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"The Dolleen Diaries"

  • "The Dolleen Diaries" - 12.09.18

      13 September 2018

    Aroha mai. Sharing fail yesterday

    Kia Ora Whanau. Had a long skype chat with my baby sister today. We cackled wickedly, swapped gossip and spoke about poos and farts lol Our usuals 😉😉 She looks and sounds so good. I asked her if she is back online yet cos these Dolleen Diaries are time consuming, but currently, she is not online due to locking herself out of her phone and facebook account by forgetting her passwords and email address. If anyone out there knows her email address, please p.m this to me and refrain from sending her any private messages or new friend requests in the meantime. She can receive letters, cards, pictures and flowers forwarded to Tauranga Hospital and she is looking forward to having a glass of cheap red wine and some Island Chicken 😁

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  • "The Dolleen Diaries" - 13.09.18

      13 September 2018

    Update from Carmel: Me and the girls had a lovely visit with Nanna and Col last night.

    Leilani was their when we called in but she left to give us our time.

    She continues to do well and has a little itinerary on the wall outlining her rehab.

    She gets to sit up during breakfast time which is great to see.

    Then has rehab during the day with bedtime in between to rest.

    One of the rehabilitators told her she needs to use her inner abs to try and help lift herself up.

    Her response, “not now nor have I ever had inner abs”.

    Some good signs from her though, she said she was yawning the other day and her left hand opened up wide but said she got such a shock.

    But must have been exciting for her as well cos then she said she started yawning heaps after that to see if that action would repeat.

    Well that’s my novel for the day, arohatia kia koutou katoa.

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  • "The Dolleen Diaries" - 11.09.18

      11 September 2018
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    Kia Ora Whanau. Have you been missing your updates? I have sure missed sharing them. You know that whakatauki "No news is good news". Well that's exactly the reason for the lack of updates - because things are going well. When Col was at Waikato Hospital, things were touch and go. Since she transferred to Tauranga Hospital, she has continued to make daily improvements. She has had lots of support from our Tauranga based whanau. You have all been amazing - Mum and Dad, Lani and Nare, Cess and Kelly and many others. Whilst supporting Col with her kaimoana addiction, Mum has been in hospital since Friday recovering from a hip operation. To our Ruatoki whanau - thanks to their efforts on the weekend, they managed to raise $1300 on their gate takings for their "Taare". Thank you Angel and Mere-Rose for your mirimiri and healing hands which have helped Col gain some movement in her left side. Of special note, Col received some special visitors who flew all the way from Melbourne to see her - thank you Mere-Rose and Col's special little baby. Through combined efforts, you have all done such a wonderful job in lifting her spirits. The givealittle fund continues to build slowly and if you'd like to support Col with her recovery, donating to this fund would be a practical way to help her. Next Tuesday, Col's specialist will be meeting with the whanau to discuss the plan moving forward. Just know - our Doll is eating well, sleeping well and recovering well. Nga mihi nui kia koutou xxx

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  • "The Dolleen Diaries" - 08.09.18

      8 September 2018

    Dad: Had a quick visit with Coll. My first time in nearly a week. I can see a big improvement in her face, she can smile with both sides of her mouth, and her speech is better. Hoha meter still reading very high. She had a surprise visit from some of her Melbournian friends which perked her up.

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  • "The Dolleen Diaries" 05.09.18

      5 September 2018
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    Update from Mum: Whoa she dealt to kina and oysters (I hid some of it) and moaned her ass off when I gave Mike the cream doughnut (He was so shamed he put it back in bag and she ate it). On a serious side, she is frustrated with the speech therapy and I tried to talk her thru it. I think its helpful that I've been there and had this journey. Sitting there with other visitors, I felt also that the room shouldn't get so noisy or tra lala happy and she becomes just an observer. She should be encouraged to speak, however little, and supported while she tries.

    Visitors are encouraged to massage and moisturise her instead of sitting talking to each other. Nga mihi kia Leilani. She offered to take in Mike even though her house is full. Coll is concerned about him but needs him regularly with her. And I end with her 2 famous sayings

    "You not the Boss" with finger, to Lani and

    "Oh Mum I can't wait to wear a bra"' (ME: Yes you need to hold those big mallumbas up alrite".

