Good morning - well today "should" be mom's last Friday chemo treatment - lets hope! But things are starting to turn around for the good! We were very excited yesterday. Dad and I stopped by for a visit yesterday - mom was quite tired - she hadn't had much sleep over the previous few nights. One night she felt sick, the other was a problem with the lady across the hall - she did not want to be there.
Anyhow - as of yesterday her blood counts are really coming up! We are so happy! She didn't feel well because she has a stomach virus and they have her on medicine to get rid of that. But the blood counts coming up is great! WE know that they will go down after today - but hoping that maybe if they are up - they won't go down as far or that its a good sign that they will just continue to rebound next week. It appears this new daily chemo is working and they also gave her a shot to bring up the white cells on WEdnesday. They may give that again tomorrow.
She's a little scared to go home when they say she can. AFter going home after the gall bladder surgery - they totally missed the cancer at that time - I can't blame her. But we know the doctor will not release her until she is stong enough and we vow as a family to protect her and take care of her. So please - when she does come home - just know you need to call first. If we do not answer the phone know that is not a good day or time. Also - we will still have the family only rule for a while until mom is really back on her feet - this has nothing against all their great friends. This is only to protect mom and ensure she feels comfortable and gets her rest. WE will want her to build up her strength to continue this fight. Our family just asks that everyone respects these wishes.
Will update again this weekend - know mom will be tired after chemo today!
Friday, June 11, 2004
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Latest update
Well heres another update on mom - she seems to be doing ok - noted this morning that she has a little stomach virus. So the doctors are giving her all sorts of fun medicine to "flush" it out. Sounds like fun huh? So she wasn't feeling so hot when we talked this morning.
Other than that - think Marcus and I (and dad of course) made her Tuesday when we were all there for a visit. Unfortunately, we missed dad - but Marcus and I were there together. We had a nice visit and even had mom laughing and embarassed (leave it to marcus). Ended up in the chapel probably on topics meant for any other room in the hospital. But it was fun.
It looks like mom's blood counts are slowly going up are at least the same - so that is good. They are having difficult time getting platelets to match and hte doctor is looking at some alternatives (even family members - unfortunately, I can not be considered because the baby needs any extra blood I have right now). So we are looking at those alternatives. Right now, it sounds like she's fine and gets her platelets from the biker dudes out in California. But the doctor would like to have a Plan B as Craig would say.
We are hoping to get her measurements and order her wig this weekend. She'll be happy to have that for a while. may even have it when she's in the hospital to feel a little better on the low days. Her 12 day treatments are going good so far - and just glad I can be there on those days still.
Dad and I are heading up to see her today - hopefully we'll get to pass each other for a few minutes this afternoon. Because of my office moving they are turning all computers & the network off at 3 pm today - so hopefully I can miss some of the traffic. AND I get tomorrow to work at home. So that will be a change of pace too - my feet and ankles are so swollen today - I really need to just relax.
Will keep everyone posted after the chemo tomorrow - hope to update this weekend. And thanks again to all those that are calling, sending cards, posting notes - mom loves them! She gets all excited about talkin to people. Please just understand that she may not remember things so well if she is on her medicine or exhausted.
Other than that - think Marcus and I (and dad of course) made her Tuesday when we were all there for a visit. Unfortunately, we missed dad - but Marcus and I were there together. We had a nice visit and even had mom laughing and embarassed (leave it to marcus). Ended up in the chapel probably on topics meant for any other room in the hospital. But it was fun.
It looks like mom's blood counts are slowly going up are at least the same - so that is good. They are having difficult time getting platelets to match and hte doctor is looking at some alternatives (even family members - unfortunately, I can not be considered because the baby needs any extra blood I have right now). So we are looking at those alternatives. Right now, it sounds like she's fine and gets her platelets from the biker dudes out in California. But the doctor would like to have a Plan B as Craig would say.
We are hoping to get her measurements and order her wig this weekend. She'll be happy to have that for a while. may even have it when she's in the hospital to feel a little better on the low days. Her 12 day treatments are going good so far - and just glad I can be there on those days still.
