I know you have been waiting to hear, but we had such a busy day yesterday, just didn't have the energy to post. Soooooooo......
We had our Portland appts. yesterday and I must say, probably the best visits yet. First thing in the morning Joey finally got to meet my plastic surgeon and watched as they removed my last two tubes!!!!!! I am set up to start my expansions a week from Wednesday. This will be the start of bi-weekely trips to Portland for me, but that OK. Joey and I are together 24/7, so neither one of us complain when it is time for my trips ::))
In the afternoon, we both met with Dr. Rutstein. Her comment to Joey was "I can see you are not sick anymore!" Joey was a little taken back, but she said that to remind him that he is in the recovery stage still, not in the "sick" stage anymore. He is still thin (to be expected by everyone except Joey!), but he is taking small steps in the right direction. Not only did she tell him how good he looked, but she also suggested that the gallbladder tube be stopped for the weekend. Little scarey for Joe, but she felt the gallbladder has healed on its own and he probably does not need it out!! This weekend will tell. If it does not work, I can hook him back up and we will proceed as planned before. I certainly know what I am hoping for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dr. Rutstein took one look at me and said "oh, you're fine." That was it! There was more to it than that, but she is that confident of my prognosis. She is setting me up with Dr. Garrett here at Cancer Care of Maine and she will take over my oncology appts. My reports came back in the range that I qualify for the pill form of chemo so that means NO HAIR LOSS! I really am not that vain, but if I had my choice, I'd like to keep it, thank you very much. That regimine should start within the next two weeks. I'll keep you posted.
Until then, God Bless and {{hugs}} to all...

Finally something new to tell you all...
Today I went to the plastic surgeon and he took out 2 of my 4 drains!! My friend Shelley took me to Portland yesterday and I stayed at Donna's. We decided with all of my "hardware" stuffed under my shirt that I probably shouldn't go shopping anywhere because it looked like I was shoplifting something!! Now that I am down two drains, I can probably do some errands now and not look so suspicious :)
Joey had a relaxing time while I was away. Brother Don came to spend the day yesterday and Jenny was here when I got home today. They both take such good care of him!! He felt so good this afternoon that he drove me intown to see Caleb at his tennis match. We went for a little ride after to see my brothers new boat and over to check on our camp. (Place looks great Bobby and Brenda!!) Felt good to just hang out but by the time we got home, we were both done for the night.
We are both doing great, just need to get this healing thing down. We are headed to Portland on Thursday (with Chris and Michelle at the wheel, not Joey!) as I am getting the other two drains out on Friday morning and Joey and I both have appts. with our surgeon in the afternoon. Should find out the plan of attack with the chemo for me and what Joey can expect between now and his MRI in 6 mos. I cannot tell you how good he looks, but all he can think about is gaining some more weight. All in due time.
Will keep you up to date once we return from Portland with HOPEFULLY more good news.
Until then, God Bless and {{hugs}} to all...

It really is "Sunny and 80!" Home is where I needed to be. We both had a wonderful night's sleep last night, but my usual 5am rising came around as expected. I am still on the Dr's visit time, but hopefully tomorrow morning I can sleep a little later:) Joey and I were both up at 5 taking meds and having a light breakfast so we wouldn't feel sick. What a change in lifestyle! We've gone from which job to go to next to which med we need to take ::))
Last night, we were talking about going to the BHS awards ceremony this morning, knowing Caleb was going to be receiving "something," and had decided that it would be too much for both of us and that we were going to stay home. When I got up (for the second time) at 8, I felt great and made arrangements with Joanne to take me in town to see it, thinking I could sneak out without Joey knowing. The next thing I know he is coming down over the stairs all dressed and ready to go himself! Well, that agreement went really well, don't you think?? We did make it in time to see Caleb get his award, but we were quick to make a break for it, and out the side door we went. That was it for both of us for the rest of the day. It has been a gorgeous day, but most of it has been spent in bed (for me) and on the couch (for Joey). He is ahead of me on the walks thought! Jenny stayed overnight last night but, tonight we are going it alone. Thinking it is time for the boys to take care of the 'rents! We are both feeling better, but still going to be taking it easy and laying low. Even thought we are home, we are both still get extremely tired very easily. I am actually admitting this, so you know how I must feel!!
Well, here is to a weekend filled with great weather! Headed back to Portland (for me) on Sunday. Early Mon. am appointment, so my friend Shelley is taking me this time. I have all of these wonderful offers and what a great way to spend some 1 on 1 time!! Joey is all for staying home until we have to go back on Friday.
I will try to keep up on my posts as much as possible, but I am thinking there will not be much news to share, except for the fact that we are plugging along taking one day at a time.
So, until next time, God Bless and {{hugs}} to all...

