Monday Aug 17, 09
Val had a busy, great day on Sunday. Joe and I and our three kids as well as Alison and John and their one son all visited Val and Dad from 10:30 to 11:30. Val wanted all the grandchildren to pick out a special stuffed animal to keep and take that day. She also listened to Brendan play his cello. She showed Alison the set of china she wants her to have. Val was smiling and happy the whole visit.
Val was visited in the afternoon by her Aunt Tatti, Cousin Bobby and cousin Jane. Tatti is Lea's only sister who is 90 and lives in VA. Jane her daughter-in-law flew down to get her and drove Tatti to their house in NH last week. Aunt Tatti has been close to Val her whole life as she used to live upstairs in their two family home in Barre Vt above Rudy and Lea. Bobby and Val are very close in age and grew up together. The visit went well according to Dad. Val wanted to give Jane some of her clothes which she did.
Val is going through a phase where she doesn't want to eat again. She tells Dad she is full. She has been sleeping all the time. Her blood levels are stable with her hemoglobin at 9.2.
Chemo is planned for tomorrow at 10:30.
Love and prayers to Val always.......Salynn
Monday, August 17, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Thursday Aug. 13, 09
The CAT SCAN report is in. There wasn't really any new bad news so that is the good news.
Both lungs remain with very large number of pulmonary lesions or tumors throughout. That is why Val remains on 2% oxygen. There is some improved aeration or air moving into the right lung which is good news as the entire lung collapsed back in early May. The right lung now has an extensive pleural effusion; that is fluid build up surrounding the whole right lung. The chest tube she had placed in May was suppose to drain this. Most likely, this is the cancer killing the good lung cells resulting in this new fluid build up around the right lung again.
There has been an enlargement of the tumor on the anterior aspect of the liver from 1 cm to 2.3 cm. The tumor on the inferior/medial aspect of the liver is also 2.3 cm. The common bile duct remains enlarged to 3 cm. The tumor on the pancreas tail remains unchanged in size measuring 4.4 by 2.3 cm. No new tumors in the abdomen were found.
Val had a filter placed into the inferior vena cava back in Dec. to prevent blood clots from traveling to her brain or heart or lung. The scan shows the new blood clot or a DVT which is located in the left common iliac vein extending into the left external iliac and femoral veins
The pelvis now has free fluid scattered within the deep pelvis area. Again, this is the cancer cells killing off the good cells and leaving behind fluid.
Love and prayers to Val always....Salynn
The CAT SCAN report is in. There wasn't really any new bad news so that is the good news.
Both lungs remain with very large number of pulmonary lesions or tumors throughout. That is why Val remains on 2% oxygen. There is some improved aeration or air moving into the right lung which is good news as the entire lung collapsed back in early May. The right lung now has an extensive pleural effusion; that is fluid build up surrounding the whole right lung. The chest tube she had placed in May was suppose to drain this. Most likely, this is the cancer killing the good lung cells resulting in this new fluid build up around the right lung again.
There has been an enlargement of the tumor on the anterior aspect of the liver from 1 cm to 2.3 cm. The tumor on the inferior/medial aspect of the liver is also 2.3 cm. The common bile duct remains enlarged to 3 cm. The tumor on the pancreas tail remains unchanged in size measuring 4.4 by 2.3 cm. No new tumors in the abdomen were found.
Val had a filter placed into the inferior vena cava back in Dec. to prevent blood clots from traveling to her brain or heart or lung. The scan shows the new blood clot or a DVT which is located in the left common iliac vein extending into the left external iliac and femoral veins
The pelvis now has free fluid scattered within the deep pelvis area. Again, this is the cancer cells killing off the good cells and leaving behind fluid.
Love and prayers to Val always....Salynn
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Wednesday Aug. 12, 09
It was 8:30 before I got a chance to speak to Dad tonight. He was downstairs about to help Val walk up to bed. Sometimes, she likes to stay downstairs to rest...the hospital bed is reeeallly comfortable she says. I think she may just like being downstairs for an hour more to pretend the day is not coming to an end. Don't ever forget, Val is a night owl like her parents!
Dad said the nicest things happened to him today. First, his neighbor Audrey who is an OR nurse at CVH said she would be taking the day off from work on Thursday to check in on Val while he was at the eye doctor. She said "You've never asked me to help before, and I want to.be there for you both." I told him "That's so nice, I think I might cry." So, we both did for a moment.
I reassured him that it is "OK" to ask people for help. There are so many people willing to help Val and Dad, even though he has difficulty asking. He also said, that his friend Mary Simoneti called to tell him that she was around on Thursday. Mary used to be the school nurse at Spaulding High School where he used to teach if I am not mistaken. Blessings occur everyday and this is an example.
Despite Val's resistance, she let Dad put the raised toilet seat with armrests over the master bathroom toilet. She doesn't like it, but it is a lot easier for her to get up and down from.
