The end has come to a long weekend. I came home on Saturday rather than stay in the Fort overnight because I knew the kids would get bored. Dylan went back with us today. I want to try and describe how Mom is. Remember that we don't believe that she will stay like this for long, as her brain swelling is coming down, but if you were to visit her, this is what you might expect to find.
She is normally very talkative, as you all know, and now she'll talk on her own, but not often. Sometimes she makes perfect sense, and other times not so much. When I walked in her room one time today, she said her new nurse was Joel, the brother of Barry. She was right about Joel, but not about Barry. She was referring to my friend Barry from College, and previously had said Barry's wife was there. However I've not seen Barry for years and I don't know if my Mom ever met his wife, so I don't know where that came from.
My friend from high school, another Barry, happened to walk by the room and I went out to see him. Mom knows this Barry too, so the 2nd time, maybe that confused her about her nurse.
She likes to watch outside and can see I-69 from her room. She talks about the vehicles she sees out there. She likes to watch TV and makes comments once in a while about it. However when she eats, she doesn't talk at all. She'll tap with her fork or grunt to get something done. I usually won't let her get away with not saying 'yes' or 'no.' I'll usually ask her over and over until she answers me. She seems to ignore Ronna more than anyone. If she doesn't answer Ronna, I would say, "Are you gonna answer Ronna?" and then she'd answer her. So she's listening to everything, just sometimes she chooses to not answer.
She doesn't put joking and smiling together yet. She'll joke around, but ya wonder if she's being goofy, or kidding around. Often I will look directly at her and make a big smile. If she doesn't smile back I make the sign on my face until she does.
When she talks, which is much more between lunch and supper, she talks very well and doesn't mumble, although she's a little quieter than she was before the surgery.
She knows everyone she knew before, and remembers pretty good as to who was there before, but obviously she gets her days mixed up. She has not yet slept well.
It's hard for me to see her at this stage, because Anthony was pretty much back to normal after 2 days (He was 8) and Stacy took a long time to get even to this stage, and Stacy's experience is what I remember most, as it was more recent.
Mom can write as well as before surgery. She always writes in cursive and still does. When no one is around, I guess she gets bored and writes names. She wrote lots of names last evening for some reason. Many were from Manchester College. It looked like she wrote some instructions for someone there too. She also went through her guest book and notated after everyone's name.
She loves to look through her cards and read them. She also likes to watch gospel and country music on TV and sing along.
As far as when she'll get out of ICU, we don't know for sure. She is only there because of a new blood pressure medication she is taking where her vitals need to be monitored much more than a regular hospital room would be able to. That said, all her vitals are very good. She may soon have her oxygen to her nose taken off, and possibly have her 'hat' removed too. It will be interesting to see her hair and how far back they had to shave it.
Also, the bed transforms into a recliner chair and she sits up in that a lot of times. I believe tomorrow they may try and walk her some with therapy. However she could not walk without a cane before so that will be difficult for her.
Her eyes light up and she smiled when Dylan (her 10 year old grandson) would walk into the room. The same thing when Rex walks in. Yesterday it seems like anyone that would walk by would get her attention, and she'd think she knew them, but she didn't do that today, but still noticed the noisy ones, and any other out-of-the-ordinary noises.
Once in a while she tries to get up. Also she'll fool with her oxygen line, or oxygen sensor, or her IV lines.
We know her eyes are working well and probably are better now without that tumor all wrapped around her optic nerves, compressing them. There was a chance she could go blind with the surgery, but would have for sure without it.
She will not get her sense of smell back that she lost 9 years ago, because those nerves are where the tumor grew around, and it permanently damaged them. She is so used to this it doesn't bother her at all.
If anyone was waiting for a good time to visit, it is now. Daytime visitation would be excellent this week as us kids have to work which leaves normal visits being Rex at times, and Ronna in the evening. See the visitation times in the left column. Remember there are no real flowers allowed in ICU but she loves cards. She has a box she keeps them all in. You don't have to have any permission to go back to her room. The rules say to limit visitors to 3, but as long as you are not loud, they have not said anything to us about having sometimes 5 in there. It is a very large room so there is no problem with that. If Mom is watching TV, just turn it off if you visit so that she will concentrate on you and not the TV. If it was on when you got there, turn it back on for her when you leave as it keeps her mind active, which is what she needs.
