#12

February 6, 2012

WOW! What a day. There is no way to possibly describe the emotional roller coaster we have been on today.  We woke up this morning fully anticipating a definitive answer to the spots on her lungs. Here is the chronicle of the day:

10:15 AM

The second biopsy results came back negative; no cancer, no fungus, and no bacteria. We all smiled for about two seconds before there was a BUT. Apparently, a big BUT.

The team still felt very strongly that these spots are, in fact, lung cancer. Our stomachs all fell to the ground. The doctors continued on about how this JUST HAD to be cancerous.  They just need to do ONE MORE BIOPSY (maybe two) to be certain. Of course, this meant that we had to include even more doctors. We already felt like every doctor in the hospital had paraded through the room.

The circus continued, and this is what they proposed:

Try another biopsy with the interventional radiologist and wait and see if the pathology produced a different result. If this biopsy was negative for cancer, they would still want to do yet another biopsy. However, this time Elaine would be put under general anesthetic while the doctor would attempt to get tissue from one of her lymph nodes for biopsy. If that came back negative, we would watch it and the doctors would remain suspicious.

To say that we were frustrated was an understatement. Someone was going to come and talk to us by 11:30.

11:15 AM

We run into one of the doctors in the hall. He advises against eating or drinking so they can do a biopsy in a few hours (she already had breakfast).

11:16 AM

A different doctor says go ahead and eat and drink, they aren’t going to do a biopsy until Tuesday or Wednesday.

11:17 AM

Wait! No food or drink. NPO!!! (we don’t know what it stands for, but they put that sign outside her door when she isn’t supposed to eat or drink). We are trying to decide how to proceed.

11:20 AM

Okay, go ahead and eat and drink.

11:25 AM

New plan. Don’t eat and drink.

We were literally putting her drink in front of her then taking it away.

11:30 AM

We decide to go ahead and let her eat and drink. Elaine has decided to go straight to the node biopsy that will definitively determine if it is cancer or not.

The afternoon was very long and very grim. Elaine did physical therapy and did incredible despite her mood. She even took some steps on her walker!

Elaine was understandably very mad, down, irritated and frustrated. A doctor would walk in and she would pick up her phone, not interested in what they had to say, and certainly not interested in telling them her name and birthdate for the millionth time (no joke).

They scheduled her biopsy for Wednesday at 3:00pm

At about 5:30 PM, the heart surgeon walks in, sits down in a chair and delivers the news we’ve been wanting to hear. He says,

“I DON’T THINK YOU HAVE CANCER!”

She looks away from her phone for the first time all day and everyone sits up straight in their chairs and is ready to listen. He went on to explain that he has studied her chart, looked at the scans and results and he firmly believes it is scar tissue from her previous heart surgeries. He has talked to the rest of the team and they are all on board with his findings. He suggested going to the rehab facility and recovering from her stroke and forgetting about this whole cancer scare. They will rescan her in 3-4 weeks just to be sure, but he doesn’t see any reason why that would change.

We could literally feel the weight come off all of our shoulders. It is hard to describe the relief. Prayers (ours and yours) have been answered. Thank you so much for sending them! Elaine celebrated with a steak, baked potato, and broccoli. We are going to look at a rehab facility tomorrow and hope to get her moved by Wednesday.

She still has to recover from a major stroke, but we know that with her determination and work ethic, she absolutely will! Her sister Vangie is staying with her in the hospital tonight. We were joking that Elaine is going to keep Vangie up all night requesting arm weights and doing leg lifts!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your prayers, well wishes, and love. We are so relieved to be through this scare and we know God heard our prayers. Please continue to pray for her recovery. She does need them. Its almost unbelievable that after this tremendously scary cancer scare, something as serious as a stroke seems manageable. She will overcome it with all of our (including yours) support.  We can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done, but don’t stop now!

Elaine always defies the odds and she has done it again. Her perseverance, courage, and determination will get her through this. We will be by her side every step of the way, ETS- Exceptional, touch and strong!

We love you all and thank you! Sleep well tonight. We know we will!

