Mom had a good Memorial Day. Joe and Michelle came out for the weekend and on Sunday had a big BBQ on the farm. Aunt Betty and Uncle John and aund Dori came along with Heather and her crew. Joe said mom had a good time and was joking with all.
I talked to dad on Monday and he told me that mom has been naughty. She tried on Sunday night to get up all on her own and use the bathroom. Well, she got as far as the end of the bed and then she fell. She has a nice bruise under her right eye on her cheek and her right shoulder is tender. Dad will never let her live it down. Mom knows it. She was complaining to me that she just couldn't do anything without the whole world knowing her business anymore. I agree, she is under 24/7 watch. Mom said she couldn't wait for someone to come and visit so she could tell them that dad hit her! Then she immediately said she couldn't do that because dad has been sooo wonderful to her. When I talked to mom and told her of our BBQ plans for Monday I told her that I had a wicked sunburn. She just laughed and said I was feeling the effects of Radiation. It is so wonderful that mom still has her wit and charm about her.
Joe Mike made the comment that it was different to see how loving and tender our dad is with mom. Growing up dad was always tough and strict. He rarely showed any emotion. Now he shows how much he loves her openly. Don't get me wrong. We always knew that dad loved mom. They kissed and held hands and all that other gross stuff kids hate. Now, however, it is tender and sweet and loving. I for one adore it. I love to see them talk in hushed low tones when they think no one is watching. It brings joy to my heart. It has also taught me to be more openly loving with my kids and my husband. What a great lesson to learn.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Unable to See
Mom is still doing well. She is in great spirits and she loves to have company and friends over all the time. She even decided to dance this last week to the country music the ladies brought over to the house. Kathy Eppich told me she loved listening to this new program they have that is sort of like American Idol. This program ends with a $1500 scholarship instead of a record deal, but mom loved it all the same. In fact it is amazing to me that my mom is still worried/concerned with me. She was telling me of all the singing and expressing her deep regret that nothing like this was available to me when I was in high school. You see, I used to sing a lot. And she just knew that I would have won. How amazing that she would be more concerned with my feelings than her own at a time like this. She also decided she was a ballerina when doing her physical therapy the other day. It is so like mom to find the fun in what she is doing.
Dad took her to several appointments this week. She saw the neuro surgeon, the eye surgeon, and had Chemo. The good news is that she is still tolerating the Chemo very well. It doesn't seem to knock her out and she doesn't even remember it from week to week. The other good news is her shunt seems to be working well and still doing it's job. We will have further details on this when the Dr gets the results from the scan. The other good news is, after her next two treatments of Chemo another PET scan will be done and we will see where we are with her cancer. (It is still hard for me to type that word or even say it in reference to my mom.)
Now for the bad news. Her eye sight seems to be hindered by way more than just the cataracts. The cataracts are bad and they can be removed, but the bigger problem lies in the brain. Imagine that, another brain problem. It seems there is some sort of interference with the connection of the optic nerve and the message center in the brain. Although there is yet a silver lining in even poor eyesight. Mom can see things every once in a while. She commented on the trees at the golf course on her way to Chemo on Thursday. She also picked out a rake handle five or six feet away while sitting on the back porch with dad the other day. So, we are hopeful that if some times the eyes work than with time they will work again all the time.
Mom of course continues to surprise dad. He was in making dinner Wednesday or Thursday night and mom was sleeping in the front room. There are two steps down from the front room to the kitchen in mom and dad's house. Joe Mike has made a ramp there so mom can get around the house easier, well at all. So dad hears a sound and turns around to see mom standing about half way down the ramp. He asked, rather alarmed, "What the hell are you doing?" And mom just calmly said, "I am coming into the kitchen for dinner." He helped down the rest of the way and she sat in the kitchen. The most amazing part of this story is that mom did not use her walker. She just decided to get up and walk and she did.
Thanks to all who help with mom. We couldn't make it through this without you. We appreciate the prayers, cards, gifts of time and of course patience on our behalf. Have a wonderful Memorial Day!
Dad took her to several appointments this week. She saw the neuro surgeon, the eye surgeon, and had Chemo. The good news is that she is still tolerating the Chemo very well. It doesn't seem to knock her out and she doesn't even remember it from week to week. The other good news is her shunt seems to be working well and still doing it's job. We will have further details on this when the Dr gets the results from the scan. The other good news is, after her next two treatments of Chemo another PET scan will be done and we will see where we are with her cancer. (It is still hard for me to type that word or even say it in reference to my mom.)
Now for the bad news. Her eye sight seems to be hindered by way more than just the cataracts. The cataracts are bad and they can be removed, but the bigger problem lies in the brain. Imagine that, another brain problem. It seems there is some sort of interference with the connection of the optic nerve and the message center in the brain. Although there is yet a silver lining in even poor eyesight. Mom can see things every once in a while. She commented on the trees at the golf course on her way to Chemo on Thursday. She also picked out a rake handle five or six feet away while sitting on the back porch with dad the other day. So, we are hopeful that if some times the eyes work than with time they will work again all the time.
Mom of course continues to surprise dad. He was in making dinner Wednesday or Thursday night and mom was sleeping in the front room. There are two steps down from the front room to the kitchen in mom and dad's house. Joe Mike has made a ramp there so mom can get around the house easier, well at all. So dad hears a sound and turns around to see mom standing about half way down the ramp. He asked, rather alarmed, "What the hell are you doing?" And mom just calmly said, "I am coming into the kitchen for dinner." He helped down the rest of the way and she sat in the kitchen. The most amazing part of this story is that mom did not use her walker. She just decided to get up and walk and she did.
