Monday, May 24, 2010

May 24, 2010

Good Monday morning!! Its all relative, right?

Sunday, Dr. Nichols decided that they would stop doing labs on mom because we already know she is getting worse and they aren't changing her treatment or medications based on the numbers. Plus, the numbers just make us all more anxious so we don't care anymore. Although, we have all been watching the numbers when they come in to check her vitals. Her blood pressure is slowly going down and her oxygen saturation has declined. The Dr. anticipates this to be the trend through the end.

We had a long day yesterday. Many family members are still in town. We spent several hours in the room with mom just watching her breath. She is now only breathing 10-11 breaths per minute, which isn't horrible its just less (and it gives us something to do--count her breaths per minute). Some breaths take a little longer. We would sit and watch her and when she was taking a long time to breath we would wonder if that was the last one. Then should would breath again and we would relax for a minute until it happened again. It is likely we will receive a change in her responsiveness and breathing pattern as she declines.

She sleeps ALOT. But she wakes up when people come in to talk to her and knows who they are and asks appropriate questions for each person (and by appropriate, I don't mean she wants to know about their underwear. I mean she remembers who is in school, who has kids, etc.).

Heather, Brandy and Bobbi had a slumber party in mom's room. We set up 2 twin air mattersses and all three of us slept across them (spooning--just kidding). Mom has been having small muscle spasms and the hiccups so we didn't have to wake up all the way during the night to check on her. We just listened for her to make noises and then went back to sleep which means we slept like babies (awake repeatedly during the night and then falling right back to sleep).

We are trying to keep mom's room as quiet and peaceful as possible. We are kicking the 'chatty-kathys' out into the hall or the family lounge down the hall because she keeps telling us that the noise is too much. She's the boss, we just do what we're told.

We really appreciate the snacks and meals that people have brought for our family. Eating three meals a day in the cafeteria gets old really fast. Also, mom's room smells like a flower shop. We pray you and your families will be blessed for your efforts.

Last Thursday, the Dr. anticipated mom would have about another week and it looks like that will be the case. Today we are beginning preparations for her funeral.

3 comments:

Woodrich Family said...

I thought of Cheryl yesterday during a girl's piano number. Today my heart aches wishing I could have played for her one last time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love you!

Unknown said...

I am so sorry ....

I think of Cheryl often - I am our Ward's Activity Leader. What an incredible woman.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Love, Dan and Jessica Aston

Unknown said...

I am so sorry ....

I think of Cheryl often - I am our Ward's Activity Leader. What an incredible woman.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Love, Dan and Jessica Aston