Ok - mom's doing a lot better - her counts went up a little more today and her strenght is getting better. We know it takes time - but any progress to be seen is good. Her doctors are still happy with her progress.
Marcus went today to start the process to see if he will be a match to donate platelets to mom. If necessary, we may ask the family in MIchigan to do so as well if they are willing. We first will see how Marcus matches and go from there. To do anything - you would need a note or request from mom's doctors - so don't worry about it yet. He's just being very proactive and wanting to know who is a good match for anything needed now rather than wait till its needed in an emergency situation. So that is good. Not sure if he's received or reviewed all the siblings bone marrow results yet - I'll keep on mom and dad to remember to ask. I know I have been tested already too and in the databank - so maybe I'm a match and we can figure it out when needed. I unfortunately can't do anything with blood until after the baby is here (and not sure how long I have to wait). And the baby may be a stem cell donor too! Wouldn't that be cool.
Mom's tired now - but feeling a lot better - knows a lot of the family are coming up this summer and looking forward to visits and picnics with everyone.
Baby news - Craig finisehd all the furniture for the nursery! We now have it all in its spot and the bedding is on the bed. Fudd even tested out the crib and seemed to enjoy it. His new place is the rocking chair and ottoman in the nursery. Just happy he's adjusting to the change and getting used to the room now before the baby arrives. Next, my cousin Kyle is coming to see what she can do to paint a mural on the wall(s) for us later this week. We are very excited - she's very talented too- so it will be very special. We still need to put things away, but waiting to move things for painting &/or border first. So getting excited. Next appointment is Thursday morning - Marcus' birthday!!! He's hitting the big 30! See I can say this because I know he doesn't even know what this website is - he can get mad later :-) (not sure if that smily face will come out)
Monday, June 14, 2004
Sunday, June 13, 2004
Weekend UPdate
Ok - I sound like the SNL skit. Anyhow - was able to visit with mom for a little bit today. She's still just exhausted from the treatments on Friday. They did her new daily chemo in the morning and didn't do the big "Friday" treatment till after 5 pm. So the double dose and continued daily treatments have just worn her out! So please know if the phone is busy she probably has it off the hook. IF its busy for more then 30-60 minutes just make that assumption. She needs her sleep right now. And today - they are giving her platelets and all the antibiotics - so she's just going to be resting a lot this afternoon and evening.
Over all - she's doing pretty darn good, the counts did go down a little as expected after Friday's treatment - but not as low as they have in the past. So that is really good. WE know they go down on the weekends and usually rebound by MOnday - so she'll feel better tomorrow.
The doctors finally started her on food through the IV - she just isn't able to eat that much. It sounds silly - but I don't think we can understand until we are in her shoes. Some of the biggest side effects of chemo is sores in the mouth, lack of appetite and nothing tasting good. She's got them all right now. And the medicine for her mouth makes it worse. She is trying very hard to eat as much as she can. And that will help - they think the medicine for her mouth has coated her stomach and real food will be able to help wash that out of there and help her feel better. Even if she can't -the nutrition in the IV will just give her some of her strenght back. WE are all hopeful that once the 12 day treatments are done (should be this next weekend) her counts will have built up high enough to come home. Its a little scarey -but we know that the doctors won't let her come home until she's able. And like I've said before- we will continue with family only visits for a while until mom is ready. Getting an infection now will just push the last 5-6 weeks of treatments down the tube! I know no one wants to see that happen. And I need her healthy to see the baby's ultrasound in a few weeks and to be there at the hospital when the baby is born (my doctors are fine with it - but she will need her doctors permission - she won't hurt the baby or I - but we need clearance that her counts are ok to be at my hospital).
So over all - good weekend lots of positive news! Very thankful - just seeing her weak is very difficult - mom's never really been too sick. So for all of us - its hard to watch and see her like this. FAith in God will get us through and it seems to be working.
Continue with the phone calls - it does mean a lot to her talking to family especially! She loves you all so much and she loves the posts that Craig prints off of this website for her too!
Love Gail and gang
Over all - she's doing pretty darn good, the counts did go down a little as expected after Friday's treatment - but not as low as they have in the past. So that is really good. WE know they go down on the weekends and usually rebound by MOnday - so she'll feel better tomorrow.
The doctors finally started her on food through the IV - she just isn't able to eat that much. It sounds silly - but I don't think we can understand until we are in her shoes. Some of the biggest side effects of chemo is sores in the mouth, lack of appetite and nothing tasting good. She's got them all right now. And the medicine for her mouth makes it worse. She is trying very hard to eat as much as she can. And that will help - they think the medicine for her mouth has coated her stomach and real food will be able to help wash that out of there and help her feel better. Even if she can't -the nutrition in the IV will just give her some of her strenght back. WE are all hopeful that once the 12 day treatments are done (should be this next weekend) her counts will have built up high enough to come home. Its a little scarey -but we know that the doctors won't let her come home until she's able. And like I've said before- we will continue with family only visits for a while until mom is ready. Getting an infection now will just push the last 5-6 weeks of treatments down the tube! I know no one wants to see that happen. And I need her healthy to see the baby's ultrasound in a few weeks and to be there at the hospital when the baby is born (my doctors are fine with it - but she will need her doctors permission - she won't hurt the baby or I - but we need clearance that her counts are ok to be at my hospital).
