The Story from 1 January 2001

Considering a visit or phone call to Mette? See the information about that on the Contact Info page.

I'm staying the night in Mette's room.

• progress continues..
• still "eating" via feeding tube (through a nostril), around the clock; today though she ate some soup and had several glasses of protein drink
• nausea is still history--keep your fingers crossed
• she still sleeps a lot, but it is becoming more like she is mostly awake with lots of naps
• the pain reliever patch is stopping more and more of the pain--she needs less pain injections
• today we had a very enjoyable visit with Mormor (Mette's mother's mother, who is going to be 90 tomorrow--Happy Birthday Mormor) and Mette's cousin Rikke, and her boyfriend Mark--nice folks all, we really enjoyed the visit
• please don't stop sending the positive energy, good thoughts, best wishes, etc this way--and thanks to all of you who have helped that way, for so long..

throughout the holiday period I've had access to a phone at the Patient Hotel (to send these updates)--now that all the rooms will be in great demand again I might have much more difficulity posting frequent updates, so:

• be patient
• expect that "no news is good news"
• call Mette's mom for the latest
• or, call me--I'm almost always available at 2465 7768 (but leave a message if I'm not answering)

Considering a visit or phone call to Mette? See the information about that on the Contact Info page.

I'm still staying nights in Mette's room--and the days too.

• progress continues--slowly
• still "eating" via feeding tube, around the clock; today began with a cup of tea and a glass of protein drink
• no hint of nausea for two weeks (except for that caused by the tube delivered food, which is known to irritate the stomach--since the tube was repositioned there has not even been any of that)
• still lots of sleep, and with the help of a sleeping pill she is getting a good nights sleep now--and, her normal day is more and more that she is awake most of the time but takes lots of naps
• the pain reliever patch is still not stopping all the pain--she still needs a pain injection every once in a while to supplement
• some of the pain during the last few days must have come from the drain that was put through the back into the abscess in the liver--because, when the bandage was removed this morning it was evident that the drain had slipped out of position..it was removed and will be reinserted on Thursday when another procedure is planned
• the main procedure planned for Thursday is to (under general anesthesia, and through a VERY small hole) to enter the portal vein and inject a contrast dye so that the blood clot may be seen clearly..then, depending on what is seen, the doctor may break up the clot with an inserted wire..the idea being that the broken up clot should be easier for the body to move out..also, the doctor may decide to install a stent (a small plastic tube) in the portal vein itself to try to prevent a reoccurrence of the clot
• as usual Mette is a little concerned about that Thurday procedure, so please don't stop sending the positive energy, good thoughts, prayers, chants, good voodoo vibes, best wishes, and etc (if YOU think it might help, we want it) this way--and thanks to all of you who have helped that way, so often for so long--we remain eternally grateful and indebted to all our friends

Considering a visit or phone call to Mette? See the information about that on the Contact Info page.

I'm still staying nights in Mette's room--and the days too.

• progress continues--slowly
• still "eating" via feeding tube, around the clock; today began with a cup of tea and a glass of apple juice
• she felt a little nauseous this morning, but nothing came up--I think it was because her stomach was empty..half a glass of water and the nausea was history
• her normal day is more and more like she is awake a lot, but also takes lots of naps
• the pain reliever patch is still not stopping all the pain--but, they switched to a liquid by mouth (rather than injection) to supplement--this is in prep for her going home (injections at home are such a bother)
• though it is quite early in the day I don't expect much to occur which is reportable--so, expect the next report after the procedure tomorrow
• the main procedure planned for Thursday is to (under general anesthesia, and through a VERY small hole) to enter the portal vein and inject a contrast dye so that the blood clot may be seen clearly..then, depending on what is seen, the doctor may break up the clot with an inserted wire..the idea being that the broken up clot should be easier for the body to move out..also, the doctor may decide to install a stent (a small plastic tube) in the portal vein itself to try to prevent a reoccurrence of the clot
• as usual Mette is a little concerned about that Thurday procedure, so please don't stop sending the positive energy, good thoughts, prayers, chants, good voodoo vibes, best wishes, and etc (if YOU think it might help, we want it) this way--and thanks to all of you who have helped that way, so often for so long--we remain eternally grateful and indebted to all our friends

I'm still staying nights in Mette's room--and the days too.

