Prior to this weekend, the last couple of weeks had been okay... not great, but not terrible either. The hospice nurses were making weekly visits and Suzanne's pain had been pretty well maintained with methodone and hydrocodone. As recently as last Thursday, my children and I had dinner with mom at her house and Madeline and Benjamin kept her smiling and laughing the entire time we were there. Such a treat.
And then Saturday came. A day like no other and one I hope we don't repeat ever again. The suffering that Suzanne went through that day was in one word - AWFUL. The pain was unlike anything she had felt before and for the entire day eating was impossible because she couldn't keep anything down. By the evening a nurse came out and suggested that she start taking morphine to tackle the pain. Within a few hours Suzanne finally found some comfort and was able to get some rest.
Yesterday Suzanne was able to remain fairly comfortable and rest most of the day. Fortunately she also regained some of her appetite. I laughed last night as she took a few minutes to catch up on the Sunday gossip in the "Star". She informed us that little Suri Cruise now has a $38,000 Cadillac toy car. And even later in the evening Ray said she was cracking up at the Apprentice and all the ding dongs on that show. :)
Today Susie has been moving around a little more so we're happy to see that we've gotten better control of the pain.
We need your continued prayers for Suzanne this week. Please pray that her pain subsides and that her heart, mind and body remain at peace. Please also keep Ray and our family in your prayers so that we may contine providing her the best care and companionship possible.
With love,
Lauren
Monday, March 29, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
One day at a time
Hi family and friends. Sorry for the break in posts. We've had lots going on with our little Susie so it's been tough to sit down and just write.
Thankfully Spring Break has arrived and yesterday Suzanne took a little road trip to San Pedro Park with Ray and the girls to see the natural springs. It was such a beautiful day and mom really enjoyed taking in the sunshine and spending time with her favorite people.
Over the last few weeks, Suzanne has spent most of her time at home resting. As most of you know, chemotherapy was not working so we've come to a point in which we are simply trying to keep her comfortable. The wonderful people of Christus Santa Rosa have started coming by her house to check on her and make sure she has everything she needs for pain and other medical issues.
I kindly ask for your continued prayers for Suzanne, particularly that God grant her the peace and comfort she needs right now. I also ask for prayers for my family as this challenging time can be so much to process.
Finally, I would like to express how grateful we are for all of the love and support we have received over the last few weeks. We are so blessed to have such an abundance of family and friends that consistently make sure we have everything we need. A BIG THANK YOU TO:
- Ray's wonderful family who in addition to taking care of all of us, always see to it that Becky and Ashley have a busy social calender. :)
- Norma who offers priceless company to my mother, cooks for our family all the time and takes my sisters on shopping excursions.
- My wonderful husband, everyone in my husband's family, Terri and all of my San Antonio friends who have taken care of my children over and over again for the last few months so that I can spend time with my beautiful mother.
- The AMAZING people of Pasteur Plaza Surgery Center who have donated HUNDREDS of hours to my mom so she could continue to receive medical benefits and a paycheck. Words could never express how much your generosity means to us and we are eternally grateful.
- To all of you who offer prayers and send messages... they are our source of strength and we appreciate them so much.
With love and promises to post again soon,
Lauren
Thankfully Spring Break has arrived and yesterday Suzanne took a little road trip to San Pedro Park with Ray and the girls to see the natural springs. It was such a beautiful day and mom really enjoyed taking in the sunshine and spending time with her favorite people.
Over the last few weeks, Suzanne has spent most of her time at home resting. As most of you know, chemotherapy was not working so we've come to a point in which we are simply trying to keep her comfortable. The wonderful people of Christus Santa Rosa have started coming by her house to check on her and make sure she has everything she needs for pain and other medical issues.
I kindly ask for your continued prayers for Suzanne, particularly that God grant her the peace and comfort she needs right now. I also ask for prayers for my family as this challenging time can be so much to process.
Finally, I would like to express how grateful we are for all of the love and support we have received over the last few weeks. We are so blessed to have such an abundance of family and friends that consistently make sure we have everything we need. A BIG THANK YOU TO:
- Ray's wonderful family who in addition to taking care of all of us, always see to it that Becky and Ashley have a busy social calender. :)
- Norma who offers priceless company to my mother, cooks for our family all the time and takes my sisters on shopping excursions.
- My wonderful husband, everyone in my husband's family, Terri and all of my San Antonio friends who have taken care of my children over and over again for the last few months so that I can spend time with my beautiful mother.
- The AMAZING people of Pasteur Plaza Surgery Center who have donated HUNDREDS of hours to my mom so she could continue to receive medical benefits and a paycheck. Words could never express how much your generosity means to us and we are eternally grateful.
- To all of you who offer prayers and send messages... they are our source of strength and we appreciate them so much.
With love and promises to post again soon,
Lauren
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Susie's headed back home
Hi Family and Friends.
Suzanne was released from the hospital today and is finally headed back home. Fortunately, the hospital stay went by quickly and without a doubt the antibiotics and blood transfusion have served her well.