Thanks to all who help with mom. We couldn't make it through this without you. We appreciate the prayers, cards, gifts of time and of course patience on our behalf. Have a wonderful Memorial Day!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Sorry this one is Over Due
So I am yet again saying I am sorry for things taking so long to trickle down to the blog. I could give you a LONG list of reasons, but it wouldn't excuse my lack of diligence to inform you about mom. So, I am saying I am sorry again and I will do my best to do better.
We had an official wedding in our family on May 2, 2009. At promptly 3 something in the afternoon Joe and Michelle were pronounced man and wife and got to kiss each other until we all had to groan and they stopped. Just kidding, they were actually much to soft in their first kiss, it should have been Whopper! But, they both looked amazing and everything went off without a "hitch." (Ha! Ha!) The reception was wonderful with fantastic decorations, delicious food, an amazing assortment of candy, a kid friendly table (equipped with crayons, toys, and color books) and great music.
Heather did a wonderful job of speaking for our mom at the reception. My mom has told each of us of this snapshot of people she gets in her mind's eye of people who will be important in our lives. She has had it for each one of our spouses. I don't know about the rest of my siblings, but Bruce is caught in the act of mopping the kitchen in the the Basin City Ward Church house when Ketra and Craig had their reception there. Mom says she just remembered it so distinctly and that picture has never left her mind. Anyway, Heather expressed how much my mom loves Joe and even when she caught him with a can of Chew, which mom hates, he didn't get in trouble and even got the can back.
Derrick was an awesome best man. He gave a great toast at the reception reciting one of my favorite sayings: "You are never far apart when you are holding hands." And little Jayden was the toast of the few days together as we all cooed and loved on him. It just goes to show that life continues no matter what trials you may be facing.
On the music note, we have some very talented dancers in the grandsons. If you don't believe me, ask to see some of the video. Kyle is so talented we are all wondering where he gets his moves from. He truly dances like no one is watching. Pretty soon all ten grand kids that could dance on their own were on the dance floor cutting it up. It was so fun to watch!
Joe and Michelle took off after all the fun and had a great honeymoon in Walla Walla, WA. They did some wine tasting and other fun things in the area. They also said being newly weds had its perks. They got to taste for free. Way to use what you got to get what you want!
Bruce and my family headed to mom and dad's house after all the fun. I have to tell you that mom is a completely different person from when we went to Seattle. She can do anything she puts her mind to. And she has done it. She decided that she was going to get well enough to start making dad meals again. Although she hasn't made it yet, she thinks she has. She tried to show her independence twice while I was there by pushing her wheel chair up the ramp to the living room. Both times she got tired of waiting for Dad and me to help her into the living room. She would get a running start and then come to a screeching halt when the front wheels hit the lip of the ramp. It was fun to watch how determined she was but also a bit of a relief that she couldn't do it on her own. The relief came because I know she would do it if she could and roll backward down the thing to her doom.
Mom can track a full conversation so well that she cracks jokes at any opportunity. She had us all laughing most of the time we were there. She even tricked me into picking up a box off the floor in the kitchen and then was quick enough to come up behind me and give me a good swat in the bum!
She is a speed demon with her walker. When we first got there mom and I were visiting on the couch and she was asking me if I knew that there was a time that she couldn't even talk! That was quite an amazing thing to her. All of us kids have enjoyed long talks with mom and I think she has missed that. When she got up to go to the kitchen dad and Bruce were putting some skid plates on the ramp. I said how great that was and mom said, "Ya, your dad never lets me go fast." She was so exasperated with it that I just had to laugh.
All in all mom is doing great! We are only having one problem with Dr's right now. Her neurologist is having some licensing problems. If you want to read the entire article about it, go to the Tri Cities Herald web site. Apparently he had an affair with a patient one full year after he treated her and it lasted for several years, but he is being investigated. We are just grateful that it was not for medical reasons that his licence was revoked. It has been hard to get her into another one. There are only three in Tri-Cities counting Dr Washington. We hope to have this resolved and Dr Washington back soon.
On a brighter note, mom is going into the Cataract and Laser Surgery Clinic this week to see about getting her cataracts removed. She can't see the poor thing. I feel like she would eat better and be able to move even better if she could. Hopefully we will be able to get her in for some surgery in the next week and she will be on the mend again.
She also has Chemo this week with a Dr's consult. We are hoping to hear how the Chemo is affecting the cancer. She has had three treatments in the last four weeks and has three more than a week off. None of us can remember is it is one more three week round or not, but we will find out on Thursday of this week. She has tolerated the treatments extremely well. She even teases her physical therapist because he's cute and she wants someone to set him up with. And when you go to visit her you'll find this amazingly happy woman who is now my mom again.
Dad is doing well too. While we were there I got to spend some time with him one and one. It is so different from before. We talk now and I love it. And we don't just talk about life, we really talk. I guess that was my fault all these years. I was so busy talking to mom that I never took the time to talk to dad. We got dad a shot for his back and he says he is feeling fine. By the way, the F word in our family is FINE! None of us girls like it much. Dad has had back problems for more years that I can remember, but the shots help. Dad is amazing with mom. He helps her shower every day and gets her to eat better than anyone. He is learning how to use more than one or two programs on his computer and even how to cook! Now if we could get him a neurologist to go to life would be almost perfect.
We had an official wedding in our family on May 2, 2009. At promptly 3 something in the afternoon Joe and Michelle were pronounced man and wife and got to kiss each other until we all had to groan and they stopped. Just kidding, they were actually much to soft in their first kiss, it should have been Whopper! But, they both looked amazing and everything went off without a "hitch." (Ha! Ha!) The reception was wonderful with fantastic decorations, delicious food, an amazing assortment of candy, a kid friendly table (equipped with crayons, toys, and color books) and great music.