• Mette had a prety goog nights sleep--probably very good considering the fact that she was a little concerned about today's planned procedure
• nevertheless, this is not a good news day
• under general anesthesia they entered the liver and injected a contrast dye so they they could clearly see the blood clot in the portal vein..and they attempted to implant a plastic tube to improve and insure the blood supply--but, they were unable to do that
• I'm not completely sure the full consequences of that, but I can't imagine it is good-her body has been struggling for weeks now with the blood clot and the doctors wanted to help her with that task, but couldn't
• at the least, her job didn't get any easier today
• the near term level of pain is expected to increase due to all of the poking around they did during today's procedure--the pain reliever patch will probably not be enough for a while and I expect they will supplement it as needed
• for now she is stable--but still under the influence of today's heavy sedation, we have to wait and see how much progress will come in the future
• I think we need to concentrate on providing Mette what she needs most: peace, as little pain as possible and every opportunity to grow stronger; send those wishes this way
• thank you all for your continued support from far and near

Friday - 5 January 2001 (Posted 2000)

I'm still staying nights in Mette's room--and the days too.

Six months ago today Mette had a cancerous gall bladder and bile duct removed. Its been a long half year. We are happy the surgeon elected to continue the operation after he saw that the portal vein was involved--many surgeons consider that situation as an inoperable complication. Dr. Rokkjær did not. And in so doing he 'gave' us these past six months. Some of the days were a real challenge. Some were more than wonderful. We are forever appreciative for this time. We have not squandered it.

• Mette slept very well last night..awaking only a few times..once, around 3:30 she sent me down the hall looking for protein drink..they didn't have any and she turned her nose up at just plain milk (that's Mette!)
• the doctor explained the consequence of yesterday's failure to insert a stent in the portal vein: first I should mention that they were not surprised at the failure--someone forgot to translate to me that it was a "long shot"..anyway, the doc said we are just back to Mette having to regenerate without the help of a portal vein blood supply
• they are going to continue the antibiotics to combat the abscess--yes its still there, affecting the "bad" side of the liver..they did successfully install a new drain into the abscess cavity..several times a day they "irrigate" it with saline solution (salt water) and suck out the yuck (a completely painless, and VERY beneficial, procedure)
• an important part of the therapy is the continued drip of high powered, high protein fluid delivered through the little bitty tube in her right nostril--that, along with the periodic intravenously supplied glucose 'forces' the liver and intestines to keep working
• her attitude is good..she is willing to fight on
• the wonderful 'pain doctor' (Dr. Jan Asmussen--we love him too) came in today..we all think he has almost arrived at the optimum mix for Mette's pain management--one thing that is important to Mette because she is more afraid of pain than of death
• she remain stable--the influence of yesterday's heavy sedation is now mostly memory, we look for and hope for improvement past the level she was at day before yesterday
• lets all concentrate on providing Mette what she needs most: peace, as little pain as possible and every opportunity to grow stronger; send those wishes this way
• thank you for your continued support from far and near

Saturday - 6 January 2001 (Posted 2130)

Considering a visit or phone call to Mette? See the information about that on the Contact Info page.

I'm still staying nights in Mette's room--and the days too...But tomorrow I'll go back to Hosby and Mette's mom will move into Mette's room for a while.

• Mette slept pretty well last night..awaking only a few times..none because of pain (as I recall)
• the antibiotics to combat the abscess continues
• an important part of the therapy is the continued drip of high powered, high protein fluid delivered through the little bitty tube in her right nostril--that, along with the periodic intravenously supplied glucose 'forces' the liver and intestines to keep working
• I have not mentioned in a while, but still ongoing is the "blood thinning" therapy via administered anti-coagulants--the doctor said its the only way to help the blood clot situation
• her attitude is good..she is willing to fight on
• she remain stable--I can't really say there was any improvement today compared to yesterday--well, she did eat a half bowl of fruit soup for dinner..other than that she slept almost all day
• a good thing is that her sleep is peacful and she has almost no pain; and, when awake she is almost always completely aware of everything going on, and VERY interested in her care; and, when she is real spunky she tells the nurses (and me) what to do--and sometimes HOW to do it
• I can tell you that I have tried to make this report today as positive sounding as possible--Mette is very weak and very sick
• we should all concentrate on providing Mette what she needs most: peace, as little pain as possible and every opportunity to grow stronger; send those wishes this way
• thank you for your continued support from far and near

Considering a visit or phone call to Mette? See the information about that on the Contact Info page.

