Every day is a little different. Dad woke up this morning not feeling well, usually he feels best after a rest. He did get better as the day went on though, and even insisted upon walking (with his walker) back to his room from the living room at 9:30 tonight. He said there is a little improvement in his eye, and I could tell it also because he noticed more things today - like the made-up bed on the floor of his bedroom. If I could have only one thing improve for him, it would be his eyesight.
His appetite is growing every day. It almost scares me, as I do not want him to gain weight! That's a selfish statement, because at his current weight of 237, he is difficult to help up out of a chair or bed (though he is getting better at helping himself). He ate 3 big meals, two snacks, and for dessert after dinner, 2 bowls of ice cream! I know the steriods increase his appetite, but jeez, let's not start gaining weight!
He was concerned about his rib tonight, and wanted Dave to look to see if the bruising is any worse. The bruise has gotten bigger and is growing downward - following the flow of blood thanks to gravity, I guess. He made a comment about having a tumor on his rib. I hope it doesn't make him too anxious tonight.
Charisse was supposed to come today, but when she didn't show I called Hospice. There had been a misunderstanding about which day she was supposed to come, but hopefully is straightened out. She should be coming on Tuesdays and Fridays. Dad was so looking forward to his bath. Instead, I washed him from the waist up, then soaked and scrubbed his feet and put socks on him. He felt a lot better.
I can't believe it's after 10 already. I have one more email to write, then I'm headed to bed. I'm at Dad's tonight and Dave is home.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
Steve & Libbie Leave
The nights and mornings are falling into a routine. Unfortunately, Dad is still getting up every 1-2 hours, in fact when looking at Steve's notes, I saw Dad did not sleep for a whole two-hour stretch at all. Steve slept on the mattress on the floor in Dad's room, and helped him with his nature calls. I know Steve was tired! Libbie slept better in the bedroom furthest away from Dad's (though it is not far at all) which was great because she was going to be doing the driving today.
Libbie was hard at work in the kitchen this morning, making biscuits (okay, they were Pillsbury, but that's exactly what we wanted), fried eggs, cheese grits, and slices of Honey Baked Ham. Dad had a bowl of cantaloupe in addition to his plate of food. Lib and I were able to take a short walk, and I showed her where Dad would walk his mile every day. We saw lots of turtles but no alligators, though we did see two yesterday. Steve and Libbie packed up the car and left after big hugs and tears. On my part. I was so appreciative of their help.
Dad had yet another Creme Horn for a snack. I told him they were getting stale, but he didn't care. Lunch was a cheeseburger Dave brought home from McDonald's, and later Dad had a snack of chips. Last week he had no appetite, this week he is outdoing us all (which is a pretty big feat). Dinner was a rehash of a few nights ago - corned beef and cabbage, carrots, potatoes and bread, with strawberries and ice cream for dessert. Whew.
At breakfast, Dad decided to join us at the table, and it worked really well to have him in the wheelchair because it fits perfectly under the table. He did the same at dinner. It's much nicer to have him at the table with us.
Beth, the visiting Hospice nurse, came in the early afternoon, and I talked to her about Dad's feeling there wasn't enough air in the room. She said that is a common symptom and it even has a name, air hunger. She listened to his lungs, and said one sounds good but the other does not. She ordered oxygen, which arrived just as she was leaving. Dad wants nothing to do with it. I do understand it must make him feel like even more of a patient, or even sicker than he feels, because it has those green tubes that go in your nose and hang around your ears. We tried to tell him it might make him feel better. He's not ready for it, and so be it. I would rather have it sit there until or if he is ready for it, than need it and not have it.
Dad is very tired of being sick, and he wants to get better. Seeing things like oxygen tanks coming into the house is not a good sign for him. I've told him it is completely optional, and he doesn't have to use it if he doesn't want to. He was not happy, and I get that.
Molly came by this afternoon with a lasagna - yum! - and it's in the freezer for our next visitors. Chad came by on his way home from jury duty (having found a guy arrested for DUI guilty). He was interested in the football game tonight and said he'd be back later.
