Going home

Hi everyone,
Thank you for your persistent prayers. It can change things. It did yesterday. I wish I could give you a window into what it is like to see Mom and Dad at the hospital. Not in a negative way, but through the eyes of their daughter watching the way they love each other even when Mom didn't really know who we were or understand what was happening to her.
I wish you could see the Dr.'s and nurses who have worked with Mom (and Dad) over the last few weeks and have fallen in love with them in that short time. The hematocrit Dr. broke down and cried yesterday and told me that it touched her so deeply to see the way they love each other and that it was painful to watch Mom so miserable. She told me she thinks Mom is such a sweet and precious lady. She's right.
Their afternoon nurse was visibly shaken, she cried when she came on shift and saw Mom struggling. She kept lingering in the room like she hated to leave her. God is so gracious. We have had exceptional care even though we have had complications. They have all been attentive and compassionate. God has truly placed special, strong, loving people to minister to patients on the chemo floor. I could never do what they do. I am thankful to each of them, and grateful to the Lord for placing each person that walks through the door day in and day out in Mom's room.
Mom's evening was long. She slept about an hour all night due to nausea, horrible leg trembling and spasms, and just the plain simple truth that no one can truly rest in the hospital atmosphere. The noise, bells whistles and constant ingress and egress into the room make it excruciatingly long.
It is 3:10 PM. She is finally sleeping and that means she is not super nauseous. The best news? She does get to go home today. We are so relieved. The sad thing is they can't fit her in to remove the filter, so she will return at another date for removal as a day patient. Not great to have to return any time before the next chemo cycle, but God knows what plans are best, so we're going with that and we are just gonna be grateful!
She had a low potassium count so she is getting 1/2 her dose via her port, but must take the other half by mouth. Potassium is hard on the stomach so please pray that she can keep it down. To get it all by iv, would mean that an 8 hour infusion and a late night exit so Mom has opted to try it by mouth for a night in her own home and bed.

Ok, now to get specific for those of you who like to know exactly what to pray for:

1) For Mom to make the ride home without lots of nausea and sickness.
2) For Dad and family to best know how to care for Mom at home. It's a bit intimidating.
3) For Mom to be able to take all the meds she needs and keep them down.
4) For Mom to be able to eat and drink. So far we are not having much luck and it is super important that she can continue to eat and drink even when she can't stand the thought of food.
5) For her transition over the next few days at home and for good solid rest.
6) For renewed strength for her daily.

I'm sure there are many more things I am forgetting, but I'm sure they will come up over the next few days.
I am pretty sure it will be after 6PM when we get discharged, and then we will go to Seattle Cancer Care Aliance for the immune boost injection before heading home. This will eliminate the need to come back tomorrow. It cannot be administered in the hospital or insurance won't pay.
Thank you again. Will let you know how tomorrow goes and then will communicate how Mom is feeling via the blog.
In case there is a time she is feeling up to seeing anyone, I want to let you know about one more thing that is really tough for her. She has a super revved up nose right now. She can't tolerate deodorant on herself or anyone else, perfume, gum, hairspray, or fragrant lotions. She wants to go home and wash everything she brought as it all smells very strong of the chemo medicine to her. Even the nurses scrubs, she says smells thick with the chemo smell. So when she is able to see a few people, please be aware of this for her.

Thank you so very much.
You lift her up with your prayer and support.
God bless,
Kimberly and family