I called the hospital at 11:00 last night. All the nurse could say is
that Mom was stable since she came on at 3:00pm yesterday afternoon.
Praying for a better day today!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Mom's Stroke Day 8
We feel today has been a day of preparation. Of course we hope we're wrong. But we can't ignore what we are being told and what we are seeing. I know this will be a long post, and I do apologize. This is an outlet for me, and some days I have to just let it all out, and can't just go with an outline. I'm a grieving Daughter whose beloved Mother is barely hanging on to life. I know if she were to pass on, she would be going directly into her Abba Father's arms, and would be better off. I know these things. But I can't help but have some selfish desires, and want her to be with me a while longer.
Last night I felt the Lord directed me to take care of a couple of things. One, I printed off my Healing Scriptures pamphlet. Secondly, the Lord reminded me of a Healing Scripture CD and Song CD my sister created a couple of years ago. I helped her with the CD by created the album cover. My Mom LOVES to listen to my sister sing. I felt impressed to make a way for Mom to hear this CD. (When I talked to Jenni today, she confirmed and said she felt so too yesterday, but didn't know how to make it happen... a confirmation.)
Mom had a CT scan early this morning. They always do them 4:30-5:00am time frame, so the doctors will have them to read when they do their morning rounds.
On a personal note...for about a month, we've been planning on getting rid of one of our phone lines, and upgrading one of our other phones. Today was the day. So around 8:45 I called my parents house, hoping to catch my sister to tell her to call the home number and that we were discontinuing my number. To my surprise, the answering machine picked up, and I heard my Mom's voice on the message. That took me by surprise (yes, I knew it was there, but I wasn't "prepared" to hear her voice!) I cried and cried. That was very difficult.Tim ended up calling Jenni on her cell about 15 minutes later, and they (her and Dad) were just getting on the elevator at the hospital.
Tim's back is still terribly hurting him. He is in pain while standing. He can get some relief while sitting, but of course laying down is the best position. So I was off to do some errands, such as the bank and post office. I also went to the local cellular store to do all the switching around, changes, and upgrading a phone. They didn't have the phone I wanted, of course they tried to sell me on another one, but it wasn't "THE" one. They did the switching I wanted, and the changes but that was all they could do. An unexpected trip to the nearby bigger city came about. I stopped by home to check on Tim. Then off to get my phone.
On my way to the city, I got a phone call from my sister. It wasn't even 11:30, and they were already home. They couldn't have been there 2 hours. She said that Mom had taken a turn for the worse today. She now has pneumonia. Besides recovering from the stroke the doctors main concerns are: heart; lungs; kidneys. Lungs are now effected with pneumonia. They also said the kidneys are now too, and aren't producing as well as they were or should.
The CT scan from early this morning showed her brain was still swollen. No improvement. The floor doctor said they were putting her on some anti-biotics to combat the pneumonia, but she doesn't have any reserve to fight it. He said "well know more in 48 hours."
My Dad flat out asked the doctor if there was any hope. The doctor was honest and said they never say never, but that it doesn't look good. He said what would be best is if they let Mom rest as much as possible. Jenni mentioned something about my Dad, and he said it would be best for him too if he would go home, and rest. So they did.
At that time I was at the store, and we ended the conversation. I got my phone, and was able to get speakers, and as I am typing this I'm working at syncing Jenni's music and "The Bible Experience" to the phone so I can play it for Mom. When I was done I called Tim. He suggested I go to Penney's and get something I was needing. As I entered the store I felt I was to look for a black dress. (I don't have one.) I dismissed it, and of course I'd rather stick my head in the sand. I thought, okay Lord, I'll look, but I doubt they have one, and one that fits. I saw one, and tried it on. Too big. I thought okay, they may have one smaller, but only if it's on sale will I get it. (Why do I bargain or play games with God?!?) I was putting it back and I heard a sales associate ask another "are these black dresses on sale, too?" I heard yes, and looked up and saw the half off sales price. Yes, I walked out of that store with a black dress. Before leaving town I swung by Jimmy Johns and got me and Tim a sandwich. I ate along the way.
I got back home five minutes before the children needed picked up from school. I came in, gave Tim his sandwich, went to the bathroom, and back out I went. Waiting in line to pick up Boom was the first chance I had to play/look at my new phone. I picked him up, and off to get Daughter. Boom wanted to call his Daddy on the new phone. Less than a minute after hanging up, my sister called again.
