Update & Photos

Mom is very happy to not be back in the hospital again. It is by shear will power that she is not. The door is open for her return but she is not choosing not to do so. She still struggles with holding her temperature down, walking, sodium levels and blood levels, among a few others things. Today her platelets tested at a 4, so her trip to the Infusion Ward included a bag of platelets. We can not say THANK YOU enough to all the special people who continue to donate blood and platelets. Their gift is truly life giving for our mother! We are also most grateful for the fine staff at the Infusion Ward. They are angels of mercy to so many people.

Mrs. Kind and Nancy returned home after giving selflessly to our mother for the last five days. Their tender care of Mom has been a tremendous blessing to both Mom and Dad. Dad arrived back at Stanford this afternoon. Mom was very glad to see him. Dad was glad to see that Mom is healing from her fall a couple of weeks ago. Below are the photos that Stasi sent my way. The photos were taken the first & second days after Mom fell. Somewhat hard to take but Mom wanted them posted. I praise God that Mom is recovering from her fall. There are also photos of the wonderful doctors that continue to work long, hard hours on Mom's and so many others behalf. The doctors bless Mom more than words can express. There is also a sweet photo of Dad with his oldest of 17 grandchildren, Morgan (20).

When I talk to Mom tonight, she was her typical optimistic self. Always ready to say that she is "fine" and doing better than before. She was planning to go to bed early after a full day at the Infusion Ward. She is at peace with where God has her and is grateful for all he blesses her with each day. I can't imagine Mom going through all she faces daily without a faith in God. Knowing that her ultimate comfort is in the Lord blesses my heart more than I could ever say. It was only in her illness that she has come to this place. Truly all things do work for good for those who believe in God.

Thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement. Please feel free to call Mom. She would love to hear from you!

At the Apartment

Mom was blessed to be released from the hospital around 6:00 PM last night. Marilee Kind brought her back to the apartment where Mom could sleep in her own bed once again. When I called and talked with Mrs. Kind this morning, she said that Mom was sleeping and had been feeling "sluggy". Mom's appointment at the Infusion Ward is for 1:00 PM. I should have more details on how Mom is doing after her appointment.

Marilee Kind and Mom have been friends for years. Mrs. Kind's wonderful husband, Bob Kind, was a veterinarian and was a dear friend to both Dad and Mom before he passed away a few years back. Mrs. Kind and her delightful daughter, Nancy, have been taking great care of Mom since Wednesday. They are diligently watching over Mom and seeing that all her needs are being met. What a praise!

Surely Mom is delighted to be back at the apartment. Hopefully it will be of some duration. When I talked with Mom yesterday, she was doing "fine". She is still very weak, tires easily and at time slurs her words. She is having some personal struggles as she comes to terms that there really isn't a lot that the doctors can do to help her in her struggle with Aplastic Anemia. Transfusions are her life line at this time. She is on medication to combat her lung fungus and only time will tell if it works. No matter what, Mom has hope in the Lord and trust Him to do His perfect will. Thank you for your prayers.

Hospital Life...

On Saturday, Mom returned to her beloved Ground F Unit at Stanford Hospital. Kathie Laurence has been her constant companion ever since. Dad headed back to the ranch as planned while Kathie and the fine medical staff at Stanford have seen that Mom's every need has been met. What a praise!

As of this morning, Mom is running a fever again. This fever comes and goes and is a sign of an infection. Because Mom has not been able to stay out of the hospital for any great length of time, the new plan is not to release her again until she can go without a temperature for at least 24 hours. Yesterday, the doctors found what they suspect is a fungus spot on Mom's lungs. They are currently treating Mom with a series of fungus type medications to try and get a handle on this. We pray that this works. Mom is awaiting a bag or two of red blood cell as her hemoglobin level was 7.9 this morning. Her white blood cells are still struggling a .3 and her platelets are at 22. Mom said she doesn't feel as well as she did yesterday but thinks she will feel better after she receives the new red blood cells. Mom still struggles with weakness and frequently has trouble making her muscles do what they need to do. If she has to go most anywhere, a wheel chair is needed. The doctors have noticed that she is having trouble keeping her sodium levels up so she is now not allowed to drink just plain water. I think Gatorade or products like it are becoming her new "favorite" drink. Mom is still very optimistic, which is a good thing. We truly do not know what a day will bring...Mom's condition changes hourly.

