February 9, 2001

Update from Sissy ~ Jeanne.

Well things went well, the surgery was about three hours, Peter says, "I feel like such a celebrity", gee, I wonder why.

The doctor did not use any netting, mesh or other items to close. These things could cause infection so below is a list of what he did.

1. Debride sides of the outer rim of hole. There was a lot of scar tissue there.

2. Made two long incisions along the obliques from the inside. Incision on one side is from the bottom of the facia, the other side is from the top of the facia. This allows the muscle to be pulled together in the center and then stitched closed.

3. Two small drains from the gridle line. These drain the blood from the incisions inside, kind of weird watching the bubbles on the ends of the drains fill with blood. Oh well what can you expect.

4. Put Peter's naval right back in the middle, "request of Gaia's"

When the doctor took the bandage off last night, seeing this very, very, long, clean incision down the center of Peter . . . was like, none of that other stuff ever happened. It was hard to imagine what it looked like before.

After the surgery they took Peter back to the 9th floor. That is were he had so much trouble during his first stay. After a little snooping around and talking with the doctor they transferred Peter to 7north.

I made a request that Quixia and Terri be his primary nurses. Everyone was so happy to see Peter. You should hear Quixia telling the story of receiving the morning report from nursing. Quixia said, "When I saw the name Marion, P. I thought, 'that's strange I used to have a great patient for a long time that had that same name'". Quixia said she was so surprised when she saw Peter, she started to yell. Peter said he feels so comfortable with all his old nurses and believe it or not, his old room.

I called Physical Therapy. Remember Tabitha and Lisa, they both used to work with him? Well, I guess I called before their department had received the orders. They both were at Peter's room within five minutes. Tabitha won the fight to reclaim Peter.

Well, that's enough for now - I'm sooo tired.

Wednesday, February 14, 2001

Update from Peter.

Monday night (February 12) I had somewhat of a serious set back with high temperature - 103.8.

I was feeling very scared - because this is what happened to me before, just before I went into septic shock.

Fortunately, my nurse on duty -Eloisa - whom I've had before, was very on top of it and spent the better part of the night trying to break my fever. Which she finally did at approximately 4:00 am. By 6:30 am my temp was down to normal.

Still having trouble with my bowels not "kicking in," so to speak and they've put me back on the catheter for now. I'll be going home Thursday.

I'll be seeing the doctor early next week to have the staples removed. On February 20th I'll be back to therapy again. There will be some restrictions. Don't want to spill my guts out!

February 4, 2001

Our first update of the year . . .

1. Surgery to reconstruct stomach and abdominal muscles is scheduled for Wednesday, 2/7/01. Anticipated hospital stay is one week or less. I have to see the anesthesia nurses on Monday afternoon to get instructions on pre-op preparations.

I will be spending the better part of Tuesday on a much anticipated "bowel cleansing program" that I'm sure will be an absolute joy! They also want me to check in at the hospital at 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning! Guess I won't be getting much sleep the night before.

I am very pleased that this surgery is about to be done and look forward to finally "giving birth to my baby" as those closest to me will recognize as what we call my giant hernia! On the other hand, I am very anxious and somewhat scared at the prospect of another hospital stay. Gee, wonder why?

I also do not look forward to being separated from Debbie and Gaia, even if it's only a week. We have all grown closer over these past few months, especially Deb and me. I have been blessed with a wonderful life partner in Debbie and can't imagine life without her.

2. Had a consultation with an orthopedic doctor regarding my still frozen elbow. Guess what? Only surgery will release that poor frozen puppy, so I have that to look forward to also. Will see this doctor again in early March for a full evaluation and plan of action to get my elbow working again. Just gotta have it working correctly if I am to resume being right handed. More to come once we get through current events.

3. Therapy update: My therapists have done a wonderful job in building up my strength and muscles. My arms and legs finally look like mine again! They are excited about taking me to the next level that will be possible after this surgery is complete.

Both OT and PT have submitted for and gotten approved another 8 week session of therapy. I am tentatively scheduled to start up again on February 19. There will be some restrictions early on due to the surgery, but once I have healed enough, we will begin an intense retraining process for all the muscles involved in walking.

I can't believe how long this process has taken. It is hard to see growth on a daily or even weekly basis, however the cumulative results are there and we celebrate each new milestone (such as being able to lift my entire body weight with my arms) as they occur.

