Not Doing Well

She has started to have a lot of pain in her back and I did see a lump. She is now taking Darviset, but it isn't strong enough, so they are talking about giving her morphine. She didn't feel she could shower or that she can shower anymore, so she had a sponge bath. I told her hospice could come and bathe her and she felt that might be a good idea. She did get two bouquets of flowers over the holidays which she loves. One was from Cheri and Emilee, from aunt Norma's family, the other one was from John and Jenni. They were both beautiful and very different. I took pictures, but didn't get them on the blog yet. The flowers really perked her up.

Up and Down

We were finally able to go see Lorraine Friday. Lorraine seemed so glad to see us. The weather was good so it was a good day. Yesterday I made "Thanksgiving" dinner, since we weren't here for Thanksgiving. She felt good most of the day, but by evening she was in pain and in pain most of today, so she finally took a pain killer, made a few phone calls and went to bed early. It snowed lightly today and tomorrow she is supposed to get her hair done. I hate to take her out when it's icy, because she isn't all that sturdy. We shall see.

Please send Mom Christmas Cards!

Mom loves cards and she loves all of you and would love to hear from you. She is doing ok. She has more pain more often, but feels she can control it herself. She has had the flue and a week later diarrhea, so I haven't been able to take her to see Lorraine. We don't want her to get anyone sick , or anyone getting her sick again. She really misses seeing Lorraine. We still try to get her out when she feels up to it. Usually not more than a half an hour any more. She's been careful what she eats because of not feeling well, but she still eats a lot and often. So I guess that's a good sign. She has been looking forward to a lunch with friends she used to work with on Tuesday, so I hope she will feel up to it. Her friend Eileen has small luncheons at her home once in awhile, just so mom can see friends and get out a little.

Mom had Flue

Mom had a terrible case of the flue Sunday. She was vomiting, diahrea and just miserable. I was quite worried if it was the flue or something else. It only lasted a day and she seems fine now. She is strong. We got her gaterade, to keep her electrolites up and she drank a lot of that yesterday and was careful what she ate, but it seems to have passed now. I was going to stay home from Oregon, but she seems ok and said she would feel bad if I didn't go. We have people calling and visiting with her every day, so I guess I'll go unless something happens between now and tomorrow. We will only be there a couple of days and it's only a 6 hr drive if we had to come home earlier.

Thanksgiving!

Stacey's family and possibly Josh's family are going to be at Whitnie's for Thanksgiving, so we really wanted to go to visit everyone. I have people lined up to visit mom every day and our bishop and his wife are bringing her Thanksgiving dinner. They wanted her to join them for dinner but she doesn't think that she will feel up to it. I tried to talk her into letting me get someone to stay the night here, but she wouldn't hear of it. We will only be gone a couple of days, and we will wait till the last minute to see how she is feeling. We will make a big Thanksgiving dinner here the following week end.

Flowers for Mother

My sister Dolores's son, Scott Derrickson and his family sent mother beautiful flowers. They were in such a beautiful vase, the color really doesn't do it justice.

Mother loves flowers and that was so sweet of them to think of her. She seems to be doing well other than her neck is really getting big. She says it doesn't hurt and it doesn't seem to affect her eating. I guess all we can do is keep an eye on it. If it was painful, I'm not sure she would tell me until it got unbearable.

Blanche and Les hanging out!

I'm in Arizona with Mark and Molly who just had their baby girl. Les was kind enough to stay with mom, while I am here. He will fly out for the blessing. It's hard for us to go for any length of time with mom. She is doing well, but her neck is getting really big. I don't know if it is from steroids she took for a few days a month or so ago, or if it is because of the cancer. She didn't take the steroids for long and it seemed to help her neck, that is at this point her worst problem. It's just hard for her to keep her head up for very long. She's not in pain if she lays down. Anyway, the steroids seemed to help that problem for awhile and even shrunk her stomach quite a bit. Now her stomach is getting bigger again. Who knows, as long as she's not in pain, that's the important thing.

Mom's nephew Pat Robinson sent mom these flowers, and they are just beautiful. It perked her right up. The steroids not only helped her neck, but seemed to shrink her stomach quite a bit. She is feeling better, took herself off steroids and everything else and is much perkier, and even walking better. I always said she would outlive me, and she may. She seems to have new life. The last two weeks I was really worried about her.

