Monday, June 30, 2008
Pictures
Okay, I'm dumb and can't figure out how to download my pictures. I swear the card reader isn't working, so in the meantime here is a link to some pictures from the trip. I had a huge smile the entire time I looked at them. Check out the slideshow that Rhonda put together.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Hello Dallas
What a great weekend. So much came out of three short days. Good food, good friends, lots of laughter, a little crying, and lasting memories. Geoff and my mom survived with the kids and I must say what a great job they did (I was never really worried though). I'm so happy to be home and back with the family.
I'll post pictures tomorrow, but for now I'm off to tend to my new tattoo that I got (yes, you read that correctly).
I'll post pictures tomorrow, but for now I'm off to tend to my new tattoo that I got (yes, you read that correctly).
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Surfs Up!
I leave today and it just hit me that I am going to leave that sweet, sweet baby for the first time. He is so dang cute. I told a couple of my girlfriends yesterday that it has gotten to the point that I cannot look at him anymore when he eats because all he does is laugh. It's the funniest thing.
Anyhow, a little heat on the transplant side....Geoff found out yesterday that one of the doctors on the transplant team is requesting an additional TWO points for Geoff (all which will be presented to the board for review). It would take him from a 20 MELD to a 22 MELD, which is very significant. By now most of you should understand the "point thing" (especially my faithful blog reader, Lee Dunkle-we love you), but I can further clarify when the decision is made. The board will probably meet next week, so I do ask for prayers (which is something I rarely ask friends of). Were hopeful.
If you're bored this weekend and think that you may give Geoff a call, don't. He will be way too busy.
Anyhow, a little heat on the transplant side....Geoff found out yesterday that one of the doctors on the transplant team is requesting an additional TWO points for Geoff (all which will be presented to the board for review). It would take him from a 20 MELD to a 22 MELD, which is very significant. By now most of you should understand the "point thing" (especially my faithful blog reader, Lee Dunkle-we love you), but I can further clarify when the decision is made. The board will probably meet next week, so I do ask for prayers (which is something I rarely ask friends of). Were hopeful.
If you're bored this weekend and think that you may give Geoff a call, don't. He will be way too busy.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
I promise, I do trust them
Directions/Suggestions/Rules for my lovely family while I am gone
Lunches:
Ava can have quesadillas, turkey, applesauce, fruit, and/or crackers. She is allowed TWO snacks a day (one in the morning and one in the afternoon). NO FRUIT SNACKS-those are only for dessert. And make sure to take desserts away if she is mis-behaving. NO threatening-follow through.
Lunches:
Ava can have quesadillas, turkey, applesauce, fruit, and/or crackers. She is allowed TWO snacks a day (one in the morning and one in the afternoon). NO FRUIT SNACKS-those are only for dessert. And make sure to take desserts away if she is mis-behaving. NO threatening-follow through.
Dinners:
Friday-you guys can make that pasta that is on the counter (there is chicken that is defrosted that you can put in it as well).
Sat.-go out, I left $$$$ for all of you.
Sun.-there are hotdogs, macaroni and cheese, and/or a frozen pizza (eat that while I’m gone because I will not make that if I am home).
Mom, I bought lots of wine for you. Have at it (you’ll need it after Friday).
Conner: he get 5 ounces at every feeding (or I at least attempt it) with the exception of the nighttime feeding (6+ ounces). Mom, his naps are not that great. Usually sometime in the morning around 9:00AM he will start to get tired. Try and get him to sleep. Same thing with the afternoon-sometime between 11:30-1:00 he should try and go down. This is when I try to put him in his crib. He will cry, fuss, and typically spit-up. I just keep going in giving paci, burp, etc. and eventually he falls asleep.
Ava: that’s your own problem. Just make sure that before naptime and before bedtime she goes potty otherwise you all will be doing laundry.
When you go out:
Do not forget bottles, formula, diapers, or paci
Make sure Ava is buckled in the carseat (Conner too)
Go to dinner early on Sat. or you will be sorry you ever went out with two kids.
