The Good--Mom had the two drainage tubes removed from her abdomen. She also had the catheter removed. She has a UTI infection so there was no choice but to remove it. This requires her to get in and out of bed every 45 minutes to use the bathroom (a portable toilet has been placed next to her bed). This takes every ounce of energy she has. She cannot get out of bed by herself, two nurses and Dad have to assist. Between Kurt, me and Mom, Dad definitely qualifies as one outstanding nurse. It is very touching to watch him take care of Mom. Tears fill his eyes as he tenderly and gently takes care of Mom's every need. He rarely leaves her side.
The Bad--pain is still unbearable especially since she has to get out of bed so much which is also good because it relieves pressure points and increases her muscle strength. The swelling Mom has is unbelievable. Dad tells her all the time that she could play on the line for BYU. Seriously I can't even begin to describe how much swelling she has. This is very painful for Mom. Touching her causes pain, bending or even moving causes pain. She is still blowing veins. An air med nurse is being brought in daily to find a vein. (It is a blessing she only needs one IV for antibiotics and fluid) It is our prayer that the docs will strongly consider putting a port, central line, or a pick line which would alleviate some of the pain. She is once again on oral pain meds.
The Ugly--The lungs have been a major concern. Filling with fluid. When the liter of fluid was drained from her right lung, the fluid was sent away for testing. The test results would confirm pneumonia or cancer. The results came back on Christmas day--the cancer has spread to her lungs. She is struggling to breath (she is starting wheezing; which is getting worse everyday) and is on constant oxygen. Mom will have to have more fluid drained from her lungs sooner than later. Dr. Soisson and Dr. Lo both came in to confirm the cancer has spread to the lungs and Mom has stage 4 cancer.
Note again this a journal for Mom so what is written is what is taking place. And I apologize for updating so late but that is when I arrive home from the hospital. I have tried updating at the hospital but my main focus is on Mom and Dad. Thank each of you for prayers and concern.
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Dear Chris,
ReplyDeleteI was sad to learn of your illness and suffering. Just want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers each day. You are such a special lady and have been a loving friend for as long as I can remember. Sending my love to you.
Nedra Shumway
Dear Cooks,
ReplyDeleteMY heart is full and tears flow freely as I read this blog. It brings back so many memories for me. Jack what a wonderful and loving husband you are, there is nothing like serving and loving your best friend and one of the best gifts you can give to Chris is your presence. You are all such a loving and dedicated family. You have set the bar high for all the rest of us. Give Chris a big hug full of love from me as I constantly keep you in my prayers and thoughts.
I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES ! All My Love. Sue
Kristi: Never apologize! What you are doing is admirable and so very much appreciated by all. Give your mom and dad a gentle hug from me and please know that all of you are in our thoughts non-stop!
ReplyDeleteFondly, Gwen Clouthier
Kristi:
ReplyDeleteCan Christ have non-family visitors? She's been like a grandma to my kids and they want to come see her. We just went through this with their grandpa this past summer, so I can feel for you.
If not, tell Chris that Michael, Carol and Kenneth are all praying for her and love her very much.
Thanks and may the Lord Bless your family through this,
Alicia McDonald
Chris,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for what you are going through right now. I wish I could give you the strength that you have given me all these years. Please remember you are very loved by so many people. I can't even begin to tell you how much you have touched our family. We all love you so much. Be strong!
We miss you and you are in our prayers everyday.
Love, the Woods
Chris My Sis!
ReplyDeleteMy heart is broken. How I would love to wrap my arms around you and love you. You have to know how much I love you! You are my inspiration, my hero! You are my big Sis and I need you. Please hang in there. My heart and soul ache to think of the pain and suffereing you have endured. When we were little, you were my platmate. When we are big, you are my best friend. I love you with all my heart. I pray for your well being for strength to endure. Miracles occur daily. I know the Lord will bless you and your beautiful family that I love so much!!!
Come home soon! We miss you so much. I love you with all my heart!
For My Sister!
"There is a garden in my heart
Where Happy Memories grow
Of those who mean
The most to me
As seasons
Come and go...
