The end of a hard month

The month of July is coming to an end. It has been a rough one with a lot of emotions and hard days. At this months visit with Dr. Weeks, it was confirmed that the cancer is back and is worse. Her cancer marker went from somewhere in the low 2,000 to 19,000. The fluid in the left lung is back and is accumulating faster and there is also more involvement than previously in the right lung. She also has some cancer in her vertebrae, some in the upper, middle and lower back. She is mostly having problems with breathing deep and nausea and some moderate back pain. It is more like uneasy or restlessness than anything. She has medicine that is suppose to help her appetite which has not been very good, (the meds or the appetite). Her pain is tolerable but most days she spends deciding whether to sit up or lay back down. We had a family meeting a couple of weeks ago while Sherri was here so all the kids could be involved. We talked about the latest news and talked about moms wishes, her living will and so on. We have decided on funeral arrangements to ease the burden and stress later which has really helped lighten the load. Mom had a consultation with Hospice today. They had a nurse and a social worker come to the house and we have decided to turn her care over to them. They will help with pain management and keeping her comfortable as well as be available 24 hours a day if we need anything. She wont have to go to the Doctors office anymore or pick up prescriptions. They do everything for you through the direction of your doctor. All the supplies, medicines and so on are covered by the insurance and she will have an assigned nurse to assist her with any needs at anytime. When the time comes, they will provide a hospital bed and anything else she might need. She is excited that she doesn't have to go any where or make appointments anymore. She has been having trouble keeping food down and feeling up to eating. We are draining her lung at home every other day or so. Dad does it most of the time. She has a permanent tube in her left side that is used to drain out the fluid, they did the procedure so she could do it has needed instead of waiting a week and then going into the hospital to get it drained. It doesn't hurt her too bad, it is just a pain and the kits are expensive. They send the kits to the house and they are all ready to go so you can drain yourself at home. We have been getting quite a bit of fluid out each week, around 2 liters.
She has been getting a lot of visitors and phone calls, which keeps her busy. I gave her a massage the other day which helps her back feel better for a little while, but mostly she sleeps and visits. If you are planning a visit, just call before you come. She has her good days and bad days of course but she loves to know you care. If you have questions or want to see her but don't know what to do, give me a call and I will help you out. 308-5561 is my cell, and I always have it on me. Thanks for all your prayers! We appreciate everyone's support.