Dad and I are heading up to see her today - hopefully we'll get to pass each other for a few minutes this afternoon. Because of my office moving they are turning all computers & the network off at 3 pm today - so hopefully I can miss some of the traffic. AND I get tomorrow to work at home. So that will be a change of pace too - my feet and ankles are so swollen today - I really need to just relax.
Will keep everyone posted after the chemo tomorrow - hope to update this weekend. And thanks again to all those that are calling, sending cards, posting notes - mom loves them! She gets all excited about talkin to people. Please just understand that she may not remember things so well if she is on her medicine or exhausted.
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
happy news
Mom's doctor told her this morning that I will be able to visit her during the 12 day treatment because its not as strong of a chemo. However, the same rules for the Friday treatments is still in place. We will be carefuly still. Her doctor is actually more conservative than the OB - I figured we would go by the most conservative answers. So she's happy we can still see each other for the next few weeks.
Monday, June 07, 2004
Monday night clarification
ok - spoke to mom and dad tonight. The new medicine they started today is a 12 day treatment that they will put in her port (IV hook up). It is a chemo treatment - more mild than what she has been getting on MOndays. They say itshould help withher blood counts - so that is good. Unfortuantely - not sure if I can go see her for 12-13 days now. Which will SUCK. MOm and dad are going to check with the doctors - good thing for phones. Craig said he'd go and visit mom for me- what a sweet heart.
FAmily - please call mom first before you go and visit - so far she's doing very well. But with daily chemo - we are not sure how her counts will react - so we don't want any infections.
Friends and family - mom said to tell people to call her - she has had a lot of calls the last few days and enjoyed them tons. She's like people to continue to call if you can - it really perks her spirits. Just know if her throat or mouth are too sore - she may ask you to call back.
Keep the prayers going.
FAmily - please call mom first before you go and visit - so far she's doing very well. But with daily chemo - we are not sure how her counts will react - so we don't want any infections.
Friends and family - mom said to tell people to call her - she has had a lot of calls the last few days and enjoyed them tons. She's like people to continue to call if you can - it really perks her spirits. Just know if her throat or mouth are too sore - she may ask you to call back.
Keep the prayers going.
Monday Morning Update
Talked to mom briefly on the phone today - she sounds horrible, all the sores in her mouth and throat really are painful. so please be aware of this if you try and call her. She can talk - but its tough.
She is feeling good today - overall. Tired because the medicines from yesteday kept her up last night. Hopefully they can give her something to help sleep today.
Anyhow - her counts were up again today! Yeah! They are now changing some of her medicines and trying something new. From what someone mentioned earlier (a nurse I belive) what they want to try will help get her counts up and stay up. so they are testing it today to ensure no allergic reactions. Lets hope it works. If she can get through this Friday's chemo - then hopefully her counts will begin to rebound and stay up and she can come home! Keep fingers crossed - that will be great.
She is feeling good today - overall. Tired because the medicines from yesteday kept her up last night. Hopefully they can give her something to help sleep today.
Anyhow - her counts were up again today! Yeah! They are now changing some of her medicines and trying something new. From what someone mentioned earlier (a nurse I belive) what they want to try will help get her counts up and stay up. so they are testing it today to ensure no allergic reactions. Lets hope it works. If she can get through this Friday's chemo - then hopefully her counts will begin to rebound and stay up and she can come home! Keep fingers crossed - that will be great.
