For most of you who are reading this it will be Wednesday Feb 9, 2011.
Mom went home to heaven at around 11:10pm last night.
It was a hard day but the most peaceful and wonderful home going.
After a rather hard day of breathing and LOTS of mucus coming up and rattling the CNA came and gave her a bath. Helen helped the CNA rub lotion on her body and get her turned and settled. How much the whole scene brought to mind the scriptures about the death of Christ.
The nurse said she wouldn't be surprised if tonight would be the night. Helen and I sat with her and talked to her and cried. I felt I wanted to read some more out of "Hinds Feet on High Places" which I have been reading to mom since her cancer diagnosis. The following is what I read.
When he had finished, Much-Afraid lifted her face toward the High Places which were quie invisible and spoke quitely through the mist. "My Lord, behold me-here I am, in the place thou didst send me to-doing he thing thou didst tell me to do, for where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried; the Lord do so to me, and more also if aught but death part thee and me. Ruth 1:17
Still there was silence, a silence as of the grave, for indeed she was in the grave of her own hopes and still without the promised hinds' feet, still outside the High Places with even the promise to be laid down on the altar. This was the place to which the long, heartbreaking journey had led her. Yet just once more before she laid it down on the altar, Much-Afraid repeated the glorious promise which had been the cause of her staring for the High Places, "The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet and he will make me to walk upon mine High Places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments" Hab 3:19
The priest put forth a hand of steel right into her heart. There was a sound of rending and tearing, and the human love, with all its myriad rootlets and fibers, came forth. He held it for a moment and then said, "Yes, it was ripe for removal, the time had come."
With that reading my mother took her final breath and went to be with the Lord. That was not the end of the book, but it was the end of my mothers earthly life.
Helen and I were soooo blessed at that moment. We looked at each other and smiled. What a spiritual high we have been on since.
We know that the angels are rejoicing but with that came the demons reviling, that another soul had arrived with the Lord. We would ask that you pray for us now more than before, that we will be able put on the armour of God and stand the test.
Thank you for walking with us on this journey, for all those that brought meals, called and prayed for us.
To God be the glory. Keo
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
2nd update for today 2/8
The nurse just came in 9:18am and moms bp is 80/40 and she is running a temp of 101.6. The dr said she must be a fighter. He said the most she would live with that bp is a few days.
8am Tuesday Feb 8
Good morning friends and family,
Long night. Mom has lots of fluid she tries to cough up especially when they turn her. They are turning her about every 4 hours now. Helen and I rubbed her back during the night which she likes. We think she responds when we stop as she makes the same little noise.
This is getting harder as time goes on. I cried this morning. I pray God would take her soon. I know she will not go home one second early or one second later than God planned before she was even born. God will use every second of her life, every breath she breathes. It is hard stepping back and watching and waiting, but to God be the glory.
We have met MANY families here that have lost loved ones since we came. Another man died last night around 4am.
So hard, why don't we live every day like it is our last for God's glory.
Thank you Father!! Love Keo
Long night. Mom has lots of fluid she tries to cough up especially when they turn her. They are turning her about every 4 hours now. Helen and I rubbed her back during the night which she likes. We think she responds when we stop as she makes the same little noise.
This is getting harder as time goes on. I cried this morning. I pray God would take her soon. I know she will not go home one second early or one second later than God planned before she was even born. God will use every second of her life, every breath she breathes. It is hard stepping back and watching and waiting, but to God be the glory.
We have met MANY families here that have lost loved ones since we came. Another man died last night around 4am.
So hard, why don't we live every day like it is our last for God's glory.
Thank you Father!! Love Keo
Monday, February 7, 2011
Day 6, Monday Feb 7
Friends and family,
God continues to show his faithfulness to us even in the smallest way. Last night I told Helen I wish they had a vending machine because I really wanted some peanut M&M's. This morning when we got up and went to the kitchen guess what was there! Yes peanut M&M's.
I also want to share that the nurse that had asked me about borrowing the lotion came in and was almost crying when she said she saw all the lotion I had bought. She told us she was going to share the house book. She came back in and gave us a scrap book and told us that her mother was the one that started this hospice house. She said when her father was dying her mother had no where to take him. After he died she decided she didn't want anyone else to go through what she went through.
We had a great weekend with lots of wonderful visitors and it was an emotional and spiritual high.
Mom is now on around the clock pain meds instead of waiting until she is uncomfortable. She is much more unresponsive now because of that but we know she still hears and understand some. They gave her a shot last night and her eyes flew open.
We have come to the point that we are asking that no one come to visit her except family or pastors. I know you will all understand and will continue to pray for us. Its hard to believe mom has been at hospice house for 6 days.
I pray these emails make sense as I am quickly typing them but want to update those who want to know what is going on.
Love, Keo
God continues to show his faithfulness to us even in the smallest way. Last night I told Helen I wish they had a vending machine because I really wanted some peanut M&M's. This morning when we got up and went to the kitchen guess what was there! Yes peanut M&M's.
I also want to share that the nurse that had asked me about borrowing the lotion came in and was almost crying when she said she saw all the lotion I had bought. She told us she was going to share the house book. She came back in and gave us a scrap book and told us that her mother was the one that started this hospice house. She said when her father was dying her mother had no where to take him. After he died she decided she didn't want anyone else to go through what she went through.
We had a great weekend with lots of wonderful visitors and it was an emotional and spiritual high.
Mom is now on around the clock pain meds instead of waiting until she is uncomfortable. She is much more unresponsive now because of that but we know she still hears and understand some. They gave her a shot last night and her eyes flew open.