Heather did a wonderful job of speaking for our mom at the reception. My mom has told each of us of this snapshot of people she gets in her mind's eye of people who will be important in our lives. She has had it for each one of our spouses. I don't know about the rest of my siblings, but Bruce is caught in the act of mopping the kitchen in the the Basin City Ward Church house when Ketra and Craig had their reception there. Mom says she just remembered it so distinctly and that picture has never left her mind. Anyway, Heather expressed how much my mom loves Joe and even when she caught him with a can of Chew, which mom hates, he didn't get in trouble and even got the can back.
Derrick was an awesome best man. He gave a great toast at the reception reciting one of my favorite sayings: "You are never far apart when you are holding hands." And little Jayden was the toast of the few days together as we all cooed and loved on him. It just goes to show that life continues no matter what trials you may be facing.
On the music note, we have some very talented dancers in the grandsons. If you don't believe me, ask to see some of the video. Kyle is so talented we are all wondering where he gets his moves from. He truly dances like no one is watching. Pretty soon all ten grand kids that could dance on their own were on the dance floor cutting it up. It was so fun to watch!
Joe and Michelle took off after all the fun and had a great honeymoon in Walla Walla, WA. They did some wine tasting and other fun things in the area. They also said being newly weds had its perks. They got to taste for free. Way to use what you got to get what you want!
Bruce and my family headed to mom and dad's house after all the fun. I have to tell you that mom is a completely different person from when we went to Seattle. She can do anything she puts her mind to. And she has done it. She decided that she was going to get well enough to start making dad meals again. Although she hasn't made it yet, she thinks she has. She tried to show her independence twice while I was there by pushing her wheel chair up the ramp to the living room. Both times she got tired of waiting for Dad and me to help her into the living room. She would get a running start and then come to a screeching halt when the front wheels hit the lip of the ramp. It was fun to watch how determined she was but also a bit of a relief that she couldn't do it on her own. The relief came because I know she would do it if she could and roll backward down the thing to her doom.
Mom can track a full conversation so well that she cracks jokes at any opportunity. She had us all laughing most of the time we were there. She even tricked me into picking up a box off the floor in the kitchen and then was quick enough to come up behind me and give me a good swat in the bum!
She is a speed demon with her walker. When we first got there mom and I were visiting on the couch and she was asking me if I knew that there was a time that she couldn't even talk! That was quite an amazing thing to her. All of us kids have enjoyed long talks with mom and I think she has missed that. When she got up to go to the kitchen dad and Bruce were putting some skid plates on the ramp. I said how great that was and mom said, "Ya, your dad never lets me go fast." She was so exasperated with it that I just had to laugh.
All in all mom is doing great! We are only having one problem with Dr's right now. Her neurologist is having some licensing problems. If you want to read the entire article about it, go to the Tri Cities Herald web site. Apparently he had an affair with a patient one full year after he treated her and it lasted for several years, but he is being investigated. We are just grateful that it was not for medical reasons that his licence was revoked. It has been hard to get her into another one. There are only three in Tri-Cities counting Dr Washington. We hope to have this resolved and Dr Washington back soon.
On a brighter note, mom is going into the Cataract and Laser Surgery Clinic this week to see about getting her cataracts removed. She can't see the poor thing. I feel like she would eat better and be able to move even better if she could. Hopefully we will be able to get her in for some surgery in the next week and she will be on the mend again.
She also has Chemo this week with a Dr's consult. We are hoping to hear how the Chemo is affecting the cancer. She has had three treatments in the last four weeks and has three more than a week off. None of us can remember is it is one more three week round or not, but we will find out on Thursday of this week. She has tolerated the treatments extremely well. She even teases her physical therapist because he's cute and she wants someone to set him up with. And when you go to visit her you'll find this amazingly happy woman who is now my mom again.
Dad is doing well too. While we were there I got to spend some time with him one and one. It is so different from before. We talk now and I love it. And we don't just talk about life, we really talk. I guess that was my fault all these years. I was so busy talking to mom that I never took the time to talk to dad. We got dad a shot for his back and he says he is feeling fine. By the way, the F word in our family is FINE! None of us girls like it much. Dad has had back problems for more years that I can remember, but the shots help. Dad is amazing with mom. He helps her shower every day and gets her to eat better than anyone. He is learning how to use more than one or two programs on his computer and even how to cook! Now if we could get him a neurologist to go to life would be almost perfect.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Hooters and Seattle
Okay, it is past one in the morning and I figure I am as loopy as mom so this should be good. Mom came home on the 20th and had a very bad day. She was very out of it and extremely tired. Dad and I had a very hard time getting her to eat or use the bathroom or even get ready for bed. It was a lot of work and neither one of us thought it was a good idea to have her at home.
Tuesday morning came and it was just as bad. After a little breakfast and a two hour shower, no kidding, we got mom into the car so we could head up to Seattle to see what the cancer Dr's would say up there. Heather and I had to feed mom once in the car and it was harder than feeding a new born baby. Once in Seattle we got mom settled. It was dinner time so Heather ran across the street to a restaurant and got mom some clam chowder. Mom loved it! She ate the whole bowl and two slices of bread. She thought it was the hottest item in Seattle.