#11

February 5, 2012

Happy Super Bowl Sunday! The experts predicted a Patriots’ win, but the Giants pulled the upset. We are hoping this sets the trend for us tomorrow when we receive the biopsy results.

A quick story on the bracelets that were meant to arrive in the desert yesterday: Somehow we sent a bunch of them (about 200) to the wrong address – really wrong. Scotty and Pat Scott drove all over Palm Desert last night trying to round them up, and finally gained possession of the bracelets this morning after sweet talking their way past the guards at Indian Wells Country Club. Pat and Scotty, thanks for the effort!! We appreciate it!

Elaine continues to amaze the hospital staff with her progress. She even stood up on her own today. Suzy, Susie, and Cindi came by for a visit so maybe Elaine was trying to show off.

In an effort to encourage more participation, Elaine has decided to rename her “dummy arm.” She now refers to it as “Little Darlin’” and tries to show it more affection. Richie and Julie went to the sporting goods store and picked up a few new toys for Little Darlin’ including grip strengtheners, a weight, and a golf grip. In fact, she was working on her swing today at the hospital.

Elaine Working on her Damn Fine Swing!

      

We are anxious for tomorrow and we urge you to please continue to pray and send good thoughts.  Thank you for the outpouring of love and support. We are so blessed and humbled.

Mona, one of Elaine’s other “daughters” is spending the night with her tonight. She flew in from San Jose and insisted on staying with her. We are all so grateful because we know she is in great hands and everyone is exhausted. Thank you Mona! 

#10

February 4, 2012

Today got off to a frustrating start. We were told the second biopsy would be done around 830am. We didn’t hear anything until about 9:30 when they called to say they were looking to see if the results from yesterday could be read. They called at 11 to say that they didn't have enough tissue, and that they definitely would need to do the second biopsy - this time targeting the larger spot on her right lung. The Doctor was kind enough to do it on a Saturday and we are very grateful to him for that.

Elaine spent the time waiting, playing beauty salon. Julie was a great stylist and sure did a great job putting on some make up and brushing out her hair. Who would have thought a woman going through all the physical and emotional trauma she is could look this beautiful?

They did the biopsy and it was less painful than yesterday. They said that they got enough tissue this time so we are hopeful that by Monday we will have some answers for us as to what is going on in her lung. Tissue is the Issue!

She wasn’t allowed to do physical therapy today after two lung biopsies, but they are coming by bright and early tomorrow. Her strength is continuing to increase, and the doctors and nurses continue to be impressed. After her second biopsy, her interventional radiologist agreed with us, she is very tough!

We are all hoping Elaine will get some much needed rest tonight. We finally talked Fred into going home for a night to get some sleep and Ben is staying with her.

She is in good sprits and continues to amaze and inspire us with her courage and determination. She still feels like her “dummy arm” doesn’t belong to her, but decided she better start calling it by a more affectionate name or its going to have a complex! Never a dull moment!

We probably won’t have much news until Monday so enjoy Superbowl Sunday. As someone said, there isn’t anyone playing in the superbowl  tougher than Elaine! If you are placing bets, bet on ETS!

#9

February 3, 2012

NOTE ON THE BRACELETS: Bracelets were mailed out today to everyone who requested one. If you live at The Vintage, call Pat Scott. She will receive a shipment tomorrow. You may notice that the letters on your bracelet are pink and not black like the ones in the photo from yesterday. We colored in the letters with a Sharpie so we could see them better!  

Hello everyone.

As if we weren’t anxious enough!! As you know, this morning’s biopsy did not produce enough tissue for conclusive pathology.  One thing was conclusive – Elaine’s mischievous streak. When they were wheeling her to the procedure, she was trying to convince the guy to roll her right out the door and into the parking lot.

The next biopsy is scheduled for tomorrow morning.  Elaine is staying strong and focusing her energy on her rehab where she continues to make visible progress everyday.

