LORD, NURSE, AND BUTLER

Wednesday, December 28

The trio left St. Simons Island on around 1:00 pm and made it to Atlanta around 6:30 pm safe and sound.  Everyone was tired and crashed for the night.  All were glad to be home.   Some chicken soup, a sandwich, and salad hit the spot.  All went to bed early.  FOG (father of the groom) was given a very comfortable room, with a most excellent mattress.  The bed is better than his back home, and FOG may not want to leave unless he can take the mattress with him. 

Thursday, December 29

Early in the morning FOG left to get Starbucks coffee and allow Sherry and Mario some alone time.  He returned later and found that the newlyweds were getting into their semi-normal routine.  Both were working at their computers getting caught up with emails and work backlogs.  It was nice to see them semi-normal again.  FOG was planning to return to Asheville, to give Mario and Sherry their space and get a break for himself, but was asked to stay another day to be around if he pathology results came in and he thought it was a good idea. 

Nurse Sherry changed Mario’s bandage and asked FOG to look at Mario’s wound.  FOG declined this request.  FOG does not like to see wounds unless absolutely necessary.  In any event he prefers to remember Mario’s butt as it was during Mario’s diaper changing years.  Sometimes it is better to keep the memory of what something looked like, rather than seeing it again 30 or more years later.  Derrieres, unlike wine, don’t usually get better with age.  At least FOG thinks this is true of his own and of most others.  Perhaps Mario’s is different. 

In the afternoon, Sherry drove Mario to visit his mother and had a nice visit.    As soon as Sherry and Mario left for Jane’s place, FOG took a much-needed nap.  However, he was awakened by the phone about an hour later.  It was his Lordship Mario needing something from the computer.  It seems that the servants in this castle do not get any time off even when the master and lady of the house are away.  They probably check to see if he has been taking a nip from the cooking sherry.

That evening FOG made a healthy meal of roasted chicken and vegetables for Sherry, Mario and Anna.  Support from friends and family are a big help and Anna and Charlie’s visit certainly fell in this category.  Anna’s visit made for a great evening.  There was almost no cancer talk, just mostly wedding plans for Anna and Dan’s and fun things.  It was good to see and hear things getting back to normal for Mario and Sherry.    Friends’ visits seem to be real good for them.  FOG noted that Mario was laughing again and Sherry was having a fun evening.  He had not heard that for many days.

Friday, Wednesday 30

FOG drove Mario to the office to get his computer running again.  After the diagnostics were run, it seems that the hard drive will have to be replaced.  Mario’s boss, Jaime was there working, but there was no one else at AT&T.  FOG wondered how we still had cell phone service when everyone at AT&T was celebrating the holiday.  It must be automation, he guessed.

On the medical side, there is little new to report.  The long awaited pathology report is perhaps stuck in Mario’s sick computer but inaccessible until AT&T tech staff return to work on Tuesday.  Alternatively it may still not be available to us since it is still reviewed by the doctors.  In any event, we don’t know yet what it says.  Just as well.  A break in the cancer talk and New Years with friends is better for Mario and Sherry and probably for the rest of us also.

Mario and Sherry will enjoy New Year’s weekend with friends visiting them, watching football, and celebrating a little of New Year’s eve at a friend’s house.  FOG is left his Honda Element now turned into an ambulance with Sherry and Mario, since it is already set up for transport.  Taking Mario’s Tacoma, FOG has his own New Years party in Asheville and expects to be back in Atlanta on Monday evening to chauffer Mario to work, doctor’s appointments, etc…

The doctors will tele conference at 7:00 am on Tuesday (January 3) and our Miami doctor will call Mario afterwards.  Also on Tuesday Mario will be heading to Piedmont Hospital for a couple more tests requested by the Atlanta neurosurgeon.  On Wednesday Mario will see him, the Atlanta neurologist who studied under the Miami surgeon, who will examine the wound and probably discuss treatment options.

FOG had an OK drive to Asheville.  Gas in upstate South Carolina was at $2.91 at a Wal-Mart.  Mario’s truck got a tank full.  FOG’s cat is angry with him that he went away for so long, but she will get over it and be affectionate again.  All is well in Asheville.