After mom got done eating Joe and Michelle came over to visit. They live in Seattle. Joe Michael has a way with my mom. He was able to get her to move around in the wheel chair. Only a little because there wasn't much room. And he got her to get up and walk around with him as her walker. She did awesome! It was an amazing thing. He also got her to flip him off. Joe made the comment that there was a Hooters across the street and he was going to take dad there as soon as mom got into bed and fell asleep. Without even changing her expression she just turned her head to see him and gave him the bird! Joe laughed harder than I have seen in a while. Mom then proceeded to scowl at him the rest of the night. Just when you think it is okay to say something my mom reappears and shocks us all. I hope none of you are offended, mom means this in good fun and really, Joe just brings it out in her.
The next morning, Wed the 21st, I think I witnessed a slight miracle. Mom woke up around 7:30-8am and she looked like she was going to lay back down and try to sleep some more. Instead she pulled her legs under her and sat crossed legged and asked what we were doing today. This way of sitting is how my mom always sits. It is her favorite position and she even sits this way in the car. From that moment on it was a go day. Mom wouldn't let Heather and I help her much. We stabilized her as she walked to and from the bathroom and helped her dress but she was on the go and wanted us out of her way. She stayed awake until 2pm when we finished lunch and she interacted with us and talked and laughed and teased. It was so great to have my mom back if only for a day. She also walked all over the house with her walker when we got back from Seattle. To and from the living room to the bathroom several times. That is traveling the entire length of my parent's home.
The Dr's in Seattle basically confirmed what we already know. They suggested a pill form of Chemo, but it interferes with one of her three seizure medications and her neurologist doesn't want to take her off the Dilantin. So, we decided to keep the carbo/taxall chemo going. The only difference is they stepped down the taxall a little. The Dr in Seattle, Dr Eaton, would not have felt comfortable giving mom this chemo because it does break down the muscle and mom has a hard enough time without the chemo taking some of her strength. However, after some test results from Dr Rado's office, the oncologist in Kennewick, Dad and I felt the Chemo she is on now will give us better results. Like Dr Rado said if we are going to do Chemo then we need to do one that will work. Those test results confirmed, finally, that we are for sure dealing with one form of cancer. It is lung cancer, adenocarsinoma. This is good news because the carbo/taxall she is getting will be a good match for treatment of this. Since the pill form is not available for now. The pill form would be a great one to use and if you know someone with lung cancer who has never smoked you might want to ask about it. It is called Tarseva.
Anyway, mom had a treatment today. It only took us four hours to get it. Mom slept, Dad slept, I tried and failed.
Speaking of sleep, I am falling into it right now. I will post some pictures when I get back to UT and give another update then.
Tuesday morning came and it was just as bad. After a little breakfast and a two hour shower, no kidding, we got mom into the car so we could head up to Seattle to see what the cancer Dr's would say up there. Heather and I had to feed mom once in the car and it was harder than feeding a new born baby. Once in Seattle we got mom settled. It was dinner time so Heather ran across the street to a restaurant and got mom some clam chowder. Mom loved it! She ate the whole bowl and two slices of bread. She thought it was the hottest item in Seattle.
After mom got done eating Joe and Michelle came over to visit. They live in Seattle. Joe Michael has a way with my mom. He was able to get her to move around in the wheel chair. Only a little because there wasn't much room. And he got her to get up and walk around with him as her walker. She did awesome! It was an amazing thing. He also got her to flip him off. Joe made the comment that there was a Hooters across the street and he was going to take dad there as soon as mom got into bed and fell asleep. Without even changing her expression she just turned her head to see him and gave him the bird! Joe laughed harder than I have seen in a while. Mom then proceeded to scowl at him the rest of the night. Just when you think it is okay to say something my mom reappears and shocks us all. I hope none of you are offended, mom means this in good fun and really, Joe just brings it out in her.
The next morning, Wed the 21st, I think I witnessed a slight miracle. Mom woke up around 7:30-8am and she looked like she was going to lay back down and try to sleep some more. Instead she pulled her legs under her and sat crossed legged and asked what we were doing today. This way of sitting is how my mom always sits. It is her favorite position and she even sits this way in the car. From that moment on it was a go day. Mom wouldn't let Heather and I help her much. We stabilized her as she walked to and from the bathroom and helped her dress but she was on the go and wanted us out of her way. She stayed awake until 2pm when we finished lunch and she interacted with us and talked and laughed and teased. It was so great to have my mom back if only for a day. She also walked all over the house with her walker when we got back from Seattle. To and from the living room to the bathroom several times. That is traveling the entire length of my parent's home.
The Dr's in Seattle basically confirmed what we already know. They suggested a pill form of Chemo, but it interferes with one of her three seizure medications and her neurologist doesn't want to take her off the Dilantin. So, we decided to keep the carbo/taxall chemo going. The only difference is they stepped down the taxall a little. The Dr in Seattle, Dr Eaton, would not have felt comfortable giving mom this chemo because it does break down the muscle and mom has a hard enough time without the chemo taking some of her strength. However, after some test results from Dr Rado's office, the oncologist in Kennewick, Dad and I felt the Chemo she is on now will give us better results. Like Dr Rado said if we are going to do Chemo then we need to do one that will work. Those test results confirmed, finally, that we are for sure dealing with one form of cancer. It is lung cancer, adenocarsinoma. This is good news because the carbo/taxall she is getting will be a good match for treatment of this. Since the pill form is not available for now. The pill form would be a great one to use and if you know someone with lung cancer who has never smoked you might want to ask about it. It is called Tarseva.
Anyway, mom had a treatment today. It only took us four hours to get it. Mom slept, Dad slept, I tried and failed.
