Post Surgery Problems

Yesterday Ty’s school called and said she was in a lot of pain and the lump under her ear had doubled in size. I called the Dr’s office on my way to get her and said I was coming back for her to be looked at, either in the clinic or the ER.

When I got to school, she looked BAD. The lump was huge and purple and it looked like it was going to pop. Once we got to PCMC we ran into the Dr as soon as we got there and he looked at her in the hallway. He said it would been to be aspirated.

They got her all set up in the clinic treatment room, it was the resident, the surgeon, and another resident. They numbed it up and them drew out 2 syringe-fuls of junk. They sent them off for culture and put her on antibiotics. The surgeon reminded me that when he did surgery, there was some infection in the gland and he feels it didn’t clear up from just the antibiotics she was on in the hospital. He wrapped her head with a “Jaw Bra”. He said that between the little bit of saliva gland that is still left and still making saliva and the infection, its pooling up in her neck. He debated on us staying over, but ended up letting us go home and we had to return this morning.

We got there at 10am. He unwrapped her head and there was still swelling. We had to get her all cleaned up and aspirated it again. He said that every day it still swells, I need to take her back down there to have it done. We have an appointment already set up for next Tuesday incase there is no swelling between now and then for him to look at her again… I just hope we can make it that long without having to go back… but you do what you gotta do!

PSS: Plastic Surgery

PSS: Monica asked our feelings on plastic surgery and if we’d ever get something done.

I guess the top thing on my mind when I think of plastic surgery is if I was to get a mastectomy done, I would for sure get implants. (In fact, when I was at a U/S appointment 2 weeks ago, the radiologist said “Why don’t you just get a prophylactic mastectomy and do implants?”) However my mom on the other hand is boob-less right now and getting new ones is not even on her mind…

If I didn’t have breast cancer on the brain, I still think if someone handed me a gift certificate to get something done I would keep my “girls” the same size just have them sit on their own without a bra… or do liposuction on my thighs b/c no matter what I do, they aren’t getting any smaller and its something I have just learned to deal with.

Ty Update

Ty went to school yesterday until about 11am and I got a phone call saying "Momma, my head has been on my desk all day. I am so tired. Can I come home?" and being that I have such a wonderful boss, she told me I can work from home as needed to take care of Ty so I got my stuff packed up, picked her up, and then worked from home the rest of the afternoon.

The nurse from the clinic called and said Ty can wash her hair and I have never seen a girl so excited! LOL She also faxed a note to the school asking them to give Ty Tylenol as needed for pain so that may help her to make it through the day.

She still has a little lump under her ear that I am assuming is draining pooling up, but the redness is going down and it hasnt gotten any bigger from when we got home from the hospital.

She has a post op appointment next Thursday (a week from now) so we will see how things go. She isnt complaining alot, just a little pain and some tiredness. She is such a trooper!

Home from the hospital!

The doctor came in Saturday morning and said we could go home once he unwrapped her. He got her all undone and saw there was little drainage and then pulled the drain and all sorts of crap came out. He said "Boy, thats alot more than I was expecting" but thankfully he still let us go home. She would have freaked to be told AGAIN we could go home and have them change their mind.

We got her medicine from the pharmacy and then left about 945am. We got home and just got into my bed and snuggled and took a nap. Man, it was nice to sleep in my own bed and not that vinyl chair from hell!

She is doing pretty well... only asked for her pain meds 1x yesterday. We went to church this morning and are just hanging out around the house. Its hard to keep her down and I dont want her to over do it.

She has anti-saliva medicine to take every 4 hrs and I am concerned about the school not wanting to give her the meds... but I spoke with my boss and she told me to just take care of her, so if I need to work from home this week, I can. I am going to take her to daycare in the morning and then play it by ear.

Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers. Extra big Thank You to Blake for taking care of Drew! I appreciate you!!

Friday 2:38pm

Dr came in at 6:15am this morning and said she looks good and would come back in a few hours to check her dressing. When he came in the 2nd time and unwrapped her, he said she didnt have alot of drainage and the swelling was from the dressing pushing the fluid to her cheek. He said that he would have the surgeon come in later on.

