First of all, I have to give a shout out to mom and Team Loco. We achieved landmark status today…we have been Googlized! That’s correct, if you go to Google and type ChemoSabe into the search box, our little blog, The ChemosSabe Chronicles, appears on the first page of results. Mom is a superstar in cyberspace and that would explain some of the lovely and encouraging emails we have gotten from others in different states across the U.S. - people facing cancer that find some similarity and humor in our parallel universe.
My mind was pondering in the shower this morning (I do some of my best thinking there) on how we sometimes interpret things too personally. For instance, when I visited momisan yesterday, she said she had received a few phone calls asking why she didn’t call to let someone know she was sick or in the hospital. Sometimes when you are in the midst of flying IV tubing and trying to dodge a nurse on a mission, wielding a pointy needle…you just forget. As her child and part of Team Loco, I sometimes forget.
We try and keep everyone in the loop as best we can. We field phone calls, emails, blog and rely on others to spread the word because the truth of the matter is there are not enough hours in the day to make 30 or more separate phones calls to keep everyone up to speed. For those who have taken a similar journey, you will understand that there are days when you are taking care of someone and days when you are catching up on all those things you have put on hold to either be a caregiver or a supporter. Most people are extremely understanding. But if you have not gotten an update from me, pop or Andy, please do not be offended. It’s not Personal…It’s Cancer.
I am happy to report that yesterday I found momisan and pop sunning themselves on the back porch at Casa de Longo. I stayed for a short visit and mom told me that hey had enjoyed a backyard picnic with the latest grub dropped by the Food Fairy (bbq pot roast with some homemade coleslaw). Today is her follow-up with the radiologist that sutured in her drainage tube, so we are hoping for some good news on that front.
For those of you that read this blog, I am sure that you understand the reasons why we share it with you. It is not to impress you, but to inspire you. If we can help just one person or family facing cancer understand that they are not alone, then we have accomplished what we have set out to do. When you have moments of doubt, if you can recall the 80 year-old lady in Texas that is putting up one hell of a fight, and that gets you to another day in your journey, then we are happy to share our story. If you find laughter and joy in the midst of sorrow and fear, then giving you a glimpse into our silly side is worth it. When you feel alone, know that there is unity with those who walk the same path. When you find hope in the midst of defeat, then we are happy to share our progress as well as the set backs. And when you can find your blessings within the swirling waters of chaos, you will know why I consider this journey a privilege and priceless experience between me and my mom.
It is definitely not a journey for the faint of heart or the self-absorbed. You have to be an unsolicited “giver” if you expect to walk with a patient and be of any benefit to them. I for one am proud to be a card caring member of Team Loco!
Thank you all for your prayers, love and encouragement.
Val
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Flying Food Fairies!
I have received a few emails asking if my mom’s infection has any correlation with her surgery to remove her tumor back in September. So I thought I would clarify incase someone else is facing the same symptoms.
When she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer back in September of 2006, her gynecological oncologist removed everything, including the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are fascinating little things. They are part of the immune system and they are the body’s filter. The lymph fluid contains large quantities of the “infection fighters” - white blood cells. The nodes and lymph fluid filter out bacteria, infection and foreign materials that can be hazardous to the body – pretty nifty, huh?
For most people diagnosed with cancer, the only way to find out if the cancer has spread is to examine the lymph nodes. For those diagnosed with endometrial cancer, this is how the cancer is staged and graded. But here is where things can get a little bit tricky. Sometimes, no matter how cautious a surgeon is, when the lymph nodes have been removed, a few stragglers may be left behind. The nodes are microscopic and very hard to see with the naked eye. If nodes are left behind, the lymph fluid collects in them causing a condition known as lymphocele. Now, in most cases, the lymph nodes left behind will be reabsorbed by the body, but in mom’s case, her left behind nodes apparently missed that memo, so the fluid just continued to collect in those left behind nodes until they formed a large mass.
So, that is the reason that she still has that lovely drainage tube. It allows the lymph fluid to leave the body and in a few days, the remaining nodes should collapse and be absorbed. Now, lymphocele is predominantly found in those who have undergone renal transplant or any type of gynecological surgery for cancer. So if you fall into one of those two categories (or no someone who has) be on the look out for fever, chills, abdominal pain or any visible signs of swelling in the pelvic region.