I'm back at Hosby...Mette's mom is staying in Mette's room

• Mette slept very well last night
• I left around 2:00 PM for home
• the antibiotics continue
• also the drip of high powered, high protein fluid through a tube to the intestines
• ongoing is the "blood thinning" therapy
• her attitude is good..she is willing to fight on
• she remain stable--no improvement today compared to yesterday
• this report os as positive sounding as possible--Mette is very weak and very sick
• we concentrate on providing Mette what she needs most: peace, as little pain as possible and every opportunity to grow stronger; send those wishes this way
• thank you for your continued support from far and near

Considering a visit or phone call to Mette? See the information about that on the Contact Info page.

I'm back at Hosby...Mette's mom is staying in Mette's room

• I didn't intend to but I took the Patient Hotel's key home with me last night. (They had loaned me a key so I could use the phone to post the reports to the net.) Consequently, I drove to Aarhus this morning and got to see Mette--it made my day.
• Mette looked better today than she did yesterday and she told me she felt better
• and, she is not as swollen as before either (I forgot to report it in days past that she is swollen--water retention due to the poorly operating liver)
• Mette slept very well last night--Inger reported that Mette didn't wake her up all night
• antibiotics continue
• also the drip of high powered, high protein fluid
• ongoing is the "blood thinning" therapy
• BIG smiles this morning--her attitude is good..she is willing to fight on
• we concentrate on providing Mette what she needs most: peace, as little pain as possible and every opportunity to grow stronger; send those wishes this way
• thank you for your continued support from far and near

Considering a visit or phone call to Mette? See the information about that on the Contact Info page.

I'm back at Hosby...Mette's mom is staying in Mette's room

• there is not much I can report from here
• the patient phone on the ward was broken and I couldn't talk to Mette this morning--but, her mom reported that she was awaken only once last night and Mette appeared about the same as yesterday
• antibiotics continue
• also the drip of high powered, high protein fluid
• ongoing is the "blood thinning" therapy
• as far as I can tell from here Mette is "stable"--although some of the blood test parameters seem to indicate that she is probably a little worse today (infection), and the trend is not good
• we concentrate on providing Mette what she needs most: peace, as little pain as possible and every opportunity to grow stronger; send those wishes this way
• thank you for your continued support from far and near

Considering a visit or phone call to Mette? See the information about that on the Contact Info page.

I'm back at Hosby...Mette's mom is staying in Mette's room

• so, I talked to Mette TWICE on the phone today, wonderful
• she told me she slept "peacefully" last night
• and feels better today
• and during the evening call she FLOORED me by saying she walked to the door and back (she didn't say, but it MUST have been with help)--but, I can tell you that Sunday she could barely take one step, with lots of help
• she must be better today..wonderful, wonderful..
• antibiotics continue
• also the drip of high powered, high protein fluid
• ongoing is the "blood thinning" therapy
• we concentrate on providing Mette what she needs most: peace, as little pain as possible and every opportunity to grow stronger; send those wishes this way
• thank you for your continued support from far and near

I'm back at Hosby...Mette's mom is staying in Mette's room--but, tomorrow I'm going back to Aarhus

• this is gonna be quick--I'm tired and sleepy
• I talked to Mette once--lots of smiles in her voice
• feels better today--still very willing to fight for life
• today she walked to the door and back TWICE--I asked with how many nurses and she said her mom was in front and one nurse behind to kinda help keep her balanced..NOT two nurses holding her up
• wonderful, wonderful..
• antibiotics continue
• also the drip of high powered, high protein fluid
• ongoing is the "blood thinning" therapy
• as if you didn't know (well maybe you don't know Mette) she IS a fighter
• and she has a real fight in front of her--the doctor told her today that she it is all up to her now (that is, there is no surgical trick to turn to--either her liver regenerates, or not)
• we concentrate on providing Mette what she needs most: peace, as little pain as possible and every opportunity to grow stronger; send those wishes this way
• thank you for your continued support from far and near
• looking for something YOU can do? WRITE HER--the hospital address is on the contact page

