Good news

After eight agonizing hours in the Hartford Hospital ER the CAT scan was finally read and proved to be negative which is great news.  Ceil has returned to HSC and will continue her therapy.

I was able to catch up on the 1st three out of four installments of Indiana Jones on USA while waiting.

Saturday update

All afternoon visits are suspended.  Our patient tried to get up herself and took a spill.  As a precaution they sent her back to Hartford for a ct scan.  I did speak with her and she sounded fine.  Once we are out of here I will give the blog an update.

Thanks

On to her next stop

Ceil was discharged and transported to Hospital for Special Care in NB.  Many thanks to Dr Rossi and the staff at HHS who took care of Ceil.  We'll miss the great nurses but it definitely was time to go.  It ended up being a full two weeks in the hospital.  

Couple of things I won't miss - the parking garage and the inconsiderate boobs that take up two spots in an already overcrowded garage, the residents of Hartford that believe everywhere and anywhere on a street is a crosswalk mo matter the time of day and for Ceil the cowboy coffee.

We got to HSC at about 3:30 pm.  Robin greeted us at the door and got Ceil all setup in her room with her hand picked team to get Ceil home as soon as possible.  

If you are going to visit Ceil please let me know.  She's got therapy throughout the day so I'd be able to let you know a good time.  It'll also allow me to run crowd control so she's not overwhelmed and have any setbacks.  If you do visit her, please understand even if she's tired, she won't tell you to leave so please use common sense if she seems tired.  Remember its all about getting Ceil home to the kids and I as soon as possible,

Thanks everyone, she's a little closer to home!

1st day out

Ceil is doing great today!!!!!!  Wide awake, watching TV and able to read some of the magazines she has.  Her headaches seem to have diminished.

The kids went back to school today and all with no tears.  I was nervous for them without mom being there.

It looks like we will be checking out in a couple days with a temporary stop at a rehab facility.  We are hoping to get her over to Hospital for Special Care to be with our friend Robin Cop to whip her into shape.  

So all good news from Hartford today!

Time to move

I just got the call that Ceil is being moved to a step down unit which is good news.  The Doc let me know we need to get her moving and out of the ICU which will hopefully get her energized a bit.  She is still very tired and definitely likes to sleep more than ever.  With the change of scenery and a roomate, I am sure she will be looking to break out.

Please do me a favor and understand that I am requesting that everyone holds off on coming up to the hospital.  The worst thing we can do is keep her awake and using energy to visit with everyone and when the kids show up, she is sleeping.  I appreciate you respecting this and it goes for everyone that does not have Simeone blood pumping through their body.

One of the things Ceil requested from me before surgery was for me to volunteer to run this year's Berlin Relay for Life.  With so many things going on in my life I had said No in the past as it would just add another layer of responsibility to my docket.  I have obviously had some time to really think about the important things in life over the past week and a half and let Ceil know that I would do it.  My decision was based on how important the Relay for Life is to Ceil and what it means to her.  Working with her on it will be one of the most satisfying jobs I will be involved with in my 43 years to date. 

So be on the lookout for something coming up the pike to celebrate Ceil's recovery from this ordeal which will use to also raise funds for the Relay for Life.  I would imagine it will be an event like the last Ava'sMom benefit which we raised a bunch of cash and everyone had a phenomenal time...and who could forget the Ava'sMom Drink?

If you want to be on the advance invite list to receive info on this, just shoot an email to me.

Surgery complete

Ceil is out of surgery and I've been told by the anastesialogist (spelled wrong but you get the drift) is doing well.  He said the surgery went very well.  I look forward to hearing from the neuro surgeon direct but wanted to let everyone know the good news.  

Hopeful that this helps her wake up so I can get her out of here and home...it's been 10 days in the ICU. While the nurses and Docs have been great, Ceil really would like to jump in a shower and we miss her at home.  Also, her home should help get Verizon and Nordstrom share prices back up a bit.

Thanks for the messages today.

Surgery today

Ceil is going in for her surgery in the next half hour. They will be putting in a permanent shunt To relieve the pressure.  Please take a moment to say a quick prayer for Ceil and the surgical team.

