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| Grandpa and Lily |
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| The Generations |
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| Will and Puppy |
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| Family Photo |
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| Mama and Baby |
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| Gramme and Lily |
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| Lily in Christmas Outfit from Mom |
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| Lily in Welcome Outfit from Mom |
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Family Gathering Pictures
Last night, Allen, Will, Lily and I made the trek to Dale and Diane's house so that we could see Gramme and Grandpa before they flew out. It was wonderful to see them, and as a huge bonus they got to meet sweet little Lily. This gathering was just what the doctor ordered and I know Mom would have been so pleased with the laughter and good time that we had together. I just realized that Dale and Diane are not in any of the pictures. Rats! How did we manage that? LOL, I think Dale was taking most of these photos, so next time we'll have to make sure we get some pictures with him in view, too. Here are the pictures of all the fun:
Memorial Arrangements
Thank you so much for your outpouring of support over the past few days. It is so heartwarming for me to know how many lives my Mom impacted in such positive ways. It makes me feel like she is still wrapping her arms around me even though she can't physically be here with me.
Lots of people have inquired about funeral arrangements for my Mom. The family has decided that we would like to hold her service in Minnesota, where her closest friends, family members and students are. The pastor of her church and our family friend, Rev. Thomas, has expressed that she would love to host services at Camphor. We are looking at a service date for sometime in mid-February, to give the family time to plan and make travel arrangements. Once we nail down a date and time, I will post that information right away so that all of you can plan, too. If you want to have a part in the service, please send an email to OnEaglesWings927@hotmail.com . That is my private email address and you'll reach me directly so that we can plan together.
Mom has requested to be cremated and I will likely pick up her ashes tomorrow or Monday from the funeral home here in Concord, NC. We will scatter them at Hilton Head, SC sometime in April or so. That was her favorite beach and she has requested that her ashes be spread at the beach or in the mountains. I think Hilton Head would be her first choice.
Mom also wanted a marker to be placed in a cemetery somewhere, so we are looking at finding a place close to Concord, NC where we can place that, with the idea that my family and her grandchildren will be able to easily visit that place for many years to come. I will send more information on that once we decide on an actual place and time for setting that stone.
Lots of people have inquired about funeral arrangements for my Mom. The family has decided that we would like to hold her service in Minnesota, where her closest friends, family members and students are. The pastor of her church and our family friend, Rev. Thomas, has expressed that she would love to host services at Camphor. We are looking at a service date for sometime in mid-February, to give the family time to plan and make travel arrangements. Once we nail down a date and time, I will post that information right away so that all of you can plan, too. If you want to have a part in the service, please send an email to OnEaglesWings927@hotmail.com . That is my private email address and you'll reach me directly so that we can plan together.
Mom has requested to be cremated and I will likely pick up her ashes tomorrow or Monday from the funeral home here in Concord, NC. We will scatter them at Hilton Head, SC sometime in April or so. That was her favorite beach and she has requested that her ashes be spread at the beach or in the mountains. I think Hilton Head would be her first choice.
Mom also wanted a marker to be placed in a cemetery somewhere, so we are looking at finding a place close to Concord, NC where we can place that, with the idea that my family and her grandchildren will be able to easily visit that place for many years to come. I will send more information on that once we decide on an actual place and time for setting that stone.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Rest in Peace and Dance With Joy: It Was a Fun Ride
Around 12:20, my Grandparents called me to tell me that Mom died peacefully with them at her side. Lord, envelop my Mom with your loving arms and may her vibrant spirit dance in your presence. Thank you for lifting her pain and suffering.
Mom, it was a fun ride. We love you and thank you for all the wonderful years you shared with us. Your personality, spirit, energy, passion for life, intelligence, compassion for others and zest will never, ever be forgotten. I am comforted by the memories and rejoice in the life we shared. Thank you for giving birth to me...
Mom, it was a fun ride. We love you and thank you for all the wonderful years you shared with us. Your personality, spirit, energy, passion for life, intelligence, compassion for others and zest will never, ever be forgotten. I am comforted by the memories and rejoice in the life we shared. Thank you for giving birth to me...
