Cancer Support and Caregivers Who Are Trail Blazers! - Page 27

Countyfem · 12-20-2011, 12:23 PM

[QUOTE=CatalinaRose;488992]YAY Clay!!! This is wonderful news! Does she need to have a proper poop before she can leave the hospital, County?

Yep and that baby has been dropped

I got an email yesterday from my sister in NYC. She had her second chemo last Friday and already her blood work is showing a positive response to the drugs. The first chemo she had a mild allergic reaction to the rituxin (sp?) so this time the pushed it in super slow and she did great. Her weight is slowly stabilizing and she is no longer coughing!! I am so excited for her and I think she is starting to believe she might beat this thing!!! I made her a chemo blanket using her favorite colors and am popping it into the mail today.

GO CANCER FIGHTERS, GO!!

So glad your sister is responding in a most positive manner! Your both in my prayers!

julieisafemme · 12-20-2011, 01:05 PM

Hi Everyone-

My Mom has just finished her first round of chemo for small cell lung cancer with liver and brain mets. She will having radiation today for the brain mets. She has had all of this done in the hospital as she was very weak prior to treatment. She is coming home tomorrow and I want to make sure I have all the supplies that might make this first week after chemo as comfortable as possible. Does anyone have some suggestions of must haves? Tips or tricks? So far the anti-nausea drugs have worked great for her and she has not had any nausea. Our main concern is bleeding because she is already on blood thinners. She is 73 and had COPD before all of this started so not in the best of health but not terrible either.

Thanks so much and many healing prayers to all of you who are fighting the good fight!

JustJo · 12-20-2011, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by julieisafemme

Hi Everyone-

My Mom has just finished her first round of chemo for small cell lung cancer with liver and brain mets. She will having radiation today for the brain mets. She has had all of this done in the hospital as she was very weak prior to treatment. She is coming home tomorrow and I want to make sure I have all the supplies that might make this first week after chemo as comfortable as possible. Does anyone have some suggestions of must haves? Tips or tricks? So far the anti-nausea drugs have worked great for her and she has not had any nausea. Our main concern is bleeding because she is already on blood thinners. She is 73 and had COPD before all of this started so not in the best of health but not terrible either.

Thanks so much and many healing prayers to all of you who are fighting the good fight!

Glad that your Mom is doing well and ready to come home.

For my mom, the biggest issue is nausea and lack of interest in food or drink...so the most important list is juice, tea with honey, and soup broth.

Next most important has been sleep, sleep, sleep. She gets very tired, very easily...and I have to monitor her activity because exhaustion can come on very suddenly for her.

I'm sure some folks here will have better suggestions for you...but I'm sending you big hugs.

DapperButch · 12-20-2011, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by julieisafemme

Hi Everyone-

My Mom has just finished her first round of chemo for small cell lung cancer with liver and brain mets. She will having radiation today for the brain mets. She has had all of this done in the hospital as she was very weak prior to treatment. She is coming home tomorrow and I want to make sure I have all the supplies that might make this first week after chemo as comfortable as possible. Does anyone have some suggestions of must haves? Tips or tricks? So far the anti-nausea drugs have worked great for her and she has not had any nausea. Our main concern is bleeding because she is already on blood thinners. She is 73 and had COPD before all of this started so not in the best of health but not terrible either.

Thanks so much and many healing prayers to all of you who are fighting the good fight!

Hi, julie!

I am glad you posted in the thread.

The side effects of chemo depends on the type of chemo one receives. I am sure that your mother's chemo is different than mine was (mine was for colon cancer).

I would suggest finding out the specific medications that is in her chemo cocktail and then search the web for information on side effects of that specific chemo. After you know that, or after she has some of the side effects, please bring them here. I don't want to ramble on about something that would not be useful to you!

As an aside to Jo's comment about her mother's fatigue...radiation actually causes more fatigue than chemo does, so expect your mom to be really pooped!

Novelafemme · 12-20-2011, 08:56 PM

Hi Julie,

So sorry to read about your mom. From my experience, everyone has different cravings and needs during chemo. We stocked up on whatever tasted good and took it from there. Now days I can't even look at Gatorade 2 without gagging a little.