Remember, we have not told her yet about Rex's Oncologist appointment and we don't want to burden her with worry, so please don't mention anything about that. Thanks.
I know a lot of people are reading this and we thank you for your prayers. Ronna and Rex have a big road ahead and they need the prayers as much as Mom. We are so thankful for Mom and Rex moving just a mile away from the hospital. Now we know why we felt they needed to move from Manchester.
I've made it easier to comment here so try again if it didn't work for you the first time.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Good CT
CT scan showed everything good. No problems at all. Swelling has come down. Mom continues to do very good.
Mom seems better
She doesn't seem as confused as before. We still haven't heard about her CT.
She had lunch and ate it all herself. She brushed her teeth herself also. Right now she's watching TV.
She had lunch and ate it all herself. She brushed her teeth herself also. Right now she's watching TV.
More Confusion
Mom's confusion continued to increase and her blood sugar came nearer to normal, so she's in for a CT scan right now to make sure nothing is going on in there. She still is not sleeping well and when she does, they have to wake her up every 2 hours for a check.
Ronna just informed me that she's back in her room. More posting later.
Ronna just informed me that she's back in her room. More posting later.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Saturday update
Send those cards! She loves them!Arrived today at 2:00 and Mom was asleep. The nurse wanted her woke up so I worked for 10 minutes until I got her to barely open her eyes. She recognized the kids.
When we came back at 4:30 Ronna was here and Rex came a little later. Mom was much more responsive, especially when her food came. She ate it all up rather quickly. I realized that the only reason she was eating so quick was because she wasn't blabbing all the time like she usually does.
She talks very slow but almost everything she says makes sense. She kept using the number 279 for ages and for the year. She finally told me that 279 was her last blood sugar number and she was saying it so the nurses would think she was goofy! I sang a couple of songs to remind her that it is 2008. That's about the only thing she couldn't remember.
She got sleepy at the time we had to go out of the room and we'll go back in at 8:00.
When we came back at 4:30 Ronna was here and Rex came a little later. Mom was much more responsive, especially when her food came. She ate it all up rather quickly. I realized that the only reason she was eating so quick was because she wasn't blabbing all the time like she usually does.
She talks very slow but almost everything she says makes sense. She kept using the number 279 for ages and for the year. She finally told me that 279 was her last blood sugar number and she was saying it so the nurses would think she was goofy! I sang a couple of songs to remind her that it is 2008. That's about the only thing she couldn't remember.
She got sleepy at the time we had to go out of the room and we'll go back in at 8:00.
Ryan
Update from Ronna @ 9:35. Mom & Ryan signing I Love You in the above picture! Mom seemed a little confused this evening, talking about things we didn't always understand. Then we found out her blood sugar was way high, basically because she is eating a regular diet now. Nurse felt that probably accounted for the difference we were seeing. They will adjust her sliding scale most likely tomorrow. On the other hand, as she watched Gaithers and Opry, she was rattling off everyone's names and singing along. Today's the first she has really watched TV. She also read a Harry & David catalog. And started wearing her glasses today.
Found out Rex made a trip to Walmart today and bought some things for the house. I spent some time with him at the apartment as did Bob & Anthony.
Keep storming the gates of heaven for "the parents", as Greg & I fondly call them. Long haul ahead yet for both of them.
Mom continues to improve! The nurse said she didn't sleep well last nite, but she had a big morning and was settled in for a nap when I left at 12:30. We can't get back in until 4:30 now, so hopefully she sleeps most of that time.
I found her this morning with the bed shaped into a recliner, how cool! She sat up all morning! She talks when she wants to. She loves to read her cards. She feeds herself. She ate 3 pieces of bread dipped into gravy for lunch. She said she was wolfing it down, and she was! She also ate applesauce and jello and drank applejuice, then decided she probably should stop.
Sara and Anita visited while Randy and Kevin went to the annual hamfest at the Coliseum. Uncle Bob and Anthony stopped in after their jaunt at the hamfest. Ryan and family should be arriving any time to spend the rest of the afternoon.
I noticed mom had doodled last evening on a note pad. She had done some mathematical equations and written Ryan's name a lot. Think she was missing her baby.
Her doctor's inform us she is doing really well. She's getting good care.
Rex is struggling. He's home more than he is at the hospital. If you are in the area, stop in at the apartment. He needs encouragement. We'll share more details next week after his further testing.
Keep lifting all our names to our Lord. I feel VERY equipped by my Lord right now. Praise You, Father.
