While I Slept Away January (entries by my wife and two girls)

Friday, January 8, 2010 1:35 AM, EST

I am writing to let you know that my dad was hospitalized today in NY after a brain bleed. He is stable in the Roosevelt Hospital neurological ICU. We are here with Mom; our brother arrives tomorrow morning. While this was a very serious event, we have a lot to feel positive about. Dad is resting, and knows we're with him. He's blown us kisses, moved his hands, and can say his name. The bleed was in the right front of Dad's brain, which is an area that is not responsible for speech or motor functions. The focus of Dad's care is on stabilizing him after the bleed, and then on understanding the root cause of this event. We anticipate Dad will be in the ICU for the next 1-2 weeks. At this early stage, the doctors think Dad may have an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). AVM is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels that develops between the arteries and veins. AVMs are fragile structures and prone to swelling and bleeding. AVMs can be treated with medications, surgery, embolization, and radiosurgery. Doctors do not think Dad suffered a stroke. Dad will have an MRI in the morning, which will tell us a lot more. We will keep you informed via daily email, because we know many of you will be thinking about Dad. We're spending as much time as possible with Dad,so please be patient if we don't get right back to you.

Saturday, January 9, 2010 1:36 AM, EST

Thanks so much for your well wishes and emails. Mom and Dad very much appreciate your kind supportive words. Short note tonight, because it was a long day. Dad had periods of waxing and waning, typical of a brain bleed, all day today. He was often lucid and responsive, answering questions with a nod or one word answer. He knew the Yankees won the World Series, and seemed pretty annoyed I'd even ask such a dumb question. Other times he rested, or drummed his fingers, and seemed to know less about where he was. The resident said this was to be expected. The MRI scheduled for the morning took place at 8 p.m. today. That's how things are working...long stretches of wait. The resident reading the MRI saw no obvious mass or lesion, which may rule out the AVM from yesterday's note. The radiation chief will report on the MRI tomorrow, and we may learn more. However, it is much more likely that we'll learn definitively what happened to Dad on Monday, when he has a dye test. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts.

Sunday, January 10, 2010 1:37 AM, EST

Thanks so much for your continued voicemail messages and emails. It is so nice to hear from all of you.

Today was a waiting day. Tomorrow morning Dad will have an angiogram done, which should provide us with something concrete as the MRI was inconclusive. It's all just speculation at this point. The doctors still suspect AVM, but the nurse thinks hemmoragic stroke. Dad had periods of waxing and waning again all day today. He was his best tonight, when he had five of us crammed in his room, gabbing and laughing across his hospital bed. He continually moved his head back and forth between us and smiled, adding his one word answers or nods. Rachel, our favorite nurse, fed him a full dinner of hamburger, mashed potatoes, veggies, applesauce, and of course, lots of ice chips to wash it down.

As we said yesterday, it is much more likely that we'll learn definitively what happened to Dad tomorrow, when he has a dye (angiogram) test.We'll update you tomorrow evening. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts.

Monday, January 11, 2010 9:46 PM, EST

We learned today that Dad's bleeding was caused by an aneurysm.

The doctors think it might have been caused by a strep bacteria that grew on the heart. That infection, called endocarditis, made its way to the brain. The endocarditis is also causing the aortic valve in Dad's heart to leak severely.

The treatment at this time is a continued course of antibiotics, in the hopes the infection will clear and Dad's condition (both cardiac and neurological) will improve.

Dad was able to speak prior to the diagnostic procedures today, and said he had an excellent sleep. We're glad he was well rested, because the procedures lasted about 5 hours. He was very tired afterwards. We'll repeat the full process in three weeks, and hopefully see improvement then. Dad will be in the hospital quite awhile and we will learn and share more as we go along.

Thanks for all your calls and well wishes. They really help.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010 8:26 PM, EST

Today was a mixed day.