See below for the Theatre and Arts section of the EMAIL EXPRESS GAZETTE

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EMAIL EXPRESS GAZETTE

THEATRE AND ARTS SECTION

Lord, Nurse and Butler is a new pilot sitcom about a father who moves in with his newlywed son and daughter-in-law to offer help during a family emergency.  It is similar to set up in King of Queens, but has the husband’s father versus the wife’s moving in.  Hopefully FOG will not be as goofy as Arthur, the husband’s father, but perhaps it is too late and he probably already is.  Similar to Seinfeld it is a show about nothing, just the day to day challenges the trio faces and life in general.  The first episode of Lord, Nurse and Butler sets up the characters as the trio is settling into the roles they will play in the coming weeks.

THE LORD

Mario for sure is the Lord of the house.  He is the center of attention and activities are centered on his needs and well-being.  The show, much as Seinfeld, is about him.  However with a lordship comes responsibility--heavy is the brow that wears the crown-- and he will have a lot of challenges facing him in the weeks to come. 

The Lord, who is stricken with gout, still has to run his Carrier Pigeon and Communications (CP&C) empire, and keep peace in the castle.  Although Mario is the Lord, he is mostly responding to petitions and repeated entreaties from the Butler and Nurse.  He actually gives no orders to Butler and Nurse, or at least very few that will be obeyed.  He can however say “no” to their entreaties.  His favorite tactic is to use delaying techniques when he does not want to do something.  He also sometimes uses endless questioning of the logic of doing something he does not want to do, but knows should be done.  

Perhaps not surprisingly, Butler and Nurse are allies and agree on most things, especially those affecting the Lord’s health.  So the Lord is often dealing with two close advisers whom he knows love him, making it very hard for him to refuse their counsel, especially if both agree.

In years gone by Lord Mario might have looked like one of these images.

However he might have looked, our Lord is benevolent and very good-natured.  He is in pain, and has a lot of battles to face, but is polite and a civil to others.  Most other Lords would be complaining, cursing, threatening to throw servants in the dungeon, wallowing in self-pity, or taken to drink.  We are lucky to have a good Lord.

THE NURSE

Sherry has settled in to a caregiver role and quickly proved she is not just another pretty nurse.  She changes Mario’s bandage daily, makes sure he has his medicines, reminds him to call his doctors, and asks key questions that lead to other questions often of increasing complexity.  She also is attentive to detail.  As an example on the drive back from St Simons Island, FOG had given Mario Pepto Bismol to help settle his stomach from the pain medications.  It was a medicine he totes along when he travels.  The Pepto Bismol did not work for Lord Mario.  Eagle eyed Nurse Sherry noted that the Pepto Bismol bottle had an old label and design.  Her further inspection by showed an expiration date in 2007. FOG   recalled that after the Mario and Sherry’s wedding he too had used the same Pepto Bismol with no results.  FOG is into natural remedies so he started with his probiotic cultures and these did the trick and thought no more about the Pepto Bismol.   While both Mario and FOG opined that medicines often are good well beyond their expiration dates, it seems clear that Pepto Bismol is not one of these.  Thank you Nurse Sherry.  FOG will look at and discard many of his old outdated medicines.

Although given the Pepto Bismol story, Sherry may not need a nursing role model, the following nursing notables may still be helpful.

Of course the legendary Florence Nightingale, who selfishly tended to the wounded during the Crimean War, may represent the highest standard of nursing, excepting perhaps for one’s own mother.

Another role model is Nurse Betty, both in film and fictional character reference.   The tight dresses and the cotemporary fashion sense of Nurse Betty is more line with Sherry’s tastes than the austere Victorian garb of Florence Nightingale.  Probably Lord Mario would agree.

Lastly and the one that may stick, is Hot Lips Houlihan from MASH fame.    Hot Lips is a strong, intelligent woman and a very skilled nurse.  Unfortunately she is often dressed in an olive drab military uniform, which probably Sherry will not like.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=8V2gBzV7R-E&NR=1

Likewise FOG does not like the traditional butler attire and there is no chance Mario will not dress as a Lord should.  So the trio will likely dress as they please for the show. 