Ronna
I found her this morning with the bed shaped into a recliner, how cool! She sat up all morning! She talks when she wants to. She loves to read her cards. She feeds herself. She ate 3 pieces of bread dipped into gravy for lunch. She said she was wolfing it down, and she was! She also ate applesauce and jello and drank applejuice, then decided she probably should stop.
Sara and Anita visited while Randy and Kevin went to the annual hamfest at the Coliseum. Uncle Bob and Anthony stopped in after their jaunt at the hamfest. Ryan and family should be arriving any time to spend the rest of the afternoon.
I noticed mom had doodled last evening on a note pad. She had done some mathematical equations and written Ryan's name a lot. Think she was missing her baby.
Her doctor's inform us she is doing really well. She's getting good care.
Rex is struggling. He's home more than he is at the hospital. If you are in the area, stop in at the apartment. He needs encouragement. We'll share more details next week after his further testing.
Keep lifting all our names to our Lord. I feel VERY equipped by my Lord right now. Praise You, Father.
Ronna
Friday, November 14, 2008
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Ryan@TheRitenours.com
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Ryan@TheRitenours.com
Huge Day
Mom made major leaps forward this afternoon/evening. She's been awake basically since 3. She ate her own "dinner" using spoons and straws and shovelled it in about as fast as she could. Then she started reading her cards, aloud, over and over and over. Then she started printing and writing. One of her cards was from the new senior group at their Ft. Wayne church called Oasis. Rex knew what the acronym of the letters represented and mom wrote it out on the card! Shift change is 7-8, so we left and the nurse told me when I returned that mom doodled on the papers the whole time we were gone. She had the TV on too. Meds are being taken away that she no longer needs. She's just doing great.
The news on Rex unfortunately is not good. We got some very disturbing info from the oncologist today. He is having 2 more tests next week, then the final decision on treatment will be made on Friday. Mom does not know and please do not discuss this with her. She would not be able to understand and process this right now. We will inform you as we can. Please pray for Rex, as he is handling a lot on his own right now. I am very very proud of him. Plans are being discussed as to how to handle both of their situations simultaneously. PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR FAMILY AS WE MAKE THESE DECISIONS.
Mom named this blog several weeks ago. I keep hanging on to the words. God Will Make A Way.
The news on Rex unfortunately is not good. We got some very disturbing info from the oncologist today. He is having 2 more tests next week, then the final decision on treatment will be made on Friday. Mom does not know and please do not discuss this with her. She would not be able to understand and process this right now. We will inform you as we can. Please pray for Rex, as he is handling a lot on his own right now. I am very very proud of him. Plans are being discussed as to how to handle both of their situations simultaneously. PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR FAMILY AS WE MAKE THESE DECISIONS.
Mom named this blog several weeks ago. I keep hanging on to the words. God Will Make A Way.
Big Change
Ronna has informed me that Mom has made a big leap in recovery today. Earlier when Ronna and I talked on the phone, she informed me that mom was singing along with some visitors. Also, she had sat on the edge of her bed for 3 minutes with the physical therapist.
Ronna just texted me that Mom is feeding herself!
This is really tough being at home. I can't wait to get there tomorrow afternoon.
My cousin Karen has had some problems with commenting. Email me if anyone else is having problems too.
Ryan@TheRitenours.com
Ronna just texted me that Mom is feeding herself!
This is really tough being at home. I can't wait to get there tomorrow afternoon.
My cousin Karen has had some problems with commenting. Email me if anyone else is having problems too.
Ryan@TheRitenours.com
Hey! Post something so we know you're reading
We've taken a big step in keeping this blog up to date as best we can, and as soon as we know anything new. Please leave a comment so we know you were here and reading. Also make sure you read down several posts as we post so often, there is likely stuff you haven't yet read.
Mom will eventually be reading this and would love to see a bunch of comments. This is such a neat thing to read after the fact for her, so she can see all that was going on during the time she probably won't remember.
To comment just click below where you see the word 'comments'.
__________________________\/ \/ \/ \/____________
Mom will eventually be reading this and would love to see a bunch of comments. This is such a neat thing to read after the fact for her, so she can see all that was going on during the time she probably won't remember.
To comment just click below where you see the word 'comments'.