I'm back to staying in the room with Mette...Mette's mom has Molly and Sussi

• On arrival Friday I opened the door to a smiling Mette..
• she looked better and feels better than the last time I saw her (last Monday)
• those two things, and just being back with her brought a surge of new hope to me
• but, it was not long lasting--not long later when the cover was pulled back I saw the effects of two months on her back, and the liver distress: she has little bitty arms and upper torso, then from the bottom of the rib cage down she is swolen--larger than I am..puffy, yellow (from the liver problem) and blue (from pooled blood) on the backside (from 24x7 of laying)..
• a week ago when I was here the Internal Medicine doctors wanted the food drip machine set on 65..but every time that set it that high she would throw-up, so it has been at 50 (30%? lower) than they wanted; and, all the docs have been telling her she has to increase her intake of protein rich foods by mouth--but, being unable to do either her body has resorted to using stored protein from her muscle mass. She is wasting away while getting bigger from the water swolen tissue..
• Mette is a fighter, and all yesterday afternoon we tried one thing after another, trying to get something, ANYthing, to stay down: a favorite rice based desert, protein drink, buttermilk, coke, tea--they ALL came up...everything going into her mouth comes back..
• frustrated and angered at the inability to keep anything down, she cries..I cry..we talk, soothe each other, vow to try again and again
• around 8 PM a doctor friend from Horsens and now working here (Poul-Erik) stops by to talk about nausea and prescribes a new course of medications--and we still have hope
• despite hope we had to reluctantly agree that the idea of skiing the Alps in only seven weeks is probably not very realistic--we thought this way: we think an aggressive climb back to better health couldn't possibly get us to Hosby for three or four weeks...and, there is no way we are going to want to leave the house only three weeks later to go somewhere, ANYwhere else--heck, Mette needs to pet Molly for more than three weeks...not to mention all the other home things she longs for
• so, we call the dear friend we went skiing with last year and asked him to take us off this year's list

Saturday: A very good night's sleep (she awoke and said: "I slept really good last night.") later we awake to a crimson colored clouds sunrise

• we spent a few early minutes talking about our hopes (get better, go home, pet Molly, go for walks together, a spring tour around Denmark)
• and we talked about how we might achieve those hopes: and, it seems we have to try to increase the food/protein input
• and we try that, about 8 AM little peach yogurt tastes good and goes down with a smile and renewed willingness to conquer the nausea
• an hour later the yogurt come up--and with it tears of failure
• and now almost 10 we try some more yogurt
• antibiotics continue
• also the drip of high powered, high protein fluid
• ongoing is the "blood thinning" therapy
• maybe there will be another update today, maybe not until Sunday
• we concentrate on providing Mette what she needs most: peace, as little pain as possible and every opportunity to grow stronger; send those wishes this way
• thank you for your continued support from far and near
• looking for something YOU can do? WRITE HER--the hospital address is on the contact page

I'm back to staying in the room with Mette...Mette's mom has Molly and Sussi

• Yesterday's report ended at about 1000 with another try to keep something down--it came up again
• when I got back from the Patient Hotel (where those kind folks have "loaned" me a room JUST so I can use the phone to post these updates, and only charge me for the use of the phone--thoughtful and caring folks, my thanks to them) imagine my surprise to find a grinning Mette sitting in the bathroom having just had a REAL shower
• and, she walked back to the bed unaided (well, she had a following nurse managing the pole on wheels holding the tube feeding machine, the intravenous drip bag, and the two outflow drain bags..and, I was in front as a just-in-case precaution, you know me)
• we spent considerable time during the rest of the day with her trying to drink a little, or eat a little of one thing after another--but, I'm sorry to report that even though we didn't stop trying until around 10:00 at night, everything which went down, came up
• on a good note however, the food drip machine is now set to 55 (still short of the Internal Medicine doctor's desire of 65, but a 10% increase over what it has been set to for a week)
• despite the disappointments of not keeping down food, we had a GOOD day, and discussed that fact prior to bed time
• plus she slept well..she did awake around 4 in the morning and wanted to set up a little while--wonderful..
• really, it is wonderful she has the strength and desire to get off her back, even if only for minutes at a time
• so, she got about five or six minutes of back rub then laid down and went back to a peaceful sleep (to sit up takes the help of one nurse and me--but, she can lay back down with only my help (last week it was two nurses and me to get up or down))

Sunday:

• no crimson clouded sunrise this morning--no, today's offering is fog kinda like I always imagined it would be in London
• by 9:15 she had drank a quarter glass of coke twice, and thrown them both back up--AND, started on a half glass of protein drink (did I mention she is a fighter and not one to easily give up?)
• despite not giving up, she didn't even want to hear what was on the lunch wagon today (or yesterday)--yesterday at lunch I brought a bowl with about two tablespoons of mashed potatoes into the room, and she threw up after smelling them--today I took my lunch down the hall in the nurse's lunchroom, and kept the door to Mette's room closed while the smell of food was in the hallway
• by 2:00 in the afternoon she has had almost nothing by mouth, and has failed to keep any of it down (except the quarter glass of protein drink she has sipped since 9:15, this by the way MAY be the first thing she has kept down in days...hope remains)--but, as far as I can tell she is starving. A situation I hope is soon ended for she needs strength to fight and regenerate
• antibiotics were stopped this morning, after two weeks of normal temperature and very good infection parameters being shown in the blood work (I think she said they were gonna do a new culture on the outflow from the liver, but I haven't seen anyone actually take the sample)
• Mette hopes stopping the antibiotics will lead to less nausea
• the previously mentioned drip of high powered, high protein fluid continues
• as does the "blood thinning" therapy
• maybe there will be another update today, but it probably will not be until Monday

