Category: Notes from Others

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

Hi Stacey, I just wanted to write you a note to say how much Carlos and I miss you!!! We both admire your persistance and courage…and hope that you are feeling stronger and healthier soon! Kristina 🙂 p.s. sorry for the bad picture with the camera phone!!! 😉 Kristina and Carlos, from Berkeley

Hello Again, The latest news from Stacey is that her gall bladder surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday. That must mean the doctors think she is strong enough now. Hopefully that will help with some of her other medical problems and aid in her recovery. Loraine (Staceys aunt)

Dear Stacey, I’m so sorry to see that you’re still in the hospital. Geez, what a drag it must be! I’m glad you have some good friends and supporters dropping by and something to pay attention to besides the usual, tedious and tiring hospital drills….I’m going to be down next Thursday – are you interested in any mystery novels or other books? I have a bunch of good ones lying around, and they’re ready to be delved into again. How about some music? Do you have a CD player to listen to? I am thinking of you – love….., Joyce (tx buddy), from Berkeley

I check the journal faithfully every day now (sometimes several times a day!) and just wanted to let you know I think about you that often! Do you have a DVD player? Netflix might be a good option for you to pass some time. All I get to watch anymore are children’s videos — The Incredibles is GREAT, though, so I don’t mind seeing it a million times. I splurged and got the kids the first season of PeeWee’s Playhouse (oops, did I say the kids? I meant me!) — they love it and so do I — I’d highly recommend it to pass away a bit of you next six weeks. (Netflix again! They have a great selection including obscure artsy fartsy films!) Just hearing Jambi’s magic words “Meka Leka Hi, Meka Hiney Ho!” is enough to put a smile on your face. Wish I could be there to visit — love and smooches from the no-longer Icebox of the Nation (though the ice is still on Rainy Lake — it’s 67 degrees!) Miki, from International Falls

Hi Sis, Hope your bellyache is feeling better today and the docs are finding out more about the cause. What can we do now to keep you amused? Six more weeks is a long time to do crossword puzzles. Do you feel up to doing a study-at-home course? I think I told you that I’m writing my Master’s thesis on distance learning – so I have a lot of info on courses. If you want to give it a try, let me know and I will start searching for you. There are a lot of courses that are not internet-based – they send you books – so internet access won’t be a problem. We just want you to be happy. I love you, Denise Wirth, from Riga

Hi Stacey, I was glad that I had a chance to speak with you this morning. As I mentioned, if there is anything I can do for you, please feel free to contact me by email or phone. My email is [email protected] and my cell phone is (408) 685-4002. I am sending all my best energy your way! Hope to have the opportunity to visit you sometime. Bill Landauer, from Sunnyvale

Dear Stacey, I hope you get better soon. I am sorry that you are feeling side aches and do not have as much energy to do walking now. It was good to see you the other day. I am now in the ship offshore in Cameroon where it is very hot, humid, and wet. Mark Fletcher, from FSO Kome-Kribi 1