Late Tonight

I had trouble getting thru to Mama tonight so she was tucked in when I called. She had her planning meeting today and said she was very tired. We talked briefly and I told her good-night and I am sure she was soon sound asleep.

I called Greig and he said all of the people who work with her said she is making good progress and has a wonderful attitude. Greig or Don may add more.

I will call in the morning and make sure her tiredness is just from too big a day, and that she is up and feeling ok.

Have a good night, everyone.

Sharon

Mom told me to do this. . . . .

I went to see Mom today and she seems to be doing great. I told her that I'd shot a deer on Thursday, the 23rd but had not found it yet. Dave tracked it until 9pm when he lost blood. We went out to search for her at 4pm on Friday, just as a light rain started to drizzle. Dave lost the blood trail at 300 yards but pressed on in what was now a driving rain. He followed the deers tracks and found her nearly 700 yards away! Absolutely soaked as he drug it next to the van, 90 minutes later.

Creig tracked a deer for me in 1997 that was quite similar in length and stamina involved. Both are expert woodsmen in my book.

After I explained it to Mom and told her that I didn't have a photo of it to show her since my color cartridge was spent; she said "put it on the blog."

So here's a deer photo and story to add to Nellie Grey's Blog. I think Uncle George would be proud. Greig

Sunday Evening

Telephoned Mama tonight, she sounded good and said she had a nice day. She was eating her supper when I called so we did not talk long. She was having fish for supper.She was eating in her room which is an option. I think she keeps her room mate company a bit as I don't think she is feeling too well. The Roommate I mean.Therupy starts tomorrow again and so its time to go to work. She said Greig Got a deer, she told him to 'put it on the Blog'!

What a nice, rainey, sunday, even if it did hail here!

Good night everyone

Sharon

Shopping, Dining and Visiting

Jim and I went Thursday to see Mama. After a late start, we arrived about 4:30 for our first visit and Mama invited us to have dinner with her. So we ordered and when it was time, we joined her in the dinning room for dinner. It is so good to see Mama's appetite returning! Dr. Jones says this is an important part of her recovery. Her arms and legs remain 'puffy'but we are assured these will return to normal as she begins to eat and to exercise. We had a nice visit at dinner, and continued back to the little TV area where she often goes. There is a big built in cage with birds in it that she likes to watch, as well as a window where birds seem to congregate which is nice to watch also.

We brought a picture for her wall, a composite of 3 pictures of Hailey done on just a sheet of computer paper. It joins Sarah, and we added one of Vincent and Jacqueline on Friday. We encourage all to make and send a picture of your children as described to Mama, and we will put them up with rolls of tape. She loves children and I think they will bring their special strength and love to her, which she needs. We have a big wall. She can't very well see smaller ones on the wall, and she doesnt care about quality. They make her smile. I will hope that Greig posts her mailing address, maybe he already did. Or Don or Creig. I dont have it.

I also brought her about 6 Baby hats. I told her I knitted them while I waited thru all those hospital days, now she has to find a home for them. She says she has already given one away, not counting the one Hailey got nor the one we gave to her nurse in the hospital.

When we got back to Susan's, she had shopped for Mama, since because of her swollen arms, she will need a new coat, and since she is now Cold, she needed a new warm jacket or sweater, and I got to take them to her the next day. So after we ate our McDonalds Ice cream sundae, which we had planned Thursday, she had the nurse help her into her chair and we proceeded to have trying on and checking out, and everything worked except the slipper shoes which were a bit too tight. So Jim and I set out for walmart, because I wanted to get one more thing.

We exchanged the slippers, then I went to fabric and got her the same thing I got for Jim when he came home from surgery-a big piece of Polar Fleece! It makes a nice warm blanket and is easy to wash. In fact I got her a small one, too-a nice shoulder or lap blanket.

Back at the home, we took her white sheet blanket-her hands were cold and it was firmly wrapped over them-she laughed when I tugged at it and told her it had to go-and the nice teal fleece looks better with her new velour jacket and pants! She is 'stylin' now! We had a nice visit and took her things down to have her name pressed onto them so they can be laundered and returned, and mama seemed to enjoy the afternoon. I know we did. We also found a great place to visit-right after you walk into the home, there is a little living room area set up with a fireplace. Residents can only come here with family, (we asked) so we brought Mama thru the double doors and down here, and there was a couch for us, and nobody else there except us and the people coming into or going out of the home. Very nice.