THE BUTLER

FOG’s role is one of a butler helping Mario and Sherry type though a family emergency.  Successful butlers who were able help their employers though life’s challenges often use a combination of humor, tack, and wisdom.  Butlers however, need to be discrete and should not interfere with the life of employers.  This will be very hard for FOG.   Hopefully he can keep his job and get good references for his next job.  Butlers also usually learn valuable life lessons from their employers. However, FOG will not wear a uniform, but will dress neatly, unless it is his day off.  On these days he will dress as he pleases.

FOG will be studying TV sitcom role models he can use to pattern his acting for the show.  The top three butler role models are:

Mr. French from Family Affair   A pillar of decorum strength, Mr. French helped a bachelor with his nieces and nephew. And don’t forget the popular Mrs. Beasley.  

Alfred from Batman and Robin is a very good role model.  He is a father figure to the orphaned Bruce Wayne whose parents died at the hands of an arch-villain.  On occasion he saved Batman and kept the Bat Cave tidy, or at least as well one can keep a cave tidy

Geoffrey from Prince of Bel Air was perhaps the most normal person in the show.  His dry sense of humor may be his character’s best trait. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaKsC2AwFt0

The cast of Lord, Nurse and Butler welcome fan mail and will send autographed photos upon request.  

HOPE FOR THE NEW YEAR

 Email Express Gazette                                                  

St Simons Island, Georgia                                       

Christmas and the Day After

Around mid-afternoon on Christmas Day, Sherry, Mario, and FOG went to Aunt Julia’s to enjoy our Boston Market Feast and open a few presents.  It was a nice respite from the health worries, and a good time was had by all, but probably mostly by Aunt Julia.  She had not seen Mario since he arrived to Miami and the visit eased her worries and made for a nice Christmas.   Sherry and Mario gave FOG an album of the wedding pictures and FOG gave Aunt Julia a digital frame with pictures from Nicole and Chad’s wedding.  Given these photo gifts, much of our Christmas celebration was spent looking at pictures and remembering these very good times of beautiful brides and couples in love.  Seeing these wonderful images gave us a much-needed break.   Below is our Miami Christmas photo. 

The next day, was supposed to be the fun day, but started out early and rough.  Aunt Julia, who strayed away from her normal diet with the rich holiday foods, suffered the consequences.    Unable to sleep, Aunt Julia was up a 1:00 a.m. emptying the dishwasher and awakening FOG, with the slow torture sound as each piece of glass and silver ware was put away with a gentle but distinct clink.  FOG lost count, but surely it was over 100 clinks.  He was relieved when this kitchen task was over and it got quiet, but the peace did not last long.  A little later, she was up again needing help.  FOG tended to Aunt Julia with dry toast and chamomile tea which settled her stomach and she was able to get back to sleep, and thank fully FOG also.  By breakfast time she was on the mend and trying to find fault on what made her sick.  FOG reminded her that he had good reason to deny her a second helping of Boston Market corn bread. 

Monday was supposed to be Mario and Sherry’s fun Florida Day.  After much deliberation they settled on a restaurant stop and a little shopping.  Little did the trio realize, but soon discovered, that all of Miami would be at the malls, returning presents and searching for after Christmas bargains.  Aided by Mario’s I-Phone a place to eat was found.  The restaurant chain, although one of Mario’s favorites, was perhaps the “black sheep” of the family.  The food was not up to Ale House standards and Mario was not feeling well.  Perhaps it was a case of too much too soon.  Mario went back to the hotel for some alone/rest time and Sherry and FOG did the shopping at Wal-Mart and CVS for a few needed things.  FOG got a break, making it back to the hotel in time for a little afternoon sun by the pool and a glass of wine.  Sometimes life’s little simple pleasures of stolen moments are the best.

Doctors and Road Trip

Tuesday turned out to be somewhat differently than what had been planned, but this has been happening a little too often of late.  The day’s chores were to visit the doctor so that nursing staff could examine Mario’s wound, and if OK, hit the road and make it get back home While Sherry, Mario, and FOG understood Dr. Levi’s instruction, his staff apparently did not.  Nursing staff explained that a post-surgical visit is required, but this is normally done two weeks following the surgery, not a few days after.  Consequently, this visit will be done in Atlanta.  Nurse Sherry had been changing the dressing and all looked well and there had not been any fever.  After a little complaining about the mis-communication and “we could have left earlier”, the trio decided that this only deserved a few minutes of complaining and we moved on to bigger things.