We have come to the point that we are asking that no one come to visit her except family or pastors. I know you will all understand and will continue to pray for us. Its hard to believe mom has been at hospice house for 6 days.
I pray these emails make sense as I am quickly typing them but want to update those who want to know what is going on.
Love, Keo
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sunday update
God is merciful!! I usually meet with a couple of wonderful sisters on Sunday morning but didn't think I would be able to today. One was not able to make it so the other came and met with Helen and I today at Hospice. WOW.
More blessings, one of the nurses the other day asked to borrow some of my moms lotion, wonderful Ulta Citrus Verbena for another patient. She came back and said the lady was so te Hankful. That gave me an idea to purchase some for the Hospice house to use with their patients. I decided to look on the internet to possible order some and found out they were clearanced for $2.99. They were $3.99 the other day. They didn't have that many choices on the internet so I decided to run up to Ulta here in Palm Bay. I spoke with the manager and she gave me a number to call Ulta to see if they would donate some but I purchased several to bring back. The manager said they had just marked them down to $2.99 today.
The Dr. came in this morning and said that mom was getting closer to her last days. He also said that he thought on Thursday after her bowels had emptied that maybe should would be able to come home but after her transition knew it wouldn't happen. This is the same thing that we thought so it was nice to be on the same page. He said as she gets closer that she might get more aggitated and we should watch to see if she needs more pain meds.
GOD IS MERCIFUL. He is using this time to touch soooo many lives. We have been able to also talk and share lives with others who are here with their husbands, wifes, fathers and mothers.
Thanks for your continued prayers and lifting us up to the Lord. Also for those wonderful friends and church family who have been brining us food for our physical bodies.
More blessings, one of the nurses the other day asked to borrow some of my moms lotion, wonderful Ulta Citrus Verbena for another patient. She came back and said the lady was so te Hankful. That gave me an idea to purchase some for the Hospice house to use with their patients. I decided to look on the internet to possible order some and found out they were clearanced for $2.99. They were $3.99 the other day. They didn't have that many choices on the internet so I decided to run up to Ulta here in Palm Bay. I spoke with the manager and she gave me a number to call Ulta to see if they would donate some but I purchased several to bring back. The manager said they had just marked them down to $2.99 today.
The Dr. came in this morning and said that mom was getting closer to her last days. He also said that he thought on Thursday after her bowels had emptied that maybe should would be able to come home but after her transition knew it wouldn't happen. This is the same thing that we thought so it was nice to be on the same page. He said as she gets closer that she might get more aggitated and we should watch to see if she needs more pain meds.
GOD IS MERCIFUL. He is using this time to touch soooo many lives. We have been able to also talk and share lives with others who are here with their husbands, wifes, fathers and mothers.
Thanks for your continued prayers and lifting us up to the Lord. Also for those wonderful friends and church family who have been brining us food for our physical bodies.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Saturday Update
Hi friends and family,
Mom has now been here for almost 4 days. The first 2 days were pretty good for what had been going on but Thursday night she had a transition. She has been mostly unresponsive and you can see she is in the last stages of earthly life and is preparing for heaven.
We called most of her family and friends and let them talk to her even though there was not much of a response.
Boy has SKYPE been wonderful. Helen has her computer here and she was able to SKYPE my brother and her kids and grandkids so they could see mom and talk to her. What a blessing of this computer age.
We are not sure how long this phase will last but our prayer is that God will use it for His glory.
My church family has been wonderful and has been brining us food. God provided a suite here at hospice so Helen and I are both able to be here and stay the night. My aunt has been coming during the day and that has allowed Helen and I to go home for an hour or so to take showers and change.
As of yesterday mom has not been able to get out of bed and use the bathroom so now has a cath.
Hospice has also been a wonderful blessing and the nurses keep up with her pain and nausea meds which is wonder.
I think that is all the updates for now. Again THANK YOU for all your prayers and support.
Mom has now been here for almost 4 days. The first 2 days were pretty good for what had been going on but Thursday night she had a transition. She has been mostly unresponsive and you can see she is in the last stages of earthly life and is preparing for heaven.
We called most of her family and friends and let them talk to her even though there was not much of a response.
Boy has SKYPE been wonderful. Helen has her computer here and she was able to SKYPE my brother and her kids and grandkids so they could see mom and talk to her. What a blessing of this computer age.
We are not sure how long this phase will last but our prayer is that God will use it for His glory.
My church family has been wonderful and has been brining us food. God provided a suite here at hospice so Helen and I are both able to be here and stay the night. My aunt has been coming during the day and that has allowed Helen and I to go home for an hour or so to take showers and change.
As of yesterday mom has not been able to get out of bed and use the bathroom so now has a cath.
Hospice has also been a wonderful blessing and the nurses keep up with her pain and nausea meds which is wonder.
I think that is all the updates for now. Again THANK YOU for all your prayers and support.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Feb 3rd 2011
Arrival at hospice house was uneventful. Helen was able to ride with mom there. They gave her some pain meds via a liquid in the mouth and gave her some meds to calm her. Her blood pressure dropped to normal 110/80. It had been skyrocketing since her visit to the hospital on the 4th of Jan and she had been taking 320mg of Diovan since them.
The nurse told us that she thinks she will not be coming home and that she is in the stages of dying. I really don't know what she means. Yes she has cancer but was up and around and eating and doing bible study except for the blockage. Of course her GP told us that when she was released from the hospital she probably only had 3 days to live. That was a month ago.
I don't think she was there 30 minutues when her system decided to start clearning out. Problem was it continued every few min. for over 4 hours.
