So Happy To Be Home

Mom came home Saturday and was so thrilled. She slept so well in her own bed and enjoyed not being awoken to have her vitals taken nor having to take a plethora of medications throughout the night. She is loving being in her own surroundings though is missing the "friends" medical staff hanging around and chatting with her.

Sunday was very relaxing for everyone. Mom has settled into a routine already. I wrote out a time schedule for all her meds and recorded on each bottle as well for her what to take and what time. She putzes around the house straightening picture frames, detail cleaning counter tops, the stove, pots and picking up light items to put away in "their proper place. Other from the light things to do, Mom continues to ask, "Will you do me a favor?" She has recruited all of us to be her side kick to keep her home tidy and organized. She sees things around the house that non of us see. Oy Vey, :).

Yesterday the Visiting Nurse came to open up her case. She stayed a good two hours. Yes, mom has a way to have people open up and hang out. The Nurse allowed me to flush all her Hickman lines. I wrote this out step by step so Mom will have the control to direct whomever does the flushing, wink. Mom spent the day taking naps, implementing her relaxation and breathing techniques I taught her. Mom continues to have a wonderful appetite and maintaining a positive attitude. Mom had another wonderful sleep last night.

This afternoon we have an appointment with her primary Oncologist. I will keep you posted on the plan and any additional information. Have a wonderful day and thank you again for all you love and support.

Tight Hugs,
Karen

Mom is Home and Happy

Mom was discharged this morning at 11:30 am. It was bitter sweet for mom and her medical staff to see her go home. Mom brought so much to the cancer ward with her optimism and determination to fight her leukemia and get into remission. Her walking several times a day around the nurses station and the hallways, telling jokes, and sharing her loving self encouraged other patients and reminded the medical staff why they had chosen their careers.

Mom was discharged having Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Her cells are not all matching completely and there are more tests to be run. She also is showing cells which identify Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Both are acute signs of leukemia. Both are serious, but Mom at this moment, is doing very well. Her head Oncologist told her today that she is leaving the hospital 9 days ahead of schedule and far healthier than many of his patients in their 20's and 30's with AML/MDS. This made Mom GLOW with satisfaction. Her Dr. also commented that her many decades of being fit and focusing on her nutrition is a direct reflection to her body dealing with the Chemo treatment so well. Mom was beaming hearing that. Of course she looked at Poppie, winked and said, see Seymour, you need to continue to listen to me about what to eat and exercise. You need your health at its best."

We got Mom in the car and as I was ready to drive away from the hospital, s uddenly, Mom, Poppie and I realized Mom was coming home. Tears of happiness were flowing down our cheeks. I had to compose myself to actually see the road. We arrived home to find Reece greeting Gramma with a big hug. Mom couldn't help herself, she immediately saw her home needing her loving touch. Her reflex was to grab a toothbrush and clean the grout around the sink, floors etc. Yes, she is the little energizer bunny that we all know she is. I managed to get her focused back on herself and into bed to relax while I put all her things away. Reece stayed home with Mom while Poppie and I went to pick up her 15 various medications and vitamins that she was discharged with. Brian surprised all of us with Mom's favorite Chinese food. Mom so indulged her first meal in her own home. We were stuffed as if it was "Thanksgiving." we are all now reclining.

The Visiting Home Nurse arrives tomorrow, Monday the Nurse returns again and the Physical Therapist comes over. Tuesday we meet with Moms primary Oncologist. The Oncologist will explain what the new plan of treatment care will be.

We are all so happy to see Mom home.
More to come tomorrow.

Keep your healing energy and prayers flowing our way,
Karen

Mom is being "Sprung" from the Hospital

Momma Ruthie is ahead of the game. She is heading home tomorrow afternoon. She is being discharged 9 days earlier than originally told. We met with her Dr.'s today and they are very pleased and excited how well she is responding to the Chemo treatment. Moms vitals, blood counts, appetite, bodily functions, etc. are all were they need to be able to discharge her. Today, Mom and I were shown again how to care for her Hickman, met with a Home Visiting Nurse Coordinator to review what to expect when discharged and the format for home care by Nurses, Aids, Physical Therapists and or an Occupational Therapist.