Quick Note Before Bed
Just wanted to give everyone a quick update before bed. They moved Mom out of the ICU and back onto the floor for the remainder of her hospice care. Hopefully it will be more peaceful there for her. She has a nurse attending to her and I've been told that she's in kind of a sleepy state and that when they ask her if she is in pain, she can answer yes or no and is almost always answering "no." She's not really able to converse but seems from all appearances to be much more at peace.
We are hoping to make a short trip up there in the next couple of nights so that Mom and Gramme and Grandpa can meet Lily, etc. We won't get to stay overnight since Allen has to work all week. We'll just leave when he gets home from work and do a short trip up and back.
We are hoping to make a short trip up there in the next couple of nights so that Mom and Gramme and Grandpa can meet Lily, etc. We won't get to stay overnight since Allen has to work all week. We'll just leave when he gets home from work and do a short trip up and back.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Lily's Birth Pictures
Here are the pictures from Lily's birth that I had hoped to share with my Mom. Maybe she will get a chance to see them if someone at the ICU has a computer and maybe she won't, but sharing them here is kind of like sharing them with her in a way...
Prayers Answered
Not too long ago, the ICU doctor called to talk with me. They finally found out what the nodules in Mom's peritoneal cavity are. They are plasma cell tumors (plasma cell tumors are from multiple myeloma), not ovarian cancer as originally thought. The cancer is very, very aggressive and would not be responsive to treatment. Mom's condition has worsened rapidly.
When the doctor called, she was sitting in the room with my mom and my grandparents and they had already discussed palliative care as the best choice for my Mom and they were just checking in with me to make sure that I was in agreement, which of course I was.
Mom wanted to talk with me and I got the opportunity to say goodbye to her before they start giving her all the good strong drugs that will bring her peace and keep her from feeling what is happening to her body. Goodbyes are never easy, but I am so grateful that I got to have one. I thanked her for giving me the best years of her life, told her I loved her, that we would be okay. I told her that even though we couldn't be there physically with her right now that we were with her in our thoughts and prayers and holding her close and that she was not alone. I told her that I knew the Lord was with her and that I believe I will see her again one day. I got to tell my Mom about Lily's birth and tell her what a sweet baby girl she is and that made her so happy. I told her that I knew she touched a lot of other lives through all her years of teaching and that I hoped she could feel content and happy about that -- all the ways she's made a difference for people. It was hard but wonderful, one of those moments when you know that you can't fit all the words in to summarize what needs to be said but when you know that the feelings behind the words convey it anyway.
The only hard thing for me is that she didn't get to see any pictures of Lily or of the birth. I sent one to her cell phone yesterday but I don't know if she got it. That makes me sad, but I can't hold up her comfort on my behalf for pictures. So, I just have to trust that she will be able to see us from heaven and that she knows it was beautiful. That is the only thing that feels unfinished from my end but I have to believe that if it doesn't feel unfinished on her end, all is well. The most important thing is that she get the relief she needs as quickly as possible.
I signed off with the doctor, who ensured me that they would deliver Mom in a nice comfortable natural death into the hands of the Lord. Two days ago, the Lord delivered my beautiful baby girl, Lily, safely into this world. I have to believe that those same loving hands will be there to receive my Mom peacefully on the other end. Lord God, open your hands to my Mom, give her peace and receive her with joy. May she dance with You and find comfort in Your presence. Thank you, Lord, for lending her to us for this lifetime and for touching us with her spirit. My life has been all the better for every minute of it.
When the doctor called, she was sitting in the room with my mom and my grandparents and they had already discussed palliative care as the best choice for my Mom and they were just checking in with me to make sure that I was in agreement, which of course I was.
