Friday 8-22

I did get to eat. I got to talk to the Kitchen person that came around and she will make sure that I get a tray every time the food comes around. I also let her know that I would be gone for several days and would be back by Mon. She said to just call them if I have to come back sooner to make sure I got something. I thought that was pretty good of them.

Ben was up and moving again today. I had to prod the nurse again to get him up. I can't catch him if he falls even tho he has lost a lot of weight. He was awake longer today. I got to see both Dr.s today before noon even. They are going to remove one more tube and hopefully the NG tube if he can tolerate it being clamped. I can understand that they don't want to go thru all that again to put it down.

If they have a room to move him today or tomorrow then he will move to surgical wing. It just depends on how it all goes. Granted he will get more quiet sleep there but I don't think he will be checked as often. I also don't think they will walk him as often so everyone that goes to see him, see if he can be put in a chair for you. That way he will at least get out of bed for a little while. His little old bones look so pitiful and painful.

Remember all, the key to the room is hanging on his IV pole. Please make sure you put it back there when done with the room so I can get it when I get back. Sorry Dick but I had to lie to them and tell them that you would be in the room Sat. night. For some stupid reason they feel someone has to be there every 24 hours even tho the room is paid for. I had to let them know that Glenda would be there Sunday night. I can understand that if there was an emergency they need to know if someone would be in the room to get them out and who was there. I suppose they have a reason for their policies. When I left last week and turned in the key, the room wasn't cleaned until I came back on monday. There was no one in there on Sunday.

Anyway, the plan is when Ben gets to Surgical wing he is to be there of at least 5 more days. The surgical Dr. wants to make sure that there is no more drainage from the abdomen that doesn't go into the colostomy bags, and he wants to make sure the stomas are healing nicely. He mentioned something again about the rehab facility and that has to do with how well he gains strength and weight when they remove the other drains. He says that he will make that determination after he sees how well Ben progresses. Ben was resting quietly when I left about 12:30. Will call later to see if he had been moved and how he is doing. Love, Light and Prayers to all and let me know what you think after you get to visit him.

I talked to Ben at 9 pm abd he is doing ok. He has been moved to Surgical East Room 205. They did not try to walk him tonight just like I thought they would. Nurse thought she would let him sleep. He is happy that he is in a room where the lights are off at night. He can have the door closed so he doesn't have to listen to all the noise in the hall either. So maybe that is a good thing. He didn't say if they took out anymore tubes and I forgot to ask the Nurse. So you all have a good night and I am going to bed. Talk to you tomorrow after I talk to him in the afternoon. Illa

Ben and our love

To all, it was great to see Ben, and he did look better then what I expected. He's one to give it his all. He did rest while we were there, it was just great to see him, and be with him. You can see his spirit, and he needs to know, that it does not matter, it's going on, we are all there for him. It's great to see Illa and also support her at this time, thanks Ben, for allowing us to come and be with you and Illa, it means so much to us. Also Illa, thanks for letting us, do what each of us can for you and your family. I know that it's no fun, and we'd all like that this not be happening for you and Ben. But life is what isn't all about, and that it's times like this we are connected, as it could be anyone of us. Ben hang in there, we love you. How special it is for us to be family, and Lis and I do love you, no way would be not be there for you. Jess, knows that it's hard to be where you are, and yes, it's great to see you sleep, and just let us be there for Illa and you. You did look better then the first time we saw you, keep doing what your doing and get the rest. We know that family are coming and I did call Bonnie, also Lueria, and gave her the update. You need your rest, but also just checking in with you means so much to each of us. It was just great letting us, come see you. What a family of fighters and all I wish and Jess, is to see you have things your way. Keep the Faith,..... Called Lis and told her you looked better then what I expected. We are there for you and your family..... a sister and brother-in-law that loves you. Jess and Lili

Thursday night 8-21

Lili and Jess came to see Ben today. They got to visit for quite a bit. He got up twice today and walked twice as far as yesterday, sat in the chair twice but not for as long as he was tired out from the walks. They pulled one IV out that ran the heart monitor and just had him connected to the other monitor and BP Cuff. Still has all the other drains and IV's. They could not give him his usual pain meds as his kidneys weren't functioning as well as they would have liked so he only had the push button thing. He is still having trouble breathing and is still hot. He was looking a little better tonight when the Dr. came in. He is not so yellow as he was last night. He is still in and out and loosing a lot of weight. He is still really struggling and so will be in ICU for several more days. He will be there until they feel safe enough to pull more of the tubes and take him off the monitor. They were going to pull the NG tube if they weren't pulling up a lot of stuff but they still are so it stays much to Ben's dismay. He is resting quietly right now.