We learned that Dad has blood clots in his lungs. Doctors put a filter in to prevent additional clots reaching the lungs, but this development complicates Dad's recovery. These blood clots are called pulmonary embolisms, or PEs, as those of us in the unwilling know now call them. The PEs were discovered during a CAT scan of Dad's stomach and intestine to see if we could determine the location of the infection causing the endocarditis. That CAT scan will be followed by a colonoscopy to continue to search for the source of the bacteria.

On the positive side, Dad was quite clear today. He is tired and reserves his energy for this fight, so we didn't talk much, but he spent good time with all of us today. Mom and I were with him in the morning, and B. and J. are at the hospital for the evening shift now. J. read Dad poetry, and B. told him about the auditions she did today. Mom read the paper to him and I told him about his grandbaby's escapades. He was the quietest in the group, but let's face it, he usually is!

At times today Dad's situation seemed overwhelming; it helps to see your cheery messages. We're all focused on the prize: Dad home and healthy. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010 10:16 PM, EST

Today was a good day, with no changes or new developments in Dad's condition. That's a great thing!

Dad was lucid for nearly all of the day, and ate a bit of each meal delivered to him. He listened to his iPod, and nodded his head and tapped his toes to the rhythm of his tunes. He told mom that he was planning on leaving soon, but hadn't told the staff. We are glad to hear he doesn't plan on making the hospital his long term residence.

Thursday, January 14, 2010 5:19 PM, EST

Today was another good day; we're glad to have two in a row!

Dad is having some minor seizures affecting his left side and his ability to speak. The doctors changed his medication to alleviate the seizures. A side effect of the medication is drowsiness, so Dad was sleeping most of the morning.

This afternoon, Dad woke up and socialized with us a bit. He talked sports with B. the rest of us tried not to fall asleep during that boringness. He passed the neurologists' exams, calculating how much money 7 quarters was faster than we did. He still has some trouble with where he is, and what year it is (today's answers were VA and 2011) but that is to be expected.

We're reading him your messages. Thank you!

Saturday, January 16, 2010 7:02 PM, EST

Dear Family and Friends,

This is D. (my wife), and I'd love to tell each one of you how much we have appreciated your encouragement and kindness. Today was a good day -- the drs. removed the drain from Jim's head today after "testing" it yesterday and he sat in a chair tonight. They don't like him reclining too long and this is the eighth day in the hospital. D., B., J., B., C., B. and now Jim's sister S. from Redmond joined the Bedside Get Well Soon Team and when he awakes, there is someone he knows in the room. His brother B. comes for a week on Monday. If love cures, he'll be up in no time!

We've printed off messages each day and read them to him. Thank you so much for your support.

Sunday, January 17, 2010 11:54 PM, EST

Dad sat in a chair with Mom and S. from 9:30am-2pm today, and then slept until about 6:30pm when J. and I were able to rouse him for dinner. He is speaking more and his sense of humor is definitely present. His sister tried to slip him a bite of spinach yesterday and he said to her: "Nice try."

S. left today and Dad's brother B. comes in on Tuesday. We continue to spend most of our days at the hospital, so we appreciate all your continued comments--we read them to Dad daily! Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers!

Monday, January 18, 2010 5:59 PM, EST

I am so excited and happy to tell you that Jim was "stepped down" from the intensive care neuroscience unit and is so much clearer today! He sat in his chair and will soon be moved to rehab!! I will talk to the social worker tomorrow to figure out how we proceed but it is such a relief to hear him answer questions like "I can see the Hudson from here -- where are we?" (drs ask those kind of questions). We're all celebrating a great day here, and thank you for your prayers and kind words. I really believe all of your wishes are the best medicine there is!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 8:26 PM, EST

We're happy that Jim's brother flew in from Sacramento this morning for the week and J. leaves for Seattle tomorrow but plans to return in February. The doctors do their rounds in the mornings and visitors can arrive at 11, so we missed them and haven't learned much new today. He had a few more tests that will be read tomorrow. Jim slept in the morning, then kicked into gear in the afternoon and answered some of the NY Times crossword puzzle and stood with assistance for the first time today. So each day, a little better. We read your notes each day, a few at a time, and he really enjoys them.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010 10:24 PM, EST

Dear Friends,

Jim went in for more tests:

1) the heart valve showed more visible infection than last week so they changed his antibiotic.
2) he is being monitored for seizures as he has a tremor in his left cheek.
3) the blood clot in his knee is breaking up

He was very lethargic today as he'd had anesthesia in the morning. He's on a soft diet and gets the same thing to eat every day, so we've decided to bring soups and food from home as he has lost a lot of weight.

