Yesterday afternoon my mom had another minor surgery. They inserted tubes in both her sides to help drain more fluid that has built up around her lungs.
After talking to my dad today, it seems they have already helped quite a bit. The plan is to leave the tubes in until Friday.
This brings up one of my concerns that I'm sure others have had also. Why does fluid in or around her lungs keep occuring? I asked my dad to clarify the situation. He said some of the fluid was existing that they hadn't been able to get out yet, some is new. Her lungs have not been able to fully expand yet due to the fluid, once they get rid of enough of it to allow the expansion, it should help prevent more buildup. This along with increased physical activity should resolve the issue.
He also delivered the good news that by the beginning of next week, mom will most likely be transferred to the rehab floor where she will be able to participate in a more rigorous physical therapy program. She has proved she can handle the move through a lot of hard work and effort on her part. When I called around noon today she was already about to start her second walking session of the day. Go Mom!
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Stronger
The best news that we can report is that Elaine keeps getting stronger. She now walks with a walker and she consistently goes a little further each time (usually twice a day). This is exactly what she needs to be doing. She is evaluated on a daily basis and just as soon as she can tolerate three hours of physical therapy a day she will be moved down to the rehabilitation unit.
If she could be persuaded, I would like to put a picture of her on here. Her hair is growing fast and is so beautiful. One of the nurses compared her as she is today to the family picture here in her room. She said she thinks she is more beautiful today, with shorter hair, because you can see so much of her natural beauty. I completely agree!
We are so very grateful for all your continual prayers on Elaine's behalf. Love to all!
If she could be persuaded, I would like to put a picture of her on here. Her hair is growing fast and is so beautiful. One of the nurses compared her as she is today to the family picture here in her room. She said she thinks she is more beautiful today, with shorter hair, because you can see so much of her natural beauty. I completely agree!
We are so very grateful for all your continual prayers on Elaine's behalf. Love to all!
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Breathing Deep
As mentioned before, breathing has been a bit of a struggle for Elaine. They give her a medicine to help remove excess fluid but when the doctors looked at x-rays today they determined that there was just too much fluid that was preventing her from breathing deep enough.
Elaine's platelets have been low and as long there isn't a reason for bleeding it's been okay. The platelets help the blood clot. In anticipation of removing the fluid off of her lungs the first thing they had to do was give her platelets. As they were prepping her the doctor asked Elaine if she had any concerns. She just looked him in the eyes and told him she trusted him. I think she made his day.
The next step was to do an ultrasound on her back so they could see exactly where the fluid was settling. Once they had the right spot they inserted a catheter as small as a needle between her ribs on her back and they successfully removed 1.25 liters of fluid.
As they were finishing the doctor asked Elaine if she could feel the difference and she said that she could. It was visibly obvious to Lynn and I that she was definitely able to take deeper more effective breaths. The doctor then said, "that couldn't have gone better." We were all able to take deeper breaths with that statement.
While I was there today I heard two different nurses say how sweet Elaine is. Her days aren't easy but she is always willing and so kind. She is an amazing example to everyone.
Elaine's platelets have been low and as long there isn't a reason for bleeding it's been okay. The platelets help the blood clot. In anticipation of removing the fluid off of her lungs the first thing they had to do was give her platelets. As they were prepping her the doctor asked Elaine if she had any concerns. She just looked him in the eyes and told him she trusted him. I think she made his day.
The next step was to do an ultrasound on her back so they could see exactly where the fluid was settling. Once they had the right spot they inserted a catheter as small as a needle between her ribs on her back and they successfully removed 1.25 liters of fluid.
As they were finishing the doctor asked Elaine if she could feel the difference and she said that she could. It was visibly obvious to Lynn and I that she was definitely able to take deeper more effective breaths. The doctor then said, "that couldn't have gone better." We were all able to take deeper breaths with that statement.
While I was there today I heard two different nurses say how sweet Elaine is. Her days aren't easy but she is always willing and so kind. She is an amazing example to everyone.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
The Next Step
Elaine's kidney and heart function continues to improve gradually. They have started to give her a medication that helps remove the excess water from her body. She has struggled to maintain good oxygen levels because of some fluid on her lungs and this medicine has made it easier for her to breathe.