4. Gaia just celebrated her 10th birthday! We had a "girls only" skating party at the local roller rink. They all had a great time and so did Dad.

They let me go out on the floor after the crowds died down and I had fun pulling the girls around the rink. A truly unique experience to be sure.

My baby girl is growing up fast! I will surprise her sometime after I have healed enough from surgery and take her fishing at Dixon Lake. Fishing is one of the things we used to do together that she misses most, and so do I.

Thank you all dear friends and family for your continued support and prayers, which is the bedrock of my continued recovery.

~ Peter

December 11, 2000

I hope you've had a chance to look at the pictures for our "Thanksgiving Luncheon" at Peter's work - ADVANTAGE Sales and Marketing.

While we were there that morning a young man - Chris - was making a video of the days events. I asked Chris if he could email me the footage. I had a mind to include it on this Website.

Late last week Chris emailed me the most touching footage of the day. I must warn you that it carries with it a "two-hankie" alert! The entire film is 6 mB and last about 2.5 minutes. Click on "The Holiday Advantage" button below. Depending on your modem and internet connection it might take a little bit of time to download, but trust me . . . it's well worth the wait.



Thank you Chris. You made me cry.


November 23, 2000 - Flash

"Peter stands to help with Thanksgiving dishes."



Not really . . . Standing at the kitchen sink has become part of Peter's daily therapy. The process is very methodical. He is pictured here with long-time friend, Javier, on the left and long-time brother, Al, on the right. Nephew's Matt and Drew look on.

We spent Thanksgiving with Peter, Debbie and Gaia. It was such a blessing to be with them. Unfortunately, Jeanne had to work, so she and Sissy 2 (aka Linda) couldn't join us.

We opted for a "stress free" Thanksgiving. The menu was Jav's famous ribs, Honey Baked Ham and Aunt Mary's Potatoe Casserole. Peter made his world famous cheese cake, and Albertson's supplied us with a marginal pumpkin pie.

Just a little more than one month has passed since Peter has come home. The family seems to be settling into a routine.

Plans are in high gear for the "Finally Home" party scheduled for next Saturday. We would love to see as many of you as can make it. Click on the link above for more information.

We hope to see you there.

Friday - October 20th Update

Dear Faithful Readers,

Today is the big day: Peter goes home! This transition, although a happy one will be a difficult one. Peter has become very attached to several of his care givers (as well you can imagine.) He came so close to death, their hands were there to help him back. He has forged special bonds that will always be carried deep in his heart. But, now the time of separation. Going home brings a bitter sweetness.

During the last week Peter has made several trips home. Transporting him is a real problem. As you have read the standard method of going from wheel chair to car causes Peter extreme pain. The only option has been to rent a van capable of transporting him in the wheel chair. The kind folks at the rental place have given us a good deal however, it still is very costly.

Many of you have asked how you can help. You have helped so much already. Your consistent prayers, kind words and encouraging e-mails have meant so much to us all. When we asked for help with the blood drive - you gave hundreds of units of blood for Peter. Your kindness and generosity have touched us all.

There are so many things that Peter still needs, things that won't be covered by insurance. Three major area are of greatest concern are:

1. In-Home Support Services (IHSS) won't kick in until Peter has been ill for one year. All expenses for help at home will come directly from their pocket. The average cost for this is $1,500 - $1,800 per month for 4-6 hours a day.

2. Medications that Peter needs to control his pain may or may not be covered. The insurance company cannot commit until a prescription is submitted. Earlier this week Debbie went to the pharmacy with several prescriptions in hand. They are still waiting to hear which ones will be covered and which ones they will need to pay for.

3. Retrofitting their home has been a major focus these last weeks. Thank God they live in a single story home with double entry doors. The door to the bedroom has needed modifications and the master bathroom is in some state of becoming wheelchair accessible.

There are a lot of little things that would make life easier for Peter, but for now they will have to wait.

I could not have come this far without the power of your combined love and support. For this, I am eternally grateful. I ask now that you focus that energy on my loved ones, for they all are bearing a tremendous emotional and physical load. Thank you.

Wednesday - October 4th Update

Ordered all of my equipment that I need for home today. Took an hour just to put together my order for a wheelchair. Lots of details still to work out regarding home care, out patient therapy, etc.