Tomorrow is a CT angiogram.

Wish I had better news tonight but I know this is going to be a rollercoaster for awhile.

J. left today until February 14th, so B., B., Chris and I are here. A friend made us a delicious chicken cacciatore for dinner tonight.

Friday, January 22, 2010 6:47 PM, EST

Dear Friends,

Every day in the hospital is like a year on the outside, so we have been in Roosevelt for 150 years and counting. We spoke with the head of the ICU this evening, trying to get a handle on all the issues that Jim is facing. Here is what he told us: The heart valve looks the same and they will treat the bacteria aggressively for 6 weeks and reassess what they need to do then. It is secondary to the aneurysm and brain bleed. The aneurysm may be larger from the results of the tests today, and they will retest on Monday to verify if that's the case. If it is, on Tuesday Jim will go to brain surgery where they will use a clip or a bypass. He will do cognitive, physical and occupational therapy at Mt. Sinai, a hospital on the Manhattan eastside. I realized only yesterday that our primary care physician is following Jim's progress and I spoke to her after talking with Dr. Williams at the hospital. She said "I know Jim is in critical condition right now, but modern medicine often produces amazing results. Stay positive." So that's our message for the evening. Jim ate well today, and sat in his chair for about five hours, listening the his Ipod. B., B. and I were there during visiting hours and he enjoys our company. His colleague from CCNY stopped by for a quick hello as she was there with another patient.

Great to hear from all of you -- Jim hears the notes everyday.

Thank you so much, D.

Saturday, January 23, 2010 4:30 PM, EST

Such an excellent day today! B and I met with B's parents C and D and brother M (our son's girlfriends parents and brother) at a Starbuck's near the hospital, having a good coffee and sending healing vibes across the street -- no visitors other than family allowed, but it was so nice of them to be there for us. Jim was excellent today -- thought he was in San Francisco but otherwise answered all their orienting questions with flying colors. (Did I tell you one of the nurses asked him to count from 100 backwards by 7s. Okay, you try it....he had no problem). D. sent delicious foods from Fresh Direct, and he had potato and bacon soup and lots of large chocolate chip cookies. Tonight's dinner will be lamb and orzo -- we are under the assumption that eating well kills germs! V. sent a pig mobile that is a favorite and we loaded A.'s TML photos on his IPod and he spent a long time looking at them. And the best yet -- I called and he spoke with D. and J. I gave him a shave and it's a brand new day.

Love, D

Sunday, January 24, 2010 11:03 PM, EST

Dear Family and Friends,

Sunday in the hospital we turned the TV on for the first time. Jim had a good quiet day, still making progress with his memory and sat up for several hours. Tomorrow the Drs. from Mt. Sinai will evaluate Jim for rehab, and he will have a CAT scan to see if the aneurysm has grown and how we will proceed. His brother left today after being a wonderful help and support for several days. B and I had a nice time with Jim today, and once again he called D and J on the phone. We read your notes to him, and he had a good laugh in several places -- thanks! D

Monday, January 25, 2010 10:09 PM, EST

Dear Friends,

A quick note tonight as we are home late from the hospital. Jim had an endovascular embolization, an alternative to surgery, which destroyed the aneurysm. The surgeon inserts a hollow plastic tube to the aneurysm site and releases coils or glue to fill it and block it from circulation. Blood clots around it and destroys the aneurysm. It is the least invasive procedure to deal with aneurysm, a procedural choice comparable to being dealt 4 aces in a card game -- can't get better - or is it a royal flush -- (you know what I mean!)