Home Sweet Home

Kerri arrived home at around 1:30ish today!!!! She was up early getting herself ready for the trip north. The trip did make her nauseous and very tired.

Joey is super excited to have Kerri home. Both Joey and Kerri missed each other very much; it was really tough to be apart the last couple of days. They were quick to reconnect and just take some time alone together resting side by side.

Resting and healing is the key for the next little while. Kerri has a doctor's appointment next Monday and then they both have one the following Friday. Kerri has drains (I think 4) and my understanding is these will be removed at these appointments.

The boys will be home tonight and the family will all be together- here's to wishing them some great family time, restful sleep with sweet dreams, and of course quick healing.

The latest from Portland is that Kerri had a great night last night, with the exception of one instance of nausea (which she attributed to all the anesthetic agents). She was up and had breakfast, washed her hair, and even blew it dry. When the docs came in this morning apparently they indicated she was doing so well she actually could go home today. After consideration though, it was felt that the extra day of rest and monitoring would be good for Kerri.

She has been up and walking around today, sitting in a recliner, and visiting with company. Joanne says in general, you would never know Kerri had a major surgery yesterday with the exception being when she is up and walking her pace is just a little slower than usual. Clearly the woman is tough as nails :)!!!!

Kerri does have a little pain, but it is manageable, and her pain meds aren't making her at all loopy, which is wonderful.

I haven't spoken to Joe personally today, but Joanne reports that he is tired today, but still doing well. He did lots yesterday and it seems that after a day when he feels great, the next typically has a little more fatigue involved.

All and all, the Lynch gang is doing great! GO TEAM LYNCH!!!! We love you!!!

Update.

Howdy! News from Portland...

So if any of you had any doubts... well, Kerri pretty much is super-woman. Although Kerri awoke with "a freakin' elephant on her chest", Kerri has been doing great. It didn't take her long to recover to the point where she realized that it wasn't an elephant; rather it was her new sexy bra that she'll be wearing for the next few weeks... I think it has a little more material than she is used to...

She is with Joanne and Donna and is up chatting away. She has already had some dinner- soup, grilled cheese, and a coke. She has also been up and used the bathroom already. Later this evening the nurses will come back and she will be going for a walk.

There were absolutely no complications so as of right now it is looking like Kerri will be throwing elbows for couch room and fighting over the remote with Joey on Wednesday.

Will post again tomorrow... until then, over and out.

Goodbye girls, Hello Ladies...

Great news folks! Joanne called from Portland and said Kerri's surgeon just came out and said the procedure went great. The best news being that all of the lymph nodes were negative for cancer as well! Apparently, they took samples of the cancer they removed and some more info on the cancer type, etc will be known in a few days.

Kerri is still in surgery... but not with the cancer doc at this point, she is over that hump and is now in the reconstruction process. Alls well so far. My news came in at about 3:30 and they expect her to be out of surgery and into recovery at around 5ish. I'll be hearing from Joanne again then... hopefully we can all hear what Kerri has to say as she wakes... since she was kind enough to tell us that Joey spoke of being sexy and having hamburgers...