The dr was supposed to come in some time after 4pm but around 5:30pm I had to leave as I really needed some food and some sleep. The dr came in I believe around 6:30pm. Helen said the dr told her that the bowel is probably trying to works its way around the blockage. But they don't really know whats going on either. Helen decided to stay the night. I think I actually got to sleep around 8:30pm and woke up at 5:30am.
I am going to have my quiet time and then take some meds to the hospital and she how she did through the night. They said they are going to keep mom on small amounts of food right now. Funny as our hospice nurse said she could have anything she wanted.
One thing about being with hospice is that there is NO emphasis on solving any health issues. Their goal is comfort. It is hard to make this transition especially when you know there is an issue that might be corrected.
I am praying for wisdom!!! I know my mom wants to die at home and I want to make that happen if possible. I am SOOOO thankful that she was at hospice yesterday because we could NOT have dealt with what happened.
Thank you for ALLLLL your prayers.
The nurse told us that she thinks she will not be coming home and that she is in the stages of dying. I really don't know what she means. Yes she has cancer but was up and around and eating and doing bible study except for the blockage. Of course her GP told us that when she was released from the hospital she probably only had 3 days to live. That was a month ago.
I don't think she was there 30 minutues when her system decided to start clearning out. Problem was it continued every few min. for over 4 hours.
The dr was supposed to come in some time after 4pm but around 5:30pm I had to leave as I really needed some food and some sleep. The dr came in I believe around 6:30pm. Helen said the dr told her that the bowel is probably trying to works its way around the blockage. But they don't really know whats going on either. Helen decided to stay the night. I think I actually got to sleep around 8:30pm and woke up at 5:30am.
I am going to have my quiet time and then take some meds to the hospital and she how she did through the night. They said they are going to keep mom on small amounts of food right now. Funny as our hospice nurse said she could have anything she wanted.
One thing about being with hospice is that there is NO emphasis on solving any health issues. Their goal is comfort. It is hard to make this transition especially when you know there is an issue that might be corrected.
I am praying for wisdom!!! I know my mom wants to die at home and I want to make that happen if possible. I am SOOOO thankful that she was at hospice yesterday because we could NOT have dealt with what happened.
Thank you for ALLLLL your prayers.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Cancer is back
October is the last time I wrote wow. Lets see if I can remember everything that has been going on since then.
We were never sure what had happened with the cancer as the drs office would not do a PET scan.
In December mom went to the hand dr and he tried some new meds and took her off the neurotin. It didn't really help.
January 4th!!! At 3:30am I woke up thinking my mother had called me. If she did she was sleep talking. I could not go back to sleep so laid there and at around 4:30am she started throwing up. When I got to her room I looked and it was dark brown. I knew right away that something was very wrong. I then began to look up on the internet what it might be. At 5:30am she started again. My husband was up then so I asked him to stay with her until I got dressed and headed to the emergency room. She told him she did not want to go. I decided to wait until the drs office opened and call them to see what they suggested. My husband suggested that we call 911 to see if they would come and check her out. Can you believe that 911 was busy!!?? Several times we could not get through.
At around 9:15am mom got up and I phoned the office the phone rang and rang and then when mom threw up again so I just decided to take her to the hospital.
We arrived there around 10:30am and things went pretty quickly. At 3:30pm they came in and told us that she had a bowel blockage and they were planning on checking her into the hospital but would call her GP. At around 4:45pm they came in and told us her GP wanted to see her before he checked her into the hospital. So around 6pm he finally came in and said her cancer had returned. Long story but we ended up having her transferred to the larger hospital so she could be seen by her oncologist.
She was in the hospital until Friday and was released her home on hospice. Hospice has been an interesting experience, lots of good and some frustration. We LOVE the nurse and she has been very helpful.
Hospice has come and checked her blood each week, dealt with the drs, provided some of her meds and tryed to make bathing and getting around with her walker.
This past week she had not been able to have a bowel movement. Last night she got very ill and lots of issues. We were able to talk with hospice during the night. The nurse on call was not very helpful but did give some suggestions. Our regular nurse called first thing this morning and we asked mom if she wanted to go to the hospital which was a NO. But she did consent to go to the hospice house.
At the hospice house they will be able to give her pain meds and nausea meds not in pill form and possibly try to get the bowels to start working. She will probably be there for 3 days and then asses. If she is getting better they will release her home again and if not they will continue to keep her there. It is not like a hospital setting and they allow them to bring their own blankets, pillows and anything else they want.
I am sooooo thankful that my sister Helen is here and that we were able to tag team last night and this morning. She was supposed to fly home Monday but extended until Thursday. All this started on Tuesday so God knew I needed someone here to help.
Sorry this is rushed and I haven't proofed it but wanted to up date those who didn't know.
Thanks for ALL your prayers and support.
We were never sure what had happened with the cancer as the drs office would not do a PET scan.
In December mom went to the hand dr and he tried some new meds and took her off the neurotin. It didn't really help.
January 4th!!! At 3:30am I woke up thinking my mother had called me. If she did she was sleep talking. I could not go back to sleep so laid there and at around 4:30am she started throwing up. When I got to her room I looked and it was dark brown. I knew right away that something was very wrong. I then began to look up on the internet what it might be. At 5:30am she started again. My husband was up then so I asked him to stay with her until I got dressed and headed to the emergency room. She told him she did not want to go. I decided to wait until the drs office opened and call them to see what they suggested. My husband suggested that we call 911 to see if they would come and check her out. Can you believe that 911 was busy!!?? Several times we could not get through.
At around 9:15am mom got up and I phoned the office the phone rang and rang and then when mom threw up again so I just decided to take her to the hospital.