Update:

After Lindsay left, I was really worried about mom, she loses her equilibrium and sometimes has a problem thinking. I was even worried that maybe she should get a walker for around the house so she doesn't fall. When we go out, I get her a shopping cart right away, and as long as she can hold on to something, she does ok. We aren't out very long any more. She's in bed most of the time.

Then she had friends, from the bank she worked at years ago, come and visit. She is so much better. Hopefully this will last.

Lindsay's visit

Lindsay came to visit mom from Washington. Lindsay is always good at helping her arrange things in her bedroom. Mom always feels so much better after company.

Having more problems

Mom is having stiffness in the head and neck. The stiffness makes it very difficult to turn her head or look up and down. This is a problem when she walks because she can't see what is directly in front of her. She also has problems eating because she can't look down to see her food. She is on steroids for the neck problem and on a pain medication day and night hoping to ease the stiffness.
She can still shower and take care of her bathroom needs. That's all I pray for.

Mom not feeling well

She had a bad cold, then she started having pain in the back of the neck and her head up behind both ears. She can only sit or stand for a few minutes as she has difficulty holding up her head. Her hospice nurse is trying to get a hold of the Doctor to get steroids to take down the swelling in the neck and back of the head. She will just use these for a few days. If this doesn't help the pain, she will just have to up her meds.

Doing well, but getting a cold

I haven't commented for awhile, because mom has been doing well. We go visit Lorraine once a week, get her hair done, go to the library and do a little bit of shopping. Other than that she likes to read and watch a couple of spanish soap operas. She has visits from time to time which she loves. Our daughter Whitnie and her family were here for a couple of days. Chris loved mom and would go back to visit. We didn't get a picture with the family as mom is coming down with a cold and didn't feel good today. She gets a little pain in her neck and a little in her shoulder, but sleeps and eats well.

Visit from Steve Robinson Family

This is Mom's nephew Steve Robinson, son of Kathy and Frankie, his wife Jen Sook(spelling) their children Samantha 18 and Daniel 15.

We all had a wonderful visit and mom truly enjoyed them coming all the way from Utah for a visit.

The kids were great and Salsa loves a photo op.

John Hatch Family visiting Great Grandma Udy

This is four generations of Hatch/Udy girls! From left Cheryl, Evie, Grandma Udy, Jenni, Salsa and Lauren

This is the John Hatch Clan! Top Left: Michael, John, Salsa(How did she get in there?) Grandma Udy, Jenni, Evie, and Lauren. Bottom left: Connor, Gabe, Ethan and Griffith

Just the Hatch Guys: Top left: John, Grandma, Michael and Les. Bottom left: Gabe, Griff, Connor and Ethan. It was a great visit and every one loved to be with grandma again

Visit from Josh Hatch Family

Roxy is holding baby Gunner, then grandma and Josh. On bottom left to right, Hunter 5, Meadow 7, Mason 5, Cambria 7 and Johnny 9. She has had a good visit and loves her great grandkids. Hunter said to her, "I know your my great-grandma, but what makes you so great?

Not Much Change

I haven't put much on recently because there isn't anything new. She still takes a pill for pain at night and sometimes in the day time. She gets short of breath when we go anywhere, but after a rest is fine. She isn't sleeping as much in the day time but the medication helps her sleep at night. She tried to draw, but has a sore thumb and can't quite do it yet.

They are having great turnover at the hospice we chose, so may consider changing hospices. She has had 4 different nurses in 4 weeks and none of them at the time or even day we were told week before.

We went away for a three days again, and mom got along fine. She had friends from work come to visit. Hospice knew we were going and were to come the 2nd day to check, but were a no show, that upset me. But she got a long great!

Clarence & Linda on way back from Funeral

Clarence and Linda Widerburg stopped coming and going to Utah for Bo's Funeral. The dog on in Linda's hands was Bo's dog, Foxy. The police put it in a shelter as it was in the house alone with Bo after the accident, so Clarence traced it down, which took a lot and brought her home with them.

They had just adopted a collie the week before. Her name is Eva, which was my grandmother's name, so that was the clincher in choosing that one. Salsa looks small next to the pomerenian that was Bo's.

Mother is doing well and does so much better when company comes. She started taking pain medicine at night again, and is now taking one in the day also. Her hands are weak and she has a brace on her right thumb.

We are leaving town for two days, but she will be having visitors and the hospice nurse will be coming by.

She got a perm today, which was tiring, but she feels much better and looks good.