Elaine impressed and surprised the doctors this morning with her mobility and dramatic improvements in strength and coordination. She did all of that despite not feeling well after the biopsy and 12 hours with no food or drink.  Plus, she had pain in her side pretty much all day.  She wasn’t exactly looking forward to therapy. That all changed when the therapists walked through the door.  She put on her game face and got to work.  The therapists were incredibly sweet and sensitive to her rough day, and agreed to an “easier” day.  They admitted that slow and easy wasn’t exactly Elaine’s MO as they started with her leg exercises while she tried to rush out of the bed.

We marveled at her improvement especially given her ordeal over the past 24 hours. Her grip strength was stronger today and she was able to kick her left leg even higher. She is determined to succeed and have the therapists write positive reports about her.  She asks after every exercise, “Did I get an A+?”

While she was practicing her “scoots” along the side of the bed, they told her to get her rear end off the bed. She informed them that her friends lovingly call her GGA – which stands for Great Greek Ass. The old fire was back!

She felt like she was doing the hokey pokey as they had her move her right foot up and back, then her left foot up and back. She even asked if they wanted her to “turn herself around.”

It was a tough day for Elaine and Fred . . . this is how they fell asleep this afternoon. 

The staff gets a kick out of Fred’s  bright colors. They said they recognize him all over the hospital. Elaine had told them yesterday he sings a lot, too. Well today, while they were doing “ragdoll” as Elaine has named the exercise, Fred started singing “Ragdoll” to her. She cheerfully said, “See, I told you he sings. “ They asked if she sings and she said, “No, I just listen OR put in my ear plugs!”

Her progress in therapy is remarkable and her attitude and determination continues to drive us all. Thank you continually for caring and praying. I don’t know if you’ve ever been asked this before but please pray for fungus or bacteria tonight and most importantly, enough tissue to determine the issue!

We will update when/if we hear anything tomorrow. They are uncertain if we will have any pathology reports before Monday but we are hoping for something!

#8

Quick update. Elaine had a biopsy this morning at around 8:30 AM (as scheduled, surprisingly.)  It was a simple procedure in which an interventional radiologist put a needle into her lung to grab some tissue.  It went smoothly and quickly (easy for us to say).

Unfortunately, they did not get enough tissue, and they have scheduled a second biopsy for tomorrow.  This obviously postpones any conculsive diagnosis for another day. 

Thanks again for all of the love and support! Keep sending messages! 

#7

February 2, 2012

Elaine’s attitude is absolutely amazing, and it reflected in her continued progress as she fights through rehab. She practiced her movements and exercises all day – moving her arm this way, moving her arm that way. The neurologist who admitted her to Hoag stopped by today and could not believe how far she had come in less than a week. He was amused by the fact that Elaine was trying to get up out of bed and stand before the therapists were ready!

Elaine had another busy day with  visitors.  Elaine and her visitors were excited when a box of donuts from Stan’s Famous Donuts arrived via special delivery.  Thanks Vicki for the goodies!

On the topic of visitors: unfortunately, there are no visitors allowed tomorrow - doctor's orders. Going forward, please contact Staci beforehand to get it cleared by the medical staff!  Thanks for understanding!

We are all a little anxious about tomorrow.  The biopsy is currently scheduled for 8:30 AM.  We are not sure exactly when we will get results.  The sooner the better.

Elaine and family are so appreciative of all of your support and love.  We can hardly believe how many people have expressed well wishes to all of us. Keep those emails and text messages coming.  Send prayers and good thoughts, too! You are an inspiration to Elaine and our entire family.

With moral support in mind, we ordered bracelets in honor of Elaine. We think they sum up her spirit pretty well. This is what they say:

ETS

Exceptional Tough Strong

Please send Staci an email (stacifrancois@mac.com) if you want one sent to you!

We love you all!  

#6

February 1, 2012

It was another day of GREAT progress in Room 28. Elaine thrilled guests, family, doctors, nurses, and therapists with her significant improvement and her Mighty Mite attitude. Take a look at this video to get a sense of how quickly Elaine is improving (and see if you think she is good at following directions). Remember as you watch this, she couldn’t move her arm or her leg AT ALL two days ago.

(VIDEO REMOVED UNTIL I CAN FIGURE OUT HOW TO BLUR THE FACES OF THE NURSES!)