We decided to leave about 4:30 and did not stay for supper as we thought we could beat a little of the deer herd to the roadways. We made it.

So send those 'Picture Sheets'to Mama, and we will get them up on the wall. They certainly brighten up her room! Maybe we could make a Halloween collection with all of their halloween pictures??

We will see her again next week. Thanks to all of you who took the time to send a card or stop by. She got to see Aunt Coral this week, which was great for both of them I am sure.

And thanks for your prayers

Sharon

Just a note

Don and I were over to see Mom today and I've got to say again see looks great. She was in her chair with no oxygen attatched and her level was still at 94. She was eating ''Thanksgiving dinner". A speech therapist was there and put her on a regular diet. She ate quite abit. She had been down to physical therapy and said she'd take a nap if we left. Don took her to see Dr. Jones yesterday and he thinks she's doing really good. We'll take every good day we can get. it's so nice to hear her sound so strong and feel so good. Again we just are so thankful for all the miracles we've had with her. Thanks for all your prayers.God is good.

Mama is doing well

Mama has had a few issues come up in the past couple of days, a lot of fluid one day and a rash. She is going for a check up with Dr. Jones tomorrow. Don and Greig are going with her. Otherwise, she is in good spirits and says her appetite is better. She is still receiving her therupy for walking, and seems to be adjusting to her new schedule. We will see her Thursday.

we've come a long way in 2 months

Today we were to go to the nursing home so that Susan could cut Moms hair. We'd taken her for a permanent 2 months ago today I think.When we got there she was looking great sitting in her chair so we decided to go out to the beauty shop and get it cut and curled. She said she was "up for anything". So away we went oxygen tank ,wheel chair and all . She did great and we ended up at Fazoli's for lunch . We ate in the car by then she was pretty tired out.By the time we got back to the nursing home she had them put her to bed for nap. What adifference a day makes let alone 2 months. Praise The Lord.

5 generations

Hi all,

Just wanted everyone to see our 5 generations picture, Kerry just sent it to me. This was in June I think.

A comment from Kerry

Hi Grandma. Still watching and praying. We can only imagine what you are going through. You are our hero. All of you who are helping through this difficult time, keep the faith. Here is a little something Mo gave me to keep in my truck and sometimes it helps. It's called Peace of Mind.

There passes not a single day that I don't speak you name,
and though I feel unworthy, God,
I ask you just the same.

To give me strength to face whatever problems lie ahead,
and should I start to worry
give me "peace of mind" instead.
Doris A. Orth

Love Kerry, Monica, Samantha, Erin,Nicole, and Jesse

October 14, 2008 8:31 PM



Thanks, Kerry-I needed that! Mom

A Message from Nellie Grey

Well, I am feeling real good. Susan and Don came today and I went with them to Fazolie's for lunch. I had spaghetti. We ordered and we ate in the car. Now I am back at my room and in bed and getting settled down for a little nap.

I am feeling good but just a little weak.

Love, from Nellie Grey



Now isn't that just the best message anyone could receive on a beautiful Saturday like today?
I am sure Susan and Don will post more when they get home, but I promised a message from Mama. It's a good thing!

Is this number 7 or 8????

Sharon

Greig says Mom is doing Great!

I talked to Greig tonight and he reports Mama is looking better than she has in weeks! and we are all hopefully optomistic. I am sure Mama is also. They did the fluid drain yesterday and only got a very small amount which makes us feel she is on the right track. Her hands and feet are still swollen but not as much. I will talk to her on the phone tomorrow about noon and bring you a message from her.

Greig could not post tonight because tomorrow is a big hunting day for him at some game reserve,so he had to get to bed. Creig is going along to Gut and Photograph I think. Greig promised one for me and one for him. I hope its ones that runs back and forth on the roads!

Talk tomorrow

Sharon

Back to Stratford Village.......

Mom moved back to Stratford Village yesterday (Sept. 15th) and she is happy to be out of the hospital again. It was nearly dark when we left the hospital so I suggested that we shine deer on the way there but she said "No." She is in the same room that she was in before--345-a-- and even has the same room mate. She had Fazoli spaghetti before leaving the hospital and ate every bite! She is on the therapy wing so she will begin doing what she can to get stronger. She has been through so much that she is still quite weak so please keep her in your prayers. Greig

Still moving on

Marlene was with Mama this afternoon. She reports Mama's Arm is still swollen,that she is walking a bit but they are still getting significant fluid drainage. She is eating quite well, but did not sleep too well last night as she laid on her side in a position to try to drain the 'puffy'side.