I'm back to staying in the room with Mette...Mette's mom has Molly and Sussi

• finally, about 6 PM last evening they gave her an anti-nausea injection of a different medication
• and, she ate one cracker with a little cream cheese on top--and it stayed down
• but, at 2:30 Monday morning (8+ hours since the injection) she woke up, and threw up
• today we talked with the floor's chief doctors (surgeon and anaesthesiologist) about how long it took to get someone to pay attention to the nausea during the weekend!
• they are probably going to want to do two things to try to keep the progress going:
  • fight the nausea problem (24x7) until it is history..again
  • insert a new line for feeding--this one direct into an artery
• but, the final decision is not in yet AND the food drip machine is now set to 60 (still short of the Internal Medicine doctor's desire of 65, but it is another increase over the 50 it was set to for a week)
• the "blood thinning" therapy continues and though the antibiotics course was completed yesterday they are VERY closely monitoring for a new infection--and, a culture of the drain from the liver's abscess site is in the works
• despite not keeping down food, we had a GOOD day--she looks, feels and acts better
• and, she is stronger today than Friday: today she walked to the door and back and STOOD next to a chair while her bed was made...last Friday she sat impatiently for five minutes, afraid she wouldn't have the strength to get back into bed...today, she not only stood, she kinda moved around and swayed back and forth on purpose, for EXERCISE!!

I'm back to staying in the room with Mette...Mette's mom has Molly and Sussi

• she ate a half bowl of tomato soup last evening about 7:00 PM, and it stayed down..
• she slept well all night..woke up about 8 this morning, smiled and reached for something to throw up into..
• she didn't want anything for breakfast or lunch..and by 4:00 in the afternoon she had had nothing but about half a glass of protein drink and threw it up about 30 minutes afterwards
• so, maybe the new nausea med isn't gonna work either..
• and, by now its pretty clear that stopping the antibiotics isn't gonna help (they were stopped on Sunday)
• and, ginger doesn't seem to help--frustration: we need more nutrients and protein, but it seems we can't add any
• but, the new line for feeding--this one direct into an artery--is scheduled for insertion in the morning...it would have gone in today but her coagulation factor was too slow (due to the intentional "blood thinning" therapy)--so they stopped the anti-coagulation med and will check that parameter in the morning and proceed with the line insertion if it is safe to do so..
• despite the nausea and vomiting, we STILL had a good day:
  • she awoke with a smile (several times)
  • after the bed bath she sat up and got out of bed (with assistance) and walked across the room and out the door and half way down the hall--waved at surprised (and grinning) nurses/friends in the nurses station--and grinned her way back to the room
  • then she sat in a chair next to her bed while it was stripped and remade..
  • need I repeat? This girl is no quitter!
  • her temperature stays rock solid NORMAL--a wonderful sign the infection in the liver is under control--the drain tube continues to produce, but now (in my neophyte medical opinion) is mostly bile and very little dead liver tissue (which I think might be good, but I really don't know--and am afraid to ask)
• thank you for your continued support from far and near
• looking for something YOU can do? WRITE HER--the hospital address is on the contact page