New Hospice Nurse

Last week Cindy the hospice nurse was frustrated with the company. When she didn't come today for the appointment, I found out she had quit. They sent a new nurse and Mother liked her as well, so that was a relief. Mom is doing well, her vitals are normal. Not much pain, but she has started taking a pill for pain at night as turning in bed hurts.

Yesterday we did our Tuesdays routine. Went to the library, since she reads several books a week. Then to see Lorraine, who was in quite a good mood. They had an harmonica player playing hymns, the music was quite catchy and she seemed to enjoy it. We always top the morning off by getting a take home pizza for lunch.

My cousin Clarence and his wife will be back through here Friday on the way to Utah. They have had a great tragedy in the family. His brother Paul and Calla's son Bo was found dead in his apartment. Somehow he fell and hit his head. I really don't know the details. Anyway Clarence and Linda will be staying here on the way to and from the funeral. I asked mom if she wanted to go, but doesn't feel up to it.

Pain medicine helped

She's feeling much better today. She has taken her pain medicine for two days and seems to have the pain under control again. She is going to take the medication again tonight and then see if she will need them after that. She really had me worried last night.

Pain is Back!

Yesterday we went to visit her sister Lorraine, went to the library, and got a take home pizza which is our regular routine on Tuesday's. Les and I work in the temple on Tues. Eve and got home around nine. She complained of pain, it got bad enough she took a pain pill. She was sore today, but it was do-able for her. Then all of a sudden this evening she was having excrusiating pain in the back where she has cancer in the rib cage. She took a pain pill and went to bed. I don't know what I can do. If it gets worse, I'll call hospice for stronger pain medication. I don't know if this will be a continual thing or short term. She hasn't had any pain medicine in about a month, so I know it's bad when she is willing to take a pain killer.

Mom Alone for Weekend

Friends of ours invited us to go to the mountains with them for the week end. We were hesitant but decided if we left Saturday and came back Sunday, she would be OK. My cousin Ron called to check on her, and so did my friend Annette. She had friends, Rick and Shauna come over Sunday and they stayed to visit for a couple of hours and we were home shortly after. She did fine, so as long as she is feeling good, we may try going somewhere for the whole week end next month. It felt so good to get away for awhile. Mom is never any problem, I don't mean that, it's just that we need to get away and do something fun once in awhile.

Good Week

Tuesdays we go see Lorraine her sister. This week they had a sing-along when we went there. So we sang along and it was kind of enjoyable. Then we always go to the library after and take home a pizza. Wednesday we bought mom some scrubs. Her waist still bothers her from the shingles. She bought navy, tan and wine colored ones. They look like normal pants but she can loosen them when she's home. Before she would just put on her nightie all day. The hospice nurse came, and said she's doing great but her blood pressure was a little elevated. Today pastor Bruce from hospice came with his guitar and sang, it was very nice, but I felt a bit uncomfortable being an audience of 2, 3 counting Salsa. Tomorrow we have been invited to go with friends to their place in Grand Jean and spend the night. It's the first time we are leaving mom, but my cousin Ron said he would check on her and she has neighbors #'s. Rick and Shauna, friends of hers, are coming over Sunday, so I think she will do fine. It is so beautiful in Grand Jean, it's at the foot of the sawtooth mountains, and we're taking our ATV's. It will be good to get away even if it is only overnight.

Observation!

Mom's seems to feel pretty good, no pain, but she is starting to look a little yellow. We went out today to get pants with a drawstring, because it's still touchy on the waist from the shingles. She doesn't have a lot of energy, but feels content.

Great Visit!

Mildred Hickman and her daughters Carol and Nina, came to visit and brought beautiful flowers from Mildred's garden.

Carol used to live in the apartment below mom and dad's and has always been there for mom. Mom thinks of her as a daughter. Carol is the one on the left.

Even though my brother Dave and Nina, on the right, have been divorced for years, she has always been so thoughtful to mom. She came out from South Carolina, I think, for a family reunion, and still took time to come visit mom. We had a wonderful afternoon visiting.

Doing Well

She's had a cold for a couple of days, and that always scares her. We always wonder if it is something more. We were told her cancer would probably next go to the lungs or the brain. But she is doing better today. Nina is coming Thursday with her mother and sister, and mother is mortified that she will be sick and not be able to see them, so she has stayed in for the last few days and trying to nurse herself back to good health.

Doing Great!

