A day late and a dollar short -- Sometimes I can't get to my blog before hitting the sack. So here was yesterday's news. In a phrase - Jimbo and Jocko are together again!
Dave picked Jack up at the airport, and they arrived back at Dad's about 1:30. I missed the reunion, as I was talking to Molly's painter, getting an estimate for painting our ceilings. There was joking already going on by the time I arrived - as you can imagine. Jack brought along a stack of photos - from old ones of Grandma and Grandpa to more recent ones. I think I had seen only one of them before, so it was a real treat. We are going to scan them and then we'll be able to share.
Jon and I were able to get out for a nice walk yesterday. Today (Sunday) I want to take Jack and Jon on the mile walk Dad used to do. I don't think we'll be stopping for a beer afterwards, though.
Dad's pain seems to have leveled off. He doesn't seem to have ongoing pain, or at least he's not talking about it, but he gets sudden "grabs" in his chest. He hasn't agreed to more oxygen. I think he's "manning up" with his brother here, which is totally unnecessary when it comes to pain. But try telling Dad that!
A friend of mine brought over two big bags of food yesterday - a complete Italian dinner of pasta fagioli and a bolognese sauce, dried pasta, bread and a bottle of Marilyn Merlot! She also included a big batch of chicken and rice soup. I have some fabulous friends.
This is short; it's another day and there things to do, places to go and people to see!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Friday
Once again Dave and I are leaving Jon with Dad for the evening. I tried to insist Jon go to Molly's plush guest room, take a sleeping pill, and snooze away, but he insisted even more firmly that he wanted to stay with Dad. The very good news is that Dad was up only twice last night - a huge improvement. Let's hope this trend continues!
Dad and Jon were up and drinking coffee by the time Dave and I walked across the street for our coffee (we're at Dad's so much we moved our coffee pot over there). We didn't stay long, as we were getting ready for a Grandparents' Day program at Chase's school. Jon stayed with Dad while Dave and I met Molly and Chad at the school. It was an unbelievably cute and ambitious program and we enjoyed it so much. I took a few pictures I hope to post on Facebook before too long.
Dad had a longing for Arby's roast beef sandwiches, so we picked some up on our way home. We arrived home about noon, and we were surprised Charisse had not yet come. Just as Dad started his sandwich, she came. He ate just a little bit, not because of Charisse's arrival, but because he started having chest pains. He says he feels as though his lungs are being stretched. We gave him a pain pill, then Charisse bathed him. He felt better being nice and clean and shaved, but the chest problem continued. We hooked him up to oxygen for a while. Again he doesn't feel as though anything is happening, but we noticed he seemed to relax and be more comfortable. Was it the pain pill? The oxygen? The combination? We wish there was a nice tidy answer, but there isn't.
He asked for his pencils and paper again, and also his colored pencils. He spent almost all afternoon sketching this and that, mostly shapes, angles, perspectives, etc. but also did a detailed rendition of Jon's Owl's Nest in NOLA. He was looking at the picture in the Antique Shops & Designers magazine. I know I'm repeating myself, but considering he is nearly blind, he does quite a job.
We had the Paella Mom sent - yum - for dinner, and Dad started talking about WWII, but quit before too long, saying we don't want to hear it. That's not the case, he is the one that does not want to talk about it. That's okay. Why dredge up bad memories, especially at night?
We left as Dad was watching UConn score a touchdown to go ahead of Rutgers. Dad wanted coffee and Jon was whispering "decaf" but we didn't have any straight decaf. Dad took only a short nap this afternoon, so hopefully he, and Jon, will sleep very well tonight. Dad is really looking forward to seeing his brother tomorrow. It was a subject of conversation about 10 times today. We ALL are looking forward to seeing Uncle Jack!
Dad and Jon were up and drinking coffee by the time Dave and I walked across the street for our coffee (we're at Dad's so much we moved our coffee pot over there). We didn't stay long, as we were getting ready for a Grandparents' Day program at Chase's school. Jon stayed with Dad while Dave and I met Molly and Chad at the school. It was an unbelievably cute and ambitious program and we enjoyed it so much. I took a few pictures I hope to post on Facebook before too long.
Dad had a longing for Arby's roast beef sandwiches, so we picked some up on our way home. We arrived home about noon, and we were surprised Charisse had not yet come. Just as Dad started his sandwich, she came. He ate just a little bit, not because of Charisse's arrival, but because he started having chest pains. He says he feels as though his lungs are being stretched. We gave him a pain pill, then Charisse bathed him. He felt better being nice and clean and shaved, but the chest problem continued. We hooked him up to oxygen for a while. Again he doesn't feel as though anything is happening, but we noticed he seemed to relax and be more comfortable. Was it the pain pill? The oxygen? The combination? We wish there was a nice tidy answer, but there isn't.
He asked for his pencils and paper again, and also his colored pencils. He spent almost all afternoon sketching this and that, mostly shapes, angles, perspectives, etc. but also did a detailed rendition of Jon's Owl's Nest in NOLA. He was looking at the picture in the Antique Shops & Designers magazine. I know I'm repeating myself, but considering he is nearly blind, he does quite a job.
We had the Paella Mom sent - yum - for dinner, and Dad started talking about WWII, but quit before too long, saying we don't want to hear it. That's not the case, he is the one that does not want to talk about it. That's okay. Why dredge up bad memories, especially at night?