__________________________\/ \/ \/ \/____________
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Awesome end to the day
Mom pretty much snoozed the day away. She is on no pain medication, altho she could have it if she needed it. After Rex left at 6:30ish, I sang some hymns to mom. Then left at 7 for shift change and ran into Dennis & Theresa. They had to wait an hour since it was shift change, so we just chatted. I had called one of my girlfriends to come spend 8-9 with me in mom's room, as it gets kinda lonely in there alone with mom sleeping.
Well, she had gotten a bath and changed during the shift change and she was pretty alert. She recognized Dennis & Theresa, they stayed just a short time, and then Roberta and I settled in for our 45 minutes. We were just gabbing across the bed as girlfriends do and mom was looking back and forth at us getting totally caught up in the conversation. Roberta noticed mom had her nails polished and she started asking her if she put a clear top coat on them and mom shook her head yes. Then she pulled both her arms up and spread out her fingers so Roberta could see all 10! I about died!!!! That's the most response we had from her all day. She was squeezing our hands to indicate she wanted water. Once she put her arm around my waist and patted me.
I bought a cross necklace in the hospital gift shop yesterday and I was telling mom it will always be a reminder to me of what God did for her at this time. As I bent over to kiss her goodnite, she grabbed the cross and just held on to it and pushed it back and forth on the chain. I asked her if she wanted one and she nodded yes. Tomorrow's purchase!
Nurses say a couple more days for the steroids to lessen the swelling and we'll begin seeing improvement.
Big day tomorrow for Rex & I. We both have appointments. Randy will be with us.
Well, she had gotten a bath and changed during the shift change and she was pretty alert. She recognized Dennis & Theresa, they stayed just a short time, and then Roberta and I settled in for our 45 minutes. We were just gabbing across the bed as girlfriends do and mom was looking back and forth at us getting totally caught up in the conversation. Roberta noticed mom had her nails polished and she started asking her if she put a clear top coat on them and mom shook her head yes. Then she pulled both her arms up and spread out her fingers so Roberta could see all 10! I about died!!!! That's the most response we had from her all day. She was squeezing our hands to indicate she wanted water. Once she put her arm around my waist and patted me.
I bought a cross necklace in the hospital gift shop yesterday and I was telling mom it will always be a reminder to me of what God did for her at this time. As I bent over to kiss her goodnite, she grabbed the cross and just held on to it and pushed it back and forth on the chain. I asked her if she wanted one and she nodded yes. Tomorrow's purchase!
Nurses say a couple more days for the steroids to lessen the swelling and we'll begin seeing improvement.
Big day tomorrow for Rex & I. We both have appointments. Randy will be with us.
Thursday afternoon status
Mom is much less responsive verbally today but that is because her brain is swollen, which is normal. She is on a steroid to bring that down. Just as Ryan said earlier, her left side is not responding as well as her right, but the doctor said that it is not a stroke. He told us at the first appointment to expect weakness on one side and that it would be remediated with therapy. She does move her left arm and hand. I haven't seen a lot of movement with her left leg yet today.
She sleeps most of the time, but when she opens an eye, we talk to her and she recognizes us. We smile and tell her she is doing well, Rex is doing good, and she is OK. She squeezes our hands. Randy thought up asking her to squeeze if she wanted a drink or some sherbet and both times I asked, she squeezed! And she drank and ate!
We're only going in 1 or 2 at a time and really at this point encouraging no visitors unless you just want to pop in for a bit. Let her rest.
It's hard to wait. We are all hanging on to each other. Randy/Anita were here this morning until 4:30 when we get kicked out for 2 hours. Rex was there most of that time. We're both at our homes resting right now.
I was thankful to be there when Dr. Canavati stopped in this morning. He was very encouraging.
I am reading Psalms to mom, it's hard. I cry. I want to sing to her too, but I haven't been able to accomplish pulling myself together enough to do that yet.
She sleeps most of the time, but when she opens an eye, we talk to her and she recognizes us. We smile and tell her she is doing well, Rex is doing good, and she is OK. She squeezes our hands. Randy thought up asking her to squeeze if she wanted a drink or some sherbet and both times I asked, she squeezed! And she drank and ate!
We're only going in 1 or 2 at a time and really at this point encouraging no visitors unless you just want to pop in for a bit. Let her rest.
It's hard to wait. We are all hanging on to each other. Randy/Anita were here this morning until 4:30 when we get kicked out for 2 hours. Rex was there most of that time. We're both at our homes resting right now.