Sunday, June 06, 2004
Weekend Update (mom and baby - probably a long post)
Hi all - just got home from my Sunday visit with mom. Was actually able to see Marcus, Dad and grandma all for a few minutes too. MOm was doing fairly well today -still has a hard time eating - but that's a normal side effect. I guess late last week they realized she had some sores in her mouth and throat - so that doesn't help matters either. Today the doctor mentioned some low grade fevers to keep an eye on - but they were not too worried. They are monitoring her all the time to ensuer she doesn't catch any infections - with her counts so low - it is very easy for her to get anything right now. So please - we still ask only family come to visit mom for now - call or post notes here or even send her cards - that will work well. And even when she comes home - we are still going to ask for family only until her counts are strong enough to have visitors - please understand its only because we love mom so much we want to keep her healthy that this has to be done. I know everyone loves her a lot too - and will want the same thing. Other than all that - mom is up and walking on her own now - so over all she's doing pretty darn good. They are going to be switching some of her medications this week to try and get her counts rebounding faster. WE hope in a few weeks she'll be home - and then she can see the next ultrasound of hte baby too!
Baby update - Craig can officially be a dad now (his words) - we passed our baby classes yesterday - so its official - we can be parents :-) Getting excited. I was able to return duplicate baby gifts yesterday and use the gift cards and money people gave us to get the things we really needed. WE now have a mattress and all the bedding for hte crib. Also the sheets for the bassinet (in the pack & Play) and covers for the changing table. NOw - the baby can do its normal new born things - poop and sleep - we have all the items it will need to start off with (I'm sure we'll be back and forth to the store every day when baby comes home - missing something).
Craig and his dad Ron are putting more of the furniture together right now - keeping my fingers crossed all the colors match. I'm off to finally get the overdue thank you cards done for my family baby shower and do much needed laundry.
Marcus was also able to visit mom today too - he's off playing golf this afternoon - wish him luck that he wins some cash to spend on his niece/nephew to be!
Baby update - Craig can officially be a dad now (his words) - we passed our baby classes yesterday - so its official - we can be parents :-) Getting excited. I was able to return duplicate baby gifts yesterday and use the gift cards and money people gave us to get the things we really needed. WE now have a mattress and all the bedding for hte crib. Also the sheets for the bassinet (in the pack & Play) and covers for the changing table. NOw - the baby can do its normal new born things - poop and sleep - we have all the items it will need to start off with (I'm sure we'll be back and forth to the store every day when baby comes home - missing something).
Craig and his dad Ron are putting more of the furniture together right now - keeping my fingers crossed all the colors match. I'm off to finally get the overdue thank you cards done for my family baby shower and do much needed laundry.
Marcus was also able to visit mom today too - he's off playing golf this afternoon - wish him luck that he wins some cash to spend on his niece/nephew to be!
Friday, June 04, 2004
Comments to mom
Please remember that you can publish a comment to mom by clicking on "comment" at the end of any post! Then just do it anonymous - that works easiest from what we can tell. Just include your name in the message. But mom really enjoys knowing people can send her messages out there from all over. Craig prints them off and we bring them during our visits.
Keep the comments coming. We've had a few from some people - you can also click on "comment" at the end of the posts to see the comments other people have left for mom too.
Keep the comments coming. We've had a few from some people - you can also click on "comment" at the end of the posts to see the comments other people have left for mom too.
Chemo Friday #3
Mom is having chemo today - its the 3rd Friday treatment. It looks like she will have 1 more Friday - next Friday. We anticipate she will be in the hospital until after that next treatment and her counts come up. Not exactly sure when the 5 day intensive treatment will begin - she may be in until after that as well. Its all dependant on her counts at this time.
I expect she'll be sleepin a lot this afternoon and just resting. Usually the treatments just wear her out and rest is what she needs most. So if you call - please don't be surprised at all. The answering machine is back up and running - so leave a message (she is not able to call out yet). She does like her calls and told me to remind people of that - her number is 734-712-1132. Just understand she may not be able to talk too long or may not be availalbe to talk right then. Just know even a message will brighten her day. She's been getting calls from my cousins and other relatives this week and its really brought her spirits up - you know who you are - THANKS!!! she was also happy to spend some time with Marcus last night too. He tried to get her some dinner but I guess they both had bad luck. She realized what she had was just too greasy and his I think just tasted horrible. the important thing was she was able to spend some alone time with her son.