I put a foam "egg crate" on Dad's bed, as he complained about it not being comfortable yesterday (for the first time). It is an adjustable bed, and we're trying different positions to see what feels best for him.
His arm continues to improve, but it is now black and blue all the way down to his hand, and his hand is swollen. The blood is draining down since he can't keep it elevated. It should get better over time, though.
He thinks there is a minute improvement in his right eye, where he had the injection. He was able to read the time on his watch a couple times today. That is a much needed positive sign!
Dave is staying with Dad tonight, and I'm home. When I left, it was just as it should be - three guys getting ready for the kickoff between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins. Two were drinking beer, and one had his Tervis Tumbler with a lobster on it, full of ice water. Goodnight!
Libbie was hard at work in the kitchen this morning, making biscuits (okay, they were Pillsbury, but that's exactly what we wanted), fried eggs, cheese grits, and slices of Honey Baked Ham. Dad had a bowl of cantaloupe in addition to his plate of food. Lib and I were able to take a short walk, and I showed her where Dad would walk his mile every day. We saw lots of turtles but no alligators, though we did see two yesterday. Steve and Libbie packed up the car and left after big hugs and tears. On my part. I was so appreciative of their help.
Dad had yet another Creme Horn for a snack. I told him they were getting stale, but he didn't care. Lunch was a cheeseburger Dave brought home from McDonald's, and later Dad had a snack of chips. Last week he had no appetite, this week he is outdoing us all (which is a pretty big feat). Dinner was a rehash of a few nights ago - corned beef and cabbage, carrots, potatoes and bread, with strawberries and ice cream for dessert. Whew.
At breakfast, Dad decided to join us at the table, and it worked really well to have him in the wheelchair because it fits perfectly under the table. He did the same at dinner. It's much nicer to have him at the table with us.
Beth, the visiting Hospice nurse, came in the early afternoon, and I talked to her about Dad's feeling there wasn't enough air in the room. She said that is a common symptom and it even has a name, air hunger. She listened to his lungs, and said one sounds good but the other does not. She ordered oxygen, which arrived just as she was leaving. Dad wants nothing to do with it. I do understand it must make him feel like even more of a patient, or even sicker than he feels, because it has those green tubes that go in your nose and hang around your ears. We tried to tell him it might make him feel better. He's not ready for it, and so be it. I would rather have it sit there until or if he is ready for it, than need it and not have it.
Dad is very tired of being sick, and he wants to get better. Seeing things like oxygen tanks coming into the house is not a good sign for him. I've told him it is completely optional, and he doesn't have to use it if he doesn't want to. He was not happy, and I get that.
Molly came by this afternoon with a lasagna - yum! - and it's in the freezer for our next visitors. Chad came by on his way home from jury duty (having found a guy arrested for DUI guilty). He was interested in the football game tonight and said he'd be back later.
I put a foam "egg crate" on Dad's bed, as he complained about it not being comfortable yesterday (for the first time). It is an adjustable bed, and we're trying different positions to see what feels best for him.
His arm continues to improve, but it is now black and blue all the way down to his hand, and his hand is swollen. The blood is draining down since he can't keep it elevated. It should get better over time, though.
He thinks there is a minute improvement in his right eye, where he had the injection. He was able to read the time on his watch a couple times today. That is a much needed positive sign!
Dave is staying with Dad tonight, and I'm home. When I left, it was just as it should be - three guys getting ready for the kickoff between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins. Two were drinking beer, and one had his Tervis Tumbler with a lobster on it, full of ice water. Goodnight!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Sunday - Family Day
Everyone was up relatively early today. The "We're Up" signal - outdoor lights get turned off - was done about 8 AM so I went to Dad's with a pot of coffee. We had told Steve and Libbie that Dad gets up every 1-2 hours, and Steve was so concerned he wouldn't hear Dad if he called, he ended up sleeping on the floor in Dad's room. We had put a love seat in there for a little nap, but of course it was too small to sleep on. Today Libbie and I moved out the loveseat and Dave put a twin mattress on the floor. Steve is planning to sleep there tonight. What a guy.
