Mom was discharged today. When I talked to Suzy this evening, Mom was in her recliner snoozing. Suzy said she seemed to be getting stronger as the day wore on once she was home.
No more white sheets.
No more view of the bay.
No more room service.
But she's home, and close to her secret stash of Paydays and Hershey's.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Sunday's Child
The child that's born on the Sabbath Day
is bonny and blithe and good and gay
Little Traverse Bay from Mom's window
Bill and Pattie arrived at about 11:30 a.m. to visit Mom while Suzy's family and I were in church. They stayed a couple of hours and had a very nice visit. Mom said she had a hard time trying to share her lunch with Billy. I don't know what that's all about, but Bill and Pattie do. Later today Tina and Mike arrived. So this weekend Mom got to see all of her kids.
Mom's discharge date may change again. Mom thinks it might be Wednesday; Suzy told me it could be on either side of that day. I'll post the information here when her discharge date becomes more certain.
Below are some pictures from her stay at the hospital over the last few days. I don't know if Bill's and Tina's families have pictures from today. If so, send 'em on!
Wednesday, November 21, Mom thoroughly enjoying her hospital stay under shawl from cousin Roleen
Mom and Suzy, Thursday, November 22
Mom and Pat, Thursday, November 22
Olivia, Mom and Cameron, Saturday, November 24
Saturday, November 24, 2007
The Sound of Flowers
Suzy and I went to see Mom at 1:00 p.m. on Friday. By the time we arrived she'd eaten her breakfast sitting up in a chair and had gone to x-ray. She was eating spaghetti and meatballs for lunch. Paul brought her a box of Kilwins truffles, and she had fun sharing it with us.
Mom's oxygen has been very good since Wednesday - close to 100. Her white blood cell count is better. She is thoroughly enjoying herself in the hospital, but she did say yesterday that she'd like to be home where things are familiar.
Dr. Knitter spoke to us in the afternoon. Mom needs to stay in the hospital a few more days on her IV drip. When she comes home she will begin twice-daily injections of Lovenox to prevent clotting and will continue for six months.
Mom is coherent - much better than she was when she was admitted. In the emergency room on Monday, Mom told Suzy she couldn't hear the flowers. Mom doesn't remember it, but we're all smiling about it now.
Hearing the flowers reminds me of Mom's reluctance to receive difficult news. She only wants to hear the good stuff. Suzy and I spent Wednesday evening going over her durable power of attourney forms with her. We tried to complete them with her in May, but discussing end of life plans became overwhelming for her so we set it aside until she was ready to discuss it again. On Tuesday Mom's nurse practitioner, Lori, encouraged her to revisit the forms. Mom still had difficulty thinking it through, but eventually she was able to tell us confidently exactly what she wanted. Now she can concentrate on more pleasant things again. Like coming home.
Mom's oxygen has been very good since Wednesday - close to 100. Her white blood cell count is better. She is thoroughly enjoying herself in the hospital, but she did say yesterday that she'd like to be home where things are familiar.
Dr. Knitter spoke to us in the afternoon. Mom needs to stay in the hospital a few more days on her IV drip. When she comes home she will begin twice-daily injections of Lovenox to prevent clotting and will continue for six months.
Mom is coherent - much better than she was when she was admitted. In the emergency room on Monday, Mom told Suzy she couldn't hear the flowers. Mom doesn't remember it, but we're all smiling about it now.
Hearing the flowers reminds me of Mom's reluctance to receive difficult news. She only wants to hear the good stuff. Suzy and I spent Wednesday evening going over her durable power of attourney forms with her. We tried to complete them with her in May, but discussing end of life plans became overwhelming for her so we set it aside until she was ready to discuss it again. On Tuesday Mom's nurse practitioner, Lori, encouraged her to revisit the forms. Mom still had difficulty thinking it through, but eventually she was able to tell us confidently exactly what she wanted. Now she can concentrate on more pleasant things again. Like coming home.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Snow
Tuesday night on the way home from the hospital the snow came. It began, for Suzy and me, just south of Petoskey with a few flurries and quickly surged to white out conditions. The trip was slow and a little scary since I was driving the Jag which has rear wheel drive, a lot of torque, and consequently not very good on slippery roads. We got a healthy four inches of snow over the night. Thanksgiving plans that had already been altered with Mom's hospital stay changed again. Bill and Pattie planned to drive from Traverse Thursday morning, but had to turn back. I had planned to go up early to spend the day with Mom, but after the drive the night before I decided to wait and go when the Wises went as a family.
