April 16, 2015

It is with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes that I write the words that I hoped to never have to write... Mom passed away in her sleep this morning.

She had been doing well, and had improved enough that we were able to transition her from nursing care to assisted living. We moved her things and signed all the paperwork on Monday; she was really looking forward to having her own private room and we set up a little twin bed with plans to get a loveseat, bedside stand and other furniture on Saturday. She was very tired after the move, but we talked about what art supplies she wanted me to bring and what she could use as an art table. She had already decided it would go along the window that looked out onto the garden.

She was so excited when she heard that she could have an electric fireplace, and I threatened to take her credit card away from her if she went crazy shopping online before we had a chance to check out the Restore furniture place in Glenwood. :-)

I called her on Tuesday, and she said she was tired and having some problems breathing but that they put her back on oxygen and that helped. The doctor checked her lungs Wednesday and said they had improved and sounded clear. This morning the nurse brought her morning medications around 5:45, and said Mom was bright and alert and joked about dropping one of her pills. Before the nurse left, Mom said she was tired and would sleep a while longer before breakfast. When she didn't show up by the time breakfast was over, they went to check on her and found she was gone.

At her request, there will be no formal service. She has directed that she be cremated and her ashes scattered at Fremont Lake, which we will probably do later this summer.

The last eight months were hard on her body, but her mind and her spirit never failed, in part to the love and prayers you sent her way. Thank you to everyone who called and sent her cards and emails; it meant a lot to her that you all cared.

Best personal regards,
Tracy

Februarry 24, 2015

It's been a long, long time since I've updated my blog.  I honestly don't know where the time goes, except I sleep a lot.

My treatment (chemo and radiation both) didn't seem so bad at the time.  It caught up with me later - along with the overmedication they had me on.  There were times I didn't even know where I was.

They stopped the chemo a little early because they felt I wasn't strong enough.  They do know the cancer shrunk (quite a bit), but my appointment next month will tell us more.

I was taking physical therapy and doing great.  Then my right leg kind of "blew up|" on me. I had a cyst behind my knee, which evidently drained down into my calf.  It become very painful and red. I couldn't walk with it.

I've been sent for an ultra sound, a CScan, and an XRay.  They were worried about blood clots.  One report did show partial blockage of some arteries.  I hope we learn more next month.

In the meantime, I am lazy, lounging in bed knitting, and taking plenty of naps. 

Life here in the Heritage Park Care Center is not what I expected.  It's a big place, with lots of patients and a large staff.  The therapy "gym" is large and fully equipped. There is  even a swimming pool. 

I have drawn one antelope since I've been here, but haven't photographed it yet.

More later, I promise!






 

Monday Jan 12

I've enjoyed having this room all to myself since they moved Lori out.  A couple days ago, they brought a new patient in and  put her in the room across the hall.  She is a screamer, and within an hour, the other woman in the room had moved into this room.  We even close our door at night to cut down on the noise.  Hope she gets used to the place and quiets down.

Anyway,  I have a roommate, and she is very nice.  She likes the curtains open, the blinds open, and we have the same tastes in TV.

I have an appointment tomorrow at Shaw. They want to check on my progress and determine what the next steps will be.  Hope it all goes well.

I don't have any photos, but Barrie sent me a couple of her and Kasey going out to the dog lot to feed.

 

 

and one of Grandpa teaching Kasey to shoot her new bow and arrow.

Thursday

At least I think it's Thursday. 

I am sure enjoying having my bed by the big window.  The sun shines in my eyes in the mornings, but it's been so long since I saw the sun, I don't  care.  The woman who was here kept the blinds closed and the privacy curtain closed.  She also kept her TV on 24 hours a day.  I'm not joking either. 

Tracy was here yesterday and cleaned my closet and drawers, so now I know what clothes I have and where they are.

They removed the air conditioner  from the window, Tracy has been asking about a recliner chair for me, and they brought one in yesterday,  Pretty close quarters, but it works. 

Happy Anniversary to my good friends Judi and Rollie.  You are the best!