need your prayers/thoughts for my Mom
09-20-2007, 01:38 AM
#22
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more updates. Until yesterday, my mom was still in the same condtion, thats 35 days of being sick 
she was still being really dizzy and tired, she would sleep 21 of the 24 hours in a day.
she finally got in at the neurosurgen for an appointment. she had an MRI on monday and it showed some swelling where her tumor used to be. She had a non-cancerous tumor 3 years ago, and it was removed with radiation. The doctor said it is normal for this to happen 2-3 years after radiation. He put her on some very strong steroids, 20 pills a day!
She started her meds yesterday, and this is the result.
She texted me today at 12noon saying that she had still not slept! 
My dad finally got her to take a 2 hour nap today.
I think she'* gonna be OK
thanks for your thoughts/prayers again!
she was still being really dizzy and tired, she would sleep 21 of the 24 hours in a day.she finally got in at the neurosurgen for an appointment. she had an MRI on monday and it showed some swelling where her tumor used to be. She had a non-cancerous tumor 3 years ago, and it was removed with radiation. The doctor said it is normal for this to happen 2-3 years after radiation. He put her on some very strong steroids, 20 pills a day!
She started her meds yesterday, and this is the result.
Good Morning!
It is 4:45 am and I am still awake.
Yep, the steroid circus is here!
I have no pain though!!! : )
Internet says it is best not to take after 5 pm.
That is when I started. I am still glad I started yesterday though.
It is so nice not to have pain.
I am going to try to get all my steroid pills taken by 5 pm today.
It is 4:45 am and I am still awake.
Yep, the steroid circus is here!
I have no pain though!!! : )
Internet says it is best not to take after 5 pm.
That is when I started. I am still glad I started yesterday though.
It is so nice not to have pain.
I am going to try to get all my steroid pills taken by 5 pm today.
My dad finally got her to take a 2 hour nap today.
I think she'* gonna be OK
thanks for your thoughts/prayers again!
How'* your dad? You mentioned in another post that he was to have surgery about a week ago.
09-20-2007, 02:17 AM
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he was supposed to be resting for a week after the surgery. Since he had off work, he planted a friggin tree, and has been playing in the garage
he'* doing to good.
he'* doing to good.
10-15-2007, 09:47 PM
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my mom is still sick.
the steroids buzz only lasted for a few days. She is not more tired than ever, she has gained a ton of weight from the steroids, showing mostly in her face. The steroids should be doing their job of taking the swelling down, but she still thinks it is not working. She is arranged for another MRI soon to see if the swellling has indeed gone down or not.
I am not going to go into all the wealth of information that I have, but this does not look good for my brother. He took after my mom'* genes, while I took my dad'* side. He has had behavior problems his entire life, and they are just now putting the pieces together that he might have some of the same problems, so he also has an MRI scheduled.
On top of this we found out his weekend that my last living grandparent, my dad'* mom has the worst type of skin cancer, after defeating breast cancer several years ago.
Please direct any prayer to my family and not me, as I seem to be the only healthy one in the family :?
the steroids buzz only lasted for a few days. She is not more tired than ever, she has gained a ton of weight from the steroids, showing mostly in her face. The steroids should be doing their job of taking the swelling down, but she still thinks it is not working. She is arranged for another MRI soon to see if the swellling has indeed gone down or not.
I am not going to go into all the wealth of information that I have, but this does not look good for my brother. He took after my mom'* genes, while I took my dad'* side. He has had behavior problems his entire life, and they are just now putting the pieces together that he might have some of the same problems, so he also has an MRI scheduled.
On top of this we found out his weekend that my last living grandparent, my dad'* mom has the worst type of skin cancer, after defeating breast cancer several years ago.
Please direct any prayer to my family and not me, as I seem to be the only healthy one in the family :?
10-15-2007, 09:54 PM
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Your family will be in my prayers tonight.
