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
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Thanks again for keeping us uipdated, it's so nice to ba able to check in and not have to worry about interrupting any quiet/recovery times.
ReplyDeleteHead massage! Yes! One of the true blessings of having little hair!
Go Ruthie, go! We love you and you are all in our thoughts often!
Love,
Mark & Renee
It was great to hear that Aunt Ruthie is starting to feel better and that Uncle Seymour had a positive follow up to his operation. I cannot stop thinking about you all and feeling that there is much to be thankful for this holiday season. I am glad that you are all together and we all here in Arizona are sending our best wishes and positive energy.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Amy, Allen, Cassidy, Gideon, and Sybil