I checked in on Mom several times during the day, and most times I woke her up from a nap. She slept most of the day - no doubt because she needed the rest. We didn't arrive at the hospital until around 5:30 p.m. and she was sound asleep. We woke her of course, and served her homemade Thanksgiving dinner complete with pumpkin and pecan pie.
Dr. Knitter has Mom sitting in a chair to take her meals now. She still has to keep her leg elevated, and she cannot have constriction where her leg meets her torso. The doctor will not release her until she can walk on her own, and she is not yet ready. We didn't see the doctor yesterday so we don't know if there is an estimated time of release. I'm sure we'll know more today.
The doctor and nurses are keeping an eye on Mom for changes in behavior. She took a good knock to the head, and although it's not the primary concern at this point it still needs to be watched. In 1996, Dad fell and hit his head while shoveling snow, and even though he had a MRI of his skull after suffering a siezure, he developed a large subdural hemotoma over a few weeks due to a small leak not found in the MRI. So, we're a little concerned about Mom's bump to her head. Mom's night nurse assured Suzy last night that she would keep an eye on her, and Dr. Knitter told me Wednesday that they would do a scan of her head before discharge.
We took more pictures, but as I mentioned before the internet connection here is slow and I can't get the pictures loaded to this website. But I will do my best to give you all updates on her Mom's progress.
Happy Black Friday! Shop safe!
I checked in on Mom several times during the day, and most times I woke her up from a nap. She slept most of the day - no doubt because she needed the rest. We didn't arrive at the hospital until around 5:30 p.m. and she was sound asleep. We woke her of course, and served her homemade Thanksgiving dinner complete with pumpkin and pecan pie.
Dr. Knitter has Mom sitting in a chair to take her meals now. She still has to keep her leg elevated, and she cannot have constriction where her leg meets her torso. The doctor will not release her until she can walk on her own, and she is not yet ready. We didn't see the doctor yesterday so we don't know if there is an estimated time of release. I'm sure we'll know more today.
The doctor and nurses are keeping an eye on Mom for changes in behavior. She took a good knock to the head, and although it's not the primary concern at this point it still needs to be watched. In 1996, Dad fell and hit his head while shoveling snow, and even though he had a MRI of his skull after suffering a siezure, he developed a large subdural hemotoma over a few weeks due to a small leak not found in the MRI. So, we're a little concerned about Mom's bump to her head. Mom's night nurse assured Suzy last night that she would keep an eye on her, and Dr. Knitter told me Wednesday that they would do a scan of her head before discharge.
We took more pictures, but as I mentioned before the internet connection here is slow and I can't get the pictures loaded to this website. But I will do my best to give you all updates on her Mom's progress.
Happy Black Friday! Shop safe!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Giving Thanks
Mom is still in the hospital - not complaining though. She's getting five star treatment from her nurses, Bridgette and Butch. Her favorite treatment is the nebulizer - she nearly whines when it's over and can't wait for the next time! This is a big boost for the respiratory therapists, who normally have to encourage their patients to receive the treatment.
Tuesday morning the doctors discovered blood clots in her left leg. This happens sometimes during chemo treatments. Mom had some swelling of the leg when I visited last; now we know the cause. The fall during the night and the bump on her head was a blessing; if she hadn't fallen, we may not have known about the clots, which could have caused her serious troubles on top of those she is already braving. So, Mom is on an IV drip of antibiotics for the infection and Heprin for the clots. Lucky for her she has the convenience of the chemo port.
I was in the room with Mom this morning when Dr. Knitter was with her. During the conversation, Dr. Knitter told Mom she had a very healthy attitude about her cancer. Mom replied that her strength comes from her faith in the Lord, and that if she wasn't a Christian she didn't know how she could do it. Mom shares her hope with everyone she meets.
Mom will be in the hospital over Thanksgiving, possibly longer. She needs to stay until the infection is cleared up and the clots are dealt with. So, Thanksgiving plans with the family have been altered a bit, but we have lots to be thankful for. Lots.
The new hearing aids are working well. She can hear us speak in a normal tone. Sometimes she's still a little confused about what we're saying, but now we know it's just a confusion thing and not a hearing thing.
