The Journal ..........................................
July 1, 2004 - Helen: Tom
and I left Pat at our home in
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July
3, 2004 - Helen: Saturday morning Tom
was up
early, about 9 am - considering 2 am to bed that was very early.
He went
down to Little River to see Bob Snider while I dressed, straightened my
hair,
put dishes away that Cora had washed and positioned the rug runners
that I
bought at Darlene Collins' yard sale. What a steal for $1
apiece. One to the back door, in front of
the sink, and one to the front
door. Nice. At
July 4, 2004
July 5, 2004 - Helen: I
remember Mom getting up in the
middle of the night
and patting my
foot as she went by on her way to bed. When I got up in the
middle of the
night to go to the bathroom, I realized we were out of water. I
flushed
the toilet but the tank didn't fill. Nothing came from the
faucet.
I dozed off again and heard Dad get up later having a hard time
catching his
breath. He did a nebulizer treatment which seemed to do the trick
and
then I told him about the water situation. We went down cellar to
the
pump and turned it off. He figured the water level was close or
below the
foot valve. It would be a waiting game for the well to fill
again.
We decided to get up again about 5:30 and try to prime the pump and
square
everything away. Dad insisted we not wake Phil who was sleeping
in the
camper trailer across the yard. We went back to bed and never
woke until
7:30 am. Unbeknownst to us, Phil had tried a couple times to get
into the
house earlier ... Mom had locked the front door. We went
down
cellar and were successfull in priming the pump and getting the water
works
going again. I had a lot of trouble earlier trying to remove the
plug on
the pump where you prime it. As it turned out, I was turning the
wrench
the wrong way. Later in the morning, the pump failed again.
A
faulty kit in the toilet tank seemed to be the problem. Trish
decided to
take a shower at Bob & Sue's. Since the plan was to have
left-overs
from the picnic at the cottage for lunch, I decided I would get my
shower at
the cottage while we were there. After we related our adventure
with the
water system, Clark and Tom bought a new tank kit and went to the house
to
install it. When we got back to Mom & Dad's after lunch, Phil
primed
the pump and got the water works going again. Once again in the
afternoon
we heard the pump running and shut it off.
We decided it would be a good idea to enforce a light water
usage
program for a couple days in order to let the well catch up. At dinner we brought Teri up to speed on the
water situation and Tom and I offered to go down and help them get it
working. By the time we got there, Dad
was in the cellar with Teri and they already had things under control. I cleaned the refrigerator of anything that
would go well in a crock pot soup and we headed for the cottage.
July 6, 2004 -
Helen: Tom picked up Geoffrey and they drove to Jean's in
Carthage to pick up furniture and other things she wanted to store/give
away as she cleans out her apartment before her lease expires this
month. While he was away, I made soup in the crock pot from
take-out boxes and leftovers from Sunday's picnic and Monday's
lunch: ham, turkey, pork chop, venison, celery, carrots,
broccoli, cherry tomatoes, grilled mushrooms. I walked to the
bank to arrange to put Peg on our savings account - we want her to use
it to help with her expenses caring for Mom and Dad. On the way
back to the cottage I stopped by Padgett's and picked up a big onion,
another bag of carrots and a can of crushed tomatoes for the soup. The
soup was so big, I had to ladle some off and put it into a sauce
pan. Tom and I had a bowl of that for lunch and decided it was
very good. I started helping Tom unload the truck, Geoff had
remained in Carthage to babysit Jean's grandkids while she kept an
appointment in Watertown, when Clark came by. I cringed to see
him do it, but he helped Tom carry in the box springs and mattress and
larger one of the tables. I spent the afternoon sorting through
the things that Teri brought and what came from Jean. I believe
we have enough sheets and towels to hold the whole family for the rest
of the summer. I made a nicer looking arrangement on the sun
porch with the curtains Jean sent. One pair worked to provide a
little privacy between the 2 upstairs bedrooms. Shortly after 5
pm we took the soup and the remaining bags of chips to Mom's for
dinner. Jean and grandkids were there along with Geoffrey and
Teri who had spent the day with Mom. After everyone had what they
wanted there was enough soup left over for 2 freezer boxes. We
had borrowed a baby monitor from Trisha Frasier. Teri setup one
end in Mom and Dad's bedroom and the other half in the bedroom upstairs
over the dining room. It was nicer sleeping in the bed but Dad's
oxygen controller sounds came through louder over the monitor than they
had in the living room next door to his bedroom.
July 7, 2004 - Helen: We all
slept good last night. No water problems this morning. Mom
said she could get dressed by herself today. She did fine.
I checked out the computer to see if I could get the printer to
print right. Everything Teri had printed the night before was
fuzzy ... 3 copies of each line, each offset a little from the
preceding one. I finally found a Cartridge Maintenance tab in
printer properties. It was set to color when there was a black
cartridge installed. I printed a copy of Mom's and Dad's meds to
post on the refrigerator for reference. Phil called that
morning to check up on me; to see if we needed anything. We went
to Hillside Diner for lunch and met Tom, Dan and Ginny there. Tom
spent a lot of time getting caught up with Randy. Petrea rang the
bell for him when his lunch was ready. I hadn't seen Dan and
Ginny in a long time. They are doing fine and look good, getting
rested up from having company. Uncle Dan says he wants to move
further back into the woods. He said his Dr. wants to go with
him. After lunch I located the charger for Mom & Dad's cell
phone and charged it up. It's hard to know whether it works right
because the only service available on it is 911 for emergencies.
Dinner was at Hillside again as The Blue Spruce is closed on Wednesdays
... it seemed like we hadn't been gone very long. Teri and Tom
met us there and Sue, Bob, Kyle and Nate arrived shortly
thereafter. The golfers were rained out and had to go home for
dry clothes first. I ordered cold plate so I would have left over
ham for split pea soup that I planned to make in the crock pot the next
day. Teri said Rita & Crumb were on their way to New York and
Paul & Aidan were expected sometime that evening. We followed
Teri back to Fine where we exchanged stuff, overnight bags and the
traveling crock pot. On our way back through Fine we stopped at
Rick Tyler's. He had put out the word that if we didn't visit
him, there would be trouble. Tom & Rick went out for beer and
we all had a good old chat. Rick works for Tripp now and Angela
is still at Kinney's. Kim Hubbard came over and showed off her
baby - what a cutie. Mara is nearly as tall as Miranda. We
heard all about Miranda's trip to Angier, NC, with her boyfriend to
pick up a truck. We talked about old times especially the block
party when Bob & Sue got thrown in the pool. We closed the
day with a drink at the Spruce - just youngsters out so we went home to
bed.
