Difficult Day

Hello Friends,
Well, this has been a difficult day for mom. They have started a new treatment where they run some sort of vibrator over her chest and back in an attempt to loosen whatever is in her lungs. This has caused her some discomfort. We are also somewhat concerned about the decision to use this treatment since they just told us a few days ago that she had pulmonary embolisms & since they have her on heavy doses of blood thinners. Additionally, this order was made by the internist, not the pulmonary doctor.

They also tried to get mom to take a few steps today with a walker. This proved to NOT be a good idea as her Oxygen level quickly dropped to 70.

We, her children, are concerned with the communication - or lack there of - between us and her doctors & between the doctors with each other. It seems the left hand does not know what the right is doing.

We hope to get permission for Michael, Karen's husband, to review mom's chart. Michael is a very brilliant doctor, who has a gift for diagnosis. Our hope is that in reviewing her chart, he might be able to see something that her doctors have not, or at least be able to help us have a better understanding of what is going on. Thus far, they have been reticent to share any more information with us and have refused to let Michael look at her chart, saying that mom did not give him signed permission to do so. Since mom is in better shape now, we can have her sign a form to allow him access to her records. Hopefully, that will happen tomorrow.

Please keep mom in your prayers ~ for healing, strength and courage. Wisdom for us and for her doctors.

Finally, I have picked up some sort of infection and have not been able to be with mom today ~ I don't want to take even the remotest chance of spreading anything to her. Please pray that this will clear up quickly, so that I can be with mom soon. Greg was with her most of the day today, as Karen had to be out of town on business. However, Karen can be with her tomorrow.

We are so thankful to have each other. Our family has been blessed with a wonderful mother and brothers and sisters who love one another.

Please know that you have our deepest gratitude.

In His Embrace,
Jean and family