Mom is being a sleepy head today. She cannot have anything by mouth because the doctors are fearful that she may aspirate foods into her lungs, causing pneumonia again. The feeding tube has been in since last evening. This will provide her with some much needed nutrition.
It rained here this morning, so while Mom slept, I went back to the motel and washed some clothes for us. She is worried about running out of clean underwear! She's also concerned about how her hair looks! I guess my vanity comes naturally!
Jane/Mom/auntie
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
Friday, September 28 6:45 p.m.
Well, two steps forward, one back. Mom is at the present time getting a "picc" feeding tube. This is through her arm, into her chest. My understanding is that she can receive nourishment through this tube in addition to blood draws. Perhaps you nurses out there can post a comment and explain further... She is scheduled for a permanent feeding tube in her stomach on Monday. I guess this will result in us coming home a couple of days later. We are both getting pretty anxious to get home. The plan is still to transfer her to a swing-bed unit at Manistique. Hopefully, this will work out.
More info later.
More info later.
Friday, September 28 - noon
Well,
Things are looking up! I talked to the doctors and the nutritionists this morning. The plan is to place a permanent feeding tube in mom's stomach HOPEFULLY this afternoon. She is doing much better today, but surgery on her throat to remove the Zenker's is not an option at this time as mom is definitely not strong enough for surgery.
The hospital Social worker met with me a little while ago. We are going to try to get mom transferred back to Manistique in the "swingbed"program for a while until she can go home. When she gets home, she will definitely have to have 24-hour care for a while, otherwise she will have to go to a nursing home.
If all goes well, we hope to have her transferred by next Wednesday or Thursday. I have decided to stay with her as I know her meds, and her medical history, plus we just like 'hanging out'!!
Mom is taking (another) nap, so I'm going for a walk. I always have my cell phone on, so if anyone wants to talk or has questions, do not hesitate to call (906-235-8760) Also, please share these messages with other family members who do not have computers.
Jane/Mom/Auntie - and niece!
Things are looking up! I talked to the doctors and the nutritionists this morning. The plan is to place a permanent feeding tube in mom's stomach HOPEFULLY this afternoon. She is doing much better today, but surgery on her throat to remove the Zenker's is not an option at this time as mom is definitely not strong enough for surgery.
The hospital Social worker met with me a little while ago. We are going to try to get mom transferred back to Manistique in the "swingbed"program for a while until she can go home. When she gets home, she will definitely have to have 24-hour care for a while, otherwise she will have to go to a nursing home.
If all goes well, we hope to have her transferred by next Wednesday or Thursday. I have decided to stay with her as I know her meds, and her medical history, plus we just like 'hanging out'!!
Mom is taking (another) nap, so I'm going for a walk. I always have my cell phone on, so if anyone wants to talk or has questions, do not hesitate to call (906-235-8760) Also, please share these messages with other family members who do not have computers.
Jane/Mom/Auntie - and niece!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Thursday, September 27 6:45 pm
Mom looks better this evening. She is trying to eat some mashed potatoes/gravy, jello, applesauce, and lemon pie! Naturally, she wants a 'little night cap' (see where I get it...) but for some reason they frown on moonshine in the hospital...
I just got an e-mail from Jason. He and Scott are sitting on the plane to go to Beijing. Scott left for Shanghai last Saturday to stay with Jason, Vu, and Brycen for two weeks. China will never be the same after my two sons "party their way through!" I've asked them for some pictures to post. For those of you who know Jason very well, let's hope he doesn't discover a karaoke bar somewhere... We might have to ask cousin Dawn in Denmark to go and bail him out!
I just got an e-mail from Jason. He and Scott are sitting on the plane to go to Beijing. Scott left for Shanghai last Saturday to stay with Jason, Vu, and Brycen for two weeks. China will never be the same after my two sons "party their way through!" I've asked them for some pictures to post. For those of you who know Jason very well, let's hope he doesn't discover a karaoke bar somewhere... We might have to ask cousin Dawn in Denmark to go and bail him out!
Thursday, September 27, 4:30 p.m.
Well, I wish I had better news to report. Mom had a rough night last night. She has developed some pneumonia in her lungs. The doctors said this is very common due to her medical problems and particularly her swallowing difficulties. She is being treated with antibiotics. In addition, she has been given potassium through an IV for several hours. This is very painful because it burns badly. The nurses are great--they slowed down the IV so the potassium was given more slowly.