Speaking of sleep, I am falling into it right now. I will post some pictures when I get back to UT and give another update then.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
A Wedding and Jet Lag Meds
Sorry it has been a whole week from the last update. Really there hasn't been much to report. Mom still was sleeping a lot and doing her physical and occupational therapy and doing well. She is still a pleasure to be around and can hold a fair conversation. Dad still goes every night to be with her and to hold her hand. I hope I still love holding hand when I've been married 35 plus years. They also put mom on some Jet Lag medication. Don't ask me what it is called because I don't know. But it does seem to be keeping her awake and alert during the day. This we are very grateful for.
Stacey, mom's Visiting Teacher, has given me some updates and I thought I would put some of her comments in. "I didn't get into the hospital today until noon but was pleasantly surprised to see your mom awake and trying to eat some lunch. I loaded the spoon for her and handed it over... she did a great job. I was commenting on the 'food groups' on her tray... pasta (carbs), meat sauce (protein) carrots and orange sections (fruit and vegetables) and chocolate pudding... your mom piped right up and said, 'Chocolate of coarse is the most important food group !' Her tray also contained coffee... I asked her if she was drinking coffee now (ha)... she told me no that she didn't but she sure loved the smell of it! We had such a fun visit... no simple answers of yes or no...full sentences, smiles, laughter, and even good natured sarcasm, she had therapists Audra (OT) and Erika (speech) rolling with laughter. They were thrilled to see the improvement. Audra was telling a story and your mother apparently was visualizing it and couldn't stop laughing...it was a hoot! Later I asked her about this morning (she took a stroll with Justin using her walker) she said 'Therapy was her favorite thing to do" and then rolled her eyes and put that coy little look on her face...what fun!!! A great day!!"
And the next days updates: "Your mom continues to amaze the therapists. She walked 60 feet with her walker in one direction down the hall (she took off like a rabbit) and then maneuvered her wheelchair with her hands and feet another 70 feet... Impressive!!! Phyllis popped in...'naughty' is the best word to describe those two when they are together."
Editors note: Phyllis is my "Aunt." She and mom look so much alike that they could almost pass for twins. There is no blood relation, but there really could have been with their looks. In fact I got asked a lot in High School if Phyllis was my mom because even my close friends had a hard time sometimes. Phyllis also drives bus, so that made it hard as well. Phyllis fuels my mom like no-one else. They are the best of friends and act like school girls and yes sometimes they are 'naughty' but only in good natured fun. I can't even tell you how much my mom loves being with her. Phyllis and Merlin (her husband) have been long time friends of mom and dad's.
Currently mom will be coming home from the rehab center on Monday the 20th. She will have one wonderful night at home and then she will travel to Seattle where the Seattle Cancer Center Alliance will be looking into her case on Wednesday the 22nd. Once we find out their opinion mom will be coming home and she will start Chemo again on Thursday. I'll be up in WA on Sunday to help with the transition home and all the traveling. Heather will of course be there helping as well.
We also had a little wedding in our family. My take is simple. I wasn't there but I find it more than funny that my Catholic Brother got married by a Mormon Bishop in a chapel at the Kadelek Rehab Center! Now try to explain that to your religious friends. Joe and Michelle had a lovely ceremony so mom could see them married. She will most likely not be able to attend the formal wedding on May 2nd. Joe has assured me he will make a post about all the mishaps and fun they had last Saturday. So please bug him through the comments so he'll do it. We also need to hear about the hair cutting party a few weeks ago Joe.
Now for some comic relief. I love when movie gets really intense and then suddenly a little comment is made and sometimes you get it and sometimes you don't but if you do it makes you laugh. Well, my family gets to be that relief today. Two days ago now I was getting my little troop of three, Jacob (5), Sarah (3), and James (18 mos) ready for pre-school. (Thomas was already at school.) This day was special for several reasons. Jacob just got off spring break and he was heading back to the grinding stone after a well deserved break. Pre-school is very hard you know. Sarah on the other hand is potty training and she is working toward getting a new My Little Pony. James is just 18 mos and into everything. I had to, I mean have the privilege, of helping in Jacob's class once a month and two days ago it was my turn. So after lunch I put Sarah on the potty. This usually gives me enough time to run down stairs and change out the laundry so I went down stairs to do that. I pulled out the whites so I was making sure the Sunday shirts didn't get wrinkled and spent a few extra minutes pulling those out and laying them flat. I hear someone run from one end of the room to the other up stairs and then I heard Sarah scream, "No James!! Stop that!!" This is not unusual so I didn't worry too much until Jacob yelled down the stairs that James had emptied the TP roll. I still wasn't too concerned. It's just TP and I calmly walked up the stairs to see what was happening.
I get up the stairs and hear James laughing gleefully and Sarah's still screaming for him to stop and that he was getting her wet. By this time I am sure you can imagine I was concerned with what I was hearing. Wet is never good in the bathroom. I walked into the worst scene ever. Sarah is sitting on the toilet and James has indeed taken off all the TP from a half full roll. However, James decided he needed to put that TP in the toilet. Sarah didn't like that so James took it out of the toilet and put it on the floor. He then had taken some of the TP and put it back in the toilet. THEN, yes it gets better, (do your sides hurt yet?) James took his favorite no, no toy, the toilet brush, and was shoving the TP down the whole in the bottom. Not only was he clogging the toilet, but he was getting pee water all over the bathroom! I had about 20 minutes before I had to leave to pick up the car pool kids for pre-school. I was not a happy mom at this time. I did however manage to get two kids in the tub, scrub down the bathroom and dry hair all before I was late for pre-school. I dare you to top that for the week.
Have a great one!