She was telling me about strange events yesterday. I don't want to go into everything, but for my purpose of journaling, I will mention the picture, birds, and raindrops. Hopefully that will be enough for me to remember. ;-)
Jenni said she finally got Dad to settle down, and was going to let him sleep, and she was going to go to the hospital. I have not heard from her since this afternoon.
My Mom has a half sister living still. She called on Mom's birthday, and Dad broke down. (They were never close. She's 11 years older than Mom.) I saw her once in my life, that I remember. I called her back today, and told her what was going on. She was able to tell me more about Grandma (her and Mom's Mom) more, and her strokes. Strikingly similar, down to the age.
I continue to prep things around here for a return trip. I have been multi-tasking all day. Eating while driving. Talking on the phone while driving. Syncing my phone, washing, getting Tim heating pad and ice pack, typing this. With Tim down and out, I'm doing all the running around we both do. It's exhausting!! Plans are still for Friday or Saturday, unless an emergency arises. I do what the Lord guides and directs me to do. It's all I can do. Tomorrow I have to get groceries. Tim can't do it. We will know more tomorrow. We always do.
My biggest concern (outside of health issues: Tim's back, Mom, Dad) is how to get home. Yes we have a car, but I'm not keen on driving the 6.5 hr trip by myself. Tim with his back, it just can't happen. Please pray for God's wisdom!
Thanks for all the prayers, comments and emails! We appreciate each and every one!
Last night I felt the Lord directed me to take care of a couple of things. One, I printed off my Healing Scriptures pamphlet. Secondly, the Lord reminded me of a Healing Scripture CD and Song CD my sister created a couple of years ago. I helped her with the CD by created the album cover. My Mom LOVES to listen to my sister sing. I felt impressed to make a way for Mom to hear this CD. (When I talked to Jenni today, she confirmed and said she felt so too yesterday, but didn't know how to make it happen... a confirmation.)
Mom had a CT scan early this morning. They always do them 4:30-5:00am time frame, so the doctors will have them to read when they do their morning rounds.
On a personal note...for about a month, we've been planning on getting rid of one of our phone lines, and upgrading one of our other phones. Today was the day. So around 8:45 I called my parents house, hoping to catch my sister to tell her to call the home number and that we were discontinuing my number. To my surprise, the answering machine picked up, and I heard my Mom's voice on the message. That took me by surprise (yes, I knew it was there, but I wasn't "prepared" to hear her voice!) I cried and cried. That was very difficult.Tim ended up calling Jenni on her cell about 15 minutes later, and they (her and Dad) were just getting on the elevator at the hospital.
Tim's back is still terribly hurting him. He is in pain while standing. He can get some relief while sitting, but of course laying down is the best position. So I was off to do some errands, such as the bank and post office. I also went to the local cellular store to do all the switching around, changes, and upgrading a phone. They didn't have the phone I wanted, of course they tried to sell me on another one, but it wasn't "THE" one. They did the switching I wanted, and the changes but that was all they could do. An unexpected trip to the nearby bigger city came about. I stopped by home to check on Tim. Then off to get my phone.
On my way to the city, I got a phone call from my sister. It wasn't even 11:30, and they were already home. They couldn't have been there 2 hours. She said that Mom had taken a turn for the worse today. She now has pneumonia. Besides recovering from the stroke the doctors main concerns are: heart; lungs; kidneys. Lungs are now effected with pneumonia. They also said the kidneys are now too, and aren't producing as well as they were or should.
The CT scan from early this morning showed her brain was still swollen. No improvement. The floor doctor said they were putting her on some anti-biotics to combat the pneumonia, but she doesn't have any reserve to fight it. He said "well know more in 48 hours."
My Dad flat out asked the doctor if there was any hope. The doctor was honest and said they never say never, but that it doesn't look good. He said what would be best is if they let Mom rest as much as possible. Jenni mentioned something about my Dad, and he said it would be best for him too if he would go home, and rest. So they did.