The plan had been to drive directly to Atlanta and probably not stop at a hotel along way unless a rest was needed by Mario.  The events are a bit a fuzzy, and surprisingly FOG, and not Sherry, may have been the one to first mention St. Simons as an option.  In any event the trio was soon discussing where we should go.  After a short cordial discussion, the observations that:

·         a St. Simons stop would not add much more time or mileage and a break-up the long trip,

·         being with family and friends would probably be good for Mario (and Sherry) and those concerned about them, and

·         going to Mass, perhaps fishing at the pier, and being with loved ones were nice things about a St. Simons Island stopover.

 Surprisingly a decision was made fairly quickly, and St Simons replaced Atlanta as our destination. 

The road trip was relatively uneventful.  The Honda Element moved slower, but more efficiently when FOG drove and faster and less efficiently when Sherry drove.  A stop at a Shell station was a step back in time when Florida stops had oddities of live and stuffed animals to lure travelers to stop, look and spend a few dollars on souvenirs.

Hope

We reached St. Simons just as it got dark, checked into the hotel and drove to Jack and Jay’s place for a family gathering.  It seemed like the wedding again with lots of familiar faces.  Mario was surprised with a hope chest with good wishes.   Jay contributed the “hope chest”, which is a family heirloom, and Kristi artistically added a University of Florida gator and helmet.  Well-wishers added their signatures for Mario’s speedy recovery.   More signatures will be added when the chest makes to Atlanta.  Eventually it will be in Mario’s man cave.  In the interim, Sherry and Mario will find a nice man nook in their apartment for the chest.   A nice evening was had, watching football and being with family and friends.

The food was superb.  A beef tenderloin, stuffed mushrooms, cheese potatoes, and caramelized onions and mushrooms where featured.  However the most memorable food image was one eater’s delight with the key lime cake, a locally made specialty.   Jack brought in the beautiful cake and graciously offered servings to nearby guests, before taking his own.  Tom the Often Wise was lucky to be in the right place at the right time and was one of the first to get a piece.  BJ's whereabouts were not certain at this time.  According to eye witness accounts, Tom the Often Wise with deliberate and prudent haste finished his piece of cake.  He was apparently taught as child to clean his plate and this lesson was surely taken to heart.  Tom ate every, and I mean EVERY morsel of cake and EVERY trace of frosting.  The plate was so clean one could not tell what had been served and looked almost unused.  The plate appeared to be one offered to one of our canine friends with table scraps, who always lick their plates nearly dishwasher clean if they like what is given them.  I tried to clean my plate as well as Tom had, but could not.  To Tom’s credit he eyed the cake, as did I, which was next to him, but we both resisted having a second piece.  It was a very good cake.  Good choice, Jack.

I know that Sherry and Mario are appreciative of the support they have received from family and friends.  Our best wishes will be put in Jay’s Gator Hope Chest for the New Year as they deal with this bump in their lives.

News from Miami

EDITORIAL NOTE:  The Text Times and Tribune has sent its top reporter Sherry Lane to cover Mario’s recovery.  It is hard for the Email Express Gazette to keep up with the velocity that news can be shared via Twitter and Texting, but hopefully as newsprint has found a niche in an increasingly electronic world, the Email Express Gazette will provide the more in-depth reporting and the human interest perspective desired by our faithful readers.

HEADLINE:  MARIO GETS OUT BUT ON PROBATION

Our Miami doctor thought Mario was well enough to leave the hospital, but had to stick around Miami until Tuesday to make sure the wound is healing nicely.  Consequently he, Sherry, and FOG will have a low-key Christmas in South Florida with Aunt Julia, before the trio heads back to Atlanta.

The wound, photographed by our reporter, is healing nicely and extends from the right buttock down the thigh for about 18 inches.  Our high editorial standards preclude sharing this photo with our readers.  However, please do not be fooled by any “shark bite” stories that may be used to explain the wound.   One would wonder, given the wound’s location, how and when it would be seen and require any explanation whatsoever.  During his Presidential years Lyndon Baines Johnson proudly showed his abdominal surgical scar to reporters.  Perhaps too for Mario, the “shark bite” will be a badge of honor to be shown to friends, family and AT&T colleagues over coffee in the break room????