Dad is with her today - he was able to be there before 7 am to see the doctor. The doctor is still very happy with mom's progress. He wishes her blood counts would rebound faster, but knows this happens with some patients - its still nothing to fret about right now. He has some other options he will be trying next week to help get them stable and in some balance (mostly the platelettes and the white cells). they mentioned something would probably be a medicine or drip for 12 days! Not exactly sure if I have the correct - will try and verify with the nurses this weekend.
Doctor is very happy to report that mom's liver looks like its getting better! And she hasn't had any fever or temperature yet. So that is very good news. He also belives the treatments are working - we just have to be patient with everything. I think we have been learing that everyday of this process - its a day by day thing to get through together.
I'm still being hopeful that if mom can't make it to the ultrasound at the end of June, she will be at the hospital for the baby's birth. My doctors say its not a problem for them - they just recommend mom's doctors approval. Mostly its important her white cells are high enough - we won't expose her to any virus or infection.
I'm not able to see mom until sunday - but will give another update later this weekend (maybe after my Sunday visit). But right now - know she's doing pretty darn good considering everything she's going through.
I expect she'll be sleepin a lot this afternoon and just resting. Usually the treatments just wear her out and rest is what she needs most. So if you call - please don't be surprised at all. The answering machine is back up and running - so leave a message (she is not able to call out yet). She does like her calls and told me to remind people of that - her number is 734-712-1132. Just understand she may not be able to talk too long or may not be availalbe to talk right then. Just know even a message will brighten her day. She's been getting calls from my cousins and other relatives this week and its really brought her spirits up - you know who you are - THANKS!!! she was also happy to spend some time with Marcus last night too. He tried to get her some dinner but I guess they both had bad luck. She realized what she had was just too greasy and his I think just tasted horrible. the important thing was she was able to spend some alone time with her son.
Dad is with her today - he was able to be there before 7 am to see the doctor. The doctor is still very happy with mom's progress. He wishes her blood counts would rebound faster, but knows this happens with some patients - its still nothing to fret about right now. He has some other options he will be trying next week to help get them stable and in some balance (mostly the platelettes and the white cells). they mentioned something would probably be a medicine or drip for 12 days! Not exactly sure if I have the correct - will try and verify with the nurses this weekend.
Doctor is very happy to report that mom's liver looks like its getting better! And she hasn't had any fever or temperature yet. So that is very good news. He also belives the treatments are working - we just have to be patient with everything. I think we have been learing that everyday of this process - its a day by day thing to get through together.
I'm still being hopeful that if mom can't make it to the ultrasound at the end of June, she will be at the hospital for the baby's birth. My doctors say its not a problem for them - they just recommend mom's doctors approval. Mostly its important her white cells are high enough - we won't expose her to any virus or infection.
I'm not able to see mom until sunday - but will give another update later this weekend (maybe after my Sunday visit). But right now - know she's doing pretty darn good considering everything she's going through.
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
Mid-week update
Craig and I brought some dinner up to eat with mom today. Guess the few bites of soup she had were teh most she'd eaten all day. DAd was there all afternon and said she was feel sick most of the day. She seemed good when we were there.
Trying to boost her spirits - told her if she can get out by the end of the month she may be able to see the next ultrasound. So hopefully we can get to that point. I'd let both mom and dad come in. Dad's been hot on when we'll get pictures from another ultrasound since March. Also told them they will be Craig's assistants when the baby is born. We are only allowed 3 people - so they are the chosen ones.
Its getting late - I probably won't be back till Sunday - but I talked to her at least 2 times a day - Chemo is on Friday - I'll probably update then.
Trying to boost her spirits - told her if she can get out by the end of the month she may be able to see the next ultrasound. So hopefully we can get to that point. I'd let both mom and dad come in. Dad's been hot on when we'll get pictures from another ultrasound since March. Also told them they will be Craig's assistants when the baby is born. We are only allowed 3 people - so they are the chosen ones.
Its getting late - I probably won't be back till Sunday - but I talked to her at least 2 times a day - Chemo is on Friday - I'll probably update then.