So the aneurysm is behind us, with blood clots and heart to still to deal with. The aneurysm was the hardest, and so far, everything's coming up roses!

I believe Jim is surviving and will get better because of doctors, prayers, friends, family, in any order. Thank you all for your help!

Love, D

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 9:40 PM, EST

Hi Friends and Family,

Jim had a good day today recuperating from yesterday -- he had another CT scan for the blood clots and mostly rested throughout the day. We watched Jeopardy tonight and a nature film on the Monarch butterfly on the hospital TV. He ate well -- he hadn't eaten since Monday evening because of all the tests, so it tasted especially good. To supplement hospital food, we brought green grapes and a Jamba Juice with booster, and of course, a few chocolate chip cookies to wash it all down. B. read him your notes. Thank you! Love, D

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 9:10 PM, EST

Spoke with the doctor this evening, who said that their concentration now will be on the deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) that have formed in both legs. Normally they would use something like coumadin to thin the blood, but they can't do that now with the recent aneurysm repair -- thinning the blood could result in a brain bleed. So Jim will be in the hospital and they will monitor the clots with the idea that the drs. will delay as long as they can before the next steps.

B. and he spent a good portion of the day together as I went to the American Natural History Museum for our usual Wednesday tour and arrived at the hospital at 5:00. She said he watched "Modern Family" on his IPod and rested. He ate well again and was very sleepy and tired by the time I showed up.

Thursday, January 28, 2010 7:33 PM, EST

Hello Everyone,

Good day today -- Jim says he feels less foggy, is awake more, and the physical therapy team got him up and standing for a little bit. He wants visitors! The nurse checked with the dr. and he said okay, as long as it is 2 persons at a time (maximum) and short stays between 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Jim feels best in the morning...). That was excellent news for all of us! He's at Roosevelt Hospital, which is 2 stops from the AMNH heading downtown. Exit on 59th, walk west to 10th avenue, enter the hospital and tell the guard on duty that you're going to see James C. on the 8th floor.

He did start the coumadin (it's a blood thinner for the clots in his legs). The drs. think that the risks of starting a blood thinner outweighed the risks of waiting, so hopefully those legs will stop swelling and start healing.

Jim read your notes on his IPod today, so he is no longer getting printouts as he has entered the technical world again. He cannot get e-mails except if we download them into his IPOD -- go figure they don't have WiFi in the building. Do you think that it's not restful?

Thank you so much for your good thoughts and prayers. They mean so much to us!

D.

Friday, January 29, 2010 10:01 PM, EST

Dear Friends,

Jim had an excellent day and C., our Viriginia friend, came which made it even brighter. The doctors say they would like to see him on coumadin for 5 weeks before they deal with the blood clots. We don't know if that is in the hospital or out, but figure we'll know in the next week. In the meantime, he has spoken on the phone a couple of times and has heard from friends that they will come visit. It means the world to him -- thank you for all your support and kindness!

D

Sunday, January 31, 2010 4:29 PM, EST

Slow brain for me still, but wanted to thank you all for all the lies being posted at this site. In the first truly serious adult health issue of my life, I have learned--like so many before me--that if you are lucky, you have had a life filled with unforgettable family and friends. Skimming through these notes so many of you have left proves how lucky I have been. I'm starting to feel better, but even the eternal optimist that I am, realize there is a long road ahead.

Please keep me in your thoughts, and I will from time to time as my strength and brain power both increase (fingers crossed), continue posting notes on this site with the help of D, B and of course Sam, who has proven to be quite adept with the latest technology. If you live in the NY area and have nothing better to do in the universe, please come by and visit.