Sat.-go out, I left $$$$ for all of you.
Sun.-there are hotdogs, macaroni and cheese, and/or a frozen pizza (eat that while I’m gone because I will not make that if I am home).
Mom, I bought lots of wine for you. Have at it (you’ll need it after Friday).
Conner: he get 5 ounces at every feeding (or I at least attempt it) with the exception of the nighttime feeding (6+ ounces). Mom, his naps are not that great. Usually sometime in the morning around 9:00AM he will start to get tired. Try and get him to sleep. Same thing with the afternoon-sometime between 11:30-1:00 he should try and go down. This is when I try to put him in his crib. He will cry, fuss, and typically spit-up. I just keep going in giving paci, burp, etc. and eventually he falls asleep.
Ava: that’s your own problem. Just make sure that before naptime and before bedtime she goes potty otherwise you all will be doing laundry.
When you go out:
Do not forget bottles, formula, diapers, or paci
Make sure Ava is buckled in the carseat (Conner too)
Go to dinner early on Sat. or you will be sorry you ever went out with two kids.
Misc.
There is a thermometer next to my side of the bed (it needs to be taken RECTAL for Conner, no one else). Be sure to use Vaseline.
There is infant Tylenol drops in the cabinet in the kitchen. READ THE DIRECTIONS
That’s it. I love you all for doing this. Please don’t call me unless something is wrong with the kids, you left them somewhere, Geoff is having his transplant, or my mom decided to not help you for the weekend. I love you.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Weekend = Infection
Yes folks, another infection. The best part about this infection is that we self-medicated and successfully avoided a trip to the ER.
I'm not sure where these doctors get their training but his last tube check was a shotty one. I mean the freakin stitches came out?!?! Anyhow, that combined with coming off the antibiotics (from the last infection ) stirred something up and another infection has found its way to Geoff. Okay, I'm kidding about the doctors and their abilities, but I'm not exaggerating when I say that the stitches did fall out. Don't worry though that is where Geoff and I draw the line...we did not attempt to stitch him back up.
We'll see what happens this week, but with another course of antibiotics hopefully the infection will go away. This will be his 3rd infection since Mother's Day-I think we need to accept that this may be the reality of it until the transplant.
Off to watch Denise Richards: It's Complicated. It's brilliant and I love it.
I'm not sure where these doctors get their training but his last tube check was a shotty one. I mean the freakin stitches came out?!?! Anyhow, that combined with coming off the antibiotics (from the last infection ) stirred something up and another infection has found its way to Geoff. Okay, I'm kidding about the doctors and their abilities, but I'm not exaggerating when I say that the stitches did fall out. Don't worry though that is where Geoff and I draw the line...we did not attempt to stitch him back up.
We'll see what happens this week, but with another course of antibiotics hopefully the infection will go away. This will be his 3rd infection since Mother's Day-I think we need to accept that this may be the reality of it until the transplant.
Off to watch Denise Richards: It's Complicated. It's brilliant and I love it.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
A preliminary view
Dunkle & Family...Geoff followed the photographer around with his camera...so annoying! The real pics will be out in a week or so-stay tuned.
.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Current Stats
Region 4 (as of June 13th):
1,969 waiting for a liver
133 people with a MELD score between 19-24 (Geoff's category)
15 people with a MELD score 25+
2 people Status 1
474 people on the list for Baylor Dallas
340 people on the list for Baylor Fort Worth
Even though their are 9 more people on the list overall in region 4 the numbers broken down seem to be a bit better.
Geoff is going to check for an update on Monday since I am flying to California on the 26th...just to be sure-you never know, right?
1,969 waiting for a liver
133 people with a MELD score between 19-24 (Geoff's category)
15 people with a MELD score 25+
2 people Status 1
474 people on the list for Baylor Dallas
340 people on the list for Baylor Fort Worth
Even though their are 9 more people on the list overall in region 4 the numbers broken down seem to be a bit better.
Geoff is going to check for an update on Monday since I am flying to California on the 26th...just to be sure-you never know, right?
