Thursday, July 30, 2009
Mr Dancy Update Thursday
Mr Dancy had a good day today. He showered, ate breakfast and participated 30 minutes in a card game. He moved around well and was not sleepy today very alert. He walked both morning and afternoon participating in both legs and arm exercises. He held conversation off and on throughout the day. He ate lunch and participated in another game activity and that was pretty much the outcome of today.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Mr Dancy Update Wednesday
Mr Dancy went to the doctor this morning for blood work. He returned home and ate breakfast and slept the majority of the day. I think maybe there is a possibility that he was tired from the trip to the doctor and just needed to rest. He later ate lunch dosing off and on after about an hour he finally finished. He did not participate in any activities today and conversations were minimal. Overall i would say that he had a fair day.
Charles Dancy Update Tuesday
Mr Dancy started the day off this morning not wanting to get up. After several prompts he finally responded. He showered and ate well for breakfast and participated in a puzzle game for about 30 minutes. He then went for his morning walk and set outside at the patio and dosed and then as i attempted to get him to go the restroom for a diaper change he would not get up. He stated that going to the bathroom is just to much for him. Later after waiting a while he finally responded. He then went back outside to sit at the patio table and had lunch he would take a few bites and then dose and had to be reminded on several occassions to finish his meal and finally he did. Later on he was asked to go to the bathroom for another diaper change and he refused to get up. I waited and waited and he never responded. I had to ask barb to speak with him to go and get his diaper change and he responded immediately. However, i would like to say that he did participate in afternoon exercises with both hands and legs and maybe he just may have been a little tired today from the doctors appointment on yesterday. Hopefully he will get rested tonight and will have a better day tommorrow.
Charles Dancy Update Monday
Mr Dancy had a pretty good day today. He was taken to the dermatology after eating a large breakfast and prepared for his stitches to be removed from the surgery of last week. He moved around pretty good at the doctors appointment, there were no problems noted. The doctor explained to both he and i about the surgery which took place last week and that he would be coming back in next Monday to check the upper body. We went back home he ate a late lunch and rested the rest of the evening.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
CharlesDancy Update Saturday
Mr Dancy had a good day today. He showered ate a big breakfast and participated a little in a puzzle game. He went for a walk both morning and afternoon. He did not eat much for lunch today. He rested a little after lunch and then he participated in exercising with a small ball with arm and leg exercises until for approximately 10 minutes. He was very talkative today and spoke a lot about his wife today and other things as well. He did appear to become somewhat tired at the end of the day. Overall i would say today was a good day for him.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Charles Dancy Update Friday
Mr Dancy had a good day today. He showered and ate breakfast and participated in a card game for about 40 minutes. He walked both morning and afternoon and sit outside for awhile where he dosed off to sleep a couple of times. He later came in and prepared for lunch and ate part of his lunch and dosed off and finished it up later. He participated in conversation a little today. He viewed his war log book of USS New Jersey this evening and played the building blocks game a little. Overall i would say he had a pretty good day.
Dad's skin cancers
Wanting to catch everyone up with regards to Dad's skin cancers.
At the initial visit with the new dermatologist (Justine attended with me), Dr. Iwasaki immediately identified 3 spots of concern on Dad's face. As previously mentioned, the 1st two were tested to be a melanoma and a squamous cell on his upper left cheek and forehead respectively. Dad was referred to a specialist and these cancers were successfully removed. The melanoma was considered "in citu" meaning that it had not spread. The 3rd spot around the fold of his mouth next to his cheek was identified as a basal cell. Dad had his appointment with Dr. Iwasaki this past Monday to have it removed in the office. It turned out that the cancer was quite deep, and in fact the doctor told me today that they were not able to get to all of it at the appointment on Monday. She was going to recommend referring him to the specialist to try and remove the remainder.
