Yesterday was filled with wonderful blessings for Mom & Dad. Mark and his family were able to join in the Christmas festivities at Uncle Ray and Aunt Christine's house. Mom had not had opportunity to see Mark, Haustin and Garrett since last May. What joy filled her heart to lay hands on all three "boys"! Felicia and Emily had been up to stay with Mom a few months back but it was just as good for Mom to see them, too. The Morrison's enjoyed Christmas day and then were able to stay the night at the Egan's. Mom & Dad were able to have breakfast with them at the Egan's this morning before the Morrison's headed back to the ranch and Mom needed to head off to the Infusion Ward. How delightful!
When I talked with Mom this morning, she was so pleased with how Christmas had gone. Two of Uncle Ray and Aunt Christine's children and their families were able to be there as well. Kathie, Scott, Tucker & Cody Laurence and Brian & Auga Egan and their nine month old son, Sean, added to Mom's joy. A delicious meal of ham, mashed potatoes, broccoli and a wonderful spinach salad, as well as too many fabulous desserts, was served for all to enjoy. Mom was grateful her appetite was in place and she was able to part take in such delicacies. Mom had to laugh at the "high techs" verse "non technicals" when it came to gift giving and receiving. Haustin, Garrett and Emily brought along their instruments to play which is always a blessing to both Mom & Dad. A great time was had by all. Word has it the photos were taken. I am going to try and track some photos down to share with you later.
To add to every one's joy, we just received word on Christmas day that Luke & Janny Reed are expecting their first baby due in July! Luke & Janny were married last May here in Oklahoma. Janny is a great niece of Mom and Dad...daughter of Paul & Shari Morrison and granddaughter of Dad's brother, Ken Morrison. This will be the first great grandchildren of the Morrison clan! How special!!
Mom was in the Infusion Ward when we talked. She was receiving two units of red blood cells and would be there another four hours to receive her antibiotics and fungicide. Now that one of her lines is used to remove excess iron 12 hours a day, things take a bit longer in the Infusion Ward. She has lost some weight but is happy that her eating the last two days has gone well. Her hair s also starting to grow back. She had lost a significant amount during her last bout with high fever and infection. Mom said it is growing in snow white. I bet she looks beautiful! She is sleeping better at night which is great.
All in all, Mom is doing well. Her heart is filled with sweet Christmas blessings and the New Year looks bright!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas!
On behalf of Mom and Dad, we want to wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a JOYOUS NEW YEAR!
As Mom and Dad reflect back on the year, they both have so much to be thankful for...family, friends, life and all the blessings God has so mercifully and abundantly bestowed upon them. Thank you for being part of their joy. Your support, encouragement and prayers are special gifts from God.
Mom and Dad had a delightful visit with Stasi & her precious family. I will post more on that when I get some photos from Stasi. Mom and Dad are looking forward to spending this Christmas day with Uncle Ray & Aunt Christine. Mom is very pleased with her new every other day schedule in the Infusion Ward. Yesterday, Mom received platelets so she is feeling great! Today should be a delightful day...Christmas with people Mom and Dad love, no trips to the Infusion Ward and knowing they are loved and cared about by so many people.
May God grant each of you a special day today filled with family and/or good friends, sweet memories and joy beyond measure.
As Mom and Dad reflect back on the year, they both have so much to be thankful for...family, friends, life and all the blessings God has so mercifully and abundantly bestowed upon them. Thank you for being part of their joy. Your support, encouragement and prayers are special gifts from God.
Mom and Dad had a delightful visit with Stasi & her precious family. I will post more on that when I get some photos from Stasi. Mom and Dad are looking forward to spending this Christmas day with Uncle Ray & Aunt Christine. Mom is very pleased with her new every other day schedule in the Infusion Ward. Yesterday, Mom received platelets so she is feeling great! Today should be a delightful day...Christmas with people Mom and Dad love, no trips to the Infusion Ward and knowing they are loved and cared about by so many people.
May God grant each of you a special day today filled with family and/or good friends, sweet memories and joy beyond measure.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Getting Out
Mom is due to be released from the hospital today and should be out by now. Wahoo!! She was so excited about this when I talked with her this afternoon. She plans to head back to the hospital and stay there unless she is heading to the Infusion Ward. With all the colds, flu's and illnesses passing around she doesn't want to take any chances.