Baby Update
Good afternoon all - here is the latest Baby Update (I start visiting the doctore every 2 weeks for a month and then every week in July).
baby is doing good - with a very strong heart beat still. I'm doing good - only gained a total of 10 pounds so far during the entire pregnancy - so that is good too. Right now - it appears I'm carrying very high and getting very big. The doctor today (I finally met the last of the 4 doctors) said that he feels a very big baby and guesses it could be about 8 pounds when born. After all my crazy pregnancy thoughts - i was very pleased to hear its growing even if it is "big". its Still not a 10 pound baby! We'll be getting another ultrasound at the end of June to check the baby's size and hopefully it will be nice and let us see what the sex is.
The doctor was also able to answer a lot of questions and recommneded a company that we can use to collect the baby's cord blood. If needed, we will check to see if the baby's stem cells that are saved are a match to mom - so they can be used if the siblings are not a match. Or - we'll just save them for the baby's future. Learned in the last month you just never know when you will need something like this. But it sure would be cool if the baby's blood could save mom! What a connection the two would have!
Going to visit mom tonight and bring her dinner. She was all excited she saw Marcus last night and my cousin Freddy called to talk to her to. Between the two - they made her entire evening and today (and probably more)! She sure does love all of her family - she's the next "Aunt Stella"!
baby is doing good - with a very strong heart beat still. I'm doing good - only gained a total of 10 pounds so far during the entire pregnancy - so that is good too. Right now - it appears I'm carrying very high and getting very big. The doctor today (I finally met the last of the 4 doctors) said that he feels a very big baby and guesses it could be about 8 pounds when born. After all my crazy pregnancy thoughts - i was very pleased to hear its growing even if it is "big". its Still not a 10 pound baby! We'll be getting another ultrasound at the end of June to check the baby's size and hopefully it will be nice and let us see what the sex is.
The doctor was also able to answer a lot of questions and recommneded a company that we can use to collect the baby's cord blood. If needed, we will check to see if the baby's stem cells that are saved are a match to mom - so they can be used if the siblings are not a match. Or - we'll just save them for the baby's future. Learned in the last month you just never know when you will need something like this. But it sure would be cool if the baby's blood could save mom! What a connection the two would have!
Going to visit mom tonight and bring her dinner. She was all excited she saw Marcus last night and my cousin Freddy called to talk to her to. Between the two - they made her entire evening and today (and probably more)! She sure does love all of her family - she's the next "Aunt Stella"!
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
Another day
MOm sounded good today - and in good spirits. Craig and I will be bringing her up some dinner tomorrow - trying to get her to eat something right now. So if anyone has any recommendations on how to increase her appetite - let us know. Luckily - she hasn't been too sick - so that is good.
Mom was hoping Marcus could get up there today too - she looks forward to seeing her kids. She had fun talking baby stuff on the phone today - we decided to keep all baby duplicates and stuff out at her house so she'll have things there. So that works out perfect!
Things are crazy with life around here - so if you don't get daily updates - please understand. Plus - things just don't change that much.
Me - 3 more people put in resignations at work today. So if you know anyone in the Detroit area that is a head hunter, a consulting firm or even industry that may need an environmental person in Sept/Oct - please let me know. I'll be looking around that time.
Enjoy the shortened week.
Mom was hoping Marcus could get up there today too - she looks forward to seeing her kids. She had fun talking baby stuff on the phone today - we decided to keep all baby duplicates and stuff out at her house so she'll have things there. So that works out perfect!
Things are crazy with life around here - so if you don't get daily updates - please understand. Plus - things just don't change that much.
Me - 3 more people put in resignations at work today. So if you know anyone in the Detroit area that is a head hunter, a consulting firm or even industry that may need an environmental person in Sept/Oct - please let me know. I'll be looking around that time.
Enjoy the shortened week.
Monday, May 31, 2004
Memorial Weekend Update
Happy Memorial day - hopefully people were able to enjoy family, some sunshine and a nice cook out. We were able to enjoy family and some sunshine. Next year - we'll cook out.