News on Joey... just saw him. He is sitting in a rocking chair on his front lawn with his sister Joey. She was just resting from cleaning the dryer vent which she reported likely hadn't been done in 6 or so years!!!! Joey looks amazing. The best I have seen him so far. He reports this is his best day yet as well.

Good day folks, good day!
We love you Kerri and Joey...

The countdown is on...I guess I should call it the second countdown, right?? My time leading up to my departure on Sunday is pretty much booked. Tying up loose ends at Lynch Construction, meeting up with friends and (my vanity has to step in at some time...) my morning of pampering to have some waxing done and a manicure & pedicure! I wish I had thought of that all important massage as little sooner, but that is too late now.
Joey is home with the boys resting comfortably and is looking great! He still needs his down time, but he is doing much better at eating and getting around. I suspect that when I get home, he will be in a much better place both physically and mentally. I really do see him getting stronger by the day. One reason I know this is because of all of the "projects" he keeps drumming up...things we need to do this summer. If I were any of you, be careful when you offer to help us with things around the house...we just might take you up on it!! We have great plans for new gardens and perhaps even another dock for the kids boats. This will make our dock-in/dock-out seasons even more interesting don't you think??...(Tom, Ray, Bobby & Rick??) I promise, this one won't be a puzzle and no fingers will be lost!
With everything that is going on right now, we had one more unfortuate event take place yesterday. We had to put down our "special" dog Nike. He had yet another infection in his mouth and with all of the care and medication it would require to help him through, plus this being the third time this year alone, we decided that it was his time. He would have been 15 in June, so he certainly had a good ride. We are going to miss that goofy little guy. No dog was happier than Nike! Sandy (the stray we found 5 years ago) really doesn't get where he is, but she will adjust soon I am sure. I am not trying to be a downer here, but so many of you all know Nike and I am sure you would keep him in your heart for me.

Remember...ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN!

This will probably be my last post before my surgery. I thought of having the boys post for me, but God only knows what they might say, so I will be having my friends post for me, giving you all the latest. Joanne will be calling in from Portland and Casey will be typing away in Hampden! How lucky are we anyway?? Our friends just never cease to amaze me. They are always coming up with another way to make our lives easier. We (the 4 of us) thank them from the bottom of our hearts ::))

So, until the next time...

God Bless and {{hugs}} to all.

Talk about a good night's sleep! Our bed has been calling to us and we finally found it!! All is well now that we are home. We had a great time last night watching Caleb and his friends receiving their honor. Of course many friends were there, so we had to shuffle Joey out the back door so he would not be bombarded with everyone wanting to see him. I gladly took that role and it was so wonderful to see everyone. I felt like a Wal-Mart greeter standing at the door except I gave out hugs!!
Back to reality today. Joey is home with his brother while I head to the office to catch up on...well, just EVERYTHING! My friends Joanne and Shelley are going with me to catch the boys tennis match at Erskine Academy this afternoon, so a girls road trip never hurts. Joey has plans of his own which I hope does not consist much more than watching the loons and the eagles!! He has something up his sleeve, but I am not sure what it is. He does need to lay low, but he feels so good about being home, he just cannot sit still!
All is good and Sunny and 80!
God Bless and {{hugs}} to all.