We went down to the play room, got lunch, and took a walk. On the way back, we saw her doctors looking for her in the hallway. The one said "I think you get to go home today" but when they unwrapped her, there was alot of drainage. He had to rewrap her head and did it in a way that is uncomfortable. She freaked out... tears, screaming, kicking. Took about an hour for her to calm down.

I called my mom in tears... I felt so useless. Finally she calmed down enough to eat so she could take her pain medicine and then laid down. My mom came just a bit ago to check on us... and Ty was happy to see her and they went to the playroom and got a drink.

They put her on meds to dry up any left over saliva that is still in the area and will check her again this evening. Sounds like we will be here atleast until tomorrow.

Thursday 7:32pm

Another long day...

Ends up Ty was grumpy earlier b/c she was in pain. She didnt want to take the medicine b/c it was yucky. We had a talk about it and found out that they have flavoring so hopefully that doesnt happen again.

Her little face is swollen and red. The Dr came in to see her and said it was just b/c of the compression dressing and would be back in the morning to check her again. He said that he spoke with the surgeon and was told we would be here until atleast Saturday.

She has been eating alot... nachos, mozzerella sticks, ice cream, grilled chicken sandwiches, and tons of gatorade. They dont care what they eat or drink, as long as they are doing it... they have a menu they can choose from (yummy stuff!) and can call to room service between 7am-730pm.

Another thing, they told me this must be the week for saliva gland surgeries... they have had 3 more since her. Odd!

Thursday 11:11am

Ty didnt wake up until 8am this morning... so was exhausted!



The dr came in and removed her dressing and said the drainage is going well. He rewrapped her head, but it was too tight under her chin so she had to have it redone. Her surgeon came in and said they would check the drainage this afternoon and determine if they can take out the drain. If they do, she will stay until tomorrow to make sure all is good. If its still draining, they will keep it in until tomorrow and we will go home on Saturday.


She is tired of being here. She is getting grumpy and doesnt want to eat. The nurse made her order food and if she doesnt eat it, she will be back on the IV. She is sitting up in the rocking chair watching a show waiting for her food and is now sound asleep. Of course, I had to take pictures, LOL.

Wednesday 7:51pm

Today was eventful...

Bryan took the day off work to be up at the hospital with us. Ty woke up EARLY and was hungry... she at breakfast, lunch, and dinner without getting sick. Yay!

Bryan's mom and SIL came up to see her and brought us lunch. They hung out for a while, Ty took them on a walk around the hospital. They brought Ty a stuffed monkey that she hasnt set down. I am so lucky to have such great in-laws.

Ty was so worried about waking up during the middle of surgery, so she has been practicing putting all her animals to sleep like the anthesiologist did. LOL

Ty's face looked swollen today. They gave her some ice, increased the pain meds, and the resident ENT said that he thought she had a hematoma. The surgeon came in and said he didnt think it was... but that he wanted them to "milk the drain" to see if anything could come out. Up until that point, nothing had drained.

A few hours passed and still nothing. Her pain was increasing and the Drs came back in again. They decided they needed to remove the drain. The tissue suctioned to the holes in the tubing and wouldnt allow for any of the stuff to drain. Because she had already eaten today they couldnt sedate her and at the rate she was swelling, they didnt want to wait until tomorrow. So they ended up giving her morphine to calm her and numbed the area. When he pulled out the defective drain, everthing came pouring out and she said she already felt better. He had to cut the stitches and insert a new drain, stitch her back up, and then do a pressure dressing.

She had her nurse wrap up her monkey to look like her. Silly girl. She went through everthing today like a trooper. I am so proud of her.... and I am exhausted and gonna lay down!

Wednesday 6:30am

My night in the vinyl chair was uneventful, with the exception of feeling like I was going to roll off the bed the bed the whole time. Ty didn't sleep well and finally at 6:05 asked if she can turn the light on and color.

An ENT Dr just came in (not hers) and checked on her. Said her nerves are looking good, her eyes are blinking as they should and her smile is doing well. He is concerned that she may have a hematoma so is increasing her pain meds and is sending her surgeon in.

