Trying Something New

Mom is still in the hospital and will remain there indefinitely as of now. When I talked with Mom this afternoon, she was very excited to tell me that the doctors are trying something new. They are trying to handle an infection that they think may be in her IV port/tube that may be the source of some of her troubles. They are giving her a solution of 1/2 heparin (diluted) and 1/2 antibiotics. Hopefully, this will be a solution to some of the problems she is having with Septicemia. Only time will tell, but Mom is encouraged.

Yesterday Mom received more red blood cells. Mom was delighted to tell me that her white blood cells have increased to a level where she is no longer considered neutrapenic. Since her levels are barely at this level, the doctors are going to "stay the course" with regards to her diet for now. How Mom longs for a salad! Hopefully, a salad and fresh fruit will be in her near future.

Dad arrived back from the bull sale last night and was very pleased with how things went for him while there. He spent this morning visiting with Mom and then at Mom's encouragement, headed back to the ranch until Monday morning. He has a lot of things that need his attention there and Mom is doing great in the hospital. I joked around with Mom how it must be fun to watch what she wanted to watch, nap when she felt like it and eat how much she wanted to eat without Dad keeping track of her. The equivalent of "running with scissors"! She found that very amusing.

Mom is doing well today. She is very up beat and finding lots of things to be grateful about. I appreciate her ability to look at the bright side of things. Thank you for your prayers ad support.

Back in the Hospital

Wow! What a surprise to find out tonight that Mom is back in the hospital! When I last talked with Mom, she was practically convinced she was cured and was feeling great. (Mom's never ending optimism that has blessed her thus far. PTL!) Unfortunately, with both Septicemia and Aplastic Anemia, conditions change at a moments notice. This time the trigger was 103 degree temperature. Not a good sign. So Mom is now back in the hospital where the Stanford Staff on F Ground are taking fabulous care of her. If you would like to contact Mom, you may reach her at 650-498-3080.

Dad was able to be with Mom when she was admitted but is now at the Tahama Bull Sale until Friday. In the cattle business, this is a "must attend" when it comes to buying bulls on the West Coast. Mom is glad to be back where they take such great care of her...all needs met, room service, etc....so Dad could go to the sale. As much as she loves being with Dad all the time, she knows that it is good for both of them if once in a while Dad gets to have a break from the rigorous routine of Mom's medical needs. Mom is feeling a lot better now that they have gotten her temperature regulated and has received more platelets. All seems to be right with the world as of tonight.

Sitting Pretty

Tonight Mom is "sitting pretty" back at the apartment. Wahoo!! When Stasi talked with her, Mom was so excited about being out of the hospital that she really didn't want to talk about her numbers or how things are going with walking, eating, etc. Who can blame her? Sometimes we all just have to "be" for a while. Tomorrow Mom has her appointment with Dr. Shrier and that should give some more clarity to what Mom has been dealing with as of late.

We are grateful for all the prayers said on Mom's behalf. Mom is grateful for every new day that the Lord chooses to give her. Her family is too.

Very Surprised

Mom found herself very surprised yesterday afternoon when she awoke surrounded by paramedics and nurses calling out her name. Last she remembered was that she was sitting in a chair in the Lobby of the Infusion Ward and she felt like she was going to fall. That is all she remembers. Apparently, Mom passed out and is now in the hospital. She is suffering from Septicemia. This is a very dangerous condition and we praise God that the doctors have been able to "head this off at the pass" with medication. Mom claims she is feeling "like a million dollars" today compared to yesterday but Dad is quick to add that Mom is still struggling with Septicemia.

Mom said that yesterday she was having trouble seeing, talking and thinking. She said this has all been rough on Dad but he is doing better this morning. Mom has had a fever since last night and continues to take medication to stop vomiting. She is still not eating much and has lost another pound and now weighs 139 pounds. This is giving the doctors reason to be concerned so they are monitoring her diet intake closely. She "dumped" most her platelets and red blood cells yesterday and will be receiving transfusion of both sometime today. Mom cannot say enough to praise all the people who donate the life giving gift of platelets and blood. Thank you! As I was talking with Mom on the phone, someone came in and said something about Mom having an EKG today. Mom cut our phone call short so I can't yet confirm this. All in all, there is a lot to praise God about. Mom fells better and is in the best of care at Stanford hospital.

Mom is taking phone calls on her cell 805-235-6794. Please feel free to give her a quick call. Thank you for your concern and prayers. May your day be blessed.

Out and About

Today is Dad's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! After a delightful time of talking with all his Oklahoma grandchildren, Dad and I agreed that birthday's aren't quite what they used to be when we were young. Time is flying by too fast and the birthday's seem to be coming too often. Nevertheless, I did wish my dad God's best on his special day and hoped it would be very enjoyable. Dad thought it was going to be and was looking forward to celebrating with Mom.

For the last few days, Dad and Mom have been going on outings. Today the plan is to a visit a local museum. Dad and Mom both enjoy museums of most any kind. Mom has been feeling well enough to get out and about. Praise the Lord! Mom and Dad have been to visit Mom's sister again, to Mom's favorite bookstore and on a drive to Half Moon Bay. Day is loving this new found opportunity for adventure. Mom appreciates seeing more than the hospital, Infusion Ward and apartment. How wonderful they can "travel" as they so both love doing! Dad said it makes the day go faster and gives Mom something to look forward to. It does sound like Dad will have a great birthday!

Mom is doing as well as anyone with Aplastic Anemia can expect to be doing. Each day is a gift from God and we praise Him for it.