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Don't be jealous
This is a list if things we MUST do this week, no exceptions. Things that are very important and cannot be overlooked:
- Playdate at Vicki's
- Playdate at Colleen's
- Pokeno @ my house-mom's night out
- Make appetizer for Pokeno
- take Ava to dance class
- Feed children
- Feed Geoff
- Feed Payton
- Possibly meet friends for lunch @ Peter Piper Pizza
- Workout at gym
- Finish putting together the "un-matching" outfits for Saturday's photo shoot
See Mr. CEO? I've got important things to do too!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy Father's Day
I'm not really in the mood to get sappy and weepy, but I do need to acknowledge the wonderful father that my children have. Geoff is by far the greatest dad I could have ever hoped my children would one day experience. He takes care of them, loves them, and is always saying "how lucky he is to have them".
And to all the other dads out there-Happy Father's Day!
And to my dad that's a deadbeat...I hope you're having a shitty day.
And to all the other dads out there-Happy Father's Day!
And to my dad that's a deadbeat...I hope you're having a shitty day.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Dunkle Family portrait
Coming soon!
I finally did it! I booked a photographer to take our family portrait next weekend. www.jillybeanphotography.com The last "official" family picture was exactly 2 years ago (when Ava was turning 1). Every two years is sufficient...at least for my family.
Geoff is excited too...his only comments were "I hope I don't look like skeletor" and "no matching outfits". Well, I can't promise either.
So yesterday Ava, Conner, and myself ventured out to find "non-matching" outfits while the rest of the world worked. OF COURSE they will be matching...at least somewhat. I can't tell you my "theme" but it's going to be freakin cute.
Stay tuned...it will probably be a couple of weeks before I post the proofs.
I finally did it! I booked a photographer to take our family portrait next weekend. www.jillybeanphotography.com The last "official" family picture was exactly 2 years ago (when Ava was turning 1). Every two years is sufficient...at least for my family.
Geoff is excited too...his only comments were "I hope I don't look like skeletor" and "no matching outfits". Well, I can't promise either.
So yesterday Ava, Conner, and myself ventured out to find "non-matching" outfits while the rest of the world worked. OF COURSE they will be matching...at least somewhat. I can't tell you my "theme" but it's going to be freakin cute.
Stay tuned...it will probably be a couple of weeks before I post the proofs.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Liver Clinic visit today
Okay the latest and the greatest....#6 in Fort Worth and #7 in Dallas!
Geoff and I are excited about the status because it is definitely a step in the right direction this week.
A little more detail....
Okay, so last night I woke up @ 4:00AM and there was no Geoff. I went into the living room and found him scouring the internet for transplant waiting list statistics. It's something that we do quite often. If anyone wants to try it out go to http://www.unos.org/ and click "data". You can build these reports with up-to-date information about your transplant region. I promise, it's actually fun.
Anyhow, we were both excited about him going to liver clinic today because you get to meet with the transplant team and discuss your case. We were excited to ask the questions that all of you have wanted to know too.
Q&A:
Geoff:
"How much longer"?
Dr. McKenna:
"Not a year, not six months, but probably within the next 3 months"
Geoff:
"How long can the tube last"?
Dr. McKenna:
"We just had a guy come into the ER with a tube that he has had for 10 years. He was never eligible to get on the list so he decided to live with the tube. So, it can last a while".
Geoff:
"Whoa".
Geoff:
"Will I get sicker"?
Dr. McKenna:
"It's possible, but we don't foresee it. You look healthy (despite the weight loss) so hopefully your liver will continue to hold up. You MUST keep eating even if you don't want to".
Geoff:
"Why the hell is it taking so long"? (okay he probably didn't say 'hell')
Dr. McKenna:
"It has been very, very slow lately-all across the country. The only thing we can attribute it to is the gas prices. People are obviously driving less."
Geoff:
Speechless.
Okay, so I'm sure there was more to the conversation, but I took out the boring stuff. That's the update-we are happy and feel like everything is moving in the right direction. It's a positive day in the Dunkle household.
