The last two days have been good for Elaine, here is an general update:
- She continues to struggle with short term memory issues
- She continues to have some left shoulder pain, her wheelchair will again be equipped with a
support to relieve the stress on her shoulder
- Her therapy continues and is going well, Mom thought her speech continues to improve
- Homewood continues to be a more active environment for her and she has been participating
in more activities here than while she was at Northampton
- She missed her hair appointment on Friday but it has been rescheduled for next Thursday
- A continued steady stream of visitors have helped keep her spirits up
Wishing everyone a happy and safe Labor Day weekend.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Long Day
On Wednesday, Elaine had a very good morning and was in good spirits when she left for her early afternoon appointment to have the CT and PET scans done. Time consuming tests for anyone, it took nearly 3 1/2 hours to complete the tests as the staff had to be very careful moving Elaine on and off of the machines. Elaine handled this like a trooper and returned to Homewood in time for dinner, still in a good mood but very tired.
The results of these scans will be known next Wednesday when Elaine visits with the Oncologist.
The results of these scans will be known next Wednesday when Elaine visits with the Oncologist.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Doctors, Tests & Visitors
Wednesday is the day Elaine will have a new CT and PET test performed and the follow-up visit with the Oncologist has been scheduled for next Wednesday, September 3rd. This will be a very important day as the Oncologist will have the test results and will be able to discuss the status of the cancer and potential treatment plans.
Elaine met today with Dr. Kline (sp?) who will be in charge of her care at Homewood, not only is he Mom & Dad's family doctor, he is also the Medical Director at Homewood. We can take comfort that Elaine will be well cared for at Homewood. The doctor prescribed an anti-inflammatory medicine to help ease the back pain Elaine has been experiencing. The cold that Elaine had is much better and almost gone and she has begun speech, physical and occupational therapy; she will be meeting with each therapist daily five days a weeks.
Between updates from the family and reading the postings, Elaine has had plenty of company over the last couple of days. Nothing puts Elaine in a good mood faster then the sight of family and friends walking thru her door. A calendar has been hung in Elaine's room to help coordinate visits, please write your name on the calendar if you know you will be visiting on a given day. The goal is to fill as many days as possible, this will not only help Elaine know who is visiting on each day, it will hopefully ensure a steady flow of visitors each day. All of that being said, everyone is welcome at any time, the calendar was a great idea and a useful tool during Elaine's stay at Kernan's.
Thank you for checking in on Elaine, your support is greatly appreciated!!
Elaine met today with Dr. Kline (sp?) who will be in charge of her care at Homewood, not only is he Mom & Dad's family doctor, he is also the Medical Director at Homewood. We can take comfort that Elaine will be well cared for at Homewood. The doctor prescribed an anti-inflammatory medicine to help ease the back pain Elaine has been experiencing. The cold that Elaine had is much better and almost gone and she has begun speech, physical and occupational therapy; she will be meeting with each therapist daily five days a weeks.
Between updates from the family and reading the postings, Elaine has had plenty of company over the last couple of days. Nothing puts Elaine in a good mood faster then the sight of family and friends walking thru her door. A calendar has been hung in Elaine's room to help coordinate visits, please write your name on the calendar if you know you will be visiting on a given day. The goal is to fill as many days as possible, this will not only help Elaine know who is visiting on each day, it will hopefully ensure a steady flow of visitors each day. All of that being said, everyone is welcome at any time, the calendar was a great idea and a useful tool during Elaine's stay at Kernan's.
Thank you for checking in on Elaine, your support is greatly appreciated!!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Visit to Oncologist
Elaine met with her new Oncologist on Friday, accompanied by Mom & Dad. Mom said the doctor was nice and spent quite a bit of time talking with Elaine, asking her alot of questions and discussing the pros and cons of chemotherapy. The doctor took this time with Elaine to assess her overall condition and this information will help him to determine a treatment plan. The doctor also requested lab work, all of her records and a new CT and PET scan to determine the current status of the cancer. The tests have been scheduled for Wednesday, August 27th. Once all of these results are available, a follow up visit with the Oncologist will be scheduled. The Oncologist has also recommended a Neurologist consultation and a meeting with a family doctor is scheduled for next week. On top of all of this, Elaine is battling a cold. We wish her well as she enters a very busy week!!!
