a view of one of the holes on the Torrey Pines Golf Course, so it's really not all that bad being there. I was kind of thinking about moving in with him:)
I have a few other things to get done before the clock strikes 1 am, Dar just couldn't stay up with me anymore, must have been the wine! Dar's here with me until Sunday when Bob will be coming back to pick her up. She and Bob showing up last Friday were a blessing.
Love to all, Thanks for the thoughts and prayers, we have needed them. Love, Denise
He was extremely tired today, but it was because he hasn't been able to sleep for the past two nights, so with the pain meds and sleeping pill, he might get a good nights sleep tonight. The maze procedure showed signs that his heart was going back into atrial fibrillation today, but they gave him a medication to straighten it out. Since the procedure has such a high success rate, the Dr wasn't all that concerned.
His surgeon told him that he will most likely be coming back home on Friday, which was music to his ears, along with a three person staff (just kidding), although he did just get moved to an ocean view room with a view of one of the holes on the Torrey Pines Golf Course, so it's really not all that bad being there. I was kind of thinking about moving in with him:)
I have a few other things to get done before the clock strikes 1 am, Dar just couldn't stay up with me anymore, must have been the wine! Dar's here with me until Sunday when Bob will be coming back to pick her up. She and Bob showing up last Friday were a blessing.
Love to all, Thanks for the thoughts and prayers, we have needed them. Love, Denise
Monday, May 4, 2009
Another Update of Tom Groll
Hi Everyone:
First of all I want to thank everyone for all the kind thoughts and prayers. Tom went into surgery early Friday morning and by 3pm he was out of surgery. The maze procedure took the most time and then the coronary triple bypass. This morning he got the breathing tube out and was very happy about that, and then the healing began. He has been up in the chair, walking the hallway three times today and eating soft foods and requesting pain meds, as often as they will give them to him. He commented that he didn't know how older people deal with the surgery and gave them a lot of credit. The surgeon was in to see him tonight and commented to Tom how well he is doing and we don't know yet if the pacemaker surgery is still on for Monday or a day or two later. They will evaluate and decide when the time is right. I'm pretty sure that as they reduce the pain meds, he won't be having quite as much fun.
Dar and Bob have been here with me since Friday morning and Dar is going to spend the rest of the week and I'm so happy to have her here with me. We've been staying in a hotel closer to La Jolla and the Scripps Hospital, but tomorrow we will start making the 60 mile drive back and forth to be here every day.
I'll keep you posted, but so far the surgery is going well.
Thank you again for keeping Tom and me in your thoughts.
Love, Denise
First of all I want to thank everyone for all the kind thoughts and prayers. Tom went into surgery early Friday morning and by 3pm he was out of surgery. The maze procedure took the most time and then the coronary triple bypass. This morning he got the breathing tube out and was very happy about that, and then the healing began. He has been up in the chair, walking the hallway three times today and eating soft foods and requesting pain meds, as often as they will give them to him. He commented that he didn't know how older people deal with the surgery and gave them a lot of credit. The surgeon was in to see him tonight and commented to Tom how well he is doing and we don't know yet if the pacemaker surgery is still on for Monday or a day or two later. They will evaluate and decide when the time is right. I'm pretty sure that as they reduce the pain meds, he won't be having quite as much fun.
Dar and Bob have been here with me since Friday morning and Dar is going to spend the rest of the week and I'm so happy to have her here with me. We've been staying in a hotel closer to La Jolla and the Scripps Hospital, but tomorrow we will start making the 60 mile drive back and forth to be here every day.
I'll keep you posted, but so far the surgery is going well.
Thank you again for keeping Tom and me in your thoughts.
Love, Denise
Friday, May 1, 2009
Tom Groll's Update
Tom had his surgery today and Dar called this afternoon around 5 and left a message saying that Tom came thru the surgery just fine and that he was doing well. He will be in the hospital for probably 10 days, but all is well for now. Thank you for your prayers, but don't stop now. m
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