I'm staying in the room with Mette

• she ate a half bowl of creamy chicken soup Tuesday evening around 9:00 PM, and it stayed down..
• she bagan the day fasting..we expect the new line (into an artery just below the collar bone) to be installed today
• before that could happen the results of weeks of "blood thinning" has to be temporally overcome--an early morning blood test showed the coagulation factor still too slow so the fast continued while two units of plasma were given to decrease the blood coagulation time
• while waiting for new line's insertion she did the normal routine: bed bath, teeth brushing, and short walk from bed to just out into the hallway and return
• a little after 1:00 in the afternoon they wheeled her over to the surgery where our favorite anesthesiologist (Doctor Jan Asmussen) sent Mette on a little sleep journey and installed the catheter
• not long later Mette was receiving a drip into that line of a intravenously administered food and also another liquid (I didn't look, maybe it was glucose, sterile salt water or one of Merlin's other tricks)
• and the other drip (of high protein food) dripped through another line into her intestines
• we got back to the room around 2:00 and almost immediately Mette was asking for fruit juice, Coke, water, ice, and something to EAT
• I'd saved her a crepe with sugar from the lunch desert selection and she began on it with a flurry
• half was gone in no time, but the pace slowed to a halt soon thereafter
• the events of the day then dictated a nap which was interrupted around 4:30 by a lot of back pain...and another chance to empty the belly of all the invading food--sigh
• then a short period of awakeness and another nap until after 9:00 at night (during which time I didn't want to leave the room to post my update--therefore this next day posting)
• after awaking she had another short walk and then all the get-ready-for-bed things (teeth brush, etc)
• she had a good nights sleep, but woke up several times with back pain, which seems to be here again--along with the nausea
• both conquered before, we will fight them again
• thank you for your continued support from far and near
• looking for something YOU can do? WRITE HER--the hospital address is on the contact page

Considering a visit or phone call to Mette? See the information about that on the Contact Info page.

I'm staying in the room with Mette

• by Wednesday evening she had decided (independently, without outside medical advice) that it would be best if she stopped putting food into her stomach--just give it a rest for a while
• she bagan this day fasting: last night around 10:00 PM when the nurse tried to rinse the liver drain line, there was a problem. Normally the nurse would inject 200 ml of sterile salt water into the line (and into the liver) and then pull it out, switch the valve and squish that outflow into the waste bag--and repeat that procedure a couple of times. It is a no pain thing that "irrigates" the abscess site and carries off unwanted yuck. But, last night in went 200 ml and out came a little less--with a lot of patience. Trying again, in went 200 and out came 130. The nurse said she would talk to the doctor.
• a restful night's sleep later the good Doctor Rokkjær came in with his usual (and wonderful) "bedside manner" and explained that they would today
  • check the liver drain and reposition it if necessary
  • check that the feeding tube through the nostril, though the stomach and into the intestine was still properly placed (if it had slid back some and was allowing the high powered protein fluid to get into the stomach that might account for the nausea trouble)
  • do another ultrasound just to check the condition of the liver
• we waited all day for those three things to happen, and did the normal routine while waiting: bed bath, teeth brushing, short walk, sit up and back rub, multi-naps and etc
• about 2:00 in the afternoon we noticed that she was a little warmer to the touch--and a check of temperature confirmed a rise of about one degree celsius
• about 3:30 it seemed even warmer and another temp check showed another rise of about one degree celsius
• it is kinda amazing how we reacted to what appeared to be a slide into a heavy bout against another liver infection--we had to "re-live" the last bout and the fear just took us to places we didn't want to, or need to go...finally Mette said she just didn't think she had the strength for another one of those deep dips
• fortunately, I don't think we have to find out right now--because about 4:00 it was finally our turn in the radiology department's operating theater
• the doctor worked for a long long time trying to reposition the through the nose feeding tube--it was, as I had expected, out of position
• unfortunately he was unable to get it where he wanted it because that procedure usually uses the help of the natural movements of the stomach to help take the line lower into the intestines..however, due to pain killers her stomach wasn't making those natural, rhythmic motions (maybe another reason she can't keep food down)
• the doctor switched to another task, checking the liver drain line: didn't take so long to see it was out of position and get it back where it should be
• but, the ultrasound wasn't possible because the doctor couldn't see the liver structure due all the excess fluid inside her abdominal cavity (when the liver doesn't do its job properly it "leaks" a serum-like fluid into the abdominal cavity--the condition is called "ascites")
• we got back to the room after 6:00 PM and Mette was worn out from all the poking, but had to go though the 5 o'clock routine and finally went to dream land around seven or so--but not before a temperature check showed that her feared fever didn't seem like it was going to persist
• and she was out until around 11:30 when she was awake for not many minutes of routine--including another temperature check, and it was down some more
• then to sleep again until after 8:00 this morning--when a temp check showed her just UNDER normal, wonderful!
• today, another day to try to get better..try to renew our hope..try to not let the frustrations of all this pain get us down..try to find something to be happy about, to laugh about, to smile and grin about (we don't have any problems finding the good anymore--it really is easy if one just opens their eyes a little
• like today: today we are thankful that the aution house in Vejle has one of her grandfather's (A. C. Tersløse) painting for sale--Mette is sending me to bid on it (her mom will relieve me of my post), we are happy and hopeful for the opportunity of owning another
• thank you for your continued support from far and near
• looking for something YOU can do? WRITE HER--the hospital address is on the contact page

