Goodbye September!

Again today, Mom walked around the entire floor with someone on each side of her for support. It is so amazing that she can do this, and she seems on the upswing . . . that is, until mealtime arrives. For the past couple weeks Mom has complained that her stomach hurts and refuses to eat much at all. In fact, she becomes downright cantankerous when pushed. She doesn't quite get the fact that she is barely skin and bones, having lost 15 pounds since pre-surgery. She told me that she weighed 118 pounds when she got married, and she's just about there now. But there's really no use trying to reason with her about it, as she insists she DOES NOT want to eat. That's why the PEG line is looking more and more necessary.

Other than that, Mom continues to progress. Tonight she sat straight up in bed, scooted herself to the edge and tried to push herself up and off the bed. It's times like this that we can truly see her being at home in the near future. (Now if only she would EAT!!!)

On the compassionate side, tonight Ariane told us that Sharon (Scott's mom) has scheduled knee replacement surgery for her other knee. Mom became deeply concerned and said she was going to put Sharon's name in the temple tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. when the temple opens. When we had family prayer tonight, Mom prayed for Sharon as well. Later, she asked what day she needs to be back in Indiana to help out when the Kastelers go on their trip. She said she is planning on being there and asked how their dog, Maggie, is doing! That's Mom, always willing to help someone. (Now if we could just get her to help herself by EATING!)

With the weather turning cooler, all of Mom's cute capri outfits leave her a bit chilly. Tonight Ariane and I found a couple long-sleeved pajama outfits at Costco that seem just perfect. I think she will be much more comfortable and I'm excited to see her in them.

It's hard to believe that it's October. Mom has been in the hospital for the entire months of August and September. Here's hoping she goes home before Halloween. Although she's never been too fond of that holiday, it will probably be really exciting if she's in her own house! Now that's a happy thought!

If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes!

Mom's cough is better today. Whether it was the breathing treatment, the cough syrup, or simply getting better, we'll take it!

Mom had a great morning in physical therapy. We have found that if we keep her talking and engaged, she does quite well. Today she walked around the entire floor, with minimal assistance. Afterwards she was pretty sleepy and napped for a couple hours.

Food is still not too enticing to Mom, so it is a struggle to keep her caloric intake where it needs to be. Fluid intake is the same story. They are considering inserting a PEG line, which is basically a feeding tube that goes directly into her abdomen. She has had a PICC line since the day of the surgery, and they want to get it out because of the risk of infection, but we still need a backup plan if necessary for fluids, food and medications. The complication is that she is on blood thinners for her heart procedure, which makes the PEG procedure risky. Goodness gracious; I never realized how delicate of a balance life really is!

As you might have noticed, things change on a dime around here! It's like the old saying, "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes and it will change." But we're definitely on an upward trend and we are thrilled!

Nine weeks today!

Mom started a cough on Saturday, which has become progressively worse. Although her lungs sound clear, tonight they did an x-ray to make sure she wasn't developing pneumonia. The x-ray did not show any fluid in her lungs, although it does show that the bottom portion of her lungs is not expanding fully. This situation is not uncommon in patients who spend a long time in the hospital since they spend a lot of time in bed and are not breathing as deeply as they would otherwise. Mom received some cough syrup, and the respiratory therapist gave her a breathing treatment, so hopefully she can get some sleep tonight.

Physical therapy went pretty well today, despite the cough. She walked quite far and pushed herself even when she got tired. Although she was not in as good of spirits as she was over the weekend, she seemed to maintain her physical progress. We'll take it.

When we think back to where we were nine weeks ago today, everything gets put into perspective. Hang it there, Mom. You're doing great!!!

Baby you can drive my car; yes you're gonna be a star!

OK, OK, Mom didn't actually DRIVE a car, but she did go for a drive IN a car, and for sure she was a star today! About 5:30 p.m., we loaded Mom in Randy's car, and went for a ride up Big Cottonwood canyon to see the beautiful Fall leaves. Mom seemed a bit tired, but was part of the conversation, recognized places as we drove along, and enjoyed the scenery. We were gone about 2 hours, and on the way back to the hospital even stopped at Jim Jr.'s house to say hello to Ruth. When we arrived back on the 12th floor, we thought Mom would collapse into bed, but instead she walked a bit to get her bearings, and then ate some dinner. Then she sat up and scooted to the edge of the bed. When we asked where she was going, she announced that she was going HOME! When we explained that she needed to be able to do several things independently before she could go home, she listened intently and then announced that she would have them all mastered in 4 days! Trust us, there's no stopping a Whitehead Woman when she makes up her mind, so this was a thrilling announcement!!!