Geoff and I are excited about the status because it is definitely a step in the right direction this week.
A little more detail....
Okay, so last night I woke up @ 4:00AM and there was no Geoff. I went into the living room and found him scouring the internet for transplant waiting list statistics. It's something that we do quite often. If anyone wants to try it out go to http://www.unos.org/ and click "data". You can build these reports with up-to-date information about your transplant region. I promise, it's actually fun.
Anyhow, we were both excited about him going to liver clinic today because you get to meet with the transplant team and discuss your case. We were excited to ask the questions that all of you have wanted to know too.
Q&A:
Geoff:
"How much longer"?
Dr. McKenna:
"Not a year, not six months, but probably within the next 3 months"
Geoff:
"How long can the tube last"?
Dr. McKenna:
"We just had a guy come into the ER with a tube that he has had for 10 years. He was never eligible to get on the list so he decided to live with the tube. So, it can last a while".
Geoff:
"Whoa".
Geoff:
"Will I get sicker"?
Dr. McKenna:
"It's possible, but we don't foresee it. You look healthy (despite the weight loss) so hopefully your liver will continue to hold up. You MUST keep eating even if you don't want to".
Geoff:
"Why the hell is it taking so long"? (okay he probably didn't say 'hell')
Dr. McKenna:
"It has been very, very slow lately-all across the country. The only thing we can attribute it to is the gas prices. People are obviously driving less."
Geoff:
Speechless.
Okay, so I'm sure there was more to the conversation, but I took out the boring stuff. That's the update-we are happy and feel like everything is moving in the right direction. It's a positive day in the Dunkle household.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Tube check complete
Geoff just got back to the hospital room and is doing great! The one thing he always asks the nurse when he returns from the tube check is "did the doctor prescribe anything"? Sorry Mr. Dunkle.....no pain pills for you.
Conner has done very well today-making this a total of 6 tube checks for him (3 in womb and 3 out of womb).
We also had a visit from the dietitian on the transplant team this morning. She brought Geoff some very exciting things for him to try in hopes of fattening him up: Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast VHC (hospital grade) a whopping 560 calories and 32 grams of fat, Scandi Shakes taking the lead with 600 calories per serving, and Benecalorie a lovely oil that you can add to your food that will boost your meal by 360 calories. I kinda started to get nervous that I would mistake his food for mine...imagine the horror.
It's time to break out of here.
Conner has done very well today-making this a total of 6 tube checks for him (3 in womb and 3 out of womb).
We also had a visit from the dietitian on the transplant team this morning. She brought Geoff some very exciting things for him to try in hopes of fattening him up: Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast VHC (hospital grade) a whopping 560 calories and 32 grams of fat, Scandi Shakes taking the lead with 600 calories per serving, and Benecalorie a lovely oil that you can add to your food that will boost your meal by 360 calories. I kinda started to get nervous that I would mistake his food for mine...imagine the horror.
It's time to break out of here.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Can I get a tube check please?
Tomorrow Geoff is scheduled for a tube check @ 7:00AM! Hopefully the poor guy will be relieved of this ridiculous pain (that even Vicodin doesn't touch)! Speaking of Vicodin have you ever had a glass of wine (or three) and took one? Wow! Not that I have...I was just wondering.....
Meeska, Mooska, Mickey Mouse
I have nothing to say about that other than I'm really starting to hate Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. What a beating to watch that every morning. Well, I take that back...the Minnie's Picnic episode is alright.
Anyhow, it's early Monday morning and I'm pretty sure it's going to be a long week. Geoff has had some problems with his tube this weekend, and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. He drove himself to the ER this weekend (yes, you read that correctly-he drove himself) because it was pretty clear he had in infection on the outside if his tube. It was really red and pussy. Geoff and I are getting pretty good at the whole self-diagnosis thing so off to the ER he went. I stayed with the kids hoping that our diagnosis was correct and they would just give him some antibiotics and send him on his way. And yes, we were correct-4 hours later he returned with antibiotics in hand.