On a fun note, Kathie is reading a book to Mom called Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann. Mom is so enjoying this delightful book. If you happen to call Mom, be sure to ask her about it. You can reach Mom at 650-498-3072.

Thank you again for your prayers. May your day be abundantly blessed.

Not so Fine

When I caught up with Mom yesterday, she was in the Infusion Ward. She had a temperature. It hadn't been decided at that time how to best deal with the situation. When I talked with her a few hours later, she had received IV antibiotics and was sent home with instructions to return in the morning. Mom was glad to be at the apartment and was looking forward to watching an old cowboy movie with Dad. That was last night.

This morning when I caught up with her, Mom was in the Infusion Ward but Dad answered the phone. This was unusual since Dad usually doesn't stay in the Infusion Ward. He lets her have some time on her own to enjoy the nurses and the other "regular" patients she has met over the years. When I asked how Mom was doing, Dad said, "Not good." Mom had gone to bed by 8:00 PM the night before since she was so tired. This morning she woke with very slow and somewhat slurred speech, unable to walk much on her own and needed to use the wheel chair to get to the Infusion Ward. Dad said they were waiting on her blood tests and a neurologist and a hematologist had been called in to review the situation. There is some speculation that Mom might be having a reaction to one of her medications. All this is up in the air until the doctors have time to evaluate Mom's condition. When I talked to Mom, she was still her usual optimistic self but just with slower speech. She tired quickly when talking with me and soon handed the phone back to Dad. All this is very concerning but we take comfort that Mom is exactly where she needs to be to get the BEST care possible. We praise God that He has her right where she needs to be.

I will update later when I get more details. Thank you for your prayers on Mom's behalf. May your day be blessed.

Doing Fine

With all praise to God, Mom is feeling much better and is looking at things most optimistically. She says she feels better than she has felt in days. Three bags of red blood cells and a bag of platelets will do that for a person in need of them! Mom is back at the apartment making her daily trips back and forth to the Infusion Ward. Over the last three years, Mom has made many friends in that ward. She always receives a warm welcome and is treated great.

The most recent news in Mom's life is that Dad is soon going back to the ranch to get some cattle work done and Mom is going to "have some girl time" with a few friends. Kathie Lawrence, Mom's niece and my aunt Christine's oldest daughter, will be coming to stay with Mom this coming Saturday and is due to be with her until Wednesday. Then Mrs. Marilee Kind and her delightful daughter, Nancy, are due to arrive on Wednesday and stay through the following Saturday. Dad will be gone a week and Mom will "play" for a week, Lord willing. Mom is grateful for the wonderful women who are graciously giving of their time to come be her companions. Dad is especially grateful to be able to leave his lovely wife in such great care while he is away.

As always, Mom's health can can in just a matter of minutes. I have not heard what her numbers are this morning but whatever her need may be, the Infusion Ward staff is sure to meet it. Regardless, we are grateful for the GREAT report from Mom last night. She is content, happy and feeling better.

Life is good! Thank you God.

Mom is "Home"

I haven't actually talked with Mom yet, but word from Stasi is that Mom was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon or evening. I talked to Mom yesterday morning and she thought they would be releasing her. Yahoo!! I can only imagine Mom's joy. I tried to track her down this morning...no answer on either Mom or Dad's cell phones, no answer at the apartment and the lady who is now currently staying in D39 just hung up on me. Oops! Just the confirmation that I needed that Mom had been released! Mom and I usually talk on the phone 2-3 times a day. Mom was going to call when she got to the apartment but must have been too tired and with our time difference here in Oklahoma, it got away from me to call before it was too late. Mom may have appreciated my call but surely Dad would have appreciated his sleep all the more. I am just glad they are "home."

Mom has an appointment everyday while not in the hospital at the Infusion Ward in the Stanford Clinic. Surely this is where Mom and Dad are now since she is still neutropenic and is not allowed to be "out on the town" as of yet. I am looking forward to catching up with her soon.