While there is no concrete correlation between mom’s lymphocele infection and her surgery, the doctor does believe that some of the nodes were left behind which served as the catalysis for this latest medical episode. No one is at fault. There is really no way to tell who will fall victim to lymphocele and who will not – just be vigilant if you are in a caregiver position.
Now that we have that all cleared up, we have had two good days at Casa de Longo. Mom is slowly returning to her routines, even though I think there are days when she probably does too much too fast, but for those that know her that will not come as a surprise. Her nurse came by and she was amazed that at the age of 80, mom’s only real illness has been the cancer – it’s good genes! Mom really liked her nurse and she was extremely helpful in getting the physical therapy and follow-up appointments all lined up for mom.
It’s a relief to have her back home. She has come along way in two days and I really think that has a lot to do with being in one’s own environment. I am a firm believer that when we are surrounded by things that are both familiar and comforting to us, we have a tendency to feel much more relaxed and I think that definitely aides in the healing process. Besides, it makes it much easier for Andy and me to check on her (and pop) a few times during the day.
I am also glad to report that our “Meals on Wheels” deliveries have resumed. It’s not that mom and pop can’t cook for themselves, but a few times a week, I always make a little extra, as does Andy. It’s hard to take care of someone who has a major illness, especially when it spans a few months - everyone needs a break now and then. So during those times when momisan doesn’t feel like cooking, we try and give them a cooking reprieve.
Tonight’s delivery was chicken stew with fresh herbs, veggies and baby red potatoes and flaky biscuits. When I arrived at Casa de Longo, I knocked on the door (I avoid the bell for fear mom is resting) and after a few moments, I let myself in. (sorry you gave me that key…aren’t you? ) ;o)
I found the living room empty and as I tip-toed my way to the bedroom to check on mom, I found the cutest sight…mom and pop were napping! Even though we are in a holding pattern until pop’s CT scan for his ocular cancer, I am sure he gets tired like the rest of us.
I left a note on the counter and put dinner in the fridge and quietly snuck out of the house like a giant church mouse! Mom called me three hours later and said that the most amazing thing had happened…Food Fairies had come while they were sleeping and they had left a lovely meal in the fridge for which her tummy was truly thankful for. Now before anyone thinks my mom has been hitting her meds too hard, she didn’t really see Food Fairies, she knew it was me…but it was totally cute when she called. :o)
Here’s a big round of applause for all the Food Fairies who manage to drop care packages to cancer patients and/or their families. Every random act of kindness and support that is shown to a family struggling with cancer is both priceless and appreciated.
Find your blessings this weekend!
Val
When she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer back in September of 2006, her gynecological oncologist removed everything, including the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are fascinating little things. They are part of the immune system and they are the body’s filter. The lymph fluid contains large quantities of the “infection fighters” - white blood cells. The nodes and lymph fluid filter out bacteria, infection and foreign materials that can be hazardous to the body – pretty nifty, huh?
For most people diagnosed with cancer, the only way to find out if the cancer has spread is to examine the lymph nodes. For those diagnosed with endometrial cancer, this is how the cancer is staged and graded. But here is where things can get a little bit tricky. Sometimes, no matter how cautious a surgeon is, when the lymph nodes have been removed, a few stragglers may be left behind. The nodes are microscopic and very hard to see with the naked eye. If nodes are left behind, the lymph fluid collects in them causing a condition known as lymphocele. Now, in most cases, the lymph nodes left behind will be reabsorbed by the body, but in mom’s case, her left behind nodes apparently missed that memo, so the fluid just continued to collect in those left behind nodes until they formed a large mass.
So, that is the reason that she still has that lovely drainage tube. It allows the lymph fluid to leave the body and in a few days, the remaining nodes should collapse and be absorbed. Now, lymphocele is predominantly found in those who have undergone renal transplant or any type of gynecological surgery for cancer. So if you fall into one of those two categories (or no someone who has) be on the look out for fever, chills, abdominal pain or any visible signs of swelling in the pelvic region.
While there is no concrete correlation between mom’s lymphocele infection and her surgery, the doctor does believe that some of the nodes were left behind which served as the catalysis for this latest medical episode. No one is at fault. There is really no way to tell who will fall victim to lymphocele and who will not – just be vigilant if you are in a caregiver position.
