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Posted by: Dan @ 3:59 pm
5 pm…
OK, I guess I jumped the gun a little yesterday, and left some details out. I was too elated just to see Sandy.
She had a rough, sleepless night in the intensive care unit - a loud, bustling and intense place full of pain and tragic stories unfolding. She was in a quite a bit of pain and was nauseous. She retracted her statement that brain surgery the 2nd time was easier. About the same, I’d say. I also had a rough night - because the ICU was busy, so was the waiting area for it - also full of pain and tragic stories. I basically didn’t sleep, despite setting up my favorite chair-and-two-ottomans makeshift bed.
And today has been rough also, for different reasons. Her surgeon told me yesterday that though they were able to remove most of the tumor, there is a apparently a new area of growth that showed up on the pre-op MRI. They can’t say for sure yet until her post-op MRI happens (maybe tonight) and they get the pathology report back. But clearly, as we expected, this fight is not over just because the surgery is. The news of possible new tumor growth is still devastating. But she and I are starting to “put our Lance faces on” again after an intense and tear-filled day. More later tonight, the hospital health library is closing….
9:30 pm…
OK team… Sometimes a not so good day can turn into a great day…. all you need is a little help… and an upgrade. Literally. In the time it took me to walk down the hall to the health library, write the post above and get back to Sandy, a small but wonderful thing happened. The hospital bed that they had moved her in from the ICU to her room around noon had not worked since the move - she could not adjust the tilt etc to get comfortable, an important consideration since she cannot lay on the incision site. They couldn’t fix the bed or replace it, so they moved her into a private room (she was sharing a room with a nice woman, in fact the same room she had in October). But the private room is larger, very quiet, and - best of all for you folks (Babs) worried I might be making a sequel to Castaway - there is room for a cot on the floor next to Sandy. OK, maybe the sequel is still in the works, stay tuned. I’ve still got the volleyball just in case.But what really turned the day around… is a little turn toward the light…
To see more photos of Sandy, just 24 hours after brain surgery, CLICK HERE
The photos say far more than I ever could.
Good Night,
Dan
May 16th, 2006 at 4:58 pm FAITH IS STRONGER THAN FEARS…AUTHOR UNKNOWN…. Sometimes my cross is hard to bear for there is darkness everywhere….Troubles pile around my door like autumn leaves forevermore….The morning light seems far away like I am stuck in yesterday….My heart is beating like a drum….I try to pray but words don’t come…..But then the sun begins to rise and HOPE is born within my eyes….A rainbow forms among my tears….My FAITH is stronger than my fears. Love, Susie
May 16th, 2006 at 5:37 pm Okay you guys. Dagnabbit anyway. I know you guys would give me permission to use a much stronger expletive but I best not on this blog. So you two are starting to “put your Lance faces on” again - I am hearing you when you say this fight is not over - so the shout for the forces to continue to rally is heard. This physical distance is getting harder, even with the blog - but thank goodness for the blog. Please feel me reaching out to both of you, standing with you - lots and lots of us doing so. Seems like you could really use a timeout, and maybe you’ll get one, but it is my experience that Sandra B is a woman geared toward making plans and putting those plans to action without delay, so will stay tuned for what is up next. So hanging on to positive thoughts about the surgery, your medical team, and the knowledge gained through the MRI to help determine the next course of action. Sending wishes for some rest, some shut-eye, and some peace to you to help you heal. With love, patty
May 16th, 2006 at 6:49 pm Sandy and Dan, You know you are in our thoughts and prayers.We will all keep thinking positive thoughts.You two are such an inspiration to us all.You are amazing in the way you share your inner thoughts and feelings.Thanks for being so open and honest.The Second Graders went on their field trip to Daroga today. We had a great time.We saw lots of birds.A pair of loons, meganzers, grey blue heron, swallows two groups of geese and their goslings .The kids loved the baby goslings.We also saw minnows,a muskrat and some turtles.It was 95 degrees and we had a great day from start to finish.
