Mom Update
For those of you who have been sending in get well wishes for my Mom, thank you. Things have been very tough this past week, but we are getting by one day at a time. Mom has been in the ICU for 4 weeks now. She is still on a ventilator but showing some signs of improvement. Until today we were very concerned about possible brain damage. But today she was much more alert and I have no doubt that she's all there. She definitely knew me and was even communicating some by nodding her head and giving us an occasional smile. It was wonderful to see that from her. She's still very weak and has no muscle tone. We have a long road of physical therapy ahead of us. But, her will is strong and she is determined.
Yesterday we were told that Mom has about a 30% chance of being able to resume her normal independent lifestyle. Sorry, but I don't buy that one bit! Ventilator settings are being turned down a little at a time every day, and she's much more alert now. Until today she was not moving at all. Today we saw her moving her head and even her legs a little bit. It's going to be hard, and she will need a lot of help, but we can get there.
A new treatment was started a few days ago. One of the doctors believes that along with the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, we are also dealing with something called Goodpasture's Syndrome. It's a very rare disease that specifically attacks the lungs and kidneys. She will be receiving plasmapherisis every other day in order to treat it. I'm no doctor, but it sure looks like it's working.
So, now we just wait and continue to pray and support Mom. We talk to her and play Christmas music for her. She cannot have ANY pain medication right now so we have to get creative in order to try to keep her comfortable. I tell her funny stories, and read her cards and email messages. We've received so many. It's incredible.
Thanks again everyone. I'm trying my best to keep the site updated and return emails, but I'm still pretty far behind. I really appreciate your patience and understanding. All of your messages have been read and many have been included in the journal that I'm keeping for Mom. You guys are the best and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your prayers and kind words of support.
That's a beautiful wallpaper! I hope your mom feels better soon. My thoughts are with you both.
Posted by: Mariann at December 19, 2003 9:31 PMHi Debbie
I know how difficult it has been for you with your mother. Until I had children I never knew how hard it was to love someone. I recently lost my father, so during this holiday season, I have been putting all my faith in you and your family. Your mother seems like a spunky lady and I look forward to seeing her comments on your web site soon. Physical therapy does remarkable things and I'm sure your mother will become her "ole self"
Merry Christmas.
Posted by: Cheryl at December 19, 2003 9:38 PMAmazing but one of the firat and laswt things I do every day is see if there is an update about your mom. Thank you for taking the time to let us know how she is doing. This is a hard road to travel and don't let anyone try to tell you differently. Sure there is always a reason and I'm one of those people that says..."Why" But You will probably never know but you do know that you have a big ol' bunch of friends out here that are praying for not just Mom but also for you and your family to have strength and faith. Hang tough, Deb. We are here waiting for you and for evey piece of news that you send us.
Posted by: Margarette at December 19, 2003 10:50 PMThis is going to sound weird coming from ME Deb, but, there are reasons for everything. We can't always see them from here, but eventually? You are doing remarkably well considering everything that seems to just keep coming at you. I know that YOU know that you aren't alone, I'm not sure just how many of us there are out here reading, praying and hoping along with you, but I would think that hundreds wouldn't be a bad guess. Your family is special to us, all of you and McMom earned a place in our hearts long ago with her whitty letters to her daughter. It is our fervent prayer and our deepest wish that if we see nothing else this Christmas, the gift of a family restored be granted to you.
Doc and =Sandy=
gotta love the elephant from the other day!
anyway - thoughts and prayers are going out for you and your mom. i have/will (not sure when you will read this) have you guys put on a prayer list in my sunday school class.
strength comes from many places. inside us. from our friends. from people we do not even know. and from God for those who place their trust in him. i wish you and your mom - your family -strength and peace for this very moment and all the joy you can find in this holiday season!
merry christmas!
a devoted fan
harold nelson
Posted by: Harold at December 20, 2003 9:29 AMDear Deb
As a member of the medical profession, I have had to work with patients and their families to get through the "tough times". I can assure you that your steadfast devotion and unwaivering optimism is the best medicine. I wish you and your family good health in the coming year.
Phil
Gods speed to your mother's healing. We are praying for a positive outcome, and a rapid recovery.
Deb, our prayers and thoughts are with you and your Mom at this time. Our family wishes you and your family a Merry Xmas, and the very best of everything in the New Year,
Posted by: Shirley at December 22, 2003 11:30 AMThank you everyone.
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