Online condolences can be sent at:
send condolences
I don't know what it is in me, but when people die, I want to know why. Since this is my Mom I get to find out. There was an autopsy. We have some preliminary data that it was not a stroke, heart attack, aneurysm or anything easy to determine. In a few days I will have the full report and can hopefully determine what happened.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Arrangement Information
Visitation is Saturday, 11/22, from 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Delaughter Mckee Funeral Home.
1401 State Road 114 W
North Manchester, IN 46962
Phone Number: (260) 982-6700
The funeral will be Sunday, 11/23, at 2 p.m. at Liberty Mills Church of the Brethren.
There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service.
71 N 3rd St,
Liberty Mills, IN 46946
Burial will follow at South Whitley Cemetary.
A dinner will be served following that at the church.
We have chosen a memorial fund in lieu of lots of flowers. Mom was close with many at the Liberty Mills Church that are involved in a ministry in Guatamala. Currently they are raising money for a well. Checks can be written to the Liberty Mills Church of the Brethren for the Guatamala Well Fund. Maybe it'll be named the Ardie Well.
1401 State Road 114 W
North Manchester, IN 46962
Phone Number: (260) 982-6700
The funeral will be Sunday, 11/23, at 2 p.m. at Liberty Mills Church of the Brethren.
There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service.
71 N 3rd St,
Liberty Mills, IN 46946
Burial will follow at South Whitley Cemetary.
A dinner will be served following that at the church.
We have chosen a memorial fund in lieu of lots of flowers. Mom was close with many at the Liberty Mills Church that are involved in a ministry in Guatamala. Currently they are raising money for a well. Checks can be written to the Liberty Mills Church of the Brethren for the Guatamala Well Fund. Maybe it'll be named the Ardie Well.
McKee/Delaughter Funeral Home
McKee/Delaughter funeral home in Manchester is making the arrangements. The service will be at Liberty Mills Church of the Brethren. We have an appointment at 6:30 tonite to make arrangements and then will let you all know.
GOD HAS MADE A WAY!
Glory be to God.
Mom went to be with the Lord this morning.
Yes it's true. It's difficult to believe. We don't know what happened. However I did not feel right about everything last night. I kept much of it to myself to not worry others. I thought it was just my irrational fears.
Last night was mom's worst night. While she talked to us and knew us, she was not really there. Now I know the Lord was calling her. She was so ready to go. Her only worry was Rex, but we will still be standing with him, as a family. This does not change that.
I want you to know that I feel this was for the best. All along I did not like the way Mom was. Us 3 kids got to see her before surgery. All of us saw her after surgery. There is no regrets.
Last night she was singing with some praise songs on the CD.
More will follow later when arrangements are made.
There is no doubt that she is in a better place. She is free from her sickly body. She's walking upright and in no pain.
Ryan, Randy, Ronna, and Rex
Mom went to be with the Lord this morning.
Yes it's true. It's difficult to believe. We don't know what happened. However I did not feel right about everything last night. I kept much of it to myself to not worry others. I thought it was just my irrational fears.
Last night was mom's worst night. While she talked to us and knew us, she was not really there. Now I know the Lord was calling her. She was so ready to go. Her only worry was Rex, but we will still be standing with him, as a family. This does not change that.
I want you to know that I feel this was for the best. All along I did not like the way Mom was. Us 3 kids got to see her before surgery. All of us saw her after surgery. There is no regrets.
Last night she was singing with some praise songs on the CD.
More will follow later when arrangements are made.
There is no doubt that she is in a better place. She is free from her sickly body. She's walking upright and in no pain.
Ryan, Randy, Ronna, and Rex
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Evening update
It's been a hard day for Mom. Rex spent the morning & part of the evening, I was there from 11-1, and Ryan, Stacy & Dylan from 5-8. She was running a low temp this morning, which broke after lunch. While I was there, PT got her up to stand and pivot to a bedside commode. She spent a rough 1/2 hour there. Very nauseous, dizzy & faint, as would be expected for the first time up a week after a big surgery. It was very hard to watch. She was so sick. Nurse gave her zofran for the nausea, and it took 3 nurses to get her back into bed because she had no strength to help at that point.
She moved to her new room about 4:30. Ryan said she was very quiet tonite, not wanting to talk, and back to fiddling with buttons and equipment. She vomited tonite too and said she was hot, so wondering if something new is going on. Time will tell.