I raised my concern about the importance of continuing to have Dad subjected to these surgeries (certainly doesn't like all the needles in his face and he is usually quite tired the 1st few days following the surgery). Dr. Iwasaki mentioned that a basal cell rarely will metasticize, so that depending upon how much longer we expect Dad to live, it would not likely kill him. She did mention that it could possibly move to his gum, and perhaps cause some pain, but not necessarily. We also talked about the fact that she had previously recommended that after these initial 3 surgeries, Dad should have a full-body inventory. We have to split it up into two appointment (above waist, below waist), and I have scheduled the 1st appt for Monday, August 3rd. My thinking is it would be good to understand how much more we might be looking at having to address, before we make any decisions about proceeding with another surgery. Specifically, I think it would be beneficial to know if there are any more melanomas, or squamous cells, which have a greater potential to metasticize in the blood stream and adversely affect Dad's end of life.
Dr. Iwasaki also suggested bringing up the question of Dad's life expectancy with the doctor (he has an appointment next week) and to get his input on the necessity of the surgeries. It would be nice to have Dr. Lichstein's input on this since he knows so much more about Dad...did he ever offer and thoughts on Dad's life expectancy?
Everyone's input on this matter is greatly appreciated.
At the initial visit with the new dermatologist (Justine attended with me), Dr. Iwasaki immediately identified 3 spots of concern on Dad's face. As previously mentioned, the 1st two were tested to be a melanoma and a squamous cell on his upper left cheek and forehead respectively. Dad was referred to a specialist and these cancers were successfully removed. The melanoma was considered "in citu" meaning that it had not spread. The 3rd spot around the fold of his mouth next to his cheek was identified as a basal cell. Dad had his appointment with Dr. Iwasaki this past Monday to have it removed in the office. It turned out that the cancer was quite deep, and in fact the doctor told me today that they were not able to get to all of it at the appointment on Monday. She was going to recommend referring him to the specialist to try and remove the remainder.
I raised my concern about the importance of continuing to have Dad subjected to these surgeries (certainly doesn't like all the needles in his face and he is usually quite tired the 1st few days following the surgery). Dr. Iwasaki mentioned that a basal cell rarely will metasticize, so that depending upon how much longer we expect Dad to live, it would not likely kill him. She did mention that it could possibly move to his gum, and perhaps cause some pain, but not necessarily. We also talked about the fact that she had previously recommended that after these initial 3 surgeries, Dad should have a full-body inventory. We have to split it up into two appointment (above waist, below waist), and I have scheduled the 1st appt for Monday, August 3rd. My thinking is it would be good to understand how much more we might be looking at having to address, before we make any decisions about proceeding with another surgery. Specifically, I think it would be beneficial to know if there are any more melanomas, or squamous cells, which have a greater potential to metasticize in the blood stream and adversely affect Dad's end of life.
Dr. Iwasaki also suggested bringing up the question of Dad's life expectancy with the doctor (he has an appointment next week) and to get his input on the necessity of the surgeries. It would be nice to have Dr. Lichstein's input on this since he knows so much more about Dad...did he ever offer and thoughts on Dad's life expectancy?
Everyone's input on this matter is greatly appreciated.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Charles Dancy Update
Mr Dancy had a very good day today. He started with showering and ate a good breakfast and participated in activities of exercising and putting the puzzle together. He walked both morning and afternoon and participated in legs exercises and worked on another puzzle. He moved around very well today and conversated a little today. He ate very little for lunch appeared to be somewhat sleepy. Overall i would say that he had a good day.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Moved better today
Dad was more willing to walk and move today. Appetite remains good. He was commenting about seeing Dylan in his casts..."looks like he has white socks on!"
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Dad having a harder time transitioning
The gals and I are starting to see an increase in times in which Dad doesn't want to get up (not necessarily out of bed in the morning, but from say a seated position to go to eat or do an activity.) I hadn't seen it so much before when i'm with him, but now it's starting to happen to me too. Before Lois would sometimes need me to step in to encourage Dad to get up. Now I sometimes have to recruit Paul to step in to get Dad to get up for me! Tonight was one of those occasions. It also seemed like he was having difficulty knowing the right things to do with his hands. For example, going to the sink after toileting...usually knows when I show him the toothbrush to grab it and start brushing...instead reached for the soap with just one hand. When I placed the toothbrush in his hand, he treated it like it was a bar of soap and ran it under the water instead of putting it in his mouth (until I corrected him.) When I try to talk to him, I'll ask him..."do you want to have dinner"..."yes,", so you need to get up .. "I don't like that." Tonight, after Paul prompted him to get up, he did eat his dinner that was placed in front of him, (though needed a lot of encouragement and instruction for holding the corn on the cob...though then ate it all.)
