Just a quick update on Mom.
Please continue to pray for Mom as the nausea continues,the pain meds and anti nausea meds sedate her and she continues the dance of trying to balance them all
without the side effects causing more problems.
Thank you to Wanda Barlow (PCLI) for running up to check Mom's oxygen saturation levels today on a moments notice. We appreciate that more than you know Wanda. We hesitate to take her to the Dr.'s office or hospital with so many germs out there.
It was a blessing to have the "house call". Her levels were between 96% - 98% so all was fine. We were concerned because she could not wake up 100% today and was overly groggy most of the day until late afternoon. We believe now it was the combination of anti nausea patch, anti nausea pills and pain medication. She hyper metabolises (is that a word???) medication so she is a hard one to regulate on anything.
It will still be a while before she can have guests. She just feels crummy and so very fatigued. Thank you for understanding.
I don't want to post her address on the Internet, but if you don't have it and would like to send her a card or note, please email me (here) or send them via my address:
Kimberly Gibson
P.O. Box 269
Kapowsin, WA 98344
Thank you again for faithfully praying for Mom.
Blessings,
Kimberly and family
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sunday November 15 2009
Just a quick update asking you to pray for Mom.
The pain meds are causing a lot of nausea and Mom is throwing up a lot and has dry heaves as well. You can imagine this causes so much pain from the 8-9 " incision from her back to her side. Add to that a sore and tender lung and coughing that follows and it is really miserable. The Dr. ordered her another antinausea patch that can be worn for three days, but asked her to stop the oxycodone and the ibuprofen for now and only use tylenol. Please pray it is sufficient for the pain. She is already sore from the vomiting and now to go off the heavy pain meds makes me a bit concerned for her pain level. It is a frustrating dance. Please pray for Dad as well. He is doing an amazing job caring for Mom, but is worried for her as well. We all feel helpless to make it any better. Prayer changes things. Please pray for relief from pain, nausea, soreness and an incredibly sore back. Please pray for a decent night's sleep for them all.
We appreciate you all and rely on you to lift her up in prayer. We are so thankful for you.
With love and appreciation,
Kimberly and family
The pain meds are causing a lot of nausea and Mom is throwing up a lot and has dry heaves as well. You can imagine this causes so much pain from the 8-9 " incision from her back to her side. Add to that a sore and tender lung and coughing that follows and it is really miserable. The Dr. ordered her another antinausea patch that can be worn for three days, but asked her to stop the oxycodone and the ibuprofen for now and only use tylenol. Please pray it is sufficient for the pain. She is already sore from the vomiting and now to go off the heavy pain meds makes me a bit concerned for her pain level. It is a frustrating dance. Please pray for Dad as well. He is doing an amazing job caring for Mom, but is worried for her as well. We all feel helpless to make it any better. Prayer changes things. Please pray for relief from pain, nausea, soreness and an incredibly sore back. Please pray for a decent night's sleep for them all.
We appreciate you all and rely on you to lift her up in prayer. We are so thankful for you.
With love and appreciation,
Kimberly and family
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Recovering at Home
It is so good to be home again. With no one coming into the room to take vitals, Mama was able to get some better sleep last night. Her pain is under control as well as the nausea. Her incision site on her back is very sore, so she is continually trying to get comfortable. Her medication makes her very sleepy, but we are so thankful for her relief from the pain. Mama is still very weak. It is going to take some time to regain her strength again. She also continues to do breathing exercises to strengthen her lungs.
Mama's longtime friend Sandy Macomber is staying with Mama and Daddy to help with Mama's home care and give Daddy rest. She was also a huge help during Mama's first bout with cancer. Sandy, thank you so much. We love you dearly.
Mama enjoyed reading her cards and looking at her beautiful flowers today. She is feeling very loved. I believe this is the most smiles I have seen from her since surgery.
Thank you for your continued prayers and words of encouragement. We will keep you updated.
With love,
Carmen and family
Mama's longtime friend Sandy Macomber is staying with Mama and Daddy to help with Mama's home care and give Daddy rest. She was also a huge help during Mama's first bout with cancer. Sandy, thank you so much. We love you dearly.
