Hi again,
The new dates have been confirmed with Beargrass Christian Church and Jan's visitation will be moved up to Tuesday evening, June 19, from 5 to 9 PM In Chalice Hall and the Memorial Service will also be held in the same room (Chalice Hall) on Wednesday evening, June 20, at 6:00.Jan's obituary will be in tomorrow's (Sunday's) newspaper. Note that Jan requests that no money be spent for flowers at her visitation, but rather that expressions of sympathy go to Beargrass Christian Church or to Middletown Christian Church.
John
Monday, June 18, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
The Status
I spoke with both Grandad and Dad today on the phone. Mom has been spending recent days in and out of sleep, mostly in. She is recognizing visitors, but not spending much time speaking or awake. As mentioned before, she receives morphine every 4 hours... this tends to make her drowsy and less communicative. But she is comfortable and not in pain... an OK exchange.
Her food and drink intake has slowed down as well. We are all enjoying any moments we can spend with her.
I just wanted to get a blog out updating her progress.
Her food and drink intake has slowed down as well. We are all enjoying any moments we can spend with her.
I just wanted to get a blog out updating her progress.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Visit
Me, Mom, and Justin
Katy Baughman and MomHello and sorry for the lapse in getting a blog out.
Mom had a wonderful visit from one of her dear childhood school friends, Mia, last Thursday - Friday. They had a ball together, laughing and carrying on. Even though Mom's thinking is often unclear and it is difficult to understand what she tries to communicate, there certainly are glimpses of clarity - when she is temporarily BACK. I think she and Mia had a good time reflecting upon the good ole neighborghood memories.
Meanwhile, I had gone into the hospital because of more frequent/intense contractions and placed on the High Risk floor for continued monitoring.
Then, on Saturday evening, my water broke and about 4 hours later out came Jackson and Duncan Arthur, 12 minutes apart. They are darling. For more on baby-talk, log onto:
www.arthuradventure.blogspot.com
Ready for the good news? Scott and I made a decision after the boys were born and in good hands at their separate NICUs to visit Mom in Louisville Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon. It was just perfect. Unlike her normal routine, Mom was awake and with-it Tues evening. Grandmom, Grandad, Justin, and Dad were all there, along with Scott and I. We talked about the twins and she repeated the comment, "Oh my goodness... all those babies!" She seemed pretty displeased that we didn't bring them with us! But we DID bring our laptop with all the photos in a slide show presentation. Aunt Charlene and Uncle Barry came by as well. It was truly a delightful time.
Then, on Wednesday morning, we returned for more quality time. She was in good spirits yet again. Katy Baughman was there in the morning, then Aunt Lisa, Jessica, and Andrew later on. I was even blessed enough to get to see two of my high school buddies - Julie Goodwin and Layla Alshami - who stopped by to give Mom some love and see us. There was some time carved out, where I could be with Mom alone and that was particularly special.
Since Wednesday, it seems Mom has been about the same. She received pain medicine on about a 4 hour schedule, when needed. She stays very comfortable and is in no pain. Her food intake is little - mainly fluids, mixed fruit, and an occasional dessert.
My favorite moment during the time we were visiting is when she turned to me on Wednesday and said, "I'm so happy today." That was awesome.
Baby Jackson is looking like he might come home this weekend, so with a newborn around I cannot promise to frequent blog updates... but I'll do my best!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
An Update and Dad's email
We are taking things day by day. Sunday was a very good day for Mom up until the early afternoon. Dad called me so that she and I could talk since she was cohesive and making wonderful sense. I was able to have a lovely conversation with her! What a blessing. Monday (yesterday) was less good... she returned again to being unable to form sentences or receive information well.
Grandmom did share a story with me recently that gave me a giggle...She described one of Mom's comments yesterday:
"We laughed on the way home though. When John came and said you were dilated 3 centimeters Jan said ' We had better pack a bag.' Her only full sentence of the day."
[On a side note, it is true that I am dilated 3 cm, but I am still at home, just instructed to lay low and hydrate...we're heading in the direction of labor, but let's hope we move that direction slowly!]
Thanks to all those who are supporting, thinking about, and praying for our family right now. Mom is lucky to have such loved ones in her life.