Aside from the trip to the Doctor, Elaine's first full day at Homewood was full of activity. When Mom and Dad arrived in the morning, Elaine was playing Bingo and in the afternoon she spent time listening to live music in the activity center. It seems that Homewood has a more active environment and the staff will make sure that Elaine does not stay idle for long.
Steve, Terry, Tim and Noelle drove from North Carolina to Maryland last night to visit with Elaine over the weekend, I know she is looking forward to seeing them.
Hoping everyone has a wonderful weekend!!
Aside from the trip to the Doctor, Elaine's first full day at Homewood was full of activity. When Mom and Dad arrived in the morning, Elaine was playing Bingo and in the afternoon she spent time listening to live music in the activity center. It seems that Homewood has a more active environment and the staff will make sure that Elaine does not stay idle for long.
Steve, Terry, Tim and Noelle drove from North Carolina to Maryland last night to visit with Elaine over the weekend, I know she is looking forward to seeing them.
Hoping everyone has a wonderful weekend!!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Room Looks Nice
After Dad signed enough papers to fill a small notebook, Elaine was transferred to Homewood this afternoon. Homewood sent their handicap van and moved her in the wheelchair. Mom rode along with her.
Mom and Dad say there is no comparison between the 2 facilities, but Elaine's response was "room looks nice, but she doesn't want to be in any of them". Elaine doesn't like moving at all so the day is rather tense.
If you look at her profile, I have included her room number (252) and added her room phone number.
She struggles to find the phone and button to call the nurse. Please keep this in mind when calling her.
Have a restful night Elaine.
Mom and Dad say there is no comparison between the 2 facilities, but Elaine's response was "room looks nice, but she doesn't want to be in any of them". Elaine doesn't like moving at all so the day is rather tense.
If you look at her profile, I have included her room number (252) and added her room phone number.
She struggles to find the phone and button to call the nurse. Please keep this in mind when calling her.
Have a restful night Elaine.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
New Home
Sorry for the missed post on Monday.... It was written but I'll claim operator error.
Statistics say people in the US move an average of every 7 years. Elaine has been in her home in Brooklyn for many more than that, but has recently moved seemingly every 2 weeks. This move will be a good one since it is to the care center Mom and Dad really wanted her in. It is beautiful, highly rated and respected, has Hospice care and has a lot more space in each room. The move takes place on Thursday August 21. She will be staying at Homewood at Crumland Farms in Frederick. Website .... http://www.homewood.com/pubs/locations/Crumland_Farms_Dir.cfm
Not sure about direct phone number yet.
Elaine has an appointment with the Oncologist on Friday. She said she is looking forward to the appointment for an update, but afraid of what he is going to tell her. Based upon the oncologist recommendation about chemotherapy treatment (it has not been recommended due to her weakened condition and stroke issues) she may enter into Hospice Care.
Elaine says her friend Sharon from SW Virginia came to visit her on Monday. I'm sure it was a wonderful visit. I noticed that Debbie and Joanne made comments from their visits this week.
May God bless Elaine, touch her with his comfort and strength, and may He also calm each of our hearts, control our thoughts, and may we each seek His wisdom as we try to understand Elaine's health and life battle.
I encourage you to leave a comment and/or prayer for Elaine as she loves to have these read to her and we will be making a book of all of them for her to keep at the nursing home.
Statistics say people in the US move an average of every 7 years. Elaine has been in her home in Brooklyn for many more than that, but has recently moved seemingly every 2 weeks. This move will be a good one since it is to the care center Mom and Dad really wanted her in. It is beautiful, highly rated and respected, has Hospice care and has a lot more space in each room. The move takes place on Thursday August 21. She will be staying at Homewood at Crumland Farms in Frederick. Website .... http://www.homewood.com/pubs/locations/Crumland_Farms_Dir.cfm
Not sure about direct phone number yet.
