Challenges

I lost my mojo... I'm not sure where the heck I put it, but I've tried to post for the last day or so, and every time I've sat down words wouldn't come.  Perhaps it's finding the right way to convey tough information.  Or maybe the emotional journey is catching up with all of us!  I'm not sure.  I know you all rely on these post for information so I apologize for the silent keyboard.

Mary is faced with so many challenges.  She has very little strength.  In order to gain some, she needs to eat and move. Unfortunately, when she eats, she doesn't feel well.  She tends to avoid eating only taking a bite or so of whatever is placed in front of her.  So in order to continue making progress, she needs to have the energy and to have the energy she needs to eat.  It is such a conflict and there doesn't seem to be a resolution.

On the up side, Mary remains in good spirits.  Although she is battling nausea and pain, she is talkative and determined.  She continues with PT and she actually was sitting up in a wheelchair twice this week. She also sat on her bed for 15 min as she got her hair cut.  Needless to say she is ready for visitors.  

I believe radiation is done for now.  Mary seems to think that it's helped a bit.  Again, it will take 3 weeks to see how effective it was.  She goes to her Oncologist on Monday.  We pray that she is healthy enough to stay on at Camilla Rose and resume Chemo and not have to go back into the hospital.  So please lift her up in your prayers.  This is a really important Doctor visit!

KK

Present

I love viewing the world through my children's eyes.  Their enthusiasm and innocence is a something I want to cling to.  They're able to simplify a situation and add surprising clarity to situations we complicate with all our adult, worldly experiences.  My daughter said something to me the other day that really made me stop in my tracks: live in the present because it really is a gift! I was taken back by her wisdom.  She couldn't take credit for this brilliant perspective of course, as it was on one of her programs but I appreciate the message just the same!  I know Mary lives her life with this philosophy and its a great reminder for me!  Today is a gift!!

It had been a tough morning for Mary. Her stomach was very upset to the point where she threw up.  She did feel much better afterwards and did end up eating a little bit.  Her PT has already had her sitting up at 3 different times and is working on stretching that right leg.  Pain level is still around a 3' as long as she isn't moving a round.  All other vitals are good.  Her spirits are high and that is probably due to the fact that all her kids are in town.  Tom drove up early this morning and they'll all be together tonight.  That is definitely something to smile about.

Kk

Grace

Grace.  A verb, noun, a prayer. In our daily lives we see grace in all these forms and grace is ever present in Mary's life.

It was a busy day today for Mary. She had a care meeting with her team of theapists and care givers. They all laid out their goals and expectations.  I didn't get specifics but everyone is clear on what needs to happen for Mary to continue treatment.  She had radiation and PT and although painful she gracefully completed each task as best she could.  Movement in general provides a great amount of effort and challenge. She did, however, sit up for a solid 10 minutes today, so she's gaining a small amount of strength each day. We pray it continues.   Tomorrow she is going to get her hair washed and cut which I'm sure will do wonders!

At numerous points during her day she faced surprises.  She received a beautiful bouquet of flowers that now grace her room. It really brightens the place up and she so appreciates the thoughtfulness.  She also has received lots of cards and notes of love and support.  Friends of old have stopped in and even when tired her display of grace is remarkable!

Grace: The state of being protected or sanctified by the favor of God!  This is probably my favorite definition and it is without question that Mary has an abundance of grace in her life.


KK

Paitence

We have become such a society of convenience.  Fast food, cell phones, convenient stores and fast lanes all feed our need to get there, have that, get in touch immediately.  I for one, will admit, that I enjoy all of these things as patience is not something I excel with.  In speaking with Mary today, it occurred to me, that she is facing each day with a tremendous amount of patience and I'm amazed at how she's able to tackle one obstacle after the next.  They are small obstacles.  Today it was sitting on the edge of the bed for 7 minutes.  This was 6 minutes longer than the day prior.  How hard it must be to curve your mind not to want to just get up and walk.  Patience.  Today she did not have radiation as the ambulance transport is ridiculously expensive so it was delayed till tomorrow. Patience.  Her stomach continues to give her fits but she knows they'll find the cause of the trouble.  She has decided to stay away from the tropical fruits to see if that helps.  Patience.  She is constantly tested.  She is constantly challenged to remain patient.  During our Lenten journey, I'm reminded that Jesus was tested too, in patience. Isn't our faith all about patience? Patience is often rewarded.. we just have to be.. well.. patient!

