Mom's Grave Illness 08/08

Mom had a toothache during the end of Dad's illness, and went to the dentist for treatment after Dad's passing. The dentist gave her a course of antibiotics, specifically Amoxicillin, which did not complete heal the infection, so the Dr. ordered a course of Cleocin - which did help the infection, and Mom had the tooth worked on. Then Mom became ill with what she assumed was a regular stomach upset, probably food poisoning, but something that would get better on it's own. Mom had good days and bad regarding her health for about 2 weeks. She became weaker, more nauseated, and more upset bowels and finally went her local Dr.s office for Tx. Mom saw another Dr. at the office as hers was not available that Friday, 8/22/08. The Dr. examined her throughly and told her to follow a liquid diet and did not give her any medications to help the situation. The next day, Sat. AM, 8/23/08, Mom sounded so weak during a phone call that I paid her a visit and encouraged her to go to ER. We proceeded to PVMC and Mom was admitted to service fairly quickly. Mom was subsequently admitted as an inpatient with the Dx of Colitis, and put in a 2 bed room on 3 south. Her WBC's were quite high, so antibiotics were started, tests and CT scan, x rays were done and a Colonoscopy was ordered, for Monday - and the prep was limited as Mom's nausea was severe. Mom felt so very sick that Sunday, 8/24, that she thought she would die. She was moved to an isolation room Sunday afternoon, and Monday the Colonoscopy showed that Mom's colon was very infected, with C-Diff. She was started on TPN and continued with IV's, KCL, and heavy duty antibiotics. As the week progressed, Mom would have a bit stronger day and then a weaker day, so weak she could barely talk. All siblings helped, Nancy and Tom coming from Clovis, Helen spending the week, daily in charge of Mom's care, and Jim and Kathye visiting as they could, and feeding those that were helping Mom, as well as Carolyn is able to sit with Mom as her schedule allows. Today, 9/3/08, Mom seems a bit stronger again. She is still on IV fluids, receiving blood thinner, Subq. as well as the antibiotics, Flagyl and Vanco. She also had a few IV rounds of Immune Globulin in attempts to build up her immune system. I call her the incredibly shrinking woman as she can barley eat now, as food is allowed, and she is so tiny. It will takes months of recuperation for her colon to get back to normal. Our plan is to arrange for Mom to recuperate at home with round the clock care, which is to be arranged upon discharge from the hospital. The Dr. mentioned a SNF for rehabilitation, which was nixed immediately, as Mom just went through that with Dad. Family members are being kept up to date on Mom's progress. Mom is being as brave as possible, but right now feels as if she will never feel well again. We all do our best to keep her spirits up, as she is just so incredibly ill, through no fault of her own. She had enough on her plate grieving over Dad's death, and now this. It is all so sad.

My Dad's Passing

Dad passed away July 10, 2008, at home, surrounded by family, in the brief service of hospice. Dad had been ill for approx. two years, fighting Diabetes, ASHD, and Prostate Cancer, TIA's and finally a mild MI. Dad was cared for by Mom at home and had the services of a local home care company. Dad was hospitalized a few times during his illness, but his care was primarily provided by Mom who became an excellent nurse!! Dad's 88th b'day would have been July 27, so he just missed that. Dad was buried at Forest Lawn, West Covina in a very well attended and very emotional service, mainly planned and organized by my sister Helen. Julia provided many of the flower arrangements and Sharon sang beautifully as a tribute to Dad. Jim and Carolyn were brave enough to verbalize what Dad meant to them as well as my Uncle Bill. All did a wonderful memorial tribute. All siblings and Mom participated in the decision making of the funeral, which was pre arranged by Mom and Dad except for final details. Dad wasn't buried until July 21st as Nancy and Tom were on a well deserved cruise at the time of Dad's death. There was a gathering at the house following the services and Sandra helped prepare the luncheon. The young men in the family were the pallbearers, so all family members were able to contribute in some way to the funeral. If a service can be beautiful, it was. The officiator was Mom's cousin, Ray Vander Mooren, and he was so very good. I cried for most of the service. Mom was very brave and I admire her so much.