Roosevelt Hospital
W. 58th and Amsterdam Ave.
8th floor Neuroscience Ward
Room 30B


Monday, February 1, 2010 9:20 PM, EST

Dear Friends,

Jim moved by ambulance late this afternoon from Roosevelt Hospital Center to Mt. Sinai Medical Center, where he will continue medical treatment and start rehab. Mt Sinai's address is on Madison Avenue, between East 98th & East 101st, and their visiting hours are flexible but they prefer afternoon and early evening visitors because patients adhere to bootcamp-like schedules. He has a big room with one other gentleman, and it looks like a fine place to recuperate. He is very tired and hopes to get some sleep there -- I guess brain trauma messes up one's sleep cycle. Tomorrow they will do a thorough evaluation and set a release target -- his Dr. tonight said maybe 2 weeks, but that is her preliminary guess. The Dr. teams assess their patients' progress every Thursday so the plan can fluctuate. Love, D

Here's Jim's note:
My new home is Mt. Sinai rehab. I moved this PM. My program is laid out for me tomorrow...about 5 days seem right. Love to all, and many thanks, Jim


Tuesday, February 2, 2010 11:37 PM, EST

Good evening,

We had a small fiesta in the rehab tonight for the beginning of the Lost season -- 3 hours worth!! B, C and I brought ice cream, nuts, chocolate and bananas to create sundaes -- this is one of our favorite shows that has been off the air for several months, and so we had to celebrate.

Jim is pleased with the challenges they have laid out: physcial therapy, occupational therapy and work with his memory. He told them he wants to return to guiding at the Museum and Central Park, so they said they would use those materials to work with him.

He's hoping for a good night sleep tonight. He has his cell phone with him now and loves calls -- his number is 202-306-5505. If you don't get him, just leave a message and he'll try to call you back!

The notes are so welcome! Thank you -- he is reading them himself these days! D

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 10:09 PM, EST

Hi Everyone,

Jim's spirits are lifted today as he began his therapy sessions with plenty to do. For his 40 minute physical therapy session, he was up and walking with a walker and a nurse by his side, something he could not do a week ago. There is a gym with a bike that he is going to tackle tomorrow. Cognitively, he improves daily as well. He complains about his enormous legs that are swollen due to the clots. We'll learn more tomorrow what is in store for him, as his team of drs. meet to review his case. He is hoping they will bust him out soon.

He's reading your notes, and enjoying hearing from you. Thank you!! D

Friday, February 5, 2010 1:00 AM, EST

Hi,

Jim was busy with therapy until 4:30 this afternoon and enjoyed your calls and notes -- it is a great reminder that life and friends are waiting! He is tired from the exertion of the day, but happy he can do something to improve and enjoying the challenge. He watched Jeopardy in the evening, the weather channel, etc. We didn't hear more from his doctor today. The next few days will hopefully be the same as today, working at getting better.

I forgot to mention that at the museum yesterday, Danny DiVito and Rhea Perlman sat down on a bench near the Information Desk where I was working. Such is New York.

Thank you,
D

Friday, February 5, 2010 9:38 PM, EST

Good day today -- Jim's doctor team is aiming for discharging him around February 16th. He was alert, happy, and that old smile is back!! Still lots of work to do -- he said that he thought rehab would be a lot easier than it is, but he likes participating in his progress and works hard.

Have a good weekend! D

Sunday, February 7, 2010 5:47 PM, EST

Hello Everybody,

B and C are going to watch the football game in the hospital this evening with Jim and are bringing chips and dips and pizza. This morning I arrived with croissants and Starbucks and we read the Sunday paper, and this afternoon D flew in for a visit. N and C stopped by and brought treats, so Jim is well entertained and well fed. Sunday is a day of rest; tomorrow more therapy.

Love, D

Monday, February 8, 2010 10:11 PM, EST

Enjoyed one of the best superbowls-if not the best ever-with B and C. Especially enjoyable because I had no vested interest in who won, just enjoyed seeing a well played game.

Timing has been all wrong today with therapy because I'm still not sleeping at all at night and wind up falling asleep at just about the time they want to start therapy in the morning. These little annoyances encourage me to think that I'm making progress because, as we all know, I like to get annoyed about some of the little things of life. It looks like some weeks/ months of therapy, one more month of antibiotics, and then the doctors will look again at the leg clots and other issues.