I'll pray for you to, for strength to deal with this and for the love and wisdom to help your family through these tough times.
I'll pray for you to, for strength to deal with this and for the love and wisdom to help your family through these tough times.
10-15-2007, 09:59 PM
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Wow, Andrew, I can't even imagine how hard it'* gotta be right now. I'll definitely have you and your family on my mind and I'm hopeful everything comes out alright in the end!
12-02-2007, 07:17 PM
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another update...
I don't think I explained this before, but she is taking steroids to decrease the swelling on her brain, which was causing all the pain. The doctors say this is normal for a person that has an AVM (brain aneurysm), but it usually happens 2 years after the fact. My mom'* took 3 years.
She is not really getting any better at this point. She has been on steroids for quite a while now, and it is really taking a tole on her body. She has lost literally all the muscle tone in her legs, she can't stand up by herself. The steroids are doing their job at taking the brain swellling down, but it doesn't do any good to the rest of her body. If any of you know people that have been on steroids, you know the ill effects. Her face has completely swelled up. It looks like she has gained 100lbs in her face only. She is embarassed to go in public. Today she takes her last steroid pill, hopefully after that, her body will start to go back to normal, and the brain pain will be gone. If it is not, she will have to start on the steroids again.
She is being very strong. Here is the last email I got from her. She love to throw the comedy in there
I don't think I explained this before, but she is taking steroids to decrease the swelling on her brain, which was causing all the pain. The doctors say this is normal for a person that has an AVM (brain aneurysm), but it usually happens 2 years after the fact. My mom'* took 3 years.
She is not really getting any better at this point. She has been on steroids for quite a while now, and it is really taking a tole on her body. She has lost literally all the muscle tone in her legs, she can't stand up by herself. The steroids are doing their job at taking the brain swellling down, but it doesn't do any good to the rest of her body. If any of you know people that have been on steroids, you know the ill effects. Her face has completely swelled up. It looks like she has gained 100lbs in her face only. She is embarassed to go in public. Today she takes her last steroid pill, hopefully after that, her body will start to go back to normal, and the brain pain will be gone. If it is not, she will have to start on the steroids again.
She is being very strong. Here is the last email I got from her. She love to throw the comedy in there
Last night was Lee'* work Christmas party. Last year'* was a very good party and I was looking forward to this one somewhat even though I didn't feel too proud of my weird body.
Just to get ready is quite an undertaking. Lee has to help me do many things in the past week just to do basic things. He helps me to get out the bathtub, put socks on, put my pants on etc. Each time I have to stand up he pulls me up. He is patient and kind with me. He helps me to shift my weight even when I need to reposition on the couch. I have lost lots of muscle in the past week. I have to physically lift my foot with my hand at times.
I was so happy to have that pretty top to wear from Heather that she wore last year to our family Christmas! I took the shoulder pads out and it fits me well. I had tried it on several times to make sure it worked for me and it did. I wore black pants and since it was snowing I choose black dress boots instead of black shoes.
I am not sure how many inches of snow ( maybe 6 or 8 ) had fell by the time we left but Lee did have to blow open the driveway as there was a big drift right across the middle. Our street was unplowed and we could have easily got stuck but did not.
Lee walks me carefully to the car and helps me in. He closes the door and goes around to his side. I look down, " Oh NO"! The top opens up major when I sit reviewing everything! I had never sat down with the top on! I tell Lee to go look for a big safety pin at first but realizes this is more than a safe pin help. Then I remember Heather had give me a black camisole shirt with another jacket. I decide to go look for that. Lee helps me struggle back up the steps into the house. He stays outside to do some shoveling.
When I get inside there is snow on my boots so it slippery when I go through our bathroom to our bedroom but I am careful. I go in the closet and weeeeeeee....one leg goes on way and the other leg goes the other way. I did the major splits! There I sat! There was no way I could get up. A few tears as I sit there and wait. I could see the shirt I wanted but couldn't get it off the hanger, couldn't stand up and realize the boots I thought I was going to wear were not a good choice. I had to wait quite awhile before my Prince Charming came to rescue me. He helped me to redress with the camisole and boring flat rubber sole shoes.