I talked to Ben's nurses and told them that I would be leaving the key to the Room on his IV pole for any of you that needs it. They said that they would watch for you guys and that if by chance he is moved to the floor before I get back, they would make sure the key goes with him. I only get one key to the room so want to make sure it is kept track of. I leave about 1 pm or so tomorrow and will be back monday about 6 pm. Maybe a little earlier. I will make the bed so that it is nice and neat.

Glenda, whe you come up the hill to the hospital turn right in to the hospitality house. It is just as you come around the corner. It is easy walking distance to the hospital.

Illa

Redding budget Inn

Jess and I arrived here in Redding, went to the hospital to locate it first. We came into Redding about 10:30PM. We are staying in room 105, 530-243-4231. We will go up to the hospital in the morning to see Ben, if he is asleep we will let him sleep.... Love Jess and Lili, also we are going to look up a vet for our kitty during the day to get some med's. He's the last of 5, hand feed and such. You all know how we are about our pet's.

Wed. nite

Ben is a little better tonight. He has been up walking twice for about 100 feet. He still comes and goes but more aware of his surroundings. He still keeps trying to pour water out of his breathing thingy. He still is hot and connected to lots of tubes and wires. He is a little jaundiced still but his liver isn't functions too well yet from the stress. He can't leave ICU until some of the tubes are gone and he as more aware so that means several more days. He can have visitors but for short times. He is in Room 262. There is a phone there but it is away from the bed and most of the people are pretty sick and can't answer it.

There is some talk that he might have to go to a rehab facility as he has so much medical stuff going on that has to be watched. But right now that is just talk. Have to get him thru this patch and get the majority of drains, tubes, and hoses out. They are still saying 10+ days before taking out the tubes and drains. He is so weak and now getting fluid in his lungs that they really want to watch him. He is getting fiesty when a wake. He shook his fist at the male nurse that had to re-insert his NG tube as he gave him a bloody nose. Ben's nose has been broken so flat that they have trouble putting in those tubes but they really needed a big one. The guy really tried to be as gentle as possible but I know it had to hurt. But the end result was worth it as they got a lot of that toxic stuff out of his stomach that they couldn't get before. Which really did help Ben out. I don't think Ben would have hit him but he told the nurse that he thought it was only fair that he give him one.

So I think that I will go home Friday afternoon. I have to check on the animals to make sure they are being taken care of and I really need to work now while he is there as I will probably miss some days when he gets out. Staying in the Hospitality house is at least cheaper than a hotel but it still takes money. At least I am able to get fed at the hospital. I get up to 2 meals a day so that really helps. So I will call my boss and let her know tomorrow that I will cover my shifts on Sat., Sun, and Mon. I will be back down Mon. nite. I hate driving back and forth but it has to be done. Also while I am there I have to get someone else to take care of the animals as the people who are taking care of them now will be leaving on Tue. and will be out of state for a month.

Sorry that I will miss some of you that come later but I really hope you understand. Ben will appreaciate the company tho. Ben knows that several of you are coming so he is prepared to see you. I tell him who all has called and left messages and that you all send your love. He really appreaciates it. He says to tell you all that he loves you too.

Glenda, I did see until now that you would make it sunday. I don't know when Lili and Jess are coming but the phone call said that they were headed out the door. What I can do is pay for the room so that you all can stay there. It is $20 dollars a night but if someone is staying in it then it is worth it. I have to turn off the phone in ICU and forget to turn it back on when I leave for a cigarette. The only time it is really turned on during the day is between 6-8 pm and during the night until I go to the hosp. about 9 am. I get kicked out during shift change but I understand. So let me know if you want me to do that then there is a place for you to stay. Illa

Ben and Illa

Directions to Mercy Med -- Redding - click here

Another phone: 530.225.6000

Update Ben Tue. nite

Ben had a good night last night. They got him up in a chair for 2 hours today. He is still in and out as expected. His plain level has really dropped. He has an infection raging which is also expected. They put in 2 colostomy's and 6 other drain bags, 4 in the abdomen, one to the bladder and one to the lower colon.

The Dr. is still pretty confident that they will be able to reconnect him together. They will not do that for 3 months when they will also take out the tumor in the lower colon. They want to get everything stable before doing another big intrusive surgery.

