Friday, April 10, 2009
Bed time
Just put Dad to bed. I reminded him that he would be visiting Ken and family this weekend. He responded..."It's always nice to see Kenny".
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Up Day
Dad had more of an "up" day today. I got him to bed relatively early last night, and this morning when I asked him how he was doing he said "Very Good!". He also showed more energy in his outside walks (We had "dueling walkers" with me and Dylan in his walker, and Dad with Lois in his walker and we crossed paths a few times. It was a nice day here today (high 60's, clear.)
Lois does have Dad read daily...today outside he was reading articles in the newspaper (she points to what he should read and he reads it...so he's not trying to process it, but clearly can still read). It's true that I haven't noticed him lately watching much television, but it was something I've noticed him doing before since he's been here in California.
I purchased a couple of puzzles at TJ Maxx today to add to Dad's repertoire...Lois utilizes these most days. They are the juvenile type that involve matching...one has about 75 pieces, and it takes 3 or 4 pieces to make one complete rectangle which has a picture and a name on it (e.g. "frog" or "sun"). The other has numerous pieces also, and you have to find the matches (e.g., horse hoof with picture of horse). Other suggestions are welcome.
Chip, Jennie...It would also be great to get the Navy discussion video and/or the paper that Faye wrote. Lois still goes through the U.S.S. New Jersey War book we have and if there was more accurate info that would be great.
Lois does have Dad read daily...today outside he was reading articles in the newspaper (she points to what he should read and he reads it...so he's not trying to process it, but clearly can still read). It's true that I haven't noticed him lately watching much television, but it was something I've noticed him doing before since he's been here in California.
I purchased a couple of puzzles at TJ Maxx today to add to Dad's repertoire...Lois utilizes these most days. They are the juvenile type that involve matching...one has about 75 pieces, and it takes 3 or 4 pieces to make one complete rectangle which has a picture and a name on it (e.g. "frog" or "sun"). The other has numerous pieces also, and you have to find the matches (e.g., horse hoof with picture of horse). Other suggestions are welcome.
Chip, Jennie...It would also be great to get the Navy discussion video and/or the paper that Faye wrote. Lois still goes through the U.S.S. New Jersey War book we have and if there was more accurate info that would be great.
General observations with Dad
I really enjoyed the opportunity to spend some time with Dad and see how he is doing. He is getting really good care and in general seems to continue to enjoy relatively good health. He mostly eats well and gets exercise every day.
I do think he seems a bit weaker overall since I saw him last, though he still gets around. I didn't observe any times when he wanted to walk without his walker though (which I had seen before on 'good' days). He is not quite as quick to recognize people, and does appear to be confused most of the times I talked with him. He did easily recognize Mom's picture, and us as well. I was showing him older photographs for the most part (when we were kids up to the early 70s). I tried to get him to talk about Navy experiences without too much luck. He mixed up the stories with references to me or other things in the room. He doesn't seem to respond to the television much at all any more - certainly doesn't talk about anything. We watched the Final Four basketball and he wasn't interested. I tried to work with him with a card game based on dominoes (but using pictures), but he said it was too hard to try and match the pictures, so I stopped. I didn't get a chance to try scrabble. He still reads well, so perhaps making words or reading words from the letters would be a good activity.
Barb and I started talking about arrangements for getting Dad to the beach this summer. I'm wondering if it might be his last opportunity to be together with a larger group. I think he could still have years left, I'm not sure such a big trip will be possible much longer.
I do think he seems a bit weaker overall since I saw him last, though he still gets around. I didn't observe any times when he wanted to walk without his walker though (which I had seen before on 'good' days). He is not quite as quick to recognize people, and does appear to be confused most of the times I talked with him. He did easily recognize Mom's picture, and us as well. I was showing him older photographs for the most part (when we were kids up to the early 70s). I tried to get him to talk about Navy experiences without too much luck. He mixed up the stories with references to me or other things in the room. He doesn't seem to respond to the television much at all any more - certainly doesn't talk about anything. We watched the Final Four basketball and he wasn't interested. I tried to work with him with a card game based on dominoes (but using pictures), but he said it was too hard to try and match the pictures, so I stopped. I didn't get a chance to try scrabble. He still reads well, so perhaps making words or reading words from the letters would be a good activity.