It could be that this is just a "tired" day after the big outing from yesterday. It's also interesting because last night he actually woke up and got up in the room around 11pm (I could hear him over the monitor.) It was similar to what he's done before in that situation in which he's looking for his shoes, and/or confused and seemingly trying to get his bearings. Was also questioning..."where's my bedroom", and needed to walk around the house a little for me to convince him that was his bedroom. But anyway, the interesting thing is how in that situation, his physical capabilities seem better...he walks much more quickly and is anxious to try and get around (unlike today in which he won't move.) Makes me think that the lack of movement, slow walking has more to do with his mental state than physical. Just a thought.
I'll keep you posted. I also talked to Lois today about doing some blogging, so will try to get her set up soon.
It could be that this is just a "tired" day after the big outing from yesterday. It's also interesting because last night he actually woke up and got up in the room around 11pm (I could hear him over the monitor.) It was similar to what he's done before in that situation in which he's looking for his shoes, and/or confused and seemingly trying to get his bearings. Was also questioning..."where's my bedroom", and needed to walk around the house a little for me to convince him that was his bedroom. But anyway, the interesting thing is how in that situation, his physical capabilities seem better...he walks much more quickly and is anxious to try and get around (unlike today in which he won't move.) Makes me think that the lack of movement, slow walking has more to do with his mental state than physical. Just a thought.
I'll keep you posted. I also talked to Lois today about doing some blogging, so will try to get her set up soon.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Day at the park
Today, Haydee was here for Dad, and Laura was here for Dylan. The four of them went to a park in San Pedro (about 20 mins from my house) that is by the marina...nice flat area with lots of benches and walking paths Gorgeous day here. They recently returned and reported how much Dad seemed to enjoy the location. I noticed it earlier today, and they also mentioned that Dad was really talking very coherently. Apparently he was very talkative during their visit up until he woke from a brief nap he took while there.
Physically it seems that Dad has been putting up more of a fuss lately about moving. Not all the time, but at certain times he seems to get situated and doesn't want to get up. He continues to do a lot of scratching of his scalp and shoulder areas. He's also gotten into this mode of "screeching" or making shivering-type sounds. As I mentioned before, it seems like it started during the hemorrhoid episode (in reaction to the suppositories).
Justine asked, and i will follow through on asking Lois to start blogging on Dad's day... particularly now that he's got his computer and I have it set up on his desk in the bedroom (though it is a very small screen and keyboard.)
Dad is scheduled to go to Ken's house this coming Thursday thru Sunday.
Physically it seems that Dad has been putting up more of a fuss lately about moving. Not all the time, but at certain times he seems to get situated and doesn't want to get up. He continues to do a lot of scratching of his scalp and shoulder areas. He's also gotten into this mode of "screeching" or making shivering-type sounds. As I mentioned before, it seems like it started during the hemorrhoid episode (in reaction to the suppositories).
Justine asked, and i will follow through on asking Lois to start blogging on Dad's day... particularly now that he's got his computer and I have it set up on his desk in the bedroom (though it is a very small screen and keyboard.)
Dad is scheduled to go to Ken's house this coming Thursday thru Sunday.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Father's Day
Dad had a nice day today. Haydee took him out for ice cream during the day. Tonight he had a turkey noodle casserole, which is a recipe I got from Mom who got it from Aunt Thelma (I substituted ground turkey for ground beef.) I just put Dad to bed...every night I put Dad to bed, I always tell him "I love you" and his usual response is either nothing or "ok". Tonight, he said "Same for me."
Friday night was interesting...Paul and I were up late watching TV...around 1:00am I heard Dad get up...he had made it out to the hallway in his walker and wanted to know where his shoes were. His walking and manner of speaking was more "normal" than his usual slower gait. I let him know it was the middle of night and starting directing him back to his bedroom. He made the comment "How did I get in this house?" He said he needed to pee, so we walked to the bathroom and he walked towards the toilet and pulled up the seat and starting pulling down his pants to pee standing up! Had never seen him do that before...I made sure he was close enough to the toilet, and sure enough, he peed! We made it back to his bed...he asked to keep the bathroom light on and insisted he keep on his slippers in bed, as well as his glasses. THe next morning I asked him if he remembered getting up the night before and he said no.
