Mom is buying time

I am sorry for not blogging sooner. The past 4 days have been very busy. Since last Tuesday relatives from all over the map have been flying or driving into Rochester to spend some time with Momma Ruthie. Coordinating the details for all the out-of towners' has been consuming. Supporting Mom to accept that her time to pass is coming, Poppie to prepare for this new transition, keeping close touch with my brothers, sister-in-law, Kimmy and other family members, and spending 12-14 hours a day with Mom in the hospital has been a lot.

Mom has had several painful flare-ups within the past four days. She has also needed transfusions two days ago. She had begun having nose bleeds and coughing up blood. The transfusions had helped to decrease these symptoms. The Doctors have been working diligently to get Mom to a comfortable and pain free state.

The past two days have been extremely difficult deciding on Mom's quality of life. She met with her Palliative Team and Oncology Team two times a day since being admitted last Monday to discuss her present choices. As of yesterday, Mom made a VERY difficult decision for herself. She told her Doctors at this stage in her disease she does not want to receive any more transfusions or interventions for infections that may arise. Mom is receiving Dilaudid and Lidocaine patches only as of yesterday.

Mom is fighting every step of the way to push her Doctors to find a miracle drug.
Mom also fought to stay on the 6-3400 Oncology floor for hospice instead of going down to the referred location on on the 4th floor for hospice care. It is incredible how many Doctors, Nurses, Technicians, Housekeeping, and Food Service come in to see Mom. Many are coming in on their days off as well to spend time with their adopted Mom. It is so touching. Lots of tears from all. Just when I feel I am all dried out I start tearing up again with each persons expression about how Little Momma Ruthie has touched them.

It is going to be such an immense loss for so many people when Mom passes.

I will try to keep you informed from day to day on Mom's status. We are handling the best as we can all the details that need to be addressed to prepare for Mom pre, during and post her passing. I will close with how incredible my family has been the past 7 days. I am including, my immediate family, all my relatives, and the few friends she has had for decades whom I refer to as "Mom." Actually, we have had no less than 12-15 people in Mom's room a day. We needed to transfer Mom into the lounge to accommodate our group several times. It was good for her as well to have a new surrounding.

OK, I will blog again. I want to give Mom a relaxing full body massage. Again, thank you for your love and support,
Karen and our entire family xoxo