Suzy and I are at the North Central Michigan College library right now, stopping for a book and to check email. I showed Suzy all the visits to this website from Florida. Suzy wants Aunt Jan and Uncle Matt to know how much she appreciates your diligent tracking of Mom's progress. She loves you and would like to talk to you soon. She doesn't get to check her email too often, so if she doesn't respond right away, hang in there.
I love you too.
I'll try to post again over the next couple days.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday morning the doctors discovered blood clots in her left leg. This happens sometimes during chemo treatments. Mom had some swelling of the leg when I visited last; now we know the cause. The fall during the night and the bump on her head was a blessing; if she hadn't fallen, we may not have known about the clots, which could have caused her serious troubles on top of those she is already braving. So, Mom is on an IV drip of antibiotics for the infection and Heprin for the clots. Lucky for her she has the convenience of the chemo port.
I was in the room with Mom this morning when Dr. Knitter was with her. During the conversation, Dr. Knitter told Mom she had a very healthy attitude about her cancer. Mom replied that her strength comes from her faith in the Lord, and that if she wasn't a Christian she didn't know how she could do it. Mom shares her hope with everyone she meets.
Mom will be in the hospital over Thanksgiving, possibly longer. She needs to stay until the infection is cleared up and the clots are dealt with. So, Thanksgiving plans with the family have been altered a bit, but we have lots to be thankful for. Lots.
The new hearing aids are working well. She can hear us speak in a normal tone. Sometimes she's still a little confused about what we're saying, but now we know it's just a confusion thing and not a hearing thing.
Suzy and I are at the North Central Michigan College library right now, stopping for a book and to check email. I showed Suzy all the visits to this website from Florida. Suzy wants Aunt Jan and Uncle Matt to know how much she appreciates your diligent tracking of Mom's progress. She loves you and would like to talk to you soon. She doesn't get to check her email too often, so if she doesn't respond right away, hang in there.
I love you too.
I'll try to post again over the next couple days.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 19, 2007
A Bump in the Night
Last night - actually early this morning - Mom fell when she got up to use the restroom. She had one of her dizzy spells, which usually occur during the day. She wasn't using her walker. When she fell, she hit the back of her head. She was okay at the time, but when it was time to wake up this morning, Corey and Evan had a hard time getting her up. She was disoriented and not making sense when she spoke.
Suzy took Mom to Northern Michigan Hospital, where they ran tests and a ct scan of her head and her chest. They discovered that she had a urinary tract infection and a fever of 102 degrees. Her white blood cell count was low, about 1200. The low count is a side effect of the chemo.
Mom doesn't have a concussion, but the hospital admitted her because of the fever. She will spend tonight in the hospital, and will go home Tuesday if her white cell count is on the way up. If it continues to decline they will keep her longer.
When I spoke with Suzy this evening she was still at the hospital. Mom is more herself than she was this morning. The disorientation was most likely due to her fever. Neither Mom nor Suzy had eaten since last night. For Mom, not eating for more than a couple of hours is significant as of late, no doubt due to the fever.
Pattie Darrow made calls for Suzy today to keep us informed. Thanks Pattie!
I'll do my best to get updates posted daily. I'm heading to Suzy's tomorrow after work, and the internet connection there is pretty slow. In the mean time, thanks for your prayers for Mom.
Suzy took Mom to Northern Michigan Hospital, where they ran tests and a ct scan of her head and her chest. They discovered that she had a urinary tract infection and a fever of 102 degrees. Her white blood cell count was low, about 1200. The low count is a side effect of the chemo.
Mom doesn't have a concussion, but the hospital admitted her because of the fever. She will spend tonight in the hospital, and will go home Tuesday if her white cell count is on the way up. If it continues to decline they will keep her longer.
When I spoke with Suzy this evening she was still at the hospital. Mom is more herself than she was this morning. The disorientation was most likely due to her fever. Neither Mom nor Suzy had eaten since last night. For Mom, not eating for more than a couple of hours is significant as of late, no doubt due to the fever.
Pattie Darrow made calls for Suzy today to keep us informed. Thanks Pattie!
I'll do my best to get updates posted daily. I'm heading to Suzy's tomorrow after work, and the internet connection there is pretty slow. In the mean time, thanks for your prayers for Mom.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
New Chemo Today
Today was Mom's first day to receive the new chemo. The new brain and spleen tumors were an indicator that the previous chemotherapy was no longer working. Her new chemo is Alimta, otherwise known as Pemetrexed. Alimta is supposed to be particularly good for treatment of lung cancer.