Mary had a wonderful visit from the Priest at St. Tim's.  This was the highlight of her day.  They sat and prayed and chatted for a good 1/2 hour.  She also had many other visitors and we can't thank you enough for taking the time to stop in and brighten her day.  Her PT is giving her small goals each session and Mary is doing her best. She's continues to be rather weak as she doesn't have a ton of food in her system to fuel this amount of activity.  Chemo is on hold for now as she's not strong enough for the Doctors liking.

I read the Blog comments to her so please know all your thoughts and prayers are getting to her and it is a true blessing!!

That's all to report for now.  I for one, am going to try and do a better job at relishing the moment, slowing down and being patient.  Mary never stops being a Mom and continues to teach all of us "kids" the lessons in life!

KK

Courage

"Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
Mark 6:49

I couldn't believe that today's church sermon focused on this verse! It was a great reminder that we are never alone. That although the waters may be rough and we struggle for control and understanding, GOD is always in the boat. We are never alone.  I couldn't help but have Mary in my heart/mind as the scripture was read.

Had a great conversation with Mary yesterday. She sounded strong and happy. She's relieved to be out of the hospital and closer to home.  The staff at Camilla Rose has been absolutely incredible.  Her PT and OT seemed to have been hand picked specifically for her.  I believe it was her PT's husband who is from Fairfax and what a wonderful coincidence! I'm sure Gene sent this angel to watch over Mary.  Radiation has continued but there hasn't been any improvement in her mobility.  It may take a couple weeks for the benefits to take effect so we remain hopeful.  Her pain level lingers at around a 3 but she is very uncomfortable anytime she sits up.  This makes it difficult to shower but the nursing and therapy team are solution driven and are determined to find a way to get her all shiny!! Since her transfer her appetite seems to have improved and she actually has been hungry. That has not been the case for ages.

Again, please feel free to call and drop in for a visit.  We hope to get the mealtrain calendar up so we can arrange for a stream of visitors throughout the days she there.  Short 15/20 min visits are great. No pressure to stay all day. The more visitors the merrier!

KK

With a Little Help from My Friends

It has been quite a week.  Kathleen and Gary were here and a definite bright spot to Mary's days. They left today and you can imagine how hard it was for Mary to see them go! Friends and family can do so much to lift her spirits!!

Mary went off her pain drip on Tuesday and was given the green light to be moved to the rehab center.  She arrived at Camilla Rose late this afternoon.  Her phone number is tel:763-489-3633.  She is room #106 and visiting hours are 9 to 9.  Needless to say, if you want to visit please do!! It is super important to her to see family and friends.

Otherwise,  there is not much new to report. Her pain level is still troubling and she has not "walked" or had PT since Monday.  She has continued with  radiation though. Her Chemo Doctor did tell her that if she is not in "optimal" shape they would not resume chemo.  She is rather weak as she still hasn't had much to eat and her stomach is still a bit sour.  Grandson Matthew even proclaim that she looked skinnier.  He had just been with her less than a week ago.  We continue to pray that Mary gains some momentum in the right direction. It's all about small attainable goals!!

Rejoice in hope,
Be patient in tribulation
Be constant in prayer
Romans 12:12

Good night to all! Blessings.
Kk

Sorry

My apologies for not posting an update yesterday. I'm traveling and I wasn't able to connect to get all the latest! Plan on getting information today and will update immediately!!!

Kk

Small Steps

Not only did Mary go to radiation yesterday she also had PT this morning. She got out of bed and walked 5 or 6 steps. She still isn't able to put much pressure on her right leg. She has a ways to go with that. Really important to get her moving as much as possible. She is still on her pain drip and the doctors are working to get her to a pill form of  pain management. She is very anxious to get out of the hospital. Still doesn't have an appetite but she did eat tiny bit this a.m.  Her blood pressure is stil elevated, but not horribly so and that darn potassium is still low.  Not being as nauseous will hopefully get her eating to aid those potassium levels. As I update I believe Kathleen has arrived.  I know Mary is really looking forward to that.

That's all I have to report for now!!

Kk

Onward!