Mom is doing MUCH better today than she was over the weekend. Between the chemo on Friday and spraining her ankle (yes - its only a sprain and one that isn't too bad) her blood counts were very low. However, during my visit yesterday I was there when one of the doctors came in. She said that its expected that her counts will drop for a few days after chemo and that they will rebound. After many platelett and blood transfusions this weekend it seemed to do the trick. They were back up at very good levels today. They keep saying once they are up she can go home. However, we think with chemo once a week and them going down after the treatments - its better for her to stay there till its over. But we'll see. The nurses are very good to her - so that really helps. And she's been lucky to have family visiting during the week and on weekends. That keeps her spirits up too. The phone calls, letters and cards also help as well.
FYI - the answering machine is back and working as of this evening. But if you find it doesn't go on - just know mom just can't make it to the phone all the time or is out trying to walk around or someone has her out of the room.
Dad and I figured out this weekend they want her to hvae two more Friday's of chemo - so a total of 4 Fridays (2 more weeks of it) - the first Sunday didn't really count for one of the 4 treatments. Not sure how many weeks she'll be home before the 5 day intensive treatment.
MOm's ankle is also doing much better - she has a lot less pain in it now. So that is good too. Her spirits are getting back up - the weekend was rough - she just didn't feel well for most of it. Again - expected side effects - no food tastes good or even sounds good.
She's all excited because Marcus is coming to visit her tomorrow and I'll bring her some soup on WEdnesday for dinner. So far we've just happened to work it out that we are there on different days so that she has a visit almost every day.
Bare with her this week as her hair has started to fall out. She seems to have accepted that fact this will happen - but I can't even imagine the emotions she'll be having this week. I expect this to be a very emotional week for her. Please keep her in your prayers that her strength and blood counts continue to rise. Also pray that her doctors have the right treatments for her durning all of this.
As for me - not sure if Craig shared I had my first "practice" contractions last week. I know they are called Braxton Hicks - but I like my terminology a lot better - keeps me calmer. Baby is just moving all over a few times a day - I think if we catch it at the right time - we'd be able to really see the movements. Only one more week of baby classes - so that will be nice. And the nursery is on its way! Craig was a busy dad to be this weekend! We cleaned the carpets on the first floor, and he put the crib together. Now all we need is to hang the border and put the other pieces of furniture together. Then get the few final touches like a matress and the bedding. I ordered out stroller and had to break down and get more maternity clothes. I have been so lucky to be able to wear most of my normal pants and some of my sweaters to get me through to now. Also - my cousin was generous enough to let me have all her clothes too - that was a saving moment.
Marcus - he's busy getitng his house ready to put on the market and move. DAd was out there this weekend to help finish the painting. He's sure done a TON of improvements on the house - I'm sure it will be easy to sell. With his job - he'll probably be relocating closer to Howell.
That's about it - not too much news for a daily update - but at least enough for a few good posts a week.
Thanks for the prayers, support and calls - its so great to know how much people care!
Also - Keep the comments coming - mom is LOVING the comments Craig prints off to show her. We haven't shown her our posts yet - but I'm sure once she's home she'll get a kick otu of the whole thing.
Love you all,
The Wilcox/Backus gang
Mom is doing MUCH better today than she was over the weekend. Between the chemo on Friday and spraining her ankle (yes - its only a sprain and one that isn't too bad) her blood counts were very low. However, during my visit yesterday I was there when one of the doctors came in. She said that its expected that her counts will drop for a few days after chemo and that they will rebound. After many platelett and blood transfusions this weekend it seemed to do the trick. They were back up at very good levels today. They keep saying once they are up she can go home. However, we think with chemo once a week and them going down after the treatments - its better for her to stay there till its over. But we'll see. The nurses are very good to her - so that really helps. And she's been lucky to have family visiting during the week and on weekends. That keeps her spirits up too. The phone calls, letters and cards also help as well.