Typically, Mom's chemo appointments are an all day affair. Today, the actual chemo injection only took about 15 minutes, shortening the visit a bit. Suzy told me tonight that Mom was a little disappointed that she didn't get any Benadryl this visit because she wanted to take a nap. You know, when the morphine isn't available anymore you look forward to the soft core stuff like Benadryl.
Side effects with Alimta were a concern; fatigue and nausea are typical after administration. But so far Mom is feeling great. In fact, as I write this tonight Mom is out with the Wises eating appetizers at Applebee's - her idea.
Suzy reminded me tonight that I have a couple pictures in my cell phone of Mom's visit to Midland. Unfortunately, I have to have drivers to upload the pictures to my computer, and until I figure out how to get them - or find the software in the box my phone came in - I can't share the pictures. Unless you bump into me on the street and think to ask "Hey, how about those gamma knife photos of Rose Mary?" Unlikely. So I'll get the drivers.
Typically, Mom's chemo appointments are an all day affair. Today, the actual chemo injection only took about 15 minutes, shortening the visit a bit. Suzy told me tonight that Mom was a little disappointed that she didn't get any Benadryl this visit because she wanted to take a nap. You know, when the morphine isn't available anymore you look forward to the soft core stuff like Benadryl.
Side effects with Alimta were a concern; fatigue and nausea are typical after administration. But so far Mom is feeling great. In fact, as I write this tonight Mom is out with the Wises eating appetizers at Applebee's - her idea.
Suzy reminded me tonight that I have a couple pictures in my cell phone of Mom's visit to Midland. Unfortunately, I have to have drivers to upload the pictures to my computer, and until I figure out how to get them - or find the software in the box my phone came in - I can't share the pictures. Unless you bump into me on the street and think to ask "Hey, how about those gamma knife photos of Rose Mary?" Unlikely. So I'll get the drivers.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Midland Adventure
Mom's gamma knife surgery began with a consultation appointment on Monday, November 5. Suzy took her down to Mid Michigan Medical Center in the morning and they were done around noon. They went to Bob Evans for lunch and shopped at Meijer afterward.
I didn't arrive at the Fairview Inn in Midland until a bit after 8:00 p.m. I took M-20 from Big Rapids, and just as I was leaving Big Rapids the sleet started. Then the snow fell. At times it was a complete white-out. Put an extra hour on the trip but it was worth it once I got there.
We went to Applebee's for dinner and feasted on the appetizers - they were half off. We ate and talked and laughed, and in the end Mom got a chocolate mousse dessert with extra chocolate.
You may be catching the theme by now - it's all about the food. Since Mom has been on steroids, food has risen in status from sustenance to favorite pastime.
pastime
noun
a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly); "sailing is her favorite pastime"; "his main pastime is gambling"; "he counts reading among his interests"; "they criticized the boy for his limited pursuits"
pastime. (n.d.). WordNet® 3.0. Retrieved November 10, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pastime
Mom has gained a lot of weight very quickly on the steroids. She is bigger now than she has ever been in her life. Quite the change from her low weight last summer. She just loves to eat!
We talked and laughed a lot back at the hotel before we went to bed. We got up early for the 7:45 a.m. appointment for the surgery. Everyone at Mid Michigan was wonderful to us. They loved Mom. Her nurse Jennifer told Suzy and me at one point, "You have the sweetest Mom!" She's right, of course.
The appointment began in a very comfortable room with two chairs and a recliner for Mom. Jennifer briefed her on all the steps of the procedure, then took her to have her IV inserted for sedation. Once sedated, they took her to another room to have her frame put on her head. The gamma knife head frame is held to the head with four tiny pins that go through the skin and into the skull. The frame keeps the head still for the MRI and the surgery.
After having the frame placed on her head, Mom came back to the room to rest. The sedation only lasted about half an hour, but she drowsed off a lot afterward. Somewhere in that time, Suzy's friend Nancy Medford came from Shepherd to join us. We talked and I knitted while we waited for the next step.
Mom then went for her MRI. The MRI used prior to gamma knife is more precise than others; if there were any additional tumors found they could then treat those at the same time. The results came back negative for additional tumors, and then Mom went for her surgery.