Below is an email Dad had sent out... wanted to duplicate it here:
From Dad (sent Monday-yesterday):
On last Tuesday, Jan was fine as could be and had been feeling that well for about a week! We met Tuesday afternoon with Dr. Miller, head of Brown Cancer Center, and he was very pleased with how Jan was doing and said he felt she would enjoy this wonderful ride for a matter of months vs. weeks. Jan and I even began making plans to travel for an overnight visit to see one of her longest friends (Mia) and for leaving for Columbus soon after the twins were born (or, more likely, as soon as we learned that Tricia's water had broken!).
However, just the next day (Wednesday morning) Jan woke up not feeling well, which included having a headache and back pain, but she took Tylenol and carried out a full day of receiving visitors until around 9:00 PM. On Thursday Jan was less mentally alert nor as hungry and by Friday, she simply closed down. She wouldn't eat or drink, she slept some 90% of the time and when awake, she was incoherrent or unresponsive.
Yesterday morning I arrived at Norton's Hospice Unit to take Jan home as was scheduled, with the goal of helping her out of this unusual and surprising funk with home cooking and 24/7 love and care. But from the time I woke Jan up she did not recognize me (or at least did not show that she did). She could not talk at all and had a blank stare in her eyes. Jan had refused food since Friday morning's breakfast, was running a pretty high fever and would not take her medicine. Then, when I met with the Hospice Unit doctor and nurse on duty, they took the time to explain in a caring and understanding way that Jan had begun the death process, during which her body will begin to function less and less.
Naturally, I was in denial at first and called both the Brown Center nurse (Bev) and Brown's oncology doctor-on-call about transfering Jan to U of L hospital for a second opinion (and to conduct whatever other tests were needed to fix the problems). However, both Bev and the doctor convinced me that this process was in fact what was occuring, and that Jan was better off where she is (which also would avoid putting Jan through the trama of being moved). Bob and Joyce came down and saw first hand how accurate this determination is. Justin replaced Bob and Joyce and he spent the night on the couch in his mom's room.
Jan's body condition will go up and down. For example, this morning Jan started out slowly (would not eat breakfast and would not take her medicine) but by Noon she was quite alert and in a very good mood! Her fever had broken and she ate a little of her lunch. Plus, she stayed awake for some seven or more hours straight! It was a good day for Jan, and for everyone who saw her. I hope tomorrow will be just as good.
Even when Jan is not alert, she appreciates company and can hear what is said to (or about) her. The Hospice people say to talk to her like normal; tell her what we have been doing and, if we choose, perhaps hold her hand and let her know how much we love her and are praying for her. This helps to give her a warm, cozy feeling and keeps her mental outlook positive.
Jan can be reached on her private room phone, (502) 629-3697 or seen in her room (number 607) on the top floor of the Norton Pavilion, which is the former Methodist Hospital facing Broadway between Floyd and Preston streets. You can't miss the spouting water fountains in front of the building and a parking garage behind it is reachable from both side streets.
Regarding here at home, large numbers of well-meaning phone calls are being received. And, however much they are appreciated, the volume can be overwhelming and quite time consuming. Therefore, besides family members or urgent calls, I'd like to ask that you try to contact me only by email for awhile. I hope and trust that you understand.
Love,
John
Grandmom did share a story with me recently that gave me a giggle...She described one of Mom's comments yesterday:
"We laughed on the way home though. When John came and said you were dilated 3 centimeters Jan said ' We had better pack a bag.' Her only full sentence of the day."
[On a side note, it is true that I am dilated 3 cm, but I am still at home, just instructed to lay low and hydrate...we're heading in the direction of labor, but let's hope we move that direction slowly!]
Thanks to all those who are supporting, thinking about, and praying for our family right now. Mom is lucky to have such loved ones in her life.
Below is an email Dad had sent out... wanted to duplicate it here:
From Dad (sent Monday-yesterday):
On last Tuesday, Jan was fine as could be and had been feeling that well for about a week! We met Tuesday afternoon with Dr. Miller, head of Brown Cancer Center, and he was very pleased with how Jan was doing and said he felt she would enjoy this wonderful ride for a matter of months vs. weeks. Jan and I even began making plans to travel for an overnight visit to see one of her longest friends (Mia) and for leaving for Columbus soon after the twins were born (or, more likely, as soon as we learned that Tricia's water had broken!).