She just asked to eat something... so red jello it is until the kitchen opens for breakfast. Gonna take it slow, I've had my share of puke.

Ty's Surgery

We left extra early today due to the snow storm. We were due to the hospital at noon to check in and we got here at 11:15am and they got us right in. She has been so worried about waking up during surgery so everyone explained to her how it works and she was ok. She didnt really seem nervous until the last minute when she kept asking for Bryan before she left for the OR, but luckily he got there seconds before she went in.

Surgery was from 1:10 until 3:45pm. The Dr said things went well. He was able to remove the gland and the duct. She had a bit of an infection so they have her on antibiotics. She has a drain, but nothing is really draining so that may mean we get to come home earlier that Friday. We will see. She hasnt been able to eat anything b/c she keeps throwing up. Right now she is laying around watching American Idol and dozing off. Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers!



Here is Ty and Bryan in her room.















Here is a picture of Ty's incision It doesnt look too bad, although looks like its gonna bruise. .

Surgery Countdown- 1 more day

The kids came back from their dad's last night without any coughs or runny noses, so that is good. This morning they slept in a bit and just hung out and played since they had the day off. We went to get haircuts, then I took the kids to see Coraline. It was in 3D and a great show. We all enjoyed it. We went shopping and then to dinner at TGIFridays.

After dinner we came home and I packed everything up. I have more stuff to pack than Ty does since she has to wear PJ's from the hospital, but I got her new slippers and packed her robe and a blanket. I think we are set from that side.

I am getting nervous. Not sure how well I am going to sleep tonight. I keep wondering if I am making the right decision. What happens if she ends up with facial paralysis? Its rare, but it can happen. I feel deep in my heart that going through what she has for the past 3.5 yrs has been a lot... that being on antibiotics and going to the doctor monthly isn't good. I know the surgeon is the best and if anyone was to do this, its him. He even told me that this is a big thing for us, but is something he is used to and he isnt worried about it. I really feel I am making a decision that is in her best interest, its just that its almost time, my nerves are showing.

Keep Ty in your prayers... surgery is tomorrow afternoon. I'll try to update my blog as I can.

Surgery Countdown... 2 days to go

Ty is at her dad's this weekend and I pray that she doesn't get sick while she is there. I sent her airborne with her, but we will see if he gives it to her... The hospital called and no food after midnight on Monday night... water/apple juice/sprite until 1045am and then nothing. We need to be to Primary Children's at noon and surgery is around 2pm. Surgery can take up to 4 hrs.

Bryan has Tuesday off, his mom and SIL will be there, my mom is going to try to be there but has to go back to Ogden for her last radiation treatment. Her dad said he will come up after work... not sure if any of his family is planning to be there.

The closer we get the more nervous I become. She is feeling the same way. She has had a lot of questions like "what if I wake up and surgery isn't done?" so I am answering them best and as honestly as I can.

Tomorrow I am off work and they are off school, so I am going to keep her occupied, we are going to go to a movie and dinner. I went to the store and got her some crafty things to take to the hospital... Bryan and I got her new PJs and slippers yesterday as well.

She comes home in a few hours so I will see how she is doing then...

Valentine's Day 2009

As you all know, Valentine's Day fell on a Saturday this year. I didn't know what to expect from my husband, but he suprised me with roses to work on Friday afternoon. I was shocked! I love them!

My kids were with their dad. We had Taylor this weekend. Saturday morning I went for a pedicure with my mom and then to my cousin's baby shower. I called Bryan when I was done to see where they were and he said they were at his nephew's basketball game, then they were going shopping, and then he was taking Taylor to his mom's house.

Few hours later, he gets home and has a gift card for me to go shopping at NY&Company and took me out to dinner at El Matador. Pina Coladas and chicken enchiladas- Yum!

It was so nice to have some time to ourselves... It was on Valentine's day a year ago that I fell in love with this man, so this holiday is extra special to me.

PSS: Valentine's Day

Kim asked "Have you had a best and/or worst Valentine's Day? Tell us about it/them..."

I really only remember a couple of Valentine's days... all of which were in the past couple of years.