We arrived there around 10:30am and things went pretty quickly. At 3:30pm they came in and told us that she had a bowel blockage and they were planning on checking her into the hospital but would call her GP. At around 4:45pm they came in and told us her GP wanted to see her before he checked her into the hospital. So around 6pm he finally came in and said her cancer had returned. Long story but we ended up having her transferred to the larger hospital so she could be seen by her oncologist.
She was in the hospital until Friday and was released her home on hospice. Hospice has been an interesting experience, lots of good and some frustration. We LOVE the nurse and she has been very helpful.
Hospice has come and checked her blood each week, dealt with the drs, provided some of her meds and tryed to make bathing and getting around with her walker.
This past week she had not been able to have a bowel movement. Last night she got very ill and lots of issues. We were able to talk with hospice during the night. The nurse on call was not very helpful but did give some suggestions. Our regular nurse called first thing this morning and we asked mom if she wanted to go to the hospital which was a NO. But she did consent to go to the hospice house.
At the hospice house they will be able to give her pain meds and nausea meds not in pill form and possibly try to get the bowels to start working. She will probably be there for 3 days and then asses. If she is getting better they will release her home again and if not they will continue to keep her there. It is not like a hospital setting and they allow them to bring their own blankets, pillows and anything else they want.
I am sooooo thankful that my sister Helen is here and that we were able to tag team last night and this morning. She was supposed to fly home Monday but extended until Thursday. All this started on Tuesday so God knew I needed someone here to help.
Sorry this is rushed and I haven't proofed it but wanted to up date those who didn't know.
Thanks for ALL your prayers and support.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Oct 4th Lots of Updates
Ok, OK, so I haven't been out here for almost a month. Lots of updates.
Mom had her MRI which took over 1 1/2 hours. She said she NEVER wanted to do that again. The results were they found nothing that would be causing her pain so they are just calling it Neuropathy. Neuropathy does not include swelling so not sure whats up with that. They put her on a low dose of Lyrica but it did nothing. She is now back up to 300mg of neurotin 4 times a day and it is working a little. We have a follow up with the neurologist this month. I am going to call and see if we can up the neurotin again.
We saw the oncologist last week and no chemo is official. She will have to have her port flushed this week and will follow up with them every 3 months unless something comes up. They will not do a PET scan.
I have the home health care nurse again for 6 weeks, one week already gone. I don't think we will be able to continue it after that as I asked what the criteria is and we don't have anything to go on.
Mom decided she wanted to get Life Line so we ordered that. It took a while for her to figure out exactly where to press the button and we had to draw a little black dot. I will now be able to run errands and go to bible study.
Last night at around 11:30pm I heard her call Keo I need help. I went in her room and she was on the floor on her knees. She had gone out in the living room to get some nuts and her legs gave out. She crawled into the bedroom thinking she could get up and couldn't. I could not get her up so had to wake Mike up. Both of our backs are out. I told her she has to stop doing that or wear her life line at night. Her one knee has rug burn on it now. Will see if it bruises.
Mom went to church Sunday and it was a wonderful day. We sat outside for a while in the afternoon and it was beautiful and I saw a hummingbird! Its only the 2nd time I have seen one in the 30 years I have been in Florida.
The weather has been beautiful here and mom sat outside this morning to eat breakfast. She got to see a red headed woodpecker, enjoy the morning and I read some from "Hinds Feet on High Places". I haven't read in a long time.
I can't believe it has been 3 months already since mom moved in. Time sure is flying. I don't know what God has planned but I pray I will be ready for His timing.
Mom had her MRI which took over 1 1/2 hours. She said she NEVER wanted to do that again. The results were they found nothing that would be causing her pain so they are just calling it Neuropathy. Neuropathy does not include swelling so not sure whats up with that. They put her on a low dose of Lyrica but it did nothing. She is now back up to 300mg of neurotin 4 times a day and it is working a little. We have a follow up with the neurologist this month. I am going to call and see if we can up the neurotin again.
We saw the oncologist last week and no chemo is official. She will have to have her port flushed this week and will follow up with them every 3 months unless something comes up. They will not do a PET scan.
I have the home health care nurse again for 6 weeks, one week already gone. I don't think we will be able to continue it after that as I asked what the criteria is and we don't have anything to go on.
Mom decided she wanted to get Life Line so we ordered that. It took a while for her to figure out exactly where to press the button and we had to draw a little black dot. I will now be able to run errands and go to bible study.
Last night at around 11:30pm I heard her call Keo I need help. I went in her room and she was on the floor on her knees. She had gone out in the living room to get some nuts and her legs gave out. She crawled into the bedroom thinking she could get up and couldn't. I could not get her up so had to wake Mike up. Both of our backs are out. I told her she has to stop doing that or wear her life line at night. Her one knee has rug burn on it now. Will see if it bruises.
Mom went to church Sunday and it was a wonderful day. We sat outside for a while in the afternoon and it was beautiful and I saw a hummingbird! Its only the 2nd time I have seen one in the 30 years I have been in Florida.
The weather has been beautiful here and mom sat outside this morning to eat breakfast. She got to see a red headed woodpecker, enjoy the morning and I read some from "Hinds Feet on High Places". I haven't read in a long time.
I can't believe it has been 3 months already since mom moved in. Time sure is flying. I don't know what God has planned but I pray I will be ready for His timing.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Sept 16th Drs, pills and pain
Wow its the 16th of September already. Lots has happned since my last post.
My brother came in on Saturday and that evening mom had another episode of feeling like she was floating away. I had Mike run up and purchase a blood pressure cuff. It has been a wonderful purchase to know what is going on. It was 156 which was high but not as high as the 180's. I think after taking her blood pressure over the past few days that her blood pressure med is too much for her and it was dropping her blood pressure down to the 80's.
