Weekend Excitement

Saturday was Mom's birthday and it was a big event. The kids blew up the 73 balloons with helium. Corey and Evan serenaded Mom with the happy birthday song - helium style. We dined on ham, scalloped potatoes, meatballs and quiche. The Easter egg hunt was unfortunately called due to snow. There were lots of great presents, including roses and chocolate. Lots of chocolate.

Mom was not herself on Sunday - aware but not very responsive. A few things brought a big smile to her face, particularly Makayla. But by early evening she was exhausted and went to bed.

Sunday morning I gave her the Tarceva a little after 7:00 a.m., and she seemed sleepy but fine. At 8:30, I asked her how she was doing, and she responded with gibberish. I could tell she knew what I was saying and was trying to respond, but couldn't. Suzy and I suspected another bladder infection. The Vital Care nurse had taken a speciment during Friday's visit and the results were due Monday. After the last hospital stay we were reluctant to take Mom back; she had such a wild ride with all the medications the hospital administered, and we knew she wouldn't get the immediate care she receives at home. While we were still deciding whether to wait until Monday for antibiotics, we checked Mom's temp and it was 100.6. Shortly afterward she threw up. So the decision was made for us and we bundled her up for the hospital again.

We arrived at the ED shortly after 1:00 p.m., and her temperature had shot up to 103.9 . The staff were very attentive. They immediately gave her fluids and a tylenol suppository. Her blood pressure was a little high at first, as well as her heart rate. Her blood oxygenation was good, but came down whenever she shook from the chills. Later in the afternoon they administered a drug to bring her heart rate down. By the time she was taken to her room, her temp was down to 101.

While we were still in ED, Tina and Mike came up. Mom was less responsive than she had been at home, but I could tell she was happy to see them. They stayed with Mom until she was settled in her room.

We should have pushed for that gold card we talked about because our wait for admission and a room was six hours. We don't have any complaints though. The last time we had no idea why we were waiting. This time the nurse kept us up to date and checked on us frequently.

Suzy left explicit instructions with the night staff regarding Mom's need for attention, particularly her inability to use the nurse call button and the rash she suffered last visit. We were assured by her nurse that they would keep a close eye on her. It was hard to leave her, but we did.

Suzy talked to the nurse this morning. Mom was up several time during the night, but she is doing well this morning and "has a bright smile." We haven't seen that smile since Saturday, so we're very relieved. Her temperature is down to 99. Suzy and I are heading up separately today. Hopefully I'll be able to post another update from the hospital on the third floor computer. Mom isn't on the third floor yet with her regular crew of nurses and her million dollar view. She's on the second floor with a window overlooking a gravel roof. But they plan to move her as soon as a bed is available.

Thanks for your prayers for Mom. Please pray for Suzy too. She has a bad chest cold and is very tired and achy. She is taking Mom's scheduled appointment with Dr. Karkosak this morning while I go ahead of her to Petoskey.

More later.