Thursday, September 12, 2013

The Ranchsitter Report, Wednesday, September 11, 2013

I’ve told this story so many times today that I’m going to take the easy way out and just copy the email I sent out to family and friends at 8:30 Wednesday morning:

I won’t be going home today. The surgeon’s p.a. was just here to look at the wound and says it has to be reopened so the bad stuff has a place to escape. He says this is a common post-op complication. They have an OR booked at 3:30 today – it won’t really be surgery but they want to sedate me, otherwise it would hurt too much. Once that’s done, healing can commence and I should be able to go home in a day or two. 

About 45 minutes later, I sent out this email:

That earlier email I sent about re-opening the wound this afternoon? Everything has changed. The results just came back on the wound culture. The infection was caused by some rare type of bacteria. They’re going to switch to a different antibiotic that will kill it, so the infection should clear without having to reopen the wound. It should take about 24 hours to see if the new antibiotic is working or not, but the doctor is pretty confident that it will. The doc says the rare bacteria came out of all the dead gut that I was carrying around, not from anything external. So I should still be getting out of here in a day or two, and there won’t be any scalpels involved. I’d say that’s good news. 

Is it me or is my life starting to sound like an episode of "Grey’s Anatomy"?

While all of that was going on, I was receiving emails from Danni:

6:31 a.m. Neighbor Sue just called to let me know that her husband made it out on the road early this morning. He said it was difficult but doable. She is heading out in the next 30 minutes and will call me again to let me know how it goes for her. 

7:37 a.m. Talked to Sue from the feed room. She made it out! But it was very slow going with standing water at the bottoms of hills. Said the trip took her about 45 minutes. She said to go slow and keep it in four wheel drive. She says the longer we have now for the roads to dry out, the firmer they will be. No measurable rain here yet this morning. I’ll call Don now and let him know “Operation Get CeeCee to Ranch” is officially underway! 

The elaborate plan Danni had hatched on Tuesday was working. Morning Bray Farm Don would pick up long-time blog reader/ friend/ Ranchsitter #3 CeeCee from the airport and drive her to the 7MSN. Danni would then give CeeCee (who had never been to the ranch before) the one-hour ranchsitting crash course, then Don would drive Danni back to Albuquerque, where she would try to catch a flight home to Oregon. Piece of cake!

I’ll let Danni tell you the rest of the story.

***

I guess they finally arrived about 12:45ish. Don honked as he came up the drive. That’s such a happy sound! 



His truck had a respectable amount of mud caking all the right spots.




It was love at first sight for CeeCee and Smooch: 



The time together was too short: 



But Don and I had to hit the road before any rains started again: 



It wasn’t too bad for a lot of the way: 




But then we’d hit patches like this: 




Yee Hawwww!! 

It was AWESOME!

***

Me again. I've been staring at the screen for an hour trying to find the words to thank Don and Danni and CeeCee for pulling this off, just so my animals and the ranch are taken care of and I don't have to worry, but I can't find them... probably because I can't see through the tears that overwhelm me whenever I think about what wonderful friends I have. Thanks, guys. 



49 comments:

  1. You are much loved...by more than you know

    ReplyDelete
  2. Friends are precious and please be aware that you are a good friend too, Carson. We are all connected as friends via your blog. Lets hope these new antibiotics work and you'll be healed up lickety split.
    May it be an easy week for CeeCee. It's starting off good with Smooch's approval. After all she is the ranch patrol. Goodbye Danni. Hope your flight is smooth.Welcome, CeeCee.
    Best always,

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think Smooch thinks this whole thing is one rotating, ongoing pajama party.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Totally in awe of your friends...especially the Morning Bray bunch. That drive looks like it takes nerves of steel. Hope CeeCee has an uneventful ranchsit. Get well soon Carson.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I hope the new meds do the trick and you're home shortly. What a time you've had, BUT what wonderful friends you have helping out. That is truly awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Mud Splash Envy! The kids all wished they were there!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow. I'm glad they don't have to cut you open again. Yay for antibiotics.

    What wonderful friends you have! It's been my observation that the people who have wonderful friends are usually pretty wonderful themselves.

    ReplyDelete
  8. That's what friends are for (((♥♥♥)))

    ReplyDelete
  9. Praying that the antibiotics will do the trick, and that you will never come in contact with another scalpel. I wish that I were physically able to help you out with the ranch. I'm afraid all I would be good for is talking to your babies, and scritchin' behind some ears...but it sounds like you have a host of capable and willing ranch-hands. God bless them, and God bless you.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank goodness for your dedicated ranch sitters!I have a feeling anyone who reads this amazing blog has wondered if they would/could help out as well! I hope it is comforting to know so many souls are wishing you "get well"!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Now you've gone and made ME cry.

