Contary to popular belief, cell phones do not interfere with ICU monitoring equipment.
Gerry discovered this Saturday, after Debbie conducted her own subversive form of interrogation on the ICU nurses. By the time she was through, the nurses softened just enough so that Gerry could pull a curtain around his bed and make contact with the outside world.
He wished his daughter in Washington a happy birthday, and spoke to his son and daughter (who were visiting in Washington), as well. That was late Saturday morning. By about 9 p.m., he was bored enough to make another illicit phone call.
It brought some much-needed encouragement.
He's more alert than some other ICU patients, and knows he's in recovery. That makes the ICU walls - enclosing what has been his residence for the past five days - all the more suffocating.
Doctors have clamped the temporary shunt that has drained fluid from his brain, and they're waiting to see whether he'll need a permanent shunt.
More ICU secrets coming tomorrow. Stay tuned.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
Casting Crowns and Mark Driscoll
The band Casting Crowns and a CD-stack of sermons on Genesis by Mars Hill Church pastor Mark Driscoll have been two of Gerry's more constant companions in recent days as he continues to rest in ICU.
But it's questionable just how restful the unit really is.
Sources close to ICU staff at Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center say the 24-hour use of fluorescent lights and constant beeping of medical equipment, coupled with the severity of the situations of other patients in the unit, can drive some ICU patients to distraction.
Fortunately for Gerry, he's been upgraded from what can, in polite conversation, only be called a delicate blend of your favorite fruits and vegetables (one can never tell WHICH fruits and vegetables, but that's beside the point, well-intentioned hospital cooks say) to real food -- food almost fit for a man who treasures his rib-eye steaks and, well, his rib-eye steaks. Almost.
So he's biding his time in his small, curtained-off area, accepting frequent visits from Bernie and the other nurses as they check a temporary brain shunt and offer pain medication.
Still, the medication that works best for him is to have his wife, Debbie, nearby. She drives to the hospital each day, needlework in tow, to sit in Gerry's corner of the ICU. She reminds him that he's recovering, even when it doesn't feel like he is. He takes comfort in hearing that from someone he knows and trusts.
We're not sure how long Gerry will remain in the ICU, or at the hospital.
But it's questionable just how restful the unit really is.
Sources close to ICU staff at Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center say the 24-hour use of fluorescent lights and constant beeping of medical equipment, coupled with the severity of the situations of other patients in the unit, can drive some ICU patients to distraction.
Fortunately for Gerry, he's been upgraded from what can, in polite conversation, only be called a delicate blend of your favorite fruits and vegetables (one can never tell WHICH fruits and vegetables, but that's beside the point, well-intentioned hospital cooks say) to real food -- food almost fit for a man who treasures his rib-eye steaks and, well, his rib-eye steaks. Almost.
So he's biding his time in his small, curtained-off area, accepting frequent visits from Bernie and the other nurses as they check a temporary brain shunt and offer pain medication.
Still, the medication that works best for him is to have his wife, Debbie, nearby. She drives to the hospital each day, needlework in tow, to sit in Gerry's corner of the ICU. She reminds him that he's recovering, even when it doesn't feel like he is. He takes comfort in hearing that from someone he knows and trusts.
We're not sure how long Gerry will remain in the ICU, or at the hospital.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
More Tests
Doctors say they'll clamp off the tube that's draining fluids from Gerry's brain today. If it doesn't cause swelling in his brain, Gerry will be one step closer to recovery. If swelling does occur, doctors say they'll consider implanting a permanent shunt.
Debbie has been visiting Gerry for many hours each day at the hospital. Paul and Sara, Gerry and Debbie's two children who still live at home, are benefitting from the generosity of many people who have volunteered to deliver meals to the Schaffner home during this time.
It's Gerry's second stay in ICU - an area of the hospital that isn't always pleasant. Though his doctors and nurses have been friendly and encouraging, Gerry is surrounded 24 hours a day with people who are in the unit for various reasons. The atmosphere is intense and often discouraging.
If you'd like to encourage Gerry by sending him a card or in any other way, please email gerryschaffner@hotmail.com.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
Debbie has been visiting Gerry for many hours each day at the hospital. Paul and Sara, Gerry and Debbie's two children who still live at home, are benefitting from the generosity of many people who have volunteered to deliver meals to the Schaffner home during this time.
