Post 6

Mom had her intrathecal this morning and she did really well. The doctor got right to the point and the procedure was quicker than last time. She had to rest for about a half an hour afterwards but we were in an out in less than two hours. Then they let her go home. Before we left we asked whether or not the Meningitis-linked steroids had anything to do with the steroids or procedures Mom has been getting. The nurses gave us literature saying she has not been in contact with any of those drugs.

She has been lying down since we got home. She’s “trying to be a good girl” as Mom’s Aunt Yjordis would say. She also has to take steroids, Prednisone, for five more days (because she had a form of chemo today). Dad told Mom her job today was to make sure she that the couch didn’t go anywhere. Tutu says she is going to give her an award if she actually stays on the couch.

Mom has a hot and tender head. The information that I have been reading on the computer and what Mom’s nurses have told us both express that chemo patients feel like their head is sunburned. I asked Mom if that is what her head feels like. She said her head is really tender, so when she combs her hair or touches it, it's very sensitive like a “thin skinned” feeling. She also said that putting something cold on her head and face always feels good, so with both of those combined, she guesses that is what amounts to feeling like a sunburned head.

Mom is supposed to put your feet up the rest of the day, so maybe we can take her out for a walk tomorrow. Mom has a category system for her walks. Depending on what she feels up to. She tells me what she feels up to and then I know where to park and how much time to plan for. Not that it matters because I do not care if we go for a stroll or a marathon, I just love being with her.

Mom’s Walks

Fresh-air walk – walk to the front door to get some fresh air.

Pop walk – 2 – 3 blocks in downtown Granville on south side of the street in front of the Buxton Inn, up to touch the big tree and back.

Tutu walk – 20 – 30 minute around the town looking at the historical houses and saying “hi” to the neighbors, which is like walking through a Normal Rockwell painting. We live in a very cute little town. Just for the record, Tutu walks at least 2 miles every day when she is at home.

Bike path walk – nice and flat, lots to see, can go as far as you want, and then turn around and come back. It is very pretty, along Raccoon Creek’s running water that rises and falls, copious amounts of flowers, huge overhanging trees and colorful leaves , deer, squirrels, Garfield (the cat that guards the bike path), cows (that smells), and lots of colorful birds.

Denison walk – 2 mile walk, through downtown Granville, around the back side of the hill, entering on the north entrance to Denison, up the “big” hill, past the pool and the football field, along the ridge through the academic quad, past the clock, across the bridge, up to Swasey Chapel, and descending down the long flight of stairs past Fraternity Row and the long walk way past the Zen circle. The whole campus was laid out by Olmstead, which Mom told me was the gentleman who did the lay out for Central Park in New York City. Denison is also very beautiful with great views overlooking the city and lots of trees, which are full of color these days.

Mom’s Hair

We might have to do something about Mom’s hair soon. She is shedding more than she even likes these past couple of days. She ordered an inch and a half comb for Dad’s Wahl clippers. She uses the clippers to cut his hair. So if we cut her hair with the new longer comb perhaps that will cut down on the shedding. Her head is so tender, maybe we will just have to shave her hair off and be done with touching her head.

Mom's nurses saying good morning to Mom for the blog haha.

Picture of me settling in for a long day at the hospital, not knowing we were only going to be there for a short time. Aunt Chris made my blanket :)

Mom is doing great! Love to all. Keah