Friday night was interesting...Paul and I were up late watching TV...around 1:00am I heard Dad get up...he had made it out to the hallway in his walker and wanted to know where his shoes were. His walking and manner of speaking was more "normal" than his usual slower gait. I let him know it was the middle of night and starting directing him back to his bedroom. He made the comment "How did I get in this house?" He said he needed to pee, so we walked to the bathroom and he walked towards the toilet and pulled up the seat and starting pulling down his pants to pee standing up! Had never seen him do that before...I made sure he was close enough to the toilet, and sure enough, he peed! We made it back to his bed...he asked to keep the bathroom light on and insisted he keep on his slippers in bed, as well as his glasses. THe next morning I asked him if he remembered getting up the night before and he said no.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Dad's week
Last weekend, Dad experienced quite a bout of painful hemorrhoids. I first became aware of it last Friday evening after Lois' shift. During a trip to the bathroom I could see how inflamed they were (external, and quite large and protruding!) I applied Tucks pads that night and he seemed to sleep comfortably. On Saturday, with Lois, it was day 3 since he had a bowel movement...they tried a couple of times with no success. By the evening, I tried inserting a Prep H suppository while at the toilet, but he was really reactive and complaining, so I couldn't get it all the way in (to be honest, couldn't even see around the hemorrhoids where to put it!)...anyway, it dropped out in the toilet. I was able to apply Prep H cream all around the area. He went to bed that night and still slept OK.
THe next morning, fortunately, I had Lois (Haydee got the flu last week so had to cancel...Lois agreed to come in on Sunday, her normal day off...she had asked if she could take Dad to church with her, which I agreed to.) Anyway, they never made it as Lois stayed with Dad mostly on the bed and in his room that day. He was very uncomfortable and could hardly move. She was able to insert a couple of suppositories during the day. By the end of her day, they had had success with the bowel movement, so Dad was quite relieved as you can imagine. I have to say I was quite impressed with her demeanor and treatment of Dad throughout the day, not to mention her patience! Per California labor laws, since that day was her 7th day in a row of 8 hour or more days, she was to be paid double-time...she definitely deserved it in my opinion.
During this past week, Lois has continued to give Dad the suppositories to help bring the hemorrhoids down. His BMs have been fairly regular, so it doesn't appear they are as bad. He has however clearly become a bit traumatized...he's doing this thing of "screeching" or saying "Ahhh!" when you barely touch him, for wiping example.
I'm also a bit disappointed in myself and Dad's new doctor...he had an appointment with the GP, Dr. Gee, this past Thursday. My understanding of this appointment was that he was to do a full bloodwork for Dad...we had talked last time about following the every 6 months that Dr. Lichstein had done. I was planning to meet Dad and Lois at the doctor's office around 11:30 (appointment was at 11am), because I had some work to take care of at home first...I assumed I would have plenty of time to be there when the doctor was with Dad (assuming the nurse would be doing other checks first.) Well somehow the appointment was listed only as a "blood pressure follow-up", and when I arrived at 11:30, Dad and Lois were just walking back into the waiting room. I went into the back to ask to speak to the doctor, but apparently he was already gone. They sent the nurse out and she said he was probably gone for the weekend! Lois did say she asked about the hemorrhoids, though the doctor didn't examine him...he said to continue with the suppositories. I asked the nurse to have him call me this week and I suppose we'll get on the schedule again to do a more thorough examination.
Today Lois asked if she could take Dad to lunch with her at Red Lobster...she wanted it to be her treat, saying it was like a "father's day" gift for her. Dad is scheduled to go to Ken's next weekend (first visit since the full week when Paul and I were in Fiji.) He will be going to Ken & Judy's new house! Ken...does Judy deal much with patients and hemorrhoids at her job?
I haven't had a chance to try out Dad's new laptop yet, but it did arrive. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks. Ryland and Dylan both have "promotions' this coming week (8th and 5th grades), so lots of parties and events scheduled.