OK on the the neurologist story. Her appt was at 5:55pm on Wednesday. We were there for 2 1/2 hours before we saw the dr. Can you believe 2 1/2 hours. I thought her oncologist was bad at an hour. He says the problem is nerve but he can't tell where and with her pain level so high they can't do the normal test to find out where the nerve is pinched. So they scheduled her for a MRI on next Wednesday the 22nd. He gave her a pain med that targets the nerve. Nuerton(?) 300 mg. We gave it to her around 10pm and she really woke up fully at 6:30pm the next day. At 5am she fell out of her bed and hit her head on her night table. I called the drs office at 3:30pm and they said the dr would call her in a new script for 100mg. She took the 100mg last night and this morning and it hasn't really touched the pain. We are going to try 2 100mg pills tonight at bed. They are capsules so we can't cut or divide them. Her follow up appt with the neurologist is on the 24th with the nurse pract. They assured me she does not run 2 hours late.
Guess that is all the updates right now. Next week maybe we will know what is causing her pain.
My brother came in on Saturday and that evening mom had another episode of feeling like she was floating away. I had Mike run up and purchase a blood pressure cuff. It has been a wonderful purchase to know what is going on. It was 156 which was high but not as high as the 180's. I think after taking her blood pressure over the past few days that her blood pressure med is too much for her and it was dropping her blood pressure down to the 80's.
OK on the the neurologist story. Her appt was at 5:55pm on Wednesday. We were there for 2 1/2 hours before we saw the dr. Can you believe 2 1/2 hours. I thought her oncologist was bad at an hour. He says the problem is nerve but he can't tell where and with her pain level so high they can't do the normal test to find out where the nerve is pinched. So they scheduled her for a MRI on next Wednesday the 22nd. He gave her a pain med that targets the nerve. Nuerton(?) 300 mg. We gave it to her around 10pm and she really woke up fully at 6:30pm the next day. At 5am she fell out of her bed and hit her head on her night table. I called the drs office at 3:30pm and they said the dr would call her in a new script for 100mg. She took the 100mg last night and this morning and it hasn't really touched the pain. We are going to try 2 100mg pills tonight at bed. They are capsules so we can't cut or divide them. Her follow up appt with the neurologist is on the 24th with the nurse pract. They assured me she does not run 2 hours late.
Guess that is all the updates right now. Next week maybe we will know what is causing her pain.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
September 7, MUCH happening
It is hard for me to even post this and debated if I should. Sunday Sept 5th we were watching t.v. and mom bolted up and started saying "I am sorry I have to go, I have to go home, I'm sorry I have to leave." Of course I didn't know what to do. She said she didn't hurt she just had to go. Then she thought she was going to throw up but then said she wanted to go to bed. In the midst of all this I phoned 911 as "what else do you do". Hopefully I have learned NOT to do that again. Her blood pressure was 186/110. The fire guy said oh that is probably her regular blood pressure, of course I told him no where close except when she had her tooth pulled. Well we spent over 4 hours in the ER in which they gave her pain meds and nausea meds which did not help her hand pain at all and then sent her home with a pain med that I told them she couldn't take as she throws it up. They did take an xray of her hand but never even told us what it showed. The one good thing was that the ER dr said he thought her hand pain was probably from a nerve problem.
We arrived home and got settled around 10pm. Mom said she was sure the Lord was taking her home but that she no longer wanted to go to any drs appt she didn't have to and didn't want anymore chemo. I told her that was fine.
Yesteray we were both spent and today it is a little back to our normal. Of course yesterday was a holiday so couldn't call any drs. Today I called her rheum. and asked if they could refer her to a nurologist and they gave me names of 3 drs in their group. I pulled out the yellow pages and it opened to nurologist and this drs name just jumped out at me, thank you God!!! I called them and they could get mom in next Tuesday. I phoned 2 other drs groups the 2nd one said Wednesday or Thursday of next week and the 3rd one said November. So I went with the first. It will be a whole week now.
I phoned the oncologyst and told them that mom no longer wanted chemo. They really want her to come in to the appt. she has Thursday to get the pros and cons of quitting. I am sure this will be an exausting visit emotionally.
She had her blood work today and they said it looked good. I don't know when the rheum. office will call and let us know how her uric acid level was.
I did tell work that there was no way I could work this week and deal with everything. This has been VERY hard for me but I need to let it go right now. My brother is supposed to be in town on Saturday and stay for a week. My husband has been WONDERFUL.
Can you believe I actually felt like baking today and baked 2 pies this evening, a peach cream and peach/raspberry cream. The raspberries are from my garden. While they were cooking I looked out at my back yard garden to see 4 types of birds having a great time including, 2 blue jays that came very close the to the door and other birds bathing in my bird bath. I LOVE Gods nature.
I know that God has all this in His hands I MUST cling to him in everything. I haven't done such a good job at that but He gently reminds me.
We arrived home and got settled around 10pm. Mom said she was sure the Lord was taking her home but that she no longer wanted to go to any drs appt she didn't have to and didn't want anymore chemo. I told her that was fine.
Yesteray we were both spent and today it is a little back to our normal. Of course yesterday was a holiday so couldn't call any drs. Today I called her rheum. and asked if they could refer her to a nurologist and they gave me names of 3 drs in their group. I pulled out the yellow pages and it opened to nurologist and this drs name just jumped out at me, thank you God!!! I called them and they could get mom in next Tuesday. I phoned 2 other drs groups the 2nd one said Wednesday or Thursday of next week and the 3rd one said November. So I went with the first. It will be a whole week now.