Mama enjoyed reading her cards and looking at her beautiful flowers today. She is feeling very loved. I believe this is the most smiles I have seen from her since surgery.
Thank you for your continued prayers and words of encouragement. We will keep you updated.
With love,
Carmen and family
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Wednesday Nov. 11, 2009 update
They're home!!!
It was a very long day, but sweet in the end. Mom,Dad and Carmen are finally home.
Dad said it was a hard ride as Mom could feel every little bump because she is so sore. When they got home her pain was kicking up a notch but they were able to get some additional meds on board and get it under control. The anti nausea patch seems to be doing the trick for her so far and keeps the nausea at a minimum.
Please continue to pray that she will be able to rest,get comfortable and sleep at home.
She is so exhausted. All her energy is being spent to get her well and regain some strength after this major surgery. So, if you call, she will most likely not have it in her to visit much for a while. She gets tired very easily.
We are also concerned with flu season and the fact that Mom did not get a flu shot before all of this started. It might be a good idea to not try to come and visit for the first two weeks or so. This is not her talking, and she may even disagree, but the front line is worried about her so we are hoping you will join us in protecting her. It will be 6-8 weeks before she will be bouncing back a bit and hopefully she will be feeling better soon and able to let us know what she wants or needs. For now, we are trying to do the best we can to figure out how best to care for her.
Her incision is much bigger than we had thought it would be and getting up and down and walking is no day in the park, let alone the internal healing from removing the lower lobe of the lung. We will post often and keep you all updated as to her progress and will give you a green light when she is ready for visitors.
I'm sure it doesn't need to be said, but when it is time for visitors please make sure you are completely healthy and that no one in your family is sick or runnning a fever. This is a crazy flu season already. The worst scenerio that I see right now is flu that goes into pneumonia. That could be devastating to her now.
As always, I want to end by thanking you all for the cards, emails, blog entries, texts and prayer for Mom and Dad. They definately have the best friends and family in the world. You guys have no idea what the kindnes and love shown to them means. You encourage her to fight and to keep pushing. You reenergize her, delight her and bless her and Dad both. By that, we her children and grandchildren, are blessed as well.
May God return those blessings to you seven fold. (because 7 is Mom's favorite number ) :)
With love,
Kimberly and family
It was a very long day, but sweet in the end. Mom,Dad and Carmen are finally home.
Dad said it was a hard ride as Mom could feel every little bump because she is so sore. When they got home her pain was kicking up a notch but they were able to get some additional meds on board and get it under control. The anti nausea patch seems to be doing the trick for her so far and keeps the nausea at a minimum.
Please continue to pray that she will be able to rest,get comfortable and sleep at home.
She is so exhausted. All her energy is being spent to get her well and regain some strength after this major surgery. So, if you call, she will most likely not have it in her to visit much for a while. She gets tired very easily.
We are also concerned with flu season and the fact that Mom did not get a flu shot before all of this started. It might be a good idea to not try to come and visit for the first two weeks or so. This is not her talking, and she may even disagree, but the front line is worried about her so we are hoping you will join us in protecting her. It will be 6-8 weeks before she will be bouncing back a bit and hopefully she will be feeling better soon and able to let us know what she wants or needs. For now, we are trying to do the best we can to figure out how best to care for her.
Her incision is much bigger than we had thought it would be and getting up and down and walking is no day in the park, let alone the internal healing from removing the lower lobe of the lung. We will post often and keep you all updated as to her progress and will give you a green light when she is ready for visitors.
I'm sure it doesn't need to be said, but when it is time for visitors please make sure you are completely healthy and that no one in your family is sick or runnning a fever. This is a crazy flu season already. The worst scenerio that I see right now is flu that goes into pneumonia. That could be devastating to her now.
As always, I want to end by thanking you all for the cards, emails, blog entries, texts and prayer for Mom and Dad. They definately have the best friends and family in the world. You guys have no idea what the kindnes and love shown to them means. You encourage her to fight and to keep pushing. You reenergize her, delight her and bless her and Dad both. By that, we her children and grandchildren, are blessed as well.
May God return those blessings to you seven fold. (because 7 is Mom's favorite number ) :)
With love,
Kimberly and family
Going Home!
