Thursday, January 11, 2007
A Few Last Things
Monday I had labwork done and got the OK to go ahead and get a paracentisis to see if there was any more abdominal fluid that might be removed for comfort.
After about 3 hours of waiting in admission and on a stretcher while they waited for a room to open and the radiologist debated further with my MD about whether my sodium level was too low (it was 119, the cutoff level ), he agreed to look under ultrasound and see whether much fluid was present; he took off the max he felt he could get, about 0.7 liters.
He indicated that there would not likely be more fluid of any significance, so this would be the last time the procedure would be of any benefit.
At this point, I can eat a little more than previously, and I will get in as much as I can while I can! Nausea is still quite a problem so there is a limit to the quantity. Going forward, we're just playing it by ear....and planning how to move the furniture to accomodate the hospice bed in the front room when the time is right.
Tomorrow we will be meeting with the hospice chaplain and social worker to discuss the logistics of a celebration of life service and related matters. Since Julie is out of town, she will not be there, but David and the boys and Mary Rosinski will be there (for music planning, among other things).
I feel it's important for the family to plan since this is for the living primarily. The current plan is to have a separate function in Michigan since so many families are there. Dad mentioned he would like to be involved in planning that. Since cremation is involved, the memorial/celebration can be scheduled for the most convenient date for people. Brad, Lane and David will fly up to be with the family.
I continue to get many (short, thank you!) calls , letters, emails, prayers and other support. Thank you all so much. It has all helped me to continue to function up to this point, and I so appreciate you all and your efforts.
God Bless you all, and I am so happy to be here to still express that sentiment and my love for you.
Kathy
After about 3 hours of waiting in admission and on a stretcher while they waited for a room to open and the radiologist debated further with my MD about whether my sodium level was too low (it was 119, the cutoff level ), he agreed to look under ultrasound and see whether much fluid was present; he took off the max he felt he could get, about 0.7 liters.
He indicated that there would not likely be more fluid of any significance, so this would be the last time the procedure would be of any benefit.
At this point, I can eat a little more than previously, and I will get in as much as I can while I can! Nausea is still quite a problem so there is a limit to the quantity. Going forward, we're just playing it by ear....and planning how to move the furniture to accomodate the hospice bed in the front room when the time is right.
Tomorrow we will be meeting with the hospice chaplain and social worker to discuss the logistics of a celebration of life service and related matters. Since Julie is out of town, she will not be there, but David and the boys and Mary Rosinski will be there (for music planning, among other things).
I feel it's important for the family to plan since this is for the living primarily. The current plan is to have a separate function in Michigan since so many families are there. Dad mentioned he would like to be involved in planning that. Since cremation is involved, the memorial/celebration can be scheduled for the most convenient date for people. Brad, Lane and David will fly up to be with the family.
I continue to get many (short, thank you!) calls , letters, emails, prayers and other support. Thank you all so much. It has all helped me to continue to function up to this point, and I so appreciate you all and your efforts.
God Bless you all, and I am so happy to be here to still express that sentiment and my love for you.
Kathy