Ryan said the nurse's station is right outside her door and they are very responsive. We're praying for good nurses because it's scary for us to picture her out of ICU, not having constant nursing attention. We're pretty discouraged tonite and hoping for a better day tomorrow.
A reminder if you are visiting...to not discuss Rex's cancer with her. She has not yet remembered, nor would she be able to comprehend or deal with it yet. I will post more about Rex after his oncologist appointment on Friday.
Please continue to pray for Randy's family.
She moved to her new room about 4:30. Ryan said she was very quiet tonite, not wanting to talk, and back to fiddling with buttons and equipment. She vomited tonite too and said she was hot, so wondering if something new is going on. Time will tell.
Ryan said the nurse's station is right outside her door and they are very responsive. We're praying for good nurses because it's scary for us to picture her out of ICU, not having constant nursing attention. We're pretty discouraged tonite and hoping for a better day tomorrow.
A reminder if you are visiting...to not discuss Rex's cancer with her. She has not yet remembered, nor would she be able to comprehend or deal with it yet. I will post more about Rex after his oncologist appointment on Friday.
Please continue to pray for Randy's family.
more
She's in a regular room now. I'll have to find out the visiting hours. I imagine they are 9-9 without restrictions. Her room is private. 359
Update
Mom is being moved to a regular room. The room number will be posted when we get it. It will still be on the 3rd floor.
My wife and I will be there tonight to give Ronna a much needed break.
My wife and I will be there tonight to give Ronna a much needed break.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Every Tear I've Cried, You Hold In Your Hand
I feel much differently tonite than I did last nite. A lot of information has been obtained today.
Mom's doctor feels confident that her mental status is not due to the surgery but due to the issues of being in the ICU (noises, sleep deprivation, strange surroundings, strangers, staring at the 4 walls, nothing meaningful to do).
Still weaning her off the IV blood pressure meds and as soon as that happens, she will be moved to the regular med/surg/neuro floor of the hospital. She will get more therapy there than in the ICU. This will prepare her for her evaluation by the rehab center. She has to be able to do 3 hours of therapy a day to qualify to go to the rehab center. Average neuro stay at the rehab center is 2-3 weeks. If she doesn't qualify to go there, she'll need to go to a skilled nursing facility. Ryan already has researched and found the best one, which is close by. The therapy there would be less than 3 hours a day, so consequently the stay would probably be longer.
Mom did get IVC filter put in today. She did fine. Rex spent most of the day at the hospital. He had a final check up with his surgeon and has been released by him.
Aunt Dorothy (97 years old) surprised us around noon with a visit!!!!!! Unfortunately, mom was taken for her procedure about 15 minutes after she got there so it was a short visit.
Ryan is coming down tomorrow evening, so I'm taking the nite off and going over to Tandy's to spend some much needed down time with her & Parker. And he & the fam are coming back for the weekend, camping at my house. Another break for me!
I did cancel my Thanksgiving trip to Tisha's today. That was hard to do, but necessary. I was taking Jeff with me, so it was very hard to tell him, but he took it very well. Thank you, Jeff, for understanding. Tisha, I miss you & the boys SO much and know you need to see your dad, and we had such plans for him to reconnect with the boys and Chris and to see where you live. Thank you for your understanding, and dad & I hope to come maybe in the spring. Thank you both for knowing that my responsibility right now lies with my mom.
Finally, God knows the need in Randy/Anita's family. I do not need to define it for you all to pray about it. I plead for you to do so. Thank you.
I've been crying for 2 days. Tears, tears, tears. Driving back to work around 2:30, I heard a very familiar song on the radio that suddenly took on new meaning.
Praise You in This Storm:
I was sure by now, God, that You would have reached down and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain, "I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away.
And I'll praise you in this storm and I will lift my hands for You are who You are
no matter where I am and every tear I've cried You hold in your hand
You never left my side and though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm
I remember when I stumbled in the wind You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain "I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away
I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
Mom's doctor feels confident that her mental status is not due to the surgery but due to the issues of being in the ICU (noises, sleep deprivation, strange surroundings, strangers, staring at the 4 walls, nothing meaningful to do).
Still weaning her off the IV blood pressure meds and as soon as that happens, she will be moved to the regular med/surg/neuro floor of the hospital. She will get more therapy there than in the ICU. This will prepare her for her evaluation by the rehab center. She has to be able to do 3 hours of therapy a day to qualify to go to the rehab center. Average neuro stay at the rehab center is 2-3 weeks. If she doesn't qualify to go there, she'll need to go to a skilled nursing facility. Ryan already has researched and found the best one, which is close by. The therapy there would be less than 3 hours a day, so consequently the stay would probably be longer.
