Challenges

Hi - Patrick here.

It is Saturday evening, and its been a long 48 hours. My mom took a turn for the worse over the past two days, exhibiting symptoms, that while consistent with her chemotherapy and the disease within her, were very challenging for us to provide appropriate care for her in her home. She had a difficult time communicating to us, and she had difficulty walking unassisted. Over the past several days, she has fallen a few times, causing us great concern. Her falls did not hurt her, but worry us.

This is all such new ground for us, and we have really relied on the goodness and knowledge of her friends to understand such things as symptomatic care vs. treatment of the disease; and in-home RN care vs. private home care.

After two sleepless evenings that were very challening for us and for Leni, I took her to the hospital early this morning. I owe a great deal to her friend Colleen, who so graciously took a very early morning phone call and helped me assess the situation - thank you very much Colleen, in providing clarity in an otherwise stressful moment.

Mom has been diagnosed with a bladder infection and dehyrdation, as well as edema (swelling) in her legs. She'll be in the hospital for a minimum of 48 hours. She is getting great care - she is at the hospital that she worked at until her retirement, and many people know her and love her there. She feels very safe at Mercy General, and being there made her relax like I have not seen her in 48 hours.

We'll set up her home with better equipment, we are in the process of getting extra help, and we look forward to brining her back home!

You know, with all of this, there was a bright spot in the day yesterday when she sat upright and said, "I want to go out in that," pointing to the newly arrived wheel chair. I pushed her down the street for a brief walk. Her comments: "Wow, I feel like I'm running away - this is great..."

Enjoying the simple things once again provides her with joy.