Updates on the Parents

Mom is about the same. She had an MRI today, which will help the docs determine what all is going on in that foot of hers. They still plan to amputate sometime this week. Mom isn't doing as well emotionally because my dad has had setbacks yesterday and today.

In fact, the news isn't good regarding dad. He had a rough night and morning, vomiting and not keeping any food or meds down. He spiked a fever and is no non-responsive, except for a few groans here and there. This is not a drug-induced state, just something his body is doing on his own. The drs are drawing blood and taking urine samples to determine if this is the natural course the brain tumor is taking us down or if dad has contracted something viral. We are told from the hospice folks that this happens when one is near death; one begins refusing food, which he did on Saturday, and then begins detaching. So, we will wait and see, praying for God's grace along.

Thankfully, Bryan's grandmother is doing quite well, recovering from her hip surgery; well, as great as one can expect. She is still in ICU, but will likely be in a regular room tomorrow.

Mom Will Lose Her Toe

It's official--the doc is amputating mom's toe this upcoming week, probably on Wednesday. Thankfully, the rest of her toes and foot will not go under the knife, just get a good dose of antibiotics. Not sure on recovery time now. Her blood sugar levels are still near 200 with regular oral meds and insulin injections. Her blood pressure is coming down, at least.

We are leaving Arkansas tomorrow, but Tina is arriving in the afternoon. We will evaluate our return based on the happenings of the week.

Dad is doing all right. He's resting well and in no pain.

Mom Is in the Hospital, Dad Is in the Hospital (Anyone want to check me into the hospital?)

This morning, Bryan and I arrived to find my mother's foot in terrible condition--swollen, infected, and disfigured. We immediately took her to the ER, seeing that she does not have a primary care physician. And thankfully, it was the best ER experience one could hope for. We waited less than 30 minutes for registration and all. The ER took x-rays, began IV antibiotics, and administered nausea medication. The ER physician had her admitted within three hours. Here's the scoop, according to her admitting hospitalist: the x-rays reveal poor circulation to her feet, which is causing her wound not to heal, and deep infection. She has a severely infected fourth toe on her right foot--so severe it is black, twice its size, and has skin rotting off. Her entire foot is swollen and rudolph red, with infection in her pinkie toe as well. The dr believes just from the primary images that she does have infection in the bone. This weekend she will have further imaging studies done and what not. He believe surgery will come on Monday or Tuesday. There is a chance she will lose her toe. And did I mention her blood sugar levels are through the roof--365. So, they are trying to get that under control. The dr. mentioned this is going to be a long recovery. He said if her foot is well in one month, that will be a miracle. She's in 4401 at St. Edwards.

On to dad . . . given mom is hospitalized, we had to find somewhere for him to go. So, he's in the St. Edwards in-patient hospice wing, room 5119. He's doing okay. He has a really bad week, especially the last two days. Yesterday, he had extreme pain and upset stomach, even vomiting from the pain. Today, with new dosages of pain meds, he's resting better, but having a bit more confusion. I'm sure the unfamiliar surroundings coupled with higher dosages affects him this way.

We also found out last night that Bryan's grandmother fell and broke her hip. She is in the hospital in Texas, and will have surgery tomorrow morning. Given her poor heart health, there is a reasonable chance she will not make it through the surgery. Sigh.

Please pray for us.

Busy, Busy Bees

Bzzzzz . . . .

We are the busy bees! (Not to be confused with busybodies, mind you.) The last two weeks have been, by far, the busiest times for me freelance-wise. Bryan has had a busy schedule too, thanks to on-call weekends and partners being on vacation. Of course, the added issue of my father's health had occupied some of our mental energies as well. But alas, we are happy to report, the stress is manageable and we are not insane . . . yet! Ha!

My dad has somewhat stabilized . . . not progressing or digressing for the last few days. He did attend church on Sunday, but found that was a bit too much for him. He is getting bored at home, so he attempted the church trip. So if you're in the area, stop by for a visit! We are going back north to see my parents and Bryan's family this weekend.

The weather still proves to be very much summer and not so much fall. I was thinking on Saturday, "It's almost September. I should whip out my autumn decorations." But it's hard to think fall when it's 102 outside. Ah, good ol' Texas! I'm truly not complaining. God knew where to put me. I hate cold weather!

If you haven't checked out my latest gig--Fort Worth Evangelical Examiner, then click here. You can even subscribe for an e-mail update each time I submit a new story.

That's all for now, folks! Keep us posted on what's new with you!

Rylan

Rylan is so cute, and so special at great-nephew status, that he gets his own blog entry. I present, the Rylan photo shoot . . .

Roll Call

Finally--the pics from the visit to my parents' house a few weekends back. Who's pictured? Roll call, please: Aunt Barbara, Uncle Bernstein, Aunt Charlotte, Kullen, Kristen, Casey, Chase, Corey, Mom, Dad, Baylee, Tony, Rylan, Chris, and that's all for now!

Rainy Rangers

Although it may seem like my father's illness is consuming my days (which it almost is!), Bryan and I have taken some time to relax and enjoy our life!

A couple weekends ago we attended a Texas Rangers game. It was very fun and entertaining . . . the ball game, that is, until about the sixth inning. Then, the entertainment proved to be a nasty thunderstorm rolling into Arlington. Bryan captured the pic above before the proverbial "bottom fell out."

We also still work in our garden and yard. Hopefully, the beneficial nematodes we "planted" in our garden will truly be beneficial and kill all the grubs and cut worms terrorizing our garden! I'll keep you posted on that! (I'm sure the eco-status of our garden is of utmost concern to you, dear reader.)

On Sunday, we ventured to the movie theater, which said to say, we only find ourselves at two or three times a year! We like movies. We like the theater. We just never make time to go! Julie & Julia was great--just the thing I needed to check-out for a bit.

Alas, this concludes the recent "days of our lives." Tune in next time for more sensational reading. (Teehee)