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  • "The Dolleen Diaries" - 04.9.18

      4 September 2018
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    Had some Facetime with Sissy today (Thanks Auni Lani). She has had an eventful day with visits from Lani, Mike and Mum, a bit of rehab (apparently she's still an alcoholic though lol) and a visit to the hospital cafeteria to sample a piece of quiche. Kina is rumored to be on the dinner menu tonight ♥️♥️♥️ Col is feeling super excited about "her baby" coming to visit on the weekend. All is going well whanau. Our Doll is taking things one day at a time and she grows stronger everyday. Thank you for your positive thoughts and prayers xxx

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  • "The Dolleen Diaries" - 03.09.18.

      3 September 2018
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    Our Doll has had lots of visitors over the last couple of days - including our whanaunga from across the ditch - Aunty Carole, big brother Darren and sister Ake. They traveled home especially to commemorate the 21st birthday of our niece - Ngawai who passed away 6 years ago. Here is a beautiful pic of our Moko - Manny, having some precious bonding time with her Nanny Col ♥️♥️♥️

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  • "The Dolleen Diaries" - 02.09.18

      2 September 2018

    Col in all her wisdom has decided that the givealittle fund should be renamed "The Wine Account" lol I swear this girl is craving substances something chronic 🤣🤣🤣

    She has been lovingly embraced by whanau support since being transferred back to Tauranga and kai spoils with Uncle Kelly's whitebait fritters and Carmel's desserts.

    The hospital staff have had to remind the whanau that although Col has had her feeding tube removed, she is only permitted to have soft foods and light fluids. She is excited about starting rehab tomorrow 😁😁😁

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  • "The Dolleen Diaries" - 31.08.18

      31 August 2018

    Kia Ora Whanau. I am happy but also sad to report that due to continued progress, Colleen will be transferred to Tauranga hospital at 2pm today. I am happy because she is obviously getting better. I am sad because having her here in Hamilton has enabled me to check in with her every day and to update you all on her developments. It has been an absolute honour and privilege caring for my sister in this way, but she also has whanau in Tauranga too so it's time for me to share her with others. I will try to maintain the diaries from a distance and I will pop in and see her over the weekend. I thank you all for your aroha during this difficult time xxx

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  • "The Dolleen Diaries" - 30.08.18

      30 August 2018

    Kia Ora Whanau. Had a short visit with Col. She was sleeping peacefully so I left her resting. I was sitting there watching her tonight and reflecting on events this time last week, being rushed to Auckland Hospital after suffering a stroke and being told by doctors that her body was shutting down. Tonight, she is in an individual room with a window and a view (yuss!!! - the view sux cos it's the Tron - cold, damp and foggy but this so much better than having to share a room with five other patients and their visitors and being eyeballed by stalker nurse - John), almost tubeless (but still on liquid feeds). She has a machine sending regular compressions through her legs to prevent clotting and she is nil by mouth (LANI! No more biscuits! She got a big growling from her nurse, and like the rest of us, she has no self control when it comes to food). They sat her up on the side of her bed today. She said it felt weird putting her feet on the ground. Tomorrow, they are going to try standing her up and she has been visited by the physio - bring on rehab!!! She appears despondent - I asked her how she is. She gave me THAT look. I can't even begin to imagine how it feels to lie in a hospital bed, all day - every day. I'm gonna start filling her room up with fragrant flowers, family photos and motivational images. Anything to get her inspired. She said to say thank you to everyone who has gifted to the givealittle pagexxx

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  • "The Dolleen Diaries" - 30.08.18

      30 August 2018

    Quick update: Morena. Phoned the ward this morning and checked in on Colleen. Her nurse states that she had a smooth transition to the ward and a restful night's sleep, apart from the fact that she was alert til midnight scrolling through her blimmin phone 🤔🤔🤔 (If you're reading this Dolleen, get the hell off there and rest your brain lol) Doctor's rounds are at approximately 11am so I'll phone back then for an update and pop up after mahi for a visit. To all who are following these posts, nga mihi nui kia koutou. Kia pai tou ra 😁😁😁

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  • "The Dolleen Diaries" - 29.08.18

      29 August 2018
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    Mum, Montell and Mike visited with Col today. Mike has been visiting his Mum everyday and his daily visits have helped to lift her spirits. Mike's antics keep her entertained and her first questions to him are: "Where's my phone?" and "Where's my bankcard?" lol Col continues to be the Matriarch of her whanau, even from her sick bed, as she continues to worry for, boss around, mentor and love her boys. In the meantime, Tipi is back at work in Melbourne as requested by his mother, although I'm sure she misses him terribly.