Mom is SO excited to come home. She had Poppie bring in a sheet cake today to feed 50 people. She wanted to express her thanks to all the medical staff that has taken care of her for the past 21 days in Chemo. Yes, tomorrow is day 22 since the treatment began and day 25 in the hospital. One of Moms favorite Dr.'s read the card she wrote out loud to about 12 other staff and almost all of them had tears in their eyes. It was extremely touching to see and feel so much affection, support and caring hearts for Mom.

Mom actually spent the morning, afternoon, and into the evening taking walks and visiting with her new found family. It really warms my heart to see all the Dr.'s, Nurses, Technicians to other helping staff call Mom either Mom or Gramma. When I left tonight there were several Nurses that said they will miss Mom very much on the floor. She made their shifts more pleasurable and interesting.

Tomorrow at 7am I am meeting with Moms Dr.'s to discharge her. This evening all the medical supplies needed to care for mom from the Upstate Home Care Services were delivered to the house. Here is the present plan as we know it. Mom is coming home tomorrow in the afternoon. Sunday the Visiting Nurse comes to the house to open Mom's case and give her a complete check up and flush her Hickman. Prior to leaving we discuss a complete plan of treatment, therapies that will be needed, and if an aid is to come to the house to assist with Mom.

Monday, the Nurse returns to again flush her Hickman, draw blood, and check all vitals. Physical Therapy starts on Monday as well. We are now all ready for mom to come home, :).

I will share the excitement of Mom's returning home tomorrow evening. Until then, THANK YOU for all your prayers, healing energy, positive thinking and strength over the past three and half weeks to help get Mom to this point in her journey. Here is to a several decades of Mom staying in remission! xoxoxoxo
All My Love,
Karen

Happy Turkey Day

We received wonderful news this morning. Mom's medical team took her off all medications through her IV. She is receiving her meds orally now. She will be monitored closely to make sure her body is absorbing and responding well to the medications. If all goes well through the weekend Mom may be discharged this coming Monday or Tuesday. Mom's numbers are increasing. Mom is on day three that she is eating a regular diet. This am all systems were a go for the first time is 3 weeks. If you know what I mean, wink? She is still on antibiotics and several other medications and vitamins.

Mom is focusing on being an "anomaly." She sates she is exceptional and will surprise her Dr.'s with new statistics. I know she will! This is the Little Ruthie we all know to be. When she puts her mind to something nothing can stop her! You Go Girl!

After breakfast, thick french toast & bacon, Mom was unhooked from the IV pole. She with excitement grabbed her walker and took herself for a walk around the nurses station. This was her first solo walk and she was in heaven. She walked 4 laps and chatted up a storm with all the staff. Mom completed a total of 20 laps today. She and I have an agreement after every meal and after every visit to the ladies room, she walks with me.

The hospital did it up for Thanksgiving. Mom for lunch ate turkey, mash potatoes, stuffing, peas and gravy. Mom enjoyed every last fork full. Mom ordered me steamed broccoli to add to my chicken I brought. For dinner Mom was a bit full but managed to put down a lemon chicken, steamed veggies, and ate half of a chocolate cake slice and a carrot cake slice. I am telling you it is wonderful to see Mom spoiling herself with all her temptations.

This evening Poppie and Brian dropped in with some scrumptious smoked turkey. Mike and Cindy created a wonderful holiday meal that Brian, Reece and Poppie went to. They stayed at the hospital for several hours reminiscing and chatting with Mom and I.

Before I left this evening, Mom received several nurses contact names and numbers. So many of the staff have fallen in love with Mom. Mom, of-course is already coordinating with the staff how to get onto the volunteer list to help others who have been diagnosed with cancer. She is planning her new calling of work when she gets into remission. It is wonderful to see her setting up goals and thinking of fun things to do as her strength and endurance increases more and more.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. I am sure at this point you are reclining back and have or are rubbing your stomach.