Mom is no longer running a fever which is why the doctors have agreed to release her. She will continue to take a multitude of medications, antibiotic and treatments. She is back to being "strapped" to her "friend", the iron taking out machine, for 12 hours a day. Mom is neutrapenic again so she is back to wearing her mask in public and avoiding fresh foods. Her nutrafils are at 0.7. Normal is 2.0 but the doctors tend to give her some "slack" at 1.0 when it comes to what she eats. Having to change what she eats again won't break her heart too bad since she doesn't have much of an appetite and has actually been losing weight. She did have trouble with vomiting last night but feels like that was a "fluke" and shouldn't give her any more trouble. This would be great.
Mom is looking forward to trying a new schedule at the Infusion Ward. They are trying to see if she can maintain only coming in every other day. She will continue to take all medications, just a few more pills and a little less through her IV port. Hopefully this will work and she can start to wean herself away form the Infusion Ward long enough to earn a trip back to the ranch! This would bless her beyond measure.
Mom and Dad are both looking forward to a visit from the Wilson Family. Matt, Stasi, Morgan, Travis, Tyler and Jared are planning to spend the day with Mom & Dad at the apartment tomorrow. How fun!!
Mom mentioned that many of you have sent Christmas cards and letters to the apartment. Thank you! You will never fully know how this blesses both Mom and Dad. May each and everyone of you enjoy this very special holiday season!!
Mom is no longer running a fever which is why the doctors have agreed to release her. She will continue to take a multitude of medications, antibiotic and treatments. She is back to being "strapped" to her "friend", the iron taking out machine, for 12 hours a day. Mom is neutrapenic again so she is back to wearing her mask in public and avoiding fresh foods. Her nutrafils are at 0.7. Normal is 2.0 but the doctors tend to give her some "slack" at 1.0 when it comes to what she eats. Having to change what she eats again won't break her heart too bad since she doesn't have much of an appetite and has actually been losing weight. She did have trouble with vomiting last night but feels like that was a "fluke" and shouldn't give her any more trouble. This would be great.
Mom is looking forward to trying a new schedule at the Infusion Ward. They are trying to see if she can maintain only coming in every other day. She will continue to take all medications, just a few more pills and a little less through her IV port. Hopefully this will work and she can start to wean herself away form the Infusion Ward long enough to earn a trip back to the ranch! This would bless her beyond measure.
Mom and Dad are both looking forward to a visit from the Wilson Family. Matt, Stasi, Morgan, Travis, Tyler and Jared are planning to spend the day with Mom & Dad at the apartment tomorrow. How fun!!
Mom mentioned that many of you have sent Christmas cards and letters to the apartment. Thank you! You will never fully know how this blesses both Mom and Dad. May each and everyone of you enjoy this very special holiday season!!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Back in the Hospital...Again
Last night, Mom earned herself another trip to the hospital. On Monday, Mom mentioned while in the Infusion Ward that she wasn't quite feeling herself. A blood culture was taken and after the culture was completed on Tuesday afternoon, Mom found herself on the way to Stanford's Ground F Ward again. The doctors discovered a new bacteria in her blood and now have Mom on antibiotics to try and knock this out of her system before it gets the better of her. When I talked to Mom this evening, she was her usual chipper self and optimistic she would be going home soon. This may be Mom's plan but Mom did confess that this didn't appear to be the doctor's plan. So for now, Mom is at the hospital for an undetermined amount of time.
Currently, Mom has a low grade fever and sores in her mouth but with all praise to God, she is eating well without vomiting or diarrhea. Yeah!! She is walking well and enjoyed two walks in the hospital with Dad. While she is in the hospital, her constant iron reducing "friend" doesn't need to be attached to her. The doctors are working the treatment directly through her IV, along with her fungicide, magnesium, iodine, and a few other medications. As Mom likes to say, "I am a drug manufacturers dream!"
With all this going on, Mom doesn't think she will be going back to the ranch to celebrate Christmas. I tend to agree with her. One would think her "bargaining power" with the doctors would be a lot stronger if she wasn't in the hospital when she was making her request! If Mom happens to be out of he hospital and is unable to travel south, Dad & Mom will be celebrating Christmas with Uncle Ray & Aunt Christine. I have very fond childhood memories of Christmases spent at the Egan's.