THe next morning, fortunately, I had Lois (Haydee got the flu last week so had to cancel...Lois agreed to come in on Sunday, her normal day off...she had asked if she could take Dad to church with her, which I agreed to.) Anyway, they never made it as Lois stayed with Dad mostly on the bed and in his room that day. He was very uncomfortable and could hardly move. She was able to insert a couple of suppositories during the day. By the end of her day, they had had success with the bowel movement, so Dad was quite relieved as you can imagine. I have to say I was quite impressed with her demeanor and treatment of Dad throughout the day, not to mention her patience! Per California labor laws, since that day was her 7th day in a row of 8 hour or more days, she was to be paid double-time...she definitely deserved it in my opinion.
During this past week, Lois has continued to give Dad the suppositories to help bring the hemorrhoids down. His BMs have been fairly regular, so it doesn't appear they are as bad. He has however clearly become a bit traumatized...he's doing this thing of "screeching" or saying "Ahhh!" when you barely touch him, for wiping example.
I'm also a bit disappointed in myself and Dad's new doctor...he had an appointment with the GP, Dr. Gee, this past Thursday. My understanding of this appointment was that he was to do a full bloodwork for Dad...we had talked last time about following the every 6 months that Dr. Lichstein had done. I was planning to meet Dad and Lois at the doctor's office around 11:30 (appointment was at 11am), because I had some work to take care of at home first...I assumed I would have plenty of time to be there when the doctor was with Dad (assuming the nurse would be doing other checks first.) Well somehow the appointment was listed only as a "blood pressure follow-up", and when I arrived at 11:30, Dad and Lois were just walking back into the waiting room. I went into the back to ask to speak to the doctor, but apparently he was already gone. They sent the nurse out and she said he was probably gone for the weekend! Lois did say she asked about the hemorrhoids, though the doctor didn't examine him...he said to continue with the suppositories. I asked the nurse to have him call me this week and I suppose we'll get on the schedule again to do a more thorough examination.
Today Lois asked if she could take Dad to lunch with her at Red Lobster...she wanted it to be her treat, saying it was like a "father's day" gift for her. Dad is scheduled to go to Ken's next weekend (first visit since the full week when Paul and I were in Fiji.) He will be going to Ken & Judy's new house! Ken...does Judy deal much with patients and hemorrhoids at her job?
I haven't had a chance to try out Dad's new laptop yet, but it did arrive. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks. Ryland and Dylan both have "promotions' this coming week (8th and 5th grades), so lots of parties and events scheduled.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Visit With Dad
It was difficult coming to see Dad, I was anxious to see how he was doing. I was relieved to see he was getting good care from Lois. Lois is very disciplined and has Dad on a schedule that helps him.
Things are more hectic at Ken's house, but Kenny seems very caring and helpful with Dad. Judy is very busy with her work and children, but seems very caring towards Dad as well. The only thing is that the change of coming to Ken's house makes Dad regress such that he only gets settled in by the time he has to go back! I recommended to Ken that he get a toilet seat riser that would help Dad sit down easier. They are on sale at the pharmacy near his home and also I have one that I could mail.
I really wish Dad was back in Winston-Salem! I go back and forth because obviously he would need to be in a nursing home and of course that is not as good as one-on-one care that he is getting with Lois and living in a home is also a better situation. When I asked him he said he wanted to go back to Winston-Salem, (but it would not be the same situation of course).
DAD is very much a part of my life; I still feel emotionally attached to him especially on weekends, when I normally spend a lot of time with him.
Anyway, this is the end of my Blog--it now belongs to Barb and Ken! Best Wishes and enjoy your time with Dad!
p.s. i might add more later when my thoughts start to gel about the week there.
Things are more hectic at Ken's house, but Kenny seems very caring and helpful with Dad. Judy is very busy with her work and children, but seems very caring towards Dad as well. The only thing is that the change of coming to Ken's house makes Dad regress such that he only gets settled in by the time he has to go back! I recommended to Ken that he get a toilet seat riser that would help Dad sit down easier. They are on sale at the pharmacy near his home and also I have one that I could mail.
I really wish Dad was back in Winston-Salem! I go back and forth because obviously he would need to be in a nursing home and of course that is not as good as one-on-one care that he is getting with Lois and living in a home is also a better situation. When I asked him he said he wanted to go back to Winston-Salem, (but it would not be the same situation of course).