Now that we have that all cleared up, we have had two good days at Casa de Longo. Mom is slowly returning to her routines, even though I think there are days when she probably does too much too fast, but for those that know her that will not come as a surprise. Her nurse came by and she was amazed that at the age of 80, mom’s only real illness has been the cancer – it’s good genes! Mom really liked her nurse and she was extremely helpful in getting the physical therapy and follow-up appointments all lined up for mom.
It’s a relief to have her back home. She has come along way in two days and I really think that has a lot to do with being in one’s own environment. I am a firm believer that when we are surrounded by things that are both familiar and comforting to us, we have a tendency to feel much more relaxed and I think that definitely aides in the healing process. Besides, it makes it much easier for Andy and me to check on her (and pop) a few times during the day.
I am also glad to report that our “Meals on Wheels” deliveries have resumed. It’s not that mom and pop can’t cook for themselves, but a few times a week, I always make a little extra, as does Andy. It’s hard to take care of someone who has a major illness, especially when it spans a few months - everyone needs a break now and then. So during those times when momisan doesn’t feel like cooking, we try and give them a cooking reprieve.
Tonight’s delivery was chicken stew with fresh herbs, veggies and baby red potatoes and flaky biscuits. When I arrived at Casa de Longo, I knocked on the door (I avoid the bell for fear mom is resting) and after a few moments, I let myself in. (sorry you gave me that key…aren’t you? ) ;o)
I found the living room empty and as I tip-toed my way to the bedroom to check on mom, I found the cutest sight…mom and pop were napping! Even though we are in a holding pattern until pop’s CT scan for his ocular cancer, I am sure he gets tired like the rest of us.
I left a note on the counter and put dinner in the fridge and quietly snuck out of the house like a giant church mouse! Mom called me three hours later and said that the most amazing thing had happened…Food Fairies had come while they were sleeping and they had left a lovely meal in the fridge for which her tummy was truly thankful for. Now before anyone thinks my mom has been hitting her meds too hard, she didn’t really see Food Fairies, she knew it was me…but it was totally cute when she called. :o)
Here’s a big round of applause for all the Food Fairies who manage to drop care packages to cancer patients and/or their families. Every random act of kindness and support that is shown to a family struggling with cancer is both priceless and appreciated.
Find your blessings this weekend!
Val
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Home or Bust
Thank You Lord that the past ten days finally came to an end today.
As I stated in a previous blog, it has been a very rough week for me (Andy and Pop too) with mom in the hospital and lovely family drama that has me on the verge of being the recipient of a peptic ulcer – it’s pretty safe to say that I hit my breaking point this week.
But I am happy to say that we finally got our blessing today – we took mom home…drainage tube and all. That’s the one reminder she has of her hospital visit, but as soon as those lymph nodes close up and stop draining, the tube will be removed. She’ll be on antibiotics for two weeks and will work with a physical therapist to work out the kinks she has from being in bed for ten days. All other Cancer treatments are in a holding pattern until she is fully recovered from this infection and gets some of her strength back.
As I stated in a previous blog, it has been a very rough week for me (Andy and Pop too) with mom in the hospital and lovely family drama that has me on the verge of being the recipient of a peptic ulcer – it’s pretty safe to say that I hit my breaking point this week.
But I am happy to say that we finally got our blessing today – we took mom home…drainage tube and all. That’s the one reminder she has of her hospital visit, but as soon as those lymph nodes close up and stop draining, the tube will be removed. She’ll be on antibiotics for two weeks and will work with a physical therapist to work out the kinks she has from being in bed for ten days. All other Cancer treatments are in a holding pattern until she is fully recovered from this infection and gets some of her strength back.
She is all settled in at Casa de Longo and she is looking forward to a good night’s sleep in her own bed.
As I have stated in so many of my other blog postings, we celebrate every single step that moves us in a positive direction…and today was no different. As the nurse wheeled mom to my truck, everyone admired her “Home or Bust” sign. And as we drove home, mom grabbed my hand and told me that she was “leaving the dance with the one that brought her.” Do you hear that, Cancer? We are going to two-step, electric slide, waltz and Samba our way to the end!
Here’s to a good night’s sleep in ones own bed surrounded by their own stuff!
Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes, tomorrow is another day filled with new blessings and adventures.