2006- I was dating a guy for about a year, we had talked about getting married, and the week of this Valentine's day, things took a weird turn. That night we broke up. (for the 1st time... the 2nd time was August 2006)

2007- I wasnt really seeing anyone, had "met" someone online that I was talking to alot. I was still kinda bummed that I wasn't with who I thought was "Mr Wonderful"... and to my suprise, I got 2 gifts at work... one was a bouquet of my favorite Gerber Daisies from my BFF, the other was a Vermont Teddy Bear from my "IT Guy". Ironically enough, me and "IT Guy" have never met, but we talk almost daily.

2008- I was seeing 2 guys... both for about 2 months. I had plans with one on Friday and then a late V-Day celebration on Saturday. It was my exhusband's weekend for the kids so I was really looking forward to my dates. Without going into much detail, he decided that week he wasn't going to take his kids but once a month and he didn't want them that weekend. That ticked me off so bad that I called both guys and said "I cant do this... I am done with guys for right now... sorry, but I've got to be a full time parent and be with my kids". One guy freaked out and said I should get a sitter so we can go out... the other said its ok, let me take you all out for Valentine's day. The 2nd guy is who I married last September.

2009- My kids are going to their dad's this weekend (it's his 1x a month... bah!) and Bryan is supposed to be having his mom watch Taylor so we can go out... but he hasn't mentioned it, so I wouldnt be suprised if we don't go do something... but it's ok. I just want to be with him... kids or no kids... both of us hopefully being healthy and just enjoying each other's company.

Happy Love Day everyone... XOXO

100 Things I've done.

RULES: There are 100 statements and you bold the ones you have done.
Grab it and play for yourself!!
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Looked up an old boyfriend on Facebook
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept in an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse (solar)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gotten out of a speeding ticket
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Adopted a stray dog or cat
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chicken pox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Surgery Countdown: Day 8

Pneumonia, probably pneumonia, cough, runny nose/cough, and plugged ears/ a sore throat. That about narrows down what I have going on in my house.

This being a house that needs to be a sickness free zone b/c Ty has her surgery next week and I need to protect her from illness so it doesn’t have to be postponed. Everyone is on cough and cold medicine, we are doubling up on the vitamins, and Ty is taking “Airborne” 2x a day. I’ve never been a believer in it, never used it myself, but I am doing anything I can to keep her healthy right now. This surgery is a long time coming… and we have been counting down the days since we have had it scheduled. I pray it doesn’t get postponed b/c someone is sick!

I wish the surgeon a good trip home from India and that he is ready next week to take care of my little girl.

Yesterday at church, we put Ty on the prayer list and got a blessing from the Pastor. I didn’t realize how nervous I was b/c I broke into tears when he was praying. Drew told me it was ok b/c we were in the “cry room” and that’s what you are supposed to do there. LOL

I just want it all to be over with… have her out of surgery, on the mend, and get this all behind us (unless we end up doing the other side… ). 3.5 years of infections, swollen lumps, doctor’s visits, late nights, and tears is about all the little girl and her mom can take!

Heidi Tagged Me...

I've been tagged.
Here are the rules:
1. Post rules on blog.
2. Answer the six 8 items.
3. Tag 8 people.

8 Favorite TV Shows
1. Criminal Minds
2. Law and Order SVU
3. House
4. The Biggest Loser
5. American Idol
6. ER
7. TruBlood
8. Big Love

8 Things I did yesterday
1. Worked out on my Wii Fit
2. Went to work
3. Prayed
4. Watched AI with my daughter
5. Cooked chili casserole for dinner
6. Cried
7. Did homework with Drew
8. Didn’t sleep well, thanks to a coughing hubby

8 Things I look forward to
1. Getting a hug from Bryan
2. Getting our tax return
3. Closing on my refinance and paying off bills
4. Moab Mamas part 3
5. For my mom’s radiation to be done
6. Bible camp in the Sawtooth Mountains
7. My coffee every morning
8. Ty’s surgery in a couple of week (praying she doesn’t get sick and has to postpone it)

8 Favorite restaurants
1. Teppanyaki
2. Wendy’s
3. TGIFridays
4. Chili’s
5. Applebee’s
6. Tona
7. Olive Garden
8. Winger’s

8 Things I wish for
1. a cure for breast cancer
2. to not have to worry about my job
3. for my kids to grow up to be respectful, loving people
4. to not have to worry about finances
5. a dear friend feels God’s strength
6. for Ty’s surgery to go well
7. for Drew to outgrow his seizures
8. my husband to feel better.