DAD is very much a part of my life; I still feel emotionally attached to him especially on weekends, when I normally spend a lot of time with him.
Anyway, this is the end of my Blog--it now belongs to Barb and Ken! Best Wishes and enjoy your time with Dad!
p.s. i might add more later when my thoughts start to gel about the week there.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Dr. Lichstein and Karen Beard
I talked to Dr. Lichstein about Dad. How he probably would be staying in California as he seems to be adapting to it. If he did come back I would have to put him in a nursing home (and Dr. Lichstein agreed with that.), which would not be as nice as the home setting he is in now.
I asked him what stage of Alzheimers Dad was. He said he would consider Dad in the moderate to severe range (though he hasn't given him a test recently). Because he probably would not know what year it was or where he was.
He asked me to record [if and when] Dad starts talking in Latin. A year ago we talked and he mentioned how the old memories stay the longest. I wondered if Dad's memories of Latin would possibly come out!
He said the end stage starts when Dad stops eating and drinking. (I don't think that has happened yet, but occasionally Dad does not eat too well).
Anyway, he thought Dad would not have issues with traveling, such as lung or heart issues.
I also talked to Karen Beard and she would be glad to help look up geriatric psychiatrist for Dad if needed, though she said he doesn't seem to have any behavioral issues.
I asked him what stage of Alzheimers Dad was. He said he would consider Dad in the moderate to severe range (though he hasn't given him a test recently). Because he probably would not know what year it was or where he was.
He asked me to record [if and when] Dad starts talking in Latin. A year ago we talked and he mentioned how the old memories stay the longest. I wondered if Dad's memories of Latin would possibly come out!
He said the end stage starts when Dad stops eating and drinking. (I don't think that has happened yet, but occasionally Dad does not eat too well).
Anyway, he thought Dad would not have issues with traveling, such as lung or heart issues.
I also talked to Karen Beard and she would be glad to help look up geriatric psychiatrist for Dad if needed, though she said he doesn't seem to have any behavioral issues.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Response to Barb
I know you mean well, but please do not say that Dad remembers me because he recognizes my picture. (It sounded like I was complaining but really I was just expressing my thoughts.) And that is all the thoughts are.
The truth whether he remembers me or not is what it is. Nothing that I can't deal with.
And certainly when I see him, the memories are what they are, and the time I am there will become memories as well during the time I am there visiting.
The truth whether he remembers me or not is what it is. Nothing that I can't deal with.
And certainly when I see him, the memories are what they are, and the time I am there will become memories as well during the time I am there visiting.
More and Melanoma
There was one other thing I forgot to mention in prior response....I guess I don't feel that Dad's alzheimers/dementia has deteriorated since his arrival here. To me, he is more talkative, responsive, and uses more complete sentences than what I recalled, but I'm sure it's a much different perspective when being with him every day versus seeing him on an occasional visit. I'll be very interested to hear what Cathy thinks when she sees him on her upcoming visit.
Dad had the "Mohs" Surgery on his melanoma yesterday (right cheek.) The process involves cutting the area, sending Dad back to waiting room, testing the margins to ensure they've taken enough, and repeating until they have. In Dad's case, it took two times. He came home with a big bandage on his right cheek. Today, the bag under his right eye is bruised, which according to the paperwork is normal. The big bandage has been removed, and there is tape-type bandage on the sutures/cut. He doesn't seem to be experiencing any real pain, but was certainly very tired yesterday, especially considering he had to wake up at 6am in order to be at the office by 7:45. He got to bed around 8:15pm last night, and slept well. He has a follow up next Wednesday, and then we will see when they want to schedule removal of the squaemous cell cancer (right forehead). I think they've said that surgery is more complex, probably because Dad has such tight skin in that area.
Dad had the "Mohs" Surgery on his melanoma yesterday (right cheek.) The process involves cutting the area, sending Dad back to waiting room, testing the margins to ensure they've taken enough, and repeating until they have. In Dad's case, it took two times. He came home with a big bandage on his right cheek. Today, the bag under his right eye is bruised, which according to the paperwork is normal. The big bandage has been removed, and there is tape-type bandage on the sutures/cut. He doesn't seem to be experiencing any real pain, but was certainly very tired yesterday, especially considering he had to wake up at 6am in order to be at the office by 7:45. He got to bed around 8:15pm last night, and slept well. He has a follow up next Wednesday, and then we will see when they want to schedule removal of the squaemous cell cancer (right forehead). I think they've said that surgery is more complex, probably because Dad has such tight skin in that area.