We left as Dad was watching UConn score a touchdown to go ahead of Rutgers. Dad wanted coffee and Jon was whispering "decaf" but we didn't have any straight decaf. Dad took only a short nap this afternoon, so hopefully he, and Jon, will sleep very well tonight. Dad is really looking forward to seeing his brother tomorrow. It was a subject of conversation about 10 times today. We ALL are looking forward to seeing Uncle Jack!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Thurs. PM
It's 9:58, so I'm not breaking my new rule -- We just left Dad in Jon's capable hands. My goodness Dad was telling stories tonight, which is why we were so late leaving. He was talking about negotiating contracts with the Koreans, shopping in Bangkok, living in Malaysia, etc. It was very interesting to hear him reminiscing.
He is at a loss for specific words more often, and can have trouble putting common phrases together. He will say something like, I'm a potatoes and meat man, instead of meat and potatoes man. I think this is due more to his medication rather than a mini-stroke or something physical. We increased his pain meds, and he did seem to feel better today.
The best news is Dad is sketching again! Yesterday he asked for his pencils and paper and worked for about an hour on a couple of pictures. Today he worked for about two hours. You would be amazed at what he did, especially since he can barely see anything! Dave went out to do a few errands and got Dad some new charcoal pencils, the kind that are peeled to expose the tip, so Dad doesn't have to keep sharpening them.
Dad has been much more interested in music lately, and has enjoyed my Billboards Greatest Country Hits, The Mavericks, and Frank Sinatra. He has talked a fair amount about the genius of some people with their ability to put together notes to make beautiful music, words to make beautiful songs, and paint to make beautiful pictures.
Jon made a business trip to Charleston and stopped to see Mom for a little while. He came back loaded with food-goodies Mom sent. THANK YOU! Everything looks delicious and having meals ready-to-go is such a luxury for me. We'll be having a lot of company this weekend, and this really simplifies my days. Can't wait!
He is at a loss for specific words more often, and can have trouble putting common phrases together. He will say something like, I'm a potatoes and meat man, instead of meat and potatoes man. I think this is due more to his medication rather than a mini-stroke or something physical. We increased his pain meds, and he did seem to feel better today.
The best news is Dad is sketching again! Yesterday he asked for his pencils and paper and worked for about an hour on a couple of pictures. Today he worked for about two hours. You would be amazed at what he did, especially since he can barely see anything! Dave went out to do a few errands and got Dad some new charcoal pencils, the kind that are peeled to expose the tip, so Dad doesn't have to keep sharpening them.
Dad has been much more interested in music lately, and has enjoyed my Billboards Greatest Country Hits, The Mavericks, and Frank Sinatra. He has talked a fair amount about the genius of some people with their ability to put together notes to make beautiful music, words to make beautiful songs, and paint to make beautiful pictures.
Jon made a business trip to Charleston and stopped to see Mom for a little while. He came back loaded with food-goodies Mom sent. THANK YOU! Everything looks delicious and having meals ready-to-go is such a luxury for me. We'll be having a lot of company this weekend, and this really simplifies my days. Can't wait!
Wednesday's Report - Jon Arrives
I've imposed a new rule on myself - if I don't get to my blog before 10 PM, I'm not going to write. That was the case last night, so here it is Thursday AM and I'm writing about yesterday.
The biggest event is that Jon is here again. He had a successful trip meeting clients in Mexico on Monday and Tuesday, flew to Houston on Tuesday, then to Savannah on Wed. Dad of course was so glad to have Jon staying with him again.
Dad had a rather difficult day yesterday. He says his chest hurts, and even consented to try out the oxygen. He had the machine on for about 5 minutes before he decided it's not doing any good. It's a start, though. Charisse came to do his bath and shave, and for the first time, Dad objected. He resents not being able to do things for himself. It is a big blow to your pride to not be able to wash yourself. He eventually agreed to the bathing and felt better afterwards, but he did not enjoy it as much as he has previously. My thinking is that since Dad is eating better and feeling stronger, he is more resentful of feeling helpless. When he was weaker he was happier for the help. It's a fine line trying to be protective and helpful without making Dad feel "babied." We're all working through this.
We had a late dinner last night, after Dave brought Jon back from the airport. Dessert was a cherry pie and ice cream. We wondered if Dad would find a pit - normally, if there is even one pit in a pie, it will end up in Dad's slice. Fortunately, no pit or broken teeth last night.
Dad extended his sleeping hours between nature calls last night, which is such an improvement. He made it to 3 and even 4 hours once. I hope it keeps up.
The biggest event is that Jon is here again. He had a successful trip meeting clients in Mexico on Monday and Tuesday, flew to Houston on Tuesday, then to Savannah on Wed. Dad of course was so glad to have Jon staying with him again.
Dad had a rather difficult day yesterday. He says his chest hurts, and even consented to try out the oxygen. He had the machine on for about 5 minutes before he decided it's not doing any good. It's a start, though. Charisse came to do his bath and shave, and for the first time, Dad objected. He resents not being able to do things for himself. It is a big blow to your pride to not be able to wash yourself. He eventually agreed to the bathing and felt better afterwards, but he did not enjoy it as much as he has previously. My thinking is that since Dad is eating better and feeling stronger, he is more resentful of feeling helpless. When he was weaker he was happier for the help. It's a fine line trying to be protective and helpful without making Dad feel "babied." We're all working through this.
We had a late dinner last night, after Dave brought Jon back from the airport. Dessert was a cherry pie and ice cream. We wondered if Dad would find a pit - normally, if there is even one pit in a pie, it will end up in Dad's slice. Fortunately, no pit or broken teeth last night.
Dad extended his sleeping hours between nature calls last night, which is such an improvement. He made it to 3 and even 4 hours once. I hope it keeps up.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Tuesday
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.
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.
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.
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