It has been so long since I had posted anything. The last 7 months have been so busy. Mom is done with radiation now. They can't do anything else. The tumor has shrunk way down, but she wasn't able to handle chemo so it is not completely gone. But we are hoping that it will be slow to grow back. The PET scan looked good. No cancer anywhere else. She is gaining strength every day and is able to get out more now. But of course the best laid plans....she had an bladder infection so that has wiped her out the last few days. Not sure if it was the infection, anti-b's or not eating good. Being sick from the anti-b's. She was just taken off her daytime tube feedings, but has put herself back on once a day just to make sure she gets enough to eat. She is still on 12 hours over night. Hopefully now that she is off the anti-b's she will be able to start eating by mouth again without getting sick. Not that she can eat much by mouth. The scar tissue/tumor is still blocking part of the esphogus tube. But she does get some food past it. Hopefully she will get back to where she was a week ago. She was able to finally go places. Anyway it has been a long 7 months, but I would not trade my time with her for anything. We don't know how long she will be around so we all are making the most of it. I always thought that Hospice was for when you were dying. But she is on it now. They will help monitor her and get anything she needs. When we saw the Dr the last time she told mom to get her affairs in order. Contact Hospice. etc. The Dr hopes that the cancer grows back slowly. But better to get everything taken care of now so that we aren't scrambling around at the last minute. This was so hard to hear. I went to work that night and had to go home after an hour and a half as I started crying and couldn't stop. Stress built up and it had to come out somehow. Funny how you think you are handling things so well, and then... Mom just turned 85 on thursday. Only one person has said something about her age. I know she is old, but... Anyway I hope this all makes sense.
The collage is pictures I took of the moon in the last week. Hugs, Teresa
Love the pictures of the moon.
ReplyDeleteIt could have been the chemo which left your poor mother open to an opportunistic bladder infection.
Hugs to both of you. And make sure you take care of yourself. You will have been running on empty and using stress to power your engine for far too long.
I agree with Elephant's child. Please take care of your self. Know that both you and your mom are in my prayers. There is a crazy blessing in this. I know everyone is having a very hard time with this , but I am so glad you will be able to say and do what you want and can before she leaves.
ReplyDeleteMajor hugs,
Grandmommy
Oh Teresa.. so sorry to hear about your mom's health challenges. Just remember that she has lived a good long life. We lost all 4 of our parents in the 80's. It's good that she is getting prepared. Take care of yourself and stay strong. Hugs, Teresa
ReplyDeleteI can only repeat Elephant's Child's comment and say take care of yourself. I'm so sorry your Mum is having such a tough time. It's stupid to say don't worry or don't get stressed. Of course you will do both but try to have a little time to let your mind relax. Thinking of you both x
ReplyDeleteTeresa, bless your heart. It is so hard to watch our parents suffer, to deteriorate, even though they are trying to get well. It sounds like you Mom is strong and has had a beautiful life. You are right these past few months with her have been a blessing although they have been so stressful. And of course you are crying, you have to let it out of you, crying is the best way. I send you a big hug to face these next few months.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Meredith