We woke up today and the sun was shining through our window just as bright as can be! Now it may really be cold outside, but today is my "Sunny and 80" day...we are going home!!!!! Last night before dinner, Joey got the last of his tubes out, well at least the ones that he is not going home with :) He was free to move about so we ate dinner in front of the window, like a real dinner table, and then we went in the family room to play cribbage. Did I let him win? Nooooo. He did that all on his own!
We plan on heading up the highway sometime late morning. Donna is going to come over to help us get packed up and out the door. Times like this are bittersweet. We cannot get home fast enough, but it is hard for me to leave my friends here because they have been so incredibly wonderful. I guess you can say they have spoiled me rotten, so why would I want to leave them??
When we do get home, however, we are going to try to keep Joey's visits to a minimum for awhile. Last time it was just so good to be home ... he wanted to see everyone and rightly so!! But we did learn our lesson. He gets so tired so easily. We actually just spoke with Dr. Rutstein and she reitterated that he does need to take it easy and REST. He can get out, but he needs to keep it at a minimum. The decision has also been made between the 3 of us that he will not be coming down for my surgery. He needs to stay home and stay strong for when I get home. This was news he did not want to hear, but he understands. My parents and my friend Joanne will be with me, (plus of course my "Portland team"!!) so I will certainly be in good hands. I will only be here for 2 nights, so no worries. Jenny will be staying with Joey at home. That means GREAT care will be given to him! When I get home, she will stay on for the rest of the week to help us with our care. How lucky are we?????
Enough of that. We are just happy to be going home to be with our boys. After Caleb's ceremony tonight, I feel a great nights sleep coming on ::))
God Bless and {{hugs}} to all.

Thank you all for your warm Mother's Day wishes and certainly the birthday wishes sent to Caleb. I was able to make it home for the afternoon and had a great time with the boys. They certainly spoiled me, too!! It was hard on Joey to have me leave and miss my day and Caleb's birthday. He spent the day resting and had a visit from brother Don and sister-in-law Patty as they were coming back through from Kari's graduation from nursing school in Boston!! We are all very proud of her! I also want to send out a special thank you to those of you who sent me Mother's Day cards. One in particular made the tears flow, "...this one is for the girls..." It was beautiful and I thank you for your kind words. (you know who you are!!)
I am looking forward to getting back home to some normalicy soon. Joey is getting better and we hope by mid week he will get sprung from here. It was kind of funny this morning because after his shower, he decided to come and sit beside me on my cot. He wanted to "check it out" and layed down for a few minutes. Next thing I know, he is sawing off some heavy ZZZZ's! 2 hours worth!! He really and truly thinks my bed is better than his. Knucklehead! So anyway, I was laying in his bed when the nurse came in. He looked at me and was rather confused. I pointed to the corner and he still could not figure out why Joey would be there! Whatever works, right?? Hopefully today he will get one of his drains out. He also started eating solid food again. All major accomplishments towards going out that front door. He is so looking forward to getting home and being with our boys. Just being away from them is harder than you know.
Tomorrow night brings me home again for Caleb's NHS indoctrination, but it may be just a quick trip up and back, not an overnight. We live each day as it comes and will know tomorrow how it will all work out.
We are off for a trip around the block, so will post later. Until then...
God Bless and {{hugs}} to all.

Good afternoon!! Today has been a nice quiet day. Jenny has been here and we have had the best visit. Joey gives us our cue when he wants to take a nap and she and I head to the family room next door for our girl time. She is just so easy to have around and I must say I love having her here!! Joey did have a couple of visitors, but they were just passing through town and they just stopped by long enough to say "Hi!". Just enough for Joey to see them, but then I got to visit with them in the other room. Thanks guys!!
Joey is doing well, but is still very weak. It takes him a fair amount of time to get up the energy to either go for a walk or get cleaned up for the day. He can never do both one right after the other, so we make our plan as to what to do first. Tonight I am going out for a quick dinner then off to the movies. This will give him a nice quiet night alone which he secretly relishes I can tell!! Not much new news, just know he is where he needs to be.
God Bless and {{hugs}} to all.