On Saturday, as many of you texters and twitterers already know, Mario was released from the hospital.   He left his room, sans the traditional wheel chair and walked to the exit.  The Honda Element was easily converted into ambulance of sorts by lowering the back of the front passenger seat and back of the corresponding back seat. This created a bed of sorts, creating a sleeping pallet about 2 feet wide and 6 feet in length from the dashboard to rear of vehicle.  The “bed” had sleeping bags and pillows to cushion Mario’s delicate leg and “shark bite” wound.   “Mariopatra”, much as Elizabeth Taylor as the legendary Cleopatra, was transported in not so regal splendor from the Jackson Memorial Hospital to Towne Place—not Palace—Suites in Doral as suburb of Miami. He did not eat grapes during the voyage but instead enjoyed a Gatoraide.  Sherry attended to Mario’s needs in the adjacent passenger seat and FOG settled into role of chauffer and jack of trades.  Mario expertly resolved a prescription issue on the way to the hotel that may have daunted the FOG.  The issue was resolved, perhaps not entirely to Mario’s satisfaction, but nonetheless resolved. 

Towne Place Suites is a new, basic extended stay type of place.  It is located in the golfing community of Doral.  While FOG had expected an upgrade to a larger more sumptuous suite as befits his Marriot platinum status, instead he got an extension of the lower holiday rate for an extra day, an early check in, and a location of the room to make it easier for Mario to get in and out.  The couple also received waters and a sugary treat.  It was an OK deal everything considered.

While Mario rested at the hotel, Sherry and FOG went to get the Christmas meal, since most everything would be closed on Christmas Day.  While there was talk of Sherry cooking a rib roast, when the tire hit the road, all decided they all were too tired to cook.  Aunt Julia did not want to cook either and refused to let FOG cook since he messes up her kitchen, or so she says.  FOG suggested a traditional American Sunday dinner, and the easy way out was A Boston Market Family Feast, which included a whole roasted chicken, large sides, corn bread, and apple pie.   To make their feast feel more ‘holiday’ special, Sherry and FOG added appetizers, salad and wines.  The Christmas Dinner will take place at Aunt Julia’s home, which is nicely decorated for the holidays. Thinking back, all were grateful and perhaps a bit more appreciative, for the nice Trout Cabin Thanksgiving and BJ’s cooking.  Perhaps BJ too will choose the Boston Market special one of these years—something to consider.

Sherry and Mario got into the holiday mood by decorating the Christmas evergreen they received from the Rheim family.  Under Mario’s careful, but mostly un-needed supervision, Sherry decorated the evergreen with the provided lights and snowmen.  A big thanks to the Rheim Family for a very good call on this get well gift.  FOG contributed a Christmas night light with glittering snowflakes and Mario’s AT&T family sent a lovely flower arrangement with Teddy Bear and chocolates.  The newlywed’s little Doral  “apartment” actually had a holiday feel.

FOG left the newlyweds to have a little alone time, before having to pick up Aunt Julia who was celebrating Noche Buena, Cuban style with a roast pork dinner with friends.

While this Christmas is very different from what Mario, Sherry, and FOG had planned, it is still Christmas.  A time to be with loved ones and grateful for the bounty, whether large or meager, and for the blessings we have in our lives.  All Christmases are special if you are with the ones you love and love you.

A Merry Miami Christmas

Sherry, Mario, and FOG

Breaking News

CT scan showed no sign of cancer in abdomen or chest. 

Pic of Mario trying out a cane.  Perhaps a golf cane is needed???

We leave the hospital tomorrow, just in time for Christmas

Ciao and Love, Mario

Mario's Progress

Yesterday (Thursday) afternoon, the Miami surgeon came by and the immediate goal is to get Mario cleared for travel back to Atlanta.  He thought it would little good to address the cancer related issues here in Miami, especially since not much could be done until the leg surgery has healed.  Also we do not even have the pathology report determining that the tumor is cancerous and the type it is.  He agreed that doing a CT scan while he was in hospital was a good idea to see if the cancer was localized.   Mario's attending Atlanta neurosurgeon will be making recommendations on which cancer specialist is best for his situation.  Likely it will be someone affiliated with Piedmont Hospital or Emory and include a multi disciplinary team of cancer and nerve specialists. 