Val
As I have stated in so many of my other blog postings, we celebrate every single step that moves us in a positive direction…and today was no different. As the nurse wheeled mom to my truck, everyone admired her “Home or Bust” sign. And as we drove home, mom grabbed my hand and told me that she was “leaving the dance with the one that brought her.” Do you hear that, Cancer? We are going to two-step, electric slide, waltz and Samba our way to the end!
Here’s to a good night’s sleep in ones own bed surrounded by their own stuff!
Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes, tomorrow is another day filled with new blessings and adventures.
Val
(With a son and son-in-law in law enforcment, we never want for a police escort!)
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
What a Tease!
I got a call from pop this morning and he said there was a little confusion between mom’s doctors – go figure!
The attending physician had every intention of discharging her today, but he forgot to confirm with the infections disease guru. Mom has more staff than the President of The United States!
The infectious disease guru came by to remove the drainage tube that he sutured in after her CTI aspiration. He said that there was still more fluid draining that what he would like to see, so he would not sign off to let mom go home. I know she was disappointed, but we explained to her the importance of making sure everything was cleared up before we took her home. As a matter of fact, I thought for sure she would have been much more upset about the mix-up, but she took it in stride.
She looked well today and she is able to do so much more for herself. She gets in and out of bed with minimal assistance and she seems much stronger with each day that passes…and that’s GREAT news.
Pop spent the morning with her and Andy stopped by for the mid-morning visit. I take the lunch and mid-afternoon visit.
As I unpacked her non-institutional sustenance today, (thank you Jason’s Deli) mom told me that there had been a new nurse in to take care of her. She proceeded to tell me that when the nurse introduced herself, she asked mom what her name was and mom had replied, “Momisan.” For those of you that don’t know, that is what my husband calls my mom. I just found it so funny to hear strangers enter the room and say, “How are you, momisan.” Tomorrow, it would not surprise me to see her staff backing out to leave the room, bowing and saying, “Arigato, Momisan”!
Just goes to show that even mom can keep her sense of humor in difficult times.
Hopefully, we will be able to take her home tomorrow. But as I finished making her a turkey from a latex glove (spending so much time in hospitals, one learns to entertain themselves), she said it had been a good day…and you know what…tomorrow will be even better!
Val
The attending physician had every intention of discharging her today, but he forgot to confirm with the infections disease guru. Mom has more staff than the President of The United States!
The infectious disease guru came by to remove the drainage tube that he sutured in after her CTI aspiration. He said that there was still more fluid draining that what he would like to see, so he would not sign off to let mom go home. I know she was disappointed, but we explained to her the importance of making sure everything was cleared up before we took her home. As a matter of fact, I thought for sure she would have been much more upset about the mix-up, but she took it in stride.
She looked well today and she is able to do so much more for herself. She gets in and out of bed with minimal assistance and she seems much stronger with each day that passes…and that’s GREAT news.
Pop spent the morning with her and Andy stopped by for the mid-morning visit. I take the lunch and mid-afternoon visit.
As I unpacked her non-institutional sustenance today, (thank you Jason’s Deli) mom told me that there had been a new nurse in to take care of her. She proceeded to tell me that when the nurse introduced herself, she asked mom what her name was and mom had replied, “Momisan.” For those of you that don’t know, that is what my husband calls my mom. I just found it so funny to hear strangers enter the room and say, “How are you, momisan.” Tomorrow, it would not surprise me to see her staff backing out to leave the room, bowing and saying, “Arigato, Momisan”!
Just goes to show that even mom can keep her sense of humor in difficult times.
Hopefully, we will be able to take her home tomorrow. But as I finished making her a turkey from a latex glove (spending so much time in hospitals, one learns to entertain themselves), she said it had been a good day…and you know what…tomorrow will be even better!
Val
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Day Light Come and Momma Go Home!
Did you ever have those days when you just wanted to move to a tropical island?
Can I just say what a crazy, pain in the rump the past three days have been? We have had drama on and off the courts and if one was to rate it on the Fujita Scale it would be an F6,
but as mom was telling me today, this too shall pass.
I spent the day with her yesterday plucking crazy eye-brow hairs. She’s so cute..gosh forbid someone should see a uni-brow! They thinned out after chemo, but now it seems like the hair is growing quickly.