So over all - good weekend lots of positive news! Very thankful - just seeing her weak is very difficult - mom's never really been too sick. So for all of us - its hard to watch and see her like this. FAith in God will get us through and it seems to be working.
Continue with the phone calls - it does mean a lot to her talking to family especially! She loves you all so much and she loves the posts that Craig prints off of this website for her too!
Love Gail and gang
Saturday, June 12, 2004
FYI - Posts
Just to let someone know - I deleted the one post from yesterday ONLY because it was accidentally a duplicate and I figured out how to do it. I unfortunately did not realize it left a note that I deleted it. Sorry -
Also - I've had a few people email me asking who's been posting the nice poems and writings the last few days. People seem to really find inspiration in them and would were wondering if you could include your name (that is of course up to you). People say thank you!
Have a good day.
GAil
Also - I've had a few people email me asking who's been posting the nice poems and writings the last few days. People seem to really find inspiration in them and would were wondering if you could include your name (that is of course up to you). People say thank you!
Have a good day.
GAil
A new Start?
Well its Saturday morning - won't be talking to mom till later this afternoon in hopes she is getting the needed rest she needs this morning. Yesterday was a little different than the last few Fridays. DAd was able to get to the hospital in time to see the doctor again (Yeah!) - but man its very early before 7 am. The doctor said he didn't think they would do the 12 day chemo yesterday but do the normal Friday chemo. Anyhow - that changed - they ended up deciding to do both. Which is fine -it just postponed the big Chemo treatment back to late afternoon/early evening. At 3:30 yesterday, mom still hadn't had the "Friday chemo". But maybe being so late - she would be tired and sleep some last night.
The doctor was very pleased by mom's progress this past week all her blood counts kept rising! It sounds like yesterday may be the last Friday treatment for this "round"! She'll continue the 12 day treatment for the remainder of time (so that should end next weekend). The one down side is mom isn't eating much. Mostly because of the stomach virus she had over the last few days - so they said they may give her some food/nutrients in the IV. Not sure how she feels about it - but dad and I were talking yesterday and thought it may be a good idea. This way she won't feel bad if she can't eat anything, but can still try. And she'll automatically be getting some nutrition to help build up her strength. She already has the IV ports - may as well just hang another bag up there. Getting her strength back now is very important.
The doctor also told dad as of yesterday (things may change - but that is ok) that he felt she needed some time off before the 5 day intensive treatment. So maybe 2-3 weeks (not sure when he starts counting those weeks - but that is ok). And he may do a bone marrow test before the 5 day treatment to see how well it has been working. They all feel that from mom's evaluations to date that it appears to be working and they probably want to know how well.
We know its the weekend, so her counts will go down - but since they were so high they may not get as low as they have been. And they will again rebound more quickly with all the new treatments continuing. So its exciting. Still can't give a day when she'll be home - but soon is expected. At best guess before the end of the month! So my hope - she's feeling well to come to the ultrasound (to be scheduled) at the end of the month. Get her first glimpse of her little Peanut as she had been calling the baby.
Baby side note - actually SAW it move last night! That was pretty darn cool! Its very faint - but saw it with my own eyes - rolling around on my belly.
The doctor was very pleased by mom's progress this past week all her blood counts kept rising! It sounds like yesterday may be the last Friday treatment for this "round"! She'll continue the 12 day treatment for the remainder of time (so that should end next weekend). The one down side is mom isn't eating much. Mostly because of the stomach virus she had over the last few days - so they said they may give her some food/nutrients in the IV. Not sure how she feels about it - but dad and I were talking yesterday and thought it may be a good idea. This way she won't feel bad if she can't eat anything, but can still try. And she'll automatically be getting some nutrition to help build up her strength. She already has the IV ports - may as well just hang another bag up there. Getting her strength back now is very important.
The doctor also told dad as of yesterday (things may change - but that is ok) that he felt she needed some time off before the 5 day intensive treatment. So maybe 2-3 weeks (not sure when he starts counting those weeks - but that is ok). And he may do a bone marrow test before the 5 day treatment to see how well it has been working. They all feel that from mom's evaluations to date that it appears to be working and they probably want to know how well.
We know its the weekend, so her counts will go down - but since they were so high they may not get as low as they have been. And they will again rebound more quickly with all the new treatments continuing. So its exciting. Still can't give a day when she'll be home - but soon is expected. At best guess before the end of the month! So my hope - she's feeling well to come to the ultrasound (to be scheduled) at the end of the month. Get her first glimpse of her little Peanut as she had been calling the baby.
Baby side note - actually SAW it move last night! That was pretty darn cool! Its very faint - but saw it with my own eyes - rolling around on my belly.
Friday, June 11, 2004
Chemo DAy - hopefully last Friday
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!
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!
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.
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