I'm staying in the room with Mette..Molly is happy, with Inger

• she slept well both Thursday and Friday nights
• no food was taken on Friday, and so far on Saturday she has had three small bites of banana and about half a cup of tea
• try not to get confused:
  • remember the feeding tube (through the nostril) which couldn't be put in its correct place on Thursday? On Friday the doctor worked with it until he gave up. Pulled it out and then thought about it and said he would try just once more. A few minutes later it was exactly as deep as he wanted it...probably the best/deepest placement (into the small intestines) yet--BUT, Saturday morning Mette and I noticed that while the tube had stuck out of her nose only about two inches Friday night, it was sticking out about eight inches--another trip to radiology and the same doctor (Dr. "Tripple J") who wasn't able to get it placed on Thursday slid it into perfect position in about two minutes flat!
  • the liver drain was repositioned Thursday and drained fine until for a while--Saturday Dr. "Tripple J" noticed that it was not quite in the same position he had put it, and noted that it seemed like two different abscess cavities had become one--back at the room a nurse found that she could pull out the salt water she just put in and wiggled the drain a little and it ran freely for a while, I suppose until the cavity emptied
  • recall that also on Thursday Dr. JJJ couldn't see the structure of the liver due to all the fluid in the abdomen--Friday they put in a tube and about two liters drained out quite quickly--it has slowed and I think (because her abdomen is still very large) that the tube probably will have to be repositioned to reestablish the flow
• remember that the stomach was not making the normal undulations on Thursday--today they were quite evident, a GOOD thing because maybe now food can be processed and move on, instead of returning to orgin
• her temperature stays rock solid normal--a really good sign that there is no infection in the liver
• because she is still anemic two units of blood were given today
• otherwise, her blood test for the last few days shows improvements in most areas
• oh, and on Friday I was gone most of the day to the auction house in Vejle, and returned with one of her grandfather's paintings (A. C. Tersløse, for whom this site was named--and some of his works are featured elsewhere here)

Considering a visit or phone call to Mette? See the information about that on the Contact Info page.

I'm staying in the room with Mette..Molly is happy, with Inger

• after yesterday's posting her temperature rose..and frightened me...Mette was wiser and knew it was probably because of the blood transfusions--looks like she was correct, since Sunday started off with normal temps
• more nausea: around 0800, 1600 and 2100 she emptied her stomach..I won't describe them but they were a little frighting, the last two appeared to have blood in the fluid
• that will be dealt with on Monday, somehow..but Sunday night, two units of blood were given which I'm sure is more than she lost
• the feeding tube (through the nostril) so laboriously placed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday--came up during the last stomach emptying...get this, this is the way my Mette's mind works: earlier in the day it had been decided to replace that tube with another designed with a spiral on the end that tends to take it deeper and deeper (through the normal, rhythmic movements of the digestive system)--so, when the old one came up by itself, Mette said "It had to come out anyway."
• during the day it was noted that neither the liver drain nor the abdomen drain were producing fluid as expected and after the last throw up we went back to radiology and had both repositioned (by doctor "Triple J" again)
• late in the afternoon she felt like she was having a little trouble breathing and she asked for (and was given) supplemental oxygen--and, as a precaution the doctor ordered a chest X-Ray to see if there was fluid in the lungs (there was none--it was decided the slight problem breathing was probably due to the excess fluid in the abdominal cavity)
• she drank a little protein drink and tea today but didn't want to try any food
• her pain remains under control
• her temperature stayed normal all day
• though she had a few days of progress in the last ten, overall she is worse today than she was a week ago
• in all it was a hard day for Mette: guest, vomiting, and the drain repositioning tired her out and she slept soundly (and peacefully) Sunday night-Monday morning
• and, a very early Monday morning report: the liver and abdomen drain produced more from midnight to 6:00 AM than it did the previous 24--this is good
• Mette has lost ground in the last few days, your continued support is appreciated
• Mette reads every word of every piece of mail she gets, if you are looking for something YOU can do? WRITE HER an encouraging note..help keep her mind pointed toward the future we hope she has, healthy again--the hospital address is on the contact page

Monday, 22 January 2001 (Posted 1900)

Considering a visit or phone call to Mette? See the information about that on the Contact Info page.