I phoned the oncologyst and told them that mom no longer wanted chemo. They really want her to come in to the appt. she has Thursday to get the pros and cons of quitting. I am sure this will be an exausting visit emotionally.
She had her blood work today and they said it looked good. I don't know when the rheum. office will call and let us know how her uric acid level was.
I did tell work that there was no way I could work this week and deal with everything. This has been VERY hard for me but I need to let it go right now. My brother is supposed to be in town on Saturday and stay for a week. My husband has been WONDERFUL.
Can you believe I actually felt like baking today and baked 2 pies this evening, a peach cream and peach/raspberry cream. The raspberries are from my garden. While they were cooking I looked out at my back yard garden to see 4 types of birds having a great time including, 2 blue jays that came very close the to the door and other birds bathing in my bird bath. I LOVE Gods nature.
I know that God has all this in His hands I MUST cling to him in everything. I haven't done such a good job at that but He gently reminds me.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
September 2, drs!!
The home health care nurse came today and this was her last day. She has been so nice and helpful. She was concerned about the pain in moms hand and asked her from 1 to 10 how is the pain. Mom said a 9. She said she would call the rheum. office and ask if they could give her something for pain and we said OK. She called and they said oh the gout in her foot. My, my, my. Then they said why didn't she call her gp. Well her gp referred her to you. my my my. They called me back later and wanted to know if I had made her 2 week follow-up. I told them "you sent me her paper to have blood work done, but how long after she takes her Prednidone can she have her blood work done?" She then replied oh she has to wait at least a week after that. So I said let me pull out the calendar, if she has to wait a week then she can't have her blood work until the 15, then we have to wait for the results from the blood work before we come in right?". She said yes, so then I say "that means the earliest she could come in is the 17th. The lady then says "oh let me see if the dr will call in something for pain". Well they call back and say the dr will call in Loritab which I had already told the nurse when we went in that she threw that up and couldn't take it. So the lady says I will see if the dr will call in something else. She never called back, oh yes and they never did schedule her follow-up appt. She also said she wanted her uric acid blood work done again tomorrow. Now what I don't understand is that she had that done last week on Wednesday and they told me it was not an elevated level but if she is in a gout flair it wouldn't show up but she is still in a flair and they want another uric acid blood work done. my, my, my. I am beginning to think I am Alice in Wonderland. I have to remind myself that God uses all things for good.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
September 1, pills and more pills
Wow September already.
Chemo went well and with the lowered Taxol it seems to have helped. Mom had stomach pains which has been the one recurring thing but it only lasted for 1 day. The pre-meds did not help with the swelling in her hand, so I called the rheum. on Thursday afternoon. They called me back on Friday and said her blood work did not show gout but they were putting her on prednisone for 12 days and then want new blood work taken again. Don't know when or how long it will take to work but hope it does as she is in a lot of pain.
Pills, pills, pills. So now she has to take a pill 30 minutes before breakfast, one pill before breakfast and 3 pills after breakfast. Then 1 pill after lunch and dinner and 3 pills before bed. The good thing is all refills are up-to-date as of today.
Mom got her blood work done yesterday and her blood work was great!! They did lower her coumidin to 1mg. My brain is on drugs, lol.
My brother called my mom and is planning on being here on the 10th for a week.
Mom has told me and several others that she is not sure she will take the next 2 chemos but has not made a decision. I think she is just tired of being in pain.
Chemo went well and with the lowered Taxol it seems to have helped. Mom had stomach pains which has been the one recurring thing but it only lasted for 1 day. The pre-meds did not help with the swelling in her hand, so I called the rheum. on Thursday afternoon. They called me back on Friday and said her blood work did not show gout but they were putting her on prednisone for 12 days and then want new blood work taken again. Don't know when or how long it will take to work but hope it does as she is in a lot of pain.
Pills, pills, pills. So now she has to take a pill 30 minutes before breakfast, one pill before breakfast and 3 pills after breakfast. Then 1 pill after lunch and dinner and 3 pills before bed. The good thing is all refills are up-to-date as of today.
Mom got her blood work done yesterday and her blood work was great!! They did lower her coumidin to 1mg. My brain is on drugs, lol.
My brother called my mom and is planning on being here on the 10th for a week.
Mom has told me and several others that she is not sure she will take the next 2 chemos but has not made a decision. I think she is just tired of being in pain.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
August 25 New dr day
Mom went to see the rheumatologyst(?) today. She was nice and thinks it may be gout. Learn new things almost every day. Gout is a form of arthritis, never knew that. If it is gout it means her kidneys are not working which is probably from the chemo. A change of diet will help. No red meat and less carbs,no shell fish and no high fat fish, like salmon and no high frutose corn syrup. Hummm. Interesting.
The pill saga I think has been solved for now. I just called the pharmacy and they had the refill for the 180mgs Diavon but it was on hold. After telling them that the dr made a mistake they call Tricare and they approved it being filled.
Tomorrow is chemo. The dr we saw today is hoping the meds mom has tomorrow will help her hand for at least a week and that will give them time to figure out what is causing the swelling and pain.
I am really starting to slow down. I actually had a very small anxiety attack today on the way to the drs. I praise God I knew what it was and was able to call on Him and take some deep breaths and get through it quickly. I have to hang on to God more and more every day.
The pill saga I think has been solved for now. I just called the pharmacy and they had the refill for the 180mgs Diavon but it was on hold. After telling them that the dr made a mistake they call Tricare and they approved it being filled.
Tomorrow is chemo. The dr we saw today is hoping the meds mom has tomorrow will help her hand for at least a week and that will give them time to figure out what is causing the swelling and pain.