With all our love and thanks for having your continuous prayers and healing energy,
Karen, Kimmy, Ruthie, Seymour, Mike, Cindy, Brian and Reece xoxoxo

Feeling Peppy

Mom was chippy this am and again waiting for me in her chair. Her legs were up on a pillow and had a pillow on her lap for her arms to rest on. She has been educating all her staff about proper body mechanics. I think I have rubbed off on her, wink. The wonderful thing is that many of the nurses are placing their patients in more supportive positions. Mom is always sharing something.

The past several days since Mom is getting back into her groove has a constant flow of staff that visit her. They all have adopted Mom as their Gramma. It is wonderful to see Mom with nearly no discomfort. She has not suffered with the mouth blisters and we hope this doesn't begin. She continues to enjoy her baldness, has several skin issues that have surfaced, but nothing to be alarmed about.

Mom's appetite is kicking into gear now. She and I have all our meals together. She is not able to eat a full meal but eats at least half of everything. Today she had for breakfast - scrambled eggs, pancake and a bagel. Lunch - beef barley soup, crackers and a bland tasting cheese sandwich. Dinner - stir fry chicken, veggies and several desserts. Yes, Mom is indulging. This is great to see.

Mom continues to build her strength and endurance. She fatigues quickly, but she is on her way. She walked this am, afternoon and evening with me. This afternoon, Mom met with a Meditation Therapist. I use a lot of breathing techniques for my own healing and maintenance and this is one of them. Mom, surprisingly to herself, embraced learning how to "get out of her head" and into her breath. She actually felt a shift of relaxation and calmness after her session. I am sure this will become a useful tool for her. Mom, actually requested several sessions when she finally gets discharged.

This evening I learned how to flush Mom's Hickman. This will prepare us for when she gets discharged. At this point the Dr.'s are still tracking her blood counts and are waiting for them to rise daily. She is still receiving antibiotics and several other meds related to nausea and if needed to maintain full system functioning. PATIENCE is the name of the game.

Another wonderful day together. Stay Tuned - More to come tomorrow.

Hugs to all,
Karen

Getting Stronger Day by Day

Today is day 18 of Chemo treatment. Moms blood counts are expected to rise in the next few days. She continues to receive antibiotics until her white blood cells fully recover. Mom is on her second day of eating a regular diet. Mom is now able to transfer from her bed and into the bathroom herself and back. Mom walked in the am 3 laps, in the pm 4 laps, and completed her lower extremity exercises with me. Today was her surprise from me. She received a full body massage instead of extremity only since I arrived nearly two weeks ago. Mom was in heaven. Her favorites are to have her feet massaged and now more than ever, her head massaged.

Mom was waiting for me this morning sitting up in her chair and anxious to walk and do some exercises. She first had to show me her "new doo". Yup, she is officially and proudly showing her "Baby Head" look. Her peach fuzz is soft and actually has a lot of light orange/red color and yes, grey. She has the cutest little head. Mom focuses on a positive attitude, being strong and clear of her goals, working on being in the present and simply getting better.

In the past three days, Mom has surprised her medical staff regarding her progress. They are very pleased to see how physically strong, emotionally trying to confront her thoughts and fears and how quick witted she is. Mom and I giggle that her recovery pace is due to my cousin Jody's home made chicken broth, combined with allowing me to push her small amounts of food all day, and her desire to get bodywork, exercise and walk daily. In actuality, this is the Ruthie we all know. She takes a while to get used to something new presented to her, but after she realizes this new "situation" is here to stay..... she is all over it to control "IT" and not be controlled.


I left the hospital around 11:30pm. Mom and I watched Dancing with the Stars finale. I wouldn't miss this time with her. It was wonderful to see her so into the show. She was laughing, critiquing the dancers and simply enjoying. It was such a treat for both of us to be engaging in something else other than being in the hospital for her healing.