Mom wanted to talk with me and I got the opportunity to say goodbye to her before they start giving her all the good strong drugs that will bring her peace and keep her from feeling what is happening to her body. Goodbyes are never easy, but I am so grateful that I got to have one. I thanked her for giving me the best years of her life, told her I loved her, that we would be okay. I told her that even though we couldn't be there physically with her right now that we were with her in our thoughts and prayers and holding her close and that she was not alone. I told her that I knew the Lord was with her and that I believe I will see her again one day. I got to tell my Mom about Lily's birth and tell her what a sweet baby girl she is and that made her so happy. I told her that I knew she touched a lot of other lives through all her years of teaching and that I hoped she could feel content and happy about that -- all the ways she's made a difference for people. It was hard but wonderful, one of those moments when you know that you can't fit all the words in to summarize what needs to be said but when you know that the feelings behind the words convey it anyway.
The only hard thing for me is that she didn't get to see any pictures of Lily or of the birth. I sent one to her cell phone yesterday but I don't know if she got it. That makes me sad, but I can't hold up her comfort on my behalf for pictures. So, I just have to trust that she will be able to see us from heaven and that she knows it was beautiful. That is the only thing that feels unfinished from my end but I have to believe that if it doesn't feel unfinished on her end, all is well. The most important thing is that she get the relief she needs as quickly as possible.
I signed off with the doctor, who ensured me that they would deliver Mom in a nice comfortable natural death into the hands of the Lord. Two days ago, the Lord delivered my beautiful baby girl, Lily, safely into this world. I have to believe that those same loving hands will be there to receive my Mom peacefully on the other end. Lord God, open your hands to my Mom, give her peace and receive her with joy. May she dance with You and find comfort in Your presence. Thank you, Lord, for lending her to us for this lifetime and for touching us with her spirit. My life has been all the better for every minute of it.
Red Tape
No hospice until tomorrow. Red tape with the wording on the health directive. They have to have a diagnosis to do hospice. Until then, they're obligated to treat her and extend her life. What a messed up system! Lord, please remove my Mom's suffering.
ICU
Mom is in ICU. Allen is trying to help with phone calls that I'm not able to make right now. Trying to see what it would take to get her into hospice. I'm praying, hanging on, trying to conserve energy, nurse our sweet baby. I don't feel like I'm thinking clearly right now: processing all this, sleep deprivation, recovery from childbirth. I feel like we're letting Mom down. The one thing she never wanted was suffering and pain and she's had more of it than one person should ever have to deal with. Lord, be with my Mom, bring her peace and guide our steps so she can get what she needs.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Highs and Lows
There have been lots of highs and lows over the last day or so around here. First the high: Lillian Agnes Kinsey was born last night, on Christmas Eve, at 11:12pm. It was a beautiful home water birth and we couldn't have asked for a more amazing and blessed experience. She weighed in at 8lb7oz, 20 3/4 inches long, with a 14 inch head. She started nursing like a champ shortly after birth and has kept it up ever since. She is so sweet, such a relaxed personality and so much fun to be around. We thank God for her!
I'll give you the promised rundown of the birth story. For all of you birthy friends out there, I'll write a more detailed story later and send it to you privately. Otherwise, here's the bare bones. I got a high leak in my water on December 16th and we thought she was coming right away. Friends helped us get a birth pool and other needed items. Our doula came over and we thought things were getting going contraction wise but they fizzled out. This was the same day that Mom was admitted to Duke, so stress was running high and that probably had something to do with it. Anyway, the leak seemed to seal over and then for the next week, I would go into what seemed to be labor and then it would fizzle out. I worked hard at relaxing and resting. Allen really helped me out by babysitting my phone to keep distractions to a minimum. He was also off for the entire week of Christmas, which was helpful for support with Will and with all that has been going on with Mom.
Anyway, if you're wondering, yes there are certain hygienic measures you take when you've had a leak in your water. Don't need to get into them, but we were careful and decided to wait for labor to truly begin on its own. On December 23rd I started getting regular contractions that continued all day and through the night and into the 24th. I was able to get a few hours of rest here and there, so they didn't develop into a full-blown labor pattern. At 6:00 on the 24th, my labor really picked up with contractions two minutes apart, lasting a minute or more each. I wanted to pay attention to Will opening his Christmas gifts but just couldn't focus on anything but the contractions. Allen called the midwives and our doula and they arrived around 8:00. I hit transition somewhere around 10:00 and then after 20 minutes or so of pushing, Lillian was born at 11:12 p.m. in the birthing pool. My midwife passed her through my legs and I got to be the one to pull her out of the water for the first time. What a blessed experience!! :-D
I will update with pictures later on. I'm a little tired right now, but I promise to share as soon as I upload them to the computer.
