Dad had a great night's sleep last night (almost 7 hours). When asked about his favorite part of the day, Dad replied "I like napping." And it's true, he was able to also have two long naps during the day. Janice reminded Dad that it makes sense he's so tired: he's recovering from major surgery, he is sleep deprived after 7 nights in the hospital and he took a long walk today.
How long a walk you ask? Half a mile! For those of you who know our neighborhood, we started at the circle and made it up to Orchard and Elwood and back. About half way through, Dad said he felt like he was doing a marathon. The feeling is understandable, but he made it. We all enjoyed being able to take a walk together and Charlie (Janice's 100+ pound Old English Sheep dog) keep us entertained as usual.
We have been really enjoying the quiet time at home. For those of you who are wanting to help, our friend has asked that I pass along her message via this blog. As of right now, food might be appreciated. Mom has asked for healthy, fresh food. Please also keep in mind that Dad has to watch his sugar intake now.
Local support for Jay and Emily
Many folk in the Albany area are asking what they can do to be helpful. Jay and Emily are delighted to know how many people care about them deeply. It's important that the help doesn't bunch up at the beginning and then dwindle over time when it is most needed. The nature of help will be changing from week to week as J& E may be going to Boston some times for treatment. Also Jay's diet requirements are likely to change from time to time. To avoid lots of "what can we do?" phone calls, Sigrin Newell has agreed to be the point person. She will talk to Emily each week to find out what is needed and get back to volunteers with the requests. She is setting up a weekly schedule with at least one person/family for each week throughout the summer. When that's full, others will be called for specific requests. Some weeks it might be a meal, others might be chocolate, flowers, someone to hang out and watch a ball game with Jay while Emily is out of the house or to go hiking with Emily, some weeks it might just be "we need alone time, thanks anyway."
If you would like to join the J& E support group, send an email to sigrin.newell(at)waldenu(dot)edu. Tell her what kinds of things you might provide, your email address, phone numbers and dates when you are available. Make the header J& E support so it's easy for her to find it. Thanks!
Showing posts with label sleep. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sleep. Show all posts
Friday, July 3, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Home!
"Team Gallagher" has finally returned to Gallagher Headquarters in New York. We were greeted by our beautifully remodeled kitchen that the contractor and our friends had knocked themselves out getting ready for our return. It is beyond appreciated and looks stunning.
Mom stayed over in the hospital last night and was able to get a good night's sleep. While she was there, a resident took out Dad's staples and put a whole mass of sterry strips over his wound. He was also able to shower for the first time! They also took a walk in the middle of the night again, which helped Dad get a bit more sleep.
We had a "fun" time waiting for Dad to be released from the hospital this morning. While waiting, we entertained ourselves by singing Beach Boys songs that I downloaded. We started with "Sloop John B.", whose chorus includes the line "let me go home." We then went to "In My Room" (with alternate LCA show lyrics, "3-man room") and "Be True To Your School." Janice even let Dad sing the falsetto.
The trip home was relatively uneventful. The doctor told Mom and Dad that we should stop at every rest stop and have Dad get up and walk around. After our first stop, we realized that Dad had forgotten to take his pain medicine before we left the hospital. This led to us calling the hospital, letting Dad sleep most of the ride home and picking up the pain meds before we even got home.
Now it's time for a delicious dinner consisting of roasted chicken a friend left for us and a few other goodies. Then I'm sure Dad is looking forward to sleeping in his own bed after 11 nights away.
I haven't yet had a chance to check in with Mom or Dad about when they'll be wanting visitors and what they'd like people to bring over, but once I know that I'll post it on here.
Mom stayed over in the hospital last night and was able to get a good night's sleep. While she was there, a resident took out Dad's staples and put a whole mass of sterry strips over his wound. He was also able to shower for the first time! They also took a walk in the middle of the night again, which helped Dad get a bit more sleep.
We had a "fun" time waiting for Dad to be released from the hospital this morning. While waiting, we entertained ourselves by singing Beach Boys songs that I downloaded. We started with "Sloop John B.", whose chorus includes the line "let me go home." We then went to "In My Room" (with alternate LCA show lyrics, "3-man room") and "Be True To Your School." Janice even let Dad sing the falsetto.