We were able to get some information from the doctor this morning.  Although extremely unpleasant    Mary did manage to have the GI test.  There is no blockage so the thought is her stomach isn't emptying completely or much at all so they are going to give her a medicine to aid the process.  When she returned from her test she had a room full of visitors.  So happy to see family and friends.

The other development is they are going to put Mary back on Oxy to manage her pain.  It's a going to be a pretty significant amount that she'll take three times a day in addition to a break out pill.  Not sure if they've  taken her off the drip already but that will be a process.  If all goes well Mary will move to transitional care on Wednesday.

I haven't had a chance to get a full download about how Mary is managing everything today but when I do I'll be sure to update.

Kk

EARLY EVENING ANTICS!

It's funny how things evolve.  Just got a note from Annie and Mary called her to let her know that she sat for about 15min as the nurses changed her sheets!  Given the day she's had that is truly a miracle!  She never ceases to amaze!

HE gives strength to the weary
 and increases the power of the weak.
Even the youths grow tired and weary,
 and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
 will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
 they will run and not grow weary
 they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31

AMEN!
KK

Challenges

Today has presented itself with numerous challenges.

1. Mary is in a tremendous amount of pain, which is barely managed by pain medication.
2. She has not moved in 24 hrs
3. There is concern that bed sores may arise, which could present a whole bunch of other issues.
4. She continues to be nauseous.
5. She isn't eating more than a bite of food a day
6. She refused physical therapy.
7. Her potassium is low and she doesn't want to take it in liquid form as it bothers her throat. The pill form isn't good    for her either as it's difficult to swallow.
8.  The Doctors would like to do a G.I test, but if it entails her lying flat on her back there is no way she can manage that with the amount of pain she's in.
9. She's extremely weak.

In order for her to be moved to transitional care, she needs to have all her iv's removed.  However, the Doctors can't get a true sense of Mary's pain levels.  As long as she doesn't sit up, her pain level is around a 3, but if she's moved at all the pain increases significantly.  Until they can figure out the amount of pain medication she needs, and are able to administer it in pill form, it sounds like she will remain in the hospital.

I apologize for the blunt nature of this blog.  There were so many obstacles today that I couldn't come up with a way in which to convey all the information.  Sometimes I try and sugar coat to make it more palatable for all of us, but today I just felt it best to lay out all the information as it truly sits on this day!  Both Mary and the Doctors are trying to do all they can but many of the options suggested are just so difficult for Mary to manage given the tremendous amount of pain she's in.

That is all for now.  We continue to ask that you lift Mary up in prayer and know we are reading her all the notes of love.  Please feel free to leave comments!

Karen

Yesterday

Thank you for all the comments and prayers!!!
Mary had a better day yesterday. Not spectacular, but at least the nausea wasn't so severe that she couldn't eat. She did have a little bit of food. In an effort to see if the pain meds were the cause  they did adjust her medication.  She is now on Dilaudid and is taking about 3 times the amount then she is currently prescribed.  She has been in serious discomfort. We're hoping this will be the answer to the stomach issue.  She did not have radiation today but that will resume on Monday unless Mary is still not feeling well. It also sounds like she will be out of the hospital and moved to rehab. There she will get some physical therapy in an effort to gain the use of her leg.  Again this will all be predicated on how she's feeling. I know each day, I wake and pray that today will be the day she feels better!!

The hospital room did get a workout yesterday as Mary had lots of visitors!  Her brother Phillip stopped in along with sister-in-law Rhonda and niece Lynn. The Bill Kiecker family and the Stalboeger clan all hung around too and kept Mary company.  She had the opportunity to receive communion and had a wonderful conversation with the visiting Priest.  She also had lots of phone calls! Thank you family and friends for reaching out to let her feel your love and support.

As for today, Annie is hoping to catch the doctor and touch base, so I may have some more info to share.  Please continue with those prayers!

For I know the plans I have for you," declares The Lord,"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray with me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you."
Jeremiah 29:11-14

Karen

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back...

It has been a very tough day for Mary.   The Valentines Day festivities, as great as they were, had taken a toll.  The biggest issue today has been nausea.  We can only surmise what the cause is.  Given the amount of pain medication being administered, it could be the cause for the upset stomach.  That combined with radiation and she ate more yesterday than she has in a quit some time. All these are very valid causes and we're hoping that its not the cancer invading her stomach.  Bill was there today for her radiation treatment but they ended up not doing it as she just felt horrible.  Mary was quiet and rested as Bill and Judy sat with her.  Big change from yesterday.  We hope tomorrow will be a better day and Kathleen is coming on Monday which is certain to lift her spirits!