However, just the next day (Wednesday morning) Jan woke up not feeling well, which included having a headache and back pain, but she took Tylenol and carried out a full day of receiving visitors until around 9:00 PM. On Thursday Jan was less mentally alert nor as hungry and by Friday, she simply closed down. She wouldn't eat or drink, she slept some 90% of the time and when awake, she was incoherrent or unresponsive.
Yesterday morning I arrived at Norton's Hospice Unit to take Jan home as was scheduled, with the goal of helping her out of this unusual and surprising funk with home cooking and 24/7 love and care. But from the time I woke Jan up she did not recognize me (or at least did not show that she did). She could not talk at all and had a blank stare in her eyes. Jan had refused food since Friday morning's breakfast, was running a pretty high fever and would not take her medicine. Then, when I met with the Hospice Unit doctor and nurse on duty, they took the time to explain in a caring and understanding way that Jan had begun the death process, during which her body will begin to function less and less.
Naturally, I was in denial at first and called both the Brown Center nurse (Bev) and Brown's oncology doctor-on-call about transfering Jan to U of L hospital for a second opinion (and to conduct whatever other tests were needed to fix the problems). However, both Bev and the doctor convinced me that this process was in fact what was occuring, and that Jan was better off where she is (which also would avoid putting Jan through the trama of being moved). Bob and Joyce came down and saw first hand how accurate this determination is. Justin replaced Bob and Joyce and he spent the night on the couch in his mom's room.
Jan's body condition will go up and down. For example, this morning Jan started out slowly (would not eat breakfast and would not take her medicine) but by Noon she was quite alert and in a very good mood! Her fever had broken and she ate a little of her lunch. Plus, she stayed awake for some seven or more hours straight! It was a good day for Jan, and for everyone who saw her. I hope tomorrow will be just as good.
Even when Jan is not alert, she appreciates company and can hear what is said to (or about) her. The Hospice people say to talk to her like normal; tell her what we have been doing and, if we choose, perhaps hold her hand and let her know how much we love her and are praying for her. This helps to give her a warm, cozy feeling and keeps her mental outlook positive.
Jan can be reached on her private room phone, (502) 629-3697 or seen in her room (number 607) on the top floor of the Norton Pavilion, which is the former Methodist Hospital facing Broadway between Floyd and Preston streets. You can't miss the spouting water fountains in front of the building and a parking garage behind it is reachable from both side streets.
Regarding here at home, large numbers of well-meaning phone calls are being received. And, however much they are appreciated, the volume can be overwhelming and quite time consuming. Therefore, besides family members or urgent calls, I'd like to ask that you try to contact me only by email for awhile. I hope and trust that you understand.
Love,
John
Sunday, May 27, 2007
A Critical Time
As mentioned in the last blog, Wed-Fri were "bad" days for Mom. We were all anxious for her to go home on Saturday. When Dad arrived at Nortons Saturday to pick her up, it was clear that she had taken an even more dramatic turn for the worst. She was not expressing recognition that he had entered the room and seemed not responsive. In addition, Mom had not eaten well for awhile - no appetite.
At that time, Dad was told - both by the Hospice doctor/nurses and by her oncology team - that Mom had begun the journey towards death. She will be staying there at the Hospice unit at Nortons unless something changes.
Saturday (yesterday) she did become more able to communicate as the day progressed. However, her ability to understand comes and goes. It is difficult to know whether she is "with" you or not. This morning (Sunday), she seemed about the same.
As you can imagine, being strapped to Columbus for me is extremely difficult. I will continue to update this blog frequently...We are all uncertain how much time Mom has left and I feel sure a lot of folks will want to know any changes as they occur.
Let us all pray she is experiencing peace. From what I can tell, she is in no pain and no emotional anguish. So this is good.
At that time, Dad was told - both by the Hospice doctor/nurses and by her oncology team - that Mom had begun the journey towards death. She will be staying there at the Hospice unit at Nortons unless something changes.