She is totally off of any medication, except high blood pressure medicine which she has always taken, and isn't feeling pain. She loves to go to the library, and reads a lot. She tires easily and doesn't have a lot of energy. I'm sure that's the thyroid cancer. She has a good appetite again. I wonder if she isn't kind of in remission. Carol, Nina's sister took her to lunch on Wednesday. Thursday a fill in hospice nurse came and said she was doing fine. Cindy, her regular nurse was out of town. Friday she got her hair done so life is good!

Since I'm home a lot more now, I'm getting good at sudoku and word scrambles in the paper. I am even getting my garden planted.

Better Today!

I think with all the talk of Memorial Day yesterday Mom was kind of depressed and just wanted to get the dying process over with. I felt really bad and couldn't cheer her up. But you know, even with stage 4 cancer, which I guess is the last stages, she feels good, not in pain now that the shingles are pretty well gone. She tires easily and doesn't have a lot of energy, but she seems to do fine and is content with a little outing every day, then doesn't want to go out again. As sick as it sounds, I guess it would be good to have like an approximate birthday, only an approximate death day. It would probably be easier to plan your life than being unsure if you would be here a year from now or a week from now. I don't know what would be best. Today she dressed and went to church for an hour and seems to feel better.

My cousin Dennis asked her to write a little about her brother Max, which is his dad, for a family reunion. She has enjoyed thinking back to when they were young.

Cold and Windy Today

Yesterday was windy too, but it was a little warmer. We went to see Lorraine, and had a good visit. Lorraine was quite talkative so it was an enjoyable visit. Then we went to the library and got 5 books. She loves to read and reads about a book a day. We haven't gone anywhere today because it is too cold and windy. She isn't taking the medicine for the shingles and is feeling much better and is sleeping fine. In the morning she is a little sick to her stomach, but doesn't complain of anything else.

Mom feels Good

She seems to be pretty well over the shingles, so she quit taking the pain medicine for that. Cindy the hospice nurse told her to only take the new pain medicine for the cancer if she is feeling pain. She seems to be doing ok. She was going to try not taking it tonight because it makes her a little sick to her stomach. The cancer is progressing, but now that hopefully the shingles are under control, she really isn't in a lot of pain. She get's winded after walking a bit in the store and is always ready to come home and relax. Tomorrow we will go see Lorraine and go to the library. She's read 3 books she's really liked this week. Her appetite is better and she usually fixes her food in the kitchen, but like to eat alone in her room. She comes out often to visit then goes back and sleeps, watches tv or reads. We try to get out every morning for at least an hour. She loves letters and loves to write back. She loves being in control again and not having to do what the DR wants, even though he's nice. Hospice gives her the opportunity to call the shots.

Hospice

I wasn't aware there were so many different Hospice. After checking around, we decided to go to the one connected with the local hospital. The lady, Cindy, came out today. She's in her mid 50's been a nurse for 30 years, and hospice for 5. She's a big tall woman,which I felt good might be good when I need more physical help. She's not syrupy, but talks like it is, which mom likes. She will come once a week till needed more just to talk and see how things are going and if there is any change. It's nice just to have someone to call if either of us have any questions. She's changing her pain meds from what she has for shingles to one that is better help with some of her pain that may be from some of her cancers.

She's doing fine now that the shingles are under control. We went to the library today and tomorrow she gets her hair done. So far, life is good.

Mom Loves Family Visits

Mom's younger brother Frank and his wife Kathy came for a visit. It was so nice to see them. Ron picked them up and took them to see his mother Lorraine, and she recognized Frank. Les and I had to work at the temple last night so couldn't stay. But fixed dinner for them to have when they got back with Ron.

We all had a good visit this morning, then they were off to Oregon. It's finally warming up here and the flowers and trees are all in blossom. We have a call into Hospice, they are waiting to hear from the Dr., then we can get that started. I didn't realize there were several hospice groups and you interview and find one that fit your needs. I think we will probably go with the one from the local Mercy Hospital. We know someone else using Mercy Hospice and they are happy with them. We will see when they come out. My cousin Pat, the pharmacist, sent an article about Hospice, that will help me know what to ask.

Mom's Cancer Progress

I called the Dr's office today to see exactly where the cancer is, every time the Dr. would try to tell her she would change the subject. It is very fast moving. Started as cervical cancer is in bones, thyroid, adrenal glands, breasts, spine, ribs and neck. As of the pet scan taken a month ago it was at the brain, not in the brain. Who knows now. He was giving her Armidex to slow it down.