Sorry there is not more to report. If we learn anything new, regardless of how small, I'll be sure to update!!  Continue your prayers as you know Mary can feel  them! It provides great comfort!

Karen

The Greatest Gift of All

I apologize for such a late update. As I mentioned in the morning post the Doctor gave Bill, Jimbo and Annie a plan of attack. They hope that radiation therapy will alleviate the pressure on her sciatic nerve. It's not a guarantee that she'll  regain movement in her right leg, but we're glad they're willing to try.  She will have 10 rounds and she'll have it everyday except on the weekends.  She had her first round late this afternoon at the same center where she has chemo.  She had to lay on her stomach, which was not ideal, especially as she was not on her pain drip.  She also was left waiting after her treatment for two hours until an ambulance became available to pick her up. By the time she got back to the hospital she was very uncomfortable and fuming mad!! Not the best of afternoons!

She is back at North Memorial now and will be there for the next couple days for sure.  She is open to visitors and phone calls.  I just got off the phone with Tom (he drove up early this morning) and he reports she's in good spirits!  She has gotten to spend Valentines Day with all her kids!!

North Memorial
3300 Oakdale Ave N
Robbinsdale
763-257-8251

I end this post with a prayer...

Trust in The Lord with all your heart
 And lean not on your own understanding
In all your ways acknowledge him
 And HE will make your path straight
Proverbs 3:5-6

God Bless
Karen

Straight to the Point

Good Morning,

We were hopeful to get some answers after Mary had an MRI.  Unfortunately there was just too much pain to bare and the medication wasn't doing enough to make her comfortable.  They ended up doing a CT scan which gave us some answers.

The bone cancer is no longer stable.  I'm not sure to what degree and rate it is growing.  It is the cancer that is pressing on her sciatic nerve and making her immobile.  The plan of attack is to do direct radiation on the area where the cancer is centrally located.  They hope that this will alleviate the pain and give her some independence.  Given that she can not fully care for herself she will stay in the hospital for a few days and then be moved to a nursing home until she is able to  move around. Her vitals are strong and she won't be having Chemo while they give her radiation.  She is on a pain drip which will give the Doctors a true picture of where she needs to be and they will adjust her meds going forward with the new pain management protocol.

I believe that is all I have to report at this hour.  I will update the blog later this afternoon as we learn more!

Thank you for all the prayers of healing and support!  Happy Valentines Day to all!

Karen

Calling for Prayers

Hello Family and Friends,

Mary has had a tough afternoon.  She woke in quite a bit of pain in her back.  Her sciatica has also made things extremely painful and she is unable to move her right leg.  Given this, she went to see the Doctor thinking a bladder infection was the issue.(Thank you Lloyd for driving her!  You are certainly a living angel) Once at the Doctor he immediately felt she needed to go to the E.R to get an MRI to see what the heck is going on!  She is in a tremendous amount of pain so the nurse has administered pain meds along with Valium so she's able to lay on her back for the MRI, which would be impossible had they not knocked her out!  After the MRI they will do an ultra sound on her leg. We are optimistic that we will know something this evening!  Jimbo and Annie are with her at North Memorial and they are overwhelmed at how the entire staff has handled Mary's care!  They have been incredibly efficient and have managed her every need!  We are so happy to have things moving along so quickly.

Heavenly Father, We lift your child, Mary, up in prayer.  Please, good and gracious Lord, lay your loving hands upon her and comfort her as she is in so much pain! Wrap her in the embrace that only you can provide and give her the strength she needs.

Answer me when I call to you
O my righteous God
Give me relief from my distress
be merciful to me and hear my prayer
Psalm 4:1

Continue your prayers!  God Bless all of you and your commitment to the constant prayers!

Karen

Another Short One!