They are hoping to move him out to the floor from ICU tommorrow, depends on how he responds tonight and tomorrow. As he is tonight I would not be surprised to see him there still another day. He is pretty out of it, not really from pain but from the surgery itself. He has a fever tonight but his vitals are stable. He is having a little trouble breathing but his oxygen level remains good. So we are still at the wait and see stage.

Lueria call about 5:30 to see how he was. We got to talk for a little. I think I kept falling asleep on her. I apologize. Just about had to pry me off the floor. I fell asleep and wanted to wake up in time to go to dinner but missed it. I got there just a minute or two after they closed the gate and no change for the machines. I could feel my blood sugar drop and was hoping I could make it to the car to sit down before the bp followed. Made it to a chair and sat for about 15 min. then was able to go to a restaurant and eat. This heat doesn't help a bit.

Well, I am going to go back to sleep. I think I am too wore out. Even too tired to crawl into the shower. I'll procrastinate and do it in the morning. You all have a good night. Ben is in good hands and he has some really good nurses. Ben and Illa

Things I forgot

Ben is in ICU room 262 for the next 2 days at least. Then after that, the nurse says he will be there for at least 5 more days probably down on the Oncology ward where he was. So, now it is in God's hands and the people that take care of him. I couldn't believe the difference in his size. He looks half of what he was. I'll have to rib him and tell him he should know now how it feels to carry a baby. He was that big and ungainly.

Also talked to Lili after Ben went into surgery on my way to get the kids from the mall. They were meeting there at Walmart as they did not know how to find the hospital. They are going to stop by to see Ben either on the way down or going back. I guess it all depends. I am so glad that everyone has made it to see him. I know that Ben doesn't like people to see him when he is sick ( this macho thing again with men, heaven forbid that they should be seen as weak or in that condition) but I could tell from the few people that have stopped to see him that he was actually glad to see them even tho he was out of it pretty much today. Illa

Newest Update Tue. 1 am

They took Ben to surgery at 5:15 pm 8-18. They had planned to take him about 9 pm then got a slot earlier at 7. At about 5 pm Ben started really sweating and hurting and i got the nurse and she took his temp and bp and the temp spiked, the bp went really low and his hert rate that they had been trying like crazy to keep up for surgery jumped to 120 bpm. Appearantly the bowel ruptured. They rushed him in. They put in the colostomy which is still supposed to be only temporary at this time. They flushed all the gangrenous material out of his abdomen and took a bunch of the colon that was also gangrenous. I don't know how long it takes gangrene to set in but I would suppose that there had been a small leak for several days. He was in surgery about 4 hours and recovery after. He was groggy when the kids and I got to see him afterward but he looked a lot better than when he went in.

Both Teresa and BJ and all their clan were able to make it down. Not in time before Ben went into surgery but they were there when he came out. He recognized them. Teresa and I both noticed a strange anomolie when he opened his eyes. Usually they are green/brown. They looked blue to us. Could have been the light playing tricks but we thought it was strange. He is still in a lot of pain.

The Dr. said that the next 48 hours will be critical as there was so much bad material in there. Took 11 pints of fluid to flush out and he is afraid that he might not have gotten it all.

The plan is to try to re-connect his bowels in about 2 weeks. It might even be as long as 3 months and he does think that the tumor is in the lower colon which they did not take out yet. If that is where it is at then Ben will most likely have a full permanant colostomy. He says the liver looks clear and that is one of the places that City of Hope said the cancer had spread to. So maybe all that chemo that Ben took at least worked on that.

Anyway, I am back at the room and the kids are on their way back home. Will give another update in the afternoon when I see how he is doing now. Love and Light to all Ben and Illa

Ben update, Monday, August 18, 2008

Just talked to Illa. The doctor felt it necessary that Ben have surgery tonight, probably after 7:00. The plan is to perform a ‘simple’ colonoscopy, on the outside with a permanent one at a later date. The bag will be attached to the small intestine. The colon and abdomen are under pressure so the purpose of this is to let the swelling go down. At this time they will remove the tumor that is part of the problem.

He is pretty doped up and in quite a bit of pain, although Illa indicated that he was up walking this morning long enough to go to the bathroom.

He received 8 bags of potassium yesterday and probably will receive the same amount today. The purpose is to get his heart rate up. His blood pressure was measured at 188/110 this morning.