Barb and I started talking about arrangements for getting Dad to the beach this summer. I'm wondering if it might be his last opportunity to be together with a larger group. I think he could still have years left, I'm not sure such a big trip will be possible much longer.
Dermatologist - update
Barb and I accompanied Dad to the dermatologist (Dr. Iwasaki) on Tuesday, and we discussed in more detail the diagnoses and recommended treatments.
The squaemous cell cancer is on Dad's forehead. It is relatively large, and the doctor explained that surgery would require even larger excision. She recommended doing MOHS surgery (referred to another doctor for this), which provides the opportunity to test during the surgery to determine the depth required to remove all cancerous cells, as well as doing any required skin grafts or skin flaps to repair the surgical excision and minimize scarring.
The basal cell cancer is in a crease between the nose and mouth. Dr. Iwasaki said she would be able to do this surgery in her office, but that we should do the others first.
The melanoma (the most serious), is on Dad's right cheek. Dr. Iwasaki recommends MOHS surgery for this as well. She ordered one more test to be done on the biopsy sample (called a 'stain'), which will verify whether the cancer is superficial (extending only into the first layer of skin) or if some cells have extended further. If the cancer has extended further, it may be necessary to do a lymph node test to see if it has actually penetrated to a lymph node. Results should be received soon. The MOHS surgery has been scheduled for next Wednesday, April 15th.
Only one MOHS surgery can be handled at once, so a second appointment will be required for the squaemous cell cancer, once the first is done.
Once all of these surgeries are complete, Dr. Iwasaki suggests doing a full body inventory of Dad's skin marks to identify any other potential problems. She visually noted at least one on Dad's face (near his eye), but wants to wait until all the current surgeries are done before completing the inventory and determining a treatment plan according to priority.
The squaemous cell cancer is on Dad's forehead. It is relatively large, and the doctor explained that surgery would require even larger excision. She recommended doing MOHS surgery (referred to another doctor for this), which provides the opportunity to test during the surgery to determine the depth required to remove all cancerous cells, as well as doing any required skin grafts or skin flaps to repair the surgical excision and minimize scarring.
The basal cell cancer is in a crease between the nose and mouth. Dr. Iwasaki said she would be able to do this surgery in her office, but that we should do the others first.
The melanoma (the most serious), is on Dad's right cheek. Dr. Iwasaki recommends MOHS surgery for this as well. She ordered one more test to be done on the biopsy sample (called a 'stain'), which will verify whether the cancer is superficial (extending only into the first layer of skin) or if some cells have extended further. If the cancer has extended further, it may be necessary to do a lymph node test to see if it has actually penetrated to a lymph node. Results should be received soon. The MOHS surgery has been scheduled for next Wednesday, April 15th.
Only one MOHS surgery can be handled at once, so a second appointment will be required for the squaemous cell cancer, once the first is done.
Once all of these surgeries are complete, Dr. Iwasaki suggests doing a full body inventory of Dad's skin marks to identify any other potential problems. She visually noted at least one on Dad's face (near his eye), but wants to wait until all the current surgeries are done before completing the inventory and determining a treatment plan according to priority.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Dermatologist report
Barb heard from the dermatologist Friday evening. Dad has 3 different cancers. One is a melanoma, one a basal cell and one a squaemous cell. We will take Dad to see her on Tuesday and discuss the treatments. She wants to do a full inventory of his skin as well. Barb couldn't remember if he had had any melanomas before. I sort of thought he had, but not sure. We will also try to get Southard to forward records to the new doctor's office.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Dad's Dreams & Conversations
I am glad to hear that Dad is still able to carry on a conversation with Barb, Ken and/or the caregivers. That is nice that he can understand enough to respond to remarks.
It is nice also to hear that it might have even been fun! Not sure, but the snake conversation sounded very interesting--something that Dad is fearful of, yet maybe would like to confront? Or just a dream to get rid of the tension in his life.