I had a good morning working on Valentines, and tied eating every two hours, but I still am not eating that much.  The cookie with the morning meds seems to be working well, However this morning I ran out of my cookies, but to my great surprise, Jan Ranum brought over oatmeal raisin cookies....well they are more then oatmeal and raisins, but very moist and very good.  I've already had one, and look forward to my morning meds so I can eat another one.
The highlight of my day however was doing Qigong with Sheila Judd.  She gave me five things to work on a few minutes every day. She said to contact her again next week, and set up another time.  In the meantime, she will be send me good energy,
Jan called and asked if she could make a cookie run this evening, and I told her only if she didn't look at me, and then ran to the bathroom and wet down my hair so it wasn't standing straight up. Before she left, she told me I looked better than she expected....I left and told her it was only because I worked on it before she came.
Barb Datko also called today, and is bringing over some soup ane visiting for awhile this afternoon (Wed).  I look forward to seeing her,,,haven't for a long time.

Today was also Tom and Karen's 14th Anniversary.  Happy Day!!!  Love you both!
That's it for the day.  Love and prayers, m

Each Day Get's a Little Better

I figured that maybe some of my stomach problems had to do with not taking food with the pills.  So this morning I had a cookie with me 7 a.m. pills and didn't have any burping or stomach problems till later in the afternoon.  So I guess that will be my plan from now on.
When you read this it will be Janet's birthday, but she never reads this, so I guess I'll still have to call and sing happy birthday to her.
I got the stuff for my confirmation student done from now till confirmation.  So Annie is taking them up to church for me on Wednesday.  I also gathered more stuff for valentines, and tomorrow I'll get those for the Chicago Kieckers done, and in the mail.
The Mail Train site is doing well, and I thank all of you who have volunteered, and those who asked to be put on the list,  I'll be adding more dates soon.
Must get to bed....Love and Prayers, m

Lots of Work Day!

For Annie, not for me.  She worked so hard.  I don't know how many loads of wash that she did, plus folded and put away.  Cleaned out the fridge, and a couple of cupboards so she could move food into eye view for me.  Swept the floor, brought a card table up for me, so I can work on Valentines. She also worked on a computer program called the "MealTrain", so people can volunteer to help me out with rides and meals etc. If you would be like to be put on the list of volunteers, just email me at: marykiecker@comcast.net
My strength hasn't seemed to improved, and am so glad I have gotten the walker to get around the house.  I can sure use your prayers,  I thought by now I'd be up and running.
Hope Bonnie and her son John were able to leave for AZ this weekend despite the weather.  Coon Rapids seems to have gotten the most as far as the Twin Cities goes.  4" of wet heavy snow.  Funny one of the towns with large amounts was Murdock out west in Swift County.  That is where my mom was born, and a very small town that most people have never heard of, unless you are from Benson or some other small town. I never heard it named in a weather report before.
Well, time for bed.  Love and Prayers, m

Sunny Day!

Loved the sun this morning, but I don't know where my energy went, but I guess it went down with the sun this afternoon.  Getting dressed and ready for the funeral this afternoon took all the energy out of me.
I took my new walker, and Bill was here to help me get my boots on.  First I had him help me get my right sock on, then tried to put my black dressy boots on, and because my right foot is swallon, we had to go to my Uggs, which meant taking off the socks.  Then he got me to the car and into it....to the funeral home just down the street, and then into the building.  All of this couldn't have been done without his help.  We got in, and other than the grand-kids of Don's, Bill was about the youngest one there.  All the immediate neighbors were in attendance, but it was a small crowd.  I'm used to 250 or more people at funerals.  But Don and Cherie both had small families   Don's son in-law got up and spoke during the ceremony, and he did a really great job.  I had never been to an evening funeral so this was a first for me.  I don't know how much longer the service went on, but after about 40 minutes, my body gave out, and I had Bill get the car and bring it to the door, and I took my walker and quietly left.  Wally had supplied me with a pillow which helped, but even though I took 2 break-out pills at 5 p.m., I planned on taking my 7 p.m. pill when the time came, but in the bottle their wasn't a 40 mg pill.  So I din't get to take it till I got home. I can't figure out what the pills were that were in there, but not what was supposed to be.  I'll have to work on getting that filled correctly.
When I got home I went directly to the couch, Bill covered me up, did some cleaning of my kitchen and emptied my dishwasher and reloaded it. He kissed me goodbye and left.  I woke up at 9:50 and turned the TV on and watched the news and Jay Leno, and then decided I better eat something and get this written.  Now it's time for me to go to bed....but I am feeling a little better. Love and Prayers, m