I am really starting to slow down. I actually had a very small anxiety attack today on the way to the drs. I praise God I knew what it was and was able to call on Him and take some deep breaths and get through it quickly. I have to hang on to God more and more every day.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Aug 18 The Fun Never Ends
Well the med saga continues. I found out the drs office called the prescriptions into Walgreens instead of CVS. Walgreens filled them so CVS couldn't so CVS had to call them. We picked them up on the way home from the oral surgeon. When I got home one of the pills was the wrong mg and no refills and her sleeping pill was filled with only 15 pills and no refills. I called yesterday to ask what was going on and spoke to the nurse. She was supposed to get everything fixed but never got a call back from them. This is also going to cost an additional $25 to get the right refills. Just DON'T understand why this is so hard.
I phone the oral surgeon first thing Monday and they asked if we could come in right then. So mom didn't get breakfast and we headed out the door. He said he would pull it depending on her coumndin levels. We went in first thing on Tuesday and had the results by 12:30. Her levels were great for getting the tooth pulled. They scheduled it for 8am Wednesday. Mom was none too happy as he was in the Rockledge (about an hour drive) office today which meant we had to get up at 6:45am.
Last night we had our Parents Orientation for work I got home around 9pm. The day was so crazy trying to get moms pills fixed, getting blood work, trying to schedule her tooth pulling and rescheduling her oncologyst visit and getting everything ready for the meeting I was exausted but wound-up when I got home. I "thought" I had taken my sleeping pill. I did some work and went to bed at 11pm, at 2am I think I finally got to sleep. When I got up this morning there sat my sleeping pill??? Am I going crazy or what???
Mom didn't sleep much last night either as she kept checking her clock. Guess she didn't think I would get up on time, lol. We got to the oral surgeon about 8 minutes early and they didn't open the door until 8. We sat there for about 15 minutes before they got her. They took her blood pressure and it was 160/108. They let her sit and watch tv for a while and it finally came down to 140/102 and the dentist said it was OK. God's grace poured down. They had me leave the room and it was only about 15 minutes and she was done. We left the house at 7am and was home at 10am. She has been sleeping off and on. I have been working since I got home and its almost 1pm.
I still haven't heard from the drs office about her meds but just can't deal with that today. At least she has some pills to get her through the next 15 days. I was going to switch to this dr but guess I sure won't now. I only need a dr to refill my sleeping pills right now so don't know what I will do. Guess I could stay with the old dr we left but don't know if he will refill my pills if I don't go in and get my blood work done. Guess I could try and go without them.....
Tomorrow is mom's monthly visit with the oncologyst. Oh forgot that her blood count was back up, yeah.
I phone the oral surgeon first thing Monday and they asked if we could come in right then. So mom didn't get breakfast and we headed out the door. He said he would pull it depending on her coumndin levels. We went in first thing on Tuesday and had the results by 12:30. Her levels were great for getting the tooth pulled. They scheduled it for 8am Wednesday. Mom was none too happy as he was in the Rockledge (about an hour drive) office today which meant we had to get up at 6:45am.
Last night we had our Parents Orientation for work I got home around 9pm. The day was so crazy trying to get moms pills fixed, getting blood work, trying to schedule her tooth pulling and rescheduling her oncologyst visit and getting everything ready for the meeting I was exausted but wound-up when I got home. I "thought" I had taken my sleeping pill. I did some work and went to bed at 11pm, at 2am I think I finally got to sleep. When I got up this morning there sat my sleeping pill??? Am I going crazy or what???
Mom didn't sleep much last night either as she kept checking her clock. Guess she didn't think I would get up on time, lol. We got to the oral surgeon about 8 minutes early and they didn't open the door until 8. We sat there for about 15 minutes before they got her. They took her blood pressure and it was 160/108. They let her sit and watch tv for a while and it finally came down to 140/102 and the dentist said it was OK. God's grace poured down. They had me leave the room and it was only about 15 minutes and she was done. We left the house at 7am and was home at 10am. She has been sleeping off and on. I have been working since I got home and its almost 1pm.
I still haven't heard from the drs office about her meds but just can't deal with that today. At least she has some pills to get her through the next 15 days. I was going to switch to this dr but guess I sure won't now. I only need a dr to refill my sleeping pills right now so don't know what I will do. Guess I could stay with the old dr we left but don't know if he will refill my pills if I don't go in and get my blood work done. Guess I could try and go without them.....
Tomorrow is mom's monthly visit with the oncologyst. Oh forgot that her blood count was back up, yeah.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
August 15, Birthday tomorrow
Mom had her blood checked Tuesday afternoon and we got the call on Wednesday that her blood count was down to 213 and we needed to up her coumdin to 1.5mgs. She has been VERY tired but the pain in her body has subsided. She has been walking without her walker saying that she is trying to get stronger. I am concerned that she might fall.
My uncle and his wife from S.C. came and visited mom on Wednesday for about 2 hours. She was really tired after that and slept for a while.
Her new gp's office is just as bad as the other drs. I phoned Friday to ask why they hadn't referred her to a rheumitologist(?) yet and they said there was a note in her chart saying I would call when we want referred.I also asked them to call in two refills and they never did. So I have to call them first thing tomorrow. Her pointer finger is beginning to hurt now along with her thumb. I am still not sure its not nureopthy(?). They called back and said she has an appt on the 25th. I called the rheum. office and asked if she could get in sooner as the 26th is her next chemo. They said they would call if they have a cancellation.
