Moving A Little Slow

I haven't updated in awhile as there really has not been much change. Dad has gone to the Dr's office a few times for IVs. The home health nurse comes almost everyday to check on him. Mom and Dad chart very carefully Dad's input and output to be sure he is getting enough fluids and nutrition. There are concerns that the amyloidosis is interfering with Dad's absorption and that is why he has to get periodic IVs even though he is drinking what should be plenty of fluids. The Dr's are all pleased that Dad has been able to stay at home this long.

Dad is also getting much better at communicating to us and the nurse when something doesn't feel quite right. Last week, he just kept feeling a little dumpy. His normal bloodwork looked good. But he just didn't feel good. Well, they discovered that Dad has a urinary tract infection. He is being treated for that with antibiotics. After doing further testing, they realized the antibiotics that were originally prescribed were not the right ones for the particular type of infection Dad had. So, he started new antibiotics this week. In the meantime, the infection had gotten worse. So, Dad is just moving a little slow this week. The infection is taking its toll on his already weak body.

Dad goes back to his hematologist next week. They will discuss his continuing treatment plan. When Dad was at Mayos, the original chemo treatment was scheduled for 5 rounds. Dad has completed all 5 rounds. They will do another light chain test which measures the amyloid levels to see if the chemo is effectively reducing the levels. Based on test results and Dad's overall health, the next phase of treatment will be discussed.

Thanks for all your prayers. Please continue to pray that Dad will be able to fight this infection and get back to work on improving his mobility and strength.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is Mom's birthday.  I won't tell you how old she is, but she turned 60 last year!

Dad is doing well.  He continues to work at getting stronger and regaining mobility.  Some of his muscles have forgotten what they are supposed to do and they don't seem to be remembering quite as quickly as Dad would like.  Dad is able to get out most days now whether it is a trip to Lowes, a doctors apt. or out to eat with friends.  We are grateful for each day and all your prayers!

"Look, Ma, no hands!"

Dad is becoming quite the show off!  This week, he has decided that he is going to start walking - by himself, no walker, no cane, no nothing.  We were at Mom and Dad's house a few days ago and Dad started to get up out of his wheelchair.  I asked him what he needed.  He said that he was going to walk to the couch.  I said, "do I need to be close by?"  He said, "Oh, probably".  But before I could get there, he was off on his own.  When he plopped down on the couch, he just beamed!  

Dad is progressing very well.  He still has his ups and downs.  Yesterday, he had what he would call a dumpy day.  He had to go to the doctor's office to review blood work to be sure all his levels are OK for his chemo next week.  While there, they decided that Dad needed an IV bag since his blood pressure was too low and he was looking a little, well, dumpy.  They could only give him a small bag since it was very close to time for the office to close.  He probably could have used a little more, but hopefully that will give him the boost he needed.  That is the first IV Dad has had in almost 3 weeks.  That is quite remarkable since we were expecting him to be sent home from the hospital with orders for regular IVs and possibly TPN feedings.  Dad also saw the GI doctor this week.  He was very pleased and has released Dad.  He no longer needs to see the GI doctor on a regular basis unless complications develop.  Dad's blood levels have all improved, he has gotten good test results this week and overall he continues to do very well. 

The photo below is from Christmas Day.  

Comments, Anyone?

Several have asked how to post comments - just click on the word "comments" at the bottom of each post, and you will be taken to a screen where you can leave your comments.  Thanks for asking!

Dad has been on the go.  He has enjoyed several short trips out to restaurants, church, etc.  He gets tired easily, but it is so good to see him wanting to go and do things.  I do have pictures from Christmas, but haven't had a chance to download the photos to my computer.  Dad has an appointment with his doctor this week to check blood levels, discuss his next round of chemo, etc.  I'll post an update with photos in the next day or two.

Cinnamon Rolls!

Well he did it .... Sunday after church Dad had hot fresh cinnamon rolls ready for us.

I'm not sure who enjoyed them more - Dad or the grandkids. Dad is doing very well. He has not been back to the doctor or hospital for IVs since he left the hospital on December 15. He is able to eat and drink enough to stay hydrated. Now, we have to work on getting a few more pounds on him. Dad is still quite thin and weak. But, he continues to work hard in physical therapy to improve his strength and mobility. While Dad was in the hospital, a test was performed to measure the effectiveness of the chemo in treating his disease. The test showed a decrease in the amyloidosis ratio. The explanation of the results was a bit technical for all of us, but the doctor was pleased and said Dad is moving in the right direction. We continue to be encouraged by Dad's slow and steady progres.

Thanks for all your prayers and visits! You all mean so much to Mom and Dad! We will all be together at Mom and Dad's Christmas Day and I'm sure we'll have more pictures to post. Merry Christmas!

Deck the Halls

Yesterday, the grandkids had a pizza/decorate the Christmas tree party at Nana & Papa's. Mom and Dad really enjoyed having every one there. Here's the gang...

Dad continues to do quite well this week. He has not had an IV since Sunday afternoon. His blood pressue is holding pretty steady, he is eating well and drinking adequate fluids. He continues to work on standing on his own and walking with the walker. After I had taken several pictures yesterday, Dad wanted to see them on the LCD screen of the camera. When he saw the pictures of himself, he said "hey, I look good there!" He is looking so much better. We continue to be pleased with his daily progress. Dad said he wants to make cinnamon rolls for the kids this weekend. He is sure he can just roll his wheelchair into the kitchen and whip them right up. We're all looking forward to his cinnamon rolls!

Here are a few more photos from yesterday...

Dad realized he didn't have his glasses on in the first few photos I took and wanted to be sure I got some of him wearing his new glasses.




The girls decorating the tree.

Nathanael and Papa are discussing their next woodworking project.

Thanks for your continued prayers and visits. Mom and Dad appreciate them so much. Please pray also for Mom as she is coming down with some sort of a cold and is getting pretty run down. The last several months have been pretty rough on her and we are concerned about her health as well.

Settling In

Mom & Dad with the Grandkiddos - August, 2007 when they celebrated Papa's 60th birthday.

Mom and Dad are still trying to settle in to a new routine at home. This has been challenging for both of them. When Dad originally went to the ER back in October, he was pretty much able to care for himself, walk with his cane and be pretty independent. Now, he needs assistance with pretty much everything he does. Since Dad has spent most of the last 10 weeks in the hospital, he and Mom have not had to really "go it alone" at home for any period of time. Dad wants to be independent and do things for himself, but he is quite limited in what he can do. That makes Mom the primary care giver. Dad has also been on IVs most of the last 10 weeks to give his body the fluids, medicines and in some cases nutrition it needs. Dad was sent home without any IVs. He will need to monitor himself to be sure he is taking in what his body needs. Dad is improving and getting stronger each day. We are all very happy with his progress. But he and Mom both have big jobs ahead of them! Please continue to pray for Mom and Dad as they try to support each other and care for each other in their own ways.