It's Gerry's second stay in ICU - an area of the hospital that isn't always pleasant. Though his doctors and nurses have been friendly and encouraging, Gerry is surrounded 24 hours a day with people who are in the unit for various reasons. The atmosphere is intense and often discouraging.
If you'd like to encourage Gerry by sending him a card or in any other way, please email gerryschaffner@hotmail.com.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Slow but Steady
Gerry's still in ICU at Kaiser Permanente's Clackamas hospital, but he's recovering. Doctors say he may need a permanent shunt - or drain - implanted in his skull that will direct fluids elsewhere in his body to avoid what's known colloquially as "water on the brain."
Despite his return to the hospital, Gerry continues to recover at a rate expected by his doctors.
A big thanks to everyone who has supported the Schaffner family through this time. We'll continue to update this blog with new information as it is made available.
Despite his return to the hospital, Gerry continues to recover at a rate expected by his doctors.
A big thanks to everyone who has supported the Schaffner family through this time. We'll continue to update this blog with new information as it is made available.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Back in ICU
Throughout Monday Debbie noticed that along with increasing disorientation, swelling had begun where the tube which had been installed in Gerry's ventricule. She called the hospital and they recommended that she bring Gerry in... this was around midnight Monday night.
Gerry's surgeon, who happened to be on call, immediately called in his entire team who ran a CAT scan among other tests. Their fear was that infection had begun to set in.
Gerry will be in ICU for at least a couple of days as they continue running tests to make sure that everything will be okay. Gerry may need to have a permanent drainage tube implanted in his brain.
Thank you for praying.
Gerry's surgeon, who happened to be on call, immediately called in his entire team who ran a CAT scan among other tests. Their fear was that infection had begun to set in.
Gerry will be in ICU for at least a couple of days as they continue running tests to make sure that everything will be okay. Gerry may need to have a permanent drainage tube implanted in his brain.
Thank you for praying.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Home (and a major miracle)
Doctors hinted Friday that Gerry might be ready to go home today, and Debbie panicked.
It was up to three days early, based on the doctor's initial estimate, and four days after brain just seemed too soon.
Yet a neurosurgeon cleared him to leave, and a speech pathologist said that although he's still having difficulty moving the right side of his face, he's on track to fully recover.
So at about 3 p.m., a "transport team" wheeled Gerry out to the family minivan, and Debbie and Gerry drove home.
On the way out, Debbie stopped by the cashier's desk to settle the bill. She expected a 20 percent copay to add up to many thousands of dollars -- and a payment plan that could last years.
Instead, the cashier informed her that at some unknown point in the past, the family's insurance plan had been changed. There was no copay. The entire hospital stay was covered.
Praise God!
Gerry is settled in a bed set up on the main floor of the house. He's able to walk with the aid of a walker, and can make it up and down stairs. He said that he's happy (but only on one side of his face, he joked). He's able to carry on normal conversation and seems to be fully awake, after days of being affected by anesthesia.
Visitors are welcome to stop by. Gerry would love to see you!
It was up to three days early, based on the doctor's initial estimate, and four days after brain just seemed too soon.
Yet a neurosurgeon cleared him to leave, and a speech pathologist said that although he's still having difficulty moving the right side of his face, he's on track to fully recover.
So at about 3 p.m., a "transport team" wheeled Gerry out to the family minivan, and Debbie and Gerry drove home.
On the way out, Debbie stopped by the cashier's desk to settle the bill. She expected a 20 percent copay to add up to many thousands of dollars -- and a payment plan that could last years.
Instead, the cashier informed her that at some unknown point in the past, the family's insurance plan had been changed. There was no copay. The entire hospital stay was covered.
Praise God!
Gerry is settled in a bed set up on the main floor of the house. He's able to walk with the aid of a walker, and can make it up and down stairs. He said that he's happy (but only on one side of his face, he joked). He's able to carry on normal conversation and seems to be fully awake, after days of being affected by anesthesia.