Finally getting to you all with the latest! As I had said last night, Joey ended up getting another drain tube in his stomach area to drain out all of the "stuff" that is not suppose to be there. This was suppose to happen last night, just got done this afternoon. He also has a new picc line in his arm so now his is getting all the nutrition he needs. HE LOOKS LIKE A NEW MAN because they took away the infamous NG tube at around 3pm. He probably looks better than he feels, so we need to be careful with his movements.
Yesterday he did get out for his first walk since we've been here. Saw a lot of the old nurses from before and they greeted us with open arms. We officially have a new family down here. They are even looking ahead on their schedules to see who will be working when I am here!! No joke! We played a game of cribbage yesterday too and I have been told I was very mean because I didn't let Joey win. His Doc told me that, too. Now I am feeling guilty, so a rematch has been set for tonight.
Headed home on Sunday for Caleb's birthday and Mother's Day with the kids. My friend Donna is going home with me so I will have company for the ride...plus she heard what we were having for dinner..Frank's Bake Shop Prime Rib. There is nothing like it!
Doing better for now. Still have to keep it low, but we are headed in the right direction :)
God Bless and {{hugs}} to all!

This morning brings a few answers. Joey's CT scan last night showed that he has "sprung a leak" in his intestinal area. So, what does this mean...another drain has to be inserted. This is the official count: NG tube draining his stomach, a second one draining his gallbladder and now this third one to drain the crap from his intestine...no pun intended!!! He cannot talk because the NG tube is really bothering him, so I am teaching him sign language. He has one comment down quite well with just one small jesture!! Just kidding. He is being a great patient.
Once again I can report that he LOOKS GOOD, he just feels like...oh I guess...what is in his intestines! Portland is certainly where we need to be. As you can tell by my report, he is not up for anything or really seeing anyone, so I guess it is up to me to keep you all informed a little more regularly.
You all are very concerned about me, but I am doing fine. I must tell you that I have my own support system down here and they are great. I do have my times where I get out so Joey can have a break from me and rest alone. I am sleeping a little better, too. His room this time is half the size but really cozy. I have a room right next door that I can go to anytime to talk on the phone, just sit and read and even has an ongoing puzzle (yes Chris and Michelle, the same one, but I am working on it!!). Plus, I can watch the Sea Dogs games from there. It is quite the view!! Tonight I am headed out for a little while to go to the Old Port for a bite to eat. Joey is so good to not worry about me, he just knows I have to be able to talk with others, too. My friends come here just to sit with me or take me out for a break. It is always what works for me. They are angels and I don't know what I would do without them! Do you hear me Donna, Steve and Chris??
I must say is different not having Cameron here all of the time. He is home now, has moved back into his old room and starts his new job tomorrow. Considering he has not even been home 24 hours, that is pretty good I'd say! Caleb celebrates his 17th birthday on Sunday (He was actually born on Mother's Day, so this is only the 3rd time we've been able to celebrate together!!). I plan on being home either Saturday or Sunday during the day. It will be a quick round trip, but he understands where I need to be. If Joey is not home by Tuesday, I will be coming back up again for the night because Caleb has his induction into National Honor Society at 7pm! Can you say "Proud Parents"?!?!?!
Joey is sleeping sound right now, so this is my cue to head down to the cafe' for a little breakfast.
For now, God Bless and {{hugs}} to all.

Where is my sunny and 80???? We got to Portland at around noontime. Joey came by ambulance and I was VERY close behind. All settled in to our "old diggs" and as usual, everyone is being wonderful. Trying to find the cause of the high fever. Had to have the NG tube put back in early this morning (2:30am) so that is taking away the pressure in his belly. Not to be gross, but it is draining constantly! As is the one going to his gallbladder. You could pretty much say he is a hurting duck. Again, the no visitors thing still stands until he can find some kind of relief. He needs sleep bad...I think I do too. I have 12 days left to my count down, so we have to get him better. Let's hope for a much better night tonight.
God Bless and {{hugs}} to all.

He is resting as comfortably as possible...He has a huge gas bubble in his belly that won't relieve itself. They have talked about putting another NG tube into his stomach, but that reception was not a pretty one. They got a big fat NO on that one!! The transfer back to Portland is still a huge possibility. Will know for sure in the morning. I am staying the night with him tonight, so I will be able to speak with Dr. Starks in the morning. I'll say it again, he is a wonderful Dr. I just feel he needs to be in Portland where Dr. Rutstein is. I have so much confidence in her, as does Joey. He just does not want to endure the trip. I've promised it will be painless:)
Hey guess what... My car has an automatic pilot and I didn't even realize it!! It is so funny...I get behind the wheel and she just drives herself right down I95!!!! Amazing! I wonder how much I paid for that feature?!?
I will let you know how we make out tomorrow. For now, Good night, God Bless and {{hugs}} to all!

