Of course you'll be in my thoughts tomorrow! As for that packed bag? Let's see - Dennis has had to experience every single bump in a very bumpy road and you get dragged right along behind him? Or maybe this is such an easy one compared to all he's been through that you just can't believe that second shoe of the matching pair will NOT drop. But my thinking is that IF you're prepared with an overnight bag not a thing will happen. If you're NOT prepared then of course something will pop up. So the overnight bag is only just your good luck charm.

There IS light at the end of the very long tunnel with blue skies, fluffy clouds, blankets of flowers, and songbirds!!!

BTW - have I told you lately how happy I am to see your face back here?

kathy

Positive vibes coming from California to you and Dennis!

I think you are absolutely correct in assuming that the PICC line will go smoothly and Humira will turn things around. What else can you do? Of course, having an overnight bag packed, just in case makes sense too.

By the way, Humira does not go in the vein (it's subQ), but he will think it's a breeze compared to what he's been through. I am thrilled that the NS did the trick and so what if he will need it every other day? No more sticks after the PICC!!! Yay. Plus, if TPN becomes necessary, he'll be good to go.

Thanks for the update, hope your soap opera ends soon.

Jan

Well, my insurance policy of a packed bag worked and it went without a hitch! (Maybe a new direction for us- YIPPEE!)

Came home to the "MyHumira" welcome kit you told me to order Jan. That was quick. Played with the injection pen a little. I watched the video online a few days ago and am just not quite sure where Dennis is going to pinch enough skin on his belly or legs for this to work. That could be interesting!

I also think we'll be seeing the meds soon because the NCM put a rush on it yesterday and the pharmacy already called for info because the drs. office didn't send in what I told them they needed to. NCM says she's been able to get the stuff to insureds in 48 hours and she'll do her best.

If this doesn't do something, we probably are pretty close to TPN. Heck, it might be something to do for a bit even if this starts to work to give him a boost. We'll just have to see but with the PICC, it's going to be a breeze.

OMG - you're not talking out loud are you??? You KNOW that's just not right. You need to whisper this just to make sure everything continues to progress smoothly. Take it back, Take it back.

kathy

I have visions of you doing that little happy dance that Snoopy used to do!!!

Jan

Doesn't matter if I say it outloud (well sort of) but I always cover my "murphy's law" sort of life with the packed bag I should never need. My insurance policy.

In the AM I learn how to care for it (and the nurse is bringing another student nurse to learn picc care..... how fun will this be?).

My guard is still up but I've learned I have to wean every bit of "good" out of the times there are hope because it seems it never lasts.

BUT there is still a chance that this might just be the key!!! And I've not allowed a dr. to say that although they can't say it will help at this point, it certainly won't hurt. THOSE ARE THE WORDS NOT TO BE SPOKEN OUT LOUD!

Weather is sort of cooling into fall which makes us happy. The leaves will be turning and maybe I can get him out for a short stroll this weekend.

Oh yeah, thanks for being happy to see me Kathy! Alot of people run screaming (LOL).

Hi Joan,

I've only just caught up with your ongoing saga having just returned from our holiday in France and you have no idea how happy I am to read that you have finally managed to get that donkey to take a drink and get the picc line installed!

I hope you can persuade Dennis to take that walk, I know how beautiful it is on your side of the Pond at this time of year. It will do him good to get some fresh air.

I'm only "thinking" those words so won't jinx you by saying them out loud, but you get the gist.

Take c are of yourself and enjoy the weekend.

Luv & hugs

Shell

The donkey is pretty wiped out so no walk today but there is always tomorrow. I might try again after dark. His appearance has changed so much that he feels he's being looked at all the time. I don't even notice it anymore but every time I get him out and we run into people, they say something to me later about how small he is. Wish the drs. had that much tack. Lately they've all started making wise "donkey" comments about his weight. Like he doesn't wish it were different! On the cool side of his change of appearance..... Today, out of boredom while he needed to relax we were chanel flipping. We aren't "reality" tv watchers but came across some show with Hulk Hogan the wrestler guy (another thing we aren't into) and his family. His family was trying to get him to change his look as it wasn't "south beach" enough for them and they were embarassed. They even tricked him onto a hair replacement appt and he got so hurt he walked out. As we were talking, I could honestly look at him and as I was trying to make a comparison, could come up with nothing I thought should be changed on him. How cool is that! I still love the goofy donkey for who he is, not what he is! (and in case anybody worries that I'm mean for calling him a donkey, I use the other name on him in person when he acts like a mule!)

On the plus side, the humira arrived today. Now I have to call the drs. office on monday and get him in so we can "learn" to do the shots (like the 7 minute video and library of step by step booklets that came with the "myhumira" stuff Jan pointed me to don't make it so easy a monkey could do it!) I also get to learn how to change his picc dressing on Monday.

We see the surgeon on Tues. about the ever prolapsing stoma. We have a slight hope that the humira might bring upon some miracle that makes his guts quit trying to crawl out but most likely we are looking at the stoma being moved to the other side by the end of they year. (You know those great inusrance co-pays etc. so need it done by Dec 31st if we decide that way.......) I'd thought he was going to keep fighting it but he told the home health nurse thursday that he can't keep up with the stupid thing this way much longer so if the humira doesn't show some improvement, we're going to do it. He got off prednisone almost 2 weeks ago (and poor guy is fighting those lasting effects but he says he'd rather die than start that mess again). Surgeon told him in June he had to be off pred before he'd even seriously discuss what needs to be done as his prolapse won't take one of the easy fixes and needs a move to have a hope of working.

Hey - you're a great one to ask..... I know you didn't get yours moved a while back. I don't remember if you were having prolaspe problems or just obstructions. Are you happy with the outcome of your surgery and it not being moved. Dennis in his own words is none to happy about having to learn to $h!t left handed!

Hope your holiday in France was wonderful!!

Hi Joan,
I sending you some positive thoughts in the hopes that things will get a little brighter for you. Wow, have things been tough or what? It is amazing how much your sence of humor has helped so many others look at their situations and say, what am I talking about it, it could be ......so thanks for bringing us all down to earth and helping us to see the good. You are a true, "I am woman, hear me roar!"

I am thinking about you!

Sincerely,
Brenda