She has decided not to take it and to go on hospice. I can't blame her. I told her where the cancer is, and I think that is the wisest choice. It's hard for me because I don't want to let her go, but I know she would just continue to deteriorate and she is beyond being cured.

I don't know what care the future will bring, but I pray that whatever it is, I can do it.

John was talking about changing his babies diapers, I joked that I will probably be doing the same soon. But that's ok. It's surprising what you can do when you have to.

Doctor's Visit

We did find out among the places she has cancer is in the brain. The Dr. gave her the option of , taking a medication to slow down the cancer, then taking another pet scan in 2 months and seeing how things are going, or to go on hospice. I think she is leaning more towards hospice, because the medication doesn't cure anything.

Great Mother's Day!

Mom had a great Mother's Day and appreciated all the cards, letters, calls and gifts. Once again I think Josh Hatch out did it by giving her a new great grandson. John's close behind with a new great grand daughter a few weeks earlier.

She felt good enough to go to church. Tomorrow she goes to the Dr. so we hope to know more how things are going. The medicine she has been on has really made a difference. She is almost out of it, so I hope he will give her something else or she will renew it. I never know. We are also going to ask for hospice. After hearing from Joyce Derrickson and Linda Widerburg, who have both worked with hospice, it sounds like a good thing to do.

Finally something that works!

The new medication the Dr. gave her didn't work at first and was constipating, but thanks to Pat, that part was taken care. She has minimal or no pain which is wonderful and she is sleeping well at night and after 4 days, is back getting out a little bit each day. She didn't feel well enough Friday to get her hair done, but did today and we've even run a few errands. I understand the medication she is on is addictive, so I don't know how long she can be on it, but we go to the Dr. Monday. It's great to see her finally with out so much pain.

Hopefully this helps

When we were working at the temple last night, one of the workers, a nurse, told me one of the reasons mom's shingles are lasting so long is she is in pain, and the pain causes stress.

I told her this and she finally let me call the Dr. and get strong medication as long as it was short term. He gave her a generic for prednizone. She just took 2 and is sleeping. Her perscription is for 10 days then she sees the Dr. again. I just hope they don't upset her stomach.

Good Day for Mom

Clarence and Linda were here for a couple of days. It's great for me to see everyone again, and mom loves the visits. Linda is a hospice nurse, so she gave us good advice that mom was willing to take.

She doesn't seem to feel as much pain when she's busy or visits with others. It seems to take her mind off of it.

This evening Caleb, Dave's son called. That was just absolutely the icing on the cake. She was so happy to hear from him. He lived close when he was young and she feels a special bond with him. And of course Dave is her only son. She used to look so forward to seeing Josh, Dave's other son during summers also. She loves all of us and our kids too and we all know it, but she does have a special place in her heart for Dave and his kids.

I just pray tomorrow will be another good day for her.

It is so hard for me to see her in pain. She's been so good about it.

Mom enjoys friends

We had a wonderful day with Carol and Mildred. Mildred brought beautiful daffodil and Crocus from her garden. Carol made a carrot cake and her famous lasagna. We had the cake at the open house. It was delicious and we're saving the lasagna for when Aunt Kathy comes next month.
You can kind of tell from her eyes that she is in pain, but aunt Kathy, sent her some medicated wraps for her shingles and that has really helped. She finally today started taking her pain meds. They're what she asked for, but I know and the dr even said they were too light. But it's better than nothing.

Ruth Croaker was our next door neighbor all the time I was growing up. Her and mother still keep in touch.

More Faith in the Patch

Mom has gotten some patch's made specifically to numb the pain that comes after the shingles. She has been in terrible pain the last few days.I really feel this may help her. She puts them on for 12 hrs, then off for 12 hrs. She started loosing weight with the lemon maple syrup elixer, and she just can't have that happening. She is asleep right now and we will probably stay home today to see how the patch's will work on her. I'll keep everyone posted.

Thanks for the cards, letters and visits

Mom got many cards and letters and phone calls and visits for her birthday. She really enjoyed them all. It was like Christmas around here.
Today we had friends in the neighborhood come over for an open house for her birthday. It was only for an hour, but I wanted her to meet the people that have offered to help her. She has most of their numbers in case of an emergency, she could call them. It was just good for her to see who they were, so if they did come she would kind of know them. About 20 people came and stayed the whole time and a little longer, and spent time talking with her. She loved it.