Good morning everyone. Joey is still at EMMC, but we do have a special request:

We are asking for absolutely no visitors at all at this time.

Joey has had a small setback so he just needs to get his rest and get stronger. The problem is he looks so good, so you think he is doing well. Unfortunately his insides are telling him different. I am the biggest offender of this myself!! Dr. Starks has been in this morning and they talked of their "plan". His Dr. in Portland knows of the situation and the lines of communication between Bangor and Portland are getting better. We are in very good hands in both places, we just need to do what is best for Joey. Just to ease your minds, he is OK, again, he needs to get his strength back and get his rest. When blue stuff comes out, it is never an encouraging...right Jenny?!?!
I am still in Portland, so this makes the equation a little tougher. You need to know that my friends here have been helpful beyond words as far as making things happen when I need them. I am so lucky to have them!! (Thank you Donna, Chris and Steve. You were awesome when I needed you last night:)
I usually like to keep the blog postings a little more light and upbeat than this is today, but I know you all understand what we are going through and we feel your prayers and postitive thoughts.
Thanks for understanding our needs and I will post tonight once I get back home.
God Bless and {{hugs}} to all.

Joey is a little frustrated today...He wonders "why is it that after all of these years he's taken such great care of his liver and now they take exactly 30 seconds to drive a tube straight through it!! And yes, by the way it does hurt!!" Joey offered to pay for the extra tube to go around his liver instead of through it, but you know medical costs these days, they instisted on stabbing it instead! The tube is doing it's job by draining the gallbladder, but what a pain! He has started to drink little sips and has had small amounts of popsicle and jello. They taste just OK to him. He wants to take it extremely slow this time. Still looking like it will be at least Tues. before getting out.
Finally got the private room last night at around 9pm. This alone will help the healing.
Might not be able to blog for a couple of days. Headed out tonight for Portland and won't be back until Tues. I will try to keep you all posted.
God Bless and {hugs}} to all!

Well, we are still here. The drain that was placed in Joe's gallbladder has been extremely helpful. It is draining well and relieving Joe of his pain. The only thing he feels now is the tube itself, which was inserted between his ribs. They told him he will get used to the discomfort...right...they are not the ones with it sticking out of 'em!! He has to have this in for about 6 weeks, but the considering the alternative, he's accepting this well. :) Waiting on the plumbing to start working again so he can slowly start eating. No food and water makes Joey a very unhappy man!! Looks like he will be here at EMMC for at least 2 if not 3 more days, so send us comments to read on the blog to help pass our time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We like it when we get to laugh, too!
The guilt lasted for about a minute, but last night I had a chance to go out with "the girls" and totally stepped into a different world for about 5 hours!! Thanks to my "Breast Friends" for a wonderful night out! Laughter is truly the best medicine, so the way I figure it, I'm now probably set for at least the next month!! I LOVE YOU ALL.
Caleb is with all of his buddies at SAT's today. Once he's out, it is off to the lake to put in the dock with the neighbors. How funny is this...the adults doing the work and Caleb supervising ::))
He is the only other person aside for Joey that knows the system order, so I guess we are at his mercy. After SAT's, I guess he deserves a little enjoyment, don't you think??
Here is to an uneventful couple of days for Joey so he can get better. I am off to Portland Monday and Tuesday for my pre-op appointments, so if he is sprung during that time, I guess I am leaving it up to brother Don and sister Jenny to take over. They are my rock(s). Do not know what I'd do without them.
God Bless and {{hugs}} to all!!