She has been cleared medically and so what lies ahead for her is physically rehabilitation. There has been some discussion about moving her to a nursing facility closer to home. There is a lot to consider in a move like this. She now has a case manager and once ALL of her doctors were consulted, it was determined that she will not be moved until there is a plan in place that will guarantee her success. As of today, she is in the cardiovascular rehab unit but the concern is that her physical rehabilitation needs can't entirely be met there. She's not quite ready for the intensity of full rehabilitation but won't progress as she needs to with the limited physical therapy she is currently receiving.
For now, we are praying that they can find a way for her unique needs to be met so that she can finish the fight she has so valiantly fought.
She has been cleared medically and so what lies ahead for her is physically rehabilitation. There has been some discussion about moving her to a nursing facility closer to home. There is a lot to consider in a move like this. She now has a case manager and once ALL of her doctors were consulted, it was determined that she will not be moved until there is a plan in place that will guarantee her success. As of today, she is in the cardiovascular rehab unit but the concern is that her physical rehabilitation needs can't entirely be met there. She's not quite ready for the intensity of full rehabilitation but won't progress as she needs to with the limited physical therapy she is currently receiving.
For now, we are praying that they can find a way for her unique needs to be met so that she can finish the fight she has so valiantly fought.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Good News
It's official... Elaine had the dialysis ports removed from her neck today so she won't have to have dialysis again! The ports were big and bulky so it must feel good to be free from them. When I walked into her room today she was sitting up and she looked great!
No More Dialysis
I was lucky enough to spend lunch time with my parents yesterday. I got some great news when I arrived. My mom was about to receive her LAST dialysis treatment. While my mom expressed some nervousness about "being on her own" without the dialysis, I take this as a sign that her kidneys are doing their job.
In other good news, my dad is thinking sometime in these next few days they will move her from the fourth floor down to rehab. This move will mean that the doctors feel confident she is doing well enough they don't have to keep as close of eye on her. It will also mean intense physical and occupation therapy sessions.
Her current strength only allows her to walk a few feet before making the return trip to her bed. Depending on how fast she progresses it could be anywhere from a week to months before they release her. How ever long it takes, I want to be there on the day she gets to finally walk out the doors of that hospital and go home! We are one step closer to that goal.
In other good news, my dad is thinking sometime in these next few days they will move her from the fourth floor down to rehab. This move will mean that the doctors feel confident she is doing well enough they don't have to keep as close of eye on her. It will also mean intense physical and occupation therapy sessions.
Her current strength only allows her to walk a few feet before making the return trip to her bed. Depending on how fast she progresses it could be anywhere from a week to months before they release her. How ever long it takes, I want to be there on the day she gets to finally walk out the doors of that hospital and go home! We are one step closer to that goal.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Scaling Back
We have been so grateful for everyone that has expressed love and concern on Elaine's behalf. She continues to move forward and it is an absolute answer to many prayers. Her days have become pretty predictable and routine. That in itself is a blessing but it makes it hard to provide new information here on a daily basis. We will continue to provide information but it will only be two or three times a week. We will definitely share any new information as it happens but just wanted everyone to know that it will be less frequent.
Again, thank you! Everyday Elaine expresses gratitude for all the kindness that has been shown to her and her family.
Again, thank you! Everyday Elaine expresses gratitude for all the kindness that has been shown to her and her family.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Sunday
I wasn't at the hospital long today but while I was there we found out she got to skip dialysis again today. That is always good news. She was tired today but when physical therapy asked if she wanted to take the day off she said she would feel guilty all her life if she did. So she got up and walked.
Elaine is working so hard to get better. She lost a lot of muscle strength throughout all of this and while she is getting stronger everyday she still has a lot if work ahead of her. She has a lot of faith and we know she can do it.
Elaine is working so hard to get better. She lost a lot of muscle strength throughout all of this and while she is getting stronger everyday she still has a lot if work ahead of her. She has a lot of faith and we know she can do it.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Baby Steps
Elaine started her day with the physical therapist. As expected, she did a great job. Usually before the physical therapist leaves they will give her an exercise to do in bed until they come again. It's cute because even before they have left the room she'll start doing the suggested exercise. She always gives it her best effort.