County, yay for pooping!!! That's a victory for sure.

mustangjeano · 12-20-2011, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by julieisafemme

Hi Everyone-

My Mom has just finished her first round of chemo for small cell lung cancer with liver and brain mets. She will having radiation today for the brain mets. She has had all of this done in the hospital as she was very weak prior to treatment. She is coming home tomorrow and I want to make sure I have all the supplies that might make this first week after chemo as comfortable as possible. Does anyone have some suggestions of must haves? Tips or tricks? So far the anti-nausea drugs have worked great for her and she has not had any nausea. Our main concern is bleeding because she is already on blood thinners. She is 73 and had COPD before all of this started so not in the best of health but not terrible either.

Thanks so much and many healing prayers to all of you who are fighting the good fight!

Lots of water to flush the chemo and meds out. Anything yummy that she finds appealing to eat. Protien for strength.

mustangjeano · 12-20-2011, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Hi, julie!

I am glad you posted in the thread.

The side effects of chemo depends on the type of chemo one receives. I am sure that your mother's chemo is different than mine was (mine was for colon cancer).

I would suggest finding out the specific medications that is in her chemo cocktail and then search the web for information on side effects of that specific chemo. After you know that, or after she has some of the side effects, please bring them here. I don't want to ramble on about something that would not be useful to you!

As an aside to Jo's comment about her mother's fatigue...radiation actually causes more fatigue than chemo does, so expect your mom to be really pooped!

Hey Dapper, you are so right about the fatigue with radiation. I had it at 40 and again at 55 and it kicked my ass both times. Jean

clay · 12-22-2011, 11:10 AM

Hey all you sexy, gorgeous peeps:
The Claymeister is officially SPRUNG!!!!! Waiting on paperwork..and me and county will be going home...to sleep for about 3 days!! She is exhausted......bless her heart!!!! I could have never made this journey so incredibly well or so quickly...without her...andf all of you....I heart you all. I am still very weak...Hgb. is 9.5....BUT home is best medicine...
I have lots of reading and thanks for all of you....please bear with me...I am GOING HOME!!! Yeayyyyyyy....Clay

1QuirkyKiwi · 12-22-2011, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by claybaby

Hey all you sexy, gorgeous peeps:
The Claymeister is officially SPRUNG!!!!! Waiting on paperwork..and me and county will be going home...to sleep for about 3 days!! She is exhausted......bless her heart!!!! I could have never made this journey so incredibly well or so quickly...without her...andf all of you....I heart you all. I am still very weak...Hgb. is 9.5....BUT home is best medicine...
I have lots of reading and thanks for all of you....please bear with me...I am GOING HOME!!! Yeayyyyyyy....Clay

Fantastic News!

Glad you are doing well! Good to have you back with us!

DapperButch · 12-22-2011, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by claybaby

Hey all you sexy, gorgeous peeps:
The Claymeister is officially SPRUNG!!!!! Waiting on paperwork..and me and county will be going home...to sleep for about 3 days!! She is exhausted......bless her heart!!!! I could have never made this journey so incredibly well or so quickly...without her...andf all of you....I heart you all. I am still very weak...Hgb. is 9.5....BUT home is best medicine...
I have lots of reading and thanks for all of you....please bear with me...I am GOING HOME!!! Yeayyyyyyy....Clay

Finally! Woo Hoo! A long time coming, I know! Congrats on the cancer being contained. That means no chemo for you, right?

How much weight did you lose from not being able to eat? I lost 20lbs (granted, I got the surgery done twice, 2 weeks apart, but, still...)!

Midnight · 12-22-2011, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by claybaby

Hey all you sexy, gorgeous peeps:
The Claymeister is officially SPRUNG!!!!! Waiting on paperwork..and me and county will be going home...to sleep for about 3 days!! She is exhausted......bless her heart!!!! I could have never made this journey so incredibly well or so quickly...without her...andf all of you....I heart you all. I am still very weak...Hgb. is 9.5....BUT home is best medicine...
I have lots of reading and thanks for all of you....please bear with me...I am GOING HOME!!! Yeayyyyyyy....Clay

Welcome home Clay! Rest, relax and recover. It must be so nice to be back in your own bed

I'm so glad Country was there for you. Country - thankyou so much for the fantastic updates on Clays progress through this difficult time for you both!