I'm staying in the room with Mette..Molly is happy, with Inger

• she is weaker today than yesterday..sleeping almost all day
• no nausea though..and, she did sip half a glass of protein drink
• today we went back to radiology to look at the position of the liver drain..it was ok
• it is producing fluid..as is the abdomen drain
• remember the throw-up Sunday night with what was thought to be blood: tomorrow they do a "snake" down the throat to see if they can find something bleeding a little
• and, while in there they will install a completely different kind of feeding tube--it has two tubes, one to suck unwanted stuff from the stomach and one to put food into the intestine--and, it will be poked through the stomach wall from the inside, via the "snake"
• her pain remains under control
• her temperature stayed normal all day
• I learned a couple of things today
  • there is a constriction in the digestive track just below the outlet of the stomach--which has, I'm told, contributed to the nausea in that food/whatever once in the stomach has a hard time getting out without coming up
  • just increasing the amount of nutrition/protein input won't automatically take care of the ongoing loss of muscle mass--because maybe the liver is already processing all the food input it can (this is a very scary thought, as she might have a full belly and be getting food intravenously and still waste away...which is my take on what I'm seeing)
• there is very little good news in the blood work also
• it is difficult to keep up the hope for better days, but we work on it
• Mette has lost ground in the last few days, your continued support is appreciated
• Mette reads every word of every piece of mail she gets, if you are looking for something YOU can do? WRITE HER an encouraging note..help keep her mind pointed toward the future we hope she has, healthy again--the hospital address is on the contact page

DO NOT plan a visit without talking with me first: 24 65 77 68, leave a message if I don't answer

I'm staying in Mette's hospital room

• the doctor left the room about 1230--he brought bad news
• they did a snake down the throat this morning looking for the source of the blood in her Sunday night throw up..
• they found a "large" hole in the intestine just below the stomach--the cause is unknown for certain but it is thought to be from poor blood flow in that area
• consequently they were unable to place the feeding tube as they had planned
• that is all bad news--she cannot live in this condition for long
• the alternative is to do surgery to bypass that hole--and, the doctor said at the same time he would remove the "bad" side of the liver and install the combination feeding/drain tube planned for insertion today
• the doctor was quite candid: she cannot live without the operation, but she may not be strong enough to recover from the operation (he thinks she is strong enought for the operation itself..but, the recovery is in question)--and there is also the question of if she survives the recovery phase will the liver ever begin to regenerate (he is mystified as to why there has been no regenration to date--he fully expected it, but none has come)
• he told her the decision to operate or not is up to her..he asked her to think about it and they will talk in the morning (he didn't want a snap decision)
• very soon after he left the room Mette said she wanted to do it
• hope, though faint, remains
• your continued support is very much appreciated--I own many many of you a phone call, a letter or I don't know what...

Wednesday, 24 January 2001 (Posted 1530)
Updated Thursday, 25 January 2001 (Posted 0900)

• at 8:00 AM this morning Mette said yes to the operation--it began a little after 10:00
• the doctor told Mette's mom and I at 1230 that there is cancer inside the abdomen
• he did not do the surgery he had planned--he only cleaned out some and closed up
• he said he expects she will live for only a few days--we intend for that to be as pain free and caring as possible
• she has not yet awaken and has not had the doctor's report yet, but I guess Mette will see only those visitors she asks for and won't be accepting phone calls
• I don't expect to make any more updates or answer any emails for a while
• I do plan to provide the funeral arrangements here, when they are known
• she and I both appreciate all you have done for us--thank you

Thursday 25 Jan UPDATE -- 0900

• Mette rests peacfully--pain free
• she is fading rapidly
• there has been almost no contact with her since the surgery yesterday morning
• there is no longer reason to turn away visitors (to try to preserve her strength to fight on)--friends may come at will
• if you come you should understand that the Mette you remember is no longer here--you can only expect to visit with a very sick and peacefully asleep Mette who probably will not know you came
• no one (family or friend) should feel obligated to visit--especially if you prefer to remember Mette as she was..we understand fully and respect your decision--I am SURE I am relaying how Mette feels also
• on the other hand, if YOU need to visit--you are welcome

Friday, 26 January 2001 (Posted 1100)

Some of you who read this deserved to have received a personal telephone call or, at least, an email from me instead. I regret that you read this in a so impersonal way:

• Thursday evening, 25 January 2001, at 7:42 PM Central European Time
• having done her best against insurmountable odds
• in a room with flickering candles and beautiful fresh flowers from dear friends
• surrounded by very close friends and family
• in complete peace
• with absolutely no pain
• and not a hint of fear
• Sweet Mette Tersløse Jensen freed herself from the body that let her down

Saturday, 27 Jan (1000):