It took us a bit to find the place we were to go for the party as they just listed as the " Old Fire Hall" and no address. It was a really neat place though that was the fire hall in the early 1900'*. Great atmosphere but had to sigh as there were 2 or 4 steps many places which was very hard for me. Food was excellent!
When we got there Lee found us a parking spot within 1/4 block of the front door. He came around to help me out. I got out of the car and immediately fell in the snow. I was all covered with snow and he had to brush me off. I had a couple tears coming but kept on going.
Lee'* coworkers were very very nice to me! Only some know but the ones who do are very nice in asking and listening. * When we first got there Lee went to hang our coats and I kind of lost my balance and banged into Steve. Thank goodness it was Steve as he is the one knows the most and understood. He was very kind to me and so was another coworker I had never meet before. I was impressed with many of them.
The entertainment was a Ventriloquist/ Comedian. He performed and then gave out money prizes and then performed and more money prizes. Top prize was $500. There were lots of prizes and you had to be present to win. It was getting pretty late for me ( 10:30) but I thought I can sit here for money. Lee won $25. He did get a bonus of $75 also. I have never a real bonus so I think it is great. But he used to get about $1200 from Coop so he misses that. The man doing the entertainment was good and used to be a high school teacher who gave up teaching to become a ventril. He did a great job and it was a clean show. The crowd didn't seem to mind a bit. Lee '* coworkers are the usual drinker type but not drunk party type.
When it was time to go home I headed to the bathroom and realized I was so tired I couldn't hardly even stand up alone. When I came out Lee was there with one of the salesman and they asked if I needed help to get out to the car. I said, " yes". This salesman, Jeff, immediately started to hold me up with such concern and care. Lee went to get the car and he asked me more. He seemed like the most compassion person I had meet and I bet he is. He has scars on his face and hands from a fire but we do not know the story. Lee and him walked me down some very snowy steps to where Lee had the car parked in an unplowed alley. I got in the car without falling! : ) They a police vehicle comes and starts complaining to Lee about him parking there for that little bit. He had to explain it all. It had been quite an evening. I was very touched at the end by Jeff helping us. As we drove away I content but feel very handicap.
We went to church this morning and all was good. I did not fall today even though I can't get around very well all. I believe it is the steroids that have stripped me of all muscle tone.
Tonight is the very last 1/2 steroids ( I hope). Even though I have been decreasing since Tuesday I am not able to see any changes for awhile. I am hoping this week I will start to see some positive changes. What I fear is that I will get pain in my head or neck area which means the swelling of the brain is still there. I do have some pain in my right shoulder blade that I think could be related but I am not sure of anything at this point. Right now I would rather have some pain and be able to stand up strong instead.
I see Dr. Hieb my family doctor tomorrow afternoon. I plan to go to this appt by myself. I want him to help me with getting back to strong. I am thinking he should have me start some physial therpy or something.
That'* all for now.
Just to get ready is quite an undertaking. Lee has to help me do many things in the past week just to do basic things. He helps me to get out the bathtub, put socks on, put my pants on etc. Each time I have to stand up he pulls me up. He is patient and kind with me. He helps me to shift my weight even when I need to reposition on the couch. I have lost lots of muscle in the past week. I have to physically lift my foot with my hand at times.
I was so happy to have that pretty top to wear from Heather that she wore last year to our family Christmas! I took the shoulder pads out and it fits me well. I had tried it on several times to make sure it worked for me and it did. I wore black pants and since it was snowing I choose black dress boots instead of black shoes.
I am not sure how many inches of snow ( maybe 6 or 8 ) had fell by the time we left but Lee did have to blow open the driveway as there was a big drift right across the middle. Our street was unplowed and we could have easily got stuck but did not.