Again thank you for keeping in touch with mom and the the rest of us. She and we are enjoying all the wonderful support and kind words of.

Karen

A Brighter Day

Mom slept well last night. All day into the evening, Mom had an increase in energy, had a strong voice, had a small appetite and was in good spirits. Mom's medical status today; her blood counts were showing slight recovery, white blood cells were increasing, she is still on antibiotics, her vitals continue to be monitored throughout the day and is on a "regular diet."

Today, Mom and I early am sat together in her room chatting for almost 2 hours. We took two walks around the nurses station. This afternoon she did four laps and then rested. This evening Mom completed five laps and rested afterward. We completed five laps simply because she was chatting up a storm with all the Dr.'s and Nurses and lost track of her laps. I wasn't going to say anything. She is to do what ever she can at this point. Yup, glimpses of Mom are showing at this point.

I am very pleased that Mom ate in the am, ate in the afternoon and evening with me. Not her usual amount of food, but she is eating! All great news. Today, Mom got used to her hair being cut short and wearing a fleece hat and tomorrow I will be shaving her remaining hair off. Yup, she is going for the baby bald look. She is looking forward to not having to fuss with her hair falling out anymore.

Mom and I watched Dancing with the stars tonight. She and I really had fun laughing, critiquing and giving scores to the dancers. It was 10:20pm and Mom was finally winding down and ready for bed. I left her with a full stomach, moderately tired and mentally calm. She is mentally calm because Poppie's cardiology appointment today went very well. He received a report of "flying colors." All is on track two months post op. Poppie is gearing up to be the greatest "home care assistant" when Mom enters remission and is able to head home.

Thanks you all again for your continuous support, healing prayers and love.
Sleep Well,

Karen

Mom had a small appetite today

Kimmy and I arrived early this morning to find Mom finishing a lemon ice. Kimmy had a 30 minute visit with Mom and then I took her to the airport. Mom and I were both very sad to say good bye to Kimmy. Just when we all thought there were no more tears in any of us, "Niagara Falls" began.

I returned from the airport and Mom was hungry. I was so happy to see her eat. She had a bowl of chicken broth, crackers and another lemon ice. Mom is to maintain a liquid diet today with crackers and or toast only. Tomorrow we hope the Dr.'s change her food intake to bland intake. She is craving to eat scrambled eggs.

Mom took a shower today. Yup, first time in a shower in 19 days. We all know how good that would feel. Say good by to sponge baths! Unfortunately, today was the day that moms hair decided to fall out while in the shower. I cut and styled Moms hair today. She was a trooper through this experience, I am so proud of her. We shared some tears and then admired my first attempt as a hairdresser. It actually looks very cute considering I have never cut hair before. When Mom sees a lot of her remaining hair on her pillow we will than shave off the rest. Mom does look adorable in her fleece hat. She received a lot of compliments from the medical staff all day and night.

Mom continues to be monitored very closely by her medical staff. She received IV platelets this am, received antibiotics and keeping a close watch on all her vitals. She continues on with 48 hours of no fever, no diarrhea, no vomiting nor nausea. She is still being watched for her bruising and slight bleeding through the nose. All her symptoms are expected according to her medical team.

Mom and I spent the afternoon telling stories, talking about people, watching football and planning things to do when she gets out the hospital and then traveling when she is finished with her treatments and has her energy back. Poppie and my brother Brian came by for several hours to be with mom. Brian, who is a great story teller, had us all laughing. It is wonderful to see Mom giggling or simply laughing out loud. It all helps us forget why we are in a hospital for a few minutes. I am so grateful to be given the opportunity to assist and aid Mom back to health. She does challenge me a bit when I get her up to walk and then walk extra, exercise and then do some extra exercises, but I know she appreciates it.

