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