At that time I was at the store, and we ended the conversation. I got my phone, and was able to get speakers, and as I am typing this I'm working at syncing Jenni's music and "The Bible Experience" to the phone so I can play it for Mom. When I was done I called Tim. He suggested I go to Penney's and get something I was needing. As I entered the store I felt I was to look for a black dress. (I don't have one.) I dismissed it, and of course I'd rather stick my head in the sand. I thought, okay Lord, I'll look, but I doubt they have one, and one that fits. I saw one, and tried it on. Too big. I thought okay, they may have one smaller, but only if it's on sale will I get it. (Why do I bargain or play games with God?!?) I was putting it back and I heard a sales associate ask another "are these black dresses on sale, too?" I heard yes, and looked up and saw the half off sales price. Yes, I walked out of that store with a black dress. Before leaving town I swung by Jimmy Johns and got me and Tim a sandwich. I ate along the way.
I got back home five minutes before the children needed picked up from school. I came in, gave Tim his sandwich, went to the bathroom, and back out I went. Waiting in line to pick up Boom was the first chance I had to play/look at my new phone. I picked him up, and off to get Daughter. Boom wanted to call his Daddy on the new phone. Less than a minute after hanging up, my sister called again.
She was telling me about strange events yesterday. I don't want to go into everything, but for my purpose of journaling, I will mention the picture, birds, and raindrops. Hopefully that will be enough for me to remember. ;-)
Jenni said she finally got Dad to settle down, and was going to let him sleep, and she was going to go to the hospital. I have not heard from her since this afternoon.
My Mom has a half sister living still. She called on Mom's birthday, and Dad broke down. (They were never close. She's 11 years older than Mom.) I saw her once in my life, that I remember. I called her back today, and told her what was going on. She was able to tell me more about Grandma (her and Mom's Mom) more, and her strokes. Strikingly similar, down to the age.
I continue to prep things around here for a return trip. I have been multi-tasking all day. Eating while driving. Talking on the phone while driving. Syncing my phone, washing, getting Tim heating pad and ice pack, typing this. With Tim down and out, I'm doing all the running around we both do. It's exhausting!! Plans are still for Friday or Saturday, unless an emergency arises. I do what the Lord guides and directs me to do. It's all I can do. Tomorrow I have to get groceries. Tim can't do it. We will know more tomorrow. We always do.
My biggest concern (outside of health issues: Tim's back, Mom, Dad) is how to get home. Yes we have a car, but I'm not keen on driving the 6.5 hr trip by myself. Tim with his back, it just can't happen. Please pray for God's wisdom!
Thanks for all the prayers, comments and emails! We appreciate each and every one!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Mom's Stroke Day 7
- Mom is has a fever, again today.
- She had one a few days ago, but it's come back
- Half hour after taking Tylenol she got sweaty
- She looked uncomfortable, she wasn't on a pillow
- Jenni asked if she wanted a pillow, she shook her head "Yes"
- Overall she is not as awake/alert/responsive today
- Jenni says she is weaker in her grip and movement today
- Even her toe wiggling is less
- She has done her thumb movement on her left hand at all today
- She had another chest x-ray today
- Doc was in earlier, so results won't be known until tomorrow
- Respiratory nurse came in and said "Trache" is still a possibility
- He confirmed she needed more "assistance" today breathing
- Most likely a tracheotomy discussion will be revisited again tomorrow
- Cranial pressure/drain appeared to be a higher amount today
- It is highly regulated, but they wanted it anywhere under "20"
- "0" is perfect
- Last night she was at a "1"
- It flucuates often. It was at a "4" at one point today, and later went back down.
- Mom had her eyes closed, but they were fluttering. Dad said "I think she's sleeping" and Mom shook her head "No". :-)
- Strength for Mom
- That Mom's CT scan tomorrow morning will show improved results
- Wisdom for everyone concerning Mom's respirator (mouth tube) and possibility of going to a trache
- Strength for Dad and Jenni, and Jenni's family
- Tim's back to heal. The sciatic nerve is really bugging him. The disc needs to shrink so it won't be putting pressure on Tim's nerve.
- Continued healing from my cold, health, and rest this week as I prepare to go back to Ohio on Friday.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Saturday 3/14/09
We had a good nights sleep. Everyone slept in, and we had a late start to the day.
My ears are plugged up from the cold, and I find myself asking "What?" a lot to the kids. I was in the kitchen starting to make breakfast around 10:00 and thought "What is that sound?" I discovered I had my phone on vibrate and my sister was calling for her morning update on Mom.
Jenni said she got to meet Dr. Immesoete, Mom's neurosurgeon. He has not yet seen her responsive. Jenni specifically asked about her very swollen right hand. He thought perhaps it had a blood clot in it. Dad was worried she would have to have it amputated like Aunt Jane's leg. The doctor assured him and said "no, no, nothing like that." He mentioned something about possibly draining it, like they are her head.
