Thursday, June 7, 2012 10:30 AM


Subject: Re:5 Mom, Grandma, GeGe, Aunt, Friend


Here is the latest update on Mom, A great friend for my entire life.



Since I last sent a note to you mom has lost another couple pounds. This morning with all her clothes on she weighed in at about 104 lbs. Since we first started this ride, Mom has remained the rock. She apologizes frequently for the "stress" she has put on us. Jack is here with her from Maryland and helps her all day long. He cooks, cleans and is the absolute hero here. He is a wonderful son and brother. Mom is taking her pain medication every 4 hours and the current medication is working for her. She takes Hydromorphone which is a very powerful pain medication. The nurse told us that this is really good stuff and has a "street value" of about $130 per pill. Currently mom gets 6 a day. Yesterday the Vitas Hospice Doctor visited with us at the house. He assured us again that the pain will be controlled. The down side is that as the medication is increased it will act like a sedative. Mom will sleep more but should not been in any pain. Last night we celebrated Nicholas's 5th birthday. We were able to wheel mom back to my house and she ate some and enjoyed herself but was ready to be home when it was over. Mom takes her shower every evening between 9 and 10, then at 10:30 takes her pain med and Jack and I change her dressing. Mom is great. She is on a new nausea medication. Instead of a suppository it is a gel that we rub on a large body muscle. We are hoping this works as good as the suppository did. We should know in a day or two. Friends continue to show there concern with calls, visits and flowers. The support of friends and family means a lot to mom and I know it means a lot to me. These are hard times for us and its good to know that others care too.