Thanks

Still in ICU

We are still in ICU due to spinal fluid continuing to pool and not circulate thru the 4th ventrical properly.  They had told us pre-op that this would be possible.  The solution to this challenge is draining the ventrical either by a temporary solution or with a permanent one.  We will consult with the neuro-surgeon in the am.  

The kids are doing well with it all.  They miss mom at home but understand she is where the docs can make her better.  Everyone's help is sincerely appreciated which has made it easier for me to get up to the hospital.  I feel blessed to have the community we do and the family support.

Wednesday will be tough with Liv going to middle school for the 1st time and Ceil not curbside for the kids 1st day of school which has never happened.  

I continue to get asked how I am doing. Besides being more tired than I ever recall, I think I'm dealing pretty well.  I learned a lot from Ceil with our last go around.  I learned what's important is what you spend your time on worrying about.  I also learned that stressing out doesn't make anything better.  A truly positive attitude on the other hand lets you accomplish more.  When you have this, your kids, your business and other daily tasks that need to get taken care of, the attitude and the ability to plan and prioritize is what will lead you to accomplish what's needed.

I'll let you know tomorrow how what are next step will be to get Ceil home.  I miss her with every minute she's not at the house.

Thanks again everyone for your support and loving messages.  

Ceil needs some prayers tonight please.

Signs That Don't Apply

After a stressful week, a little comic relief for Friday compliments of Ceil's Mom!

IV's taking out

I got to the hospital this am and there was something missing.  The tubes that had loaded up Ceil's left arm were all taken out which is a great sign that her vitals are all in control.

She's out of bed and in a chair.  As I stand here and write this, Jose the blood taker is trying to find a vein to get a sample.  She's either feeling real good or the digs are doing the trick.  She just called Jose a bastard for sticking her.  She followed it up with some flirting... Must have forgot I was here!

She's doing much better.  She was able to stand to get in the chair.  She's still getting bad headaches which they control with drugs.  She ate yesterday and this morning which is a great sign as well.

Thanks for all the CareGrams.  The support has been incredible and she loves to read them...especially the funny ones (Tufano you should be on stage).

Thanks for visiting

Thursday update

Great news!! Ceil's showing of being Ceil.  Last night her parents came in to see her and she told her mom to "stop" when she didn't like what she was saying.  This is typical when my mother in law is generally talking about getting someone to eat food when they don't want it.  

30 minutes later her eyes were open and the two of us were able to talk for a while without her closing hers due to being tired.  Her nurse gave her the hourly neuro check and she had the best one since we've been here.  

I got up here this morning and she was awake.  We had a good conversation and she remembered seeing her parents and siblings yesterday.

Due to her needing rest and our concern for her getting better, the only ones on the list to get thru the door to get in the unit are her siblings and parents.  Also, she does not have her cell phone that is why texts aren't being returned.  Just want you to know she's not being rude.

Thru this whole ordeal, the kids are doing great.  They know what is going on and miss Mom but know she's here to get better.  

Get back to you soon

Send a Care Gram

Let Ceil here from you with an online Care Gram.  They print em and post em in her room. http://www.harthosp.org/patientvisitors/caregram/default.aspx?view=form&formview=picture

Out of Surgery

Ceils surgery went well according to the surgeon.  She is back in ICU recovering.  She can be in for a few days.  I'll keep this updated as she improves.

Thank you for all the wonderful wishes and prayers.  They worked!!

Uncle Wally referred to Ceil this week as a battleship.  Tough as can be and what you bring when you go to battle.  She is the toughest person I know...with a helluva smile!

Surgery change

The surgeon came in and let us know Ceils been bumped to tomorrow morning as another surgery got cancelled.  Tomorrow morning she goes in at 7:45.  She's sleeping right now to get ready for the big day.  Please tomorrow morning give her positive thoughts collectively at 7:45.  

This picture was sent to me from a special friend for inspiration. How true it is.

CBISC STRONG

Cat scan results

Ceil just let me know the CT scan neck down came back with nothing showing up.  More good news that she is still cancer free.  Lets just get the tumor out and get things back to normal.

