Reunions are Wonderful

Friday, Poppie picked me up at the airport in the late morning. Unfortunately, Kimmy was not able to join me on this trip. Next month Kimmy and I will be returning together. Mom greeted me with a big hug and non stop kisses. Poppie, Brian, Mikie and I visited for several hours with Mom. I met Mom's roommate, Dawn, this stay in the hospital. They were closer than "dorm room" mates. Mom and Dawn quickly became
close friends and exchanged numbers.

Friday and Saturday, Dawn, her husband and all of us never drew the room divider. The seating arrangement in their "dorm room" was kept in a large half moon. Yup, it was a party in there. The staff periodically came into the room to see what all the chatter and laughter was all about. Many of the staff simply felt left out. The only thing missing was the pizza delivery guy showing up.

One Nurse came in to flush Mom's Hickman, test her neurological and brain function status and administer her next chemo treatment. Mom had gotten her Nurse, Ruben, to play "patty-cake" with her to ensure her coordination was excellent. Well, it became such a competition of speed that the other floor staff came by to see what the noise was all about. They were in utter shock that Mom had gotten the head Nurse, whom is pretty quiet and shy, to play with her and laugh uncontrollably. It was so cute to watch. It really is wonderful how Mom is able to create a safe space for so many others let their inner child out and enjoy.

Early this morning at 5am, Mom received her last of the 6 Chemo treatments. Mom is in very good spirits and prays she has no symptoms other than fatigue as her numbers are expected to begin dropping again. Mom is doing very well, despite that this Chemo treatment is a higher dosage than the previous month. Since Mom's numbers will soon be dropping, tomorrow she is back on her meds for anti-viral, anti-fungal, and many more. Tomorrow, Mom will begin her routine of going to the hospital every day for treatment and observation. She will have her Hickman flushed, blood drawn, all vitals checked, and will receive, if needed an IV to support her system where ever she is low in.

Mom, Poppie and I just returned home. Yup, Mom was discharged today. The staff, as well as Mom, were very sad to say good-bye for now. Mom, comforted herself and the staff, that she will be back in April and that she will visit periodically in the next few weeks. Kind of strange that she and they are looking forward for her to return for a weeks visit in April.

Mom has one heck of a social life when on the Oncology unit. All day and late into the night she has a lot of staff visiting. They seek Mom out for her advice, suggestions and her opinions on many topics. They also come in to share jokes and to simply hang out with her. This she surely does not get when in her own home. I see I am up for a challenge to keep her so entertained when at home, wink.

Today, Mom, Poppie and I are settling back into being home together. Yes, Mom immediately when walking over the thresh hold into her home, began to assess and then detail the kitchen, put her things away, and straighten up where ever she saw needed her touch. It really is very cute how she springs right back into her routine. Well, at a much slower pace of course. Non the less, Mom soon accomplished getting "her" house back into show house standard once again.

More to follow as the days pass.

We trust this blog post finds you feeling the best you can feel.

Lots of Love and warmth your way,
Karen