Another good weekend

Last weekend was the second weekend that Mom didn't have to go to the Emergency Department. She did have an appointment Monday at Burns Clinic, which is connected to NMRH, but we're not counting that.

Saturday, Donna came to the house for Mom's physical therapy. Mom walked 66 feet, which was a whole 66 feet more than she was able to do on Friday. Mom is still suffering from spells that make it hard for her to move and to follow instruction. But Saturday, after enduring one at the walker, she pushed through it and walked from her room to the living room and back.

After physical therapy, Tina, Devon and Aunt Dorothy came to visit. Devon had a great time playing with Olivia and Cameron, and they showered him with Wise hospitality.

Tina treated Mom to a much needed manicure.

Aunt Dorothy brought Mom two pair of gorgeous, soft pajamas from Penneys. And a jumbo Hershey's dark chocolate bar that was almost gone by the time they headed back to Traverse.

Sunday, Mom took a break from church. The catheter continues to sting and is leaking. This is apparently a common problem with catheters; the bladder spasms and causes leaking; the leaking causes irritation. Today, Michelle from Vital Care will check the catheter again. Hopefully we'll find a workable solution to this. Mom's catheter, although a slight inconvenience, gives her freedom she didn't have before due to the chronic incontinence problem. Incontinence was also the indirect cause of her injuries over the last few months. If you're looking for something to pray for, please pray for the solution to this problem.

Monday was Mom's follow-up appointment for the EEG a couple weeks ago. In the waiting room, the nurse called someone's name, and Mom turned to him excitedly and said, loudly, "Ice cream?" Everyone in the waiting room laughed, and one agreed that there should be ice cream for everyone. When we were called in to the room, Mom read us a brain book that Suzy wants to get for the kids. Video is below.

Results of the EEG: Dr. Roth was unable to find any evidence of seizures. After examining Mom, Dr. Roth's opinion is that the radiation caused some deterioration of Mom's brain that has resulted in lack of balance. He prescribed Keppra, a drug that is given to Parkinson patients and interacts well with other medications. One side effect is irritability, so we'll need to keep that in mind when she's craving ice cream.

After the neurology appointment, we went to Walmart for Mom's exit interview. Mom saw her supervisor, Barb, on the way in. Mom has always spoken highly of Barb; she felt she was very fair. It was nice to meet her.

Mom went to coworker Conny to sign her termination papers. Conny was sad to see Mom go. Everyone wants her to return to Walmart whenever she is able. Like Mom said, most of what she did before she got sick can be done from a wheelchair. And Mom was very good at her job. It's fun walking Mom into Walmart and being stopped repeatedly by her coworkers who miss her so much.

Afterward you can guess where we went for lunch. Yes, we made another visit to the Colonel. We were soooo hungry! Mom had a wonderful feast, to the extent that the next lunch outing will probably be Chinese buffet, just to give the Colonel a break.

Mom's next appointment with Dr. Galloway is this Friday. At this appointment they'll discuss re-introducing Tarceva. More then.