Elaine has an appointment with the Oncologist on Friday. She said she is looking forward to the appointment for an update, but afraid of what he is going to tell her. Based upon the oncologist recommendation about chemotherapy treatment (it has not been recommended due to her weakened condition and stroke issues) she may enter into Hospice Care.
Elaine says her friend Sharon from SW Virginia came to visit her on Monday. I'm sure it was a wonderful visit. I noticed that Debbie and Joanne made comments from their visits this week.
May God bless Elaine, touch her with his comfort and strength, and may He also calm each of our hearts, control our thoughts, and may we each seek His wisdom as we try to understand Elaine's health and life battle.
I encourage you to leave a comment and/or prayer for Elaine as she loves to have these read to her and we will be making a book of all of them for her to keep at the nursing home.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Weekends and visitors
We take so many things for granted. A breath of fresh air, a busy day at work, that TGIF feeling, weekend plans, walking, laughter, family and friends. We presume we control where we go and when we go there.
Debbie (cousin) and her family visited Elaine on Friday night and Tom & Michelle visited her on Saturday morning.
The folks at the home got Elaine out of bed, dressed and seated in her wheelchair. This morning Elaine, Tom and Michelle went outside and sat and talked for an hour or so. She ate soup and pureed peaches and drank a high protein drink. Her diet was changed to puree so she could eat easier (still no appetite). Her wheelchair is now a modified version (no Tim Taylor involvement).
Apparently the pain in her left shoulder was caused by some misalignment due to poor muscles not holding stuff in place (sorry for the tech talk). The modified wheelchair helps hold her shoulder in place and should help eliminate that pain.
Even this afternoon, she was in good spirits, but tired from activity.
Please do not be offended if you have visited Elaine but not mentioned. It simply means we did not know you were there.
She obviously cannot go anywhere, does not control much, would love to say what a great Monday morning this is to co-workers and friends, and spend time with friends.
Visitors do make a difference. Frederick is quite a way from Baltimore, but close to Mom and Dad who tend to so many of her needs. Thank you for your notes, the cards sent to her, your prayers, the comments you post. When getting by, these things do make a difference. She will say once in a while, they make me laugh.
Debbie (cousin) and her family visited Elaine on Friday night and Tom & Michelle visited her on Saturday morning.
The folks at the home got Elaine out of bed, dressed and seated in her wheelchair. This morning Elaine, Tom and Michelle went outside and sat and talked for an hour or so. She ate soup and pureed peaches and drank a high protein drink. Her diet was changed to puree so she could eat easier (still no appetite). Her wheelchair is now a modified version (no Tim Taylor involvement).
Apparently the pain in her left shoulder was caused by some misalignment due to poor muscles not holding stuff in place (sorry for the tech talk). The modified wheelchair helps hold her shoulder in place and should help eliminate that pain.
Even this afternoon, she was in good spirits, but tired from activity.
Please do not be offended if you have visited Elaine but not mentioned. It simply means we did not know you were there.
She obviously cannot go anywhere, does not control much, would love to say what a great Monday morning this is to co-workers and friends, and spend time with friends.
Visitors do make a difference. Frederick is quite a way from Baltimore, but close to Mom and Dad who tend to so many of her needs. Thank you for your notes, the cards sent to her, your prayers, the comments you post. When getting by, these things do make a difference. She will say once in a while, they make me laugh.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
3 Doctors
Elaine is about the same as yesterday. The bad pains in her leg are caused by muscle spasms.
There are actually 3 Doctors who will be reviewing her case. A Neurologist, Oncologist, and an Ophthalmologist. Dad said the Oncologist is very well respected. They are also planning to do some blood tests. We await these doctors findings
The physical therapists got Elaine standing up. They did all the work and kept her upright.
Her health status is reviewed every Friday to determine the overall effect of the therapies and other medical symptoms. Her insurance company is advised of this report so they can determine what the on-going reimbursement will be.