I think Dad might have said a similar comment to me once.
The comment that Barb said to Justine that "she was also your daughter" was interesting as well.
It is nice also to hear that it might have even been fun! Not sure, but the snake conversation sounded very interesting--something that Dad is fearful of, yet maybe would like to confront? Or just a dream to get rid of the tension in his life.
I think Dad might have said a similar comment to me once.
The comment that Barb said to Justine that "she was also your daughter" was interesting as well.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Dermatologist visit
Dad was able to get a last minute appointment with the dermatologist this past Monday. There were 3 spots on Dad's face she was concerned about, and wanted to do biopsies, which we agreed to. One of the spots was a dark irregular shaped one on his upper right cheek area. Perhaps he's had that checked out before...I looked at photos I had from when Dad was first here (Dec/Jan) and he did have it. The other spot was the one at the top right of his forehead...looks like he may have had that before too...I noticed it when it got more red than usual. Third one she wanted to check was a pimple-looking mark to the left of his mouth in the crease area. Dad braved the needles for the lidocaine to numb the areas, as well as some pressure when she cut the skin for the samples. I don't think he liked it. On the way out to the elevator he said "I just as well die." He has an appointment on April 6th to get the results. Which brings me to the question of us discussing whether certain procedures will be worth it or not. If it gets to that point (hopefully not), we should probably have a skype to discuss.
Justine will actually be here for that next appointment...she's coming to visit Dad (April 3-8) and will also help me with finalizing his taxes, preparing his first quarterly state tax payment and other as needed. When I mentioned to Dad that Justine would be coming soon, he said, "it's nice that you'll get to visit with your sister." To which I said, "and you your daughter!"
Dad is off to Ken's for a 3-day weekend. Lois drove him there this afternoon.
Justine will actually be here for that next appointment...she's coming to visit Dad (April 3-8) and will also help me with finalizing his taxes, preparing his first quarterly state tax payment and other as needed. When I mentioned to Dad that Justine would be coming soon, he said, "it's nice that you'll get to visit with your sister." To which I said, "and you your daughter!"
Dad is off to Ken's for a 3-day weekend. Lois drove him there this afternoon.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Visits to Dermatologist and Dentist
I hope Dad has a good visit with the dermatologist. He hasn't been to see Dr. Southard for over a year, so you could mention that he has his upper back, shoulders and face examined on a regular basis for possible growths that are "frozen" off.
I just cancelled Dad's Dentist appointment with Dr. Clarke for teeth cleaning. It would have been for April 6.
I just cancelled Dad's Dentist appointment with Dr. Clarke for teeth cleaning. It would have been for April 6.
Sunday
Dad didn't seem as tired today and was transitioning much better. Definitely seemed in better spirits this evening too. I love it whenever he gets up and as he's walking, if he sees something to eat, say on the counter, he will grab it and eat it while he's walking...tonight, there was a bowl of pistachios and I had to tell him to spit it out because he had grabbed the whole thing including the outer shell. Tonight when I put him to bed he said "Make sure you don't wrap me up with that snake." LOL.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Dad this week
Lately it seems that Dad has been more tired. It has also been more difficult to get him to get up from sitting (he'll say he wants to get up, but then wants to rub his arms repeatedly, in almost a ritual-like fashion.) It takes quite a bit of prompting, and sometimes really grabbing his arm to get him to stand up. Lois said that he's still doing his walks each day, but she has noticed the same difficulty in transitioning him.