Again, thank you for all your support and wonderful words of encouragement,

Karen

Busy Day Yesterday - Saturday November 21

Yesterday, Mom had her first day with a slight appetite. Her stomach pains and cramps decreased in frequency, intensity and duration of time. They primarily came after drinking and eating something. She was still on a clear liquid diet. She was 24 hours NO fever. She did start showing bruising around her body, blemishes on her skin and started with slight nose bleeds. She received several IV bags of blood, was still on antibiotics, her counts remained low as expected and was in good spirits all morning, afternoon and into the evening. Mom actually was able to walk with me yesterday 3 laps in the mid afternoon. She also reclined in a chair for a good half hour when visiting with family.
More to share this evening on all her great accomplishments from the day.
Hugs to everyone,
Karen

A Better Day

Mom is now 17 days in the hospital and 14 days into her Chemo treatment. Mom's fever had broken early this morning. She is still suffering from abdominal pains and cramps. The good news is that the stomach issue is occurring with less intensity, frequency and has decreased in time. She is still suffering from the diarrhea but thankfully that has decreased as well. Mom has started show some dermatological blemishes on her nose and facial cheeks. I check her body daily and do not see anything else surfacing on her skin.


The doctors continue to work on resolving the stomach issue. Mom is still on a liquid diet, she is receiving anti-biotic, and receiving extra blood. She at this point is at her lowest levels. The medical team is constantly in her room checking one vital or another. Mom all day has been receiving medication, vitamins, or different IV medication or blood to protect and support her system. In the coming days her body will be rebuilding itself and getting stronger.


Today mom had more acute mental focus. Mom in result began to teach the hospital staff how to make her more comfortable and was firing questions and making statements to the medical team regarding her treatment protocol. Now this is our Little Ruthie we know, :)

Mom, all day into the night, had windows of time were she was more talkative, laughing and interacting with all whom spoke with her in person. She still is having a challenging time to a speak on the phone. I do not push her to do talk on the phone. Instead, I push her to get up out of bed, to do her exercises with me or to eat. Mom took an early morning stroll around the nurses station. Unfortunately, this afternoon and this evening her stomach pains were too strong to get her walking.


The second bone marrow biopsy was to be today. Since she has an unknown situation with the stomach her Dr.'s on her team decided best to put it off for a few days. We all hope that the days to come will not be as painful as the past 2 weeks. Mom, was happy tonight that she had Poppie, Kimmy and I till 10:30pm visiting. Pray she is able to sleep through the majority of the night. This would be the first in MANY weeks over the past month.


Again, thank you for all the support and healing energy.
With much love,

Karen, Kimmy and the entire Family xoxo

A bit more Interactive today

Kimmy, Poppie and I strolled in this morning finding Mom sleeping. We love when she sleeps. That means in our minds that her body is gathering strength to fight, she is recharging with energy, and she is NOT in pain, for at least that period of time. :) We hung up, under moms television in her hospital room, her para sailing shirt she received 2 years ago for flying 1200 feet above the ocean. All day she was beaming telling the story about this adventure and others. She shared her stories about me exposing her to rock climbing, team ropes courses, mountain biking, sleeping in a tent alone, a solo midnight hike in the mountains, eating her first smore over an open fire etc...to her nurses, to her Dr.'s and to the aides. It was wonderful to see mom's excitement back about reaching goals that appeared unreachable in the past. We then spoke that this too may seem an unreachable goal but will be just as obtainable as her many other accomplishments.

Mom is still on a liquid diet today. She is still suffering from intermittent abdominal pain and cramps, nausea and fevers around 101. The greatest increase of nausea or stomach symptoms occur when having to transfer to "relieve herself" She calls it her "throne." The other time is when we have her get up to walk a bit.

I am happy to report, today Mom is keeping her liquid diet down. This includes chicken broth, strawberry jello, cranberry juice, water, ice chips and all the plethora of medications she is receiving for her symptoms. Mom is a trooper.

Mom is in the stage now that the chemo is doing its job and she is feeling the effects. Mom today is quiet, but staying focused on doing all she can to be strong to be able to go home at the end of the month. She continues to include me in her game plan. I am to keep up daily every hour or more with soft tissue work, range of motion and stretching with her. She did start with a Physical Therapist whom came in to take her for a spin around the nurses station.