Today was indeed a new day. The follow-up CT scan shows that we are making progress in clearing up that lovely staph infection and I am glad to report that they finally took out the catheter and she actually had a decent meal. Let’s just say that this hospital food is by far the worst she has eaten and that’s bad for an Italian…we are foodies! So today I snuck in some eats from Jason’s Deli. She had a nice big bowl of veggie soup and a half a turkey sammie. She said it’s the best food she has had in days…and pop enjoyed his smuggled in Reuben.
We had a nice long visit today, and I am glad to report that momisan is back. She seemed a little off yesterday, but was rather spunky today. I think she is just glad to be going home tomorrow.
I will meet up with pop at the hospital and follow them to the house and help in getting her settled in. I am sure a nice long shower and a good sleep in her bed will do wonders.
In the next few days we will be following up with her oncologist and we will know for sure whether the journey for this family has come to an end or if we have one other stop to make before this crazy train pulls into its final station. So please continue to pray for good news on the oncology/CT home front. But if we have to continue with treatment, we are strong and have vowed to see mom through until the end.
I started this blog with a simple observation that Cancer has the ability to bring a family to its knees and shake it to the very core, but sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to know what you and others are truly made of. Someone once asked me how we have managed to do this for seven months. The answer is simple…family. And by family I mean immediate and those special individuals that have known us for so long that they qualify as extended family. Friends who have offered to take mom to appointments or drop off meals or just spend some time with her so Andy, pop and I could recharge and regroup to fight another day.
In the end, that’s really what it is all about – the ability to count on others to lessen the complications in your life so you can focus on the bigger picture. So once again for all those near and dear to mom (and us) we thank you for your prayers, kind words, generous offers and commitment to being with us for the long haul.
Val
Can I just say what a crazy, pain in the rump the past three days have been? We have had drama on and off the courts and if one was to rate it on the Fujita Scale it would be an F6,
but as mom was telling me today, this too shall pass.I spent the day with her yesterday plucking crazy eye-brow hairs. She’s so cute..gosh forbid someone should see a uni-brow! They thinned out after chemo, but now it seems like the hair is growing quickly.
Today was indeed a new day. The follow-up CT scan shows that we are making progress in clearing up that lovely staph infection and I am glad to report that they finally took out the catheter and she actually had a decent meal. Let’s just say that this hospital food is by far the worst she has eaten and that’s bad for an Italian…we are foodies! So today I snuck in some eats from Jason’s Deli. She had a nice big bowl of veggie soup and a half a turkey sammie. She said it’s the best food she has had in days…and pop enjoyed his smuggled in Reuben.
We had a nice long visit today, and I am glad to report that momisan is back. She seemed a little off yesterday, but was rather spunky today. I think she is just glad to be going home tomorrow.
I will meet up with pop at the hospital and follow them to the house and help in getting her settled in. I am sure a nice long shower and a good sleep in her bed will do wonders.
In the next few days we will be following up with her oncologist and we will know for sure whether the journey for this family has come to an end or if we have one other stop to make before this crazy train pulls into its final station. So please continue to pray for good news on the oncology/CT home front. But if we have to continue with treatment, we are strong and have vowed to see mom through until the end.
I started this blog with a simple observation that Cancer has the ability to bring a family to its knees and shake it to the very core, but sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to know what you and others are truly made of. Someone once asked me how we have managed to do this for seven months. The answer is simple…family. And by family I mean immediate and those special individuals that have known us for so long that they qualify as extended family. Friends who have offered to take mom to appointments or drop off meals or just spend some time with her so Andy, pop and I could recharge and regroup to fight another day.
In the end, that’s really what it is all about – the ability to count on others to lessen the complications in your life so you can focus on the bigger picture. So once again for all those near and dear to mom (and us) we thank you for your prayers, kind words, generous offers and commitment to being with us for the long haul.
Val
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Life's Little Playbook
I arrived at the hospital just a little before lunch today and mom looked beaten down. She had a rough morning, emotionally and you could tell that it had taken its toll on her. It would be great if we all had the capability to implement the “blocking” feature found in Outlook into our every day lives. That way we could use it selectively to filter the negativity and junk and be left with things that are positive and uplifting – how cool would that be! But until Bill Gates figures that one out, I should be thankful that I can at least use it on email. :o)
Mom had spent most of the morning, upright in a chair, and when I got there she was about do for a nap. She didn’t sleep too well the night before because the doctor had stopped by for a visit at 1:00am – how do they expect anyone to rest and get well if they make their rounds at such an ungodly hour?