Visitors are welcome to stop by. Gerry would love to see you!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
A Change of Scenery
After more than a day in the Intensive Care Unit, Gerry's nurses moved him to a regular hospital room on Thursday afternoon. Instead of a 24-hour view of the nurse's station and a battery of monitors, Gerry can now see outside. Instead of a curtain separating him from other patients, there is an actual wall. Most importantly, he's now in a more relaxing environment, and is no longer surrounded by other patients in various stages of intensive care. It's a refreshing change of scenery, and a good sign of recovery.
Gerry stood for the first time since walking into the hospital early Tuesday morning. He's shaky and has unsteady balance, so doctors say he'll begin physical therapy soon - that's a normal practice after such an intensive surgery.
A speech therapist stopped by to check on Gerry's facial mobility. Though he is still suffering from partial paralysis on the right side of his face, the therapist said he's on track to recovery.
One family member overheard nurses commenting that Gerry is much more relaxed and appears to progress more rapidly when his wife Debbie is at his bedside. She has spent many hours at the hospital since the surgery began.
Today, she brought with her a discman and a collection of cd's, including Gerry's recent favorites Casting Crowns and Jeremy Camp. The music provided some relaxation for him.
We'll let everyone know as soon as Gerry is able to receive visitors. At this point, it's important that he remains calm and gets as much sleep as possible.
Thanks for your continued prayers!
Gerry stood for the first time since walking into the hospital early Tuesday morning. He's shaky and has unsteady balance, so doctors say he'll begin physical therapy soon - that's a normal practice after such an intensive surgery.
A speech therapist stopped by to check on Gerry's facial mobility. Though he is still suffering from partial paralysis on the right side of his face, the therapist said he's on track to recovery.
One family member overheard nurses commenting that Gerry is much more relaxed and appears to progress more rapidly when his wife Debbie is at his bedside. She has spent many hours at the hospital since the surgery began.
Today, she brought with her a discman and a collection of cd's, including Gerry's recent favorites Casting Crowns and Jeremy Camp. The music provided some relaxation for him.
We'll let everyone know as soon as Gerry is able to receive visitors. At this point, it's important that he remains calm and gets as much sleep as possible.
Thanks for your continued prayers!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Into Recovery - A Long Road Ahead
Day 2 brought soft sliced peaches and custard to Gerry's bedside. He was able to hold the bowls in his hands and sip water, and joke with nurses as they checked what must have felt like hundreds of monitors attached to his body.
He's still in the Intensive Care Unit, but he's recovering at a rate expected by his doctors. Though there were phases of elevated blood pressure due to pain, his facial nerves are already beginning to strengthen. The weak right side of his face began to move during the day Wednesday, and by 9 p.m. he was able to move his eyelid.
Gerry recognizes that he is confused at times because of his medication (this is a common side effect), but he's able to carry on normal conversation. At one point, he began humming a familiar worship song.
"His body is slowly waking up," Bernie, Gerry's nurse, said.
After a full eight hours or more under deep anesthesia, "waking up" can take several days, Bernie said. In many ways, Gerry remains partially asleep.
Before family members left the hospital for the night, Gerry asked if they could all pray together, behind his curtained area in the ICU.
We expect Gerry will be able to receive visitors in a few days, when he's in a regular hospital room.
Thank you so much for your continued prayer and support. The hurdles and pits on this road we're traveling are smoother because of the many friends who stand beside us now.
He's still in the Intensive Care Unit, but he's recovering at a rate expected by his doctors. Though there were phases of elevated blood pressure due to pain, his facial nerves are already beginning to strengthen. The weak right side of his face began to move during the day Wednesday, and by 9 p.m. he was able to move his eyelid.
Gerry recognizes that he is confused at times because of his medication (this is a common side effect), but he's able to carry on normal conversation. At one point, he began humming a familiar worship song.
"His body is slowly waking up," Bernie, Gerry's nurse, said.
After a full eight hours or more under deep anesthesia, "waking up" can take several days, Bernie said. In many ways, Gerry remains partially asleep.
Before family members left the hospital for the night, Gerry asked if they could all pray together, behind his curtained area in the ICU.
We expect Gerry will be able to receive visitors in a few days, when he's in a regular hospital room.
Thank you so much for your continued prayer and support. The hurdles and pits on this road we're traveling are smoother because of the many friends who stand beside us now.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Success!
