Manicures, Massages, and Margaritas

Mom's been in hospital since Friday. Safety net feels good. Think everything is going well. She's continued to run fever of 100 to 102. Blood Pressure 105/46 at 5:00 today (normal is 120/80), pulse rate tonight is 110(normal is 78). Nurse says elevated pulse rate is from pain and anxiety. Not sure about low blood pressure, dehydration is not a problem b/c she's getting fluid from IV regularly. She's had 4 units blood (think red blood cells, hemoglobin) on Saturday. Urine specimens and blood tests have all come back clean until today. They are taking blood from PICC and blood straight from arm. Blood from PICC showed infection (Gram and Cocci in clusters) not sure what that means but nurse wrote it down for me. They gave her antibotic shot called vancomycin for that. they are giving other antibiotics; Alvelox, Mystatin and Flogyl. She had a phosphorus drip in IV earlier today b/c low electrolytes. Tonight, nurse gave her MS contin- extended morphine, dildaudid (more pain stuff) and an ambian to sleep. Amazing friends are helping, I'm calmer, and mom's in good hands as she gets better.

Speaking of amazing friends, Mom's friend stayed with Mom all day Saturday and Sunday. I instantly loved her; she's a psychiatrist, has a great accent and is from Texas (enough said). She brings peaceful calm into the hospital room and gently reminds Mom (and me) that God is healing Mom's body, that He loves us and is leading us through to the other side. She gets Mom talking and remembering life before Cancer which is so important. This whole thing is so consuming that we've lost sight of life before or after this horrible, disgusting disease.

I know that tomorrow afternoon, I'll need a shower and break. I reached out through a text message to my friend who has already done so much for more help.

She responded back with this; I'll be there as soon as I get off work. No problem, it's a honor and a blessing that you and God trust me enough! I am truly humble to get to have you and all your family in our lives. Don't be afraid to ask me for anything, that's what friends are for. When make it to the other side, Mom and all us girls on Mom's team must have a day of beauty, massages, pedicures, The Works!

I responded; N tears, thank u. You all are unbelievably amazing. I angrily told God that nothing good is in this. I'm wrong, amazing friends are shining through all the crap, literal crap! u r all beautiful. Cheers to manicures, massages, and margaritas n near future.

Funny moment: When Mom's good friend was here taking care of her, Mom was dreaming and mumbled something about being in Jamaica. Big jump from dreams about McDonald's last week. Also while heavily medicated this morning around 2:30, Mom asked "what kind of place is this." I answered, "a hospital." She said, "Well get me my glasses and their book so I can see what services they have to offer." (she's ready for spa services too)

Off the subject; Baby Girl said "Mom put your hand right here, can you feel my heart beeping?" Saturday night, friends little girl said, "Look, there's a lightening bug in your pocket." My pocket was lighting up each second. I just about came out of my shorts right there in front of everyone, then realized it was just my cell phone. My anxiety over bugs is really out of control.