Mom did get IVC filter put in today. She did fine. Rex spent most of the day at the hospital. He had a final check up with his surgeon and has been released by him.
Aunt Dorothy (97 years old) surprised us around noon with a visit!!!!!! Unfortunately, mom was taken for her procedure about 15 minutes after she got there so it was a short visit.
Ryan is coming down tomorrow evening, so I'm taking the nite off and going over to Tandy's to spend some much needed down time with her & Parker. And he & the fam are coming back for the weekend, camping at my house. Another break for me!
I did cancel my Thanksgiving trip to Tisha's today. That was hard to do, but necessary. I was taking Jeff with me, so it was very hard to tell him, but he took it very well. Thank you, Jeff, for understanding. Tisha, I miss you & the boys SO much and know you need to see your dad, and we had such plans for him to reconnect with the boys and Chris and to see where you live. Thank you for your understanding, and dad & I hope to come maybe in the spring. Thank you both for knowing that my responsibility right now lies with my mom.
Finally, God knows the need in Randy/Anita's family. I do not need to define it for you all to pray about it. I plead for you to do so. Thank you.
I've been crying for 2 days. Tears, tears, tears. Driving back to work around 2:30, I heard a very familiar song on the radio that suddenly took on new meaning.
Praise You in This Storm:
I was sure by now, God, that You would have reached down and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain, "I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away.
And I'll praise you in this storm and I will lift my hands for You are who You are
no matter where I am and every tear I've cried You hold in your hand
You never left my side and though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm
I remember when I stumbled in the wind You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain "I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away
I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
VISITORS WANTED!
If you want to fill a "help wanted" ad, you can fill ours. Mom is in need of seeing familiar things. Visitations would be extremely beneficial if anyone can get to her. Her confusion is likely because of the unfamiliarity of the ICU.
God's work
After dad died, I seen great things that came from his/our suffering. BUT, some took a year before anyone could look backwards and say "AHH, now I understand".
A great example of God working behind the scene is: compelling mom and Rex moving to Ft Wayne across from the hospital. We all knew it was a good idea to be closer, but who could comprehend the true reason. A year later now and we all say "AH-HA!".
I try to contemplate what can come from this and can imagine, but we must be patient. I think God will reveal and a year from now (or more, or less)I'll again say AH-HA!
Randy Ritenour
A great example of God working behind the scene is: compelling mom and Rex moving to Ft Wayne across from the hospital. We all knew it was a good idea to be closer, but who could comprehend the true reason. A year later now and we all say "AH-HA!".
I try to contemplate what can come from this and can imagine, but we must be patient. I think God will reveal and a year from now (or more, or less)I'll again say AH-HA!
Randy Ritenour
Monday, November 17, 2008
It's hard to write tonite. The nursing staff has been using the words "ICU psychosis" this week and Ryan and I have been researching tonite, and we think Mom is probably experiencing this. The lack of sleep from having neuro checks every couple of hours, the constant noises (auto blood pressure cuff, air bed, beeps), constant lighting, away from familiar surroundings and family, so many strangers.....she is moving back and forth between reality and what is not reality. She was very fixated all day on going home. Asked Rex and I to take her home, she was packing things into her card box, trying to get out of bed. She is constantly picking at her finger monitor and now starting to pick at her staples. She was talking a lot and louder than she has been.
When Tandy stopped by, she knew who she was, she asked about Parker, said he was almost 5 years old, told Tandy to tell him Nanny said hi. I was so impressed. But from 6:45 to when I left at 9, she was a mess.
I'm also concerned about where she is going when it is time to leave the ICU, which will be as soon as she is off the IV blood pressure med I was contacted by Social Services today and evaluations of her readiness for rehab are beginning.
She is having the IVC screen put in tomorrow at noon.
Rex had a PET scan today. We'll hear the results of this test on Friday, the results determining the next step in his treatment. He has a follow up appointment with his surgeon tomorrow, and has chosen to go alone. Today, after his test, he and Tommy Hobdy went out for brunch/lunch and then he went to the library. I know it is very hard for him to see Mom as we did tonite.
I'm looking for someone to cut mom's hair. Any ideas?????
