by Judith Capen and Robert Weinstein
Back in the hospital, living in hospital time and struggling for enough pain relief (the docs are pretty consistent in saying, “We want you to be comfortable,” but then they dole out the drugs parsimoniously, to protect her from addiction? From respiratory failure so the tumors can get bigger? So she doesn’t have too good a time? Not sure.)
When I got here today around 2ish (to find cousins boosting the love and care over and above Aunt Jean on duty) she actually made the eye-rolling noise once as I tried to enforce V’s plan of very small sips.
This was after a very rough night for Kirby and Robert with another syncopy (passing out)—coding a rapid response—all of a sudden how many medical people you can fit in the bathroom? then assisted back to bed with a racing heatbeat, order up two more units of blood. The good news is her blood work is looking better and her lips are no longer chalk white, but her heartbeat is still fast (about 150/min) and she is very weak.
It’s not so rewarding to visit just now: sometimes she is feeling so lousy she just hasn’t got the energy even to SEE her friends. Don’t take it personally.
We’re pretty committed to getting her home but it is hard to imagine, would probably be in an ambulance, it’s the getting up and walking that brings on the synocopy. She wants to be home and there doesn’t seem to be huge amounts they can offer her (although 8 units of blood IS pretty huge). Tabulating vomits is now #/hr not #/day. She’s horribly thirsty but can’t have more than a sip without it triggering a vomit. The only good thing is that the vomits are really small: very small, very very small.
Colleen the nurse was amazing today in helping her use breathing to avoid barfs.
Tomorrow meeting with the GW Palliative Care team to, we hope, strategize getting her out…
We couldn’t be surviving without all of you. Thank you for your caring and your support.
Rabbi Bruce B Seltzer
Jan 16, 2012 @ 05:16:52
I am thinking about and praying for Kirby a lot.
Thanks for the updates.
Olya
Jan 16, 2012 @ 05:44:13
I’m thinking about you all, every day. And I’m in awe of your strength. All I can do from far away is hope and pray and keep you in my thoughts. I wish I could do more. Right now, I’m sending out a big metaphorical hug.
Shelley Temchin
Jan 16, 2012 @ 06:07:31
More thinking, hoping, praying here.
Shelley Temchin
Gloria Mink Edwards
Jan 16, 2012 @ 06:17:17
Hugs and prayers for you all.
Love, Cousin Gloria
Jackie McCuin
Jan 16, 2012 @ 11:50:13
Judith, Robert, Owen and Kirby,
We are thinking of all of you all the time. And praying for a turn around. Love, hope and strength to all of you.
Jackie and Tom
Becca
Jan 16, 2012 @ 13:13:39
Sending my love your way and praying that Kirby can escape to 810 A St ASAP!
Love,
Becca
Judy Hadley
Jan 16, 2012 @ 14:52:31
The Hadleys send our thoughts and prayers.
Judy and Jack
Suzanne Weidie
Jan 16, 2012 @ 15:06:44
Thinking and praying for you Kirby, from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Feel better soon, real soon!
Nancy Friedman
Jan 16, 2012 @ 15:27:47
Sending love and wishing there was something we could do. Nancy and Barry
Suzanne Jacobson
Jan 16, 2012 @ 16:29:30
You continue to be in our hearts and minds!
Sending love your way! Bob and Suzanne
Julia and Joshua
Jan 16, 2012 @ 18:03:55
folding cranes, thinking of you.
Julia and Joshua
Karen Zizmor
Jan 16, 2012 @ 20:14:25
The Zizmor/Rinaldi’s send all of their love,.
–Karen, Bruce, Sarah and Leah
Alex Zapruder
Jan 16, 2012 @ 23:19:36
Kirby, I am thinking of you everyday. I follow your parents’ posts and I wish there was something I could do. But please know that I am bearing you in mind, remembering what a terrific kid you were and thinking of what an amazing young woman you are. You are on my mind and in my heart. Love, Alex Zapruder
Linda Berman
Jan 17, 2012 @ 02:06:31
Love from the Minneapolis Bermans. You guys are FABULOUS advocates! You are all in our thoughts every hour of every day. –Linda and Henry Berman
Judy
Jan 17, 2012 @ 03:33:29
We are thinking of you daily and if there is ANYTHING at all that you want, or we can do to help you, please let us know and we will be there. We hope that the nausea subsides and that Kirby can get some relief and rest. Here’s hoping to getting her home so we can enjoy another dinner and movie together. We are praying for you and sending our love.
Milton, Judy, Katie and Samantha