Stasi has sent me a CD with photos she recently took of Mom and her hospital adventures. I am looking forward to posting them to this blog when they arrive. There are so many WONDERFUL people who give Mom the BEST care when she is at the hospital. Stasi tells me she even got a photo of one of our "favorite" doctors...Dr. Ariel. We really like Dr. Ariel because she "gets" Stasi and me. Oh yes, she also provides Mom fabulous medical care but we really like her mostly because she is amused by us and puts up with us. Thank you Dr. Ariel!

In future posts you can continue to look forward to updates on Mom's health, photos and where you can reach her. As of this moment, the number to reach Mom is the apartment phone number....650-391-9252. Mom would love to hear from you!

May your day be blessed.

A New Plan

It seems that everyday something changes with regards to Mom's health. As of this afternoon, Mom will be in the hospital for at least four more days.

The best the doctors could come up with at this time is that Mom's T-Cells are attacking her blood. The result of this is very low hemoglobin levels and the need for red blood cell transfusions. She will be given three bags of red blood cells over the course of today. Her platelets seem to be holding somewhat and there has been a very slight but measurable improvement with her white blood cells (yeah!).

There is still no explanation for her loss of muscle control in her limbs. The plan is for a hospital physical therapist to start working with her beginning on Monday. Mom is expected to have at least 3-4 days of in hospital therapy before she would be released. And that is only if no other unexpected complications arise.

Mom is still her same optimistic self. Eager to make improvements with physical therapy and get her legs moving again. Her new "home" for the time being is Room D39 at Standford Hospital. Mom is receiving phone calls, so please feel free to call her at 650-498-3020. I know Mom is grateful for your prayers and words of encouragement.

On a side note, I am very happy to report that my delightful Aunt Christine's first treatment of chemotherapy (for breast cancer) went well with minimal side affects. WAHOO! Her next treatment is scheduled for July 3rd. I know that any prayers said on Aunt Christine's behalf would also be greatly appreciated. Both Aunt Christine and Mom are going through a lot these days. Through it all, their faith in God is most encouraging. Praise the Lord!

Back in the Hospital...Again

And it would have been so wonderful....

I am sorry to report that Mom is back in the hospital again tonight. In less than 24 hours from her release, Mom's condition grew "serious" and Dad was forced to return her from where she just came. Mom is currently back at Stanford awaiting a CAT Scan on her head.

Early this morning Mom fell hitting her head and leaving bruising on her face and shoulder. Ever since Mom left the hospital yesterday, her strength has just not been up to speed. She had difficultly getting from the car to the apartment, she fell that afternoon while trying to take a mini walk in the apartment complex to keep her oxygen levels up, and fell in the bathroom this morning. Not good signs. By the time Dad got Mom to the hospital, Mom was running another fever (major symptom of an infection~yikes!), could stand for less than 20 seconds, was labored in her breathing and was completely exhausted. Her platelets were okay but she is in need of lots of red blood. Possibly a sign of internal bleeding due to her fall. With all praise to God, Mom is in no pain. Just tired, frustrated, sad she is "putting her family through this" and looking for some relief. Even with all this, Mom's faith in God is still strong.

Dad asked that at this time Hattie put her trip to CA on hold. Hattie is going "on stand by" until further notice. As soon as Dad feels the time is right, Hattie will be on a plane ASAP. I am also available to head to CA as soon as I get the word. Until then, Dad feels that he needs to be at Mom's side. Stasi & Morgan still plan to head up to Stanford on Sunday and will stay through Monday to bless Mom and Dad anyway possible.

Mom has some verses that she frequently has me read to her when we talk on the phone and then pray over her. God gave them to her one night when she was anxious and concerned. These verses are of great comfort to Mom. May they be a blessing to you as well.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." ~Philippians 4:6-9

We will continue to pray on Mom's behalf and covet your prayers as well.

