Today has been interesting. We still don't know much of anything specific, but I did get a couple of doctors to admit that whatever is going on is likely a combination of an acute lung infection and advancing cancer. The pulmonolgist is kind of a little black rain cloud and he begrudgingly admitted this may be something fixable (not the cancer, just the latest events), but you can tell that his bets are otherwise. I did heard him say to the case manager, who must have asked a diagnosis to work on nursing facility placement, "Well, she's just dying of lung cancer". Whoa there, she loves him, he's a great doctor, I was lurking where I shouldn't have been lurking and he's kinda got a pessimistic bent. It was actually something we needed to consider and I've spent some time explaining it to my dad to make sure he gets it.
At any rate, they are making all her meds oral and have discontinued her IV in preparation for discharge. This is all well and good on paper, but she physically can't go home like this, so we are looking into facility placement for a few days until she regains her strength, provided she actually does so. She doesn't qualify for a true rehab facility since her medical needs are too much for that type of place. She does, however, qualify for a skilled nursing facility (SNF). So, around lunch, the case manager informs us she's looking for a bed today and hands us a book to choose a nursing home. Do what?! So, my dad and I undertook a pretty surreal tour of nursing homes this afternoon. I have 4 choices and they all look pretty good. Actually, there's one I want to live in. Theorectically, this could occur as soon as tomorrow, but I'm not holding my breath about it.
She's feeling some better, she walked in the hall with physical therapy, her vital signs are good and she sat up in the chair for a good part of the day. Her blood oxygen levels get wacky at night, last night was really special at 3am when she got down to 68%. But, it's done alright today. The real news is that I may get to go home tonight, she's gonna try it by herself.
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We just put my grandmother in a SNF and it is a lovely place. It was very hard, but she is actually thriving, and its so important to have someone that can monitor all food intake, medicine, etc. And hopefully for your mom she will be home before you know it! Let the internet know if we can do anything for you!
Oh, man, this has got to be hard on all of y'all. Hoping for the best for you...
Sigh. All I can tell you is that I feel for you. Know that we're "listening", so keep writing if it helps you.
I'm so sorry, that must have been a blow to hear the pulmonologist say that. Even if it's been floating around in your head, it's different when something like that gets said out loud. I can't even begin to imagine having to talk to your Dad about it.
I wish I could do something to help you and your family. My heart goes out to you. I hope you and your Mom both get some good rest tonite. I hope your Mom continues to regain her strength and can go home. There's no place like home. My prayers are with all of you.
I rarely speak up but you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers!
Daily hug and prayers your way. Hope you get some rest tonight and hope mom's O2 sats stay up.
I'm so sorry you are going through this, it's never easy!
I'm glad that she's up and about--that must feel good. This medical stuff makes me depressed. Does anyone ever get used to it??
Wow... I remember when they had to make that decision for Grandma. Thankfully I was working in a variety of nursing homes at the time and could give some input (and they actually listened!)
I hope this all works out and that she is able to go home soon!!
I thought I saw it going this way. You are doing so well being with your mom during this hard time. I hope this all works out ok for you and your parents.
I hope things work out. All I know is that you are a fantastic daughter.
You keep your chin up BM. Much easier said than done. I can only imagine what UR going through.
All the best.
My heart goes out to you. I can't imagine going through this. You are a strong person, and a wonderful daughter. Hang in there, and know we are thinking of you!
Orange Juice? Plug her into my blog? A number of wonders....
Hope you all get healthy soon. :)
I am so sorry. I have been through this and I know how it can absolutely wear you down, physically and emotionally. You and your dad are in my thoughts. Take care.
I'm sorry you have to put your mother in a facility..even for a short time. And Im sorry things going well in general. Make sure you take care of yourself too. I hope you get to go home tonight.
I'm glad that you actually have a CHOICE in nursing homes. In some areas there's only the lesser of evils...I know. I always tell myself that if I ever win the lottery (which I never play, so how the heck can I win?!)I would like to build a really nice nursing home or a hospice. We just went through the hospice thing with my father-in-law this past year and it was extremely hare...except for the fact that the hopice was wonderful and the people that worked there were worth their weight in gold. I hope your mom gets to stay in a nice place and is well taken care of. I'm keeping her in my prayers.
Not much to tell you except a big hug. Didn't all of our parents get the memo they are NOT allowed to get old, sick, hurt etc?? I feel for ya chicky...
That can't be easy, but in the long run what with what you have said about your father, that is probably the best thing to do. :(
I keep reading about what you are saying about the oxygen level and all. See I have sleep apnea and had to go in for several sleep studies. I blood oxygen level went down to 24%. So now I get the pleasure of sleeping with a cpap machine every night. My doctor says it is amazing that I'm still alive. Thanx doc.
They are so insensitive.
thoughts and prayers are with you.
hmmph...doctor's suck sometimes.
Glad she's feeling a bit better and that you might actually get a bit of (MUCH NEEDED) rest...
I just have to say, Busy Mom, that I admire you. You are such a good daughter and you are being so brave. I think your mom and dad are very lucky to have you. My parents have always been supportive of me. I've gotten one chance to really repay them (though it was an entirely different situation than yours) and so I know how hard it is to be a rock for one or both parents. I think you are doing a fantastic job. I am praying for you and your family and I hope your mom gets into the best facility and gains mucho strength!
I have to agree with Ami's assessment. You are awesome. I admire your strength and having heard what he said out loud, as above has already been said is a lot different than thinking it. Prayers as always, thinking of you and your family. Funny thing happened yesterday on drive home, driving down the road singing out loud and all of a sudden, turned off the radio and started asking God to look after you and yours. I usually do that first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Kind of outer limits thing happenin' Or God knew you needed that extra..... Love and hugs and prayers.
I used to be a social worker in a nursing home..if you have any questions...feel free.
good luck and hang in there!