FYI - the answering machine is back and working as of this evening. But if you find it doesn't go on - just know mom just can't make it to the phone all the time or is out trying to walk around or someone has her out of the room.
Dad and I figured out this weekend they want her to hvae two more Friday's of chemo - so a total of 4 Fridays (2 more weeks of it) - the first Sunday didn't really count for one of the 4 treatments. Not sure how many weeks she'll be home before the 5 day intensive treatment.
MOm's ankle is also doing much better - she has a lot less pain in it now. So that is good too. Her spirits are getting back up - the weekend was rough - she just didn't feel well for most of it. Again - expected side effects - no food tastes good or even sounds good.
She's all excited because Marcus is coming to visit her tomorrow and I'll bring her some soup on WEdnesday for dinner. So far we've just happened to work it out that we are there on different days so that she has a visit almost every day.
Bare with her this week as her hair has started to fall out. She seems to have accepted that fact this will happen - but I can't even imagine the emotions she'll be having this week. I expect this to be a very emotional week for her. Please keep her in your prayers that her strength and blood counts continue to rise. Also pray that her doctors have the right treatments for her durning all of this.
As for me - not sure if Craig shared I had my first "practice" contractions last week. I know they are called Braxton Hicks - but I like my terminology a lot better - keeps me calmer. Baby is just moving all over a few times a day - I think if we catch it at the right time - we'd be able to really see the movements. Only one more week of baby classes - so that will be nice. And the nursery is on its way! Craig was a busy dad to be this weekend! We cleaned the carpets on the first floor, and he put the crib together. Now all we need is to hang the border and put the other pieces of furniture together. Then get the few final touches like a matress and the bedding. I ordered out stroller and had to break down and get more maternity clothes. I have been so lucky to be able to wear most of my normal pants and some of my sweaters to get me through to now. Also - my cousin was generous enough to let me have all her clothes too - that was a saving moment.
Marcus - he's busy getitng his house ready to put on the market and move. DAd was out there this weekend to help finish the painting. He's sure done a TON of improvements on the house - I'm sure it will be easy to sell. With his job - he'll probably be relocating closer to Howell.
That's about it - not too much news for a daily update - but at least enough for a few good posts a week.
Thanks for the prayers, support and calls - its so great to know how much people care!
Also - Keep the comments coming - mom is LOVING the comments Craig prints off to show her. We haven't shown her our posts yet - but I'm sure once she's home she'll get a kick otu of the whole thing.
Love you all,
The Wilcox/Backus gang
Saturday, May 29, 2004
Twisted Ankle
Loretta didn't have a fun night last night. She fell
asleep in the conference room next to her own room and
got up too quick. She twisted her ankle and fell.
Her ankle has swollen up now and she'll need help
getting out of bed for the next couple of days. They
gave her some platelets as a precaution, but don't
think this should affect her overall treatment other
than having a sore ankle.
She didn't sleep very well last night, so Doug called
to give us the update and suggested that Gail might
call later this afternoon to see how she's doing.
The report we got at the end of the week was that
Loretta's white blood cells are still low which means
she's very susceptible to infection. This is why her
doctors have asked to keep visitors to family members
only. We certainly do appreciate your thoughts,
prayers and cards, but please wait until Loretta is
stronger and her immune system is built back up to
visit.
On another note, we're off this morning to our third
"birth awareness" class to get a tour of the facility
and the birthing rooms they have. There are 29
available! That's a lot of babies in one place!
It sounds like they've got a pretty good handle on
security and matching parents with the right baby so
we don't have to worry about coming home with the
wrong kid. Remember when all you had to worry about
was keeping the kid from eating rat poison? Now
there's hospitals switching babies, people
masquerading as nurses to steal babies and all kinds
of crazy stuff. Our nurse has already instructed us
to be very skeptical of anyone trying to take the baby
out of the room for any reason. I'm sure we'll get
more details on this today.
Thanks again for all of your support.
asleep in the conference room next to her own room and
got up too quick. She twisted her ankle and fell.