Rockinonahigh · 12-22-2011, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by claybaby

Hey all you sexy, gorgeous peeps:
The Claymeister is officially SPRUNG!!!!! Waiting on paperwork..and me and county will be going home...to sleep for about 3 days!! She is exhausted......bless her heart!!!! I could have never made this journey so incredibly well or so quickly...without her...andf all of you....I heart you all. I am still very weak...Hgb. is 9.5....BUT home is best medicine...
I have lots of reading and thanks for all of you....please bear with me...I am GOING HOME!!! Yeayyyyyyy....Clay

Fantastic,glad u r going home,tonight u will get the best sleep u have had iuna while in your own bed...nothing like being home.Take all the thime u need to get your strength back,we all will be hear when u want to post any thing.
Country,thank u for all u have done,u r indeed a special person..

clay · 12-23-2011, 12:31 PM

hey peeps....just a quick note..I am up and about today...still weak, BUT al uphill from here on out..and Home Health will be here Monday to assess my needs, and PT will be coming as well...
I am still not real clear in the brain...BUT want to post so pardon all the typos...lol..
DAPPER: best I can tell between 35 and 45 lbs...in last 8 to 10 weeks....with MOST being last 3 to 4 weeks. I am getting some of the ensure drinks when we go to grocery store..
COUNTY: I heart you, darling!!! YOU have made this so much more pleasureable, been so selfless, and I know your back and hip suffered with that miserable "gaucho" sofa you endured for TWO WEEKS, and woke every time with a sweet smile...YOU simply ROCKKKKKKK....
I heart ALL of you.....Merry Christmas, I know I have the MOST amazing one in a few years now...thank, you....all your sweet messages, PM's, etc and calls...smiles.....later peeps...
I made COUNTY go get a nap in...I am waiting for my baby dachsie to come home..I haven;t seen her in 2 weeks....whooohooo....I HEART YOU ALL>>..Clay

Tommi · 12-23-2011, 12:48 PM

Way to go claybaby.

Boost Plus and other Store Brand protein drinks available for variety until you can blend your own ~ CVS, Walgreens, etc.

Kudo's to County and Caregivers .

Jo, and julieisafemme thinking of you and your Mom's during this tough time and in a season of love and giving.

JustJo · 12-23-2011, 02:19 PM

Super fast update then I'm headed back to the ER....Mom's picc line was halfway out last night, so waiting and waiting to get it replaced today.

Struggling with pain meds....docs in FL don't prescribe but send to a separate pain management doc. Of course, they neglected to mention this (and mom neglects to mention that she's almost out) until we have difficulty getting a refill right before the holiday weekend.

Nightmare.

I'm kicking desks (figuratively speaking) and shouting at people (for real) ...and we have a short-term solution, an appointment with said pain mgmt specialist...and it'll all be okay...but it's taking a heck of a toll on me in the process.

My research, thanks to all this, also makes me think that a lot of her dizziness, fatigue and lack of appetite may be in part due to the morphine she's been on since the spring.

Midnight · 12-23-2011, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustJo

Super fast update then I'm headed back to the ER....Mom's picc line was halfway out last night, so waiting and waiting to get it replaced today.

Struggling with pain meds....docs in FL don't prescribe but send to a separate pain management doc. Of course, they neglected to mention this (and mom neglects to mention that she's almost out) until we have difficulty getting a refill right before the holiday weekend.

Nightmare.

I'm kicking desks (figuratively speaking) and shouting at people (for real) ...and we have a short-term solution, an appointment with said pain mgmt specialist...and it'll all be okay...but it's taking a heck of a toll on me in the process.

My research, thanks to all this, also makes me think that a lot of her dizziness, fatigue and lack of appetite may be in part due to the morphine she's been on since the spring.

Hi Jo
Thinking of you and your mum during this difficult time.

SweetJane · 12-23-2011, 07:47 PM

So happy to hear that you are home and that Heidi will be with you soon! We've been praying and am so glad to hear you're doing well.