Prayers have been answered!!! Thank you Lord Jesus!!! Pain is under control, nausea is at a minimum, oxygen counts are exceeding the number needed to get out of here. Mama is extremely tired but is doing so much better. Her walks have had to be considerably shortened over the last several days. The short walks feel good to be up and out of bed, but usually wipes her out and sends her right back to bed to regain her strength. They will be doing one last chest x-ray before sending her home just to confirm all is still well. The past x-rays have been fine so they do not anticipate any problems.
We are looking forward to getting her home. Hopefully there she will be able to get some better rest. Besides, there is nothing like going home. :) Thank you again for your prayers. Kim and I will do our best to keep you updated with her progress at home.
All Praise be to God. He is our Great Physician, protector and comforter.
With love,
Carmen and family
We are looking forward to getting her home. Hopefully there she will be able to get some better rest. Besides, there is nothing like going home. :) Thank you again for your prayers. Kim and I will do our best to keep you updated with her progress at home.
All Praise be to God. He is our Great Physician, protector and comforter.
With love,
Carmen and family
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Tuesday trials
Last night Mama was able to get a little more rest. It was so nice to see her get some sleep. However the early morning and rest of the day brought trials. Pain management and nausea has continued to be an issue.
During doctors rounds, the doctors decided she would be released from the hospital today. Due to the pain still not under control, nausea and a few other issues, we were not in agreement that discharging her would be in her best interest. We were able to meet with our nurse and one of the doctors again to express our concerns and frustrations. Fortunately this time we were heard and they agreed to keep her here until things are better under control.
Mama has been very sick today and struggled with nausea especially after taking her medication. We are having a hard time finding the combination of food and meds that will keep her nausea down. She is taking nausea medication, but it doesn't seem to be doing the trick. Her sweet nurse this evening has taken the extra time with her to better understand her needs and has placed a patch behind her ear to additionally help her with the nausea.
Not being heard and feeling blown off has been very frustrating. But the Lord is now bringing us the special people we need and that will listen and respond. They expect that tomorrow Mama should be ready to be discharged, however it will depend on her pain management, nausea and oxygen level.
We would appreciate your continued prayers regarding those three issues, as well as peace for the rattled nerves.
I am attaching a link that has spoke to our family's heart. I hope it blesses you as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvIEJ_PmqJ8
With love,
Carmen and family
During doctors rounds, the doctors decided she would be released from the hospital today. Due to the pain still not under control, nausea and a few other issues, we were not in agreement that discharging her would be in her best interest. We were able to meet with our nurse and one of the doctors again to express our concerns and frustrations. Fortunately this time we were heard and they agreed to keep her here until things are better under control.
Mama has been very sick today and struggled with nausea especially after taking her medication. We are having a hard time finding the combination of food and meds that will keep her nausea down. She is taking nausea medication, but it doesn't seem to be doing the trick. Her sweet nurse this evening has taken the extra time with her to better understand her needs and has placed a patch behind her ear to additionally help her with the nausea.
Not being heard and feeling blown off has been very frustrating. But the Lord is now bringing us the special people we need and that will listen and respond. They expect that tomorrow Mama should be ready to be discharged, however it will depend on her pain management, nausea and oxygen level.
We would appreciate your continued prayers regarding those three issues, as well as peace for the rattled nerves.
I am attaching a link that has spoke to our family's heart. I hope it blesses you as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvIEJ_PmqJ8
With love,
Carmen and family
Monday, November 9, 2009
Monday evening update
After this mornings post, things got a little rough. It has been Mama's worst day yet. The epidural was removed shortly after the chest tube. The transition from epidural to oral pain meds was not smooth. Mama was experiencing quite a lot of pain most of the day. This evening they finally got her pain under control. She has been so droopy that she could not stay awake during dinner. She doesn't like being so sleepy, but she is so thankful for the sleep and rest. She is resting well now. Hopefully tomorrow is a much better day.
Thank you to all that have held Mama and our family up in prayer. We can feel your prayers. We love and appreciate you all so much.
With love,
Carmen
Thank you to all that have held Mama and our family up in prayer. We can feel your prayers. We love and appreciate you all so much.
With love,
Carmen
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