Another impressive task: eating. She is still feeling some nausea and so it's really hard to force food down when she feels that way but, she does it. If they can get the nausea under control her days will be so much easier.
She didn't have to do dialysis today and the kidney doctors said that her kidneys are slowly but surely showing improvement. Her bone marrow is producing blood cells and her white count is up to normal. All of these little things mean that she is continually showing signs of improvement all around.
Her doctor confidently told her that by November she should feel better than she has in five years. I know she wants it even sooner than that. While the road ahead will be long the wonderful thing is that she keeps taking baby steps forward.
For the time being the staff is asking that she only has visits from family. We will let you know as soon as that changes.
She told me today that she feels all the love and prayers from everyone and it means so much to her.
Love to all!
Another impressive task: eating. She is still feeling some nausea and so it's really hard to force food down when she feels that way but, she does it. If they can get the nausea under control her days will be so much easier.
She didn't have to do dialysis today and the kidney doctors said that her kidneys are slowly but surely showing improvement. Her bone marrow is producing blood cells and her white count is up to normal. All of these little things mean that she is continually showing signs of improvement all around.
Her doctor confidently told her that by November she should feel better than she has in five years. I know she wants it even sooner than that. While the road ahead will be long the wonderful thing is that she keeps taking baby steps forward.
For the time being the staff is asking that she only has visits from family. We will let you know as soon as that changes.
She told me today that she feels all the love and prayers from everyone and it means so much to her.
Love to all!
Friday, May 3, 2013
Elaine had a good day yesterday. They switched one of her nausea medications and it worked great. She walked out in the hall and went further then the day before. She got up again in the afternoon and walked again then sat up for a while. While she sat up she ate some chocolate peanut butter ice cream. She got some good calories in and even thought it tasted good. We thought she was going to do dialysis but they decided she could skip. Yay! They think her kidneys are working a little better and she may be able to switch to taking a pill rather then do dialysis so often.
Last night Elaine had a tough time sleeping. They missed her nausea medication so she got a little sick.
Even with the restless night Elaine got up and walked a little the morning and then sat up for over an hour. Of course the hour was a little against her will since the therapist said he would be back in 45 minutes and never came. She wasn't to pleased but Lynn and the nurse got her to bed. I am sure the next therapists won't get to leave without a blood commitment that they will be back. :)
Lynn and Elaine both appreciate the cards and notes of encouragement they receive in the mail from you all. Lynn reads every one to her and it lifts both their spirits to know how many people are thinking of them. They love you all and are so thankful you take the time to write. From our whole family thank you so much for your friendship and thoughtfulness.
Last night Elaine had a tough time sleeping. They missed her nausea medication so she got a little sick.
Even with the restless night Elaine got up and walked a little the morning and then sat up for over an hour. Of course the hour was a little against her will since the therapist said he would be back in 45 minutes and never came. She wasn't to pleased but Lynn and the nurse got her to bed. I am sure the next therapists won't get to leave without a blood commitment that they will be back. :)
Lynn and Elaine both appreciate the cards and notes of encouragement they receive in the mail from you all. Lynn reads every one to her and it lifts both their spirits to know how many people are thinking of them. They love you all and are so thankful you take the time to write. From our whole family thank you so much for your friendship and thoughtfulness.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Wednesday
Wednesday was another good day. Elaine is getting stronger all the time. She was able to get up in the morning and stand to brush her teeth. Then she sat up for a while. In the afternoon she got up and walked out of her room further then she has ever made. Often times yesterday while she was just lying in bed she was doing exercises on her owe with her arms and hands to work on getting all the movement back. It was good to see her determination to be exercising and working on her strength even when the therapists weren't there to make her. Elaine is really working hard to get down to floor 2 (rehab). Hopefully she will be moved there soon. If she keeps up this pace she will be dancing up the stairs into her house in no time. Thank you Elaine for being such a great example of faith, hard work and determination. I know many people have been touched for the better by hearing your story.
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