July 8, 2004
- Helen: Shopped at Best Buys in Gouverneur for odds and
ends. Made pea soup with ham left from Hillside Diner's cold
plate. We all had dinner at
the Spruce - +Mary, Paul, Cooks. Tom treated us to a bon fire
behind the cottage that evening. Someone came up with the makings
of s'mores.
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July 9, 2004 - Helen: I
watched Aidan while his Dad played golf with Uncle Bob and Aunt Teri
& Uncle Dan. We walked over to Nice'n'Easy for a brunch of
sorts. Paul cam back in time to go for lunch at Hillside - John,
Alice, Annie, and Julia arrived while we waited. Mom, Dad and
Mary showed up just after Aidan thew up all over me. After we got
cleaned up Paul headed to Oswego.
July 10, 2004 - Helen: Barb
and Don arrive. Mass at 4 pm. Dinner at the Spruce.
Fireworks over the golf course.
July 11, 2004 - Helen: Helen
and Mary get the stomach fluu. Head back to NC - get as far as
Hagerstown.
July 12, 2004 - Helen: Finish
trip home. Get up to date with Pat. Lost another kitty.
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Dad also went to see Dr. Peterson
yesterday and he is scheduled to have his worst catarac taken off
August 19th., so if Mom is at Dode's I can take
Dad to his appointment.
Dr. Coyle wanted us to make sure that
we sent you his best regards to Julie. He asked about her and all
the kids wanted to know how everyone was doing and commented to Mom and
us about what a fine man he thought Bruce was. Mom really
apppreciated that as did Dode and I.
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July 15, 2004 - Marti:
Just wanted to let you know that we had our final sonogram yesterday.
They estimated the baby's weight @ 10 lbs 3 oz. The dr has decided to
induce labor on Monday, 7/19 (my due date) if I haven't had the baby
yet by then. Everything seems to be good & healthy - my BP is fine
and baby's heart rate is good & strong. Will let you all know when
you finally have a new niece or nephew!!!!
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July 18, 2004 - Peg: Mom is
scheduled to meet with Dr. DeBlazio at the cancer center in Watertown
on Tuesday July 20th @ 2:30 pm to get set up for her radiation
treatments. I will be calling Dr. Coyle's office Monday morning
to ask for a referral to Watertown for possible chemo treatment.
I think we will listen to what they have to say and decide from
there. Mom will be going home with Dode and Gerry today and
staying until after her appointment on Tuesday. If they aren't
going to start radiation until the following week, I will bring her
home after the appointment on Tuesday. If they want to start right away
she will stay with Dode until Friday and I will pick her up and bring
her home then. We are going to see how well she tolerates the
treatments before we decide whether she will continue to stay with Dode
during the week and come home on the weekends or if we will travel back
and forth from Fine. So Nora if you want to wait and see before
you make your plans to come to stay for the first week in August or if
you want to just come and keep Dad company it's up to you. Mom
and Dad both seem agreeable to the separation for right now. Mom
is feeling good right now, but slowly slipping each day with what she
can remember to do. She needs help daily with her bath and
getting dressed and taking her medications. I personally don't
think she will tolerate the treatments very well, but we will wait and
see.
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July 29, 2004 - Mary: I talked to Peg and Dad about an hour ago to check on Mom to see how she is tolerating the radiationAugust 2, 2004 - Mary: Trying to decide when to make another trip north. Waiting to see how Mom tolerates the treatments. Dode seems to think they are wiping her out. I talked to Dode on Sunday. She said it's getting harder for Mom to get up and down the steps into Dode's house and also in and out of the car. She needshelp quite often getting up off the toilet and of course getting in and out of the tub. She been incontinent of her bowels also a couple of times. The Depends have contained it but something else that needs to be done for her. I hope Dode and Jerry aren't getting too tired from all of it. Guess Gabby goes over after work to help Mom get ready for bed, get her blood sugar checked and meds taken. Guess Nora will give Gabby a break this week. Not much other news. Take care. Love you all.
treatments. So far so good. No problems so far other than being tired. She has not experienced any nausea or any "burning" of the skin.
Dad has gone to visit her every day. Brian and Teri took him over on Monday, Bob took him on Tues., and he drove himself over on
Wed and today. He said he got there today about 1 PM and Mom was still eating lunch. (Her treatment is at 11:30 AM.) Aunt Tee and Dick
were there visiting, too. He said he left when Dodie was getting ready to go to work and Aunt Tee and Dick were going then, too. He figures
Mom probably got a nap after they left. Dad also said Nancy and Linda Hovey visited one day, too.
Dad said he's doing okay at home by himself. Hardly has time to get his laundry done. Staying busy I'm sure helps. He got it washed but
still had to put it in the dryer. I'm impressed!!! Bob and Dad are supposed to go and get Mom tomorrow and bring her home for the weekend. Peg will spend the night Friday and Nora is coming on Sat. Everything seems to be okay. Dad did tell me Brian and Teri got back home
okay -- Bob had heard from them. Will try to keep you posted when I get any info. Keep in touch. Love ya, Mary
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TopAugust20, 2004 - Helen:
August 7, 2004 - Mary: Hi to all, Talked to Peg this afternoon to check on Mom. From what Peg said Mom continues to sleep a lot. Slept
late this morning and is generally ex-hausted. Nora and Peg helped her get a shower to try to get her more awake so she could eat her lunch.