Mama says the doctor says she may move on to Stratford in a few days if all continues to go well.

I think Marlene and Greig were going to try to catch the social worker with some questions, we have lots of those.

Mama contnues to be in good spirits and works hard.

Sharon

Monday morning and all seems well

I just talked to Mom and she seems to be doing well. She said she slept as well as she could since she sleeps in a different bed every night. .we are on bed number 6 for this hospital stay. She had physicaltherapy this am. They did it in her chair. Shes got a ways to go to get her strength back but she knows she can do just that.We're not going over today and she was fine with that. The Lord has been good. We won't pray for patience.

Moving On

I talked to Greig tonight, he says Mama was moved out of progressive care on up to F floor which means she is on her way toward wellness once again. Greig and Susan both told me she is eating better, and wanted Fizole's Saturday night.
I asked Susan if those were a pastry with meat in it and she informed me it is a well known Italian Restaurant! Well, welcome to the North Woods! Mama had Spaghetti! Go Mama!

Greig says they are stopping the constant dextrose drip and her arm is much less swollen and they are encouraging her to once again try to begin strength exercises like walking. She is also trying very hard to eat a bit more and thinks her appetite is coming back.

I am purposely trying to do as Mama does, and focus on the positive. Instead of trying to steer, I will try to remember who is in the driver's seat, and I will just say 'thank-you's' and 'praises' instead. That's easier if it's not your Mom involved. It's easy to get down in the dumps. Mama needs continued prayers--so does her family.

Our thanks once again

Sharon

Swelling in the Arm

Susan left a message that the CAT scan shows a blood clot in Mom's arm that is causing the swelling. Now the Doctor is working on a solution to get rid of it without Coumadin- that's the drug of choice but it caused Mom the bleeding in the chest problem last weekend.

So as we know more we'll let you know.
Creig

Tooth Doctor

I stopped in tonight to see Mom after staying away this week- I have had a sore throat and the sniffles. She looks great, was in bed, and a little tired.

She said she went down stairs for some tests- a CT scan of her arms, I suppose looking for the cause of the swelling ; and an ultrasound. She also went down this morning for a chest x-ray.

The CT scan the nurse, Christina, would not divulge the results of until the Doc has a look. I reminded her of the hat Sharon had gave her but no dice!

While there a oral surgeon came in with an x-ray of Mom's bad tooth. He said she had two options- pull it and take the chance with her plate being loose or wait and see- maybe restore the tooth down the road. He did not see a medical reason tonight to pull it. He said if it starts hurting he will come right in and take care of it.

That's all for now,
Creig

The Crunch heard around the State!

Imagine! Mama is well enough and hungry enough to request and eat a salad. Susan called all the kids and reported! Mama has been eating small bits of soft food and unable to eat much at all! I may have to smuggle in the Chinese food yet!

Once again we are cautiously optomistic about her healing and recovery, and we thank every one of you for your prayers and continued prayers! Every good day is a miracle for us.

Mama's unfailing faith and courage in the face of such overwhelming adversity has been a message to all of us. She wants to live and she has faith that God wants her to live! What a model for all of us-she has set the bar high.

Good night, family

Sharon

Susan talked with mom tonight, and she is feeling real well and had a salad for supper. It sounds like her appetite is coming back real well. Probably the medicine she was on took away part of it.

Dr. Jones is going to have a tooth removed for her (not one of his), one that has been bothering her for some time. She sounds stronger than she has in quite some time. It will be good to see her up and about, hopefully in a short period of time.

Talk to you later....Don

Greig called and said mom has been moved to D303. He said she was doing well, but did not do any walking as she has some pain in her side from the surgery last week. I don't have any more info than that now.....Don

Wednesday

Today mom is doing real well. She had a good lunch, and was ready for dinner when we left, so maybe finally her appetite is back? She is still in ICU, she walked a few steps today, and was up in a chair this afternoon, but was back in bed when we left.

We are trying to limit visits to 10-15 minutes each, so she can get her naps that she needs to build up her strength. We have not been told how long she will be in ICU. Dr. Jones wants to keep her in the hospital for a week, but that could change.