Saturday (yesterday) she did become more able to communicate as the day progressed. However, her ability to understand comes and goes. It is difficult to know whether she is "with" you or not. This morning (Sunday), she seemed about the same.
As you can imagine, being strapped to Columbus for me is extremely difficult. I will continue to update this blog frequently...We are all uncertain how much time Mom has left and I feel sure a lot of folks will want to know any changes as they occur.
Let us all pray she is experiencing peace. From what I can tell, she is in no pain and no emotional anguish. So this is good.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Last Day of Stay at Nortons
Today marks Mom's final day using the respit care there at Nortons. Thanks to all who visited. When I spoke with her a couple times a day I would ask if she was feeling bored, and she would reply that she had so much entertainment in the form of folks stopping by, NO TIME TO BE BORED! This REALLY made the time pass for her. So, thanks.
As I have mentioned, Mom's overall energy and "Janet-ness" seemed to have improved since the radiation. For a solid week and a half of so, she was on a roll. The last couple days, she has noticed a bit of a set back again. She is having the trouble getting motivated to get up and take a walk or stay awake for long periods. But all of this could change today - of course. We are learning (as always with life) to take one day at a time, appreciating as many moments we can of her feeling like her "good old self."
Heather, a dear friend from childhood, visited last night to help write out old memories. Mom has a book with questions designed to prompt responses about her life... from specific memories to words of wisdom. Since it is becoming near impossible for Mom to write long-handed, Heather agreed to be her scribe! Thanks, Heather... hope yall had fun.
Also, I forgot a couple days ago to include Donna Farris on the list of those who visited. She stopped by both Tues and Wed.
Lastly, I wanted to let you know that Dad is feeling more refreshed as a result of a few-day break. He is getting the opportunity to play golf today with Norman Stivers. And, in general, spent his week with good harmony between getting stuff done and putzing around with no pressures. He has been working his tail off and deserved it!
As I have mentioned, Mom's overall energy and "Janet-ness" seemed to have improved since the radiation. For a solid week and a half of so, she was on a roll. The last couple days, she has noticed a bit of a set back again. She is having the trouble getting motivated to get up and take a walk or stay awake for long periods. But all of this could change today - of course. We are learning (as always with life) to take one day at a time, appreciating as many moments we can of her feeling like her "good old self."
Heather, a dear friend from childhood, visited last night to help write out old memories. Mom has a book with questions designed to prompt responses about her life... from specific memories to words of wisdom. Since it is becoming near impossible for Mom to write long-handed, Heather agreed to be her scribe! Thanks, Heather... hope yall had fun.
Also, I forgot a couple days ago to include Donna Farris on the list of those who visited. She stopped by both Tues and Wed.
Lastly, I wanted to let you know that Dad is feeling more refreshed as a result of a few-day break. He is getting the opportunity to play golf today with Norman Stivers. And, in general, spent his week with good harmony between getting stuff done and putzing around with no pressures. He has been working his tail off and deserved it!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Doctor's Appointment
I forgot to mention that Mom also had an appointment today with her oncologist, Dr. Miller. She described how she is feeling - much better overall. He agreed that he could notice a difference himself. Some of her mini-symptoms (swelling feet, for example) he is attributing to the steroids, which are now no longer being taken and probably working their way completely out of her system. So hopefully we will observe those symptoms vanish as well.
She also had a visit from a physical therapists arranged by Hospice, who showed her some exercises to help her leg/hip strength. She can practice them either in bed or in a chair. We are hoping with some strengthening, she will experience an easier time getting up and down from a sitting position.
I need to also add some names to the list of folks who visited today. In addition to Grandmom and Grandad and Gaye, Mom was visited by Janet Mertz, Aunt Lisa, Jessica, and Andrew... and of course Dad as well. Hope I didn't leave anyone out.
She also had a visit from a physical therapists arranged by Hospice, who showed her some exercises to help her leg/hip strength. She can practice them either in bed or in a chair. We are hoping with some strengthening, she will experience an easier time getting up and down from a sitting position.
I need to also add some names to the list of folks who visited today. In addition to Grandmom and Grandad and Gaye, Mom was visited by Janet Mertz, Aunt Lisa, Jessica, and Andrew... and of course Dad as well. Hope I didn't leave anyone out.
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