Love and prayers to Val always......Salynn
It was 8:30 before I got a chance to speak to Dad tonight. He was downstairs about to help Val walk up to bed. Sometimes, she likes to stay downstairs to rest...the hospital bed is reeeallly comfortable she says. I think she may just like being downstairs for an hour more to pretend the day is not coming to an end. Don't ever forget, Val is a night owl like her parents!
Dad said the nicest things happened to him today. First, his neighbor Audrey who is an OR nurse at CVH said she would be taking the day off from work on Thursday to check in on Val while he was at the eye doctor. She said "You've never asked me to help before, and I want to.be there for you both." I told him "That's so nice, I think I might cry." So, we both did for a moment.
I reassured him that it is "OK" to ask people for help. There are so many people willing to help Val and Dad, even though he has difficulty asking. He also said, that his friend Mary Simoneti called to tell him that she was around on Thursday. Mary used to be the school nurse at Spaulding High School where he used to teach if I am not mistaken. Blessings occur everyday and this is an example.
Despite Val's resistance, she let Dad put the raised toilet seat with armrests over the master bathroom toilet. She doesn't like it, but it is a lot easier for her to get up and down from.
Love and prayers to Val always......Salynn
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Tuesday Aug. 11, 09
The reality of it is Val is a fragile weak person at this time. Today was a sleepy day as it was rainy in Barre, VT. Since Rudy and Lea were not visiting this afternoon, Val and Dad were resting and sleeping most of the day away. Unfortunately, Val didn't wake Dad while he was napping. She got up from the bed upstairs and tripped on her oxygen cord and fell to the floor. Dad awoke to a big bang. Val is not steady on her feet to begin with. As I told Dad, if he said she fell from loss of balance alone I wouldn't have been shocked. There were several times in ME that I had to just steady her while she was walking. Needless to say, this was a scary day because of the fall. Dad had to bring the footstool over to have her put the good leg, the right leg, under her while putting her hands on the footstool to try to rise to stand. As of right now, her only injury is a sore lower back which they are putting some ice on. The second injury is a breach of trust now ...Dad has to know Val will wake him or else he will never allow himself to surrender to sleep. The third injury is the guilt that Dad must forgive himself for not hearing her. He is exhausted and I am happy to know he is capable of napping. He never once let himself nap despite my coaxing and encouragement while we were together in Maine. Dad has an eye appointment in Burlington on Thursday. Now, he is even more scared of leaving her with her parents who are both 86. We brainstormed some people who could be called in case she needs someone. He won't ask my brother Baine or my sister Alison as he doesn't want to take them away from their jobs. They would come if he would let them.
I pray the injuries Val has sustained are s minimal as they appear tonight.
Love and prayers to Val always..... Salynn
The reality of it is Val is a fragile weak person at this time. Today was a sleepy day as it was rainy in Barre, VT. Since Rudy and Lea were not visiting this afternoon, Val and Dad were resting and sleeping most of the day away. Unfortunately, Val didn't wake Dad while he was napping. She got up from the bed upstairs and tripped on her oxygen cord and fell to the floor. Dad awoke to a big bang. Val is not steady on her feet to begin with. As I told Dad, if he said she fell from loss of balance alone I wouldn't have been shocked. There were several times in ME that I had to just steady her while she was walking. Needless to say, this was a scary day because of the fall. Dad had to bring the footstool over to have her put the good leg, the right leg, under her while putting her hands on the footstool to try to rise to stand. As of right now, her only injury is a sore lower back which they are putting some ice on. The second injury is a breach of trust now ...Dad has to know Val will wake him or else he will never allow himself to surrender to sleep. The third injury is the guilt that Dad must forgive himself for not hearing her. He is exhausted and I am happy to know he is capable of napping. He never once let himself nap despite my coaxing and encouragement while we were together in Maine. Dad has an eye appointment in Burlington on Thursday. Now, he is even more scared of leaving her with her parents who are both 86. We brainstormed some people who could be called in case she needs someone. He won't ask my brother Baine or my sister Alison as he doesn't want to take them away from their jobs. They would come if he would let them.
I pray the injuries Val has sustained are s minimal as they appear tonight.
Love and prayers to Val always..... Salynn
Monday, August 10, 2009
Monday Aug. 10, 09
It was a busy day. Dad and Val were up at the crack of dawn to eat breakfast before the visiting nurse came to do draw blood and do a routine check of all systems. At 9:30 Val began drinking the radioactive dye liquid that prepares her insides for the CAT SCAN. Dad drove her up to CVH in Berlin which is only 10 minutes from their house for the scan scheduled for 10:30. With a few delays, the test was completed and they were back home by 1-1:30. Dad had hoped Val would like to go to the cafeteria for lunch in the hospital, but she just wanted out of there. She rested peacefully the rest of the afternoon. She continues to eat well or at least a minimal to moderate amount of food for each meal. Either the chemo is out of her system or the one steroid a day is helping. The results of the scan will be in writing by Thursday we think. The amazing thing is that during the week we were in Maine, her Hemoglobin level rose from 8.2 to 9.2. The WBC is high again at 144 vs. 117 before ME.