Now for lows. Mom is having a really, really tough time. Please continue to keep her in your prayers. Her pain medication was affecting renal function, so yesterday they decided to pull her off of it. Her pain became overwhelming and she hit a major breaking point, where she panicked and wanted her life to end. Gramme and Grandpa were there for all of this and Marilyn was on the phone. I can't begin to imagine what that must have felt like. Duke was able to sedate her and work with her pain management to bring her to a place of peace again. Today, I spoke with her and she was pretty desperate but from what I understand she was better than yesterday. She was asking why she was alone, why she was still here, why I wasn't there, why Gramme and Grandpa weren't there, why nobody was doing anything for her, etc. They gave her some kind of medication when I was on the phone with her and all of a sudden the most important thing to her was repeating my phone number and having the nurse put it on the white board. She did that for about 10 minutes. I told her that Lily had been born and let her hear Lily sneeze in the phone, which she seemed to enjoy. I also told her what a calm and wonderful baby she is and that seemed to also help her feel peaceful. Marilyn spoke on the phone with her after I got off and she was having a rough time again but they came to ice her body and to give her some kind of sedative to help her get some rest and when Marilyn got off the phone with her she was dozing off.
We really need to get some answers about what is going on with her so that she can have some quality of life and peace. We are supposed to get those answers on Monday and things really need to get moving. Her current quality of life is unacceptable, horrible to witness and just unfair. The one thing she's always said is that she doesn't care what happens to her, she just doesn't want to feel pain. It breaks my heart that we can't make that happen for her right now. She didn't have the kind of Christmas I wanted for her today and I truly miss my Mom. Opening gifts from her was bittersweet as we know how she is as a person, vs what she is forced to endure right now.
So, there you have it...highs and lows. Our family is truly experiencing both ends of the spectrum right now. We rejoice in God's gift of new life in Lily and are so sad about what Mom is going through. We hope that Lily can bring hope and joy to family and friends and that we can somehow find some peace and answers for Mom.
I'll give you the promised rundown of the birth story. For all of you birthy friends out there, I'll write a more detailed story later and send it to you privately. Otherwise, here's the bare bones. I got a high leak in my water on December 16th and we thought she was coming right away. Friends helped us get a birth pool and other needed items. Our doula came over and we thought things were getting going contraction wise but they fizzled out. This was the same day that Mom was admitted to Duke, so stress was running high and that probably had something to do with it. Anyway, the leak seemed to seal over and then for the next week, I would go into what seemed to be labor and then it would fizzle out. I worked hard at relaxing and resting. Allen really helped me out by babysitting my phone to keep distractions to a minimum. He was also off for the entire week of Christmas, which was helpful for support with Will and with all that has been going on with Mom.
Anyway, if you're wondering, yes there are certain hygienic measures you take when you've had a leak in your water. Don't need to get into them, but we were careful and decided to wait for labor to truly begin on its own. On December 23rd I started getting regular contractions that continued all day and through the night and into the 24th. I was able to get a few hours of rest here and there, so they didn't develop into a full-blown labor pattern. At 6:00 on the 24th, my labor really picked up with contractions two minutes apart, lasting a minute or more each. I wanted to pay attention to Will opening his Christmas gifts but just couldn't focus on anything but the contractions. Allen called the midwives and our doula and they arrived around 8:00. I hit transition somewhere around 10:00 and then after 20 minutes or so of pushing, Lillian was born at 11:12 p.m. in the birthing pool. My midwife passed her through my legs and I got to be the one to pull her out of the water for the first time. What a blessed experience!! :-D
I will update with pictures later on. I'm a little tired right now, but I promise to share as soon as I upload them to the computer.