    Some great news today: Col has been moved to a ward. She is not out of the woods and this is still a risky time but are grateful for any signs of progress and we cling to the hope that she will make a full recovery. In the meantime, continue to keep her in your thoughts, your hearts and your prayers xxx

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  • "The Dolleen Diaries" - 28.08.18

      28 August 2018

    Phoned and spoke with Colleen's nurse - Tony. He states that Colleen was seen by two teams of doctors today - both teams appeared happy enough with her progress that they have stopped the medication she was receiving to raise her blood pressure - this is a positive sign as it tells us that her condition has stabilized and she could be moving out of ICU and into a ward by the weekend. She is still receiving liquid nutrition through a tube (she hates this!!) and she suffers from daily bouts of being "hangry" - I think all the women in our family were born with this lol Today was the one year anniversary of the passing of our sister - Joeanna. I know Col would have been feeling it. The rest of us have gone into deep reflection and mourning mode and the regular daily banter via private messages has been unusually quiet. Tomorrow we get back on track and focus all our positive energies on our baby girl. People are still continuing to send messages of love via fb, text and email and people continue to ask what they can do to help her. Here is the link again for her givealittle page if you wish to help in this way.

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  • "The Dolleen Diaries" - 27.08.18

      27 August 2018
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    I sat with Col tonight. Mike scammed his mother's bag of chippies and she gave him a cheeky grin as he shuffled out the door in his gumboots. No changes today in her condition - no better but no worse. I asked her if she knew the date today. She replied "20 something". I reminded her that today is the 27th and that tomorrow is our Sissy's anniversary. She looked sad and asked for a tissue to wipe a teardrop as it trickled down her cheek. The tissue appeared to stick to her face, and for a moment there, I thought she was leaving it there to avoid further conversation with me. Out of the blue, she pipes up and starts singing "The Phantom of the Opera" at the top of her voice. We both cracked up laughing. Even in her misery, she still manages to find joy ♥️♥️♥️

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  • "The Dolleen Diaries" - 26.08.18

      26 August 2018
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    Di: Me and Vi just came out. 2hrly turning time. Our girl is doing good today and she thoroughly enjoyed the visit from her Dollies. She is still receiving meds to raise her blood pressure. If her obs continue to be stable, there's a strong possibility that she will get moved back to the ward in the next few days to continue her recovery. Great news today. She raised and moved her left arm. This is very reassuring for the medical staff and us. Still no movement in her left leg though but we are hopeful for future progress.

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  • "The Dolleen Diaries" - 26.08.18

      26 August 2018
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    The Dollies have arrived at ICU ♥️♥️♥️ Here is their update:

    "We’re having fun 😂 Angel is entertaining the nurses. She’s currently plucking out her chin hair from her three chins. Nose hair is being plaited. Toes hair on hobbit feet are being mowed. Our three sooks have sucked it up. Helps she can’t see them bawling in left side. Colleen’s filter is non existent. But that’s ok. So is ours. Jamielee and Tarn are now going to smoke (major trek) then run back (pfffttt in their dreams) so they can rub their faces on her pillow. She’s talking then snoring. Marewa says she can give Boy a run for his money".

    Nga mihi nui kia koutou nga Colleen's Dollies - Gig, Angel, Marewa, Ma, Tarn me Jamie Lee xxx Di me te whanau.

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  • "The Dolleen Diaries"

      25 August 2018

    I will post a regular update here of Colleen's progress.

    "The Dolleen Diaries" - 25.08.18

    Di: Kia Ora All. I've been speaking with Colleen's nurse. Col had a good night. Typical Colleen styles - she is giving short sharp responses to the medical staff and is able to communicate her needs effectively.

    Lani is with her now and says "she's ok. Sore throat and is hoha with docs and nurses. Talking away to Nare and I but doesn't want to talk to the nurses, just wants to punch them in the head she reckons lol".

    No further vasospasms/strokes overnight. The movement in her left side is still nil but right side appears to be fine. They've lowered the dose of medication she was receiving to raise her blood pressure. They give this to try and get the blood pumping through her body instead of clotting which can lead to further strokes.

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