Prayers to Bella, Val's Aunt who is 90 and went to the hospital today by ambulance due to trouble breathing. She suffers form congestive heart failure. At this time, Bella is requesting to be put into a nursing home. All the red tape is to follow.
Love and prayers to Val always....Salynn
It was a busy day. Dad and Val were up at the crack of dawn to eat breakfast before the visiting nurse came to do draw blood and do a routine check of all systems. At 9:30 Val began drinking the radioactive dye liquid that prepares her insides for the CAT SCAN. Dad drove her up to CVH in Berlin which is only 10 minutes from their house for the scan scheduled for 10:30. With a few delays, the test was completed and they were back home by 1-1:30. Dad had hoped Val would like to go to the cafeteria for lunch in the hospital, but she just wanted out of there. She rested peacefully the rest of the afternoon. She continues to eat well or at least a minimal to moderate amount of food for each meal. Either the chemo is out of her system or the one steroid a day is helping. The results of the scan will be in writing by Thursday we think. The amazing thing is that during the week we were in Maine, her Hemoglobin level rose from 8.2 to 9.2. The WBC is high again at 144 vs. 117 before ME.
Prayers to Bella, Val's Aunt who is 90 and went to the hospital today by ambulance due to trouble breathing. She suffers form congestive heart failure. At this time, Bella is requesting to be put into a nursing home. All the red tape is to follow.
Love and prayers to Val always....Salynn
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Sunday Aug. 9, 09
Val was happy from the moment we got to Maine and all throughout her trip. There was not a moment she expressed any sadness. Why should she be she though? Kennebunk Maine to Val is the epitome of Heaven on earth and always has been. She experienced only peace and an inner feeling of being at home on Gooch's beach. One time, she even told me she felt this was where her soul was born and thus drawn to it. In past summers, she would spend a month at a time there. I commented to her that I never could understand how she was never lonely. Now, I understand. She had all the animals on the beach and their owners keeping her company every day. The routine we had for four days was the routine she kept every day she had been there previous. She would get up and be on the beach with Fuller from 7-9 am and then go back to bed for a rest, only to return to the beach after 5pm until sunset. She kept this routine throughout all types of weather. The joy and happiness that Val experienced in Kennebunk of the beach of Maine was the happiness anyone of us wishes we could experienc in our lives. Val had that at Gooch's Beach.
Since we've been home in Barre, Fuller has been demonstrating the fatigue we all feel. A sort of exhaustion that the adrenaline we were running on was allowed to come to a stop. Val remains with no complications from our trip except a superficial bruise on the back of her right thigh that we think was where the wheel chair cushion ended. Just an example of how fragile her skin and vascular system really is. Dad and I decided to try an ace bandage around the top of her right thigh to help reduce the swelling which may reduce the pain she feels when she rises from sitting and when she walks. She is now going to be taking one steroid a day versus the two she was taking in ME. Val ate last night for dinner the Vietnamese egg rolls that she bought from her manicurist Thao. Delicious!
I was able to organize Val's clothes a little more last night. She is now a size large versus a 2x. All her clothes that fit are in a drawer and all the ones that are too big are packed away. She also allowed me to borrow her address book so I could write little notes to her friends in ME. Please realize that she shakes when she writes so it is difficult for her to write. But she LOVES getting letters in the mail; she doesn't check her email any more or really have the energy to talk on the phone, please wrote to her.
I kept looking for a special sign from the Gods while I was there. As I reflect, I believe I was looking too hard the sign. The trip itself was a true miracle. The Gods were looking out for Val bringing safe travels to and from, the perfect weather, the friends and dogs, and the joy my father and I experienced watching Val experience such happiness.
Love and prayers to Val always......Salynn
Val was happy from the moment we got to Maine and all throughout her trip. There was not a moment she expressed any sadness. Why should she be she though? Kennebunk Maine to Val is the epitome of Heaven on earth and always has been. She experienced only peace and an inner feeling of being at home on Gooch's beach. One time, she even told me she felt this was where her soul was born and thus drawn to it. In past summers, she would spend a month at a time there. I commented to her that I never could understand how she was never lonely. Now, I understand. She had all the animals on the beach and their owners keeping her company every day. The routine we had for four days was the routine she kept every day she had been there previous. She would get up and be on the beach with Fuller from 7-9 am and then go back to bed for a rest, only to return to the beach after 5pm until sunset. She kept this routine throughout all types of weather. The joy and happiness that Val experienced in Kennebunk of the beach of Maine was the happiness anyone of us wishes we could experienc in our lives. Val had that at Gooch's Beach.