Stacey, mom's Visiting Teacher, has given me some updates and I thought I would put some of her comments in. "I didn't get into the hospital today until noon but was pleasantly surprised to see your mom awake and trying to eat some lunch. I loaded the spoon for her and handed it over... she did a great job. I was commenting on the 'food groups' on her tray... pasta (carbs), meat sauce (protein) carrots and orange sections (fruit and vegetables) and chocolate pudding... your mom piped right up and said, 'Chocolate of coarse is the most important food group !' Her tray also contained coffee... I asked her if she was drinking coffee now (ha)... she told me no that she didn't but she sure loved the smell of it! We had such a fun visit... no simple answers of yes or no...full sentences, smiles, laughter, and even good natured sarcasm, she had therapists Audra (OT) and Erika (speech) rolling with laughter. They were thrilled to see the improvement. Audra was telling a story and your mother apparently was visualizing it and couldn't stop laughing...it was a hoot! Later I asked her about this morning (she took a stroll with Justin using her walker) she said 'Therapy was her favorite thing to do" and then rolled her eyes and put that coy little look on her face...what fun!!! A great day!!"
And the next days updates: "Your mom continues to amaze the therapists. She walked 60 feet with her walker in one direction down the hall (she took off like a rabbit) and then maneuvered her wheelchair with her hands and feet another 70 feet... Impressive!!! Phyllis popped in...'naughty' is the best word to describe those two when they are together."
Editors note: Phyllis is my "Aunt." She and mom look so much alike that they could almost pass for twins. There is no blood relation, but there really could have been with their looks. In fact I got asked a lot in High School if Phyllis was my mom because even my close friends had a hard time sometimes. Phyllis also drives bus, so that made it hard as well. Phyllis fuels my mom like no-one else. They are the best of friends and act like school girls and yes sometimes they are 'naughty' but only in good natured fun. I can't even tell you how much my mom loves being with her. Phyllis and Merlin (her husband) have been long time friends of mom and dad's.
Currently mom will be coming home from the rehab center on Monday the 20th. She will have one wonderful night at home and then she will travel to Seattle where the Seattle Cancer Center Alliance will be looking into her case on Wednesday the 22nd. Once we find out their opinion mom will be coming home and she will start Chemo again on Thursday. I'll be up in WA on Sunday to help with the transition home and all the traveling. Heather will of course be there helping as well.
We also had a little wedding in our family. My take is simple. I wasn't there but I find it more than funny that my Catholic Brother got married by a Mormon Bishop in a chapel at the Kadelek Rehab Center! Now try to explain that to your religious friends. Joe and Michelle had a lovely ceremony so mom could see them married. She will most likely not be able to attend the formal wedding on May 2nd. Joe has assured me he will make a post about all the mishaps and fun they had last Saturday. So please bug him through the comments so he'll do it. We also need to hear about the hair cutting party a few weeks ago Joe.
Now for some comic relief. I love when movie gets really intense and then suddenly a little comment is made and sometimes you get it and sometimes you don't but if you do it makes you laugh. Well, my family gets to be that relief today. Two days ago now I was getting my little troop of three, Jacob (5), Sarah (3), and James (18 mos) ready for pre-school. (Thomas was already at school.) This day was special for several reasons. Jacob just got off spring break and he was heading back to the grinding stone after a well deserved break. Pre-school is very hard you know. Sarah on the other hand is potty training and she is working toward getting a new My Little Pony. James is just 18 mos and into everything. I had to, I mean have the privilege, of helping in Jacob's class once a month and two days ago it was my turn. So after lunch I put Sarah on the potty. This usually gives me enough time to run down stairs and change out the laundry so I went down stairs to do that. I pulled out the whites so I was making sure the Sunday shirts didn't get wrinkled and spent a few extra minutes pulling those out and laying them flat. I hear someone run from one end of the room to the other up stairs and then I heard Sarah scream, "No James!! Stop that!!" This is not unusual so I didn't worry too much until Jacob yelled down the stairs that James had emptied the TP roll. I still wasn't too concerned. It's just TP and I calmly walked up the stairs to see what was happening.
I get up the stairs and hear James laughing gleefully and Sarah's still screaming for him to stop and that he was getting her wet. By this time I am sure you can imagine I was concerned with what I was hearing. Wet is never good in the bathroom. I walked into the worst scene ever. Sarah is sitting on the toilet and James has indeed taken off all the TP from a half full roll. However, James decided he needed to put that TP in the toilet. Sarah didn't like that so James took it out of the toilet and put it on the floor. He then had taken some of the TP and put it back in the toilet. THEN, yes it gets better, (do your sides hurt yet?) James took his favorite no, no toy, the toilet brush, and was shoving the TP down the whole in the bottom. Not only was he clogging the toilet, but he was getting pee water all over the bathroom! I had about 20 minutes before I had to leave to pick up the car pool kids for pre-school. I was not a happy mom at this time. I did however manage to get two kids in the tub, scrub down the bathroom and dry hair all before I was late for pre-school. I dare you to top that for the week.
Have a great one!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Judy's Hugs and Kisses
Mom now gives Hugs and Kisses to anyone who is nice to her in Rehab. Our good friend and mom's visiting teacher went to visit yesterday and not only decorated mom's room with Easter things but made a cute basket with Hersey's Hugs and Kisses in it that mom now gets to give to anyone she feels is worthy of one. Knowing mom she is giving them out left and right. That is exactly like something my mom would do and love. Thanks Stacey.
I also now have an honorary Aunt. Stacey didn't have the heart to tell the nurses that she was not related to mom. Of course we couldn't be happier to have Stacey as one of mom's "sister in laws." She has been spoiling our family since this whole thing began. What a wonderful way our Heavenly Father sets things up for us to help and love one another before the crisis hits so that our burden is lighter. Stacey has been one to make our burden seem bearable. Mom also told her to spoil dad and it sounds like she is taking great care of him this week.