We have been so grateful to Countyfemme for her reports to us. Thanks you!!!

julieisafemme · 12-23-2011, 10:26 PM

Hello All. Thank you very much for all the nice posts. My Mom is doing remarkably well. No nausea and no pain since going into the hospital. She saw the oncologist today and he said her blood work looks good, no temperature and her blood pressure is good. She has the ok to come for the family Christmas. That is a wonderful thing. She is still very tired but is getting up every day and doing things in the house. We are so blessed in that all four of her children live five minutes from her house. We have all skills to lend to her care. Add to that a good family friend who is a critical care nurse and her sister who is a nurse and we are set! I know she won't get better but it means so much that right now she is feeling good and not in pain.

Claybaby I am so happy you are home! I know my Mom is so much happier in her own bed without the nurses poking her all night!

Many blessings to you all and happy holidays.

clay · 12-24-2011, 08:17 AM

Julie:
Thanks so much for the well wishes...and yes it IS good to be in my own space again....smiles...we are catching up on some much needed sleep...I,too, am still having some bouts with the nausea BUT I am also on a very strong antibiotic...for 4 more days...yayyyyy....and I just take a Zofran disintegrtaing nausea pill and hold the nausea at bay...smiles..
Big hugs to you, to your mom, and all your family..enjoy every moment...smiles..Merry Christmas from my family to yours....Clay

DapperButch · 12-24-2011, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by claybaby

hey peeps....just a quick note..I am up and about today...still weak, BUT al uphill from here on out..and Home Health will be here Monday to assess my needs, and PT will be coming as well...
I am still not real clear in the brain...BUT want to post so pardon all the typos...lol..
DAPPER: best I can tell between 35 and 45 lbs...in last 8 to 10 weeks....with MOST being last 3 to 4 weeks. I am getting some of the ensure drinks when we go to grocery store..
COUNTY: I heart you, darling!!! YOU have made this so much more pleasureable, been so selfless, and I know your back and hip suffered with that miserable "gaucho" sofa you endured for TWO WEEKS, and woke every time with a sweet smile...YOU simply ROCKKKKKKK....
I heart ALL of you.....Merry Christmas, I know I have the MOST amazing one in a few years now...thank, you....all your sweet messages, PM's, etc and calls...smiles.....later peeps...
I made COUNTY go get a nap in...I am waiting for my baby dachsie to come home..I haven;t seen her in 2 weeks....whooohooo....I HEART YOU ALL>>..Clay

The pecan flavored Ensure drinks are really good! Glad you are going to get the pup back soon!

You didn't answer me about the chemo?

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustJo

Super fast update then I'm headed back to the ER....Mom's picc line was halfway out last night, so waiting and waiting to get it replaced today.

Struggling with pain meds....docs in FL don't prescribe but send to a separate pain management doc. Of course, they neglected to mention this (and mom neglects to mention that she's almost out) until we have difficulty getting a refill right before the holiday weekend.

Nightmare.

I'm kicking desks (figuratively speaking) and shouting at people (for real) ...and we have a short-term solution, an appointment with said pain mgmt specialist...and it'll all be okay...but it's taking a heck of a toll on me in the process.

My research, thanks to all this, also makes me think that a lot of her dizziness, fatigue and lack of appetite may be in part due to the morphine she's been on since the spring.

Gosh, Jo. I am so sorry this is happening. Please keep us updated.

12-22-2011, 11:10 AM	#528
clay Practically Lives Here How Do You Identify?: Butch (Silver Fox) Dom Daddi Preferred Pronoun?: 50 Shades of Clay Darker & Deeper Relationship Status: married to my forever Join Date: May 2011 Location: salt air & sandy beaches Posts: 13,098 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 96,044 Thanked 31,688 Times in 7,716 Posts Rep Power: 21474862	Hey all you sexy, gorgeous peeps: The Claymeister is officially SPRUNG!!!!! Waiting on paperwork..and me and county will be going home...to sleep for about 3 days!! She is exhausted......bless her heart!!!! I could have never made this journey so incredibly well or so quickly...without her...andf all of you....I heart you all. I am still very weak...Hgb. is 9.5....BUT home is best medicine... I have lots of reading and thanks for all of you....please bear with me...I am GOING HOME!!! Yeayyyyyyy....Clay __________________ To find someone who will love you for no reason, and to shower that person with reasons, that is the ultimate happiness. ~Robert Brault