Just as they were getting her out of the shower Aunt Alice and Uncle John came by for a visit. When Peg told Mom who was there she said
Mom's face lit up -- glad to have them stop by. Mom still doesn't talk a lot -- yes and no answers for the most part. Dad had Mom write a check
for something. Guess she was still able to do it but tried to enter it twice in the register and then tried to tear a page out of the register instead of
tearing the check out. Dad is still trying to keep Mom involved in this sort of stuff that she has always done but Peg thinks it's getting more and
more difficult for her to accomplish. It's hard to know what is the best way to do this. I didn't call Mom and talk directly to her -- figured she
needed the rest and I wouldn't get more than yes or no answers. Hope she got some much needed rest. Phil is supposed to go up either today
or tomorrow for a couple of days. Helen is supposed to get up to Dode's Tuesday afternoon and be there until Sat. August 21st. Then Barb will
be there for a week. Teri gets there on Sept.1st for a week and Paul on the 5th I think. Marti and John will be camping in Natural Bridge for a
few days Aug 15th to the 18th. Hope they have good weather. Peg said it was 42 degrees one morning this past week. Time for long pants
again. Can't recall much other news. Peg will fill in between siblings coming and going. Dad gets his cataract removed on the 19th. I think
that's important to have done. He needs to be able to see better. I think he'll be surprised what a difference it will make. Time for bed. Will
keep you posted as I hear anything. Hope I remembered everything Peg told me accurately. Take care. Keep the prayers coming. Love you
all, Mary
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August 13, 2004 - Helen: I had an uneventful flight from Raleigh to Chicago and then on to Syracuse on Tuesday morning. All flights were
on time and there was a car waiting for me at the Enterprise car rental ... Thank you, Sam, for arranging for the discount and taking care of this for
me. I appreciate it. When I got to Dodie's shortly after 2 pm, Tee and Dick Morrow were there, Annie Marsh Lasher, Dad and Phil. Dodie was rushing to get ready for work and gave me a quick run down of what needed to be done. She called later in the evening to check on us and see what Mom's sugar levels had been. Dodie has been adjusting the insulin dosage according to the readings and Mom seems to do very well as a result. I was quite surprised when I saw Mom. She has lost a little weight. She is unable to chew anything with much texture to it. Even cooked shrimp and grilled white fish end up in a "pouch" inside her cheek. We are giving her thick soups with lots of protein, split pea and that type, and she does well with them. Dodie made some awesome mac'n'cheese last night but Mom preferred the applesauce and cantaloupe. Her favorite dessert is Edy's frozen yogurt with unsalted peanuts and chocolate sauce. We always see the bottom of the bowl with that. She is not as communicative as when I saw her last. Occasionally she surprises us and chimes in with a remark that is appropriate. She seems to go in and out of awareness. When we ask her what she's doing at those times she says she's "just thinking." I believe she is.
We have a walker for Mom to use to help steady herself and keep her balance. It certainly doesn't have "rack and pinion steering" because it is
quite difficult to maneuver. With the small spaces at Dodie's house we have to help her guide it. It really comes in handy going from the car to the cancer center...that is as long as you are aware of how to open the "automatic" door and know ahead of time which way the door swings. We have the most difficulty getting Mom up the set of 4 steps at Dodie's front door. The art of shifting her balance as she goes up the steps is one she has lost. We have to make sure we are positioned appropriately to support her. It is time for a ramp and a wheel chair for that purpose. Phil told Dodie last night that she has a wheel chair now. We'll see how that works out for us. We also have a hard time getting her up off the bed in the morning. That is the one "get up" that she needs the most strength for. The bed is quite low to the floor so it is hard for us to get the leverage we need to get her standing upright. Just about everything that is done for her requires two 50-year old women (and sometimes we need to add
a 60 year old man) or one strong 30 year old nurse, like Gabby.
Mom definitely spends more time sleeping now. She goes to bed about 9:30 pm after having a light snack and a shot of insulin. Normally she doesn't wake until 8 am. The longest we can let her sleep is about 8:30 am and still be ready in time to go for her radiation treatment at 11:30 am. It takes her a long time to eat anything...at least an hour for breakfast. Dodie has opted not to put her in the bath tub to clean up anymore after Tuesday morning when she nearly fell. Even with Jerry's help she had an extremely difficult time getting her out. We sit her on the commode and give her a sponge bath and that seems to work well. She is more stable sitting there and with one person on each side the cleanup goes much faster.
Jim Hager popped in for a visit Wednesday afternoon. Mom was happy to see him. He looks good - is slimmer, very brown and has a new spikey hairdo. Jerry and I managed the routine alone on Thursday as Dodie had a dental appointment. We did OK even with the stairs. Slowly but surely the best methods present themselves. Annie Marsh Lasher came to visit with Dad and Phil on Thursday. It's pretty quiet most of the time at Dodie's so it is easier for Mom to get more rest. She is always distressed when we have trouble handling her. She doesn't want to be a problem and wants to do more things for herself. Sometimes the body just doesn't respond. Today we got to Fine after lunch so Mom can have a weekend at home. We are all concerned about Tony riding out hurricane Charley in Florida. We pray for his safety as well as Aunt Julia, Uncle Bob and family.
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August 15, 2004 - Helen: Mom decided to continue her treatments so we are back at Dodie's. She is doing much better today although
she still doesn't chew or swallow very well. She had a milkshake with egg for lunch and another one for dinner. They are pretty tasty but she sure
looked interested in the beef stew I was eating.
When we got to Fine Friday afternoon June Hubbard Brown and Alice Hubbard Caldwell came to visit. They were in town for class reunion
events. They looked good and Mom was happy to see them. I believe it has been over three years since she saw them last. Peg made dinner
for us - a crock pot pot roast with potatoes and carrots. It was yummy. Paul called to check up on everybody. The next morning Phil gave me the
run down of Dad's routine. He usually gets up at 6 am and then goes back to bed after breakfast. Mom got up about 8 and sure looked tired. Peg came down to help me bathe her after Phil lifted her into the tub for us. Peg and I would not be able to do that ourselves. The layout of the
bathroom at Mom's is not very conducive to taking care of an invalid. The door opens in and hides the comode making it really hard to
maneuver. Mom had quite a time moving around all day. We decided it was time to get out the wheelchair. The 1st one we had was too big so
Peg arranged with the Lions' Club to get a smaller one as well as a hospital bed to set up in the living room. We expect to do that next week.
June and Alice came to visit again Saturday afternoon. Shortly after they left, Dan and Ginny stopped by. Alice called earlier to check up on
everybody and a little later we talked to Mary Herndon on the phone. We were really concerned about Mom as she looked really run down. We
kept her in and encouraged her to sleep as much as possible. We were silently hoping she would decide to stop doing the treatments. We didn't even ask her if she wanted to go to church. We knew it would not be a good idea. I went by myself to Harrisville while Peg stayed with
Mom. After Mom and Dad went to bed, Phil and I cleared the table in the dining room so Phil could take it apart and move it upstairs. We have a
fair size space now for the hospital bed.
This morning Mom was up by 6:45 am. She looked a lot better and was moving around better also. Sue brought a huge pot of chile and greens
from their garden for us to enjoy for lunch. We also uses the fresh carrots, tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers that Aunt Monica dropped by.