Response to Cathy
I just wrote a long response to Cathy's post and it must have crossed paths with Justine's post or something, but it got lost! Anyway, will try to recreate. I said...
I think Dad remembers you and all of us. Lois reviews our pictures with him regularly...sometimes the names don't come, but I truly believe he knows each of us. If anything, yours is the name he does remember! In fact, I just went to remind Dad about your upcoming visit. He responded " I DEFINITELY want to see her," with an emphasis on "definitely"!
Regarding brushing teeth, Dad brushes his teeth by himself for me every night! I have tried to encourage Ken to have Dad do as much for himself as possible...pulling pants down, getting up and down from sitting, getting into bed, etc. It's really a mind-set and requires patience...it's natural to want to help when he's struggling, but for sure if you do it for him, he will do it less and less, which ultimately makes it more difficult for everyone. I have the same expectations with the caregivers and feel that they're doing a good job in this regard. Cathy, if you can assist Ken (assuming he's willing) by modeling some of your approaches, that would be great.
I also feel strongly that keeping Dad active (as much as possible) is good. As I've said before, Lois takes Dad for at least a 5 minute walk around the house twice a day, as well as engaging him in puzzles, reading and other. Ken has said that Dad doesn't do much at his house. This last trip (and on previous visits) Ken reported that he had trouble with Dad waking up in the middle of the night and not going back to bed, and also not eating. I would propose that activity might help to alleviate this. Of course I realize it's easier for me since Dad is here more regularly, and there may be other factors affecting Dad's behavior at his house.
I think Dad remembers you and all of us. Lois reviews our pictures with him regularly...sometimes the names don't come, but I truly believe he knows each of us. If anything, yours is the name he does remember! In fact, I just went to remind Dad about your upcoming visit. He responded " I DEFINITELY want to see her," with an emphasis on "definitely"!
Regarding brushing teeth, Dad brushes his teeth by himself for me every night! I have tried to encourage Ken to have Dad do as much for himself as possible...pulling pants down, getting up and down from sitting, getting into bed, etc. It's really a mind-set and requires patience...it's natural to want to help when he's struggling, but for sure if you do it for him, he will do it less and less, which ultimately makes it more difficult for everyone. I have the same expectations with the caregivers and feel that they're doing a good job in this regard. Cathy, if you can assist Ken (assuming he's willing) by modeling some of your approaches, that would be great.
I also feel strongly that keeping Dad active (as much as possible) is good. As I've said before, Lois takes Dad for at least a 5 minute walk around the house twice a day, as well as engaging him in puzzles, reading and other. Ken has said that Dad doesn't do much at his house. This last trip (and on previous visits) Ken reported that he had trouble with Dad waking up in the middle of the night and not going back to bed, and also not eating. I would propose that activity might help to alleviate this. Of course I realize it's easier for me since Dad is here more regularly, and there may be other factors affecting Dad's behavior at his house.
Dad Remembers Me.
I don't get the impression from reading the blog that Dad "remembers me". I suppose he will recognize me when I see him soon. And I think he knows who I am when I call.
I just wonder what stage of Alzheimers he is in now.
I do think changes are hard for Dad now (but I might be so inclined myself to not like changes either), so I wonder how his memory is doing at this time--is it causing more frustrations, or just resignation?
Kenny mentioned that he brushes Dad's teeth now. I wonder if Dad forgot how to do it, or whether it is easier to have a caregiver brush them? I miss Dad brushing his teeth.
I just wonder what stage of Alzheimers he is in now.
I do think changes are hard for Dad now (but I might be so inclined myself to not like changes either), so I wonder how his memory is doing at this time--is it causing more frustrations, or just resignation?
Kenny mentioned that he brushes Dad's teeth now. I wonder if Dad forgot how to do it, or whether it is easier to have a caregiver brush them? I miss Dad brushing his teeth.