Libbie made a big breakfast of scrambled eggs, grits and blueberry muffins and Dad enjoyed every bite (as did the rest of us). Lib and I managed to get a good walk in while Dave went to church, Dad snoozed, and Steve caught a cat nap. We woke Dad up for lunch, then it was football time. Dad and Steve watched the Falcons and were happy with the last seconds win. After that, Dad wanted to listen to music, so I brought some of his favorites from my house and he nodded his head along to The Mavericks and Paolo Conte.
Molly and Coleman came for a visit and stayed for dinner. Libbie brought spaghetti and made a great salad. We encouraged Dad to come to the table, but he was more comfortable in the Big Blue Chair. It was not great to have the rest of us at the table and Dad by himself, so we will make sure someone sits closer to him during meals.
After dinner we started in on the storytelling - the bear in our camp in Glacier National Park, the visit to the Jack Greens in Casper, WY, the hunt for the petrified forest, the mine exploration by Dad and Steve outside El Paso, the burning tumbleweeds in Moses Lake, the hot hot hot chili in Denver, Jon smoking in the basement in Danvers, the Hookie stories --- we were all laughing. I haven't seen Dad laugh for a month now, and it was good medicine!
Dad was complaining of "not enough air" in his bedroom to Dave, which I didn't know until tonight. He mentioned it 3 times. We made sure the A/C and the ceiling fan in his room were on. Of course this sort of comment makes us wonder if he is beginning to have breathing problems. The nurse told us he is probably going to need oxygen at some point. We will bring up the subject at her visit tomorrow.
Dad was more alert this afternoon and evening, and had plenty to add to our numerous tales, so it was a very good way to end the day.
Libbie made a big breakfast of scrambled eggs, grits and blueberry muffins and Dad enjoyed every bite (as did the rest of us). Lib and I managed to get a good walk in while Dave went to church, Dad snoozed, and Steve caught a cat nap. We woke Dad up for lunch, then it was football time. Dad and Steve watched the Falcons and were happy with the last seconds win. After that, Dad wanted to listen to music, so I brought some of his favorites from my house and he nodded his head along to The Mavericks and Paolo Conte.
Molly and Coleman came for a visit and stayed for dinner. Libbie brought spaghetti and made a great salad. We encouraged Dad to come to the table, but he was more comfortable in the Big Blue Chair. It was not great to have the rest of us at the table and Dad by himself, so we will make sure someone sits closer to him during meals.
After dinner we started in on the storytelling - the bear in our camp in Glacier National Park, the visit to the Jack Greens in Casper, WY, the hunt for the petrified forest, the mine exploration by Dad and Steve outside El Paso, the burning tumbleweeds in Moses Lake, the hot hot hot chili in Denver, Jon smoking in the basement in Danvers, the Hookie stories --- we were all laughing. I haven't seen Dad laugh for a month now, and it was good medicine!
Dad was complaining of "not enough air" in his bedroom to Dave, which I didn't know until tonight. He mentioned it 3 times. We made sure the A/C and the ceiling fan in his room were on. Of course this sort of comment makes us wonder if he is beginning to have breathing problems. The nurse told us he is probably going to need oxygen at some point. We will bring up the subject at her visit tomorrow.
Dad was more alert this afternoon and evening, and had plenty to add to our numerous tales, so it was a very good way to end the day.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Steve & Libbie Arrive
Our days are starting to get into a routine - with the exception of who our visitors are for the day.
After being up every 1-2 hours last night, Dad slept from 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM. It takes quite a while for the morning routine, as he moves all his limbs around, swivels his back, takes his pills, gets cleaned up, etc. etc. He used his walker to get to the living room, then sat down for a breakfast of cantaloupe and French toast. We found another big bruise on Dad - approx. where his fractured rib is - and it is the size of a person's hand. We have no idea what caused it.
He took a little snooze, then Libbie and Steve arrived about noon, being nice enough to call ahead and ask if we needed anything from the grocery store. Dad was asking for SOS (chipped beef on toast) so they picked some up, as well as ice cream and some frozen dinners. Libbie also brought a cooler full of groceries - Honey Baked Ham, spaghetti sauce and pasta, and I'm sorry but I'm drawing a blank on her other goodies.