Since we've been home in Barre, Fuller has been demonstrating the fatigue we all feel. A sort of exhaustion that the adrenaline we were running on was allowed to come to a stop. Val remains with no complications from our trip except a superficial bruise on the back of her right thigh that we think was where the wheel chair cushion ended. Just an example of how fragile her skin and vascular system really is. Dad and I decided to try an ace bandage around the top of her right thigh to help reduce the swelling which may reduce the pain she feels when she rises from sitting and when she walks. She is now going to be taking one steroid a day versus the two she was taking in ME. Val ate last night for dinner the Vietnamese egg rolls that she bought from her manicurist Thao. Delicious!
I was able to organize Val's clothes a little more last night. She is now a size large versus a 2x. All her clothes that fit are in a drawer and all the ones that are too big are packed away. She also allowed me to borrow her address book so I could write little notes to her friends in ME. Please realize that she shakes when she writes so it is difficult for her to write. But she LOVES getting letters in the mail; she doesn't check her email any more or really have the energy to talk on the phone, please wrote to her.
I kept looking for a special sign from the Gods while I was there. As I reflect, I believe I was looking too hard the sign. The trip itself was a true miracle. The Gods were looking out for Val bringing safe travels to and from, the perfect weather, the friends and dogs, and the joy my father and I experienced watching Val experience such happiness.
Love and prayers to Val always......Salynn
Friday, August 7, 2009
Friday Aug. 7, 09
The stars aligned for this trip. For those that know Val, she believes things happen for a reason. It was another great day in Kennebunk. It started at the beach with visits from all her friends...I won't mention names as the morning is FULL of people and FULL of dogs!! A beach family of support has been with Val for four days, and she surely felt from each one of you your support, strength, confidence and love. To top off the morning trip to the beach Val had a heart felt moment with Barbara Bush. She came straight to Val sitting in the wheelchair to say hello and how good it was she was at the beach and of course which one is your dog? Val will now have a picture with Barbara Bush to put next to her one of her and George taken years ago in the pharmacy her in Kennebunk. Val has always admired Barbara and tracked her well being. It was a genuine visit from Barabara which shows her goodness comes from her heart.
Val's friend Diane came to visit at 9:30 to 10:30 as we were making our way home from the beach. Val was able to nap for an hour before she got in the car for her scheduled manicure/pedicure. I can't thank Thao enough for the professional care she gave Val's toes to keep her from getting an infection from an ingrown toenail. (That is truly the last thing Val needs.) At 2:30, we were off on a drive past the Bush's home and out to Porpouise Beach. From there back to downtown where she wanted to buy her two very special nurses a gift from her trip. She waited in the car while I showed her the choices....Val loves to shop.
Val was able to nap just one hour before dinner and then off for the final night and sunset at Gooch's Beach. It was great as her friends Sarah, Betty, Gabrielle, and Peggy and Fred were there to give best wishes and share/ exchange one more time. There was good fortune this night as I found two more sand dollars at the beach this evening. A good sign I believe.
Love and prayers to Val always.......Salynn
The stars aligned for this trip. For those that know Val, she believes things happen for a reason. It was another great day in Kennebunk. It started at the beach with visits from all her friends...I won't mention names as the morning is FULL of people and FULL of dogs!! A beach family of support has been with Val for four days, and she surely felt from each one of you your support, strength, confidence and love. To top off the morning trip to the beach Val had a heart felt moment with Barbara Bush. She came straight to Val sitting in the wheelchair to say hello and how good it was she was at the beach and of course which one is your dog? Val will now have a picture with Barbara Bush to put next to her one of her and George taken years ago in the pharmacy her in Kennebunk. Val has always admired Barbara and tracked her well being. It was a genuine visit from Barabara which shows her goodness comes from her heart.
Val's friend Diane came to visit at 9:30 to 10:30 as we were making our way home from the beach. Val was able to nap for an hour before she got in the car for her scheduled manicure/pedicure. I can't thank Thao enough for the professional care she gave Val's toes to keep her from getting an infection from an ingrown toenail. (That is truly the last thing Val needs.) At 2:30, we were off on a drive past the Bush's home and out to Porpouise Beach. From there back to downtown where she wanted to buy her two very special nurses a gift from her trip. She waited in the car while I showed her the choices....Val loves to shop.
Val was able to nap just one hour before dinner and then off for the final night and sunset at Gooch's Beach. It was great as her friends Sarah, Betty, Gabrielle, and Peggy and Fred were there to give best wishes and share/ exchange one more time. There was good fortune this night as I found two more sand dollars at the beach this evening. A good sign I believe.
Love and prayers to Val always.......Salynn
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