On the Move

Wahoo!! Lord willing, Mom is to be released from the hospital today. Dad and Mom are both thrilled. Apartment life will never have looked so good. The plan is for Mom to still travel back and forth to the Stanford Clinic each day to have her blood levels tested, be given a shot to stimulate white blood cell production and check on her fluctuating temperature. After bags and bags of antibiotics, the doctors are not completely confident that Mom's infection is under control, let alone gone. Mom is still receiving transfusions of platelets and red blood cells regularly. Mom will also have to continue to take major precautions, one being only able to go to and from the apartment and hospital. All this has not dampened her spirits. Mom is being released and life is good!

Hattie Elliott, Tamy's 18 year old daughter, is due to fly in on Sunday night. Hattie will be staying with her Grandmother until the 1st of July. The plan is for Aunt Stasi & Morgan to pick Hattie up at the airport when her plane arrives in late. Then the next morning, they will show Hattie all she will need to know about the in's and out's of hospital/clinic life so Hattie can best bless Grandma Mattie. On Monday night, Grandpa, Stasi and Morgan are due to return to SLO County while Hattie remains with Grandma Mattie. Grandpa is due back at the apartment just before Hattie leaves to return to Oklahoma. Grandma is very excited about Hattie's arrival and is busy making plans to best use their time together.

Mom enjoys hearing from people while living in her "isolated" world. Please feel free to call Mom at 650-391-9252. Mom would be blessed to hear from you. You can also send her a note of encouragement at the above address. Thank you so much for all the prayers, call and cards being so generously given to bless our mother. Many Blessings to you all!

Still in the Hospital

The best laid plans...Well, as God would have it, Mom is still in the hospital and is not due to be released anytime soon.

Currently, Mom is on antibiotics that will need to be given intravenously for the next two days, at least. It has been quite the roller coaster for Mom (and Dad) since I lasted posted. Mom's temperature has only become "normal" as of this afternoon. Over the last two days, Mom has had lot of trouble holding her platelets which have caused lots of bleeding. She has had to have two bags of red blood cells and two bags of platelets just today. Her numbers have been dropping which put her at more of a risk of further infections. Since it took four types of antibiotics before the doctors found the "right" one to combat what Mom currently has, the doctors have requested no visitors at this time. Mom would enjoy phone calls and suggests that people just call before if they'd like to visit because her visitation status could change at any time. You can reach Mom at 650-498-3007 in room D30.

Mom has been very tired due to all the up and down levels of her blood. Her oxygen is not quite where it should be but she is breathing without any extra at this time which is encouraging. Dad has completely sanitized their apartment and is taking no risks when Mom returns. Be prepared to wear a mask, gloves and wipe down with alcohol if asked depending on how Mom's numbers are when you come to visit her when she is released.

Stasi and I are eager to return to mom's side but Mom is most content to have Dad their with her. Mom said she is waiting to call us in "for the big things". As much as Mom loves her daughters and finds comfort with us, she truly appreciates Dad at her side. So sweet!

Back in the Hospital

Hopefully, by the time you read this post Mom will have already been released. As of this morning, Mom was back in Stanford Hospital. In the world of no neutrophils and white blood cells, a fever is not a good thing. The chance of getting an infection is very high is Mom's condition and needs to be avoided at all costs. Last night around 9:00 PM, Mom spiked a neutropenic fever of 102.5 which is an automatic one way ticket to a visit with Stanford's finest! Dad took her in to the hospital and they quickly did their thing and she is currently on IV antibiotics.

*On a side note, if you would like to know more about the numbers we are throwing around to describe Mom's blood levels and condition or what a Complete Blood Count (CBC) actually looks like, link to a very informative website by clicking on (CBC).

Mom was in great spirits this morning and is hopeful to be going home sometime today. She is a little disheartened that "this is going to be harder than I hoped for" since the roller coaster of neutropenic fevers is par for the course. Mom is grateful to be living so close to Stanford and that Dad is able to come and go easily. If you read this post and she is still in the hospital, you can reach Mom at 650-498-3007 in room D30.

Mom and Dad now have a land line. Their number at the apartment is 650-391-9252. Mom was very surprised to have landed herself in the hospital again so soon. When I talked with her early yesterday afternoon, she was doing great. No fever, red blood cells were holding at 10.2 and her platelets were at 43. Still no nutrafils or white blood cells, but these are expected to take a long time to return, if they return at all.