Dear Friends:
We're praising God tonight for gifting the surgeons with great skill. Everything they hoped for - and more - was accomplished today in surgery.
Gerry arrived at the hospital at 5:30 a.m. and went into surgery promptly at 8 a.m. By 5:30 p.m, two neurosurgeons, assisted by a nerve monitoring team from Oregon Health Sciences University, had removed an estimated 98 percent of a golf ball-sized brain tumor that has been impacting Gerry's daily life for more than a decade.
The pieces of tumor that remain are located along the facial nerve and in the canal. Once Gerry has recovered from surgery, the doctors intend to treat those pieces with radiation.
We prayed that God would protect Gerry from facial paralysis - one of the risks of the surgery. Today, at the end of the procedure, surgeons stimulated Gerry's facial nerves and found that they responded. The nerves were weakened during the surgery, but doctors expect that they'll return to full strength as he recovers.
We were able to see Gerry at around 8 p.m. this evening. The long procedure left him disoriented, but even with slurred speech, he exhibited his trademark wit.
He also spoke of the things that weighed on his heart in the days leading up to the surgery. Even through a cloud of anesthesia, it was clear that it is not the things of this world that he values most.
"I just want to be a hero for God," he said.
Gerry was taken to the Intensive Care Unit after the surgery (a standard practice), and doctors say he'll remain there for the next three days.
After that, he'll be transferred to another floor, where he'll continue to recovery for several more days.
Gerry is heavily medicated right now, and is being monitored closely by hospital staff.
We're not sure when he'll be ready to receive visitors, but we know he'll be thrilled to see the friends and family members who have supported him during this time.
In the meantime, please pray that Gerry's facial nerves will recover as the doctors expect they will, and that Gerry will experience minimal pain.
Thank you for your prayers and support. We will continue to update you as Gerry continues his recovery.
- The Schaffner Family
We're praising God tonight for gifting the surgeons with great skill. Everything they hoped for - and more - was accomplished today in surgery.
Gerry arrived at the hospital at 5:30 a.m. and went into surgery promptly at 8 a.m. By 5:30 p.m, two neurosurgeons, assisted by a nerve monitoring team from Oregon Health Sciences University, had removed an estimated 98 percent of a golf ball-sized brain tumor that has been impacting Gerry's daily life for more than a decade.
The pieces of tumor that remain are located along the facial nerve and in the canal. Once Gerry has recovered from surgery, the doctors intend to treat those pieces with radiation.
We prayed that God would protect Gerry from facial paralysis - one of the risks of the surgery. Today, at the end of the procedure, surgeons stimulated Gerry's facial nerves and found that they responded. The nerves were weakened during the surgery, but doctors expect that they'll return to full strength as he recovers.
We were able to see Gerry at around 8 p.m. this evening. The long procedure left him disoriented, but even with slurred speech, he exhibited his trademark wit.
He also spoke of the things that weighed on his heart in the days leading up to the surgery. Even through a cloud of anesthesia, it was clear that it is not the things of this world that he values most.
"I just want to be a hero for God," he said.
Gerry was taken to the Intensive Care Unit after the surgery (a standard practice), and doctors say he'll remain there for the next three days.
After that, he'll be transferred to another floor, where he'll continue to recovery for several more days.
Gerry is heavily medicated right now, and is being monitored closely by hospital staff.
We're not sure when he'll be ready to receive visitors, but we know he'll be thrilled to see the friends and family members who have supported him during this time.
In the meantime, please pray that Gerry's facial nerves will recover as the doctors expect they will, and that Gerry will experience minimal pain.
Thank you for your prayers and support. We will continue to update you as Gerry continues his recovery.
- The Schaffner Family
Monday, March 19, 2007
Monday Night - 10 1/2 hours until surgery
Gerry was told by his doctors that he shouldn't eat anything after midnight, so he ate two dinners Monday night: the first with his family, and the second when friends from church stopped by, bearing lasagna. He blamed his usually goofy nature on his medication. It was a busy day taking phone calls from friends and family, who wished him well and prayed with him.
He will arrive at the hospital at 6 a.m., and go into surgery at 8 a.m. on Tuesday.
Gerry is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and prayer from so many friends, both for himself and for his family. Friends from church stopped by and spent time praying for the surgery, a healthy recovery, and most of all, that it would manifest God's glory, and His compassionate love for His people.