On a "my dad is so sweet" note, Dad is handling the Christmas shopping for Mom this year. This is usually Mom's department so you can imagine my surprise when I received a package from Cabelas. Dad took it upon himself to order wonderful gifts for Christmas. When I talked with Stasi tonight, she said her family had also received a package from Cabelas. She was as impressed and touched as I was! Dad blessed us both in a very special way. I am sure when I ask Felicia, she will have the same report. How delightful for us all!! Thank you Dad for blessing us in a very thoughtful and special way this Christmas.
Stasi and her family are planning to visit Mom wherever she may be this coming Sunday. They are planning to make this their Christmas celebration together. I know this will bless both Dad and Mom greatly.
While in the hospital Mom can be reached at 650-498-3081. If you happen to be in the area, she can be found in room Ground F 42. Please do call, write or stop by to say "hello" if you have the opportunity, Mom would be blessed to hear from you. May God bless you and your family abundantly this special holiday season!
Currently, Mom has a low grade fever and sores in her mouth but with all praise to God, she is eating well without vomiting or diarrhea. Yeah!! She is walking well and enjoyed two walks in the hospital with Dad. While she is in the hospital, her constant iron reducing "friend" doesn't need to be attached to her. The doctors are working the treatment directly through her IV, along with her fungicide, magnesium, iodine, and a few other medications. As Mom likes to say, "I am a drug manufacturers dream!"
With all this going on, Mom doesn't think she will be going back to the ranch to celebrate Christmas. I tend to agree with her. One would think her "bargaining power" with the doctors would be a lot stronger if she wasn't in the hospital when she was making her request! If Mom happens to be out of he hospital and is unable to travel south, Dad & Mom will be celebrating Christmas with Uncle Ray & Aunt Christine. I have very fond childhood memories of Christmases spent at the Egan's.
On a "my dad is so sweet" note, Dad is handling the Christmas shopping for Mom this year. This is usually Mom's department so you can imagine my surprise when I received a package from Cabelas. Dad took it upon himself to order wonderful gifts for Christmas. When I talked with Stasi tonight, she said her family had also received a package from Cabelas. She was as impressed and touched as I was! Dad blessed us both in a very special way. I am sure when I ask Felicia, she will have the same report. How delightful for us all!! Thank you Dad for blessing us in a very thoughtful and special way this Christmas.
Stasi and her family are planning to visit Mom wherever she may be this coming Sunday. They are planning to make this their Christmas celebration together. I know this will bless both Dad and Mom greatly.
While in the hospital Mom can be reached at 650-498-3081. If you happen to be in the area, she can be found in room Ground F 42. Please do call, write or stop by to say "hello" if you have the opportunity, Mom would be blessed to hear from you. May God bless you and your family abundantly this special holiday season!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Life is Good
Simple things can make life so good. A good meal, restful sleep, delightful company and good news from home all help to make life seem pleasant and more joyful. This is how things are with Mom.
Mom is getting good sleep now that she is taking her iron removal treatment during the day. When she took it at night, she worried that she would pull it out and this caused her not to sleep well. So now she starts it while in the Infusion Ward between 7:00 & 8:00 AM and carries her 2.5 pound friend with her until the alarm to stop the treatment goes off between 7:00 & 8:00 PM. There have been a few side effects that are somewhat unpleasant but Mom is bearing them well. One side effect is that she is hungry all the time. This is quite a change for Mom. She is actually eat a lot which is a good thing.
Mom is improving in her need for transfusions. She is only taking blood about once a week and platelets every 5 to 7 days. This is a very good thing. She may have need of her daily treatment for the fungus on her lungs for as long as another year. This means two hours in the Infusion Ward daily just for the fungicide and then any additional time for transfusions when needed since they can't be given at the same time as her fungicide. Mom also takes a pill for the fungus at night. Mom is hoping to meet with Dr. Ho, the infectious disease doctor, this week to "beg" a small trip home for Christmas. Mom is hoping to convince Dr. Ho that for two to three days she could take pills instead of IV and pills. If this comes to pass, it will truly be of the Lord since Dr. Ho feels strongly that IV is the best way to receive this type of medication. Mom will be happy with whatever Dr. Ho decides. It is because of Dr. Ho (and God) that Mom's lungs are still working...after all, breathing is kind of important!