Thank you again for all prayers said on Mom's behalf. May God Bless your day.

Keeping in touch...

Hello! Mom and Dad have an official address and will soon have a land line. I will post the phone number as soon as I get it but here is the address until then...

Bob & Dianne Morrison
350 Sharon Park Dr #L203
Menlo Park, CA 94025

As for Mom's health update, Mom was shocked with a 4 on her platelet count when she was tested on Tuesday AM. Results weren't given to her until later in the day. She wasn't feeling quite as good as she did the day before but without any bleeding, she truly didn't know she was that low. The blood lab gave her two bags of platelets and requested that she receive two bags of red blood on Wednesday AM.

The "let's encourage the white blood cell" shot was given before her platelets. OOPS! What a huge bruise Mom now has on her arm. The lab has marked her chart and will not be doing that again. The new rule is platelets first.

The appointment with Dr. Shrier went well. He has requested that her blood levels be checked everyday and that she only go to and from the apartment and the Stanford Clinic. In order to fill her days with the "outside world," Dad bought Mom a 48" flat screen TV, thanks to the help of his electronic buddy, Uncle Ray. Mom was tickled that Dad is trying to take such great care of her.

This morning, Mom was overjoyed that her platelets were holding and she tested at 76. Wahoo!! They will test them again tomorrow morning. She received her two bags of red blood, which was a good thing since her number was in the 7's. Mom should have more energy by morning. Mom said that Dad was busy taking care of the needs around the apartment and was blessing her over and over again. How sweet! Mom was in great spirits and is very thankful to be so close to the hospital. Life is good and Mom is thankful.

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you who are praying on Mom's behalf. God truly answers prayer.

More Hospital Ponderings to Come...

I have a few more thoughts and comments to share about hospital life but they will have to wait for the moment.

When I talked to Mom from Houston, she said she was feeling well but not quite as well as she had on Monday. She was awaiting test reports and her appointment with Dr. Shrier. She was happy and glad to not be an inpatient.

As soon as things get settled in at home and I hear the latest report on Mom, I will blog again.

Many Blessings, Tamy

A Wonderful Afternoon

Mom was finally released on Monday around 1:30 PM. Leaving the hospital brought Mom great joy. She was blessed by all the wonderful care she received while at Stanford Hospital but was happy to leave nevertheless. Stasi and I were eager to get her to the apartment where she could rest without all the bells and whistles that had been a way of life for the last week. Mom is very pleased with her new apartment. The view of the pine trees are a blessing to her. She commented that they reminded her of Tahoe and helped to give her a sense of peace. After a brief bit a “unwinding” Mom took a much needed nap.





Stasi took up the cause of gathering and saving all the food and beverages that Mom ordered with her meals and ended up not using. Mom was delighted to learn that Stasi had put them in the apartment refrigerator for her to use in the days to come. Stasi & I were somewhat amused by the entire system. Surely the hospital had noticed that Mom was requesting lots of beverages which her "out put" must not have matched. Just food for thought. We were so amused over the deal that a few photos just had to be taken.





Mom enjoyed a visit from Uncle Ray & Aunt Christine in the late afternoon. Aunt Christine thought that Mom looked great and even said that Mom looked a whole lot better than her daughters!! (Yes, it is true...Stasi & I haven't exactly looked our best these days due to lack of sleep and keeping wild hours but that is a small price to pay to be with Mom.) It is truly a blessing to have Uncle Ray & aunt Christine living so close by. Mom is especially glad to be living close to her sister because Aunt Christine has a challenging health issue of her own. It is Mom’s desire to be available to return a small portion of the tremendous support that her sister has give to Mom over the last three years.

