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...

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...

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.

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.

Pray

Not much has changed these last few days. Dad is not sleeping well, although he is sleeping a lot during the day. He has hardly eaten anything in three days and when he does eat or drink, it usually doesn't stay down. Because he isn't eating, he hasn't been taking his medication. He fell in the kitchen tonight while I was on the phone with mom. She called me back and he is ok but frustrated.

Mom's work is having a family bowling party tomorrow and they are hoping to go for about an hour to personally thank them for all of their support. This all depends on how dad is feeling. Aunt Charlene and her husband Chuck have offered to help mom and dad get there.

Steve has inquired into a chair lift that he saw on Craig's list. I don't know what the status of it is but I believe the cost was $300 and it is designed for a minivan. We'll keep you posted on that.

Dad's 67th birthday is next Saturday, April 4th. I hesitate putting their address on this blog but if you want to send him a card, leave a comment with an email address and we will get the address to you.

Pray for strength, an appetite, good rest and healing. With gratitude....

Update

So much happened this weekend and I can get a little detailed so I apologize if this gets lengthy.

We had to put family pictures on hold Saturday as my brother Greg had to be taken to the ER with a very bad ear ache. Turns out he had a very severe infection in one ear and the start in the other. While they were gone, we did get pictures of the grand kids as you have seen posted. By the time they got back, no one was in the mood for pictures. We did get together on Sunday morning to finish the task. Dad just really wanted to get these pictures because we don't know when we will all be together again. I will post a few. The girls have several pictures on their facebook if you want to look there. The Douglass' had to head back over the mountain so we said our goodbyes.
Dad was very excited about some big NASCAR race that was on Sunday. I believe he slept through most of it, unfortunately. The family decided to go to dinner at Macaroni Grill and apparently the service was not very good and dad got very tired. He came home and went to bed.
On Monday, mom and dad took Greg and his family to the Oregon coast. They left at 9:00 and didn't get home until 8:00. They went to the Aquarium in Newport and forgot that it was spring break. They had to wait in a long line outside in the rain for tickets. The aquarium employees wouldn't let dad wait inside but finally would let him wait under the small eaves. Mom said it was a good day but very long and exhausting. It was worth it though to create some memories with Greg, Jennifer and Tyler.
Dad has slept since coming home. He did get up to have some breakfast and take some medication but mom said he has slept ALL day. The trip to the beach really took a lot of his energy and now he needs to recoup. He also woke up to say goodbye to Greg's family. They left at 2:00 to catch their flight in Seattle that leaves at 11:00 pm. It was a great visit and mom and dad are so thankful for those who contributed to the purchase of the plane tickets for Greg, Jennifer and Tyler. They not only got to meet Jennifer and Tyler, but they got to know them and spend quality/quantity time with them. Again, mom's awesome employer gave her the time off to be with family the whole time they were here. It was very hard to say goodbye; tears were shed by all (except Tyler who doesn't really understand what is going on). Dad told Greg he didn't know if he would ever see him again and Greg said he would, he just needed to think positive. I think we have all been hit with a hard reality this weekend. Isn't it great that God is bigger than reality!!!

The Fund

I wanted to give some detail about the fund established for mom and dad. Some of you may be wondering what the account at Washington Mutual is for. There is a need to add a lift on the family van so that mom can transport her and dad without help. Mom has degenerative arthritis and about 9 months ago it settled in her knees. She cannot walk but just a few steps so she now gets around in a wheelchair. Due to dad's shortness of breath, both of them are currently using a wheelchair and/or an automatic chair to get around. Mom is not able to put weight on her knees and so she is not able to lift either, let alone both, of these chairs into the van. I don't know what the exact cost will be but as you can imagine, it will cost a pretty penny.

If there are extra funds after the lift is purchased and installed, we will look at other needs mom and dad have. I know that God gave them (through a generous man and a craigs list add) a free motorized chair but they are paying a monthly rental for mom's wheelchair among many other needs. God continues to provide through many wonderful family and friends and mom's very generous employer. She really does work for the best company in Oregon. I'm jealous!!!

If you have contributed to this fund, thank you!! I do not know whom has given or how much has been given. Please consider this a formal thank you; I do not know how else to send one to you. We are deeply grateful!