There are actually 3 Doctors who will be reviewing her case. A Neurologist, Oncologist, and an Ophthalmologist. Dad said the Oncologist is very well respected. They are also planning to do some blood tests. We await these doctors findings
The physical therapists got Elaine standing up. They did all the work and kept her upright.
Her health status is reviewed every Friday to determine the overall effect of the therapies and other medical symptoms. Her insurance company is advised of this report so they can determine what the on-going reimbursement will be.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Weight Loss
When Elaine began describing the events leading up to her admission to the hospital, she said that for the prior two months she had no appetite. Without the assistance of Jenny Craig she realized a loss of 20 pounds during that time. While she was at University of Maryland Hospital another 7 pounds disappeared. She moved to Kernan Rehab Center where her meals were pureed everything. It was hard to tell the difference between mashed potatoes and pasta, and who could tell what green vegetable was being served. Finally, even with home made ice cream (she devoured this) brought in by her cousin Mike, and fantastic pureed meals by Chef Kris (Cassie's husband) she lost a whopping 20 pounds during the 2 week stay. Now that she is at Northampton Manor and no longer has troubles swallowing, they have converted her meals to regular food, minus, hold your breath, chocolate and spicy foods. She does have to drink some Maalox before every meal. Our prayer is that she will eat and enjoy some good food and break the trend of rapid weight loss.
This cancer spreads fast and is not curable once it leaves the pancreas. It does not have many warning signs. As it was in Elaine's case, the first sign was loss of appetite.
This next bit of news will surely earn this writer a stern look of disapproval from Elaine. I suppose we all would respond the same way. Some things in life are just personal. Truth is truth and cannot be dismissed when providing her friends and family an update on her medical condition. The past few days she has lost control of bladder and bowel functions and is being treated with some medicine. Hopefully the doctor who visits her this evening can identify the cause of this symptom. Finally, an oncologist is being selected to review the cancer elements.
Today was not a good day for her. She could only say how terrible the pain is in her left leg during a phone call this evening. Earlier today she could not identify her clothes to the physical therapist which resulted in a trip to the Nursing home by Mom with some new clothes. Thank God she is in close proximity to Dad and Mom. She slept for most of the afternoon and only had a 15 minute talk with Mom and Dad during their 3 hour stay. Elaine also complained about how badly her shoulder hurt and that she could not see very well.
By the way, please include Mom and Dad (Pat and Otts) in your prayers as well. They need encouragement and God's strength.
She loves phone calls (remember she might forget that she's talking to you or to say goodbye. Keep it short!) and visitors, but gets tired very easily and needs rest after her physical therapy.
Please don't forget to write your stories in the comments.
This cancer spreads fast and is not curable once it leaves the pancreas. It does not have many warning signs. As it was in Elaine's case, the first sign was loss of appetite.
This next bit of news will surely earn this writer a stern look of disapproval from Elaine. I suppose we all would respond the same way. Some things in life are just personal. Truth is truth and cannot be dismissed when providing her friends and family an update on her medical condition. The past few days she has lost control of bladder and bowel functions and is being treated with some medicine. Hopefully the doctor who visits her this evening can identify the cause of this symptom. Finally, an oncologist is being selected to review the cancer elements.
Today was not a good day for her. She could only say how terrible the pain is in her left leg during a phone call this evening. Earlier today she could not identify her clothes to the physical therapist which resulted in a trip to the Nursing home by Mom with some new clothes. Thank God she is in close proximity to Dad and Mom. She slept for most of the afternoon and only had a 15 minute talk with Mom and Dad during their 3 hour stay. Elaine also complained about how badly her shoulder hurt and that she could not see very well.
By the way, please include Mom and Dad (Pat and Otts) in your prayers as well. They need encouragement and God's strength.
She loves phone calls (remember she might forget that she's talking to you or to say goodbye. Keep it short!) and visitors, but gets tired very easily and needs rest after her physical therapy.
Please don't forget to write your stories in the comments.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Northampton Manor
This is the first posting made on behalf of Elaine. It is perhaps the best way to provide an update on her medical condition to everyone in a timely fashion.