She looks great, and is feeling much, much better (you can tell by the amount, and way she speaks).

Don

A nice afternoon

when we arrived at 11, mama was already down for the procedure that Creig has mentioned. When she got back to her room, Dr. Jones came in with his team.

He greeted her with "No more coumaden for you, Lady", and listened as she related comments about her trip to get the drain put in. He was surprised that the procedure was finished already and said this specialty department which I forget the name of--had been so prompt. He said its usually much longer to get on their schedule.

He said Mama should get some eating started, and I told him she eats very little, maybe half a cup of food total at each meal, could she have a regular diet for a week or two. Mama then mentioned she was really hungry for some Chinese food.

Well mama, as you know, we blew that one, and are back on the "Healthy Heart Diet".Its an ok diet,(noo chinese) but doesn't tempt a poor appetite. Except today--

Mama ordered soup and half of a sandwich and protein drink and Milk. When the dessert menu was quoted, there was cheesecake as a choice. At my urging she ordered it and I told them to bring a topping, only chocolate was available on her plan.

Well, mama ate her usual 4 or 5 bites,drank her protein shake, after which she trickled the chocolate on the cheesecake and ate about half of it. It was good to see her enjoy a treat. She has certainly earned it! She looked and acted more like her old self today than anytime since I first saw her in the hospital.

Physical therupy is already ordered and they worked with her a bit. We had a nice visit afterwards, and Jim and I headed for home as she prepared to nap.


I enjoyed our color tour home knowing one more time my mother is "on the Mend."

We have so much to Thank God for,

It includes a truly nice afternoon with Mama.

Sharon

Fluid Drainage

Greig just called and said that Mom had a "Denver Drain" put in this morning and was back in her room ordering lunch. This device will allow fluid to be drained off without much fuss. He said they removed about 1 1/2 liters this time. I assume it was on the right side as that was where they were going last I heard.

He said she was doing good..........

Creig

I GOT TO HEAR THE FIRST CHUCKLE

We figured out today that the nurses wake, check, and turn mama every hour, on the hour, so we did well today, only telling mama hello, telling her how well we were told she is doing, and assuring her Dr. Jones once again has her on the mend, all without waking her unnecessarily which would get us ejected from her room I guess. Other than that, she slept all day long.

So tonight Jim and I waited until 8 and hiked on down to the ICU, and she was getting niced up so we waited a bit. We read her 3 cards, and I told her nurse her hearing aid battery was dead. The nurse immediately started talking so she could hear her, and Mama answered her appropriately. Heather is such a Charming nurse, I know she loves nursing! I told Mama we would bring a battery tomorrow, and she said "Don't lose it."

I told her I would put it in a paper cup. Mama smiled--"Well, don't drink it! She chuckled and said "Remember the stone out of your engagement ring disappeared, maybe thats what happened. We all laughed. That happened 35 years or so ago!

We told her we were heading for Susan's, and she bid us good night and smiled, and added "Don't hit any of those Running 'stumps'! We promised we would dodge the stumps!

Is this number 6 or number 7?

Good night to all of you, also.

Sharon

Last Night's Reading

I happened on this in the Parade magazine that comes with our Sunday paper.

We just started putting this together that Coumadin seems to be at the center of Mom's several health episodes.

I think the lesson is..........question everything and educate yourself on all aspects of treatment.

And have a large enough family to take care of this all.........Did I ever tell you how great my sisters and brother are?

I am thankful for each one of them, how they take such tender care of our Mom, of each other, and our families.

Love you guys,
Creig

Sleeping Soundly

Jim and I left the hospital about 9, mama has been given a small dose of pain med, and is sleeping soundly. Her nurse says all of her signs are good and she was busy measuring and checking and caring for all of the noodles and whistles. Mama slept thru it all, her color is good and she is at last relieved of the pressure around her heart.

Mama has taught us all a real lesson by example of courage, and I am sure she will once again attempt her third or forth try with the same commitment she gave her first try. I hope I can learn by her example.

Thank you all for your prayers and continued prayers.

Is this Miracle 4 or 5? Susan reminded me tonight Mama went into the hospital in August! And October is a third over! Time flies doesn't it?

We are at Susan and Don's. They are asleep, after spending last night and today at the hospital.