It never ends there...so last night at 8:00 he asks me "Do you see blood in my tube"? Surprisingly, I was very calm when I looked up and saw that there was blood in his tube. He called the on-call transplant coordinator and told her the symptoms. She was pretty sure that he pulled a stitch in the inside which is another reason for the pain and why there was blood. I'm pretty sure I see a tube check in our near future. He is scheduled for Friday, but there is no way he can wait that long. As of this morning there is no more blood, just pain.
Anyhow, it's early Monday morning and I'm pretty sure it's going to be a long week. Geoff has had some problems with his tube this weekend, and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. He drove himself to the ER this weekend (yes, you read that correctly-he drove himself) because it was pretty clear he had in infection on the outside if his tube. It was really red and pussy. Geoff and I are getting pretty good at the whole self-diagnosis thing so off to the ER he went. I stayed with the kids hoping that our diagnosis was correct and they would just give him some antibiotics and send him on his way. And yes, we were correct-4 hours later he returned with antibiotics in hand.
It never ends there...so last night at 8:00 he asks me "Do you see blood in my tube"? Surprisingly, I was very calm when I looked up and saw that there was blood in his tube. He called the on-call transplant coordinator and told her the symptoms. She was pretty sure that he pulled a stitch in the inside which is another reason for the pain and why there was blood. I'm pretty sure I see a tube check in our near future. He is scheduled for Friday, but there is no way he can wait that long. As of this morning there is no more blood, just pain.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Going back to Cali
back to Cali, back to Cali.....
Yes, I am going back to Cali with my two girlfriends, Lori and Rhonda (and I only feel slightly guilty). I need a few days away, so my mom is moving into my house that weekend and is going to help Geoff with the kids. God bless that woman. So on June 26th @ 8:20 when US Airways flight number 550 departs, the world will hear me say "Excuse me Miss flight attendant, may I please get a glass of your finest $5 dollar wine"?
Watch out Cali-Erin is coming back to the OC with some Dallas peeps in tow.
Oh and just in case you are wondering....no I will not go on this trip if Geoff gets "the call". I'm selfish, but not that selfish (I'll just go the next weekend :).
Yes, I am going back to Cali with my two girlfriends, Lori and Rhonda (and I only feel slightly guilty). I need a few days away, so my mom is moving into my house that weekend and is going to help Geoff with the kids. God bless that woman. So on June 26th @ 8:20 when US Airways flight number 550 departs, the world will hear me say "Excuse me Miss flight attendant, may I please get a glass of your finest $5 dollar wine"?
Watch out Cali-Erin is coming back to the OC with some Dallas peeps in tow.
Oh and just in case you are wondering....no I will not go on this trip if Geoff gets "the call". I'm selfish, but not that selfish (I'll just go the next weekend :).
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
If I could talk
I would tell my sister a few things:
Stop putting rubberbands on my wrists when I am sleeping.
Stop shoving the paci in my mouth, I don't want it.
Stop pushing my swing so hard that I get sick and spit up all my formula on my onesie.
Stop saying that I pulled your hair.
Stop trying to look at my poop everytime Mommy changes my diaper.
Monday, June 2, 2008
It's been 50 days
Okay, so here are some stats for our organ region (region 4 which includes Texas and Oklahoma). I am having a very antsy week, and it's only Monday. Geoff has been on the list for exactly 50 days and I am growing very, very impatient. What's new.
Region 4 political bullshit data:
Region 4 political bullshit data:
- 1,960 waiting for a liver
- 143 people with a MELD score between 19-24 (Geoff's score is 20)
- 20 people with a MELD score 25+
- 1 person who is Status 1 (that was Geoff for transplant #1-the exact definition for that is "cannot survive for more than 7 days without transplant")
- 478 people on the list for Baylor Dallas
- 336 people on the list for Baylor Fort Worth
Oh, and Geoff just e-mailed me with a list update. He is 7 and 9 on the lists. AHHHHHH!!!!!
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