Now for lows. Mom is having a really, really tough time. Please continue to keep her in your prayers. Her pain medication was affecting renal function, so yesterday they decided to pull her off of it. Her pain became overwhelming and she hit a major breaking point, where she panicked and wanted her life to end. Gramme and Grandpa were there for all of this and Marilyn was on the phone. I can't begin to imagine what that must have felt like. Duke was able to sedate her and work with her pain management to bring her to a place of peace again. Today, I spoke with her and she was pretty desperate but from what I understand she was better than yesterday. She was asking why she was alone, why she was still here, why I wasn't there, why Gramme and Grandpa weren't there, why nobody was doing anything for her, etc. They gave her some kind of medication when I was on the phone with her and all of a sudden the most important thing to her was repeating my phone number and having the nurse put it on the white board. She did that for about 10 minutes. I told her that Lily had been born and let her hear Lily sneeze in the phone, which she seemed to enjoy. I also told her what a calm and wonderful baby she is and that seemed to also help her feel peaceful. Marilyn spoke on the phone with her after I got off and she was having a rough time again but they came to ice her body and to give her some kind of sedative to help her get some rest and when Marilyn got off the phone with her she was dozing off.
We really need to get some answers about what is going on with her so that she can have some quality of life and peace. We are supposed to get those answers on Monday and things really need to get moving. Her current quality of life is unacceptable, horrible to witness and just unfair. The one thing she's always said is that she doesn't care what happens to her, she just doesn't want to feel pain. It breaks my heart that we can't make that happen for her right now. She didn't have the kind of Christmas I wanted for her today and I truly miss my Mom. Opening gifts from her was bittersweet as we know how she is as a person, vs what she is forced to endure right now.
So, there you have it...highs and lows. Our family is truly experiencing both ends of the spectrum right now. We rejoice in God's gift of new life in Lily and are so sad about what Mom is going through. We hope that Lily can bring hope and joy to family and friends and that we can somehow find some peace and answers for Mom.
Friday, December 24, 2010
A Little Info
I've been detained with contractions, so Allen called Mom's doctor to ask some questions. He asked about how her involvement in the clinical trial for multiple myeloma would impact the treatment of her current condition. The doctor said that it has no impact on how they are treating her and there is even a clause in the contract that outlines that. He also said that they're actually not 100% sure what the masses in her peritoneal cavity are. They aren't sure that it is ovarian cancer as originally thought, but they also aren't sure that it isn't. A couple of days ago, the ob/gyn oncology doctors spoke with Mom and said they were organizing a team of people to meet with her and decide on the course of action from here on out. That plan makes more sense now that we know that they are really still trying to figure this stuff out.
I haven't spoken with Mom yet today but I did talk with her some yesterday. She was very, very loopy from the pain medications but her pain level seemed a little bit better, so I guess that is a good trade off. Thanks for the continued prayers, thoughts and support!
I haven't spoken with Mom yet today but I did talk with her some yesterday. She was very, very loopy from the pain medications but her pain level seemed a little bit better, so I guess that is a good trade off. Thanks for the continued prayers, thoughts and support!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Please Pray for Pain Relief
Please pray for Mom. She's in excruciating pain this morning. She called me at her wits end asking for help and we don't have test results yet so all they can do is give her more pain meds. She says it's quality of life issues. Please pray for her pain management, comfort, peace and some fast answers so we can change courses with her. I feel so helpless. Lord, help my Mom!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Still No News
I talked with Mom today and there's still no news on her lab results. The meds have her very loopy but she seems like maybe she isn't in so much pain. She was visiting with Gramme and Grandpa and cousin Dale when I called up there tonight. Hopefully we will have more info tomorrow...
Monday, December 20, 2010
Biopsy Day
Another quick update. They did Mom's biopsy today. We don't have the results yet, but we look forward to getting them (tomorrow maybe?) so that they can start to make her more comfortable. I talked with her this morning and her pain level was still extremely high, despite them continuing to increase her pain medications. I also spoke briefly with her this evening but she was extremely tired and the medicines made it hard to make a lot of sense out of what she was saying. Hopefully she can get some rest tonight.