This evening she went in to brush her teeth and came out with part of her tooth in a cup. This tooth was causing her problems before she was diagnosed with cancer but hadn't given her any pain since. I called the oncologyist and they said to stop taking the coumdin and call the dentist in the morning. I need to make sure they know she is on coumdin and is taking chemo. I don't know if they will want to see her tomorrow or wait. I am a little concerned about her getting an infection so will let them know about that. Bummer because its her birthday tomorrow.
My uncle and his wife from S.C. came and visited mom on Wednesday for about 2 hours. She was really tired after that and slept for a while.
Her new gp's office is just as bad as the other drs. I phoned Friday to ask why they hadn't referred her to a rheumitologist(?) yet and they said there was a note in her chart saying I would call when we want referred.I also asked them to call in two refills and they never did. So I have to call them first thing tomorrow. Her pointer finger is beginning to hurt now along with her thumb. I am still not sure its not nureopthy(?). They called back and said she has an appt on the 25th. I called the rheum. office and asked if she could get in sooner as the 26th is her next chemo. They said they would call if they have a cancellation.
This evening she went in to brush her teeth and came out with part of her tooth in a cup. This tooth was causing her problems before she was diagnosed with cancer but hadn't given her any pain since. I called the oncologyist and they said to stop taking the coumdin and call the dentist in the morning. I need to make sure they know she is on coumdin and is taking chemo. I don't know if they will want to see her tomorrow or wait. I am a little concerned about her getting an infection so will let them know about that. Bummer because its her birthday tomorrow.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
August 5
Today was my day for a break down.....
Received a call from the chemo nurse that my mom's INR was high so she does not take her coumadin today and back to 1mg every day. This is different usually after chemo it goes low, weird. Also her white cell count is VERY low. That doesn't usually happen until the 2nd week after chemo. She said it has to be 1500 in order to have chemo and it was 300. Yeah guess it is low. Its funny as I re-read what I just typed and I typed usually...it has only been 2 chemos before this so there really isn't a usual is there????
Received a call from the chemo nurse that my mom's INR was high so she does not take her coumadin today and back to 1mg every day. This is different usually after chemo it goes low, weird. Also her white cell count is VERY low. That doesn't usually happen until the 2nd week after chemo. She said it has to be 1500 in order to have chemo and it was 300. Yeah guess it is low. Its funny as I re-read what I just typed and I typed usually...it has only been 2 chemos before this so there really isn't a usual is there????
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
August 4 Blood work
Today seemed to be uneventful and mom said she was a little better but asked for a pain pill this morning. We went to the hospital for weekly blood and she said she didn't feel good. She has not had to take a nausea pill for a couple of days and I didn't even think to bring one. One of the pink ladies went to get something in case she threw up and took forever. The check-in lady went and got a plastic tub. The pink lady finally came back with one of those kidney shaped spit things. Why do people think you can throw up in one of those little things. She did OK and didn't throw up but she had said she wanted a hamburger when we left home and just wanted to come home after that. She said she wanted to go to bed so helped her and then gave her a nausea pill.
It has been a week since chemo and she has not made an upturn yet. Guess poision in your systems ain't such a good thing.
A little side note. While we were at the hospital I don't know if someone died or was hurt bad but a lot of young people kept coming in and everyone was crying. When I went to get the car I could hardly park at the front to go in and get mom. As we were walking out a police man came to talk to the mom/wife. I think it was because they were all smoking right there in drop off and pick up. One of the younger ladies was cussing up a storm but the mom/wife was saying to her its just the rules. Boy that was a fun exit. Just a reminder that we NEVER know if we will have a tomorrow. Maybe someone can tell me what "I don't give a .......!" really means.
It has been a week since chemo and she has not made an upturn yet. Guess poision in your systems ain't such a good thing.
A little side note. While we were at the hospital I don't know if someone died or was hurt bad but a lot of young people kept coming in and everyone was crying. When I went to get the car I could hardly park at the front to go in and get mom. As we were walking out a police man came to talk to the mom/wife. I think it was because they were all smoking right there in drop off and pick up. One of the younger ladies was cussing up a storm but the mom/wife was saying to her its just the rules. Boy that was a fun exit. Just a reminder that we NEVER know if we will have a tomorrow. Maybe someone can tell me what "I don't give a .......!" really means.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
August 3
Update on gp. They called yesterday and said they wanted to send my mom to a reumatalogist(?) for her thumb. Right now with everything else going on she doesn't want to go to another new dr. That might change as she starts feeling better. She is still in pain throughout her whole body. Yesterday she said even her scalp hurt. She is taking pain meds but that of course causes other problems.
Monday, August 2, 2010
August 2
Yeah for a little rain. The birds and butterflys sure love it.
It amazes me how people turn their heads at the truth. I had something happen today that just reminded me that people don't want the truth. They want to cover it up, make pretend that it is not looking them in the face. I heard someone talking the other day about being polictically correct. Its so bad that people don't even want to call a pot hole in the road a pot hole but something like concerete stress fracture. That is what they do with God's word the real Truth. God forgive us!!! Forgive me.
Mom is still in pain, she said today even her scalp hurts. I spoke with the chemo nurse and she said the more chemo she has the more side effects she will feel and the longer they will last.
It amazes me how people turn their heads at the truth. I had something happen today that just reminded me that people don't want the truth. They want to cover it up, make pretend that it is not looking them in the face. I heard someone talking the other day about being polictically correct. Its so bad that people don't even want to call a pot hole in the road a pot hole but something like concerete stress fracture. That is what they do with God's word the real Truth. God forgive us!!! Forgive me.
Mom is still in pain, she said today even her scalp hurts. I spoke with the chemo nurse and she said the more chemo she has the more side effects she will feel and the longer they will last.
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