May 16th, 2006 at 7:11 pm Dear Sandy & Dan, The message from your friend Susie says it all. We are keeping the faith that your fears will be forever removed. We hope you both have a better night and day - You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Keep those “Lance faces” on and give each other a hug from us…and then tickle each other silly - you need a good laugh! All our Love. D2
May 16th, 2006 at 7:21 pm All of us are feeling the distance between Washington and California. We want to reach across those miles with love and support. Hope you are feeling that. You are not alone in the fight and the students and staff at school and the Orondo Community are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. We love you. Millie
May 16th, 2006 at 8:00 pm Dan and Sandy, We’re following closely with keen optimism and greatest hopes for outcomes to celebrate. You’re in our hearts, FOSB: Gig Harbor Tim and Kim
May 16th, 2006 at 8:03 pm Hi Sandy and Dan…Last Friday I was in Leavenworth for friend Lana Larson’s father’s funeral and reception afterwards….they live on Alpenzeestrasse. Anyway,most people I did not know but as soon as I mentioned Orondo, everyone said, Oh, you must know Sandy Beardsley”! So the whole town of Leavenworth knows of your good deeds. And Leavenworth never looked more beautiful…the balsom root and lupine cover the ground with yellow and purple mixed with all the green from the wet spring…and those evergreens are so stately…just waiting to show off when you come home. I’m following your progress and sending love and support….love, mary lou
May 16th, 2006 at 10:01 pm Thanks for the late pm update. Amazing efforts, amazing photos, amazing Sandy and DanO, amazing grace. Shine on you two!
May 16th, 2006 at 10:49 pm Just thinking about you and what outstanding people you are. Love and Prayers…
May 17th, 2006 at 5:53 am Sis and Dan,Great photo’s of a very beautiful woman.I know you’ve never been camera shy,but how many women would want their picture taken 24 hrs after brain surgery without any make-up on! My kind of woman,awesome. Oh could you please get Mr.Gnome his own hospital gown.Talk to soon,Love you,Bro
May 17th, 2006 at 9:01 am Hey Dan and Sandy, only special special people can say that a day when you undergo brain surgery is a great day. Who else would have the strengh and love within them to even think this, let alone share it with us. I feel like I know you guys so well as I have shared your pain and fears. Thankyou for letting me share the little piece of light that is brighter and stronger each day. Dan if you guys are up for visitors let me know as I am in Burlingame and it’s close by. Much love Tracy. ( Angel Adventures)
May 17th, 2006 at 9:08 am They say that the most important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when times were really tough. Just like you. Leda
May 17th, 2006 at 9:21 am hi sweeties, i am sending much on to the group, and well we will cope together tomorow night saying a few ** words. and hugging each other with love. Our party picture is being put up in the room YOU choose. lu much Mary
May 17th, 2006 at 9:56 am Hey Mrs. Beardsley. Hope all is well. Today the 6th and 7th grade are going on a bike trip and riding the loop and I bet they are having a good time. Everthing at school is going well and the 5th graders are starting to get jumpy because we are nervous about our field trip to Seattle. This is weird but yesterday is was 102 degrees in Wennatchee! I hope everything is going well. I am praying for you! Noah Daniel
May 17th, 2006 at 9:57 am Ok ok ok ok then……time to kick some *#% I’m praying for you both….down a little but not out……thank you so much for sharing this with us. I’m so pissed I could spit….and maybe I will…..I’m going to attack some more weeds since I can’t attack that damn tumor!!! I’m wearing my yellow bracelet and loving you both, xoKellee
May 17th, 2006 at 10:31 am I have never seen a more awesome picture of someone moving away from the camera. Good for you both!! Go for it and LIVESTRONG on LIVESTRONG Day today May 17th! Best wishes and prayers continue to flow!
May 17th, 2006 at 1:46 pm You look awesome! Thanks so much for sharing the photos…Maria
May 17th, 2006 at 3:22 pm Our garden gnomes have formed a prayer circle for you both. love and thanks, S,C,c
May 17th, 2006 at 3:55 pm Dang, who’s braver–the nut with the camera or the “model” in the open backed gown? The photos are awesome and speak a zillion words. Shouldn’t Gnomey be wearing appropriate hospital apparel, too? Janet E. made my day this morning when she told me to check out those new photos I wasn’t aware of yet. (and she readily admits to not being a computer person!) Nice Lance poster! Love, Robin & Chris
May 17th, 2006 at 5:41 pm Sandy, you are one tough young lady. We are following your progress with wonder and awe. We continue to keep you in our prayers. Thanks for sharing your pictures and thoughts with us. Bless you both. Carol and Jim Had a wonderful visit with your folks, Sandy. It was so good to see them and we look forward to them coming up one of these days soon.
May 18th, 2006 at 12:04 am Hello Sandy and Dan, Our family is also keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Thanks for all the fantastic pictures and journals. Sharing your travels, trials, and tribulations means so much to us. Private rooms are great!! Enjoy / and rest well. Love, mary pat