Monday, March 7, 2011

Went to see mom today! She was sitting in the dining room, just finishing up breakfast. She continues to eat about 25% of her meals and taking in her ice cream and med pass drink. As she sat at the table she was looking down. We came in and hugged her. She flinched a bit and didn't really respond to us. She felt cool, so I grabbed her a sweater. We walked her back to her room and sat her in her recliner and placed her oxygen on per nasal cannula. My 5 year old, David immediately sat next to her on the ground and grabbed her hand. I think he was trying to comfort her in case she was scared wearing this oxygen. David has had to have breathing treatments and the large oxygen tank in the form of a small robot buzzing away, must have reminded him of his nebulizer. It does sound just like it. David sat there,not wanting to let go of her, telling her stories about his new kindergarten that we just visited, in which he will start next year. Within 5min. mom perked up and was more responsive. I think the oxygen has really helped her mental state, for what is left!
We did get a new hospice nurse that started today. So far it seems like it will be a good fit!!

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey Brooke, tonight I took a few minutes to read your blog about your mother. I'm so sorry to hear all that is going on. It feels like yesterday that we were just chillin at your mom's house. I used to love kicking it with you and Angie over there. Your mom always seemed to like me for some silly reason. Nonetheless, I'll never forget how kind, cheerful, and friendly she was everytime I saw her. Your strength and courage is amazing, my thoughts are with you.

Jeremy

Melissa said...

Brooke,
My heart breaks for you, I am so very sorry. My father was very recently diagnosed with frontal lobe dimentia, which is very closely related to alzheimers. He is on the same medications. Although I don't know what your going through, I sit and watch him knowing that this will be our fate also. It is scary and makes you feel helpless. You are in my prayers.

Brooke said...

Melissa, Thank you for commenting. I am sorry to hear of your Dad's diagnosis. It sounds like your dad has Pick's disease. All in all it is not good and it will be hard, as you probably already know. Spend as much time with him as you can because before you know it he will be more lost in "his world." Please keep intouch with me if you would like someone to talk to.
Brooke
Bmanningrn@gmail.com