Christmas Eve started with a bang. Mom got up and wanted to go to her parents' house so Mark obliged and schlepped her over there. He wasn't sure why they went, but took her anyway and she took up residence there through this morning.
That did enable her to see a lot of people the past few days although I'm fairly certain she would've seen them anyway b/c everybody wants to get in a visit! There was a family dinner yesterday and Mom stayed in Grandma and Grandpa's bedroom while people shuttled in and out to chat, hug, and take some pictures. There are some good ones of her and her siblings that were there - Janice, Lori, Trish, and Walt. I'd post, but they're still on a camera that I don't have available.
This morning she saw a couple of nieces prior to coming back here. I also gave her the photobook that Anners put together with HB and Ella pics from the year (f you haven't seen one of these off Kodak Gallery or other photo websites, I highly recommend them). There are pics in there from when she held Ella in the initial hours and days after she was born. We also watched the Chiefs win today and get some help to clinch their division. She was quite pleased with their win although no Tomahawk Chop. :)
Tonight she spiked a slight fever so she's taken some Tylenol and we're waiting on the hospice nurse to stop in and check on her. I've got a list of a few things to ask about - sponge toothbrushes (like she had in the hospital) and whether there's potentially a blood clot in her esophagus that is causing some of the hacking / wommitting. Several months back she had this and it was due to a lack of platelets. Given where we are with her treatment where transfusions are risky, I'm not sure what can be done but we're hoping there's a drug that will help dissipate it and provide some relief.
It's safe to say there are fewer clear moments than there were when I last wrote. That being said, she's been awake a lot more the past couple of days than she was. I'm honestly not sure which is best as when she's awake she does cough and that often brings wommitting. It's not that there's any food in there though so it's not what most of you would be used to seeing. And when she's asleep it's very peaceful to watch.
Ok, I think that's it. Just wanted to catch everybody up on how she spent the holiday and is doing now.
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6 comments:
Good to hear from you and glad to hear she had a good Christmas. The coughing/gagging/vomiting might be a blood clot, but it probably the build up of normal secreations that the rest of us clear easily. In her condition she isn't able to easily do that and they build up. Also, her whole gut is so irratated from all the chemo, everything makes her vomit. There are medications to thin secreations and hospice will probably offer somthing.
Please tell Cathi I love her. I love all of you too for making certain this time is the best it can be.
Wendy @ BMT
There should be some sponge toothbrushes either under her sink, above her toilet, or in the linen closet at the end of the hallway.
Thanks for keeping us up to date! We really enjoyed getting the privilege of seeing her on Christmas Day. I didn't think about it until we got to Wichita, but this is two years in a row now we've gotten to see her on Christmas Day!! I only wish we could've seen you and the kids again too :) We had such a nice time last year with everyone.
I hope everything continues to go smoothly this week. We are thinking and sending lots of thoughts your way constantly.
Lots of love to all!
Margaret and Craig
Thanks Conor for keeping us all up to speed. You and Mark do your Mom proud.
Please give Cathi my love. I tried to call for our usual Christmas Day chat but didn't realise there was nobody at Craig. So pleased she spent the day surrounded by love.
You're all in my thoughts and prayers.
lots of love #2 GOT
Janet, Do you have any photos of Cathi and you and Joan that you are willing to send to me for the video? denvergail@gmail.com
Conor - thank you so much for the updates. I appreciate all that you are doing to help your mom (and us) through this sad time.
love, gail
Mark and Connor,
I'm scouring our hard drives for photos of Cathi in her many, many years of service to Troop 91. I hope to send many to Gail later this evening. (Too many pics to go through....so many years together!)
Our family sends your family our love and prays for strength through all of this painful yet loving, loving time. Cathi is a special woman, and she is receiving the best and most caring end-of-life support anyone could dream of. She has EARNED it, that lady!!
Sara and Tom Pistorius
Thank you for the update; they're much appreciated. Thinking of you all,
Robbie
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