12-23-2011, 12:31 PM	#533
clay Practically Lives Here How Do You Identify?: Butch (Silver Fox) Dom Daddi Preferred Pronoun?: 50 Shades of Clay Darker & Deeper Relationship Status: married to my forever Join Date: May 2011 Location: salt air & sandy beaches Posts: 13,098 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 96,044 Thanked 31,688 Times in 7,716 Posts Rep Power: 21474862	hey peeps....just a quick note..I am up and about today...still weak, BUT al uphill from here on out..and Home Health will be here Monday to assess my needs, and PT will be coming as well... I am still not real clear in the brain...BUT want to post so pardon all the typos...lol.. DAPPER: best I can tell between 35 and 45 lbs...in last 8 to 10 weeks....with MOST being last 3 to 4 weeks. I am getting some of the ensure drinks when we go to grocery store.. COUNTY: I heart you, darling!!! YOU have made this so much more pleasureable, been so selfless, and I know your back and hip suffered with that miserable "gaucho" sofa you endured for TWO WEEKS, and woke every time with a sweet smile...YOU simply ROCKKKKKKK.... I heart ALL of you.....Merry Christmas, I know I have the MOST amazing one in a few years now...thank, you....all your sweet messages, PM's, etc and calls...smiles.....later peeps... I made COUNTY go get a nap in...I am waiting for my baby dachsie to come home..I haven;t seen her in 2 weeks....whooohooo....I HEART YOU ALL>>..Clay __________________ To find someone who will love you for no reason, and to shower that person with reasons, that is the ultimate happiness. ~Robert Brault

12-23-2011, 02:19 PM	#535
JustJo Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: pushy broad Preferred Pronoun?: she Relationship Status: Follow your heart; it knows things your mind cannot explain. Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Southeast corner Posts: 5,633 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 24,417 Thanked 25,407 Times in 4,661 Posts Rep Power: 21474856	Super fast update then I'm headed back to the ER....Mom's picc line was halfway out last night, so waiting and waiting to get it replaced today. Struggling with pain meds....docs in FL don't prescribe but send to a separate pain management doc. Of course, they neglected to mention this (and mom neglects to mention that she's almost out) until we have difficulty getting a refill right before the holiday weekend. Nightmare. I'm kicking desks (figuratively speaking) and shouting at people (for real) ...and we have a short-term solution, an appointment with said pain mgmt specialist...and it'll all be okay...but it's taking a heck of a toll on me in the process. My research, thanks to all this, also makes me think that a lot of her dizziness, fatigue and lack of appetite may be in part due to the morphine she's been on since the spring. __________________ I'm not tall enough to ride emotional roller coasters Last edited by JustJo; 12-23-2011 at 02:33 PM. Reason: clarification lol

12-24-2011, 08:17 AM	#539
clay Practically Lives Here How Do You Identify?: Butch (Silver Fox) Dom Daddi Preferred Pronoun?: 50 Shades of Clay Darker & Deeper Relationship Status: married to my forever Join Date: May 2011 Location: salt air & sandy beaches Posts: 13,098 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 96,044 Thanked 31,688 Times in 7,716 Posts Rep Power: 21474862	Julie: Thanks so much for the well wishes...and yes it IS good to be in my own space again....smiles...we are catching up on some much needed sleep...I,too, am still having some bouts with the nausea BUT I am also on a very strong antibiotic...for 4 more days...yayyyyy....and I just take a Zofran disintegrtaing nausea pill and hold the nausea at bay...smiles.. Big hugs to you, to your mom, and all your family..enjoy every moment...smiles..Merry Christmas from my family to yours....Clay __________________ To find someone who will love you for no reason, and to shower that person with reasons, that is the ultimate happiness. ~Robert Brault