Gramme and Grandpa were with her at the hospital today and said that her spirit was still very strong despite all that is going on with her. I was so happy to hear that.
For those wondering, yes I'm still pregnant. I don't want to get into the birth stuff right now because I'm in the midst of it. Suffice it to say that baby and I are both doing well and I will give you a birth story with more details after Lily is here.
Gramme and Grandpa were with her at the hospital today and said that her spirit was still very strong despite all that is going on with her. I was so happy to hear that.
For those wondering, yes I'm still pregnant. I don't want to get into the birth stuff right now because I'm in the midst of it. Suffice it to say that baby and I are both doing well and I will give you a birth story with more details after Lily is here.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Quick Update
Very quick update for y'all: They've doubled Mom's IV pain meds and she sounded a bit more comfortable when I talked with her. She was having pain in her abdomen last night so they did an x-ray and apparently it showed that her pain was tied in with what's going on with the cancer.
Gramme and Grandpa arrived on a flight into Raleigh/Durham late last night and they were visiting with Mom and Eric when I called up there earlier. I'm so glad they made it down to see her!
Gramme and Grandpa arrived on a flight into Raleigh/Durham late last night and they were visiting with Mom and Eric when I called up there earlier. I'm so glad they made it down to see her!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Please Pray for Peace
I have to keep this short because I have my own things I'm dealing with here -- I've been in and out of labor with Lily since Thursday.
Lots has happened the past few days. Mom is not doing well. Her tests show extensive spreading of the cancer.
Eric drove to town to be with Mom, all the way from Kansas. Gramme and Grandpa are looking at getting here soon.
Yesterday morning, Dale and Diane had Mom transported to Duke Hospital via ambulance due to pain. Since then, she's been going downhill. Oxygen levels are 88, hemoglobin is 8, creatinine is borderline, pain is high (even with IV pain meds). They're looking to do a blood transfusion on her.
I spoke with her a little bit ago and she was in misery. Please pray for her comfort and peace. It's not fair that she has to deal with this. I expressed my frustration to her that I can't be there right now due to being in labor but let her know that my family is holding her in prayer.
Please also pray that this baby will come soon so that I can go and be with my mother. It's so hard not to be able to hold her hand...
Lots has happened the past few days. Mom is not doing well. Her tests show extensive spreading of the cancer.
Eric drove to town to be with Mom, all the way from Kansas. Gramme and Grandpa are looking at getting here soon.
Yesterday morning, Dale and Diane had Mom transported to Duke Hospital via ambulance due to pain. Since then, she's been going downhill. Oxygen levels are 88, hemoglobin is 8, creatinine is borderline, pain is high (even with IV pain meds). They're looking to do a blood transfusion on her.
I spoke with her a little bit ago and she was in misery. Please pray for her comfort and peace. It's not fair that she has to deal with this. I expressed my frustration to her that I can't be there right now due to being in labor but let her know that my family is holding her in prayer.
Please also pray that this baby will come soon so that I can go and be with my mother. It's so hard not to be able to hold her hand...
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Mom is at Dale's
This afternoon, Amanda came to pick up my Mom and take her to our cousin Dale's. We are so grateful for her generosity!! They got there safely and I've since heard that Amanda made it back okay, too.
Mom spoke with Duke today and found out that the test on Friday is a CT guided biopsy at 10:30. Remember that on Thursday she also has some tests -- 8:30 appointment for radiology injection, 10:30 scan and 3:00 ultrasound.
My uncle Eric is on his way, driving from Kansas and will be here to be with my Mom for some of those appointments. I'm looking forward to seeing him, too, when he passes through the Charlotte area on his way back to Kansas.
Today was a funny day. The morning was a whirlwind. It would have made a good sitcom episode. Will woke up with a fever, sick as can be. The water line to the washer was frozen. The printer broke down. Mom was trying to get ready and I was having some more of the pre-labor contractions I've been having for weeks. As of now, things have calmed down with Mom safely at Dale's, Will in bed with his fever finally down a bit, the water line thawed out and my contractions non-existent. Allen and I are about to have a late dinner and I'm looking forward to some relaxation. Whew! :-D
Mom spoke with Duke today and found out that the test on Friday is a CT guided biopsy at 10:30. Remember that on Thursday she also has some tests -- 8:30 appointment for radiology injection, 10:30 scan and 3:00 ultrasound.
