Dearest Regina, 01/05/03

Now that the frantic pace of the holidays has slowed to a mere scramble, I would like you to do me and Lucille a favor.

Once again, your wonderful friends from Arlo's group have come through. Out of the blue, cards with added hand written messages of care and good wishes, started appearing at Lucille's "place". Next came boxes of cookies and the ever loved fruit cake. Although I think one lone fruitcake makes its way throughout the U.S. being sent from one person to the next, that trail stops at Lucille because she IS the true fruitcake lover. So whoever is next in line for the cake...forget it. Its Lucille's now.

Anyway, my point is, she has been frantically trying to keep a list of who sent what but, alas, due to her condition she gets a little confused with big projects. I promised her I would have you spread the word via internet to all of those wonderful, kind-hearted people who took a moment to brighten the holiday for my Mom, that she would like to say a big THANK YOU for everything and that we are blessed to have such loyal friends from all over the country. It restores my faith in the human condition to know you are out there.

May God Bless,

Michele & Lucille

Hi All!

Once again, Lucille has rallied ..Temp down from 106 to 99 in less than 12 hours. Some blood tests showing some possible heart involvement but no chest pain. Cultures not back yet but the surgeon thinks she may have had a bacterial colitis attack. Still on IV antibiotics. Looked MUCH better today. NO surgery in the future. Resting comfortably. At Hackensack Medical Center, room 4017-2
Thanks for all your prayers. Once again the prayer network wins!!

Michele

Reg, keep us posted. Sorry to hear Mrs T. has been under the weather. Blundervibes, prayers and good thoughts heading her way, and yours! <img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/tiedye.gif" width=17 height=17>

Hi Everyone...MEGA BLUNDERVIBES NEEDED...

Wednesday May 28th is Michele's birthday. Her email address is WAMGAM@optonline.net She could really use your usual enthusiasm and Blundervibes. It's not going to be the best b'day for Michele. Mrs. T. turned 81 last Wednesday.

I missed seeing you all at the HD walk. Honestly, that particular weekend I was pretty sick and all I wanted to do (and did) was sleep. I am much better within the last 2-3 days. I think I am finally on the mend.

On top of that, Mrs. T. is still in the hosp. (Since Apr 10.) I thought I would forward Micheles email to all of you. It does not look good. I am very sad and worried. Im going to print this out for Mrs. T., if you'd like to send her a message. I would not suggest sending her a card. I have NOT been able to send her anything successfully at the hospital. It's very frustrating.

HERE'S MICHELES EMAIL....

Hello All!
As usual, Lucille continues to defy the odds, although this bout really seems to be taking it out of her. Her doctors are not optimistic about her return to full functioning but they continue to treat each thing as it arises. She did eventually get C.diff colitis from the daily use of antibiotics but they also think it might have an ischemic component(gangrenous process). This has also carried over to the kidneys and she has been in kidney failure for the last 2 weeks. They are treating her medications which is supposed to open the arteries but the real treatment would be to operate...not an option in her condition. 2 nights ago the Dr. called to tell me that she is now having irregular heart rhythms (atrial fib). In the meantime her hemoglobin has dropped to 8 (very low). Last night they had ordered her to be transfused with 2 units of blood but were going slowly because this could easily move her into congestive heart failure...again. I didn' get a call last night so I'm going to assume all went well. She is walking on a tightrope medically. But we are not doing anything invasive according to her wishes. She is alert but weak but loves to have visitors, I will be going there today (Sunday) and will let you all know of any changes.
Thanks again for all your prayers, concern and support.
Love you all!

Michele

Me too, REG

<center><FONT COLOR="#000080">--- Edited 1 times, lastly by RegFaith on May 26, 2003 ---</FONT></center>

Prayers jsut said & blundervibes sent... Hope she gets better soon...

All best wishes for you, Mrs. T, to be comfortable and happy and feel better. I'll bet you're sick of all those medical people poking you and waking you up in the middle of the night to see how you are!

Prayers for you coming from Dallas, Texas--Shelley and Jay

My prayers are added to all the others. I pray for comfort and for peace of mind for you and all those who love you, Mrs. T!

Prayers and blundervibes to Mrs. T, and to her loving family and friends. Mrs. T--you have a lot of fans out here. Even though we don't know you personally, it is easy to tell what a wonderful person you are through Regina's descriptions. Please know that you have a lot of people wishing you the best.

Pam

blundervibes coming from here too...

Yeah, sorry to hear Mrs. T's failing health! She sure seems like a dear lady. I hope she finds peace, and wishfull thinking, I have so many to care, when (ifin) I reach that age!

Love as always Reg + to you Mrs. T.

Sincerely/RB

Reg,
I am so sorry to hear that your friend is not doing well--we certainly wish you, Mrs. T. and all her family well. Keep us posted. You're all in my prayers.

Amazingly...Wonderwoman is hanging in there.
Nothing new to report good or bad.
Love you all. Thanks - Reg

So glad she's hanging in there, Regina! Been sending lots of vibes!

Hi All!

Well, I think I can safely say that Lucille has met the Grim Reaper...and kicked him soundly in the butt and sent him packing once again!!! She has been back at Ridgewood Center for 2+ weeks and has gotten stronger every day. She occasionally needs a dose of IV Lasix (for fluid build up in the lungs) but she just tells the nurses and she gets it through the permanent IV - no muss...no fuss.. She is a little weaker but she is walking around with the walker and getting to the bathroom by herself.

I think I am going to write a book someday or maybe I'll be to old !!!

Thanks again for everyone's care and concern. I felt the power and Lucille is here because of it.

Love to All

Michele

Can I also ad that Michele worked a minor miracle for me this past week too. I can't think of a better friend. Im so happy for her and Mrs. T. - REG