We had leftovers from our previous night's dinner (corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots) for lunch, and Dad ate a good bit. His snack was another Creme Horn, and later Jello and whipped cream. Even with a lot of college ball on tv, he took another nap.
Molly stopped by to say hello. She was on her way to Dinner Club, without her hubby who had gotten called into work. The boys were home with their wonderful sitter.
Dinner was the ham, sweet potatoes, tortellini salad, beans and rolls. Once again, immediately after dinner, Dad was ready for bed. We had a bit of a late dinner, and tried to draw out the bedtime, but by 8 PM Dad was all snug in his bed with the UGA game on the radio. I turned it off 20 minutes later, as he had fallen asleep.
Dad says he does not feel well, and said he had a headache tonight, but at other times (especially after eating) he says he feels better. He was awake more today than yesterday, I'm sure because Steve regaled him with stories and Libbie kept a lively conversation going. We've warned Steve & Lib that Dad will be up often, but they can nap when he does tomorrow.
After being up every 1-2 hours last night, Dad slept from 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM. It takes quite a while for the morning routine, as he moves all his limbs around, swivels his back, takes his pills, gets cleaned up, etc. etc. He used his walker to get to the living room, then sat down for a breakfast of cantaloupe and French toast. We found another big bruise on Dad - approx. where his fractured rib is - and it is the size of a person's hand. We have no idea what caused it.
He took a little snooze, then Libbie and Steve arrived about noon, being nice enough to call ahead and ask if we needed anything from the grocery store. Dad was asking for SOS (chipped beef on toast) so they picked some up, as well as ice cream and some frozen dinners. Libbie also brought a cooler full of groceries - Honey Baked Ham, spaghetti sauce and pasta, and I'm sorry but I'm drawing a blank on her other goodies.
We had leftovers from our previous night's dinner (corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots) for lunch, and Dad ate a good bit. His snack was another Creme Horn, and later Jello and whipped cream. Even with a lot of college ball on tv, he took another nap.
Molly stopped by to say hello. She was on her way to Dinner Club, without her hubby who had gotten called into work. The boys were home with their wonderful sitter.
Dinner was the ham, sweet potatoes, tortellini salad, beans and rolls. Once again, immediately after dinner, Dad was ready for bed. We had a bit of a late dinner, and tried to draw out the bedtime, but by 8 PM Dad was all snug in his bed with the UGA game on the radio. I turned it off 20 minutes later, as he had fallen asleep.
Dad says he does not feel well, and said he had a headache tonight, but at other times (especially after eating) he says he feels better. He was awake more today than yesterday, I'm sure because Steve regaled him with stories and Libbie kept a lively conversation going. We've warned Steve & Lib that Dad will be up often, but they can nap when he does tomorrow.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Up and Down
Yesterday was up the ladder, today was one step forward and a half step back. The step up is that Dad's arm continues to improve. He has much less swelling and a little more range of motion. It looks as though he was hit by a car, but there was a bit of improvement.
Otherwise, he had a slightly down day. We woke him up at 10:30 when Charisse arrived. He had been up 6 times during the night, then slept soundly from 6:30-10:30 AM. He was very grateful for Charisse's bath, shampoo and shave, he put on clean clothes and used his walker to get to the living room. The effort exhausted him. He had a good breakfast and felt a touch better, and fell asleep. Dad just wasn't feeling well, but had no specific complaints. He slept most of the day.
Dave made corned beef and cabbage in the crock pot with potatoes and carrots for dinner. Dad ate a small portion of each, but all together it was a good plate full. He even had ice cream and chocolate sauce for dessert, then wanted to head to bed again.
We've been a little concerned about his sleeping routine, as he is up every 1-2 hours at night, but can sleep 3-4 hours at a time during the day. We don't know if it is because his chair is more comfortable than his bed, if something presses on his bladder while in bed, or ??? The visiting nurse came today and we reviewed his meds and this sleep problem. She thought perhaps his constipation bothers him more at night. Maybe he will sleep better tonight. Dave is staying with him, and I am home.