Meanwhile,I'll be working on physical therapy and trying to untether myself from my antibiotic movable dispenser. When I woke up about a week ago, I was thinking that I could be back to museum and Central Park tours by March. April may be more realistic, but resuming those activities is my priority and is certainly a reachable goal. Love, Jim

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 12:02 PM, EST

Hi Everyone,

As things are going along as they should with therapy everyday until the 16th, we'll not update you on CaringBridge unless something is noteworthy. Jim is reading his messages from you and enjoying hearing from you, and thank you thank you thank you for being so supportive!

Love, D

Sunday, February 14, 2010 5:46 PM, EST

For our Valentine's Day activity, Dad and I staged a Sam break-in today! After being turned away by the first guard at Mt. Sinai--saying no dogs, except service dogs allowed, we had a quick ten minute reunion at the hospital entryway. We had a sorrowful goodbye so the guard would feel nice and guilty... but had secretly staged our plan. I loaded Sam in his kennel and surrounded it with two other bags, walked down the block, and slipped past a guard at another entrance, and successfully snuck up to Dad's room! Since Dad is currently roommate free, Sam made himself at home in Dad's room, jumping up on his bed and snuggling in for a nap beside his master. They had a good three hours of bonding!

J came in today, and will be visiting Dad tonight, and sis S comes back for a week starting tomorrow. The gang's all here for Dad's return to the apartment, hopefully on Wednesday!

Happy Valentine's Day to all!! Love, B

The below is from Dad, albeit a few days late:

Feeling much stronger today, much more flexibility in the lower half of my body, where the swelling has decreased. Definitely on track for a breakout next Tuesday or Wednesday. Come visit me during my convalesce which may be shorter than I have thought up till now.

Thursday, February 18, 2010 6:46 PM, EST

Dear Friends and Family,

Jim is home! He says he's never loved the apartment better, and J is cooking us a welcome home dinner. B, C, S, J and B are all here.

Thank you so much for all your support, prayers, and good wishes. Jim is a lucky, lucky man!! D

Friday, February 19, 2010 2:58 AM, EST

Home -- I have loved this apartment every time I have walked into it, starting with the day we looked at it when we were on our first and only apt hunting trip to NYC. But never more than today when I walked in with D from the hospital. Thanks for all of your prayers, karma, good thoughts, whatever. They have worked. Thanks too for your support of D and the kids as they have been burdened with this. I plan to continue writing about my recovery and some hospital things as well on my blog -- A New Yorker Now -- at http:innycnow.blogspot.com/

As Danessa would say, shameless plug.

Your fanastic cards and e-mails will be answered soon.


Saturday, February 20, 2010 1:55 AM, EST

One last entry -- call it our version of "How I Met Your Mother"

A couple of days before I left the hospital, D showed up on Valentine's Day with a pink and white Ears Flapping Puppy, a plush toy about 8 inches high that held a "Be Mine" message in a pink heart in his paws and -- true to his name -- flapped his ears when his left paw was pushed on the "try me" sign, which then played the late Levi Stubbs of the Four Tops singing "Sugar pie, honey bunch, you know that I love you..."

She called it, correctly, our song because 44 years and some months before, I was in my second or third day working as a dishwasher in Tuolumne Meadows Lodge in Yosemite National Park and singing those words, mightily off key but with at least as much enthusiasm as Levi, when a vision walked into the kitchen through the swinging white door from the dining room and front lobby. That would be, of course, the girl who would become my wife. She stopped in front of me, smiled and said, "How do you know that song?" I replied, "I heard it on the radio." Not exactly Hepburn/Bogart banter, but the first words spoken of what have now been millions after 44 years and counting. There were a few turns along the way, but six and a half years later we married and I've been lucky enough to be with her ever since.

Tuolumne was -- and remains -- epoch in my life, for beginning some of the best friendships I've had, but most of all for that kitchen meeting and all that has followed including three great kids, one of whom met her husband as he was working in the kitchen of a summer resort and, for all I know, singing when he first saw her.