8 People I tagged
1. Meagan
2. Mary
3-8. Since Heidi tagged my other blogging friends, anyone else who wants to play!

PSS: Life Choices

Kim E. asked: If you were told you have an incurable disease, and have less than a year to live. Would you take treatment, that would make you sick, but be able tolive more than a year. Or have only the quoted time and be healthy for most it? And.. what would you do with the time?

If I had to make a choice, I think I would take the treatment. I think of what my mom has gone through and I think I would have done the same. I think I would give it a good fight, although realize the ultimate decision is in God’s hands. Although no matter how sick I became… I would always want my family and friends to know how important they are to me.

On the flip side, if I knew there was no treatment and I would feel good enough for a year I'd live it up. I would want to go back to Vegas with all my friends. I would want to go to Hawaii and walk on the beach with my husband. I would want to have one more Moab Mamas weekend. I would want to go to Ireland and see the beauty. I would want to go back to South Bend where I was born and see old friends, the city, light a candle at the grotto at Notre Dame, and visit the cemetery where my family is. I would go back to the Tavernacle in SLC and piano dance and get crazy drunk. I would spend as much time with my kids as possible… writing them letters so they never questioned how much I loved them (Wow… thanks for turning on the tears, Kim!).

TylerNicole is 9!!!

Ty turned 9 on Saturday so we had a fun festive weekend planned. Friday night Ty went to dinner with her dad so Drew and I went to pick out her cake and ice cream. Drew made sure that the cake had butterflies on it and chose root beer float ice cream. We got her a few more gifts, went home to wrap them, and she got home around 7pm and was exhausted and went right to bed.

Saturday was an early start. She opened her presents and then off to get her hair done. She loves going to see Kellie at The Image Maker. Kellie curled her up all cute and gave her some birthday lip gloss. After that, I took her to my Stampin’Up workshop in Farr West. We worked on a couple of projects and she got to be the helper. She answered the door for the guests and did the door prize drawings (the workshop was at her old babysitter’s house). She loved seeing Jenn and Christian there… and she won’t take off the sweatshirt they got her!

From there we went down to the Megaplex in Ogden. Her friend Alyssa met us there and we went to see Hotel for Dogs. It was a cute show. They ate popcorn and candy and just laughed and laughed. While we were there Bryan sent me a text saying that he took Taylor to the Dr. b/c his cough got worse and he has pneumonia. He passed out in the X-Ray room and had to get a shot and a lot of medicine. He is going to stay with us until Tuesday for follow-up Dr appointments. Poor Kid!

After that I took Ty and her friend to TGIFridays for lunch. They were so cute! Ty kept telling everyone that it was her birthday and then decided to act embarrassed when they sung to her! LOL

We took Alyssa home after lunch and hung out at her house for a while. We know Alyssa from church. Drew is friends with her little sister and we all hung out together at bible camp last year. They are such a fun family. We love having them as friends!

From Alyssa’s we rushed back to Farr West to my mom’s house… where we celebrated Ty and my mom’s birthday with dinner and the butterfly cake and root beer ice cream. Most of my siblings were there, along with my cousins, aunt, Blake, and Bryan’s family. Ty got SPOILED!!

Some of her gifts were nail polish in funky colors… purple, pink, green, blue. So when we got home from my mom’s she some how talked Bryan into painting his nails! What a sport! Little did he know, we didn’t have any nail polish remover! LOL

Sunday we went to church and then went shopping with all the gift cards she got. She went to Wal-Mart, Target, and Justice. She had a ball!! We met my parents in Clearfield for dinner at Teppanyaki, which was my birthday present to my mom. We had a great time and a wonderful weekend.

Happy Birthday Miss T-Nic!