Nothing New

I thought I'd post a quick note to let you know that nothing new has transpired. Mom is still resting uneasily at home, and has begun some small Physical Therapy to manage the pain and discomfort that characterizes her mobility. She looks forward to the beach and some well earned down time. Drop her a line if you'd like, and in the mean time, we're praying for a baby to arrive...the due date was Saturday the 18th.

Swelling and the latest.

Mom was taken to the hospital last Friday due to the concern that she was experiencing congenital heart failure. She has been swelling in her extremities. After some time at UT and an x-ray, they concluded that the swelling is around her liver, and that the heart is o.k. There wasn't enough fluid on the liver for them to be able to draw it off, so they gave some medication and some physical things to do at home to keep the swelling down.

This isn't the best news, but it sure beats admittance into the hospital. It tells us that the liver is struggling, and shows another of the signs of the last stages of Hepatitis C. This is a challenge, as she is more and more tired and finds it harder to get around.

In an appointment with the Radiologist this morning, he is having her do some physical therapy, and is confident and encouraging even about the swelling, feeling that it can be "re-routed."

It's the little things,

-n

- Rebecca and Bruce

Momma has the most tremendous attitude and we children seem to be the ones needing spiritual guidance the most. Imagine that! If we could fight the fight for her, we would surely conquer! Nathanael's upcoming bundle of joy is an inspiration and motivation. The sweet baby that will soon meet us is keeping Momma going. She is nesting along with Nate and Emily and she was so excited to tell of the accouterments she has acquired for when the baby is at our homestead.
Thank you all for your elevation of Momma in prayer and consideration.
-Rebecca Elaine

Praying Currently...

Mom's swelling has increased throughout her body, and we are praying currently that it is not congestive heart failure. We are currently going in to get some things checked out, and are praying for stability. The past week and a half has been quiet, but she has been hurting some, and we hoped that it would pass. The gallbladder was thought to have been the culprit, but is (again, due to Liver fragility) inoperable. So, here in the next few days and hours, be praying for the above.

-n

From Rebecca and Bruce

Yesterday was the last treatment for Momma and she is feeling the effects of the radiation, I think, considerably. Michele came through the Gallbladder surgery with flying colors and is on the mend. Thank you all so much for your prayers and great consideration!
Rebecca Elaine Jordan

Radiation...finish line

Well, it's been a busy week and a half or so. We got together to celebrate Mother's Day...twice. Kind of a neat way to go, but Rebecca and Bruce were under the weather during the weekend of Mother's Day, so part of us got together and did lunch anyhow. Then, they were free this past weekend (and weren't throwing up) so we all got together to celebrate (for real).

Mom hit the end of radiation this past week, but they wanted to get one more day out of her, so the Doctor asked her to come back on Monday (yesterday) to finish the run. Her throat is pretty sore, and the arthritis was acting up as well at the end of last week, but it's over and done with. The goal of the radiation has been to arrest the growth and spread of the cancer, unlike some treatments whose goal is to cure or irradicate the bad cells. Goal achieved, we believe, and are hoping that when the dust settles and the soreness goes away that the nerve pressure and dull pain will have abated.

The next goal is to enjoy the next few weeks and pray for mobility into the summer months for Momma. She has been fairly immobile, and even asked for a wheelchair on the last few days of treatments. For those who know her, this is kind of a big deal. We're hoping to make it to the beach in July, for her to enjoy the sand in the toes and the wind in the hair, and the seafood in the mouth. We are praying for her overall ease and comfort, so that this will be possible. Shooting for July sometime, we think.

Oh, and in other news, the baby dropped. We're in the home-stretch, and all of the women have been giggling over the little one coming. Everyone's nesting...even me. Due date is in mid-June, and Mom has really wanted to hold the grandchild, so we're excited about that reality. Bring on the contractions!

Pray for Michele still, as she is sore from the Gallbladder removal. No complications, per se, but she is just returning to work. John's situation is still up in the air as she is looking to change his schooling, and Trainor will become more independent as Mom's situation changes.

If you write letters (or notes), I'm sure Mom would enjoy them. There's nothing quite like a hand-written piece of finery. If you want her address, I can send it. I would post it on here, but we'd start getting lot's of scam mail. Sorry.


-N

Colonoscopy and Endoscopy...all jokes aside.

         Though much could be said about having these procedures, I will say that they came back clear. Michele said that the doctor was all smiles about the results, and that all they found were a few polyps. Mom has been resting and storing up some energy for this weekend, as we prepare for Mother's Day (woot!). Michele will be undergoing a surgery on Tuesday to remove her Gall Bladder (gallbladder?), which has been a squeaky wheel for sometime.

         She went in to get it scanned, and they said "Oh.....well it has to GO. It's full of blood."

         We look forward to not having medical appointments scheduled, but it doesn't look like it will be anytime soon. On another positive note, the radiation seems to be going along well for Mom, and without any major side effects. We're praying for rest and recovery for everyone and for the boys to feel some stability during all of this.

         Happy Mother's Day.

-N