I am so proud of Debbie for all she has done and handled. She is stronger than any of us could have imagined. Jeanne has done such a great job coordinating all of the home remodeling that I just don't know how to thank her.

Sunday - October 1st Update

Update from Mission Control:

“Finally, plans for the re-entry into the home module are feverously under way.

All significant personnel at Mission Control have been given their orders for a safe and smooth landing.

Plans for a brief touchdown and trial landing are underway for next weekend. (Oct. 8th)

After that, telemetry is examined—plans for final home landing on Oct. 13th will proceed. There will be a consultation next Wednesday with family and staff to determine whether the pilot of this mission is fit for home re-entry program.

More news to come after that meeting.”
                                    ~ Peter

What a fun update from Peter last night. He is in good spirits and really focused in on going home. Please pray that physically he will be able to go home. There are still some doubts. They won't let him go home until he's ready, but it's been so long (four months, 6 days to be exact) and he'd really like to go home. I think yellow ribbons are in order.

Jeanne has been hard at work making some of the modifications to Peter and Debbie's home. Primary concerns right now are the bathroom and ramps into their house. Thank God that they already live in a single story home with double wide doors at the entry.

Debbie has been interviewing “in—home aides.” They all seem to be about the same and charge the same amount. $13 - $15 per hour. Yipes. It seems the state “In-Home Support Services” don't kick in until after 1 year.

With only 2 week left before the final "home re-entry" there is a lot to do.

Please pray that everything will go as planned and all the little issues will be worked out smoothly. I have a very wise friend who always says "God is in the details." I think she is right. Please pray for His grace. Stay tuned!

   ~  Lisa.

We started out arranging and rearranging all the lawn furniture on the patio. That was fun. We all had different ideas of where things should go. Once we finally settled in, the BBQ got fired up and Linda went to work. Teriyaki burgers and hot dogs. Accompanied by an assortment of chips and “Elsie's Famous Potato Salad,” expertly prepared by Jeanne.

Gaia had fun showing the cousins around the grounds. She's quite the helper-knowing where things are and escorting the younger kids to the restroom.

After everyone was full we opened birthday gifts and took some pictures. Click on the “Photos” link on the left to enjoy.

At about 4:00 Peter took off. We all looked up to catch the red blaze of a speeding wheel chair. He was gone for about 5 minutes.

“Just wanted to see how fast this thing would go!” Peter said on his return.

Thursday - September 14th

~ Note from the editor; I made an error and forgot to update Peter's room number and telephone number . . . sorry. The current room number is 140 bed 1. The official number to the Peter phone is: (858) 541-4714. I understand a lot of you have been calling the old number wondering why you couldn't get through, my apologies. ~ lisa

From an update received from Peter.

1. Home evaluation: One of my therapists went out to the house today to assess any physical changes that need to be made. (door ways, shower, etc.) We're anticipating minimal changes. Any changes that need to be made will be done before I get home. The work is being donated by one of the San Diego Sheriffs thanks to my sister Jeanne. Once again I don't know what I'd do without her.

2. We're having a family get together this Sunday to celebrate Lisa's Debbie's and Sarah's birthday. I'm really looking forward to seeing all my nieces and nephews. I really miss these family outings.

3. General update: Physical therapy continues and I'm on track to reach my goals before I leave. Have been standing in a standing frame to get my legs used to bearing the weight of my body. It's hard to believe how difficult this is but believe me, after all this time in a bed - standing up at all is a miracle.

Pain management is an ongoing process and we're starting a new program tonight that will be closer to a program I can use at home. I've been pretty insistent on having a good pain program with the medication I need once I go home.

Still looking at October 13th as a release date and we are preparing for that day. Debbie and I are really looking forward to sleeping in the same room again!

Thanks for everyone's continued thoughts and prayers. Debbie, Gaia, and I really appreciate it.

Tuesday - September 12th

Hard to believe that it's been such a long time since an update.
I just received an e-mail from Peter stating that there wasn't much new.

He continues with the physical therapy and pain management is still an issue.

Release date is scheduled for October 13th. Yahoo!

I hope to have a picture of Peter standing posted on the Website early next week. Wow, what a miracle.

And . . . I hear a new beard is in the making ;-)

God bless you Peter.

~ Lisa



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