Her ankle has swollen up now and she'll need help
getting out of bed for the next couple of days. They
gave her some platelets as a precaution, but don't
think this should affect her overall treatment other
than having a sore ankle.
She didn't sleep very well last night, so Doug called
to give us the update and suggested that Gail might
call later this afternoon to see how she's doing.
The report we got at the end of the week was that
Loretta's white blood cells are still low which means
she's very susceptible to infection. This is why her
doctors have asked to keep visitors to family members
only. We certainly do appreciate your thoughts,
prayers and cards, but please wait until Loretta is
stronger and her immune system is built back up to
visit.
On another note, we're off this morning to our third
"birth awareness" class to get a tour of the facility
and the birthing rooms they have. There are 29
available! That's a lot of babies in one place!
It sounds like they've got a pretty good handle on
security and matching parents with the right baby so
we don't have to worry about coming home with the
wrong kid. Remember when all you had to worry about
was keeping the kid from eating rat poison? Now
there's hospitals switching babies, people
masquerading as nurses to steal babies and all kinds
of crazy stuff. Our nurse has already instructed us
to be very skeptical of anyone trying to take the baby
out of the room for any reason. I'm sure we'll get
more details on this today.
Thanks again for all of your support.
Friday, May 28, 2004
FWD: Mom update
RE: Mom update
Just a quick update on mom -
Dad got to the hospital early enough today to actually see and talk to the
doctor (he's usually in around 7 am or earlier). The doctor said he was
VERY HAPPY with how mom is coming along. That she is doing really well
compared to how she was when they first admitted her. He's still happy she
has not had any fevers or infections - so that is good news. And he feels
her liver is doing good too - so hopefully that means the cancer never did
spread there or if it did - the chemo is working on that.
Her counts are still going up - they are waiting on the white blood cells to
go up - because those help fight off infections. They are half way there -
but the chemo does kill the good cells. he doesn't seemed to worried
because everything else is going well. It just means she'll be in the
hospital longer. but heck - if she avoids any infections there that is good
- they can handle it so quickly compared to coming home. If she came home -
we may not realize it soon enough and set her treatments back a few weeks.
Mom just wants to come home and be healthy - so she'll stay if as long as
she needs to get into remission!
her spirits were up after talking to the doctor and they are giving her
chemo sometime this morning. So that is good - hopefully she'll continue to
have little side effects.
Have a great holiday weekend everyone
Gail
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Gail's Home
This was Gail's last big trip for work, so she's glad to be done. Hopefully we can make some big progress with the nursery this weekend. We only have about 2 months to go!
There's not much new to report on Loretta. She remains at the hospital and will be there until her white blood counts exceed 1500. Evidently things have been moving in that direction, so perhaps soon. She's going to have another dose of chemo tomorrow. Gail's not supposed to see her for 24 hours after chemo to limit any potential exposure to the baby, so we'll probably plan to see her on Sunday. Gail did get to talk to Loretta for about an hour yesterday, so she was able to catch up on things. Marcus stopped up to see her tonight, and Doug is there every day. Doug has had the benefit of many home cooked meals from neighbors and church families, but I know he'll be glad to have Loretta back home even if they just have soup and sandwiches.
Enjoy your holiday weekend, and I'm sure we'll have more to report over the next couple of days.
There's not much new to report on Loretta. She remains at the hospital and will be there until her white blood counts exceed 1500. Evidently things have been moving in that direction, so perhaps soon. She's going to have another dose of chemo tomorrow. Gail's not supposed to see her for 24 hours after chemo to limit any potential exposure to the baby, so we'll probably plan to see her on Sunday. Gail did get to talk to Loretta for about an hour yesterday, so she was able to catch up on things. Marcus stopped up to see her tonight, and Doug is there every day. Doug has had the benefit of many home cooked meals from neighbors and church families, but I know he'll be glad to have Loretta back home even if they just have soup and sandwiches.
Enjoy your holiday weekend, and I'm sure we'll have more to report over the next couple of days.
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