    As a rule, people really are rather wonderful. I lose sight of that sometimes. That's why I come to the ranch every morning, to see about Carson and the critters....and now to see about the representatives of most of the people in the world that we too rarely hear about.
    XO

    ReplyDelete
  12. You are a blessed with many caring friends and fans. We all wish we lived closer and could help out in some way (meals, etc...). I'm just happy to read about how well it's coming together for you. That's such a huge relief so you can concentrate on healing.

    Good job driving, Don! Leave no vehicle or ranch sitter behind. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  13. you are indeed very much blessed with fantastic friends... glad you are using meds and not the scalpel. i wish i could read what Smooch is thinking about now.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thank You God for diligent, capable doctors and Carson's good friends. And next summer when the desert is still drinking in this rain, thank You for that too.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow, you have some awesome blog readers, and CeeCee is adorable.

    Stay where you're at until they get you going as good as new. You've been such a trooper through all of this, it's just unbelievable. Get well.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Awesome wonderful friends. I'll say it again, you are a very fortunate woman. I look forward to CeeCee's reports from the ranch.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I am so sorry that the infection is hanging on so tight. Good that you are where you are so that the medicos can keep an eye on the Cuckoo's favorite cowgirl.
    Danni and Don look like they had quite a ride going to the airport. But when you think about it Don did that puppy twice.....hmmmmm.
    Glad CeeCee had the tour with Danni and also hope that she will have an uneventful but smile filled time at 7MSN...but then how could you not smile at all that wonderful magic that comes from your place and the critters that make it home. Much love and healing thoughts, all the members of Casa de Cuckoos

    ReplyDelete
  18. We are all pulling for you!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh Carson, I'm so happy for you! Not only that you're getting good medical treatment but that you also have the good fortune to have wonderful people in your life to help you. You are blessed. I'm praying that you get back to your herd quickly cuz I know they're missing Mama.

    ReplyDelete
  20. What Anne Boleyn said, word for word!
    And now back to my scientific research project for the day: How to do an immediately effective Anti-Rain-Dance for your area.

    ReplyDelete
  21. You do have wonderful friends and I hope this antibiotic does the trick. The main thing is don't rush the healing process and it's so good you have those in your life who can take over your job at the ranch-- not everybody can do that kind of animal husbandry.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Was practically holding my breath as I clicked on your blog this morning, hoping so badly you were home on the ranch. Alas, not so. But thanks for a heart warming story of love and support and true friends just when you need them. Prayers for effective meds, rest, and cheerful spirits. CeeCee is clearly going to be another A+ ranch sitter. Becky

    ReplyDelete
  23. You do indeed have wonderful friends. Here's hoping the new antibiotic works its magic, and that CeeCee knows how to send photos for the blog!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Bless you and your wonderful friends. I am hoping and praying you are on your way home very soon,

    ReplyDelete
  25. A network of friends is always heaven sent! If I did not live so far away, I would ask to be put on your list of ranch sitters. But, alas, the one and only time I was on a plane was to Fly to Romania.....It wasn't a bad experience, just that I am terrified of planes! GET WELL! Come home Soon!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Take what everyone else has said and double it for me! I wish I were there to help, but then I wouldn't BE much help I'm afraid. Alan and George would try to eat my rolling walker! Lucy would look down her nose at me, and Hank would probably wonder what the heck I was doing there. I do think Smooch, Johnny Cash Cat and I would get along....and I'd love to meet Wynonna.

    Hugs to you and strong wishes that the new antibiotics do the trick.

    Nancy in Iowa

    ReplyDelete
  27. Sounds like you passed on hospital acquired infection, well done! Now to get those gut based cooties, yes i believe that is the technical term, and you're good to go! All in all, not a bad ride for twisted and necrotic intestine-looking at the bright side :-) You take care, thanks to all the medical staff and of course a huge hug to all your wonderful and caring and supportive farm buddies. It takes a village, or an animal crazy, nature loving bunch. And the fact they're all so brilliant and funny and amazing is icing on the cake. Too many little phrases? But i'm serious. You are special to a lot of folks...brightening up our lives when we need it so i'm sure we all give back that loving energy to you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'd be a terrible ranch sitter (city girl and Wynonna would scare me!). But I'm so glad you have other friends who are capable and able to ranchsit and do such a good job. You are blessed with many people who care about you.

    ReplyDelete
  29. cry cry Linda, tears are good for your heart.. isn'it wonderful all this world of friends and fans around you? drink the love and energy! glad they found reason + better treatment for you. you make me happy to read this blog. kisses to you

    ReplyDelete
  30. You do have some awesome friends!