My uncle Eric is on his way, driving from Kansas and will be here to be with my Mom for some of those appointments. I'm looking forward to seeing him, too, when he passes through the Charlotte area on his way back to Kansas.
Today was a funny day. The morning was a whirlwind. It would have made a good sitcom episode. Will woke up with a fever, sick as can be. The water line to the washer was frozen. The printer broke down. Mom was trying to get ready and I was having some more of the pre-labor contractions I've been having for weeks. As of now, things have calmed down with Mom safely at Dale's, Will in bed with his fever finally down a bit, the water line thawed out and my contractions non-existent. Allen and I are about to have a late dinner and I'm looking forward to some relaxation. Whew! :-D
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Morphine is Working
I don't have time for a long update. I'm about to have dinner with my wonderful husband. :-)
I just wanted to let everyone know that the Morphine is now on top of Mom's pain and she is feeling a bit better. So glad for that!
Tomorrow, Amanda comes to take Mom to Dale's sometime between 1:30 and 2:00. She'll have the rest of her appointments on Thursday and Friday and then we'll know more about the course of action.
Thanks for all the support and prayers, y'all!
I just wanted to let everyone know that the Morphine is now on top of Mom's pain and she is feeling a bit better. So glad for that!
Tomorrow, Amanda comes to take Mom to Dale's sometime between 1:30 and 2:00. She'll have the rest of her appointments on Thursday and Friday and then we'll know more about the course of action.
Thanks for all the support and prayers, y'all!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Ovarian Cancer
Mom spoke with Duke today and was informed that they found CA-125 indicator of ovarian cancer on her CT scan with tracer. This means that they believe that she is dealing with ovarian cancer that has spread to her peritoneal cavity. Mom's pain level was high today, so Duke called in a double dose of her Morphine. She still wasn't comfortable after taking that, but I'm hoping that she'll be able to get on top of the pain tonight so that she can feel a little better. It may also be that she needs something stronger. We'll have to wait and see.
We were able to find someone to bring Mom to Dale's house on Wednesday afternoon so that she can go in to Duke on Thursday for her tests. Thank you Lord!
Mom's energy level is low and she needs a lot of sleep but she tries to fit in some enjoyment when she can. Last night, we went to the Christmas lights display at the Speedway and that was gorgeous and a lot of fun. Today, she hung out with Will and I for about an hour in the early afternoon.
Please continue to remain in prayer for Mom and for our family. This is some tough stuff and certainly not the news we were hoping for, though we know that God is with us and that we'll be given strength and wisdom along the way.
We were able to find someone to bring Mom to Dale's house on Wednesday afternoon so that she can go in to Duke on Thursday for her tests. Thank you Lord!
Mom's energy level is low and she needs a lot of sleep but she tries to fit in some enjoyment when she can. Last night, we went to the Christmas lights display at the Speedway and that was gorgeous and a lot of fun. Today, she hung out with Will and I for about an hour in the early afternoon.
Please continue to remain in prayer for Mom and for our family. This is some tough stuff and certainly not the news we were hoping for, though we know that God is with us and that we'll be given strength and wisdom along the way.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Mom's Home Again
Mom got home safely around noon today. It's great to have her back! She had her CT scan with contrast done yesterday. All went well. They haven't interpreted the scan yet, though, and I don't suspect we'll know any more about that until sometime next week.
Big thanks to Dale and Diane for being so wonderful to Mom while she was there. She had such a wonderful time and felt so relaxed and at home.
Big thanks to Dale and Diane for being so wonderful to Mom while she was there. She had such a wonderful time and felt so relaxed and at home.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Plan of Investigation
Mom called me earlier this afternoon with an update from her appointment at Duke. She got there safely and will be staying with cousins Dale and Diane for a couple of nights before coming home on Sunday morning.
