Relatively Uneventful Night

Mom slept well, other than getting agitated twice. Benadryl is good stuff! When it gets out of her system, she gets agitated. We're going to ask the doctor this morning if they can give it closer together than every four hours, since 3 & 1/2 hours is all it seems to last for her...almost to the minute. Dr. Dunn, the oncologist, came by this morning and discussed stopping her chemo treatments. We agreed. He said that there is a possibility that it is contributing to her agitation by having a toxin in her system, and that at this point, she'd be better off not having anything adding to that.

During one agitation, I (Lori) was standing in front of her. She was staring with unseeing eyes through me as she was trying to sit up to breathe easier. Then all of the sudden, she looked at me, REALLY looked at me, and recognition flashed across her face. She smiled at me and said, "Hey Darlin'!" and leaned forward to give me a hug. A sweet, precious, priceless moment for me to treasure. A gift. I honestly would not have expected her to become that "alert" due to the heavy mediations that she is on currently. As quickly as it came, the moment left and we went about the business of soothing her.

For those of you tracking Todd and Troy's exhaustion levels, they slept VERY soundly, rousing only long enough to soothe Mrs. Vickey, then crashing back to sleep. They have been wonderful sons, only leaving the room for an hour here or there, and being so loving, compassionate, and gentle with their mom. If you ever need around the clock nursing care, I highly recommend the Smith Brothers Team! (But their fees are VERY high from what I understand...like you have to have given birth...to them!). : )

Restful, Peaceful Day

Today has been pretty uneventful. Mom has slept peacefully most of the day. The doctors have found a good mix of medications to keep Mom relaxed and resting. Dr. Bass did say that her lungs sounded a little bit better, and she does seem to be breathing more easily today, for which we are grateful. Easy breathing makes for a relaxed Mom. Today was a good day for us to hang out together as a family, uncles, aunt, and nephews, and process through the events which are unfolding.

We were pleasantly surprised when the Pizza Fairy (aka Patrick Liester of American Classifieds) delivered a LOT of pizza for us to enjoy. We had such an abundance that we shared with the nursing staff, and they were touched. They said no one had ever done that for them before. It was a great opportunity for us to minister to them that we love them in the Lord, and are so appreciative of all that they are doing to take such good care of Mom. We decided we needed to take care of the night crew, too, so their feelings didn't get hurt, so they got yummy Atlanta Bread pastries. We are impressed with how kind and compassionate the nursing staff has been throughout our time here at Flowers. They have been such a blessing to our family.

Blessing Upon Blessing

I (Lori) had finally convinced Todd to go home and get some sleep, when after about an hour, he got called back because her lungs have filled with fluid, and her body is wearing down. What a true blessing it is to sit and watch her boys, one on each side of her bed, each holding a hand, pray over her and then sing several songs of worship. But then, muffled by her breathing mask, Mrs. Vickey starts them off on the next song! "He is the King of Kings. He is the Lord of Lords, His name is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, oh, He is my King!" How precious, and such a blessing to be a witness of this remarkable moment from such a remarkable woman. Isn't that a true testimony of the woman of God that she is? I am reminded of Paul and Silas in their prison cell at midnight after a beating and singing praises in spite of their pain. God sent an earthquake to free them from their prison cell, and I won't be surprised a bit if the hospital starts shaking any minute to free her from the prison that her body has become. We are so thankful for Jesus, and the gift of salvation that He bought for each of us with His precious blood. The enemy of our souls might think he's winning a battle right now, but He's not. He might be destroying her body, but none can destroy her soul. We are thankful that soon she will have her new body, and will be living the life that Jesus died to give to her.

Challenging Night

Mom's breathing continued to get worse as the day went on yesterday. Uncle Glenn arrived from Washington State in perfect timing to help out. With the medication that mom is taking she tends to get hot very easily. We were a streamlined assembly line last night in an effort to keep her cool. Barbara and Aunt Kathy placed cool rags on forehead and neck, Uncle Glenn and I fanned her, and Todd was in charge of keeping the rags cooling during rotations. Even when mom is sleeping she is giving directions, cooking, and telling Gabby to get down. We all look at each other and smile. The doctors and nurses are doing their best to try and keep mom comfortable, but as always it is ultimately up to the Lord. All the medical advances we believe to have made in this modern age, pales in comparison to the fragility and miraculous creation of life in and of itself. God's awesome power is as much apparent in death as it is in life. Specific prayer request: Healing, comfort, good reactions to medicines, and breathing. Mom is still living for the Lord and continues to bless us with her reflection of Christ. I will try and update with any changes.

Second Radiation Treatment

Not a lot to report on today. Mom is doing well, just sleeping. She had here 2nd treatment of radiation this morning. She just had a bath, brushed her teeth and directed us to put a little makeup on her. She is worn out but seems to feel better. We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Mom's two brothers Glenn and Les. Glenn should be here this evening and Les should be here sometime tomorrow.

We appreciate everything that our church family and friends have done and are doing to make this time in our lives easier by taking care of things like food, Mom's animals, kids, house and pool. What an amazing thing to see the body of Christ ministering love one to another.

Back from first radiation treatment

First round went fine. Mom has of course been deemed the sweetest patient anyone could have from every nurse or doctor she meets. Dr. Patel said that he hopes that she will begin seeing some improvement by tomm. night. We are scheduled for another treatment tomm. morning at 9:00. Dr. Patel made mention that we were taking the situation very well. I just smiled and told him that mom's relationship with her Lord was strong and she was not afraid. He showed a look of admiration that made me swell with pride. Mom has always been able to keep the focus on the father. Another quick note: Mrs. Pam Godwin has been graciously planning different things for us here at the hospital and beyond. I've heard that mom's house is now the new gathering spot for family and friends to come and fellowship with each other. When I told mom this it made her so happy. I told her this was as close everybody could get to all being with you (or at least for you) in one place. Thanks Mrs. Pam. I'll try and get another update tomm. after radiation.

Evening with the Radiologist

Mom has been amazing through this whole ordeal. It is wonderful to see the truths she has studied and shared through out the many years evidenced in her life during this difficult ordeal. She is truly a woman of God and it is refreshing to see the fruit of the Spirit in her during this time. What is so captivating about her is that due to the pain medication she can not possibly be posing and pretending for those around her. What we are seeing is who she really is and it is beautiful, it is Christ.

She began the afternoon with a visit to the radiologist for a consultation. Following the CT scan and review Dr. Patel decided that it would be best to begin radiation tonight. Troy was with mom when they went to the radiologist consultation and was able to look at the CT scan results. He said that the tumor has grown and has covered most if not all of the stomach. Mom's bleeding has increased this afternoon thus accelerating the need for radiation tonight to help control the bleeding.

I will update the blog as soon as they return from the radiation treatment.