After lunch Sue enlisted Nathan to give buzz cuts to both Mom and Dad. They don't look bad. Mom actually has a nice shaped head - where did
she get all those kids who don't? Sue gave Mom a straw hat to protect her bare head from the sun. Phil, Bob and Dad spent some time
discussing how a ramp could be constructed to cover the front steps at Dodie and Jerry's. They also planned a way to raised the bed that Mom
has been sleeping in there. These are two biggest problem areas for us there - getting Mom up and down those steps when she goes for her
treatments and getting her up out of bed in the morning. She just doesn't have enough strength to help us get it done. Phil and Bob followed
Mom and me to Watertown with enough lumber and other materials to build the ramp and a platform for the bed. We haven't tried either one with
Mom yet but we are confident that both will work just fine. I'll let you know how it works out.
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August 16, 2004 - Helen: Today was a good day. Mom slept until 8:30. We had kind of a restless night because I made
a boo-boo with Mom's insulin - I gave her the morning dosage instead of the evening dosage. But Dodie checked her when she got home
at 11:30 pm and she was fine; I checked her again at 6 am and she was still fine. We are experimenting somewhat with her insulin
because her diet is changing - more soft and liquid food because she has such a time swallowing. The platform for the bed worked
perfect for getting Mom out of bed. We are still experimenting with the "getting Mom into bed." We'll reserve judgement on that for now.
The ramp worked perfect for the trip to the car when we took her to the cancer center for her radiation treatment. It was a busy day so we
had to wait a little even though we arrived early. After her treatment Mom was weighed and we learned that she had lost 3 1/2 pounds.
That brings her back down to what her weight was before her diagnosis. She saw the doctor who checked out her mouth; he prescribed
an anti-fungal agent for the infection she had there as a result of the radiation. He told us to continue the mouth cleansing, 5 times a day -
1/2 tsp salt + 1/2 tsp baking soda in warm water. After we got back home, had lunch - another "power shake" for Mom, Dodie and I went
out to do chores. We dropped Mom's new prescription off at the drug store, went to the bank, stopped at the Health food store and
picked up protein powder for Mom's shakes, went to Salmon Run Mall so Dodie could get a birthday present for Mom, did a little grocery
shopping at Price Chopper and stopped at the drung store on the way home to pick up prescriptions. By the time we got home it was time
to get dinner. We didn't have dinner quite ready when Phil arrived with Mom's new wheel chair. It's just like one of the ones we got from
the Lion's Club except that it has the foot rests with it. Phil only stayed long enough to say 'Hi' and leave the chair. Before he left, Gabby
arrived. She entertained us through dinner and then left to do more "moving to Phoenix, AZ" stuff. We have tried out the new chair already
and have declared it a "gift from heaven." Thank you, Phil. Mom appreciates it.
We remembered that Mom and Dad have a short stool that they keep in the bathroom. Dodie called Dad and asked him to bring it out
when he comes tomorrow. We can use it when we put Mom to bed. We also laid a towel across the bed about where Mom's torso will go
hoping to move her more to the center of the bed. I'll let you know how that works out. We are really pleased with how the day went. We
now know that the key to success with the radiation treatments is lots of rest. We hope that Mom has a chance to get out of the house and
visit once the treatments are done. Signing off for now. -- Helen
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August 18, 2004 - Peg: Thanks for the information, Barb. I plan to stay at Mom & Dad's Friday night to help get you oriented with the
routine. Helen's flight leaves at 10:30 am on Saturday so she will have to leave really early. I will probably have to stay again Saturday night as it
takes two people to help with Mom now. Please try to prepare yourself for how Mom is now. The weekends are the worst because she is
drained from the radiation treatments. Helen & Dode are using the walker just to steady her on her feet before putting her in the wheelchair to
move around the house. She is taking nurishment by the way of shakes to drink, as her swallowing problem has gotten a lot worse and she had
developed sores in her mouth and throat from the radiation treatments. Helen said they were 200% better yesterday after getting some
medication for them on Monday. Dr. DeBlazzio says the sores were from the radiation treatments, but the swallowing problem and the weakness
in her legs is from the tumor. Her hair started to fall out badly last Saturday as we showered her, so Nate gave her a buzz cut on Sunday and she
actually looks good with no hair. Susan gave her a straw hat to wear and she looks really cute in it. She could hardly talk last Saturday, but Ann
(Marsh) Lasher and Dad said she was actually participating in the conversation yesterday. She was saying complete sentences, which she
hasn't done for almost 3 weeks. Bob and I have the bed all set up in the living room for her this weekend, I hope that she will find it comfortable so
that she can get as much rest as possible. We had borrowed a wheel chair from the Lions Club and found that it was too big for the house, so
we got two more smaller ones, but one is very difficult to fold up and the other didn't have any foot rests. Phil took the numbers off the chair with
no footrests to see if he could buy them in Oswego, he was back Monday night with a new chair for Mom, he said the whole chair was about at
much as what they wanted for the two footrests. So Mom has her own personal wheelchair now and I will see that the others get back to the
Lion's Club. So all that we will have that belongs to the Lions is the adjustable twin bed. I will see you this weekend. Take care driving.
Love, Peg.
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August 23, 2004 - Helen: Barb pulled into the driveway about 9:30 on Friday night. She brought a nice bouquet of flowers for Mom. They
sure smelled good. Mom was happy to see her. Peg and I had just finished settling her for the night. We didn't stay up late as I had to leave for
Syracuse early the next morning. I felt a bad cold coming on with hugely sore throat and was hoping I didn't leave any germs behind. Flights
again were uneventful and I actually made it to Raleigh about 15 minutes early. I did catch some sleep on the plane but still didn't feel well. I
called Peg while I waited for Tom to arrive. She said Mom was doing fine and Barb was catching on to the routine. My son, Tom, called on
Sunday to say that he talked to Grandma. Barb told him it was the most talkative she had been since she got there. I spent Sunday in, resting
on and off during the day. Hope my first day back to work goes OK.
I called Peg on my lunch hour to see how everything was going. Mom was sleeping. Peg said Father Decker had been down that morning and
brought her communion. He also annointed her. They had a good visit with him. Peg said Mom seemed disappointed about not being able to
continue radiation treatments but understands why she can't do them anymore. She hasn't been dressed in street clothes since Friday. Peg
says she is so tired by the time she is fed and bathed that they can't keep her awake long enough to dress her. She spends a lot of time
sleeping. Peg, Barb and Mom have had some good conversations ... and even though Mom doesn't participate much she does understand what
is said. Peg believes Barb has a calming affect on Mom.
The Hospice RN will arrive today to assess Mom's condition. The person assigned to her case will be Kate McDougal. Bob and Clark were
gone to Syracuse with Dad. I hope that works out OK and that they don't have to make yet another trip to Syracuse. We found the kind of
shower/tub chair we need for Mom while browsing the web and it's on the way. It has a swivel chair that slides back and forth across the frame.