The good news is that all of Mom's multiple myeloma markers are absolutely fine. So, the nodules and fluid in her peritoneal cavity are not caused by multiple myeloma.
The not so good news is that we still don't have answers. They are looking for ovarian, pelvic or vaginal cancer. Mom is going for a CT scan with contrast tomorrow at noon at Duke Hospital. The CT done in California was done without contrast since there are risk factors with contrast material and multiple myeloma. However, at this point we just need answers and a clear picture of what is going on, so contrast material it is.
Thursday the 16th, Mom gets to Duke at 8:30 for an injection in preparation for some kind of scan at 10:30. She couldn't remember what kind of scan. In the afternoon, she has a vaginal and pelvic ultrasound at 3:00.
Friday the 17th, Mom meets with her multiple myeloma oncologist. She has blood work at 10:30 and her regular appointment at 11:30. Depending on what they find during the week, she may or may not have her maintenance treatment with Velcade following her appointment.
Please continue to keep my Mom in your prayers. It seems so unfair that she has to deal with this after all she went through with the multiple myeloma.
P.S. For those wondering, yes I'm still pregnant. :-) ...I will let you know when that changes.
The good news is that all of Mom's multiple myeloma markers are absolutely fine. So, the nodules and fluid in her peritoneal cavity are not caused by multiple myeloma.
The not so good news is that we still don't have answers. They are looking for ovarian, pelvic or vaginal cancer. Mom is going for a CT scan with contrast tomorrow at noon at Duke Hospital. The CT done in California was done without contrast since there are risk factors with contrast material and multiple myeloma. However, at this point we just need answers and a clear picture of what is going on, so contrast material it is.
Thursday the 16th, Mom gets to Duke at 8:30 for an injection in preparation for some kind of scan at 10:30. She couldn't remember what kind of scan. In the afternoon, she has a vaginal and pelvic ultrasound at 3:00.
Friday the 17th, Mom meets with her multiple myeloma oncologist. She has blood work at 10:30 and her regular appointment at 11:30. Depending on what they find during the week, she may or may not have her maintenance treatment with Velcade following her appointment.
Please continue to keep my Mom in your prayers. It seems so unfair that she has to deal with this after all she went through with the multiple myeloma.
P.S. For those wondering, yes I'm still pregnant. :-) ...I will let you know when that changes.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Prayers for the Unknown
I haven't updated here in a long while. With me, that usually means that things are going well, and they were. Mom was going through her maintenance chemo routine and aside from minor chemo side effects all was well. I was busy with homeschooling, working and being pregnant (I'm 37 weeks along now).
I just got a phone call from Mom, who is with Marilyn in California. She's been there for the past 2 1/2 weeks visiting and is due to come home on Wednesday the 8th.
This morning, Marilyn took her to the emergency room at an excellent nearby hospital. Mom was having pain in her stomach, kind of in the middle. She's had a hard time eating much, too, and has some bloating.
The hospital did some tests, including a CT scan. What they saw were nodules in her peritoneal cavity. They don't know the nature of the nodules and Mom has decided to wait for further testing until she gets home and has her appointment at Duke on the 10th, less than a week from now.
Please pray for Mom and for answers regarding what is going on with her. Also, this baby could be born any day now, so pray for our family, as there is really a lot up in the air right now. Thanks so much for all your support!
I just got a phone call from Mom, who is with Marilyn in California. She's been there for the past 2 1/2 weeks visiting and is due to come home on Wednesday the 8th.
This morning, Marilyn took her to the emergency room at an excellent nearby hospital. Mom was having pain in her stomach, kind of in the middle. She's had a hard time eating much, too, and has some bloating.
The hospital did some tests, including a CT scan. What they saw were nodules in her peritoneal cavity. They don't know the nature of the nodules and Mom has decided to wait for further testing until she gets home and has her appointment at Duke on the 10th, less than a week from now.
Please pray for Mom and for answers regarding what is going on with her. Also, this baby could be born any day now, so pray for our family, as there is really a lot up in the air right now. Thanks so much for all your support!
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