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