With it we can sit Mom on the seat while it is swiveled out, turn the seat in toward the tub while lifting her legs and then slide the seat into the tub.
Without Phil to lift her into the tub for us, this will be the next best thing. I hope it arrives soon and works as expected.
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August 24, 2004 - Helen: I spoke with Barb over the noon hour. Mom was up early this morning and sitting at breakfast by 8 am. She was sleeping again by the time the hospice nurse arrived who didn't want to wake her. She listened to Mom's stomach and took note of the blister on Mom's upper lip. She indicated that it could be from the radiation treatments. Hospice will order morphine and anti-seizure medication for Mom. While awake Mom was blinking one eye and Barb asked her if she had a headache and she said yes. Seizures are common with brain tumor patients. We haven't noted anything like that as yet, but we will be prepared if it should happen. Annie, Dad and Mom have all sampled my chicken-cabbage soup and pronounced it good. Now I'm glad I made it and froze it for them. The Dr. that Dad saw in Syracuse on Monday was unable to dissolve the errant piece of cataract with steroids. That means that he has to go back to Syracuse on Wednesday and be admitted to Crouse. The surgery will take about 20 minutes but he will have to stay overnight. He will have a few restrictions afterwards - no driving for a week. Barb says that Mom is awake more now. Her voice is soft and weak but she will occasionally volunteer information and tease a little bit. She brightened to see Diana Folsom when she came to visit today. Annie Marsh Lasher visited today also. Nora and Marti are bringing supper this evening for everyone. Peg went to work today - I told Barb that meant that Peg trusts her...that's a feather in her cap. Barb will stay until Mom is up and around next Monday morning. Dodie has that day off but needs to keep a doctor's appointment. There are a couple days to cover there until Teri arrives on Wednesday.
Peg: Just to bring everyone up to date. Mom is at home now under Hospice care no more radiation treatments. She is sleeping more and more all the time, our main goal right now is to keep her as comfortable as we can. I worked today for a while for the first time since last Thursday. Hospice will be providing a regular hospital bed so that we can adjust the height while we are giving her a bath etc., and a table for over the bed, this should help out a lot. Barb and I have been doing the primary care this week and have gotten a system worked out so that we can bath and change her quite quickly so that there is less chance of her getting cold and uncormfortable. Barb talked with her assigned RN today and she will have Dr. Baltazar prescribe a low dose of morphine and anti-seizure medication so that we can have it on hand in case we need it. Mom had come pain in her head last night so we crushed up two extra strength tylenol and gave it to her. It is very hard to tell when she is in pain as she never ever complains. I will be staying at Mom and Dad's now until Mom passes. My gut feeling is that she probably has just weeks now. Dad has had quite a session with his cataract surgery also. When they removed the cataract from his eye, it shattered and pieces fell behind his eye. He went to see Dr. Hampton, a specialist in Syracuse, yesterday and will have surgery tomorrow and have to stay over night at Crouse Irving. Clark said that the doctor told them this was quite common and he thought that Dad would do just fine afterwards. He explained to Clark that if they could remove cataracts with the patient sitting up it would never happen, but since they can't this does happen once in a while. It just is very bad timing right now, but with the Grace of God we'll get thru this also. Everyone take care and keep us all in your prayers.
Mary: Hi
to all, Just to let you know that I've made my reservations for my return
trip to NY. I got this done last night. I'll be leaving New Orleans at 7:45
AM on Sept. 17th. Will arrive in Syracuse at 1:10 PM. If all goes well I should
be in Fine by 3:30 or 4 PM. I'll be staying until Sunday the 26th
when I leave Syracuse at 2:10 PM and arrive back in New Orleans at 6:26 PM.
I change planes in Atlanta both going up and coming back. Pray for good weather
as we will still be in hurricane season at that time. Is there anything that
Mom needs? Hospital gowns? I might have time to sew up a few if they are needed.
Keep me posted. I can change my reservations if necessary. Mike will retire
Sept. 10th. I have to go with him in the next few days to finalize paperwork
but not sure just when. Will be in touch. I love you all.
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August
25, 2004 - Helen: Mom
did not get up until later this morning even though she was awake about 8:30.
The social worker assigned to her case arrived early and talked with her while
she stayed in bed. His name is Kenny Price ... I believe he graduated with
Bob. After Kenny left Mom had a good breakfast and was more communicative
than Barb had noted since she had been there ... actually completed a sentence.
Mom sat at the table in the kitchen until noon; a little longer than she wanted
as the new, real hospital bed was being setup in place of the one loaned to
us by the Lion's Club. This bed has an egg crate for more comfort. Clark took
the Lion's Club bed back to them. Barb said Mom seemed a little overwhelmed
with all the kitchen activity with preparations for dinner provided by Marti
and Nora last night. She retreated willingly to her bed. She had her dinner
there, held Jenny's hand and admired Marcus. Hospice has advised cutting Mom's
insulin down to the injections she gets first thing in the morning and last
thing at night. Unless her sugar reaches the high 300's she will not need
anymore during the day. Tee and Dick visited today but Mom did not wake up
while they waited for 45 minutes. Bob drove Dad to Watertown and Dodie will
drive them all to Syracuse for his surgery - Dodie has today and tomorrow
off. There is a hospice volunteer who lives in Mom's area - Peter O'Shea.
Mom knows him as he went to mass at St. Michael's. Barb asked her if she would
like to have him visit her and she said yes. It will be nice to have help
available from someone she knows. Erin called Barb today and offered to help
while she is in the area beginning this weekend. Barb suggested she check
it out and then decide.
August 26, 2004 - Helen: Barb said that Mom sat up late last night - until 11 pm. She said Mom enjoyed conversation with her and Peg. Mom sat in Dad's recliner since he was in Syracuse for his cataract surgery. When it came time for bed though, they had quite a time getting her up out of the chair. Barb will check with Hospice to see if they have a chair that will lift the "sitter" up. I'm sure they will come up with something. Dad is home now after successful surgery. His eye is bloodshot and sore but he sees OK now and not as if he were looking throug a veil. Dan and Ginny are visiting today. Mom was sleeping when I called. Barb says her routine has become sleep for most of the morning and early afternoon. Then when she wakes between 3 and 4 she stays awake until bedtime. If anyone would like to visit while whe is alert, choosing a time after 4 pm will be best. Barb noticed also that Mom enjoys listening to conversations. Paul called last night and when Mom stopped offering anything on her end, Barb got on the other phone and talked to Paul while Mom stayed on the line. Barb said she seemed to enjoy listening to them talk.