The messages and texts are nothing short of inspirational.  We are so fortunate to have such a large, loving community that surrounds us.  

Thank you, each one of you, from the bottom of my heart.  

August 18th

Last night Ceil had an MRI and CT scan done from her neck down.  The MRI was to see if there was any additional buildup in the spinal chord from any residual tumor "flaking".  This sometimes happens with this type of tumor.  The good news we received today is there was no additional problems from this in the spinal chord.  We haven't received any word as of yet on the CT scan results, but look forward to hearing about that as soon as we can. 

The Neuro surgeon came in today to let us know that the crew and the machines needed for the surgery are booked for Monday morning and for Tuesday.  Therefore, it is looking like we'll be going in on Wednesday morning.  The surgery is quite long so you want to be started in the morning to make sure you have the right team available.  I liken it to wanting Jimmie Johnson driving the car and having the #48 pit crew available when it's time to race on Sunday.  There's a lot of good drivers and crews, but you want the best available for game day.

Ceil's in unbelievably good spirits.  It sets me back to 2011 when I realized just how strong she was/is.  She's got the right attitude and ability to face adversity like no one I have ever known.  It's what makes her the person we all love, you just can't rattle her! 

I let the kids know what's going on.  That Mom is in the hospital so the Doctor can take care of the pressure that is causing her dizziness and the headaches.  Our nurse today gave us a good opinion - when the kids are old enough to hear more of the details, they will ask questions about it.

Speaking of nurses - Ceil's got two great nurses that are enjoying having her in the ICU.  Most people in there are in rough shape and consequently don't talk much.  Ceil on the other hand has made fast friends.  One of her nurses she actually had in Women's Health when she had her masectomy.  So there is some familiarity for her.

So that's all for now.  Thanks everyone for all the messages and text's and the love and support.  It means a ton and keeps Ceil busy reading it all.

And so it begins...again (August 16/17)

Friends/Family/Co-workers and those of you that clicking the link, Ceil has been admitted to the hospital due to pressure, diziness and vomitting.  Like her last heroic fight against cancer, I will keep everyone updated the best I can through here so that everyone knows whats going on with Ceil.  I do not do this for any other reason but to help everyone know what we are doing and to help her not have to repeat the same story over and over.  We beat it the last time through a lot of positive energy and the repeating of negative information to everyone will not do her any good.  You are all friends and family and I know that you all want the very best for Ceil and that is what the team of Doctors is here for.

Couple of things I need to get down right away.  Please do your best to share the info with who needs to hear it however, with four kids running around and school starting, please do not make assumptions that you know what is going on outside of what you read here and have that info overheard by a child that may repeat inaccurate info to our kids.  It'll be hard enough explaining to them what is going on without them being frightened by misinformation.  I appreciate this in advance.

First what I can tell you at this point is Ceil had an MRI last night that revealed she has a mass in her brain that is blocking fluid from circulating on its normal path from brain to spinal chord.  Due to this the spinal fluid buildup.  They admitted her to the ICU last night and she will stay there to make sure the pressure does not build any more.  First they believed that this mass or tumor was the breast cancer moving its way to the bottom of the brain where her type of cancer has the potential of going.  However, based on the MRI, we did get some good news that the tumor appears to be benign.  The course of action at this point is a surgery on Monday or Tuesday to remove the tumor.  With everything going according to plan, recovery from something like this will be up to a week in the hospital and more at home.

As we know more, I'll keep adding to this so please feel free to copy the link or just click back on the link.

I've had some calls today and I appreciate it and the love and support from everyone.  I have asked myself why does she have to deal with something like this again.  It is gut wrenching to watch the love of your life have to have this much put on her and it's not fair.  But it makes you realize how important the people around you are and how precious life is.  Maybe God is just trying to remind us all of that and is using one of  his greatest creations to help us all realize it. 

Do Ceil and I a favor and let someone in your life know just how much you love them, how important they are to you and make sure to give them a hug and a kiss today.

Please pray for Ceil and our whole family and make sure to stay positive...we will be!