12-20-2011, 12:23 PM	#521
Countyfem Member How Do You Identify?: Stone Femme Preferred Pronoun?: she/her Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: NC Posts: 244 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 469 Thanked 932 Times in 211 Posts Rep Power: 9455031	[QUOTE=CatalinaRose;488992]YAY Clay!!! This is wonderful news! Does she need to have a proper poop before she can leave the hospital, County? Yep and that baby has been dropped I got an email yesterday from my sister in NYC. She had her second chemo last Friday and already her blood work is showing a positive response to the drugs. The first chemo she had a mild allergic reaction to the rituxin (sp?) so this time the pushed it in super slow and she did great. Her weight is slowly stabilizing and she is no longer coughing!! I am so excited for her and I think she is starting to believe she might beat this thing!!! I made her a chemo blanket using her favorite colors and am popping it into the mail today. GO CANCER FIGHTERS, GO!! So glad your sister is responding in a most positive manner! Your both in my prayers!

12-20-2011, 01:05 PM	#522
julieisafemme Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Woman Preferred Pronoun?: She Relationship Status: Married to Greyson Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: In the present Posts: 828 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,156 Thanked 3,445 Times in 660 Posts Rep Power: 21474851	Hi Everyone- My Mom has just finished her first round of chemo for small cell lung cancer with liver and brain mets. She will having radiation today for the brain mets. She has had all of this done in the hospital as she was very weak prior to treatment. She is coming home tomorrow and I want to make sure I have all the supplies that might make this first week after chemo as comfortable as possible. Does anyone have some suggestions of must haves? Tips or tricks? So far the anti-nausea drugs have worked great for her and she has not had any nausea. Our main concern is bleeding because she is already on blood thinners. She is 73 and had COPD before all of this started so not in the best of health but not terrible either. Thanks so much and many healing prayers to all of you who are fighting the good fight!

12-20-2011, 08:56 PM	#525
Novelafemme Timed Out - TOS Drama How Do You Identify?: ........ Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: ........ Posts: 2,402 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 4,981 Thanked 8,925 Times in 1,834 Posts Rep Power: 0	Hi Julie, So sorry to read about your mom. From my experience, everyone has different cravings and needs during chemo. We stocked up on whatever tasted good and took it from there. Now days I can't even look at Gatorade 2 without gagging a little. County, yay for pooping!!! That's a victory for sure.

12-23-2011, 12:48 PM	#534
Tommi Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Usually "Hello" Relationship Status: Married and Bound to Tommi's kaijira (Ts_kaijira ) Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Suthun.... California that is. Across the ridge from Laguna Beach. Posts: 8,151 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 13,621 Thanked 21,337 Times in 5,968 Posts Rep Power: 21474859	Way to go claybaby. Boost Plus and other Store Brand protein drinks available for variety until you can blend your own ~ CVS, Walgreens, etc. Kudo's to County and Caregivers . Jo, and julieisafemme thinking of you and your Mom's during this tough time and in a season of love and giving.

12-23-2011, 07:47 PM	#537
SweetJane Member How Do You Identify?: stone femme Preferred Pronoun?: she Relationship Status: always solo Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: New Mexico Posts: 368 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 380 Thanked 815 Times in 198 Posts Rep Power: 4309956	So happy to hear that you are home and that Heidi will be with you soon! We've been praying and am so glad to hear you're doing well. We have been so grateful to Countyfemme for her reports to us. Thanks you!!!

12-23-2011, 10:26 PM	#538
julieisafemme Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Woman Preferred Pronoun?: She Relationship Status: Married to Greyson Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: In the present Posts: 828 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,156 Thanked 3,445 Times in 660 Posts Rep Power: 21474851	Hello All. Thank you very much for all the nice posts. My Mom is doing remarkably well. No nausea and no pain since going into the hospital. She saw the oncologist today and he said her blood work looks good, no temperature and her blood pressure is good. She has the ok to come for the family Christmas. That is a wonderful thing. She is still very tired but is getting up every day and doing things in the house. We are so blessed in that all four of her children live five minutes from her house. We have all skills to lend to her care. Add to that a good family friend who is a critical care nurse and her sister who is a nurse and we are set! I know she won't get better but it means so much that right now she is feeling good and not in pain. Claybaby I am so happy you are home! I know my Mom is so much happier in her own bed without the nurses poking her all night! Many blessings to you all and happy holidays.