Over the past couple of days my mom has just been resting for the most part. The doctors ended up having to put in a mid-way line in her right arm and shoulder. If you google PICC line, it's like that but half the length, easier to install and less permanent I believe. But there have been many challenges for the doctors and nurses finding veins over the days since Heparin was introduced. Even before then my mom has been a "hard stick" as they call it around here. Her veins are small and hard to find. Usually the most skilled nurses on staff have to get involved for these things with her. These are the small kind of complications that I don't usually mention.
Mom is still on pain medications and I'm not sure if the antibiotics have been stopped yet, but I don't see the IV antibiotic fluid now so I assume its done. Her throat is still very sore from the procedure and she will have a difficult time talking and eating for quite a while longer until things can fully heal. The doctors said it could take multiple weeks. So I don't imagine my mom will be taking phone calls in the short term. I am reading to her everything you guys say here on the blog when she's awake and feeling okay. She knows you guys are all there and I know she appreciates it so much. We are all so thankful to have you.
Today a large chunk of my family was here at the hospital this morning. We had a meeting with the head doctor that oversees all the patients at this hospital, as well as another or two other types and a social worker. Oh and my moms kidney doctor stopped by as well. My mom adores her kidney doctor very much - he is such a nice guy who has been taking care of my mom closely over years, more than just her kidney. Anyways, the staff wanted to provide us all with a status of how things are going and ask us how we want to proceed; short term and long term. Our plan hasn't changed and it won't. We're going to fight this cancer. Only the circumstances have changed. The doctors said they wont allow or suggest chemo treatments in my moms current condition. They suggested home health care for now.
The very short term plan is to get my mom out of the hospital. The doctors think this may happen within a few days or so if nothing new and drastic occurs. Following that, we'll probably have some sort of home health care person administering medication and whatever else they do. I'm not all sure how that works. But I also know my moms strength has to be up to par to resume chemo. The doctors clarified that this chemo treatment doesn't doesn't kill the cancer, only slows it down. But we already know this, and we also know that the will of God is His alone and we must pray and ask for healing in the name of Jesus. I know God has the power to transform, I've seen it first hand.
We're taking things one step at a time. That's all I know for the plan right now. 1) Get healthy enough to go home 2) Start the process for home health care 3) Get strength up to par and relieve pain. Once all that is done, I know my mom is ready to move forward with chemo to prolong life. My mom is the absolute strongest woman I've ever met, and I'm not the only one to have experienced her amazing ability to endure life challenges of all types.
I will continue to update regularly.
Many thanks and love, Mike.
and the rest of us will keep praying for her sending positive energy her way so that she gets stronger and can fight this cancer head on....tell your mom she owes me a "girls afternoon" with pedicure and shopping.
Posted by: Bellinda | 09/25/2012 at 07:58 AM
We're fighting with you in spirit, Yolanda!!! Every step of the way!!
Posted by: Lori Lober | 09/25/2012 at 09:09 AM
yolanda, i love you, my friend!!!!
as soon as I am well enough to come visit (even if it's just to hug you and sew on labels for your quilts)
you are always in my heart and prayers.
xoxoxox
liberty
Posted by: liberty | 09/25/2012 at 12:08 PM
Tell your mom that me and my staff are still praying for her and I miss her here at work.
Vanessa
Posted by: Vanessa | 09/25/2012 at 04:50 PM
Thank you again for all the details, Mike. Yolanda, there is a quilt waiting at your place waiting to be given to Izzy, so I'm so glad to hear you are out of the ICU and can have young family members visiting you until you get home. Glad to see Gavin w/ his grama!
Posted by: Alison | 09/25/2012 at 10:37 PM
We keep Yolanda in our daily prayers...
Posted by: presserfootdesigns | 09/26/2012 at 04:59 AM
Dear Yolanda,
I continue to pray for your complete recovery and confident that the Lord will do this. I am also praying that God will use this trial for His Complete glory. Keep up the good fight!! Kristeen
Posted by: Kristeen Espinoza | 09/26/2012 at 11:59 AM
Dear Yolanda,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. We have a small group that meets in our home a few times a month and I will ask them to pray as well. Remember Jeremiah 29:11, 12 - a promise to rest on.
Fondly,
Evie
Posted by: Evie Allen | 09/26/2012 at 02:59 PM
Amazing journey you're all on - the Lord Jesus give you peace and strength!
Yolanda we're praying He removes all pain - and rest well!
Posted by: Dennis | 09/26/2012 at 03:58 PM
mike - any update?
Posted by: liberty | 09/27/2012 at 09:36 AM
Thoughts and prayers continue for you all. I will see you next week. I admire both you and Chris for all you do for your mom.
Posted by: Priscilla Christian | 09/27/2012 at 02:06 PM
I will be praying for you all. Please give Yolanda my best and let her know that I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know and work with her. Continue to remember what is true, remember the Lord and His word. May He comfort you with His great love and give you strength.
Posted by: Kari Schumaker | 09/27/2012 at 02:25 PM