More bad news. Doctors attempted to put a temporary feeding tube through her nose because she is getting very little nourishment. This was not successful. A permanent feeding tube will most likely be done later on, but she cannot undergo surgery right now. It seems like it is two steps back and one forward these days.
She is very weak, yet her sense of humor has not diminished. Yesterday, the nurse needed to give her some medicine. She asked Mom to spell her name. Mom was very sleepy and did not respond. The nurse asked her again to spell her name. Finally, Mom said to her, "Why? Don't YOU know how to spell it?"
A little while ago Mom looked at me and said, "Well, at least I DON'T have 'walking pneumonia'!!!" I told her that Jenny continues to can tomatoes and tomato juice. Mom said, "I forgot to share my secret about canning tomato juice with Jenny." So I must call Jenny tonight and share "Grandma's canning secrets!"
She keeps me going! I think we can all learn lots from Mom. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going!" She seldoms complains. Thank you for all your prayers, and I love reading the posts. Hopefully, I'll have some photos to post soon.
More bad news. Doctors attempted to put a temporary feeding tube through her nose because she is getting very little nourishment. This was not successful. A permanent feeding tube will most likely be done later on, but she cannot undergo surgery right now. It seems like it is two steps back and one forward these days.
She is very weak, yet her sense of humor has not diminished. Yesterday, the nurse needed to give her some medicine. She asked Mom to spell her name. Mom was very sleepy and did not respond. The nurse asked her again to spell her name. Finally, Mom said to her, "Why? Don't YOU know how to spell it?"
A little while ago Mom looked at me and said, "Well, at least I DON'T have 'walking pneumonia'!!!" I told her that Jenny continues to can tomatoes and tomato juice. Mom said, "I forgot to share my secret about canning tomato juice with Jenny." So I must call Jenny tonight and share "Grandma's canning secrets!"
She keeps me going! I think we can all learn lots from Mom. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going!" She seldoms complains. Thank you for all your prayers, and I love reading the posts. Hopefully, I'll have some photos to post soon.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Wednesday evening 9/26
Mom is resting this evening--what a sleepy head! I told her she could sleep 10 minutes then we we're going to bust out of her room! I got a wheel chair for her and we're going 'cruising'. St Mary's here at Mayo is huge! I've needed to walk, and I'm certainly doing it!
No news about her Echo Stress test--probably Thursday or Friday. Again, the ENT doctor said he will do surgery on Mom's throat--but not until the cardiac unit gives their ok. She is getting very little nutrition--she ate about 10 small bites of her supper just now. However, there is a KFC next my motel, and I promised her I would get her some potatoes and gravy (one of her--and Raymond's--favorite dishes!)
No news about her Echo Stress test--probably Thursday or Friday. Again, the ENT doctor said he will do surgery on Mom's throat--but not until the cardiac unit gives their ok. She is getting very little nutrition--she ate about 10 small bites of her supper just now. However, there is a KFC next my motel, and I promised her I would get her some potatoes and gravy (one of her--and Raymond's--favorite dishes!)
Wednesday, September 26 1:10 p.m.
Update: Mom cannot have an echo stress test today because she had some fluid built up around her lungs and hearts. That is now being taken care of. However, the heart test has to be postponed until the fluid is gone which may be a day or two.
The ENT doctor has agreed to do the surgery, if and when the heart team says it's a go. So, it's a waiting game. Uncle Ron left to go back home, and will return when needed.
That's all the news for this afternoon. If you have pictures you can send electronically, please send them to my email (jstefanich@gmail.com) Hopefully, I will get Mom into a wheelchair and get her out of the room today. I have pictures from Deanna and Vu (Snapfish) and from Kelly (Walmart)
Will post more updates as they occur.
Jane/Mom/Auntie
The ENT doctor has agreed to do the surgery, if and when the heart team says it's a go. So, it's a waiting game. Uncle Ron left to go back home, and will return when needed.
That's all the news for this afternoon. If you have pictures you can send electronically, please send them to my email (jstefanich@gmail.com) Hopefully, I will get Mom into a wheelchair and get her out of the room today. I have pictures from Deanna and Vu (Snapfish) and from Kelly (Walmart)
Will post more updates as they occur.
Jane/Mom/Auntie
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