Today, Mario had the CT Scan of the pelvis, abdomen and chest to see if there is any cancer in these areas.  We should have the results soon.  Physical therapy got Mario up and about again and he is doing very well.  He did both stairs and walking. A walker, although not always needed, worked best for him, versus a cane.  He is strong and able to get himself up, even with the operated right leg.   The drainage from the wound is minimal and a clearish pink fluid.  This is a sign of healthy healing and no infection.  Also he has had less pain as the surgical area heals.  They have increased and adjusted his pain medication while in the hospital to medications that have actually decrease the pain a bit. We got prescriptions to be filled before pharmacies close for the Christmas holiday.  Sherry's arrival, however, is perhaps the best medicine for him. 

The likely time line is that Mario likely would be released from the hospital in tomorrow or Sunday, but would have to recuperate for a couple more days before traveling back to Atlanta.  He has an appointment with our Miami doctor on Tuesday and about this time we may also have the pathology report on the tumor then as well.  We are hoping for good news of a less aggressive and treatable cancer.  If the wound is healing well Mario can travel, and likely would return to Atlanta as soon as possible.

Sherry, Aunt Julia, Mario and I are making plans for a modest, but still special Christmas. 

Ciao and Love, Mario L.

Mario's Surgery and Recovery

While I would have liked to have better news for you, it did not work out that way.  Sherry and Jane have probably let you know what happened yesterday.  Mario is doing much better than most people in dealing with the news.   Sherry arrives tomorrow to be with him, which will help his spirits.  He likely will be well enough to travel home by early next week. 

Our Miami doctor found that the tumor did not appear to be a benign schwannoma as we thought.  Overwhelmingly, these schwannoma tumors are non-cancerous, but a few are cancerous.  Apparently Mario has one of the bad kind.  Since the tumor appeared to be malignant and in/on the sciatic nerve, our doctor opined that he could do more harm than good by removing it.  A biopsy was taken to determine if it is malignant (cancerous) and the type of cancer that it is.  This pathology will help the doctors determine cancer treatment options, such as chemotherapy or radiation.  It takes about a week to get these results, which will help determine the best approach.

We do have some good news.  This morning (Thursday) the catheter was removed and Mario walked down the hall.  He looks strong, recovering from his surgery very well and most importantly in very good spirits.  I am very proud how well he is handling this.  I am not sure I could do as well…  Recovering from the surgery and gaining this strength back is the short-term goal.  He still has the same pain in his foot, plus now postoperative muscle pain in his thigh.  He is getting pain medication, which is helping some with surgery pain.  

We have to plan for the next stage to help Mario and Sherry get through this.  I know that they are in your thoughts and prayers.

Ciao, Mario L.

Mario's Surgery

Mario went off the surgery this morning.  He did not sleep much last night, but looked fine and was in good spirits. 

We got to the hospital at 6:00 am and by about 7:00 he was in the pre-op area. The nursing staff was very nice and professional.  He met with his doctor and others on the surgical team and the anesthetists.  I was told that the surgery started around 9:00am, but I know little else at the present time (10:30). 

Yesterday evening he had another MRI with contrast to help the Miami doctor plan his approach to remove the tumor.  The surgery entails an incision from just below the right cheek of the buttocks down the thigh.  This allows the surgeon to pull the muscles apart and get to tumor.  They were still deciding if it will be an incision on the part side of the thigh or down the back, hence the need for the new MRI.

They said that they will give me periodic updates, and after the surgery the Miami doctor will come down and talk to me.  I probably won't know anything until noon to 2:00 pm.  I will call Sherry and Jane with what the doctor tells me as soon as know anything.

My cell phone does not work where they have me waiting, but I will go outside and check messages as I am able and will send emails. 

After the surgery, he goes to recovery for about 45 minutes and then to a hospital room.  I plan to be here all day and into the evening as needed.  Perhaps later into the evening Mario will be enough revived from the anesthesia and make and take calls.

Here is a photograph of Mario with the latest in hospital fashion.

Ciao and Love, Mario L