Psalms 145:13 "The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made."
Today is an awesome day. I just talked to dad. He was at the hospital today from 9:00 to 4:00. He was given so much good news he is about to burst. His blood work was good. The doctor has given him a prescription of high potency iron that should majorly boost his energy level. He has not taken any oxygen today and has not gotten winded. He has not used a wheel chair or walker today, just a cane, and he has been walking quite a bit. The best news of all is that the chemo has shrunk the cancer in his liver. He sounds so good and upbeat. Nothing like some good news to lift the spirits. Thanks, dad, for fighting the good fight and not giving up even though I know that you have wanted to many times these last few weeks. We all love you!!!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
YOU'RE INVITED
As I mentioned previously, Saturday, April 4th, is dad's birthday. We have decided, Lord willing and dad feeling well enough, to have an "open house" type birthday party. Mom and dad's apartment will be open for visitors to pop in between 1 and 4 pm this Saturday to see dad, wish him happy birthday and enjoy a piece of birthday cake. We thought this format would be the least overwhelming and least draining on dad's strength. I know he would love to see all of you in small doses. If you need an address or directions you can contact mom by email at SherryJoanneCameron@gmail.com. Should dad be unable to accept visitors we will post it here as soon as we make that decision on Saturday. Pray that he will be well enough.
A Good Day
So today was the day that the home health care nurse visited with mom and dad. At this point they have been assigned to come once a week for 4 weeks. They will be monitoring his vitals, checking his eating/drinking diary and generally making his needs at home known to his doctors. When she came today she checked dad's blood pressure and it was something like 82 over 54 and she was very concerned. After having him sit still for awhile it went up to 90 over 60.
Chuck came to visit dad this afternoon. When he visits they both enjoy a good afternoon nap. Apparently, today, dad was very talkative and so the naps were missed. I talked to Dad on the phone and his speech was more clear than it has been in the past several days. Dad and I met up on POGO (computer gaming site) at 7:30 to play some Canasta. I think that is the first time he has been on there for awhile. We only played one game before he said his eyes were tired but he won so I have challenged him to a rematch at a later date.
Tomorrow Chuck will take dad to his chemo treatment. After dad is set up and "dripping" and Chuck has asked the doctor some questions, I believe there is a plan to go back to mom and dad's apartment and clean carpets. A HUGE thank you again to Aunt Charlene and Chuck for all they have done and continue to do for mom and dad. Words are not enough...
Chuck came to visit dad this afternoon. When he visits they both enjoy a good afternoon nap. Apparently, today, dad was very talkative and so the naps were missed. I talked to Dad on the phone and his speech was more clear than it has been in the past several days. Dad and I met up on POGO (computer gaming site) at 7:30 to play some Canasta. I think that is the first time he has been on there for awhile. We only played one game before he said his eyes were tired but he won so I have challenged him to a rematch at a later date.
Tomorrow Chuck will take dad to his chemo treatment. After dad is set up and "dripping" and Chuck has asked the doctor some questions, I believe there is a plan to go back to mom and dad's apartment and clean carpets. A HUGE thank you again to Aunt Charlene and Chuck for all they have done and continue to do for mom and dad. Words are not enough...
Monday, March 30, 2009
Dare to Ask
"Now glory be to God who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of - infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts or hopes." Ephesians 3:20, TLB
I needed this little reminder today and so I hope that it touches your heart in some small way as well. Dad and mom both sounded good today. Dad had mentioned that he would really like to see his niece Deanna, who is Aunt Charlene's oldest child. She lives in northern Washington and was very instrumental in picking up and delivering Greg and his family to the Seattle airport when they visited. So Deanna drove down to spend sometime today with "Uncle Larry".
Deanna, Aunt Charlene and Aunt Charlene's pastor's wife came and cleaned mom and dad's house today. That was a huge blessing to mom and dad. That task has been a burden for both and to have that taken care of was a relief. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! While these fine women were cleaning house, the pastor (I'm sorry I don't know names) visited with dad. Dad told me that if he is feeling well enough he would like to go to this pastor's church on Sunday.