He said the head drain would remain until it ran clear. He said something about doing another surgery and clamping it, but Jenni didn't really understand it, and said it was nothing to worry about right now.
She said he also said she'd remain on that floor and in that room at least another week. He mentioned something about the trache, but that isn't his area.
We received excellent news in the mail today. Our Son was approved to receive free insulin for one year for his daytime/eating inuslin. PRAISE THE LORD! It's nice to receive some GOOD news!
Jenni called and gave us an afternoon update:
My ears are plugged up from the cold, and I find myself asking "What?" a lot to the kids. I was in the kitchen starting to make breakfast around 10:00 and thought "What is that sound?" I discovered I had my phone on vibrate and my sister was calling for her morning update on Mom.
Jenni said she got to meet Dr. Immesoete, Mom's neurosurgeon. He has not yet seen her responsive. Jenni specifically asked about her very swollen right hand. He thought perhaps it had a blood clot in it. Dad was worried she would have to have it amputated like Aunt Jane's leg. The doctor assured him and said "no, no, nothing like that." He mentioned something about possibly draining it, like they are her head.
He said the head drain would remain until it ran clear. He said something about doing another surgery and clamping it, but Jenni didn't really understand it, and said it was nothing to worry about right now.
She said he also said she'd remain on that floor and in that room at least another week. He mentioned something about the trache, but that isn't his area.
We received excellent news in the mail today. Our Son was approved to receive free insulin for one year for his daytime/eating inuslin. PRAISE THE LORD! It's nice to receive some GOOD news!
Jenni called and gave us an afternoon update:
- Mom was awake and responding this afternoon
- She was able to move her right leg more.
- Nurse said the nerves begin to return first in the leg, prior to the arm.
- Mom's beloved heart doctor, Dr.Sease, came in today. He gave Dad a hug.
- Mom reached out and grabbed the nurse's uniform with her left arm/hand. Jenni was talking, and Aunt Becky thought she was reaching out for Jenni.
- There is a good nurse in there this weekend. She was informative and asked Jenni to assist her in getting Mom to do things. She (the nurse) documented it all on the in-room computer.
- Jenni brought in a little stuffed animal Mom had at the house. Jenni said her baby had been playing with it. Mom grabbed it with her left hand, and lifted her arm.
Friday 3/13/09 Recap
As I can, I will go back in and fill in previous events. My desire is to begin this blog with my son's type 1 diabetes diagnosis on Feb. 14, 2009.
We knew today was going to be hard, for us. It was Mom's 69th birthday. Jenni and I sang Happy Birthday to her.
Dad and Jenni got up and arrived at the hospital around 9:00am to see Mom. Jenni spoke with the "Russian" doctor who is the floor doctor. He upset Dad by saying "if you ask me, she not good."
Dad started doing his teasing (or I call it pestering) Mom. He was taking a finger and knocking or poking at a knuckle on her hand. Not hard of course. He asked her if she wanted him doing that, and she shook her head "no". He later asked her "Do you want me sitting here?" (Next to her bed.) She again shook her head no. He then asked "Do you want Jenni sitting there?" She didn't reply. They asked her several other simple yes or no questions and simple commands, and she responded to them.
Tim and I arrived at the hospital close to 11:00am. I'm still fighting a cold, and I don't want to spread it to Mom. We got a nurse to give me a surgical mask to wear in her room. I spoke to Mom, but she was tired from her busy morning. She opened her eyes and looked at me, but she liked Tim. She looked at him for a good 30 seconds. I knew she was tired.
She was sitting up more in her bed today. In other words they had it at a higher angle. She was slipping down, and I could tell her head was uncomfortable on her pillow. I asked the nurse if I could adjust her pillow for her, and she said I could. Any little thing we can do for Mom at least makes us feel a little better. I slightly lifted her head, and pulled down her pillow.
Aunt Becky and Uncle Loyal were up with us yesterday. We were awaiting the tracheotomy to take place at noon. Dad wanted to stay, and not leave her, so we had to cancel our appointment with the attorney at 1:00 in Orrville.
Jenni was back with Mom in the room and then came out a little after Noon and said they decided not to perform the trache. Since she was responding so well they thought that she may be off the ventilator totally in a couple of days, if she was doing that well. We were fine with the doctors decision.
