Mom

[Carebear]

I'm sorry to hear about you're mom's PET scan result.  As you said, this may be due to normal aging or it may be dementia.   So of course you are worried, especially with the signs and symptoms your mom has been exhibiting.  I'm sure your dad is already thinking the same thing, so it may be helpful for both of you if you discuss it.

As for you, dear friend, you need to get yourself in to see the rheumotologist.  When faced with such an emotionally draining and stressful situation as you are, you must always first care for yourself.  So please, make sure you do this right away.

If you can get the report from your dad, please let us know more.  We're here for you, Lighthouse. 

[lighthouse33]

The good and the bad.

The good.  Mom's tumors are shrinking so they are going to reduce the level of radiation they are giving her.

The bad.  She is so sick because she is dehydrated.  If she does not drink 8 - 8 ounces of water / liquid today, tomorrow the doctor is going to put her in the hospital and hook her up to IV's.  Mom's excuse for not drinking is that she has the kidney stent and that means if she drinks she has to get up and use the bathroom every couple of minutes.  I'm sure having her in the hospital wil lhelp but she will just go back to dong what she does when she comes home.  That's why we need a nurse here because she doesn't pay attention to anything we say.  I'll let dad figure that out on his own.

[Katybarstool]

Lighthouse

How are you feeing today? When will you see the rheumy? Is there any possibility your mum could have a catheter to stop her having to get up for the bathroom. I know it seems extreme, but it can also be a relief if you have to drink large amounts of liquid.

Sending you a big hug.

Kathyx

[Meld256]

Lighthouse,

That's good news that your mother's tumors are shrinking and the level of radiation can be reduced.  But again, she seems to be making her progress worse by not drinking what she should.  It may come to her being admitted to get the liquids needed. I must admit it's good to hear you will leave some decisions to your Dad to sort out.
I also will ask if you've been able to see your rheumy?  Please take care of yourself, and know we care.

Hugs to you,
Melinda

[lighthouse33]

Mom is at the infusion center getting three hours worth of liquids today.  The doctor told her that if she got sick this weekend that he was going to be on call at the hospital and he would have no other choice but to admit her.  I asked dad if he thought mom would drink more and he just laughed!

I'm feeling better although tired today.  The montly visitor arrived and geting it going has helped.  I will see the rhuemy the third week of October for my six month appointment.  Since her office serves a multi county area I decided not to call right now but will if things worsen again. 

[lighthouse33]

I think the catheter is an excellent idea!  The doctor thinks that maybe some of her back pain is coming from the chemo treatments.

Mom's main focus now is getting my brother to move here.  She is sure he will do it.  I tried gently to remind her that he refused to do so last year.  He wrote back and said that they are not looking at the rental properities because they have not put their home up for sale and have too many other things going on right now.  I think that was a NO!

But get this, after he was told that mom has a broken back, he and his wife want to come for the Holdiays!  You've got to be kidding me.  They said they would do all the cooking and cleaning but who is going to entertain them 24/7.  Plus it looks as if they might come before that just to look at properties to appease her and then not buy anything.

[lighthouse33]

The oncologist told mom this week that the back surgery did not work.  She's in more pain than ever.  Told her she better get used to it, that it will take months to heal.

Her last chemo treatment was yesterday.  She has a couple more of weeks of radiation.

[Carebear]

Thanks for the update, Lighthouse. 

How are you doing?

[Carolina]

Pain has no beginning or end, it only exists and torments.

You do not get used to pain.

You can do some things to deal with it......

But it takes a terrible toll.

And at your mom's age and with what she has suffered, she isn't going to 'get used to' anything.

Any reports on the meaning of her brain scans?

Hugs

Keep us posted

Elaine

[lighthouse33]

Mom was back at the infusion center this week getting three more hours of liquids.  She keeps disregarding what the doctors tell her to do. 

She will get an epidural next week at the pain clinic.  Hopefully this will get rid of her pain from the fractured vertebrae.  I'm not counting on it though. 

[lighthouse33]

I have posed the question to my dad as to what does "dissfuse cerebreal atrophy" mean.  Maybe he will ask one of the doctors.

My health has about reached its limits.  I practically made dinner all by myself yesterday and after working all morning on the computer it really took its toll.  Couldn't sleep last night due to all the pain.  Had to get up this morning and do more housework. 

Had basically the same conversation I always have with mom. 

Her - If your pain was bad enough, they would be giving you an epidural like they are me.  Tried to explain that it wouldn't do me any good when it's body wide pain being caused by my body trying to kill itself everyday.  She said I didn't need to do the work today but I did because I didn't want to listen to her scream about it later.

If I'm bad enough next week maybe the rhuemy can take care of it either by talking to my dad or sending him a letter.  Doubt that anything will help.  There is no escaping the situation.

[lighthouse33]

I am so happy I want to do a dance!  Apparently mom told dad last night that she wants the nurse to come.  She is coming Monday morning!  Woo Hoo!  Can't believe it!  I may just get some well needed rest.  I guess she realized that she can't do all this stuff that is needed around here.

[Katybarstool]

That's fantastic news Lighthouse. Hopefully you will then be able to have some well deserved relax and recovery yourself.

Hugs
Kathyx

[Carebear]

I'm so happy for you, Lighthouse!   I hope things settle down a bit for you.  I bet you'll sleep well tonight! 

[Carolina]

High time!

You have earned stars in your crown!

Hugs

Elaine