Do keep Ben, Illa, Teresa, and BJ in your prayers, especially just after 7:00.

Jim

Sunday nite 8-17

Just left Ben. 9 pm. He is up and moving around. They put in a pic line in his left arm and trying to give him some nourishment thru the iv. He still can't eat but is slowly going now. I though he said that they were giving him stuff to make him go more to clean him out. But I guess not. I came down tonite as when I talked to him at 11 am, the dr. was talking to him about surgery. This is the cover dr. for dr. Freeman. He did not read Ben's file so did not know that the cancer has spread. He wants to do surgery on the tumor that is growing and attaching to the old scar and the stuff around it. Enough stuff has moved so that they can see the tumor in the abdomen. He is still swollen and hard even with all the suctioning and going. He is still very much in pain so they are now giving him the thingy that he can push the button when he needs it. Supposedly they are to hook it up tonight. He is really starting to look worn out.

I still don't understand much about the surgery that Ben says the Dr. was talking about. Dr. Freeman and this other Dr. are supposed to come in tomorrow. They never give you a good fairly precise time like between 1 and 5 or some such. Just sometime tomorrow. I understood that Ben was supposed to go to surgery tomorrow but if they are not pushing internal cleansing then it won't be tomorrow as the intestines have to be pretty much squeaky clean. Supposedly the Dr. wants to take out some more of the colon along with the tumor. Said it would only be about 3-4 days before he could go home. Then have to have bed rest and all the usual stuff. So will have to wait and see just what is up. Ben doesn't want the surgery if it can't fix him. He is thinking, why have it if it won't prolong a good life and he has to go thru all that crap again. My fear is they will open him up then close up and send him home without doing anything and say , well that's it- nothing more can be done and leave him in all that pain and struggle. And then the worst of it, expect to be paid for that pain and suffering. Sorry, I am venting. You can't see the steam but it is there.

He had a really good day nurse yesterday. Today, they came in and wiped out everything she had on the board that regarded his pain meds and the times that he could have them and when they were due. She had it all written out so that all the next shifts would have it and not have to look everything up. It peeved him quite a bit. When he starts getting short tempered,you can tell he is hurting and getting fed up with everything. I told the nurse tonight before I left as he was getting short with them again, that when he gets that way, he is at the end of the pain that he can take. So she gave him his medication about 1/2 hour early.

So that is what i have for now. Also if you want to talk to him you will have to call the hospital. Their number is 1-503-225-6000 and ask for Rm 104 B. Appearantly the cell phone does not work well where he is in the hospital. It seems to be hit and miss. Must be because of all the electronics and stuff there, the interference. So I am going to go to bed for now and hope to get some rest.

I can get internet herein the hospitality house and not have to pay for it. So will update as I can. Love to all. Ben and Illa

Ben update, Sat. August 16

7:00 pm, Saturday, August 16, 2008
I just finished talking with Illa. She had gone back Bieber to attend to some duties at home. Illa had been with Ben since Wednesday, after taking him to Mercy Hospital (rm. 104B) in Redding because of the stomach pain that he was experiencing. We all know that Ben is a very macho kind of guy, so it must have been bad. He had complained about not feeling well since helping BJ with some moving over the weekend. Ben had attributed the pain to a strained muscle. What the doctor found out was that there was some type of bowel blockage.

Illa said that the tests this morning also confirmed that his Potassium was "critically low." He had been receiving Potassium once a day since being in and today the heart doctor upped the dosage to four dosages per day. He is receiving this through an IV.

He had a vacuum tube placed through his nasal cavity into his stomach just prior to us being there on Friday afternoon. This was inserted in hopes of vacating the blockage that was believed to be the cause of his discomfort. The matter that was being pulled up (150 cc) determined to be blood and not just digestive matter.

This morning, Saturday, for the first time there was blood in his urine. With the present swelling of the stomach, x-rays cannot determine where the blood may emanate from. Illa infers that the blood may come from an ulcer or possible bleeding from the intestines.

With Ben's present heart rate he is not a candidate for a pacemaker. During his last surgery his heart rate went down to about 20 BPM and they had trouble reviving him, so they want to be extra careful this time.

According to the last MRI in Dec. 2006 it was determined that the cancer had spread to his lungs and liver. Also, there was a tumor in his abdomen. Illa believes that this may be the cause of the present problems; possibly pressure, bleeding, or leakage or even growth into the affected organs.