He will arrive at the hospital at 6 a.m., and go into surgery at 8 a.m. on Tuesday.
Gerry is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and prayer from so many friends, both for himself and for his family. Friends from church stopped by and spent time praying for the surgery, a healthy recovery, and most of all, that it would manifest God's glory, and His compassionate love for His people.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
How can I financially help the Schaffners?
Gerry will be out of work for an extended period of time and extensive medical expenses will be accrued (a portion will be covered by insurances, but not sure of exact amounts as of yet).
So First Baptist Church of Forest Grove (Gerry and Debbie's home church) has set up a special fund for Gerry and Debbie through the church. If someone would like to donate to this they can send a check, but they must do the following:
- Make the check out to First Baptist Church Forest Grove, but do not designate on the check who or what it is for. Instead...
- Send a note with the check that it is for the special fund for Gerry and Debbie. (Apparently, money sent to the church on behalf of someone cannot be designated as such on the check itself. Apparently this is some IRS tax code/law for churches. The individual needs to include a seperate note for its intended purpose.)
Church Address:
First Baptist Church Forest Grove
2224 15th Avenue
Forest Grove, OR 97116
The check can be sent to the attention of Gretchen Brown, their bookkeeper.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Tuesday (03-13) Update
Dear Family and Friends,
Today, Gerry's appointment was full of details - here are a few:
Today, Gerry's appointment was full of details - here are a few:
- The name of the tumor is acoustic neuroma (schwannoma)
- Possible surgery date is Tues, March 20. We will have this confirmed Tues. or Wed.
- Surgery will be at Kaiser Sunnyside Hospital
- Dr. Polin, chief of neurosurgery at Kaiser, and Dr Ono, the most experienced neurosurgeon in this sort of tumor in the Portland area, will be the team for this surgery.
- There will be a nerve monitoring team from OHSU for the surgery.
- Some radiation after surgery to remove any remaining tumor.
3 major concerns (prayer requests) about surgery:
- Damage to the facial nerve causing paralysis. 25% - 33%
- Damage to the swallowing nerve
- Damage to a major artery causing a massive stroke - slight
Thank you for praying with us. Gerry and I treasure the love and support you are showering upon us. We praise God for His comfort.
Debbie and Gerry
Monday, March 12, 2007
Dear Friends
Dear Friends,
We come to you asking for prayer as our lives take an unexpected turn.
Many years ago Gerry ws diagnosed with Meniere disease, characterized by vertigo, hearing loss, abnormal eye movement, etc. There is not a cure for Meniere, so Gerry has been living with this and managing symptoms.
Lately symptoms have escalated. Gerry went back to the doctor looking for a way to manage, as symptoms were interfering in basic living. After seeing a neurologist Tuesday and having a MRI Wednesday, Gerry ws informed that he does not have Meniere disease, but a brain tumor. Most likely, it is not cancerous, yet it is large- 39mm, and pressing on several nerves affecting hearing, speech, swallowing, and respiratory. It is too large for radiation, so Gerry is on the fast track for surgery.
We ask prayer for several things:
We come to you asking for prayer as our lives take an unexpected turn.
Many years ago Gerry ws diagnosed with Meniere disease, characterized by vertigo, hearing loss, abnormal eye movement, etc. There is not a cure for Meniere, so Gerry has been living with this and managing symptoms.
Lately symptoms have escalated. Gerry went back to the doctor looking for a way to manage, as symptoms were interfering in basic living. After seeing a neurologist Tuesday and having a MRI Wednesday, Gerry ws informed that he does not have Meniere disease, but a brain tumor. Most likely, it is not cancerous, yet it is large- 39mm, and pressing on several nerves affecting hearing, speech, swallowing, and respiratory. It is too large for radiation, so Gerry is on the fast track for surgery.
We ask prayer for several things:
- Gerry's health
- Doctor's wisdom in treatment decisions
- Doctor's skill in surgery
- Family's spiritual and emotional health
- Loss of income for close to 3 months with small disability insurance
- Making good decisions
God is faithful! We rejoice in knowing He will work ALL of this out.
Please pray with us as God carries us through this time.
Praising Our God,
Debbie and Gerry
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