While we are so happy that mom gets to go rest in the comfort of her home now, we are saddened by the tough news Dr. Massey had for us today. He says that mom's CA125 level has continued to increase despite the most recent drug used for chemotherapy. Suzanne will meet with him again next Wednesday to discuss her options going forward.
You can imagine how difficult all this uncertainty is for her, this incredible fighter who just doesn't know how to give up, and her family, wanting to hold on to her forever. This chapter of life is almost incomprehensible for all of us and each second of the day is filled with a rollercoaster of emotions.
Your prayers and messages of encouragement have been extraordinary. Thank you and feel free to keep them coming. (Send them directly to Suzanne at strengthforsuzanne@gmail.com or comment below.) We are always so grateful. Facing the unknown requires true faith in God, and it is a prayer for this that perhaps we need most.
Thanks and love to you all,
Lauren
Suzanne was released from the hospital today and is finally headed back home. Fortunately, the hospital stay went by quickly and without a doubt the antibiotics and blood transfusion have served her well.
While we are so happy that mom gets to go rest in the comfort of her home now, we are saddened by the tough news Dr. Massey had for us today. He says that mom's CA125 level has continued to increase despite the most recent drug used for chemotherapy. Suzanne will meet with him again next Wednesday to discuss her options going forward.
You can imagine how difficult all this uncertainty is for her, this incredible fighter who just doesn't know how to give up, and her family, wanting to hold on to her forever. This chapter of life is almost incomprehensible for all of us and each second of the day is filled with a rollercoaster of emotions.
Your prayers and messages of encouragement have been extraordinary. Thank you and feel free to keep them coming. (Send them directly to Suzanne at strengthforsuzanne@gmail.com or comment below.) We are always so grateful. Facing the unknown requires true faith in God, and it is a prayer for this that perhaps we need most.
Thanks and love to you all,
Lauren
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Hospital - Day 3
It's Wednesday evening and I just got home from a hospital visit with mom.
Yesterday she received 2 units of blood and has been on IV antibiotics since being admitted on Monday. She got lots of rest last night (finally a peaceful night) and today she sounded so much better and seemed to be building up some strength.
Unfortunately though, during our visit tonight she started experiencing extremely intense abdominal pain. I think there may have been a lapse of too much time since her last dose of pain medication which is never good.
Please pray for Suzanne's body to continue fighting this infection and building strength so she can return home soon.
More tomorrow...
Lauren
Yesterday she received 2 units of blood and has been on IV antibiotics since being admitted on Monday. She got lots of rest last night (finally a peaceful night) and today she sounded so much better and seemed to be building up some strength.
Unfortunately though, during our visit tonight she started experiencing extremely intense abdominal pain. I think there may have been a lapse of too much time since her last dose of pain medication which is never good.
Please pray for Suzanne's body to continue fighting this infection and building strength so she can return home soon.
More tomorrow...
Lauren
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
The next challenge
Today is Tuesday and our next challenge in this battle has officially arrived. Over the weekend mom had fever and chills (Friday night, Saturday night and all day Sunday) and by yesterday she just couldn't shake it. So despite her pleading with us not to do it, we called Dr. Massey and he had us take her to Methodist. She was admitted last night.
Dr. Massey was not pleased that we had allowed a few days to go by before calling him. But if you know Suzanne, you know that getting her to the doctor, much less a hospital, requires some begging, pleading and not allowing yourself to fall for those tears. We had all fallen for the tears over the weekend and ultimately - we just wanted to let her rest in the peace of her home. Plus, she had a similiar situation with fever and chills happen about a month ago, and she seemed to overcome that on her own while at home.
At any rate, Ray and I took our scolding from Dr. Massey and we won't let it happen again. We promise.
So as of this morning, mom found out that she has an infection in her white blood cells so she's on an IV antibiotic. This seems to be working. Additionally, Suzanne's hemoglobin is low so she will be getting a blood transfusion today (I think, or maybe tomorrow). Those wondeful nurses at Methodist are taking good care of her (as they always do) and hopefully she'll be home by the end of the week. I will post updates as we get them.
Just wanted to also pass along a little happy time from this past weekend. On Saturday, we had a window where mom was feeling okay so my sisters and I decided to take her to Boerne. What a beautiful day it was! We headed over to Peach Cafe and had such a great girls lunch!! The staff was so nice and we honestly felt like we were having a homecooked lunch at someone's house.
Dr. Massey was not pleased that we had allowed a few days to go by before calling him. But if you know Suzanne, you know that getting her to the doctor, much less a hospital, requires some begging, pleading and not allowing yourself to fall for those tears. We had all fallen for the tears over the weekend and ultimately - we just wanted to let her rest in the peace of her home. Plus, she had a similiar situation with fever and chills happen about a month ago, and she seemed to overcome that on her own while at home.
At any rate, Ray and I took our scolding from Dr. Massey and we won't let it happen again. We promise.
So as of this morning, mom found out that she has an infection in her white blood cells so she's on an IV antibiotic. This seems to be working. Additionally, Suzanne's hemoglobin is low so she will be getting a blood transfusion today (I think, or maybe tomorrow). Those wondeful nurses at Methodist are taking good care of her (as they always do) and hopefully she'll be home by the end of the week. I will post updates as we get them.