The doctor has changed his pain medication. It is in addition to morphine, and is not self-administered but given every six hours. He still gets morphine every three hours so you can tell he is in a lot of pain.

Illa says that Ben would probably appreciate phone calls as she cannot be back there until Monday night at the earliest. He does not want people to see him unless you are making a trip this way. At the present time Illa says that he will be a minimum of five days, but possibly as much as ten days in the hospital, and that is without the surgery. With these new complications, she really expects it to be more in the ten day range possibly longer.

Ben does have a cell phone, but no charger. Illa said that he will have his phone on at 8 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m. for an hour at those times every day if you have the time to call him…with happy upbeat news.

(Illa) says, just know that Ben loves you all and that he was really glad to see you all at the reunion. We thought last year was going to be the last and he was happy he made it for another one. He has plans to see you all at the next one as long as it is at the ocean which is his favorite place. Can't keep him down as he is very strong minded. So just know that he will be there whether it is in body or spirit.

Try not to call Illa at home after 8:00 p.m.

Ben's cell: 530-260-0228
Illa's cell: 530-260-0876
Home: 530-294-5829

My home number if you have questions: 707 464-5659

Jim

The latest on Ben

I called Ben today (Thursday) and first got hold of Illa. They were at the hospital in Redding. I believe that he had been admitted into the on Wed. evening. He said that the doctor said he has a bowel obstruction. I got the impression that the doctor was trying to clear it with non-invasive methods first.
We'll stop by on Friday if he is still in the hospital.

Jim

Lisi going home

Lueria called and just told me that Lis, will be going back to the apartment, in about three weeks, I will not be going back, I do need to remove myself. If you have any questions, please talk to Lueria, she's been great working and dealing with her mom. I look her father-in-law, up to see Lis, as they are good friends. It was great to see her and talk with her. She wanted to go to Suzy, but they feel that she'd have a break with moving again, maybe down the road. I agree, as it was so hard with moving, and she's in a great place. She has it made where she lives and it's a beautiful place, also I was not looking forward to moving her again, but what they said, I'm happy for. She has such a great team behind her. Love Lili

Lili about Lisi

Dear All, Sis is doing great and looking forward to seeing family. She's talking about working with Suzanne on her future plan's. I support her all the way, and know that she'd do well working her program, and with Suzy..... Talked to Suzy and she plans on seeing Lisi Monday sometime, when that takes place I will support what Lis, wishes to work on and with my little sis. Once Suzy step's in, I will move away from working with Lisi, as she's in good hands and she needs a break from me. It is what she wishes and I honor her on this request, and feel that it is for the good for her, she's really moving forward and I am so proud of her.

Jess and I are going down to California on the 27th to see Jess's sister, 50 years in the marrage of Harold and Melva. Melva is Jess's sister. We are working on the place, and once I know what is going on, with Lis, then I will deal with moving what needs to be done. This will be a busy month, so going going with the wind at this time!!!! We plan on visiting family on the trip down to CA, so those on the way, don't be alarmed if we show our face. Love to all Lili

Newest Project

This is our latest project. It is a jacuzzi bath tub. We got the tub for half price because of freight damage on one of the front panels so we cut out the panel and will make a whole front panel. We still have to put in the sheet rock and the finish stuff but it works. It is really great. Really helps the muscles and bone aches.

Ben and Illa

Issues Issues Issues; ok, let's get some opinions

The best way to tell where a man stands is not what he says about "issues" during election season, but what he's been in his history. Most will say anything to get elected. Some people actually have the integrity to do what they say. Just because a man sounds pretty when he talks doesn't mean he'll do what he says. McCain has 26 years of integrity. This doesn't mean McCain is correct, or that he will not change his mind - we all change, and we are sometimes wrong. But the character of man is proven how he make these changes - from integrity, or from political pressure, or selling out.

A fishin' story......

Click on the title.

I'm starting to anticipate donuts

How Quickly One Forgets !!

This past week I had been feeling really down. So much so I didn't even want to work on my bike !! (and that's a "red flag" warning for me !! LOL It took Illa to figure it out. I had been back on my cancer pills as of monday and was taking a "double issue", I cut down to what I should be taking and felt a little better, today was the first day without any pills. I felt MUCH better today !! I am back to one week on and one off. I should have been taking them before the reunion but didn't want to feel bad during it. So those that like to gripe about how hard it was on their schedule,... guess what, I really don't want to hear it !!!!!