When I asked Mom how she was doing over all, she said all is well aside from the opportunity to shop for Christmas. Mom loves to shop! Dad has tried to take her three different times but she finds that she can only last for a brief time. She just gets too tired. She also worries about catching a cold from someone while out in the crowds. I forgot to mention to her that there is always Internet shopping but knowing Mom this just wouldn't be the same. She likes to touch what she buys, find a bargain and be out & about. Maybe next year.
Mom was very excited about a new Chinese restaurant that she tried with Dad, Uncle Ray & Aunt Christine. After Aunt Christine had taken a fall and found herself in the emergency ward earlier in the day, no one felt quite like cooking. With all praise to God, Aunt Christine only sustained a bump on the head and will be fine. She is also doing a little better everyday as she recovers from chemotherapy. Both Mom and Aunt Christine are glad to no longer be neutrapenic and able to eat fresh foods. Something to celebrate! While at the restaurant, Mom said she had one of the tastiest dishes she has had in a long time. It was grilled shrimp with a mayo sauce, uncooked apples and cooked, candied walnuts. She loved it! They also had chow mien and mu-shu pork. Mom was very pleased and said they would go to this restaurant again. Good company and good food...life is good.
Things are going well at the ranch. Mom said that Mark & Felicia hosted a Women's Pheasant Hunt for the Department of Fish & Game this last weekend. Over 90 women attended this event to promote good sportsmanship, take classes in archery & skeet shooting, along with pheasant hunting. Felicia cooked for all the people, Mark fixed things, drove folks around and over saw things, while their children helped out were needed. Just knowing that the ranch is being used for events like this truly blesses Mom.
Tonight Dad was cooking Mom another one of his wonderful steak dinners. Mom said that Dad has a system when it comes to meals and steak really works. Sounds delicious to me! Both Mom and Dad are doing well as anyone could hope for. They are enjoying the simple things and grateful for all improvements. A good reminder for me to slow down and enjoy the simple, sweet things in my life as well.
Mom is getting good sleep now that she is taking her iron removal treatment during the day. When she took it at night, she worried that she would pull it out and this caused her not to sleep well. So now she starts it while in the Infusion Ward between 7:00 & 8:00 AM and carries her 2.5 pound friend with her until the alarm to stop the treatment goes off between 7:00 & 8:00 PM. There have been a few side effects that are somewhat unpleasant but Mom is bearing them well. One side effect is that she is hungry all the time. This is quite a change for Mom. She is actually eat a lot which is a good thing.
Mom is improving in her need for transfusions. She is only taking blood about once a week and platelets every 5 to 7 days. This is a very good thing. She may have need of her daily treatment for the fungus on her lungs for as long as another year. This means two hours in the Infusion Ward daily just for the fungicide and then any additional time for transfusions when needed since they can't be given at the same time as her fungicide. Mom also takes a pill for the fungus at night. Mom is hoping to meet with Dr. Ho, the infectious disease doctor, this week to "beg" a small trip home for Christmas. Mom is hoping to convince Dr. Ho that for two to three days she could take pills instead of IV and pills. If this comes to pass, it will truly be of the Lord since Dr. Ho feels strongly that IV is the best way to receive this type of medication. Mom will be happy with whatever Dr. Ho decides. It is because of Dr. Ho (and God) that Mom's lungs are still working...after all, breathing is kind of important!
When I asked Mom how she was doing over all, she said all is well aside from the opportunity to shop for Christmas. Mom loves to shop! Dad has tried to take her three different times but she finds that she can only last for a brief time. She just gets too tired. She also worries about catching a cold from someone while out in the crowds. I forgot to mention to her that there is always Internet shopping but knowing Mom this just wouldn't be the same. She likes to touch what she buys, find a bargain and be out & about. Maybe next year.
Mom was very excited about a new Chinese restaurant that she tried with Dad, Uncle Ray & Aunt Christine. After Aunt Christine had taken a fall and found herself in the emergency ward earlier in the day, no one felt quite like cooking. With all praise to God, Aunt Christine only sustained a bump on the head and will be fine. She is also doing a little better everyday as she recovers from chemotherapy. Both Mom and Aunt Christine are glad to no longer be neutrapenic and able to eat fresh foods. Something to celebrate! While at the restaurant, Mom said she had one of the tastiest dishes she has had in a long time. It was grilled shrimp with a mayo sauce, uncooked apples and cooked, candied walnuts. She loved it! They also had chow mien and mu-shu pork. Mom was very pleased and said they would go to this restaurant again. Good company and good food...life is good.