I was thankful to be there when Dr. Canavati stopped in this morning. He was very encouraging.
I am reading Psalms to mom, it's hard. I cry. I want to sing to her too, but I haven't been able to accomplish pulling myself together enough to do that yet.
Our email
Here's our email addresses. They are really hard.
Ronna's email
ronna@juno.com
Ryan's email
Ryan@TheRitenours.com
Best to email me as Ronna doesn't have much time to be at a computer right now. I know it all so feel free to email me. I check it and this blog often. I hate cell phones so that's why I'm not giving out our numbers. Ronna's is going off all the time just from immediate family.
Ryan
Ronna's email
ronna@juno.com
Ryan's email
Ryan@TheRitenours.com
Best to email me as Ronna doesn't have much time to be at a computer right now. I know it all so feel free to email me. I check it and this blog often. I hate cell phones so that's why I'm not giving out our numbers. Ronna's is going off all the time just from immediate family.
Ryan
update
CT scan this morning was good. She has developed a slight deficit on one side. Dr. says it will come back with therapy.
Address for cards, flowers, etc.
Lutheran Hospital
7950 W Jefferson Blvd
MSIC Room 3520
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Home address:
6218 Ruby Circle West
FT. Wayne 46804
Mom has some deficit on one side, however I do not believe that it is a problem. I saw her grab both bars and pull herself up yesterday. Therapy will usually take care of it if it's a problem.
Ronna is there waiting to see the Dr.
7950 W Jefferson Blvd
MSIC Room 3520
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Home address:
6218 Ruby Circle West
FT. Wayne 46804
Mom has some deficit on one side, however I do not believe that it is a problem. I saw her grab both bars and pull herself up yesterday. Therapy will usually take care of it if it's a problem.
Ronna is there waiting to see the Dr.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
update
When I left mom at 7:00 p.m., she was doing great. She is still very groggy but understands what is going on and knows everyone. She wants to take her 'hat' off and sit up. I had to tell her many times to stop, however she was not nearly as bad as my wife was with grabbing and playing with tubes and tape and bandages.
We saw the surgeon again and he didn't think she had any deficits. Obviously there can be after-effects but hopefully there will be none.
Randy, Ronna, and Rex will be back at it Thursday. I have to work 2 days and will likely go back Sat. afternoon.
Ronna will have to post the address to send cards to the hospital since I'm not there for a few days.
We saw the surgeon again and he didn't think she had any deficits. Obviously there can be after-effects but hopefully there will be none.
Randy, Ronna, and Rex will be back at it Thursday. I have to work 2 days and will likely go back Sat. afternoon.
Ronna will have to post the address to send cards to the hospital since I'm not there for a few days.
Just saw mom!
Just went in and saw, and TALKED TO mom! She knew who I was instantly. I made her tell me.
Dr. came in a told us she seems to be doing very good. She counted his fingers and talked with him. At this point she keeps falling asleep when we talk to her but she just woke up.
She looks normal other than a bandaged head. The room is large and COLD!
Obviously it is too early to know when she would be moved to a regular room.
Visiting hours are from 9-9, except for the hours of 2:30-4:30 and 7-8. No more than 2 people at a time. 3520.
Dr. came in a told us she seems to be doing very good. She counted his fingers and talked with him. At this point she keeps falling asleep when we talk to her but she just woke up.
She looks normal other than a bandaged head. The room is large and COLD!
Obviously it is too early to know when she would be moved to a regular room.
Visiting hours are from 9-9, except for the hours of 2:30-4:30 and 7-8. No more than 2 people at a time. 3520.
Done
Surgery was over at noon. Dr. said he got out at least 90% of the tumor. It was a very large tumor that had been growing for many years. It had a lot of involvement with arteries and he worked 2 hours with a microscope to remove as much as he could without causing a stroke. 2 small spots remain and she will be monitored for any regrowth. If that would occur, they could use the gamma-knife for removal.
She is still asleep and so we don't know if there are any effects from the removal of the tumor. She is being moved to ICU, which is normal after brain surgery.
More when we know more.
She is still asleep and so we don't know if there are any effects from the removal of the tumor. She is being moved to ICU, which is normal after brain surgery.
More when we know more.
Mom has went to surgery
Mom just went to surgery at 7:00, or actually, went to surgery prep where they will shave her head slightly. 10 people are here at the moment in the waiting area. More postings when I hear something.
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