Mom was laid on the table and her head frame was attached to the head of it. The table was then drawn into the gamma knife equipment. The procedure took only ten minutes or so. We watched from the room via closed circuit television. There wasn't much to watch, only Mom laying still with a halo of machinery around her head.
After the surgery, Mom came back to her room to rest and wait for discharge instructions. Suzy and Nancy brought her a broccoli chicken casserole and a chocolate dessert from the cafeteria, which she ate with great appreciation - especially because she could not have breakfast before the procedure. Another MRI is scheduled for January 8, 2008 to see the results of the surgery, but that appointment will be at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey.
I can't say enough about the marvelous service Mom received at Mid Michigan. The staff were professional and kind, and they seemed to genuinely care about Mom. The office had more of a spa feel to it than a medical treatment center. Before we left, Mom said, "I really enjoyed myself. Do I get to come back?" Jennifer smiled and told her she hoped not.
Suzy took lots of pictures of Mom's Midland adventure. I'll post some of them when we connect again. Mom's next chemo appointment is Tuesday, November 13. Thanks, as always, for your prayers.
I didn't arrive at the Fairview Inn in Midland until a bit after 8:00 p.m. I took M-20 from Big Rapids, and just as I was leaving Big Rapids the sleet started. Then the snow fell. At times it was a complete white-out. Put an extra hour on the trip but it was worth it once I got there.
We went to Applebee's for dinner and feasted on the appetizers - they were half off. We ate and talked and laughed, and in the end Mom got a chocolate mousse dessert with extra chocolate.
You may be catching the theme by now - it's all about the food. Since Mom has been on steroids, food has risen in status from sustenance to favorite pastime.
pastime
noun
a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly); "sailing is her favorite pastime"; "his main pastime is gambling"; "he counts reading among his interests"; "they criticized the boy for his limited pursuits"
pastime. (n.d.). WordNet® 3.0. Retrieved November 10, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pastime
Mom has gained a lot of weight very quickly on the steroids. She is bigger now than she has ever been in her life. Quite the change from her low weight last summer. She just loves to eat!
We talked and laughed a lot back at the hotel before we went to bed. We got up early for the 7:45 a.m. appointment for the surgery. Everyone at Mid Michigan was wonderful to us. They loved Mom. Her nurse Jennifer told Suzy and me at one point, "You have the sweetest Mom!" She's right, of course.
The appointment began in a very comfortable room with two chairs and a recliner for Mom. Jennifer briefed her on all the steps of the procedure, then took her to have her IV inserted for sedation. Once sedated, they took her to another room to have her frame put on her head. The gamma knife head frame is held to the head with four tiny pins that go through the skin and into the skull. The frame keeps the head still for the MRI and the surgery.
After having the frame placed on her head, Mom came back to the room to rest. The sedation only lasted about half an hour, but she drowsed off a lot afterward. Somewhere in that time, Suzy's friend Nancy Medford came from Shepherd to join us. We talked and I knitted while we waited for the next step.
Mom then went for her MRI. The MRI used prior to gamma knife is more precise than others; if there were any additional tumors found they could then treat those at the same time. The results came back negative for additional tumors, and then Mom went for her surgery.
Mom was laid on the table and her head frame was attached to the head of it. The table was then drawn into the gamma knife equipment. The procedure took only ten minutes or so. We watched from the room via closed circuit television. There wasn't much to watch, only Mom laying still with a halo of machinery around her head.
After the surgery, Mom came back to her room to rest and wait for discharge instructions. Suzy and Nancy brought her a broccoli chicken casserole and a chocolate dessert from the cafeteria, which she ate with great appreciation - especially because she could not have breakfast before the procedure. Another MRI is scheduled for January 8, 2008 to see the results of the surgery, but that appointment will be at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey.
I can't say enough about the marvelous service Mom received at Mid Michigan. The staff were professional and kind, and they seemed to genuinely care about Mom. The office had more of a spa feel to it than a medical treatment center. Before we left, Mom said, "I really enjoyed myself. Do I get to come back?" Jennifer smiled and told her she hoped not.
Suzy took lots of pictures of Mom's Midland adventure. I'll post some of them when we connect again. Mom's next chemo appointment is Tuesday, November 13. Thanks, as always, for your prayers.
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