Trying to Stay Positive

Mom was admitted into Strong Memorial Hospital yesterday for her 3rd round of Chemo treatment. Yes, I am in San Diego attending to my own medical, personal and professional responsibilities. It is very difficult for me not to be at Mom's side. She and I refer to my absence as being bitter sweet. If I could only clone myself everyone would be much happier.

Mom is being strong and is trying to maintain a positive attitude. She has accepted that fighting to get her AML into remission and then keeping it there is simply going to be her life here on in. Yes, Mom has windows of anger attached with deep sadness, but she no longer stays in that mental space very long. She and I speak in the morning, the afternoon and then the evening to ensure her emotional calmness. It also helps me to feel I am still able to support her though from 3000 miles away.

Yesterday, Brian and Poppie had visited Mom for several hours in the evening. Brian, brought in his video cam on his laptop so Mom, Kimmy and I are able to see and talk as much as possible. Since the end of October, that has been how we kept in touch with Kimmy when she was back in SD. Mom really enjoys watching Shayna Punum playing in our back yard, seeing the San Diego sunshine and our tropical backyard theme with palm trees, bamboo walls, water falls etc.

This morning Mom received her second round of Chemo IV. She is doing well. She is not experiencing any adverse side effects. She is being check several times a day by her nurses and visits by her Oncology team.

Mom enjoyed this evening with us on Skype. Mom was so excited to have the Oncology Team and Staff say hello on Skype. It really made Kimmy and I feel as if we were there with Mom in the hospital room. It is so nice to see the person I am speaking with. Mom was pretty tired by 8:30pm East Coast time. We all said good night and we would chat on Sunday.

Three cheers to Momma Ruthie's strength and desire to overcome this horrible disease.

All my warmth and love,
Karen