More alert today...

Mom was more alert today.  She had a good night's sleep and had much more energy today.   A good gauge I watch for is whether or not she has changed out of her gown and robe by the time I arrive around 10:00 or so.  Yesterday she stayed in her gown all day, whereas today she had changed clothes before I arrived.  It's interesting how much energy its required to just change clothes!  Mom's legs are swollen, so it is difficult for her to bend them to put on her pants.  She does like to put on daytime clothes, especially if she is expecting any company.

Dad has been having some issues recently with blood in his urine.  The hospice doctor and nurse are working with him to get the bleeding stopped. It is suspected that the bleeding has to do with Dad's bladder cancer. Dad was treated for bladder several years ago.  He drove back and forth to Austin every day for 6 weeks to receive radiation treatments.  The cancer was in remission until 2009.  He had been having some trouble and a biopsy was done the week before he had his stroke.  Dad's stroke was Monday, September 14, 2009.  The following day, his urologist called to tell us that his cancer was back and that Dad needed to come in to discuss how they were going to treat it.  I informed him that Dad was in Seton Hospital having suffered a stroke.  Further down the road, Mom and Dad decided there would be no treatment done.  He has not had many symptoms form the cancer, but he did have a very serious urinary tract infection in March of this year.  He recovered well from that and has been doing pretty well until recently when the bleeding increased dramatically and he is now having pain. We are discussing his options and are treating his pain.

Deacon Pat Kennedy from Mom and Dad's Church in Marble Falls, St John's Catholic Church, comes weekly to bring them communion and keep them up-to-date with the people and the happenings of their home parish.  We have also met a very kind woman who lives in their garden home complex and whom is a member of St Thomas More's parish in Austin.  She is now coming at least once a week to bring them communion.  Mom and Dad both are comforted and blessed by their visits.   We are so grateful for their kindness to Mom and Dad. 

Cousin Peggy Radford is bringing Aunt Mary Wusterhausen and Aunt Dorene McNair, Dad's sisters, to visit tomorrow.  Mom and Dad are looking forward to their visit!  Aunt Mary is now in an assisted living facility and Aunt Dorene suffers with chronic back problems. so they don't get to see each other very often.  We are so grateful to Peggy for taking the time and effort in getting this arranged!   Family is such a blessing! 

As I am typing, this song came to my mind.  I guess I am meant to share it!  Thank you for your prayers for Mom and Dad!

Hear oh Lord the sound of my call.  Hear oh Lord and have mercy.
My soul is longing for the glory of You, hear oh Lord and have mercy.   

 Amen!