Mom's Not Looking So Hot

Debra had asked me last night to check Mom for my opinion on the normality of her appearance. When I walked in, she was sitting in her chair, all bent over, like she was either looking for something on the floor, or had fallen asleep. Nope. Definitely not normal. But then again, in this stage of the game, maybe it IS normal? Her ankles and left foot are swollen again. Maybe a tad bit confused (getting words mixed up) and speech is slurred again. I know she isn't overmedicated, Debra is doling out her medication to ensure she isn't double dosing (because of her poor memory or confusing night time with day time). It looks like her back muscles aren't strong enough to support her. I know that sounds ridiculous, but that's the only way I can describe it. She needs inpatient treatment. Maybe an inpatient rehab hospital/facility where she can be checked on round the clock. She always does well after a few days in the hospital, but that's structured and someone is there to help her with whatever the crisis is at the time. But within a few days after discharge, back to the same ole, same ole. She will be seeing her Neurologist/Pain Management doc tomorrow - Dr. John Nyboer. He's a great doctor. Compared to Dr. Billings anyway (her oncologist). Granted, her lung cancer has all but disappeared but his "bedside" manner sucks. Deb had asked him for a copy of Mom's records, and he questioned her as to why she wanted them. She explained she is going back to Alaska and would like something to document she was here tending to Mom while undergoing treatment for cancer. He said "Alaska? That's a Welfare state." The nerve. Forget the fact of whether it is or not; what gets me is the audacity of him to make that statement. We have requested her records 3 times, and for some reason, he does not want to let go of them. Makes me wonder and question is professionalism. Well, I'll try and update after Mom's visit with Dr. Nyboer. It's difficult for me getting information second-hand rather than from the doctor, but that's just me. Keep praying. Love to all~ Jeaux

Update to my update....

I have just been notified by Debra that a CT scan performed on Dad is indicative of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). So, her remark to Mom about the gastro-intestinal problems being a result of second-hand smoke may have not been all that far off after all. If you don't mind, please keep him in your prayers as well. I will update further on his condition as well. Thanks again! Jeaux

Uh.... UPDATE.

I know it's been forever since my last post, and you are all probably on the edge of your seats wondering what has been going on with Mom, so here is an update: You probably don't know this, but, my (middle) sister, Debra has moved from Alaska to help me with all that has been going on. Don't know what I would have done had she not been able to do this. She's been bringing Mom to her chemo treatments and doctor appointments, as well as tending to Dad (on top of her own family miles and miles away!). She has truly been a life-saver in all of this. Mom has had her chemo and suffered all the side-effects that come along with that. She's also been hopsitalized a few times because of her "Electric Lights" being off (as well as her potassium and other key nutrients a body needs). Her mental status is not back to normal (she is still confused at times and behaves in the most bizarre manner), but all in all, not too bad. We had an appointment with Mom's oncologist yesterday. He showed us the scans that were done in 4/08, and the recent ones (8/08). I know it's hard to believe, but her "Aggressive, Inoperable Small Cell Carcinoma" has all but cleared up. The next step is to do extensive radiation treatment on her chest to kill off any remaining cells that are hiding and hopefully keep them from rearing their ugly head. On the flip side, she does have highly suspicious areas in her right breast that need to be evaluated further. Her oncologist's office is in the process of getting those appiontments set up (the radiology specialist and general surgeon for a breast biopsy). Then back to see him in a couple weeks. Deb has also had Dad evaluated and he has some gastro-intestinal issues that need to be investigated a bit further. I suppose that all those years of drinking is catching up (he's 82 and has been drinking since before the age of 20!). Deb told Mom the doctor suspects this is from SECOND HAND SMOKE. Sneaky... But, doubt it will help Mom kick the habit. Deb has made an appointment for Dad to have his eyes evaluated, and I believe she will be trying to get him to a Dentist for dentures which may help him eat more healthy foods. Kathy, my eldest sister has gone the denture route. I tell you - I couldn't even TELL she had dentures! They looked so much like her teeth always looked, and did not affect her speech at all. So, I guess that kinda helped Dad to at least consider dentures. Great job sistas! I wanted to take this opportunity to send out a heart felt THANK YOU to each and every one of you for your prayers and thoughts. I am sure there is a power far greater at work here, and don't think we would be where we are without your support. I also want to say, Hats Off to Debra. When she sold what she could up north, quit her job and hopped on the first plane to Louisiana, she instantly became my hero. I had never expected her to do that, but, she did. And living with your PARENTS after being on your own for 20 years is never easy, and our family is certainly no exception! She even managed to get Mom down to about a pack a day (Mom was smoking about 2-1/2 to 3 packs per day)! Amazing! Well, take care friends. I will try and be more consistent with the updates as they become available. Jeaux