Geoff called and Dad was very glad to talk to him, but felt badly that he didn't have more to say. His brain is working quite well, but he is very slow to answer questions or make decisions. Tonight I read him a story about Meriwether Lewis (of Lewis & Clark fame) from the Wall St. Journal - his descendants want to exhume his body to see if it can be determined whether he committed suicide or was murdered. When I got to the part about Lewis having two bullets in his body, one in the chest and one in the head, Dad said, "I always wondered about that - why would a marksman like Lewis need two bullets to shoot himself? And how could someone shoot themselves twice?" I had never even known there was a mystery about Lewis' death, much less that it was from a gun.
I made a comment yesterday about how we kids would joke that when Dad was driving, the car automatically turned into bakeries, when Mom was driving it would turn into antique shops. Dad said, Yes and my favorite snack was Creme Horns. Today, Dave was going to buy some more sheets, a thermal cup, etc. and asked Dad if he needed anything. Dad said, See if you can find some Creme Horns. Thank goodness, Dave found some! Dad had a Creme Horn and a milkshake for his snack. The brain is good! Just a little slow these days.
Otherwise, he had a slightly down day. We woke him up at 10:30 when Charisse arrived. He had been up 6 times during the night, then slept soundly from 6:30-10:30 AM. He was very grateful for Charisse's bath, shampoo and shave, he put on clean clothes and used his walker to get to the living room. The effort exhausted him. He had a good breakfast and felt a touch better, and fell asleep. Dad just wasn't feeling well, but had no specific complaints. He slept most of the day.
Dave made corned beef and cabbage in the crock pot with potatoes and carrots for dinner. Dad ate a small portion of each, but all together it was a good plate full. He even had ice cream and chocolate sauce for dessert, then wanted to head to bed again.
We've been a little concerned about his sleeping routine, as he is up every 1-2 hours at night, but can sleep 3-4 hours at a time during the day. We don't know if it is because his chair is more comfortable than his bed, if something presses on his bladder while in bed, or ??? The visiting nurse came today and we reviewed his meds and this sleep problem. She thought perhaps his constipation bothers him more at night. Maybe he will sleep better tonight. Dave is staying with him, and I am home.
Geoff called and Dad was very glad to talk to him, but felt badly that he didn't have more to say. His brain is working quite well, but he is very slow to answer questions or make decisions. Tonight I read him a story about Meriwether Lewis (of Lewis & Clark fame) from the Wall St. Journal - his descendants want to exhume his body to see if it can be determined whether he committed suicide or was murdered. When I got to the part about Lewis having two bullets in his body, one in the chest and one in the head, Dad said, "I always wondered about that - why would a marksman like Lewis need two bullets to shoot himself? And how could someone shoot themselves twice?" I had never even known there was a mystery about Lewis' death, much less that it was from a gun.
I made a comment yesterday about how we kids would joke that when Dad was driving, the car automatically turned into bakeries, when Mom was driving it would turn into antique shops. Dad said, Yes and my favorite snack was Creme Horns. Today, Dave was going to buy some more sheets, a thermal cup, etc. and asked Dad if he needed anything. Dad said, See if you can find some Creme Horns. Thank goodness, Dave found some! Dad had a Creme Horn and a milkshake for his snack. The brain is good! Just a little slow these days.
Posting Problems
I'm having wifi-internet problems. "Climbing Up the Ladder" was Thurdsay evening's (9/30) post.
Climbing Up the Ladder
When Dad woke up after his morning nap, he called, Is anyone home? I went in to see him, and he immediately said he feels better and is "climbing up the ladder." He had a pretty good day, eating a big breakfast, a light lunch, a milk shake and potato chips for a snack (there's still part of me that says, No No No, but I silenced it), and an egg, bacon, toast and grits for dinner. Dad had slept most of the morning after being up every hour from 1:30-5:30 AM. That of course meant Jon was up, too. Dave and I came over about 8 AM, and woke them up. We didn't mean to! We have to create a code for "C'mon In" otherwise Stay Out, We're Sleeping.