August 27, 2004 - Helen: Mom stayed up a long time this morning - from about nine to 12:20. The Hospice LPN visited but stayed only about 15 minutes. She said Hospice no longer provides lift chairs but recommended we check the classifieds for a used one. She left some packets of vasitracin for Mom's blister on her lip. Barb said it was bleeding this morning. It's in a bad blace, right in the middle of her lip. Mom had a headache yesterday afternoon. When she starts blinking her right eye it's an indication she has a headache. Peg will pick up a prescription today for a fast acting liquid narcotic that is put under her tongue. Barb went to the Dr. today to have an infection in her right index finger treated. Dr. B. packed it with cotton and prescribed an antibiotic. Dad's eye feels better today even though still red and sore looking. He says he can see the "bugs" again occasionally. Dad and Bob went to Hillside for lunch. Bob and Sue visited this afternoon.
August 28, 2004 - Aunt Julia: Just finished checking the latest info on Family Web. I'm thankful we can keep updated each day without having to make a bunch of phone calls. Each time I visit the web I have to go the the photos to see the latest picture of your Mom holding that baby. This is something that I have seen so may times over the years - my sister holding a little one and kissing the fingers. How she loved little hands! I even remember her reading to me when I was probably 4 or 5 years old and playing with my hands. How she loved to read and how much she loved little fingers!
Helen: Barb said that Mom had a headache last night and again this morning. They are coming more frequently now. Thankfully the prescription we have for her works within 10 minutes. It also makes her drowsy so she sleeps a lot afterwards. She didn't stay up long this morning. Barb said she slept through being changed. She didn't have much dinner last night ... just enough to take her pills ... but she did have a big breakfast and lunch. Mom doesn't always say when she has a headache. Barb and Peg read her body language to know when to give her the medicine. Barb says she talks more to people she hasn't seen in a long time. Erin is expected sometime this afternoon. Peg will come down this afternoon so Barb can go to church. Barb will leave tomorrow after Peg checks in at the Blue Spruce and goes to mass in the morning. Barb said she would go part the way to NC on Sunday and finish her trip on Monday, back to work on Tuesday.
Marti: Wanted to take a minute to let everyone know that we are going to have Marcus baptized at St. Hubert's in Star Lake next weekend. He will be baptized after the 10:30 mass on Sunday - Peg and Paul will be his godparents!! We wanted to invite anyone who wanted to/is able to attend and to join us for lunch at the Blue Spruce afterward. Please just let me know if you plan to come so I can give them a "heads up". I spoke w/ Peg - she said Mom generally sleeps around that time from about 11 AM - 3 PM, but it would be nice for one family at a time to visit her afterward so that it doesn't get too confusing for her. John & I & the kids will be arriving Saturday afternoon and leaving Monday - staying at Cora's Saturday and Sunday night. Hope we get to see you and introduce Marcus if you haven't seen him yet - he's growing by leaps & bounds!!!
Jim Hager called me a couple of days ago and said he has 100,000 frequent flyer miles w/ American Airlines that he would like to make available to any of you out-of-towners who can use them to come see Mom. He says he won't be using them, so wants to make sure they get put to good use if possible. Virginia - not sure how this works or what he'd need to do.... Can you let me know? Any of you - PLEASE let me know if you think you can use them to come see Mom.
August 29, 2004 - Helen: Mom was still awake last night when Barb went to bed at 11:30 pm. And she was awake this morning at 7 am when Barb got up. Her new routine has been up for breakfast by 9, stay up for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, sleep until lunch between 3 and 4 pm and then awake most of the evening with a light supper, enough for meds. Barb said she has said no to pain medication a couple times when it appears she is in pain. She may realize that it puts her out and want to be more alert. Erin arrived about 3:30 yesterday afternoon. Mom knew her and spoke to her. She held Erin's hand for a time. Bob & Sue came down this morning to help Barb get Mom back to bed; Peg had gone to mass. Mom's sugar has been running in the 200's. As long as it stays there she only gets insulin morning and night. If it runs in the 300's she is given enough to cover her. She has a good appetite still for breakfast and lunch; just not much for dinner. Kevin and Nora are coming today for a visit. Erin will be back this evening to help Peg after Barb leaves. Dodie will come Monday about noon and stay overnight. Annie Marsh Lasher will be there Tuesday daytime and Peg will cover at night. Erin may help out evenings as well. The LPN comes on Monday - Wednesday and Friday. Teri gets in Wednesday afternoon. Dan and Ginny sent a picture: http://www.cahill-shene.com/2004/LHandDan.jpg Mom was a nice looking young lady already at 10 years old.
August 30, 2004 - Helen: Mom didn't have a good day today. She was up only for about 1/2 hour and spent most of the day in bed. She woke with a headache behind her right eye. Peg gave her morphine mixed with applesauce - Mom says it tastes horrible by itself - and she went back to sleep. She wasn't able to finish breakfast. Erin and Peg had quite a time getting her back into bed. She wasn't able to help herself at all. When Erin returned from her trip to Gouverneur Mom needed a complete change. She slept through that. Mom has a lot of problems with her eyes. She can still see but the lights seem to bother them. Peg puts a warm, damp cloth over her eyes and that makes it better. The changes in her seem to be happening fast. She doesn't talk much at all. Mary sent a cd of hymns along with a couple hospital gowns. The music seems to soothe her. The new bath tub seat arrived today - Bob put it together. Peg doesn't think Mom will get to use it. Dodie was delayed by a Dr.'s appointment so was late arriving today. She was feeding Mom dinner while I talked to Peg. Mom has had no seizures - that's good - but is plagued by the pain behind her right eye. She stills knows everybody but doesn't interact much. Peg asks that you think carefully before bringing young ones to see her - they may be frightened by how she is now. She has asked for Mary - wants to know when she is coming. She hasn't seen her since early July.
Rita: I just got approval from Dr. Kryn's practice manager (AKA - Mrs. Kryn) to be off from 9/18 to 9/26 to go & help with Mom & Dad. I asked for the following week but that didn't work for them as well as the previous one. Crumb & I will be arriving late Saturday night, probably after midnight & will have to leave early on Sunday morning to be to work Mon the 27th. See you then. Love & prayers to all, Rita.