    ReplyDelete
  31. What an amazing like clockwork story...I think it was the great people and a lot of prayer that made this transition for your herd possible....I think this is a fantastic blog post.
    I also pray that this new medicine will do the stuff it is supposed to do so you can get home and relax in your sunroom...
    Love from NC

    ReplyDelete
  32. Wonderful how just having a blog all these years- and all the effort you put into it- is now paying dividends for you. Blogger peeps are the best!
    Glad to hear you don't need to have surgery, hope the new meds take care of the problem and you can get home where your heart is.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I do hope you can go home soon if nothing else to watch all this craziness going on at your place.

    You do have marvelous friends.

    ReplyDelete
  34. You have wonderful friends. Heal quickly!

    ReplyDelete
  35. You ranchsitters are the BEST!

    Feel better soon! Hai Carumbuh!

    Ann from Maine

    ReplyDelete
  36. Sending lots of get well wishes to u Carson! I can only imagine how hard it is on u being in the hospital whilst all this excitement has been happening back at the ranch! Praying this antibiotic does the trick and u can go home soon!

    Cheers to all the ranch sitters, friends, taxicab 4 wheel drive drivers(Don) and all those keeping u in their prayers! Also, your amazing animals that have gone through this transition with not one complaint! Hugs to all, Deb in Viola, Ks

    ReplyDelete
  37. You have blessed some many that all the goodness you have put out in the world is coming back to you in amazing and wonderful friends.
    Best wishes to you and your wonderful ranch sitters.
    Karma is beautiful isn't it???

    ReplyDelete
  38. Smooch loves company. Happy to learn that the wound does not need to be opened up. Must faster healing that way.

    Who would have believed there could be too much rain at the 7MSN ?

    Love the rotating in and out of ranch sitters. Great group of friends helping you rest up and heal. My firm belief is that when you rest your brain can devote its energy to healing.

    And, what Anne Boleyn said

    ReplyDelete
  39. So glad so many can come help! Your herd (all of them) will be fine.

    I think Grey's Anatomy is a bad analogy. Sounds like House to me.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Carol in N. Colorado9/12/13, 4:31 PM

    Hope you are on the road to recovery and on the road home. If the rain would let up here, I have the break Linda out plan ready to go on my end. Would just need to tie up the loose ends there. Glad you newest ranchsitter made it and Danni made it back home. These gals deserve spurs and buckles and the all the bragging rights. YeeHaw!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Take the time you need to rest and recover thoroughly. Let your mind relax knowing all those terrific ranchsitters are taking such fine care (spoiling them too?) of your four leggers. Even dealing with the odd snake - yikes!

    Remember what goes around comes around. I have read your blog long enough to know that you would be doing the same thing if someone else was in your shoes (well, maybe hosptial gown?)

    And, what Anne Boleyn said.

    Heather in Montreal

    ReplyDelete
  42. What all those other guys said times 10 from me! You don't happen to have a friend with a chopper do you? Someone who could just load you up for the home trip,
    set you down at the ranch and avoid those nasty roads?

    Prayers for speedy healing are yours from me,

    Jo

    ReplyDelete
  43. what a great bunch of friends eh!! I think that smooch is really enjoying all the attention from the ranch sitters.

    ReplyDelete
  44. As far as friends go, you are blessed, girl!

    ReplyDelete
  45. I can't wait for you to be wandering around the ranch trying to think of something interesting to post for the next day's blog...OH, how we will all LOVE that !!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I will volunteer!!! But, let's hope you aren't in the hospital again anytime soon! HUGS from SW MO!

    ReplyDelete
  47. I'm so glad everything is working out well. I wonder if Smooch thinks all this attention was designed just for her!

    You are so strong and healthy and I believe in your bodies' ability to handle anything.

    I just have this suggestion that might help you be more comfortable.

    You might not want to post this comment. I've had several abdominal surgeries, a couple with drip antibiotics. Because you live so far from the doctor why don't you ask if they will give you something for yeast infection to take home. I don't remember the name, but there is one that you just take one pill and it knocks it right out. A couple to have on hand might be nice. It can happen on the tongue too. It's just uncomfortable and it would be nice to have if you needed it. And if you stop at Walmart I would suggest some probiotics to build up the good critters in your gut. I'm really into natural solutions, but those are two easy ones that might help you be more comfortable.

    Angels watch over all of you. Much appreciation and good wishes to you.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Holy crap! I'm still back at that muddy lake you guys drove through!

    Don, Danni, Cee Cee - you Rock! You are seriously awesome people.

    Linda - Sending you lots of love and prayers for a speedy recovery!

    Much love to all,
    Carolynn

    ReplyDelete
  49. I love your friends! I am a love animals first type of person but your friends take the cake. You must be super special to have those kinds of devoted friends. I have suspected it for some time now because your blog is so awesome. I get to laugh and laugh! This is important to me because I am depressed a lot and I cherish laughter.

    ReplyDelete