The good news and the bad news - April 16th 2009

Mom and Dad are at the City of Hope already this morning. Mom's checkup yesterday revealed she has an area in the left side of her chest that the Doctors would like to watch more closely. She has developed a few red spots on the surface of her skin which they are hoping are not due to lymphatic fluid pooling inside her body. Remember that rogue tube that pulled out about a week ago? Well, it really wasn't ready to come out yet but they didn't really have a choice...it came out on it's own. Her body might not be able to absorb the amount of fluid that the area is producing. Mom will have an ultrasound at 9:30 this morning to determine if there really is a buildup of fluid. If there is, she will have to have the fluid removed through a procedure with a needle & syringe. I really hope she doesn't have to go through that. Mom was given an additional prescription for an antibiotic we've never heard of IN ADDITION to the one she's already taking. Her copay on that little bottle was $66 so it better be good stuff. :)

The good news is that she was able to have the last tube removed from the other side! YAY! She has been SO uncomfortable and basically STUCK at home. The tube was cumbersome and delicate and hurt with every move she made. She will now be able to move around more freely and hopes to actually leave the house for more than just hospital trips.

Last Tuesday was the 6th week since her surgery. Our trip to the City of Hope yesterday made her realize how her recovery is something she notices more by the week instead of daily. She says she doesn't really feel much difference from one day to the next, but she can definitely see her progress when comparing weekly visits to the City of Hope. She says that each trip she feels stronger, can walk farther, has less discomfort and so on. Dad and I sure notice that.

Today is the first time I haven't been with her while she's at the hospital. The appointment was SO EARLY in the morning (because it takes 2 hours to get there in traffic) that we all decided it would be better if I stayed to take care of all the animals...and since we're on the subject of animals, another thing that makes life a bit more complicated is that someone dumped a puppy off near our ranch. We LOVE this little pup. It has been quite a struggle to take care of the puppy in addition to everything else and we've tried hard to find it's home but haven't had any luck. Mom has been taking care of her and loves her very much, but the timing is a little rough. Mom wanted to find her a home but seems to have bonded with the little pup now and hasn't been so focused on 'finding her a home' anymore. :) Mom wants her to be a friend to our backyard dog Sedona who is a young and playful dog herself (Sedona was rescued off the highway a few years ago). We just wish the new pup was a little bit older, but know she'll grow up fast. I tried taking her picture with my cellphone but she moves WAY too fast. Mom named her JavaChip because she is the most beautiful espresso brown color.

I just got of the phone with Mom and Dad and they assure me they'll be calling me throughout the day letting me know what's going on so I can let you all know.

K...Talk to you later!