Tuesday is a big day with the visit by the home health care nurse. I "dare to ask" that God would provide for every need that mom and dad have through this visit. Wednesday is another big day as dad will have his 3rd chemo treatment.
We received a generous donation of $250 to the fund. We don't know who it is from (yet) but I wanted to acknowledge and thank you. May God bless you abundantly for sharing this gift with mom and dad.
As always, with appreciation and anticipation for what God is doing in all of our lives through the life of Larry Cameron...
I needed this little reminder today and so I hope that it touches your heart in some small way as well. Dad and mom both sounded good today. Dad had mentioned that he would really like to see his niece Deanna, who is Aunt Charlene's oldest child. She lives in northern Washington and was very instrumental in picking up and delivering Greg and his family to the Seattle airport when they visited. So Deanna drove down to spend sometime today with "Uncle Larry".
Deanna, Aunt Charlene and Aunt Charlene's pastor's wife came and cleaned mom and dad's house today. That was a huge blessing to mom and dad. That task has been a burden for both and to have that taken care of was a relief. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! While these fine women were cleaning house, the pastor (I'm sorry I don't know names) visited with dad. Dad told me that if he is feeling well enough he would like to go to this pastor's church on Sunday.
Tuesday is a big day with the visit by the home health care nurse. I "dare to ask" that God would provide for every need that mom and dad have through this visit. Wednesday is another big day as dad will have his 3rd chemo treatment.
We received a generous donation of $250 to the fund. We don't know who it is from (yet) but I wanted to acknowledge and thank you. May God bless you abundantly for sharing this gift with mom and dad.
As always, with appreciation and anticipation for what God is doing in all of our lives through the life of Larry Cameron...
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Back home again.....
After a frustrating visit to the hospital today, Larry has returned home. It all began this morning after Larry fell for the third time in about 24 hours. He has also had to increase his oxygen. This time it was obvious he needed help and he even said he needed to go in. Sherry called the doctor who instructed her to bring Larry to the ER. Sherry did not want to do that as the last time they did that Larry sat in the ER waiting area for several hours before being tended to. The doctor then made arrangements for Larry to go directly to a room. Sherry called her sister Charlene to come and assist. Charlene and her husband Chuck arrived to help load Larry and Sherry into the van to head to the hospital.
Larry was placed directly in a room. He was then taken to the ER so doctors could check him out. Again he was extremely dehydrated so they hooked him up with some fluids and began evaluating as to whether or not to keep him. Around 4:00 we spoke with Sherry who said they were sending him home.
We want to point out how frustrating this whole ordeal has become for Sherry. While she realizes that the health of her husband is the priority, and she longs for him to regain his health, she is in a lot of pain herself from having tried to lift Larry from her wheelchair. The emotion of it all is taking its toll. The frustration comes from feeling like she can't do anything for him. It is also very discouraging to see the one you love so much not making any improvement after so many weeks. We are hoping that the nurse that pays a visit on Tuesday will be able to evaluate their living conditions and make the right recommendation that will benefit Larry and Sherry both. We know that they love each other dearly and that love comes from their faith in a God who has everything under control - although it may not seem like it. We are very thankful for Charlene, who along with her husband Chuck, set aside their relaxing Sunday to offer assistance.
In every tragedy there is always a little comedy if you can keep your perspective real. While Larry was in the ER being tested and hydrated, Sherry, Charlene and Chuck decided to go get some lunch. Sherry hadn't eaten anything all day either. Sherry went to "scooter" herself down the hall, only to realize her scooter battery was dead. Charlene grabbed a wheelchair and pushed her to the cafeteria. They let the scooter stay plugged in in the waiting area so it would charge. They discovered that the grill in the cafe at the hospital was closed, so they headed to the car to go to a nearby reataurant. After a nice meal at Newport Bay Restaurant, they all came out and hopped back in the van, only to discover they had left the flashers on (from unloading Larry earlier) and the van battery was dead. Fortunately a call to Triple A got them the quick help they needed to get on the road again. Maybe there is something Triple A can do for Larry to get him "on the road" again!