I have to admit that I have had a hard time not being able to go up to WA and help this last week. My whole family decided to get strep throat. Yes, every single one of us. Luckily we found out before I left and so we were able to keep all of these germs from Mom and for that I am grateful.
There wasn't much to report the last few days. Mom has been working at her physical therapy and sleeping. The Dr's are not sure why she sleeps so much. The medication she is on does cause drowsiness, but mom shouldn't be this tired. She tends to sleep until noon or a little earlier, does some therapy, takes a short nap and then by six when Dad and Heather get to the hospital to visit her she is tired again and doesn't say much. That concerns all of us because it is not typical. Not typical of mom or of her condition. Of course nothing is typical with mom.
The Dr's did another scan of the brain and found one of the ventricles open again so they will back off one of the seizure meds and see what happens. So much could and could not happen. There is a possibility that there is some brain damage caused by one of three things, the tumors/cancer, the radiation, or the seizures. This is not extensive brain damage if it is, but it will cause some relearning to have to happen. Of course it could not be brain damage. There are so many unknowns it is very frustrating. The Dr's also checked the levels of the seizure meds in her system and found two of the three are at therapeutic levels which is good. One we won't know about for ten days because it takes that long to check it out.
As far as her physical therapy goes she is doing well and making some progress. She needs lots of cues to help her do some very simple tasks. For example: When she goes to put on a shirt she has to be reminded of each step. The same with brushing her teeth. We would like to see this get better quicker, but that all depends on the brain and mom's willingness.
Heather and I think a few things can happen to help with all of this. I truly believe, after reading President Deiter F. Uchtdorf's talk "Happiness, Your Heritage," that mom needs something to do. President Uchtdorf talked about how we are all more happy when we are creating something. For some of us that is baking breads, for others it is keeping a clean house, and still for others it is a form of art. For my mom crafts were her life two months ago. She was constantly working on a problem to solve in regard to some project she wanted to do. Even while driving bus she would be thinking of some way to make a Santa, Raggedy Anne, or Snowman just a little cuter so it would sell better or just be better. I believe some of her sleeping is simply because she has nothing to look forward to and nothing to get up for so why bother. (President Uchtdorf's talk can be found at www.lds.org if you would like to read it.)
On this note we would like to make a request to anyone who might be visiting mom. Heather will be bringing some things by that can help mom in the regard. (As long as it is okay with the Physical Therapist. We don't want to do anything to detract from that progress.) We are hoping to have some books that can be read to mom. She can't read herself because of the cataracts. And some craft projects that mom can work on. If you would like to help mom with that we would love the help. Like I said, if it is brain damage we have to get new pathways working so mom can do all of the things she loves best.
Again, I thank all of you for your help, love and prayers for our family. It is amazing to feel others praying for you. I have never been the recipient of that before and I can testify that every one of those prayers are heard and they help. I appreciate all the visits to mom and the extra things for my dad and extended family. Being 600 miles away makes it hard to take care of mom and there have truly been Angels on Earth helping us. So thanks from us all.
I also now have an honorary Aunt. Stacey didn't have the heart to tell the nurses that she was not related to mom. Of course we couldn't be happier to have Stacey as one of mom's "sister in laws." She has been spoiling our family since this whole thing began. What a wonderful way our Heavenly Father sets things up for us to help and love one another before the crisis hits so that our burden is lighter. Stacey has been one to make our burden seem bearable. Mom also told her to spoil dad and it sounds like she is taking great care of him this week.
I have to admit that I have had a hard time not being able to go up to WA and help this last week. My whole family decided to get strep throat. Yes, every single one of us. Luckily we found out before I left and so we were able to keep all of these germs from Mom and for that I am grateful.
There wasn't much to report the last few days. Mom has been working at her physical therapy and sleeping. The Dr's are not sure why she sleeps so much. The medication she is on does cause drowsiness, but mom shouldn't be this tired. She tends to sleep until noon or a little earlier, does some therapy, takes a short nap and then by six when Dad and Heather get to the hospital to visit her she is tired again and doesn't say much. That concerns all of us because it is not typical. Not typical of mom or of her condition. Of course nothing is typical with mom.
The Dr's did another scan of the brain and found one of the ventricles open again so they will back off one of the seizure meds and see what happens. So much could and could not happen. There is a possibility that there is some brain damage caused by one of three things, the tumors/cancer, the radiation, or the seizures. This is not extensive brain damage if it is, but it will cause some relearning to have to happen. Of course it could not be brain damage. There are so many unknowns it is very frustrating. The Dr's also checked the levels of the seizure meds in her system and found two of the three are at therapeutic levels which is good. One we won't know about for ten days because it takes that long to check it out.
As far as her physical therapy goes she is doing well and making some progress. She needs lots of cues to help her do some very simple tasks. For example: When she goes to put on a shirt she has to be reminded of each step. The same with brushing her teeth. We would like to see this get better quicker, but that all depends on the brain and mom's willingness.
Heather and I think a few things can happen to help with all of this. I truly believe, after reading President Deiter F. Uchtdorf's talk "Happiness, Your Heritage," that mom needs something to do. President Uchtdorf talked about how we are all more happy when we are creating something. For some of us that is baking breads, for others it is keeping a clean house, and still for others it is a form of art. For my mom crafts were her life two months ago. She was constantly working on a problem to solve in regard to some project she wanted to do. Even while driving bus she would be thinking of some way to make a Santa, Raggedy Anne, or Snowman just a little cuter so it would sell better or just be better. I believe some of her sleeping is simply because she has nothing to look forward to and nothing to get up for so why bother. (President Uchtdorf's talk can be found at www.lds.org if you would like to read it.)