Good night now, Sharon and Jim

Tell Mama I love her!

Both Marlene and Susan asked me to "Tell Mama I love her". Susan when she left the hospital and Marlene from her house in Battle Creek when I called to update.

So after Mom came off the vent and woke up a little I did what a little brother does- just like the two big sisters asked.........or was it an order? I told Mama that Marlene loved her. Mom said"Tell Marlene I love her." Then I told her that Susan said"Tell Mama I love her" Mom said "Tell Susan I love her too."

Mom sounds better than she has in several days. All her vital stats were good and she was peaceful finally. She did have some pain tonight and was given a little something for that. Dr. Jones said she might be in some pain from the surgery today- she has about a 6 inch incision into her chest!

It has been a long day-a couple of days come to think of it...............

Creig

It's about 8:40

Creig called and said that mom is off the vent and is talking. She had quite a day to say the least!
She had a little pain from the surgery, but was given a pain killer and is comfortable now. Dr. Jones is a miracle worker, to say the least. He is confident that this procedure will take care of the problems that have arisen since the first surgery!

We will have more info as we get it.......Don

Surgery Update # 1

We just got a call that Mom was stable and they had completed the left side which needed the most attention.

We'll let you know when we know more.

Creig

Sunday Surgery

Mom headed into the operating room at 2:55 PM to relieve the fluid in her lung on the left side and to put in a drain on the right side. Dr. Jones anticipated a 45 minute procedure. We'll let you know when Mom is back in her room.

Creig

Saturday and Mama is again very ill

We again must report that Mama is very ill. She has trouble breathing and her coumidan spiked to 6.0 this am, and the hospital called, fearing a stroke. They did a ct and checked and she has some bleeding around her lung. No stroke. They gave her 2 pints of blood and one platelets I think.She was taken to CCU.

Dr. Jones now believes she is alergic to the Coumidan, along with her other complications. They are discontenuing that and will do a medical procedure which may relieve the fluid collecting around the outside of her lungs. they will do the procedure as soon as they are able. They hope to do it tomorrow. they have the Coumidan down to 2.5 this evening and want it at 1.5.

Mama is alert and answering questions correctly but exhausted as can be expected.

Creig, Connie, Susan and Don, and Greig are at the hospital. They have restricted all visitation so she can rest.

this post sounds shakey to me, sorry, I think thats how we all feel.

I will keep you posted.

Sharon

Friday night and all is well

Well, we are home tonight and Mama is moved from Critical to Progressive Care. I just talked to Greig, and he says that Mama looks good, has her drain tubes out and is able to walk 40 steps today with Physical Therupy. What progress over the last few days!!.

Greig says that he talked to Dr. Jones and he says they plan to keep her until Tuesday to make sure the fluid build up does not start again right away. She will be carefully monitored for this, and they can intervene more quickly in the hospital.

Mama has not complained about any of her medical treatments. Not once. She did complain that her catsup was too sweet, and her water needed Ice. She sat up again tonight in a chair and ate her supper.

Again, please continue your prayers for her.

Thanks, Sharon

ccu update

Greig just called to say Mama's day of resting yesterday must have been just what she needed, as she was awake and alert when he got there, and had eaten a good breakfast. They will get her up today, leg exercises with some small weights, and move her on to progressive care sometime today or tomorrow.

I feel better now----doesn't prayer work quickly sometimes???

Thank God

Sharon-----battery is here, gotta go

Still in CCU

Mama is still in Critical Care. Her appetite is very small and she is weak from this ordeal. Vital signs continue to get better but the fluid problem remains a big issue. She sleeps most of the time and we are hoping that her eating improves. We try to encourage her without bugging her which is a fine line when you are very ill.

Please continue to pray, and pray also for the people who care for her. Sometimes God's miracles come thru them, I think.

I am posting because I phoned the hospital last night from my car to give them Susan's number and someone left the dome light on. We dont know who. The battery is charging at a Garage.

Thanks,

Sharon

Oct 1

Susan called the hospital this morning, and the nurses said that mom rested well last night. Her vital signs looked good and she is breathing pretty much on her own. We are not sure, at this time, how long it will be before she is discharged. Maybe Dr. Jones will talk about that today. Another issue is what type of lung therapy will be used. Marlene, Sharon, and Jim are with her today, and I think Greig will be there too.

Don