I cried when I read Ryan's post about what he wants to learn from how Mom has faced this experience. The Bible says God will take bad and make good from it; I heard something like that in a Veggie Tales movie anyway. Really, I HAVE to find purpose in this suffering. James 1:3 The testing of my faith develops perseverance. I'm gonna have some major perseverance before too much longer!!!! I also KNOW God is encamped around our family (our 2 families that are 1), but I wish I could SEE Him, a wall of fire encircling us all...protection. I'm seeing it in my mind.
Sleep, Mom, and may tomorrow be a better day.
When Tandy stopped by, she knew who she was, she asked about Parker, said he was almost 5 years old, told Tandy to tell him Nanny said hi. I was so impressed. But from 6:45 to when I left at 9, she was a mess.
I'm also concerned about where she is going when it is time to leave the ICU, which will be as soon as she is off the IV blood pressure med I was contacted by Social Services today and evaluations of her readiness for rehab are beginning.
She is having the IVC screen put in tomorrow at noon.
Rex had a PET scan today. We'll hear the results of this test on Friday, the results determining the next step in his treatment. He has a follow up appointment with his surgeon tomorrow, and has chosen to go alone. Today, after his test, he and Tommy Hobdy went out for brunch/lunch and then he went to the library. I know it is very hard for him to see Mom as we did tonite.
I'm looking for someone to cut mom's hair. Any ideas?????
I cried when I read Ryan's post about what he wants to learn from how Mom has faced this experience. The Bible says God will take bad and make good from it; I heard something like that in a Veggie Tales movie anyway. Really, I HAVE to find purpose in this suffering. James 1:3 The testing of my faith develops perseverance. I'm gonna have some major perseverance before too much longer!!!! I also KNOW God is encamped around our family (our 2 families that are 1), but I wish I could SEE Him, a wall of fire encircling us all...protection. I'm seeing it in my mind.
Sleep, Mom, and may tomorrow be a better day.
Mon. update
Ronna will probably have more later. She said Mom was a little better today. However after a nap, she was really confused when she awoke. I suppose we may see this for a while. Her best times always have been noon to 5.
We have pics with her hat off but she would not want me to post those so if you want to see what she looks like, you'll have to go see her. :)
We have pics with her hat off but she would not want me to post those so if you want to see what she looks like, you'll have to go see her. :)
Something to think about
First, Mom was standing today with the therapist. Talk is already starting about discharge. Please pray that it works out so that she can just move right across the street to the rehab hospital when that time comes.
I was just perusing some previous postings of Mom's and came across something she posted on Jeff Bowman's blog:
Peace I leave with you...Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Mom lives this daily. I went with her into the hospital last Wednesday. I felt I had to. I was worried that I'd never be able to talk to her again, at least the way she was at that time. I know what its like to have a loved one wake up and be a completely different person.
Mom was not scared, or at least she didn't show it. Her conviction is what I hope for in the future. It's easy to say things, but not easy to live them. She lives them, everyday. Ronna and I talked about how we used to see our mom as a wimp, but now we see she's just the opposite.
I miss you Mom, and I can't wait until you're back with us like you were before, and maybe even better.
I was just perusing some previous postings of Mom's and came across something she posted on Jeff Bowman's blog:
Peace I leave with you...Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Mom lives this daily. I went with her into the hospital last Wednesday. I felt I had to. I was worried that I'd never be able to talk to her again, at least the way she was at that time. I know what its like to have a loved one wake up and be a completely different person.
Mom was not scared, or at least she didn't show it. Her conviction is what I hope for in the future. It's easy to say things, but not easy to live them. She lives them, everyday. Ronna and I talked about how we used to see our mom as a wimp, but now we see she's just the opposite.
I miss you Mom, and I can't wait until you're back with us like you were before, and maybe even better.
Morning news
Mom slept good finally. 1:00 to 7:30 a.m. which is very good for her. They did have to use medication to get her to sleep though.
Her 'hat' is off and she likes to play with her staples. It will be interesting to see how she looks now.
They will be installing an IVC filter so that she's not at risk of a blood clot moving from her legs to her lungs. This is common on those that aren't yet moving much. It's installed through an artery so I don't think she will be put out for this procedure. I would think it's done in the ICU room.
Her 'hat' is off and she likes to play with her staples. It will be interesting to see how she looks now.
They will be installing an IVC filter so that she's not at risk of a blood clot moving from her legs to her lungs. This is common on those that aren't yet moving much. It's installed through an artery so I don't think she will be put out for this procedure. I would think it's done in the ICU room.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Long day and weekend
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