Got the Recipe

Mother finally got the recipe she needed, that she so much depends on. It is a cleanser, that she should use a long with a very restrictive diet. She is so thin already, but she decided she doesn't want to do the diet, just the concoction of lemon juice, maple syrup, cayan pepper and alcalide salt. Hope it works for her and doesn't make her sick.. I had her weigh, and she promised to weigh every few days. She's in a lot of pain but refuses pain pills. That's so hard on me to see her suffer, but she's sure her way is better.

We went to lunch to day with her friends from Idaho, Carol and her mother Mildred Hickman. We went to Olive Garden and had the soup and salad. That's the most I've seen her eat. Which wasn't much. She's well while we're out. When they're gone, you can see her really let down and she admits she's in pain. It doesn't hurt when she sleeps, so she sleeps a lot.

My nephew's wife and my cousin's wife have both worked with hospice and say she should already be on hospice. But if I can't get her to take pills, I don't know how I will talk her in to that.

Clarence's wife is one of them and they will be here next week. Maybe she can talk to her.

Thanks for all the cards and letters for her birthday! She has loved them. Her birthday is tomorrow.

Waiting for the Elixer

Yesterday was a bad day for mom. It seems like it's about every other day. Today we ran errands ending at Costco for a hotdog. She ate about half.

Her Cousin Barbara's daughter, not aunt Barbara, Cheryl has told mother about this wonderful mixture the cures everything and takes away the pain. Mom has a lot of pain but won't take her pain medecine, because she is sure this mixture will do wonders. She said the pain medicine is constipating and makes her groggy. I think this stuff will make her sick to her stomach. It is a mixture of pure maple syrup, lemon juice, alkaline salt and cayan pepper. Then you cook it, I don't know if you take it by a spoonful or drink it. Barbara's daughter has ordered her two books talking about the wonders of this from Amazon.com and I guess the recipe is in them. I know she won't do anything else until she tries this. So I will let you know how it works, when she gets the recipe and tries it.

One of the reason's I think she is doing better today is Les and our friend Joe Overman gave her a blessing last night. She slept better and doesn't seem to be in as much pain today.

Mom Loves Visits

Kathryn, Aunt Norma's daughter and her daughters and grand daughter came all the way from Salt Lake, just to visit mom for the afternoon, then went home. From left to right is Kathryn, holding Salsa of course, Marlene, Carrie, Mom, Sherry and her daughter Emily. That was so sweet and mom just loved visiting and talking to everyone. They got here around noon, we had a light lunch, mom planned then they visited a while, all got back in the car and went home. It's nice to know families are forever.

Tomorrow will be Better

Yesterday was a good day for her. Today not so much. Her shingles are bothering her and she says her pain killer is making her groggy. She went to get her hair done, and came home and went to bed. She's doing a little better this evening. I know she will do better tomorrow when my cousin Katheryn and her family come from Utah. I can't believe they are coming up for the day and driving back in the afternoon. She really appreciates that.

Our neighbor is a nurse and said mother could call her if she needs help when we are gone. So I called to make sure she would be home, then Les and I went ATVing with our friends in the afternoon. It was so good to get out there again. It's really the first warm day we've had. When we got home mom was fine, and just reading a book.

How Mom's Doing

Yesterday was a difficult day. She didn't feel well, we went to Costco and made plans for what to serve when my cousin, Aunt Norma's daughter Kathryn, her daughters and granddaughter come on Saturday. She loves Costco hotdogs, but could only eat half.

Today was much better, we went to the dollar store to pick up some cards, then to see Aunt Lorraine. Lorraine was actually awake and we visited for awhile. Then she was ready to come home eat lunch about 11 and rest. I usually go to the gym while she sleeps. She slept a long time. She's taking the new medication and I hope it will help her feel better. That will be all she'll get out today. I try to get her out a little bit each day. Her attitude is good though.

Mom"s room at our house

As you can see it's pretty roomey

She has a nice size tv and firplace

The cabinet in the background is kind of like a kitchenette with her food, dishes etc.

Dr. appointment results

Just got back from the Dr. He verified that her cancer started as breast cancer, is in her neck, back and especially bad on the ribs on her left side and in the glands of the neck. He didn't even suggest treatment except to bring the swelling down in the glands and pain killers. I didn't get much of a chance to ask questions because mom did all the talking, mostly about caring for dad, so it was hard to get a word in from the Dr. or me. I think it was mostly nerves on her part. We go back in a month for lab test, then I think they will have a better idea on how fast it is moving. I am concerned that she has lost 3 lbs in the last couple of weeks, but that could be from the trama of moving and all. He shingles are still bothering her also.

