Running on Love

On New Years Day Tina, Tami and Dan and the little ones, Bill and Pattie, and Aunt Dorothy came to spend the day. Mom had a relatively peaceful day with minimal coughing. The entire family plans to come back this afternoon to celebrate our family Christmas.

Since Thursday afternoon Mom has been coughing a lot and her fluid output has remained very low. On Wednesday we cut back her sodium chloride by half in an attempt to decrease the fluid in her lungs and help her to breathe. Dr. Karkosak increased her fentanil to 125 mcg to help manage the pain. Mom has been unable to speak or eat since Sunday. She is running on love like a car runs on fumes.

Mostly, Mom sleeps and works to breathe, and we help her as much as we can. Mom looked at Olivia with acknowledgement in her eyes when she kissed her last night before bed. She has responded a little to hugs and kisses, to loud noises, to scripture and to prayer. Suzy sang Mares Eat Oats to her yesterday and she focused on her intently. I think she wanted to sing too.