She’ll be going for another CT scan in a few days. That’s the only way that they can tell if the antibiotics have been working on the infection. But her doctor said that she will most likely be in the hospital until Wednesday. We are going to start to interview some home health care agencies in the next few days. It’s important to have those in place before she gets home. They will have a nurse come by and check on her so she can relax in the confines of her own home. They will serve as another set of eyes until she is recovered.
Thankfully, it was a quiet afternoon. The highlight of mom’s morning was a visit from Deacon Ray. He is the most kind and gentle spirit that one would ever hope to meet and mom has known him for a long time, mostly through her church affiliation. She was so thrilled to tell me that he had stopped by to visit and her eyes lit up when she told me he had greeted her with a kiss on her melon. Thank you Deacon Ray for making her day!
Speaking of hair, you should see those follicles. As mom and I were standing in the bathroom, she said a lot of people were telling her that the back was growing in nicely, but she was disappointed that she couldn’t see what they were talking about. Once again, cell phone to the rescue. I took a snap shot of the back of her head and showed it to her. In true mom fashion she said, “Oooh that does look nice. I may not color it when it grows back.”
I am happy to report that her new nursing staff is WONDERFUL. They are all so sweet and attentive. As I left today, one of them pulled me aside and I thought she was going to yell at me because we were having way too much fun last night. But she said the nicest thing. She said that it was wonderful to see her children take such an active part in her care and that she brags about us once we leave – yep…that’s my mom! It’s odd to hear someone say that because frankly I don’t think we really think about it – we just do it. But if you pass by some of the other rooms, her comment makes perfect sense. Sometimes I feel sorrow for those older patients that have no one that comes to visit them. They rely solely on the staff to take care of them physically and in some cases emotionally.
We have gotten so many wonderfully messages of encouragement and thanks through this blog. It’s amazing how many people read it, some in the same situation as us and some that just find our adventure interesting and at times a bit humorous. Since mom is not into all things Internet, we made her a hard copy book of all the entries and messages (both public and private) that we receive through this site. They are all in a binder that she’s been reading for several months and reflects on at her leisure. She has even gotten to the point where she puts the book on loan and gives it to her friends to read – it’s like she is the public library!
Since this blog has been a journey about Cancer from diagnosis to remission, some have asked what will happen to it once mom is well again. I have already made arrangements to have the entries and photos made into a book for mom and the “wingman”. While we have no desire to repeat this process, it will become a cherished possession and testament to mom’s strength and resolve…and if I happen to find myself in a difficult situation, it will serve as my “Playbook” that they can be overcome.
Tomorrow is a new day, sleep well tonight!
Val
Mom had spent most of the morning, upright in a chair, and when I got there she was about do for a nap. She didn’t sleep too well the night before because the doctor had stopped by for a visit at 1:00am – how do they expect anyone to rest and get well if they make their rounds at such an ungodly hour?
She’ll be going for another CT scan in a few days. That’s the only way that they can tell if the antibiotics have been working on the infection. But her doctor said that she will most likely be in the hospital until Wednesday. We are going to start to interview some home health care agencies in the next few days. It’s important to have those in place before she gets home. They will have a nurse come by and check on her so she can relax in the confines of her own home. They will serve as another set of eyes until she is recovered.
Thankfully, it was a quiet afternoon. The highlight of mom’s morning was a visit from Deacon Ray. He is the most kind and gentle spirit that one would ever hope to meet and mom has known him for a long time, mostly through her church affiliation. She was so thrilled to tell me that he had stopped by to visit and her eyes lit up when she told me he had greeted her with a kiss on her melon. Thank you Deacon Ray for making her day!
Speaking of hair, you should see those follicles. As mom and I were standing in the bathroom, she said a lot of people were telling her that the back was growing in nicely, but she was disappointed that she couldn’t see what they were talking about. Once again, cell phone to the rescue. I took a snap shot of the back of her head and showed it to her. In true mom fashion she said, “Oooh that does look nice. I may not color it when it grows back.”