And among the fairest flowers
That there could ever be
Is the memory of my Sister
And how much she means to me."
Chris My Sis, in my garden
of special memories,
times shared with you
are some of
the most beautiful
Flowers of all.
I love you Chris!
your sis, Jeanne Cahoon
Chris,
ReplyDeleteFrom Maui: We just left Sacrament Meeting where Pres. Eyring was presiding. It was wonderful to be with him in this island setting on this Sabbath Day. In his closing testimony, on the theme of the meeting which was "Obedience to God's Commandments brings joy to our lives," Pres. Eyring closed with a promise to each of us that when we are obedient to our Father in Heaven's commandments, the power of the Atonement can and will have its full measure in our lives. That does not mean we will be free from challenges, he said, but his assurance in his testimony is that, our obedience will unlock the powers of Heaven to bring us peace, especially in our times of trial, and difficulty. I add my testimony to that of Pres. Eyring, if I would be so bold, to say simply that I know that God lives, and that His Son, through the great, eternal, and last atoning sacrifice, has made available to each and every one of God's children, here on the earth, the ability to receive peace in our hearts, and joy in our lives, because of the eternal nature of families. Chris, yours is the great opportunity to feel the very hand of our Savior in your life, through the peaceable acts of service, and prayer offered by your family, and those of us who count a great blessing in our lives, to call you our extended family. The prayers offered in your behalf do not only eminate from this side of the veil. May you know of our love, and our assurance that even in our hour of darkest challenge, we may feel lonely, but we are never alone. We pray for you, and your family every day. Aloha,
Brett and Rachael
Chris, I love you. be strong in the face of this challenge. Heavenly Father is there, do you feel Him? He is strong, call on Him and He will be there. I have shared my testimony with you many times and the things i was able to experience. "Be not afraid for lo, I am with thee". I send my love to you and your family at this time. May God bless each of you with peace and comfort and an abundance of His Holy Spirit. I love you all so much. Dianne Holgate
ReplyDeleteChris and Jack-
ReplyDeleteExpressions of our love, admiration, and thankfulness in touching our lives continually for many decades seem trival as I type this message of gratitude for the lives you have lead and our hearts you have taught. We love you deeply, pray for you sincerely and think of you constantly.
Chris- I am so very grateful for our last conversion that allowed me to express to you my deep gratitude for your tender friendship beginning as my visiting teacher companion, loving and caring for Chanel as I fulfilled my chruch calling, always being interested in my children, and truly being a sister and friend, who unconditionally loved me back. Our friendship started long before we ever met in Farmington. My deepest and dearest love and concern is by your side as you fight this demon. You will be victorious in this great battle, whatever His will may be.
Cindi
My Dearest Chris,.
ReplyDeleteI was so sorry last night to hear about your situation. You are in my deepest thoughts and prayers. You are like a rock to me and always such an example of what a true disciple should be like, and even though I haven't seen you in a while your friendship is so dear to me. I love you so much there are not words to describe. I pray that the Lord will comfort you and be by your side, I know words don't mean much when you are in so much pain, but I know that your Savior Jesus Christ is with you and by your side, of this I am sure.
I send love to you and your family.
Donna Brimhall
Chris,
ReplyDeleteIt breaks my heart to hear what you are going through. I am so grateful that you are in my life. You have been such a blessing to me and my family. I sure miss my visiting teacher. I really wish i could come see you but i know this probably isn't a good time. You have been such an inspiration in my life. I love you so much. (madisyn does too) Just know you are always and i mean always, in my thoughts and prayers. I LOVE YOU!
Trista Valencia
Dear chris
ReplyDeleteBe strong through this trial. i am sorry to hear how hard it has been. i love you and i am so thankful for the love you have shown my sister angie and her children. you are a sweet heart . you have such a sweet spirit. stay strong. we all love you
desiree and family
Dear Chris,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for what your going through and pray that your pain will ease. You are such an example to me of Christ like love I have always been one of your biggest fans. I have looked up to you since I was a young woman and love your family, what a great example you have been to them, myself and my family, thank you! You are always in our prayers and I know Heavenly Father will comfort you and bless you. Take care and we all love you! Love The Camphuysens