Visit with the Robinson's

Pat and Frank Robinson, came from Sacramento to spend a few days with mom. We all had a great time. Ron Debendiner came over for Sunday afternoon. I don't know how we missed him in the pictures. This really made mom feel good and take her mind off of things. Since Pat is a pharmacist and Frank a doctor, they answered a lot of her questions about what drugs to take and what she should do. Dennis Hyde her nephew called today and so did her brother Willard. It was a good day.
Les and I got in this picture with Mom and Frank. Just before the picture was taken, Salsa jumped up to be in it.
Les and Pat played a friendly game of Wii boxing. Frank had surgery on his arm for an accident playing ball on New Years day, but vowed to come back for a challenge.
In case you couldn't tell Pat won. I think he's hooked and is going to try to find a Wii. Les won a few games himself and they were both exhausted by the end.

Good Times

On Friday I took mom to the my beautician, and we found she also does rollers, not just curling iron, and she did mom's hair just the way she likes it.

Today Frank and Pat Robinson, her nephews, sons of Frankie Robinson came to visit her from California. She loved it and they will be back tomorrow for a visit. Ron Debendiner, Lorraines son will also be here tomorrow. It was good for her because Frank is a Dr. and Pat a pharmacist, and so she was able to ask them a lot of questions. She loved having company.

Les challenged Pat to several games of WII, Frank's arm was in a cast so he couldn't play.

You'd Better Shop Around!

Mom wanted to plan and pay for her funeral ahead of time. Yesterday we went to Cloverdale Mortuary, they own Terrace Lawn Memorial Gardens where dad is buried and where mom will be buried beside him. It was very expensive, but didn't think we had a choice. In talking to friends we found you can go through any mortuary, and they could take care of everything. Fortunately we hadn't paid for anything at Cloverdale. Our friends recommended Zeyers Mortuary as two of them had had family funerals through them.

Mom got just what she wanted and a better casket for $3,000.00 less. It's cruel that they try to take you at such a trying time. When I called Cloverdale back, the guy remembered he did have cheaper caskets and cheaper services, but we still went through Zeyers. Tough thing to think about and a tough thing for me to do, but in the end it will be easier with everything preplanned.

Not much new

It's now Wednesday, about 1:45 am and I couldn't sleep. I tried to get mom out yesterday, but she didn't feel very good. However she did buy a couple of purses. Her shingles are starting to bother her. She slept most of the day. It's kind of cute, she eats dinner, then goes to bed for a couple of hours, then gets up for "Dancing with the Stars", and a Spanish soap opera, then goes back to bed again.

She had me make an appointment today with the mortuary, to plan her graveside services and buy a casket. She seems calm about that but I don't know how I'll be.

She eats well, and when she isn't in pain, her spirits are good. She doesn't like taking pain killers in the day time as they make her groggy and gets an upset stomach. I'll be glad when we meet with the Dr. on Tuesday.

Frank, Pat, and Steve Robinson, her nephews are coming to visit this week end. She is really looking forward to their visit. I haven't seen them in years, so that will be great.

Went in for testing

Mom went in for a petscan? today. It took about an hour and a half. She did well. She also has shingles now, which is annoying but not as painful I guess as the last time she had them but they are itching. She isn't getting out as much as I would like, but she seems to feel well.

Friday she did go shopping and bought new sheets and a bedspread to make her room feel more like her own.

She wants to go to the mortuary and pick out her casket and make funeral arrangements tomorrow. She wants graveside services with no viewing. I tried to talk her in to waiting till after her Dr's appointment next Tuesday when she finds out the results of her test. But she just wants to get that over with.

About Blanche

I finally have a blog for mom, but with all the company we have this next week, don't know how much I will be getting on the blog.

We went to the tumor institute in Nampa today for the first time. She really liked her new Doctor, and has agreed to have a pet Scan next Monday, then her next appointment with the doctor will be on the 7th. That way he will be able to pin point exactly where and how far advanced is the cancer.

Frank and Pat Robinson are coming to visit her on the week end of the 4th. She is so excited. They have always been so good to her.

She got an email from her grand daughter in law today and that meant a lot to her also.

We've gone through a lot of boxes and pretty well have her room set up. She enjoys the fireplace a lot.