Thursday, May 21, 2015

Mom is ill. I had feared a bladder infection with possible sepsis owing to her withdrawn behavior and her refusal to eat anything but breakfast. After a bad night, I took her to Dr. S, who noticed that she was “not herself.” Mom wasn’t joking or asking him if he were married. She would close her eyes from time to time and rock a little in her chair. Dr. S. listened for rales and had his PA listen, too. Then he sent us off to the cardio unit nearby, where they took blood and an x-ray of mom’s lungs, revealing pneumonia in both lungs.

I had made the appointment with Dr. S. only 30 minutes before we were to arrive. I thought we might have to wait, but we did not. Dr. S’s observation of mom was very touching. He knows her only from our visits, but never missed a trick—or one of mom’s tricks. She always admired the color choices in his examination rooms. She would ask about him or his family or comment on his eyes or ask where he is from. (Mom is a flirt!) Mom is no longer flirting, and she is very tired. Hoping the levofloxacin does the trick. Mom did have the pneumonia shot some time ago, but she is wearing out. Could be that the stay in the hospital back in March precipitated all this. Who knows?

We are applying for hospice now. Need more help. Just a little. Rob cannot accompany me to this morning’s funeral. Two funerals this week—each mothers of friends. Someone needs to remain at home with mom. It’s a tough time. You don’t know what will happen from day to day, moment to moment. You pray your own mother will not be the third funeral of the week.

Mom complained of having dry hands this morning, but I had already put almond lotion on them. So I tried coconut oil. Hoping that will do the trick. She seems to be more comfortable now. Am wondering how dry hands figure into this current problem. Wondering if her circulation is being further compromised by something. Her feet and ankles are no longer swollen. Of this, Dr. S. was pleased. That might have suggested congestive heart failure. Thus far, so good.

Well, we will watch and wait and hope that—above all—mom will be comfortable. This is our goal, Dr. S. included. This morning, mom asked why God doesn’t take her. I told her that He wasn’t ready for her yet, but I think God is giving me time to get ready!