This site also allows you to enter "comments". Our hope is that you will write a comment that describes a favorite memory, a trip, a good story, funny moments, pictures, etc. These comments are going to be printed out and placed into a book in her room. This will make for some good reading and conversation with her.
Please let us know if you have some good tips regarding blogspots. If you have some good digital photos we would like to use them to personalize the "main page".
Elaine is in good spirits today at her new home, although the weekend was quite upsetting. She was moved from Kernan Rehabilitation Center in Baltimore on Friday August 8.
Northampton Manor www.northamptonmanor.org is a nursing home in Frederick, MD that can tend to her daily needs as well as provide physical, occupational, and speech therapies. She received those therapies today and said the therapists were very nice. Tomorrow ---- 8am ---- physical therapy. Let's see if she thinks that therapist is still nice.
Dad and Mom arranged for a phone to be installed in her room. The telephone "should" be working by 5pm tomorrow, Tuesday 8/12/08. Her phone number is 301-662-7465. Please keep in mind several things when you call her. She may be in therapy or cruising the halls in her wheelchair, or most importantly, she may just hang up on you. Stroke patients have trouble focusing and the telephone is very easy to forget about. Just so you know, she still remembers who she was talking to.
A very brief update on her overall condition. Doctors found spots on her lungs from an x-ray that was taken. The spots werre blood clots that eventually got to her brain and caused the stroke. The clots were formed from pancreatic cancer. Other pictures showed the cancer had spread to her liver and spleen.
Over the past weeks doctors and therapists at the rehab center have been treating the stroke symptoms trying to get some movement on her left side. Her speech has dramatically improved and continues to do so. Movement and sight have not significantly changed.
Cancer treatment is with chemotherapy, but with her weakened condition chemotherapy was not recommended by her doctor at University of Maryland Hospital.
The reality is that there is no amount of money, or new drugs, or best of best doctors that can cure the cancer.
If God's will is for her to remain with us, she will be cured and we can give glory to Him.
In the meantime, please pray for God's Love and Peace to fill Elaine's heart and mind.
This site also allows you to enter "comments". Our hope is that you will write a comment that describes a favorite memory, a trip, a good story, funny moments, pictures, etc. These comments are going to be printed out and placed into a book in her room. This will make for some good reading and conversation with her.
Please let us know if you have some good tips regarding blogspots. If you have some good digital photos we would like to use them to personalize the "main page".
Elaine is in good spirits today at her new home, although the weekend was quite upsetting. She was moved from Kernan Rehabilitation Center in Baltimore on Friday August 8.
Northampton Manor www.northamptonmanor.org is a nursing home in Frederick, MD that can tend to her daily needs as well as provide physical, occupational, and speech therapies. She received those therapies today and said the therapists were very nice. Tomorrow ---- 8am ---- physical therapy. Let's see if she thinks that therapist is still nice.
Dad and Mom arranged for a phone to be installed in her room. The telephone "should" be working by 5pm tomorrow, Tuesday 8/12/08. Her phone number is 301-662-7465. Please keep in mind several things when you call her. She may be in therapy or cruising the halls in her wheelchair, or most importantly, she may just hang up on you. Stroke patients have trouble focusing and the telephone is very easy to forget about. Just so you know, she still remembers who she was talking to.
A very brief update on her overall condition. Doctors found spots on her lungs from an x-ray that was taken. The spots werre blood clots that eventually got to her brain and caused the stroke. The clots were formed from pancreatic cancer. Other pictures showed the cancer had spread to her liver and spleen.
Over the past weeks doctors and therapists at the rehab center have been treating the stroke symptoms trying to get some movement on her left side. Her speech has dramatically improved and continues to do so. Movement and sight have not significantly changed.
Cancer treatment is with chemotherapy, but with her weakened condition chemotherapy was not recommended by her doctor at University of Maryland Hospital.
The reality is that there is no amount of money, or new drugs, or best of best doctors that can cure the cancer.
If God's will is for her to remain with us, she will be cured and we can give glory to Him.
In the meantime, please pray for God's Love and Peace to fill Elaine's heart and mind.
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