Just wanted to also pass along a little happy time from this past weekend. On Saturday, we had a window where mom was feeling okay so my sisters and I decided to take her to Boerne. What a beautiful day it was! We headed over to Peach Cafe and had such a great girls lunch!! The staff was so nice and we honestly felt like we were having a homecooked lunch at someone's house.
Mom had Chicken and Dumplings...
Mandy had a bowl of chili and Becky had shrimp gumbo...
Ashley had Chicken Pot Pie....
and I had an amazing Turkey Caprese Panini of which I forgot to take a picture.
Susie had just enough energy to browse around two shops and back home we went. We were so blessed to have such a beautiful time together.
As updates come in, I will pass them along. Please continue to keep Suzanne in your thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Lauren
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Good news this week!
Susie received some very good news this week! After a routine exam with Dr. Massey on Tuesday he found that some of her masses seem to be getting smaller. Hooray, hooray for this wonderful news! While mom is still feeling a little run down from all the chemo she's had over the last few weeks, she was very happy to hear that this latest drug must be working. We'll have more specific results next week when she has her labwork done and her CA125 levels retested.
The other good news is that Susie gets a break from chemo this week (first break in 4 weeks if I'm not mistaken...wow). So, let's hope and pray that by the time this weekend comes, mom is feeling strong enough to head outdoors and enjoy some sunshine. And after all the rain we've had lately, we could all use a little sunshine by now, right?
In the next day or two I'm planning to write a post about my beautiful sisters and what they're doing at home to keep mom comfortable and cared for.... at the ages of 16 and 13 these girls are keeping up with so much in their school and home life and I really want to recognize all that they do. Until then... be well!
The other good news is that Susie gets a break from chemo this week (first break in 4 weeks if I'm not mistaken...wow). So, let's hope and pray that by the time this weekend comes, mom is feeling strong enough to head outdoors and enjoy some sunshine. And after all the rain we've had lately, we could all use a little sunshine by now, right?
In the next day or two I'm planning to write a post about my beautiful sisters and what they're doing at home to keep mom comfortable and cared for.... at the ages of 16 and 13 these girls are keeping up with so much in their school and home life and I really want to recognize all that they do. Until then... be well!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
A strong end to the week
Happy Saturday everyone! Hope you had a great week.
In my last post, I wrote that Suzanne was feeling pretty worn down at the beginning of the week and may be in need of a blood transfusion. Well the good news was that her hemoglobin levels were actually good, so a transfusion was not necessary. The problem was that her white blood cell count was down... so on Thursday mom went in for chemo (her third treatment with the latest drug) and was a given a shot to raise her level of white blood cells. I'm happy to report that Suzanne was moving around like a champ on Thursday and Friday with somewhat less pain and fatigue.
So thank you for your on-going thoughts and prayers! We know they continue to make all the difference.
In my last post, I wrote that Suzanne was feeling pretty worn down at the beginning of the week and may be in need of a blood transfusion. Well the good news was that her hemoglobin levels were actually good, so a transfusion was not necessary. The problem was that her white blood cell count was down... so on Thursday mom went in for chemo (her third treatment with the latest drug) and was a given a shot to raise her level of white blood cells. I'm happy to report that Suzanne was moving around like a champ on Thursday and Friday with somewhat less pain and fatigue.
So thank you for your on-going thoughts and prayers! We know they continue to make all the difference.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Missing the Outdoors
Susie headed off to her chemo treatment this past Thursday like the warrior she is accompanied by her best friend Norma. A dose of Demerol was given with this particular treatment because pain associated with the administration of this drug is pretty intense. The few hours after returning home meant some not-so-pleasant side effects (like fever, chills and more). Within a few hours (fortunately) those side effects were gone but utter and complete exhaustion has parked itself within her and refuses to depart.
This past weekend, San Antonio had one of the most beautiful, spring-like weekends we’ve seen in a long time. If you know my mom, you know that she loves the outdoors so much “Outdoors” should have probably been her middle name. As children she took us on hundreds of hikes through Eisenhower and McAllister parks, several spontaneous trips to Port Aransas, a climb up Enchanted Rock, on a road trip to New Mexico among many other adventures. Suzanne’s appreciation for nature and the outdoors is perhaps one of her most defining and endearing qualities. In fact, if you look at our family photo albums, I’d say a good 80% of our pictures were taken outdoors.
one of our many getaways to Port A
oh the stories we could tell about our trip to New Mexico... an adventure indeed.
a Corpus/Port A trip with our cousins
a family picnic... outdoors of course
this beautiful picture of mom was taken by Becky at Eisenhower park
In an attempt to build up strength and hopefully offset some of the chest pains she’s been having, Suzanne will most likely get a blood transfusion in the coming days. We will definitely keep you posted on how she does.
Mom has asked me to pass on her sincere gratitude for all of the emails and comments you have left for her. While these last few days have been challenging, I know that your messages of faith, strength and hope give her the grace to carry on each day. And for that, my family and I thank you too.
With love,
Lauren
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