I think they will all sleep well tonight!!
Thanks for your continued prayer, support and love for mom and dad.
Larry was placed directly in a room. He was then taken to the ER so doctors could check him out. Again he was extremely dehydrated so they hooked him up with some fluids and began evaluating as to whether or not to keep him. Around 4:00 we spoke with Sherry who said they were sending him home.
We want to point out how frustrating this whole ordeal has become for Sherry. While she realizes that the health of her husband is the priority, and she longs for him to regain his health, she is in a lot of pain herself from having tried to lift Larry from her wheelchair. The emotion of it all is taking its toll. The frustration comes from feeling like she can't do anything for him. It is also very discouraging to see the one you love so much not making any improvement after so many weeks. We are hoping that the nurse that pays a visit on Tuesday will be able to evaluate their living conditions and make the right recommendation that will benefit Larry and Sherry both. We know that they love each other dearly and that love comes from their faith in a God who has everything under control - although it may not seem like it. We are very thankful for Charlene, who along with her husband Chuck, set aside their relaxing Sunday to offer assistance.
In every tragedy there is always a little comedy if you can keep your perspective real. While Larry was in the ER being tested and hydrated, Sherry, Charlene and Chuck decided to go get some lunch. Sherry hadn't eaten anything all day either. Sherry went to "scooter" herself down the hall, only to realize her scooter battery was dead. Charlene grabbed a wheelchair and pushed her to the cafeteria. They let the scooter stay plugged in in the waiting area so it would charge. They discovered that the grill in the cafe at the hospital was closed, so they headed to the car to go to a nearby reataurant. After a nice meal at Newport Bay Restaurant, they all came out and hopped back in the van, only to discover they had left the flashers on (from unloading Larry earlier) and the van battery was dead. Fortunately a call to Triple A got them the quick help they needed to get on the road again. Maybe there is something Triple A can do for Larry to get him "on the road" again!
I think they will all sleep well tonight!!
Thanks for your continued prayer, support and love for mom and dad.
Trip to the Hospital
Mom called me this morning. Dad continues to fall while trying to get up or walking around the apartment. This morning he fell while trying to get out of bed and his head was between the bed and nightstand. We think he is dehydrated again because he has hardly drank or eaten anything this week. Mom called the doctor's office. The doctor on call called back and mom explained the situation and that she didn't want to take him to the ER again based on the last time she took him. The doctor arranged to have him go directly to a room at the hospital so she can evaluate what he needs. It could just be a couple of hours to give him some fluids or they may admit him. Mom's body is hurting because she has to help him get up every time he falls. I've tried to think of how to make this positive but right now both mom and dad are in a bad way. I will post again after mom calls with the doctors evaluation.
Dad is supposed to have his chemo treatment again this week but he hasn't recovered from the one almost two weeks ago. We are concerned that has only had 2 chemo treatments and already lost almost 50 lbs (which he lost most of before he even started treatment). He doesn't have much more to lose and he has a long way to go with his treatment. A home health care nurse is supposed to visit them on Tuesday so we are hoping that they can get some help.
Mom and dad both need strength. We appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers.
Dad is supposed to have his chemo treatment again this week but he hasn't recovered from the one almost two weeks ago. We are concerned that has only had 2 chemo treatments and already lost almost 50 lbs (which he lost most of before he even started treatment). He doesn't have much more to lose and he has a long way to go with his treatment. A home health care nurse is supposed to visit them on Tuesday so we are hoping that they can get some help.
Mom and dad both need strength. We appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers.
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