I went back in another time and since she responded so well to Tim, I asked him to speak to her, because I wanted to see her eyes open and look at her again. He did, and again she looked at him for a while and then went back to sleep.
Around 1:00 all six of us went to the cafeteria to eat. Then on our way back to Mom's room we decided to go ahead and leave. (Everyone knew we were leaving for Indiana that day.) We gave hugs and kisses and said good-bye and we left Canton for Orrville. I could not bring myself to go back to see Mom and say good-bye.
We were living out of suitcases anyway, there wasn't much to pack. We gathered everything from my parent's home, and left by 3:30.
Jenni, Peter, and her three smallest kids will remain in Orrville until I come back next Friday or Saturday. We have a LONG road ahead of us. MONTHS. Jenni is limited to when she can come back out, so I have to take advantage of her being home, and giving me a break.
It was nice to sleep in my bed, and know my family was under one roof!
Specific Prayer Requests:
We knew today was going to be hard, for us. It was Mom's 69th birthday. Jenni and I sang Happy Birthday to her.
Dad and Jenni got up and arrived at the hospital around 9:00am to see Mom. Jenni spoke with the "Russian" doctor who is the floor doctor. He upset Dad by saying "if you ask me, she not good."
Dad started doing his teasing (or I call it pestering) Mom. He was taking a finger and knocking or poking at a knuckle on her hand. Not hard of course. He asked her if she wanted him doing that, and she shook her head "no". He later asked her "Do you want me sitting here?" (Next to her bed.) She again shook her head no. He then asked "Do you want Jenni sitting there?" She didn't reply. They asked her several other simple yes or no questions and simple commands, and she responded to them.
Tim and I arrived at the hospital close to 11:00am. I'm still fighting a cold, and I don't want to spread it to Mom. We got a nurse to give me a surgical mask to wear in her room. I spoke to Mom, but she was tired from her busy morning. She opened her eyes and looked at me, but she liked Tim. She looked at him for a good 30 seconds. I knew she was tired.
She was sitting up more in her bed today. In other words they had it at a higher angle. She was slipping down, and I could tell her head was uncomfortable on her pillow. I asked the nurse if I could adjust her pillow for her, and she said I could. Any little thing we can do for Mom at least makes us feel a little better. I slightly lifted her head, and pulled down her pillow.
Aunt Becky and Uncle Loyal were up with us yesterday. We were awaiting the tracheotomy to take place at noon. Dad wanted to stay, and not leave her, so we had to cancel our appointment with the attorney at 1:00 in Orrville.
Jenni was back with Mom in the room and then came out a little after Noon and said they decided not to perform the trache. Since she was responding so well they thought that she may be off the ventilator totally in a couple of days, if she was doing that well. We were fine with the doctors decision.
I went back in another time and since she responded so well to Tim, I asked him to speak to her, because I wanted to see her eyes open and look at her again. He did, and again she looked at him for a while and then went back to sleep.
Around 1:00 all six of us went to the cafeteria to eat. Then on our way back to Mom's room we decided to go ahead and leave. (Everyone knew we were leaving for Indiana that day.) We gave hugs and kisses and said good-bye and we left Canton for Orrville. I could not bring myself to go back to see Mom and say good-bye.
We were living out of suitcases anyway, there wasn't much to pack. We gathered everything from my parent's home, and left by 3:30.
Jenni, Peter, and her three smallest kids will remain in Orrville until I come back next Friday or Saturday. We have a LONG road ahead of us. MONTHS. Jenni is limited to when she can come back out, so I have to take advantage of her being home, and giving me a break.
It was nice to sleep in my bed, and know my family was under one roof!
Specific Prayer Requests:
- Mom will be alert and show her doctors progress. (It's only been for family and a couple of nurses.)
- Dad will be able to sleep.
- Mom's bleeding on the brain will stop, no further surgery necessary
- Strength for Jenni, Peter, Dad
- Jenni's three oldest kids in Kansas City, and Peter's parents who are watching them
- Tim's back (specifically a sciatic nerve)
- That I can quickly recover from my cold and get some rest this week
- Laptop or new phone for my long upcoming stay in Ohio (so I can have an 'outlet' for my emotions by writing this blog, emails, communication with other adults, etc.)
Starting Up a New Blog
I'm starting up this new blog as an outlet to things going on in my life, and a portal for you to find out what is going on.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
