Month: April 2005

Hi Stacey1 <hello fro, france, I am having a hard time with this computer because the keyboard is in french, all the letters are in different places than I am used to, I love you so much and I am so relieved and happy that you are doing well. Hope Mom is feeding you lots: I love you! Denise P;S. Sophia read her first word today! She asked me for something for the 100th time and instead of telling her no I wrote NO on a piece of pa&per and she said HEY MAMA THAT SAYS NO. Hooray!!! Denise Wirth, from Cazaunous

Hi Stacey. Congrats on the successful surgery! That is great news. I miss you over here and am proud of you for keeping courage. Hope to talk with you soon. Take care during your recovery. love, Felix, from back in CA

Well Mark you beat me to the computer today. I too spoke with Dave and he said the same thing to me about Stacey’s amazing recovery from her gall bladder surgery. I want to point out to everyone how dedicated Dave Allen is to Stacey’s well-being. Not only is he one of her caregivers, but he has risen to the occasion many times. His frequent updates on Stacey’s condition, his steadfast loyalty and unwavering support for Stacey, plus the energy and patience he has given to Stacey are just awe- inspiring. I commend you Dave for your loving support you have given Stacey. Stacey you are so blessed to have Dave in your life. Stacey keep on dreaming! I love hearing about them! You never know -they could come true. I am looking forward to hearing about another record breaking recovery. Go girl! I hope to visit you this Friday. love and hugs, Carrie Levin, from Sunnyvale

Thanks for the clarification, Denise. We want to believe that every bit of news is good, whether it is or not. I guess it’s easier than confronting our fears and doubts. Stacey had been working so hard that I just assumed that she had broken another post-transplant record again with the early surgery date. Thank you, Denise for bringing some insight and reality into the picture. Fingers, toes, and eyes crossed, waiting for the news. cherie, from Oakland

Dear All, Please help! As soon as anyone hears anything about Stacey’s operation and recovery, please, please post something on the journal! Those of us who are far away are waiting anxiously to hear. I am confident that Stacey will be fine, but I am keeping in mind that the operation was moved up due to Stacey’s gradual weakening – not because she has been getting stronger. When I talked to her yesterday she told me that the doctors had decided to go ahead with the surgery now because the weaker she gets, the harder it will be for her to recover from it. So, with her fragile condition foremost in my mind I am anxious to hear any news of her progress. If you see her or talk to her, tell her I love her! Denise Wirth, from Riga

Get in your corny jokes in now! As Aunt Loraine says, Stacey’s gall bladder surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday. Stacey and I had a spirited discussion today over whether her latest, hard-won accomplishment: climbing 4 flights of stairs counts at 3rd or 4th class according to the Yosemite Decimal system as explained here. 1: Hiking on a clear, well-maintained trail. Could do it on a bike. 2: Hiking that requires route-finding skills, through thick brush, or over fallen trees 3: So rough you must use your hands to keep from falling. 4: Steep terrain, rope often required. 5: Technical climbing. We finally agreed that those stairs in the Stanford Hospital 2nd class, but 3rd if the vacuum-bot or preoccupied doctor doesn’t look where she’s going. 😉 In the middle of a giggle-fit, I realized that post-surgery, deep belly-laughs may be uncomfortable for our favorite patient, thought it would be good for us all to contribute silly jokes for Stacey’s giggle-cache. 😀 On another happy note, while flipping through Stacey’s past notes, Stacey was told that she’d have to wait up to 6 weeks to be well enough for gall bladder surgery. It’s only been 9 days. Yeah, Stacey! Even in the roughest times, you managed to beat the odds and rise to the challenge. Good luck with the surgery tomorrow! We’re thinking about you! Cherie, from Oakland