It was wonderful for mom to have Brian, Poppie, Kimmy and her grandson Reece with her today. Michael and his wife Cindy have had bad colds so they have not been permitted into the hospital room yet. Daily phone calls is the means they give mom support and strength for now.

In closing, to everyone who would love to say hello to Mom and hear her voice, she says thank you for thinking of her. Her energy is still low and is not ready to speak on the phone. Thank you for understanding. I will continue to keep you up to date through the blog.

All our appreciation for the endless cards, emails and responses to the blogs,

Momma Ruthie, Poppie, Michael, Cindy, Brian, Reece, Karen, Kimmy xoxox

Sleep was on the menu for today

Kimmy flew into Rochester today at 11 am. Poppie, Kimmy and I drove directly to the hospital to find Mom sleeping. She slept for 2 hours. Several times she awoke in a groggy state needing me to massage the pain from her feet, ankles, lower legs and or neck. Mom is on a strict liquid diet for today. The Dr.'s are in question as to why she is experiencing severe cramping and pain in her abdominal region. She is still receiving medication for her fever which is between 100.8 to 101.6 all day.

The good news today, is that mom only has mild nausea when transferring to the camode. She no longer has the the severe body shakes, diarrhea, nor vomiting. We consider this is a better day, :) Mom had the Palliative Care Dr.'s in to chat with her today. She began to open up and share her true feelings with them. This was an excellent break through for her. They also were able to be a strong advocate to speak with her Oncology team to adjust her med's to seek more immediate comfort for her. They are doing a wonderful job.

Mom was able to drink her chicken broth and have some sherbet for lunch today. She is extremely weak and consistently in a cold state. My brother Brian and Poppie strolled in around 4pm to hang with Mom. At 5pm, Mom received medication for her fever and an IV bag of platelets. Within a half hour her energy perked up and she asked to go for a walk. She took a spin around the nurses station, did some leg lifts and for the 1st time, since being admitted to the hospital,sat up in a reclining chair. She slept on and off for an hour and half. Yes, I set her up ergonomically with lots of pillows and she fell asleep.

Mom got into bed around 7:45pm and is set for the night. Her only symptom right now is minor pains in her stomach. Lets all hope she sleeps the majority of the night. I left Mom while she was in a deep sleep, deep breathing and looking peaceful and relaxed. She will now be spoiled by the night shift. It is wonderful that Mom has quickly developed a warm relationship with all her aides and nurses. I know, you are not surprised and would expect nothing different.
More to come tomorrow.

Sleep well and peaceful dreams,
Karen

Momma Ruthie is staying focused

Another rough morning, afternoon and into the night. Today, mom focused on decreasing her pains and other symptoms (use your imagery) with her mental focus, deep breathing, medications, and me trying every trick I have learned as a neuromuscular soft tissue therapist. She seems to relax best with me lightly rubbing her entire back and hips, slowly moving her joints around in positions and her favorite is her feet being rubbed and played with. She does have small windows of sleep which last about 15-30 minutes and then she is awaken by severe stomach cramps, fever, nausea or chills.

Despite all the discomfort she was up this afternoon for a quick tour of the nurses station. She continues to be able to transfer herself from the bed, to standing, and walking to the ladies room. She is extremely weak, but she is doing it. This we all are happy to see.

Poppie and I met with her team of support from the Palliative Care Division. They are Md's who interface with her oncology team. Palliative Care is medical care that focuses on the patients relief of pain, symptoms and stress of serious illness. The goal is to help people live comfortably and to offer the best quality life for patients and their families.

Mom was finally asleep close to 10pm. I gathered my things and headed home to a yummy meal Poppie prepared for me. We then spend a good half our rehashing the day and checking in with each other on how we are taking all this. Lets me say, though a very emotional painful trip home with the family, I would not want to be anywhere else, but by my parents side.