August 31, 2004 - Helen: Aunt Tee answered the phone when I called Mom & Dad's today. Peg was at work, Dodie was feeding Mom lunch and would be getting ready to go to work herself for 3 to 11 shift, and Annie Marsh Lasher was there to bridge the gap until Peg got home from work. Dodie said Mom had a pain in her head earlier that morning, about 9, and she was given morphine for it. Dodie was hoping the LPN would come today so they could ask her about bowel care. Mom hasn't had a BM in 2 days and she wanted to know what should be used. Mom only sat up for about 45 minutes and then went back to bed. Gabby, Jerry and David left for Arizona yesterday. Dodie was a little anxious about that but looking forward to a nice place to vacation. I talked to Dad on the phone also; as it turns out he was the one that put most of the new bath tup stool together - Bob put on the finishing touches. Dad thinks it will work OK for him at some point but right now it's easier for him to use the other one. I talked to Annie for a little bit. She gave Mom a kiss from me. She said she felt privileged that Mom would let her take care of her.
September 1, 2004 - Helen: Mom didn't have much dinner last night. When I called I talked to Erin - Dodie was just leaving for work and Teri was in Syracuse, lining up a rental car and would soon be on her way. Mom was pretty groggy and had stayed up for only a shor time. She is taking more morphine now for the pain in her head. She brushes at her eye all the time, so her care-givers keep a warm damp cloth over it. They think her vision may be blurring and she is trying to clear her eye. She is no longer able to use a straw for her meals - she isn't able to suck hard enough to get her food up the straw. She is being spoon fed now and ate a good lunch. The Hospice LPN left some suppositories for her today. Kierstin and Walt visited - Kierstin flew into Albany last night and Walt drove her from there. Erin said Mom's hair is growing in on her neck and in the back but not on top of her head. Grandpa taught Erin how to make his oatmeal - how many of you remember how that is done? I told her that she will need to learn how to put his car in the garage, too. There may not be as many of us that know how to do that. I had a nice email message from Carol Shene Labrum who lives in Iowa now. She said she thinks about Mom everyday and wishes she could come to see her but will not be able to do that. She sends her love and gave me a couple ideas to add to the "Ballad." I think we want Paul to see if he can set the Ballad to music and sing it for Mom. What do you say Paul?
September 2, 2004 - Helen: Dan and Ginny were visiting Mom when I called today and Teri was feeding her. Clark drove Dad to Syracuse for a follow-up appointment for his cataract surgery. Peg had to be at the Blue Spruce to accept deliveries and then go on to work for a while. The "B" team was in place - Teri and Erin. When they asked Mom if they were doing OK she shook her head yes. Mom had two doses of morphine by the time I talked to Erin about 1:15 pm but she was awake most of the morning. She said Hello to everyone by name and seemed pretty perky although she didn't get out of bed. Mom still hasn't had a BM since Sunday.
Teri decided to mow the lawn - couldn't find the key - called Bob to see if he knew where it was. The net effect was that Bob asked Nathan to go down and mow the lawn. Bob also took down a bunch of veggies from his garden which Erin was making into a stew flavored with ground beef ... I could almost smell it. Erin said Pete and Clark finished putting down the floor in the cottage kitchen. That will be something for me to check out when I go back to New York 9/11 - 9/18. Erin said the nights have been cold so no-one will want to sleep on the cottage porch. That sounds pretty good considering the heat we still have in NC.
September 3, 2004 - Helen: The first time I called Mom & Dad's today the Hospice LPN was there so I called back later. Teri was on by herself when I caught up with her again. She says it is a challenge to change Mom solo but she was equal to the task. Mom has been using about 2 or 3 doses of morphine a day. She doesn't talk much at all - she responds with a nod or squeeze of your hand. She was up this morning about 1/2 hour for breakfast and to take her meds. She has practically no use of her hands and arms anymore - except for the occasional squeeze. Teri has noticed some faint tremors or mini seizures. Her care-givers learned that she can handle a straw if it is cut down to a shorter length. That makes it easier for her to get her liquid food. Bob and Sue visited today. Deacon Giardino visited yesterday with communion and did some readings for Mom. Mom finally had a BM yesterday. Erin made some great soup yesterday.
Dad had an OK checkup with his eye doctor. He can drive again when he feels he is ready. He goes back to his doctor in Potsdam in 2 weeks. He still doesn't see 100% in the affected eye.
September 5, 2004 - Helen: I talked to Paul when I phoned Mom & Dad's Sunday evening. Paul said he is going back home on Friday. Mom had a good day - she was up for about 40 minutes in the morning and actually talked a little bit. Marcuse was baptized at St. Hubert's this morning - Paul and Peg were godparents. Paul said he slept in his arms most of the time. Paul is still struggling with decisions about his own surgery. He doesn't want to have an esophaghectomy but will if there is no other choice. Julie visited with Nichole and Daniel. Nichole cried a little bit to see her Grandma the way she is. Daniel didn't want to see her. I also talked to Dodie who said Mom was eating good. Gabby made it to Arizona OK. She is settling into her apartment. She starts her job on 9/13.
September 6, 2004 - Helen: I talked to Paul again when I called Mom & Dad's this afternoon. He said that Mom is not doing as well today as she was yesterday. She was up for about 20 minutes and then asked to go back to bed. She only ate a couple bites of cereal and then didn't want anymore. She slept most of the day. Peg came down to be with her while Teri and Paul played golf with Bob. Paul won, of course. Did you have to ask? But Bob beat Teri. Now that's a feather in his cap. They had a beautiful day...80 degree temperatures. Wished I was there ... we have rain. Aunt Alice and Uncle John visited today and Marti and John stopped by on their way home. Mom seems to be worn out from all the company she had on Sunday. Paul said that Mary is coming earlier than expected because of tropical storm activity. I tried to call her earlier but got no answer. I'll catch up to her ... Aidan is back home with Virginia again after having a fun overnight with Aunt Rita and Uncle Crumb. Jean made it home safely - no delays or problems with her flights.
September 7, 2004 - Helen: I talked to Teri when I called Mom and Dad's this afternoon. Aunt Tee and Dick were visiting. Mom was not very comfortable last night so she was given ativan, the anti-seizure/anti-anxiety medicine, for the first time. She has also been doing a lot of coughing. The Hospice LPN suggested a patch to dry up the secretions in her throat. That was called into Dr. B's and Dr. B's office phoned to say that it had been filled. She will also be getting a stool softener to use with the Milk of Magnesia that she has been taking. The Hospice nurse will be visiting tomorrow. Mom is still sleeping a lot. I talked to Mary last night on the phone. She is waiting to see what hurricane Ivan has in store for the Mississippi delta. If it looks like it may prevent Mary from making her flights, she will change her itinerary and come sooner. Mary said that Andy has reservations to come also but he will be leaving a day or two after Mary. We are due to get a lot of rain over the next few days from the remnants of hurricane Frances. I have added more verses to The Ballad. I can still use material if you have any to offer.