For a couple weeks now, Jim Jr. has had a goal written prominently on the whiteboard in Mom's room. It says, "Pauline's goal is to walk out of the hospital and GO HOME!" Tonight Randy added a new list titled, "Pauline's own goals." He wrote down what she dictated, and then she jokingly added, "Walk on water!" We all got a good laugh out of that one.

After that, Mom asked who was keeping track of all the things she accomplished today. We told her that I am writing everything down on the blog, and asked her to list the things she wanted us to note. Here are some of her amazing accomplishments:

Fed herself some grapes and chips;

Walked from her bed to the restroom and out to the nurses' station;

Rearranged the covers on her bed;

Sat up and scooted herself to the edge of the bed;

Went from sitting on the edge of the bed to laying down on the bed;

Showed off her "Rockette" moves, lifting her legs straight off the bed;

Went for a ride in the car!

Not bad, dear Mother, not bad at all!!!

Before we left, Mom reminded us that we needed to have family prayer, and offered to say it herself. It has been an absolutely amazing day! Thank you, Heavenly Father!

The good times just keep on coming!

Today has been the best so far! Mom was able to help get herself out of bed and actually walk when she needed to get up (with someone on each side for support.) She was so cooperative and helpful, and extremely aware of what was going on. Mealtime was much easier and for the first time in quite awhile Mom drank enough fluids that she won't need the IV at night.

Physical therapy also went well, with Mom continuing to walk short distances at a time without the walker. We had a great conversation with her this evening where she told us her earliest memories and feelings about physical therapy. "You're sitting there and they're telling you what to do, and that this is for your best interest. I remember just screaming and screaming. It was atrocious!" She then expressed her approval about the latest plan where she can control how far she walks and when she needs to rest. She is so appreciative of her physical therapist's "desire to really make it work for me. He was able to put it in perspective and look at it from my viewpoint." Her insightful comments let us understand her feelings, and it was so wonderful to be able to communicate back and forth.

Mom and Cheryl and I were able to watch the Relief Society Broadcast tonight on my laptop, and enjoyed each other's company as we listened to the wonderful messages. Randy popped popcorn for us to munch on, and Mom was even able to feed herself a couple pieces of her favorite treat! Afterwards, Mom commented, "I was thinking of all the things Relief Society means in our lives - true love for Heavenly Father and all the joy He brings into our lives." Well said, Mother!

The day ended with me giving Mom a shower - our first try without a nurse. All I have to say is that it is much harder than it looks, and I ended up going home with very clean (but wet) shoes. Poor Mom was almost traumatized when the shower head didn't cooperate and sprayed out COLD water, but we smoothed things over afterwards with some warm blankets and a blow dryer for her wet hair.

We're looking forward to taking Mom home for a session or two of conference next week! The good times just keep on coming!

Who says miracles cease to exist?

What an unbelievably great day it has been. We hardly know where to begin with the wonderful news. First off, we learned this morning that Mom will be staying on the 12th floor for another two weeks! Who says miracles cease to exist?

And then, as if that wasn't enough, Mom walked again today, for the first time since last Saturday. But not only did she walk, she walked WITHOUT A WALKER!! Her physical therapist, Alex, got Mom on her feet by making a deal with her. He told her that if she walked all the way down the hall to her room, Dad would have to do the dishes for the next month. It was a lighthearted attempt to have her focus on something else during the exertion, and really helped. Mom made it about two thirds of the way down the hall but then needed to stop. As she rested, Alex decided on a whim to have Mom try the rest of the way without the walker - and IT WORKED! She was able to make it almost to her room with only the support of a therapist on either side. (Get the suds going, Dad!)

Then about an hour and a half later, Alex had a break in his schedule and came to get her early for the second session. We were worried that Mom was too tired to walk again so soon, but he came up with another plan which we feel was truly inspired. He decided to break up the walk into 30 foot increments and let her rest for a couple minutes between sections. It was a perfect plan for Mom because it allowed her to not only feel successful, but to also have some control over the process. She did a beautiful job and did not complain at all!

We are in awe of the Lord's hand in our lives, and hardly know how to express our gratitude for his tender mercies. Thanks for all your love and support. It has been a hard week, but the Lord did not let us down. He truly is in charge of our lives!

Mom and meds just don't agree

Mom's been off Ritalin since yesterday. Late this evening she rallied and we saw an improvement in stark contrast to the steady decline she has exhibited all week. We don't know if there's a correlation, but we'll take it. All we know is that it was heartening to see her eat some of the dinner she had previously refused, as well as quite a few Cheetos, one of her all time favorites! She even said the family prayer tonight as we were leaving. What dear, sacred words they were.

We'll keep you posted.