Good Night and Happy Dreams,
Karen

Monday 11/16/09

Mom had a very rough night. All symptoms that began yesterday rolled throughout the night into the morning. The Dr.'s were able today to give her some medication to decrease some of her symptoms. Mom is on day 10 of her treatment. The following 11 days will be the most challenging. Mom will be combating a plethora of uncomfortable to painful experiences.

Today was very similar to yesterday with increased symptoms. Mom is struggling to stay positive. Amongst all the pain she is forcing herself to walk a bit with me. I will soon push her to eat a bit more rest a good half hour and walk again with me. She said she prefers when I work on her instead of walking. Of course I said after a decent walk I would work on her until she falls asleep. A little bribe never hurt anyone, wink.

Before I left for the night I gently massaged Mom until she was resting a bit more soundly. I went left a bit after 10pm.

Sunday 11/15/09

Today mom is feeling the effects of the chemo more than the other days. She has increased nausea, up and down every hour for the lavatory, no appetite though I am making her join me in eating. She has increased weakness, increased instability when standing,difficultly walking, emotionally she is very sad and says “this is such a bitch!” We are trying to keep all our conversations positive and supportive. Mom is sleeping a lot today. I am happy for that so she can heal her body and rest her mind.

She awoke after sleeping for 2 hours to her Buffalo Bills playing and winning. This made her happy. We sat and spoke about the “Choking Chargers” vs Buffalo Bills. She of course is able to tell me why Buffalo is the better of the two teams.

Mom insisted that I order something off the “Menu” for lunch with her. Well the Dietician was to find chicken broth for me, steamed veggies and brown rice, due to my food selections with Crohn’s and Colitis. Mom looked at me and said "and I thought I had it hard.” We laughed together and I ordered my chicken broth.

The evening and into the night again was every hour with severe abdominal cramps, nausea, etc... I keep telling Mom that the chemo is now purging the cancer cells from her body and try to allow herself to simply take this ride towards recovery.

Thursday 11/12/09
My childhood best friend Lisa "Metch" and I arrived safely into Rochester, Thursday 11/12/09. Kimmy arrives next Wednesday and leaving Sunday. Metch and I drove immediately from the airport to the hospital to find Mom sitting up in bed, wearing about 50 pounds of fluid weight, and resting quietly. The three of us immediately began chatting between our crocodile tears. Poppie showed up minutes after us. The four of us spoke and were speaking with Kimmy and Shayna Punum via a webcam using Skype. I brought my laptop which has a webcam. Yup, technology is wonderful at times like these. Mom perked up watching Kimmy and Shayna on the webcam and she began to tell stories about being in San Diego and can't wait to be back to San Diego. Poppie, Metch and I went for a bite to eat while Mom rested and slept a bit. Mom got her second wind after taking an afternoon break. We were at the hospital till 10pm. Yes, Mom dominated the conversations. All the staff on her oncology ward are outstanding.

Friday 11/13/09
Metch and I arrived late morning to find Mom looking healthier than Thursday. The Doctor's adjusted some meds overnight and it decreased some of her edema. Mom said her legs are large enough to carry a baby grand piano. Mom looks forward to every meal like Poppie did as they feel their in a 5 star hotel with room service.

11/14/09 Saturday
Mom is on her new meds and feeling exhausted this morning. Once again, the treatment is for 30 days. For the first 7 days she is on chemo and steroids. Now, for the next 7 days she is receiving different medications. The change in medications will occur again in the next 7 days and the 7 days after that. On day 30, the doctor's will run tests to see if Mom has entered remission. By afternoon today, Mom regained a healthy appetite and a boost in energy. She was very talkative and lively with the nurses and everyone. Metch suprised me today with a breakfast reunion with friends from 30 years ago that I have not seen. We took many pictures and shared them with Mom. Mom and Poppie remembered my friends and began reminicing about the many fun times we had with them. Metch then said goodbye as she needed to return home to California. Poppie and I stayed with Mom most of the day into the evening. She began to doze off and we thought it best to leave then.