Lee walks me carefully to the car and helps me in. He closes the door and goes around to his side. I look down, " Oh NO"! The top opens up major when I sit reviewing everything! I had never sat down with the top on! I tell Lee to go look for a big safety pin at first but realizes this is more than a safe pin help. Then I remember Heather had give me a black camisole shirt with another jacket. I decide to go look for that. Lee helps me struggle back up the steps into the house. He stays outside to do some shoveling.
When I get inside there is snow on my boots so it slippery when I go through our bathroom to our bedroom but I am careful. I go in the closet and weeeeeeee....one leg goes on way and the other leg goes the other way. I did the major splits! There I sat! There was no way I could get up. A few tears as I sit there and wait. I could see the shirt I wanted but couldn't get it off the hanger, couldn't stand up and realize the boots I thought I was going to wear were not a good choice. I had to wait quite awhile before my Prince Charming came to rescue me. He helped me to redress with the camisole and boring flat rubber sole shoes.
It took us a bit to find the place we were to go for the party as they just listed as the " Old Fire Hall" and no address. It was a really neat place though that was the fire hall in the early 1900'*. Great atmosphere but had to sigh as there were 2 or 4 steps many places which was very hard for me. Food was excellent!
When we got there Lee found us a parking spot within 1/4 block of the front door. He came around to help me out. I got out of the car and immediately fell in the snow. I was all covered with snow and he had to brush me off. I had a couple tears coming but kept on going.
Lee'* coworkers were very very nice to me! Only some know but the ones who do are very nice in asking and listening. * When we first got there Lee went to hang our coats and I kind of lost my balance and banged into Steve. Thank goodness it was Steve as he is the one knows the most and understood. He was very kind to me and so was another coworker I had never meet before. I was impressed with many of them.
The entertainment was a Ventriloquist/ Comedian. He performed and then gave out money prizes and then performed and more money prizes. Top prize was $500. There were lots of prizes and you had to be present to win. It was getting pretty late for me ( 10:30) but I thought I can sit here for money. Lee won $25. He did get a bonus of $75 also. I have never a real bonus so I think it is great. But he used to get about $1200 from Coop so he misses that. The man doing the entertainment was good and used to be a high school teacher who gave up teaching to become a ventril. He did a great job and it was a clean show. The crowd didn't seem to mind a bit. Lee '* coworkers are the usual drinker type but not drunk party type.
When it was time to go home I headed to the bathroom and realized I was so tired I couldn't hardly even stand up alone. When I came out Lee was there with one of the salesman and they asked if I needed help to get out to the car. I said, " yes". This salesman, Jeff, immediately started to hold me up with such concern and care. Lee went to get the car and he asked me more. He seemed like the most compassion person I had meet and I bet he is. He has scars on his face and hands from a fire but we do not know the story. Lee and him walked me down some very snowy steps to where Lee had the car parked in an unplowed alley. I got in the car without falling! : ) They a police vehicle comes and starts complaining to Lee about him parking there for that little bit. He had to explain it all. It had been quite an evening. I was very touched at the end by Jeff helping us. As we drove away I content but feel very handicap.
We went to church this morning and all was good. I did not fall today even though I can't get around very well all. I believe it is the steroids that have stripped me of all muscle tone.
Tonight is the very last 1/2 steroids ( I hope). Even though I have been decreasing since Tuesday I am not able to see any changes for awhile. I am hoping this week I will start to see some positive changes. What I fear is that I will get pain in my head or neck area which means the swelling of the brain is still there. I do have some pain in my right shoulder blade that I think could be related but I am not sure of anything at this point. Right now I would rather have some pain and be able to stand up strong instead.
I see Dr. Hieb my family doctor tomorrow afternoon. I plan to go to this appt by myself. I want him to help me with getting back to strong. I am thinking he should have me start some physial therpy or something.
That'* all for now.