Things are going well at the ranch. Mom said that Mark & Felicia hosted a Women's Pheasant Hunt for the Department of Fish & Game this last weekend. Over 90 women attended this event to promote good sportsmanship, take classes in archery & skeet shooting, along with pheasant hunting. Felicia cooked for all the people, Mark fixed things, drove folks around and over saw things, while their children helped out were needed. Just knowing that the ranch is being used for events like this truly blesses Mom.
Tonight Dad was cooking Mom another one of his wonderful steak dinners. Mom said that Dad has a system when it comes to meals and steak really works. Sounds delicious to me! Both Mom and Dad are doing well as anyone could hope for. They are enjoying the simple things and grateful for all improvements. A good reminder for me to slow down and enjoy the simple, sweet things in my life as well.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Doing the Next Thing...
This week has been filled with many ups and downs as Mom moves along with another new medical plan. Doing the next thing this time means a 12 hour nightly treatment to help reduce the iron in her system. How long will this new plan go on? According to Dr. Shrier, who using his wonderful "bedside manner", told Mom that she would need to do this everyday until she had gone two years without a transfusion...which means forever. After Mom attended her instructional class on how to use and care for her iron removing device (surely this has some official medical term but I am clueless as to what it is) on Monday, she found herself feeling overwhelmed and somewhat depressed. Fortunately, this soon passed and by Tuesday afternoon Mom was back up and ready to tackle this new project with the hope of moving forward to better health. Although Mom has become accustomed to her bright, radiant yellow glow, she is hopeful it will soon be a thing of the past. Mom is very excited that she has experienced no side affects and her new "friend" and constant nighttime companion only weighs 2.5 pounds.
Mom has been blessed by the way Dad has taken care of her as she found herself facing this new challenge. She said that he has treated her like a queen and has made every effort to please her. When I talked with her last night, Dad was in the process of making her a delightful steak dinner complete with a salad. Mom is so grateful to be eating fresh fruits and vegetables again!
As for the rest of her body...Mom still needs regular blood and platelet transfusions but not quite as often. In October she had twice as many of each than she did in November. This is encouraging. She is still "attached" to the Infusion Ward due to her daily IV treatment of fungicide for the fungus on her lungs. There are still nodules on her spleen and liver. Hopefully there will be improvement with these soon. She has not been scheduled for another MRI to recheck how things look but knows there is one in her near future.
As long as Mom has to be in the Infusion Ward daily, she will not be able to return back to the ranch even for a brief visit. It is hard to believe that Mom left the ranch seven months ago and has not been back since. She was hoping to be home for Christmas. She is not counting on it but would be very happy if God chose to bless her with a trip back to the ranch, no matter how brief, just the same.
We all appreciate your prayers on Mom and Dad's behalf. Thank you for your support, encouragement and love.
Mom has been blessed by the way Dad has taken care of her as she found herself facing this new challenge. She said that he has treated her like a queen and has made every effort to please her. When I talked with her last night, Dad was in the process of making her a delightful steak dinner complete with a salad. Mom is so grateful to be eating fresh fruits and vegetables again!
As for the rest of her body...Mom still needs regular blood and platelet transfusions but not quite as often. In October she had twice as many of each than she did in November. This is encouraging. She is still "attached" to the Infusion Ward due to her daily IV treatment of fungicide for the fungus on her lungs. There are still nodules on her spleen and liver. Hopefully there will be improvement with these soon. She has not been scheduled for another MRI to recheck how things look but knows there is one in her near future.
As long as Mom has to be in the Infusion Ward daily, she will not be able to return back to the ranch even for a brief visit. It is hard to believe that Mom left the ranch seven months ago and has not been back since. She was hoping to be home for Christmas. She is not counting on it but would be very happy if God chose to bless her with a trip back to the ranch, no matter how brief, just the same.
We all appreciate your prayers on Mom and Dad's behalf. Thank you for your support, encouragement and love.
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