My return flight home to Oklahoma was due to leave out of San Francisco at 6:00AM. Dad & Mom encouraged Stasi & I to head out and find a hotel close to the airport since I would need to be there by 4:45 AM. As much as we were looking forward to seeing our families at home, leaving our precious mother was hard. We took our last set of self taken photos, prayed together and said our fare wells. Bittersweet. It is hard to put into words how special our time with Mom is while she is in the hospital. I would never wish for my mom to suffer but the tying of heart strings that goes on in that hospital room each time we have been with Mom through her treatments will last forever. The three of us are very different in many ways but our hearts are as one. We love our Mom. Our Mom loves us. What more could any two daughters ask for...God has been very good and merciful to us.





Dad arrived shortly upon our departure and was extremely happy to see Mom looking so well. He was pleased that Mom was happy with the apartment. Dad loves Mom very much and only wants to see her happy, healthy and blessed. This was a wonderful end to a day filled with blessings and joy. Thank you God!

Day Five Done and Mom's Going Home!

WOW! Five days of ATG treatment are now complete. Mom handled the treatment well again last night and we couldn't be more pleased for her. She felt rested and no signs of bleeding come this morning. How good is that?!! Taking our celebration morning photo reminded us a lot of when we used to take photos with our brother, Mark, in a photo booth when we were young. Someone seemed to always get crowded out and today it appeared to Mom. We laughed a lot.

We were in for a surprise when the results for Mom's blood test taken at 4:00 AM came back. Mom's platelets were at an all time low....a 2! The 2 represents 2000 platelets. For those of you who do not know, 140 (140,000) is considered very low normal. A result of 2 definitely caught the attention of the staff and soon platelets were rushed in for a quick transfusion. It was very interesting that Mom had not shown her normal sign of a nose bled when her platelets are very low. We praise God for the wonderful people who regularly give platelets to bless patients like our mother. At the last testing, her platelets were 48. This is great news!

We are very excited that the plan is to take Mom home today. The staff has been busy setting all the ducks in a row for Mom to leave. We should be out of here shortly. Wahoo! The discharge nurse, Gerry, stopped by to make sure everything was all in order. Mom's nurse, Josie, has been working overtime to get Mom ready and comfortable with everything Mom needs to know and do before she leaves. Below are photos of both of these fine ladies.

While Mom was been waiting to be discharged, the hospital art therapist, Trish, came for a visit. We all had fun making postcard art with ink, water and salt. Very cool! Mom loves art and enjoyed herself thoroughly. Trish was delightful and is very good at her job. We took photos of the event because that is just what we do. Trish found it amusing.

Mom's appointments begin tomorrow at 10:00 AM at Stanford Clinic. She is scheduled for a shot to help encourage white blood cell production, a blood level and platelet check and an appointment with Dr. Shrier. Sounds like a full day to me. At least it is as an outpatient. Praise the Lord!

Sunday at the Hospital

This morning started bright and early. Stasi and I were out the door by 6:30 AM to head back to the hotel for a quick shower. We were back in time to visit with Dad as we shared in an earlier post on the update for Mom's fourth treatment.

The doctors delivered some very encouraging news. They do not think that Mom's oxygen problems are "major". The doctors think that once Mom starts moving again and the ATG treatments are complete that she will soon be able to go without oxygen suppliment. This was a big relief to Dad.

Mom is due to be released on Monday! This was wonderful to hear. The doctors will have done all that they can do to bless Mom in the hospital and feel that she would be best served to return to the care of Dr. Shrier. Mom was very excited by this news!

For the most part of the day, Stasi & I stayed with Mom. We enjoyed a special time together laughing and sharing our hearts. We also amused ourselves by taking photos of hospital life. Below are some highlights...the medical team for the day, Stasi with a 20 oz. single serving bag of M&M's, Tamy "blogging like the wind" and the real neat coffee machine in F Ground kitchen.

In the afternoon, Aunt Christine stopped by for another visit. This was lots of fun. We laughed more than people should while in a hospital. It was so much fun to watch Aunt Christine and Mom go back and forth as only sisters can. Sisters are a very good thing. There is nothing like a good family story to put a smile on your face. It blessed Mom to spend time with her sister and really blessed Stasi and me to spend time with our delightful aunt.

In the early evening, Mom took a nap to prepare for the nightime adventure of ATG treatment. Stasi & I took opportunity to go over to the apartment to clean, prepare and organize the last few things for Mom's arrival in the morning. We know that she will be blessed in her new home away from home.