On this note we would like to make a request to anyone who might be visiting mom. Heather will be bringing some things by that can help mom in the regard. (As long as it is okay with the Physical Therapist. We don't want to do anything to detract from that progress.) We are hoping to have some books that can be read to mom. She can't read herself because of the cataracts. And some craft projects that mom can work on. If you would like to help mom with that we would love the help. Like I said, if it is brain damage we have to get new pathways working so mom can do all of the things she loves best.
Again, I thank all of you for your help, love and prayers for our family. It is amazing to feel others praying for you. I have never been the recipient of that before and I can testify that every one of those prayers are heard and they help. I appreciate all the visits to mom and the extra things for my dad and extended family. Being 600 miles away makes it hard to take care of mom and there have truly been Angels on Earth helping us. So thanks from us all.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Another day, an old problem.
Talked to Dad tonight and got an update on mom. She is doing well. She is settled into the rehab center and started the work to get better. She is definitely more aware of her surroundings. Heather told me yesterday that when she came to visit after the surgery mom asked where dad was. Heather said he was on his way and would be there soon. Mom proceeded to tell her, "Well, he was supposed to be here a half hour ago to take me out of this damn place." Heather then said she promptly fell asleep. When she woke up she was as pleasant as could be, saw dad and visited and was happy, and never said one more word about going home. It's nice to know she is realizing she is in a hospital and wants to go home.
Dad said my Uncle Jim is in town. It is Jim's birthday today so all the adults went to dinner. I'm glad. I think dad needed a little time away from it all. He said it was a nice dinner and they had a good time. It's also great for my Uncle to see mom. He seems to have gotten a lot of bad news lately. My Grandpa passed away last year. He lives farther away than any other sibling of mom's and only gets the news from phone calls. I'm glad he is there.
Dad did however tell me of an old problem. I say old in relative terms. Mom had two more seizures in the last 24 hours. One during the night and one while taking a bath. Why do those things always happen in the bathroom? The Dr's took mom off one of the three seizure medications she is on. Now we will be upping that dose again to keep them under control. We were all hoping mom could get off some of this particular medication because it makes her very groggy and loopy. That is okay, we now know what to do. They took another scan of the brain to check on things and see if we need to change something. No word on that scan yet, probably we will hear on Monday.
Another new thing is no Chemo until after physical therapy is done. The Dr's want mom as strong as possible. Derrick said Mitra, Dr Rado's NP, is comfortable with this because mom is in no immediate danger. Again, a relative term. This time relative if you are related or not. Mom has smaller masses and is in no pain according to Mitra so holding off on Chemo is fine. The larger concern has been and remains to be the brain. Please keep that particular request in your prayers for mom. We need to get the brain under control then we will be able to move more aggressively to other parts of the body.
And on the prayer note I would like to share an experience I believe my whole family has had. We decided to pray in particular that mom would be strong enough and cognisant enough to be admitted to the rehab center she is currently in. That obviously came true. My kids all made sure they prayed that Grandma would be able to get stronger with the Dr's help. I'm sure my sister's and brother's all had that great feeling that comes from an answered prayer when the call came in that mom had indeed been accepted and that our prayer was answered; just like I did. It seems such a small thing to pray for, but I know Heavenly Father heard us and helped mom to pass the evaluation. And I'm just very grateful. Thomas, my oldest, was very excited and just said, "See mom, Heavenly Father came through again!"
Thanks so much for all of your comments. They have helped me a lot and my family has enjoyed them as well. Please keep them coming.
Dad said my Uncle Jim is in town. It is Jim's birthday today so all the adults went to dinner. I'm glad. I think dad needed a little time away from it all. He said it was a nice dinner and they had a good time. It's also great for my Uncle to see mom. He seems to have gotten a lot of bad news lately. My Grandpa passed away last year. He lives farther away than any other sibling of mom's and only gets the news from phone calls. I'm glad he is there.
Dad did however tell me of an old problem. I say old in relative terms. Mom had two more seizures in the last 24 hours. One during the night and one while taking a bath. Why do those things always happen in the bathroom? The Dr's took mom off one of the three seizure medications she is on. Now we will be upping that dose again to keep them under control. We were all hoping mom could get off some of this particular medication because it makes her very groggy and loopy. That is okay, we now know what to do. They took another scan of the brain to check on things and see if we need to change something. No word on that scan yet, probably we will hear on Monday.
Another new thing is no Chemo until after physical therapy is done. The Dr's want mom as strong as possible. Derrick said Mitra, Dr Rado's NP, is comfortable with this because mom is in no immediate danger. Again, a relative term. This time relative if you are related or not. Mom has smaller masses and is in no pain according to Mitra so holding off on Chemo is fine. The larger concern has been and remains to be the brain. Please keep that particular request in your prayers for mom. We need to get the brain under control then we will be able to move more aggressively to other parts of the body.
And on the prayer note I would like to share an experience I believe my whole family has had. We decided to pray in particular that mom would be strong enough and cognisant enough to be admitted to the rehab center she is currently in. That obviously came true. My kids all made sure they prayed that Grandma would be able to get stronger with the Dr's help. I'm sure my sister's and brother's all had that great feeling that comes from an answered prayer when the call came in that mom had indeed been accepted and that our prayer was answered; just like I did. It seems such a small thing to pray for, but I know Heavenly Father heard us and helped mom to pass the evaluation. And I'm just very grateful. Thomas, my oldest, was very excited and just said, "See mom, Heavenly Father came through again!"
Thanks so much for all of your comments. They have helped me a lot and my family has enjoyed them as well. Please keep them coming.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