Progress Report: Elaine sat up in a chair again today. She actually did most of the actually getting up on her own.  The therapists have never seen anything like her.  Then the “ragdoll” (that’s what she called herself) was pushed around by the therapists while she attempted to maintain her balance – which she did. I guess they are lucky she didn’t push them over.

There isn’t one person at the hospital that hasn’t been completely blown away by Elaine’s attitude and drive. When the therapists show up, Elaine is like a horse rearing to go with her left foot moving back and forth to retrain it to walk. She is absolutely determined to walk to bathroom SOON.

She didn’t sleep well last night and she blames it on the fact she was practicing her arm therapy. That “dummy hand” (her name, not ours) is no longer so dumb.  At all hours of the day, you can see her exercising and retraining her muscles. The doctors had to remind her that sleep and rest are equally as important as therapy!

The biopsy is scheduled for Friday. They won’t give us a time but we are hoping it will be in the morning. We are hoping to have preliminary results back within 24 hours and full lab results within 3-5 days. Instead of going through her nose, they plan on making a small incision near her lung to get a piece of the tissue.  They will decide once they are in there if they need a sample of the lymph node as well.  This was determined to be the safest way to get to the tissue given Elaine’s heart condition. Tissue is the Issue – that is what the oncologist keeps saying. We really love her oncologist but we hope our relationship is short livedJ

The doctors still believe that Elaine’s stroke originated in her heart. As some of you know, she has had two open-heart surgeries – both times her aortic valve was replaced and her mitral valve was repaired. That said, her heart is performing admirably through all of this. She has endured so much in her life, including the loss of a child as well. She is so incredible strong!

She now introduces herself as "the famous" Elaine Smith when they ask for her name and birth date (which they still ask every hour).  Her sole criterion for picking her favorite nurse is if they agree that she looks like she is 40 (you know, the new 60).  Somehow, despite all she is going through, she is the one who keeps us laughing.  Here is an example of a “serious” conversation she had with Richie this morning:

Elaine: “You know Richie, I can’t drink cosmos anymore.”

Richie: “Why is that?”

Elaine: “Because it makes my heart go into A-Fib when they serve me the cheap stuff and I can’t drink red wine either!”

Richie: “Sure you can, even the doctors say red wine is good for you.”

Elaine: “Well I can’t be drinking the cheap stuff!”

Richie: “Well Elaine, I don’t think you need to be going anywhere that serves you the cheap stuff!”

Chalk it up as another lesson learned from “the famous” Elaine Smith. If you are keeping score at home, here is a recap:

1. Don’t exercise, it causes strokes.

2. Don’t drink cheap red wine or vodka, it will put you in a-fib.

We hope that she gets a good night sleep tonight so she is ready for tomorrow. We hope the same for Fred. He sleeps in the hospital room every night right next to her on the smallest little couch/cot. We have to kick him out in the mornings so he can shower and change clothes. Their love and affection for each other is so sweet to watch. Fred is as romantic as he as ever been, and it turns out he is a pretty good nurse, too. They truly are lucky to have one another.

Special Visitors

Natalie Gulbis stopped by today. She promised to help Elaine get her golf game back in shape when she gets out. As a matter of fact, Elaine has requested her nine iron so she can start to practice gripping the club. She is nothing short of a miracle.

Some of her dear friends from the desert drove up today armed with a box of delicious goodies. They shared a little afternoon dessert with their friend “mighty mite” and toasted to getting fat and not working outJ (see Elaine’s rules above).

Elaine’s mind is buzzing and she has already come up with two business ideas. Unfortunately, we can’t share them because we need to protect her intellectual property, but watch out world (and yes, she can spell world backwards).

Again, we continue to be humbled by the outpouring of love, the prayers, and the support. God can’t help but listen. Someone sent me an email saying we are “storming the heavens with prayers” and there is no doubt we are, and we are so grateful He is listening and giving us all strength.  Hold your love ones tight and enjoy every second of every day because you just never know!

Keep those emails and comments coming! Elaine reads every single one and absolutely loves and appreciates them!

Also, please pray for Ashley as she starts another two-day round of chemotherapy tomorrow. Choose Joy!

We love you