I am happy to report that her new nursing staff is WONDERFUL. They are all so sweet and attentive. As I left today, one of them pulled me aside and I thought she was going to yell at me because we were having way too much fun last night. But she said the nicest thing. She said that it was wonderful to see her children take such an active part in her care and that she brags about us once we leave – yep…that’s my mom! It’s odd to hear someone say that because frankly I don’t think we really think about it – we just do it. But if you pass by some of the other rooms, her comment makes perfect sense. Sometimes I feel sorrow for those older patients that have no one that comes to visit them. They rely solely on the staff to take care of them physically and in some cases emotionally.
We have gotten so many wonderfully messages of encouragement and thanks through this blog. It’s amazing how many people read it, some in the same situation as us and some that just find our adventure interesting and at times a bit humorous. Since mom is not into all things Internet, we made her a hard copy book of all the entries and messages (both public and private) that we receive through this site. They are all in a binder that she’s been reading for several months and reflects on at her leisure. She has even gotten to the point where she puts the book on loan and gives it to her friends to read – it’s like she is the public library!
Since this blog has been a journey about Cancer from diagnosis to remission, some have asked what will happen to it once mom is well again. I have already made arrangements to have the entries and photos made into a book for mom and the “wingman”. While we have no desire to repeat this process, it will become a cherished possession and testament to mom’s strength and resolve…and if I happen to find myself in a difficult situation, it will serve as my “Playbook” that they can be overcome.
Tomorrow is a new day, sleep well tonight!
Val
Mom Comm
Good Morning, All….
I thought I would post a blog update before I went to see momisan this morning. She is still in the hospital, but I am thankful that we have at least turned the page to a better chapter in the past few days.
She continues to recover from that CTI Aspiration and the doctor dropped by yesterday and said some of the infection has been identified as “staph.” So they have changed her antibiotics to treat it more aggressively and the infectious disease doctor will be following up with us on Monday.
Mom is doing the best she can with the current circumstances. I imagine she would feel much better if she wasn’t tethered to an IV pole or kicking the catheter bag out of the way, but we remind her that each day she is making a little more progress and pretty soon we will be able to “cut those chains that bind her” and take her home.
She is eating and drinking and for the past two days they take her out for a run around the floor to stretch the old legs and we move her to a chair throughout the day so she doesn’t feel so bed ridden…it’s all good!
We have returned to a semi normal lifestyle, but that is by Cancer standards of course. We don’t stay at the hospital all day; we work in shifts and via cell phone. It’s the funniest thing ever because Andy and I will call each other with daily updates just like the nurses do when they give report. We have dubbed our cell phone adventures as MOM COMM – and mom finds it rather amusing that she has her own mobile command unit.
I can’t imagine what we would do without cell phones!
I once blogged about the duality of Cancer, the fact that even during such a trying and difficult time, you find the most amazing blessings. Mom and I were talking about family yesterday and how the relationships and personalities within that dynamic have changed over the past seven months. My brother Andy has always been close to mom, and that’s because he and mom had a very special bond when he was younger. My dad was away at sea, so by the standards of that time, he became the man of the house and they took care of each other and that bond is still very much intact today.
I, on the other, was the last of the chillin’, and while not always perfect as I child (who really is) my bond with mom developed later in life, around twenty. Mom likes to tell people that she didn’t think I had it in me to take care of her, not because I was unwilling or incapable, but because I am the most squeamish person on the face of the planet. I will be the first person to tell you that I don’t deal well with pain, suffering, needles or anything really hospital related, but then again…I never really had to. I have never been in a position where one of my parents had been so ill that they could not do for themselves. So, if you really think about it, you never really know what someone has in them until they are called to the plate and have the courage to at least pick up that bat, whether they swing and miss or knock one out of the park is irrelevant; you just have to get off the bench.
Over the past few days, I have made a lot of observations about the changing dynamic. I see the way that my husband has put his arm around my brother and told him that he was here for him. I have seen the two of them take my nieces fishing for an hour, just to keep a certain order and balance in our lives during this difficult time, only to have my brother call me and say “You should have seen James with the girls, He’s going to make a good father.” – these are the things that give me peace and remind me that there are blessings to be found in adversity and illness.
