Good Care

As of tonight, Mom is back in the hospital. She is currently in Room 24 in E Ground at Stanford Hospital. The Infusion Ward refused to let her returned to the apartment and sent her straight to the hospital. As much as Mom struggles with Aplastic Anemia, it is now her liver that is giving her most of the trouble. Current numbers are showing that her liver is failing. The doctors are hoping that by taking her off all medications which have recently been prescribed will ease the pressure on her liver and possible reverse the damage. This has yet to be seen. What does this all mean? With Mom's liver so compromised, she is suffering the side effects of low sodium and magnesium, among other things. This causes her to have trouble with her motor skills, verbal skills, energy level and bladder control. When her levels are up, she doesn't struggle with these issues as much. When they are down, she struggles terribly.

Mom received another bag of platelets today. She is anticipating red blood cells tomorrow since her levels today were at a 9. Her white blood cells are still very low at a .05. Unfortunately, she is still on a neutrapenic diet which means no fresh vegetables, fruit or dairy and everything must be well cooked. She hasn't had much of an appetite lately, but when she does she longs for something fresh. Something I take for granted.

Having Mom in the hospital is somewhat comforting to Dad. Mom's care is becoming increasingly more difficult when she is struggling. The apartment is not set up in a way to best meet her needs, making the situation all the more challenging. The staff at the hospital is quick to see Mom's medical needs and extremely capable in all they do to help her. This allows Dad to go back to being Mom's companion and comforter instead of worrying about being her nurse. This is a blessing to them both. I am not sure how long Mom will be in the hospital but praise God that she is there now and for the excellent care she is receiving.

Mom tires easily and often isn't able to talk for long. Regardless, she values phone calls of encouragement. She enjoys hearing how others are doing and what is going on in their lives. Please feel free to call Mom at 650-498-3042.

Thank you many times over for your prayers and encouragement! Many Blessings!