Mom's ATG treatment has started. Stasi & I are preparing to settle in for the night. Blake is not here tonight as Mom's nurse. After being blessed with his wonderful nursing skills for the last two nights, we find ourselves missing him. We will be leaving a set of swords for his two precious children. Then they too can help their dad "fight of disease". More details of how this night finishes out will be posted in the morning, Lord willing.

Day Four Treatment

"O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him." ~ Psalm 34:8

Treatment day four is done!! Last night was the best night yet. Mom slept soundly through the ATG with minimal side affects. The extra oxygen has given Mom better color and more energy. Praise the Lord!

Stasi & I were blessed with a better night that actually included some sleep thanks to Blake, Mom's wonderful SUPERHERO nurse! Blake was able to keep the bells and whistles down to a minimum and even found us a roll away bed. After four nights of sleeping in chairs and no measurable sleep this was truly a blessing. We were up by 5:30 AM and able to get a shower in before meeting up with Mom's medical team. This was a very good thing.

Dad was in early this morning to check in with Mom before returning to the ranch. It was a blessing to him to see Mom looking and feeling so good compared to the week before. Dad is planning to return when Mom is released from the hospital and moves back to outpatient status. We took opportunity to take a few photos of him. The one below of Mom and Dad is so sweet.

Stasi & I do our best to distract Mom while she is in the hospital. We have lots of fun. We laugh a lot. We talk a lot. We take a lot of photos doing "goofy" things with Mom. We climb in bed with Mom. We are able to bring Mom joy and that is the ultimate goal. Mom is a great sport. She poses with us every morning as we take less than flattering photos of ourselves to celebrate another day of treatment. We sure love and appreciate our Mom!

Saturday's Hospital Happenings

We hit the ground running on Saturday AM around 5:30 AM. Mom had a great night through her ATG treatment and was feeling rested in the morning. Stasi and I weren't quite as rested. So right after the medical team came through 9:45 AM, we jetted out the door to get a Jamba Juice, fill up the car with gas and to try and get a bit of sleep before our dad arrived with things for the apartment.

Dad showed up early in his eagerness to bless Mom with a furnished apartment. This quickly changed our plans and we were off and running again. We met Dad and our Uncle Ray at the Sharon Green apartment complex. Uncle Ray is Aunt Christine's husband. He is a good friend to Dad and makes himself available to help out whenever possible. I especially appreciate Uncle Ray's gentle spirit and great sense of humor. In about two hours, Mom and Dad had furniture moved in and supplies in place to call the apartment "home."

In the meantime, Mom enjoyed phone calls from dear friends and was visited again by the hospital art therapist. Her art time was cut short due to her oxygen testing. Soon after, Stasi & I returned in time to check on Mom and meet up Lynda Carswell . Lynda is another one of our Storybook quilter friends that we had the good fortune to meet quite a few years back while at Asilomar. Lynda lives very close to Stanford Hospital and has logged her share of time while Mom has gone through ATG treatments over the last three years. Lynda always comes bearing gifts and this time she brought fun coke cups with lids filled with our favorite beverages. How thoughtful!

After visiting with Mom for a while, Lynda, Stasi and I ran out to Chili's for a late lunch/early dinner. It was delightful to catch up Lynda while drinking great mango tea! We then ran through Target which resulted in some fun swords ("to fight off disease"), tiaras ("to pamper the sick") and unusual sodas ("to be willing to embrace new adventures ahead")...all fabulous ideas of Lynda's. (Later we amused ourselves with taking photos with our swords and soda and have shared a few photos below...although not very flattering.) We returned back to the hospital just in time for the changing of the guards with Dad. We made plans with Dad for Sunday and a sword fight ensued with Blake who totally got the concept of "fighting of disease". A great guy!

Mom was blessed to share an early dinner with Dad. Fine dining of hospital tator tots and french fries followed by a brownie for dessert. It is cute to see them together. After 50 years of marriage they are still very much in love. A blessing to my heart.

The rest of the day was filled with ATG treatment. A busy, successful day...all due to God's mercy and grace.