Last night, we inadvertently converged at the hospital at the same time – Andy with his family and me with mine…we try not to do that because it turns into a cataclysmic force of nature and it’s a miracle we don’t get thrown out for laughing too loud. But as we tucked momisan into bed, with Andy singing show tunes behind a giant curtain, I couldn’t help but notice the smile on mom’s face. The woman is all about family and she finds great joy in knowing that we “get it”. All those years she has been telling us to be kind, be loving and family is always first has come back to her in an immeasurable amount. And that fact that she can witness how we have implemented those teachings into our own families is why I think she was smiling.
Thank you all for your continued words of encouragement, prayers, visits and well wishes – we are making progress each and every day!
Val
(Don’t worry; she didn’t snatch a baby from the nursery!
Before we left last night, Kristen (Andy’s youngest daughter) wanted to leave her baby, Annabelle with Nan so they could have a sleep over and Nan would not be lonely.)
I thought I would post a blog update before I went to see momisan this morning. She is still in the hospital, but I am thankful that we have at least turned the page to a better chapter in the past few days.
She continues to recover from that CTI Aspiration and the doctor dropped by yesterday and said some of the infection has been identified as “staph.” So they have changed her antibiotics to treat it more aggressively and the infectious disease doctor will be following up with us on Monday.
Mom is doing the best she can with the current circumstances. I imagine she would feel much better if she wasn’t tethered to an IV pole or kicking the catheter bag out of the way, but we remind her that each day she is making a little more progress and pretty soon we will be able to “cut those chains that bind her” and take her home.
She is eating and drinking and for the past two days they take her out for a run around the floor to stretch the old legs and we move her to a chair throughout the day so she doesn’t feel so bed ridden…it’s all good!
We have returned to a semi normal lifestyle, but that is by Cancer standards of course. We don’t stay at the hospital all day; we work in shifts and via cell phone. It’s the funniest thing ever because Andy and I will call each other with daily updates just like the nurses do when they give report. We have dubbed our cell phone adventures as MOM COMM – and mom finds it rather amusing that she has her own mobile command unit.
I can’t imagine what we would do without cell phones!
I once blogged about the duality of Cancer, the fact that even during such a trying and difficult time, you find the most amazing blessings. Mom and I were talking about family yesterday and how the relationships and personalities within that dynamic have changed over the past seven months. My brother Andy has always been close to mom, and that’s because he and mom had a very special bond when he was younger. My dad was away at sea, so by the standards of that time, he became the man of the house and they took care of each other and that bond is still very much intact today.
I, on the other, was the last of the chillin’, and while not always perfect as I child (who really is) my bond with mom developed later in life, around twenty. Mom likes to tell people that she didn’t think I had it in me to take care of her, not because I was unwilling or incapable, but because I am the most squeamish person on the face of the planet. I will be the first person to tell you that I don’t deal well with pain, suffering, needles or anything really hospital related, but then again…I never really had to. I have never been in a position where one of my parents had been so ill that they could not do for themselves. So, if you really think about it, you never really know what someone has in them until they are called to the plate and have the courage to at least pick up that bat, whether they swing and miss or knock one out of the park is irrelevant; you just have to get off the bench.
Over the past few days, I have made a lot of observations about the changing dynamic. I see the way that my husband has put his arm around my brother and told him that he was here for him. I have seen the two of them take my nieces fishing for an hour, just to keep a certain order and balance in our lives during this difficult time, only to have my brother call me and say “You should have seen James with the girls, He’s going to make a good father.” – these are the things that give me peace and remind me that there are blessings to be found in adversity and illness.
Last night, we inadvertently converged at the hospital at the same time – Andy with his family and me with mine…we try not to do that because it turns into a cataclysmic force of nature and it’s a miracle we don’t get thrown out for laughing too loud. But as we tucked momisan into bed, with Andy singing show tunes behind a giant curtain, I couldn’t help but notice the smile on mom’s face. The woman is all about family and she finds great joy in knowing that we “get it”. All those years she has been telling us to be kind, be loving and family is always first has come back to her in an immeasurable amount. And that fact that she can witness how we have implemented those teachings into our own families is why I think she was smiling.
Thank you all for your continued words of encouragement, prayers, visits and well wishes – we are making progress each and every day!
Val
(Don’t worry; she didn’t snatch a baby from the nursery!
Before we left last night, Kristen (Andy’s youngest daughter) wanted to leave her baby, Annabelle with Nan so they could have a sleep over and Nan would not be lonely.)
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