September 8, 2004 - Helen: When I called Mom & Dad's over the noon hour Teri said that after having a phone consultation with Dodie they called in a Hospice nurse last night to catheterize Mom. Her stomach was very distended from fluid retention. They were able to get her wedding rings off before she was too swollen. As soon as the catheter was hooked up she immediately filled a bag. They made sure the bag was empty to see her through the night but it was still empty this morning. As it turned out there was a pinch in the tube so Mom was soaked. They got that problem squared away, Mom freshened up and dry and she filled another bag, working on a second. With the added stool softener Mom's bowels are moving good as well. Her lasix has been increased to 2 a day again to control her fluid retention. Annie Marsh Lasher was there when I called and Uncle Bill had visited earlier. The regular Hospice nurse is expected this afternoon.
September 9, 2004 - Helen: The phone line was busy most of the day at Mom's. I called Teri's cell phone before I remembered that the cell's don't work in Fine. I got to talk to Dan, though, who had good advice. He said that whenever he couldn't get in touch with her he called Peg. So I called Peg at the Spruce. She had just come from Mom & Dad's. Mom had a pretty good day. She actually made some unsolicited remarks. The catheter is working out well. Mary will be in New York on Saturday just behind me. We will travel to Fine together. I will stay a week and Mary 2 weeks. We don't expect that Mom will be alert enough to know us much longer. Brian is unable to come any sooner as he is tied up with closing on his house...this has already dragged out longer than he can bear. We are hoping for peace for Mom as she continues on.
September 10, 2004 - Helen: Teri said Mom had a good morning. She was very alert and said a few words. They can't always make out what she says because she talks too soft or it doesn't seem to make sense. She had phone calls from Brian and Phil and that seemed to perk her up. She was awake most of the day - only dozing off and on. Her appetite was good. Yesterday morning she actually asked to wait on her morning dose of morphine. She knows it makes her sleepy...but she eventually asked for some. Audrey & Deb were there to visit as well as Dan & Ginny. Phil Giardino brought her communion. The Hospice nurse visited today also. Teri said they printed "The Ballad" so Dad could read it and he thought it was pretty cool. It has been something constructive for me to concentrate on rather than other more ... well use your imagination. So I will continue to add to it and will continue to solicit suggestions from all you guys. In case you don't know what I'm talking about - http://www.cahill-shene.com/ballad.htm
I get into Syracuse about 4:05 pm tomorrow afternoon. Mary comes right behind me about 4:23 pm. We'll drive to Fine together. I can't wait to get there and see Mom & Dad for myself. Rita and Crumb will also arrive Saturday night somtime around midnight.
September 13, 2004 - Helen: Mary and I made it to Syracuse on Saturday without event. Flights were on time, no mishaps; had dinner at The Grist Mill and got to Mom & Dad's about 7:50 pm. Rita & Crumb were already there and said that Daryl and Audrey had just left. Mom was sleeping but woke as we arrived and knew who we were. She has a spiffy hospital bed with a handy swing table and comfy gowns that open in the back made by Mary. Peg gave us a high level of what the routine is now. It was fairly late when we went to bed but were up on Dad's heels the next morning about 6:30 am. Rita and Peg gave Mom a bed bath, changed her bed, gave her meds and let me feed her. Guess I was kind of like a steam shovel because she ate more than usual. I asked her to raise her hand if she didn't want anymore - she raised it immediately. She talked some to us but much of it was hard to understand. Rita stayed with her while the rest of us went to church. After church Rita drove Dad to The Hillside for lunch and Mary and I stayed with Mom, lunching on leftovers. The refrigerator is pretty jammed with donations from Monica and Audrey...everything scrumptious. Later on Monica brought over a cake, rhubarb muffins and zuchini bread. Nora arrived, traveling by herself, about 3:30 pm. Rita stayed with Mom again while the rest of us went to dinner at the Blue Spruce with Dad. When we got back from dinner Bob & Sue were there and Daryl & Audrey. Brian calls every morning to talk a bit with Mom - that perks her up. Brian said they would be here for a quick trip this week - not sure of the arrangements yet. He is working that out with Virginia. We also talked to Paul yesterday and Dodie, who is coming out today.
Mom has gone down a lot physically since I saw her last. She sleeps a lot and is totally bedridden. Peg has mastered changing the bed with her in it and is a good teacher. Mom enjoys our chatter and reminiscing. She has some wonderful music to listen to provided by Mary, Peg and others. She doesn't eat very much, generally a good breakfast and enough other times to take her meds. Her hair is starting to grow in along her neckline. She has a skin discoloration on her forhead from the radiation treatments. She is a shadow of her former self but does have some swelling. The nurses - Dodie, Rita, Peg - discuss adjusting her lasix to deal with that. She is checked carefully and treated for any bedsores she has. Her skin is still as soft, smooth and white as a youngster's. I read The Ballad to her but could not judge what her reaction was. I told her I would continue her afghans for the grandchildren tradition. I asked her who was next and she said "Erik." That's what Jean and I came up with when we talked about a few days ago. I also asked her about the needle point work as Mary is proficient at that. She said Aidan was next but we see both Aidan and Katherine are already filled in. Crumb thinks they were not there in June; maybe someone did it for her? Mary said she would find the blank one she sent her and figure out a way to include the great-grandchildren also. She had a touch of a smile when she knew that would be tended to.
Mom gets a lot of phlegm and mucus in her throat making it difficult for her to swallow. The scopolamine patch that gets applied behind her ear takes care of a lot of it, but not all. It isn't comfortable for her to sit too upright but sometimes we have to do that so she can do a good cough. The Hospice nurse is expected this afternoon. We will ask her for suggestions on how to treat the beginnings of a bed sore she has. Dianna Folsom visited this morning and Mom was happy to see her. From his chair in the kitchen, when the curtain is raised out of the way, Dad can see Mom lying in the bed. His way of keeping track. We are becoming schooled in the etiquette of making her visitors comfortable, making sure they have space and time alone with her. Everyone we see who knows her asks about her and wishes her well. We pray for peace for her ... and us.
September 14, 2003 - Helen: Mom had a good day yesterday. She was awake most of the day...dozing off and on. The Hospice nurse visited mid morning. She was impressed with our setup - she was just back from disability so it was her first visit. She checked Mom's bed sore and recommended opsites to cover the sensitive areas so we applied a couple of those. She listened to Mom's chest from the front and back and said she could hear no conjestion. She suggested experimenting with the lasix as her urine output varies. Tee and Dick arrived ab
