Always Grateful

We're very grateful today. My Mom gets to go home. She is super excited. Am I 100% convinced that she is ready? No. But I'm her daughter and her caregiver. So I tend to worry too much as well. 

I will never stop believing in miracles. Or in prayer. I'm super grateful that my Mom is doing so much better. I'm grateful for all the amazing nurses, techs, therapists, everyone in the food department, and all of the people who helped with testing. Also the housekeeper. She was so sweet. We also got the best visit from the Support Dogs today. It made my Mom so happy and excited!

Most of all, I'm grateful for her doctors. Her oncologist, whom we trust so very much. He always treats my Mom with such care and respect. To Dr. Iggy...he's been my Mom's doctor before. He is just so straight forward. And I appreciate that. We cannot forget our nephrology team. Who have been so supportive during such rocky times. 

I'm grateful. I believe that God is watching over us. He's listening to our prayers. And sending all of these amazing men and women...to take care of my Mom. I'm grateful. You just don't understand how much. My heart is so full...because my Mom gets to go home. The smile on her face...is worth a million words. Now we just pray for good test results. 💜

Grateful

I can't think of any other word. Grateful just seems appropriate. We had the BEST tech yesterday. She went over and beyond. Changed all the bedding. Helped me shower my Mom. Got me linens. So I could shower. Even made sure no one came to our room...so I didn't have to rush in the shower. Made sure I had everything I needed to nap. 

Renee checked on us all day. Emptied the hat...because they've been monitoring my Mom's output. She brought fresh ice water every couple of hours. Took the food trays promptly. Emptied the trash. And when my Mom started to be really nauseous...she tried everything to help her and calm her.

Last night we got another really good tech. And an outstanding nurse. I stay at the hospital at night...to help as much as possible. Because I personally know both sides. And if I can help take my Mom to the restroom, make her comfortable, or help her eat...why not? It frees everyone else up...for the patients that need more care.

But our nurse last night...was on it! She didn't let the IV pump beep more than twice before she was in the room. She stayed ahead of my Mom's pain. Was so super quiet and attentive. After 1AM....she was the one taking my Mom to the bathroom. So I could rest.

This morning we found out...they were short staff last night. But you would have never known. She was so good at her job. And going over and above. My heart was so grateful. She didn't make my Mom feel bad...because she needed pain meds. Or wanted jello at 3AM. Or when she asked for new socks. Jessica was so happy to help.

Today we have 2 other amazing people. Shawn was a tech 7 years ago when my Dad was in the hospital. He is so good! I learned so many tricks from him. On how to take care of my Dad. Things that made it easier for both my Dad and I. He's a great guy. And our nurse Megan...she seems amazing! Came in with the best attitude. 

I'm so grateful when you get people like this on your team. Honestly all day yesterday, we felt like they were trying to throw us out. The Hospitalist wanted to know why the nephrologist wouldn't OK the MRI. Because it's the only thing keeping us here. And apparently, they need the bed. It seemed as though there was a bit of a difference of opinion going on. But Christine doesn't back down to anyone. She has been a great addition to our team. Whenever I'm feeling uncertain about something...I ALWAYS ask Christine. I really value her opinion. 

Today I am just grateful for these amazing people. Along with my Mom's oncologist, her physical therapists, and the cardiac team. They take the edge off of things. Like I don't have to second guess what's going on. We've had them on our team for so long. We've been through so much. It just feels right. I can breathe and let them do their jobs. I can take a few days, to just be. To be attentive to my Mom's needs. And not be worrying about her care. I'm so grateful for these people, that God has put on our path. 💜

Selflessness

Selflessness: concern more with the needs and wishes of others than with one's own.

I find that one of the most important things about being a caregiver...is being selfless. You ALWAYS have to put the person you are caring for...first. ALWAYS!

For example, my Mom hasn't been tolerating food lately. I'm not sure what is going on. Every few months, she gets like this. Nothing really changes it. It's just something that happens. The look of food, smell, texture...all bother her. She basically becomes a vegetarian. And lives off of bread and eggs.

The biggest issue is meat. It's been a good 6 weeks since I've been able to cook meat. I mean, even the Sonic, McDonald's, and Chili's commercials make her sick. We normally eat a lot of chicken. But it's now become an almost daily part of our diet.

In the same respect, I'm severely anemic. I take a daily high dose of iron. And a weekly bolus. Sometimes it gets so bad, that I have to have an infusion. So meat is definitely a cornerstone of my diet.

Late last week, I was getting the shakes. I knew I needed to eat some red meat. Nothing else was working. So when my Mom went to bed...I went to get a burger. And in the cold, I sat outside to eat it.

It took me 2 days to get the smell out of our car. I felt somewhat better. But we are still a meatless house. For the moment. It's just one of those things. And I just have to figure my way around it.

Another example of putting her first, is happening tomorrow. My Mom and my aunts are going out to lunch and a movie. A movie that I've been wanting to see for months! But I need to take care of some medical things. For my Mom. And the fact that I don't have to drag her around town, in the cold, comes first.

So she'll go have a fun day. And I'll run around setting up upcoming tests, getting financial paperwork done, and delivering some orders. Because...we need to pay for all that good medical stuff. I probably make deliveries 2-3 times a week. And I HATE to make my Mom go with me. Especially since it's gotten so cold again.

I guess eventually, the movie will come out on TV. And I'll probably grab a quick bite on my way home. Which is also a treat. Because I try to cook most of the time. Maybe I'll pick up a good burger. Yum!

I also find, setting up mini dates helps a lot. Even if you rarely get to go out yourself. But if you can arrange for your person to go to breakfast, a movie, or just visit with someone...even for an hour. It helps you to get things done. 

Even if all you want to do, is stay home and sleep. Find someone who can maybe stay with your loved one, while you do your weekly grocery shopping. Or your monthly errands. Even just a monthly 2 hours...so you can meet with your medical team to setup appointments and such. 💜