The trip home was relatively uneventful. The doctor told Mom and Dad that we should stop at every rest stop and have Dad get up and walk around. After our first stop, we realized that Dad had forgotten to take his pain medicine before we left the hospital. This led to us calling the hospital, letting Dad sleep most of the ride home and picking up the pain meds before we even got home.
Now it's time for a delicious dinner consisting of roasted chicken a friend left for us and a few other goodies. Then I'm sure Dad is looking forward to sleeping in his own bed after 11 nights away.
I haven't yet had a chance to check in with Mom or Dad about when they'll be wanting visitors and what they'd like people to bring over, but once I know that I'll post it on here.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
D-day set for tomorrow
Jay is unrecognizable today: he has had all his tubes that pumped and dripped fluids and medication in and out of his body removed. He is functioning au natural.
He even munched contentedly on a hamburger today for lunch, as he had his first solid-food meal since last Wednesday. The plan is for him to be discharged tomorrow - a day ahead of schedule! And return home to Delmar. Then it is a few more weeks of rehab before he turns his attention to radiation, chemo and other steps needed to continue his recovery.
He is looking most forward to a good night's sleep in his own bed.
He even munched contentedly on a hamburger today for lunch, as he had his first solid-food meal since last Wednesday. The plan is for him to be discharged tomorrow - a day ahead of schedule! And return home to Delmar. Then it is a few more weeks of rehab before he turns his attention to radiation, chemo and other steps needed to continue his recovery.
He is looking most forward to a good night's sleep in his own bed.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Nap time
As anyone who has ever stayed in a hospital knows, the hardest thing to do is to get a good nights’ sleep. It brought to mind last night, as I struggled with the usual hospital issues, all of the times at the capitol when staying awake was a huge challenge. I’m now in a position to admit that more than once, typically in an LOB hearing room, I may have shut my eyes and missed a handful of the inspired words of our elected leaders.
This experience has also given me new appreciation of the skill of some lawmakers who could fall asleep at the drop of a hat.
I remember Senator Marty Knorr of Queens (inevitably, Marty Snore, in LCA parlance) who perfected the skill of sitting in his chair, not moving a muscle, but giving no indication that he was conscious. More interesting to watch was Senator Walter Floss of Erie County. Floss had the classic looks of a 19th-century lawmaker: a shock of white hair, a flowing white moustache, and an ample paunch. All that was missing from the scene was a spittoon by his Senate desk. Floss’ sleeping in his seat was far more interesting than Knorr’s – and more visible, since he sat in the first row, just a few feet away from reporters. First his eyes would get glassy, then he would tilt back in his seat, his eyes rolling back in his head. Finally, he would slouch forward, with his head bouncing off his chest.
I have to admit that both of these sleepers were Republicans. All I can figure is that, even in those days, planning various heists and scams at least kept the Democrats alert.
This experience has also given me new appreciation of the skill of some lawmakers who could fall asleep at the drop of a hat.
I remember Senator Marty Knorr of Queens (inevitably, Marty Snore, in LCA parlance) who perfected the skill of sitting in his chair, not moving a muscle, but giving no indication that he was conscious. More interesting to watch was Senator Walter Floss of Erie County. Floss had the classic looks of a 19th-century lawmaker: a shock of white hair, a flowing white moustache, and an ample paunch. All that was missing from the scene was a spittoon by his Senate desk. Floss’ sleeping in his seat was far more interesting than Knorr’s – and more visible, since he sat in the first row, just a few feet away from reporters. First his eyes would get glassy, then he would tilt back in his seat, his eyes rolling back in his head. Finally, he would slouch forward, with his head bouncing off his chest.
I have to admit that both of these sleepers were Republicans. All I can figure is that, even in those days, planning various heists and scams at least kept the Democrats alert.
Friday, June 26, 2009
A single!
After a long, sleepy day, we watched the Red Sox win (4-1 versus the Braves). Getting the Red Sox on basic cable is another advantage of being in Boston. AND, Dad was moved to a single room, after spending last night with a noisy roommate! We are hoping for a quieter night full of sleep.
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