Jon left today and I can't even think about it without getting tears in my eyes. He is so good with Dad.
Dave took Jon to the airport and did errands and grocery shopping on the way home. I brought my ironing over and made a good dent in it while Dad watched TV. He was sleepy, but I kept trying to talk to him, as did Dave, to keep him awake. I really hope he sleeps through the night tonight, or at least with fewer interruptions. He has had his pain pills, eye drops, and we added an anti-anxiety pill to help stop the nightmares. He doesn't really talk about them, but he did tell Jon one of them was about pirates. Hmmm I think this is payback for all the pirate stories he and Uncle Jack used to tell us when we were kids. I have to say I don't remember them as being scary, though, just very adventurous. He and Jack were great story tellers, but I'm sure all you Green kids will remember that Grandpa was the best! All those stories about Brer Rabbit were my favorites.
It was a quiet day today - no outside appointments and no visiting nurses. Cherisse comes tomorrow, Dad will be glad to know. We've asked her to come twice a week, though Dad may want to opt for 3 times. We'll see.
Molly dropped by to say hello. I had been telling her I can't remember anything unless I write it down, and that I brought a notebook here so I won't forget when I gave Dad his meds, or anything else I need to track. She brought me an At-A-Glance calendar/notebook, with 2 days per page and lots of writing room. Their slogan is: Plan, Write, Remember. Thank you Molly!
I think Dad is trying to sort out his future. Is it possible for anyone? This morning he was talking about dying - how he can't believe he didn't die in the last few days. I said you must still have something to do here on earth. He said, I guess so.
Dave made a ramp for the wheelchair this afternoon. There is only one step between the house and the sidewalk, but it is still hard to navigate with a chair. Dad heard the banging and asked about it. When I told him about the ramp, he said, I'm not going to need that chair very much longer, I am climbing up the ladder! I'm very relieved he is feeling much better.
And on that note, I'm going to try to fall asleep early. I have a feeling I'll be up early early tomorrow.
Jon left today and I can't even think about it without getting tears in my eyes. He is so good with Dad.
Dave took Jon to the airport and did errands and grocery shopping on the way home. I brought my ironing over and made a good dent in it while Dad watched TV. He was sleepy, but I kept trying to talk to him, as did Dave, to keep him awake. I really hope he sleeps through the night tonight, or at least with fewer interruptions. He has had his pain pills, eye drops, and we added an anti-anxiety pill to help stop the nightmares. He doesn't really talk about them, but he did tell Jon one of them was about pirates. Hmmm I think this is payback for all the pirate stories he and Uncle Jack used to tell us when we were kids. I have to say I don't remember them as being scary, though, just very adventurous. He and Jack were great story tellers, but I'm sure all you Green kids will remember that Grandpa was the best! All those stories about Brer Rabbit were my favorites.
It was a quiet day today - no outside appointments and no visiting nurses. Cherisse comes tomorrow, Dad will be glad to know. We've asked her to come twice a week, though Dad may want to opt for 3 times. We'll see.
Molly dropped by to say hello. I had been telling her I can't remember anything unless I write it down, and that I brought a notebook here so I won't forget when I gave Dad his meds, or anything else I need to track. She brought me an At-A-Glance calendar/notebook, with 2 days per page and lots of writing room. Their slogan is: Plan, Write, Remember. Thank you Molly!
I think Dad is trying to sort out his future. Is it possible for anyone? This morning he was talking about dying - how he can't believe he didn't die in the last few days. I said you must still have something to do here on earth. He said, I guess so.
Dave made a ramp for the wheelchair this afternoon. There is only one step between the house and the sidewalk, but it is still hard to navigate with a chair. Dad heard the banging and asked about it. When I told him about the ramp, he said, I'm not going to need that chair very much longer, I am climbing up the ladder! I'm very relieved he is feeling much better.
And on that note, I'm going to try to fall asleep early. I have a feeling I'll be up early early tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)