Earlier this week, I had the sense that Dad was "stewing" and was perhaps mad at me for some reason. I noticed it first one night when after dinner, he didn't want to get up and go to the bathroom, or move over to the couch. When I tried to get him to get up he sort of said angrily, "I'm going to stay here for an hour!". Eventually I got him to bed (after 10:30pm that night.) The next night, he seemed to have a similar "sourness" about him. So I looked at him and said, "Dad, are you mad at me, why are you mad at me?" and he responded something like "because you're not spending the money like you should." We went back and forth a little with me trying to understand the gist of what he was saying and his comments vascillated between "you need to spend all the money today" and "you don't have any money, you're using my money", "you're not doing the right thing", 'you've got to spend the money," "it's not in the bank" and such. He made one comment about not knowing where his money was, so I got out the computer to try and show him his checking account balance, money market and expenses and trying to reassure him that he does have money, and that it's safe and that I'm doing my best to manage it and that I share information regularly with Chip, Justine, Cathy, Jennie, Ken. Of course I realize it's probably not a good idea to challenge him, but it's hard when he looks at me and tells me "you're not doing it right!" I tried to remain calm and responded that I loved him and I didn't understand why he was mad at me. EVentually I said "do you trust anyone Dad?" and he responded "Well I trust you, " so then I said well good, because I loved him and I'm doing the best I can to help take care of him. After that, he seemed to back down and since has lost that "sourness" and seems more friendly. Ultimately I do think it was a good idea for me to directly address what I was feeling and to discuss it with him, even though I realize that his thoughts are probably not clear on the entire matter.
My theory is that perhaps Dad's thoughts wander and he makes presumptions...every day while Lois is here, he sees me quite busy in and out and around the house doing all sorts of things, on my computer, on the phone, etc and he does not get a lot of direct conversation with me during those times. I think maybe from his perspective I'm being secretive? It probably also doesn't help that we do have CNN on TV a lot, particularly in the evening when we are in the family room, and of course there's lots of money discussions about banks, etc. Who knows. Anyway, I'm glad that he's been more pleasant to me since then, though I am still concerned about his slow-moving.
Oh, the other interesting story was early last week when Dad was telling me how there was an 8-foot snake in his bed. He had mentioned something before when we were going to bed about there being snakes at the bottom of the bed. Then, that night last week, he mentioned the 8-foot snake again, and I said I don't think there's any snakes in here, and I pulled the covers all teh way down and he said "I know, I held it in my hands!" I wondered if it might be one of my cats, who I have seen go in his room and sleep at the bottom of the bed. I tried to suggest to Dad, "maybe it was the cat" and he said, "No it wasn't a cat. I ought to know. I held it in my hands, I know it was a snake, an 8-foot snake!"
Also, after Dad's last visit with Ken & Judy (weekend of March 6 and start of Daylight Savings), on Sunday, March 8th (Happy belated birthday Chip and Jacob!), he had gone to bed around 10. That night around midnight I heard something in his room over the monitor. Paul and I were still up. He had gotten up (1st time at my house getting up at night!) and had made his way over towards the door and had actually fallen down. Paul and I helped him up and he was jovial about it and said he wasn't hurt, except small scrape on his arm (rug burn perhaps.) Got him to go back to bed, then around 2am I heard him again (from the monitor in my room) and went down and found him up again. He was saying he needed to find his suit in the closet and seemed concerned about getting dressed. He was confused about the time and I kept trying to say he had a lot more sleeping to do, it was middle of the night, we'd get dressed in the morning, etc. He wanted me to leave a light on, and ultimately needed me to show him the clock as well, which I put on the chair right next to the bed so he could see it. He asked me to do that for the next couple of nights, but since has not asked for it.
I noticed a slightly raised red mark on Dad's forehead. I have put a call into a dermatologist (recommended by my friend) to set up an appointment. I also have made a dentist appointment for him with a dentist recommended by my kids' dentist. He goes back to the Podiatrist on the 30th of March.
Earlier this week, I had the sense that Dad was "stewing" and was perhaps mad at me for some reason. I noticed it first one night when after dinner, he didn't want to get up and go to the bathroom, or move over to the couch. When I tried to get him to get up he sort of said angrily, "I'm going to stay here for an hour!". Eventually I got him to bed (after 10:30pm that night.) The next night, he seemed to have a similar "sourness" about him. So I looked at him and said, "Dad, are you mad at me, why are you mad at me?" and he responded something like "because you're not spending the money like you should." We went back and forth a little with me trying to understand the gist of what he was saying and his comments vascillated between "you need to spend all the money today" and "you don't have any money, you're using my money", "you're not doing the right thing", 'you've got to spend the money," "it's not in the bank" and such. He made one comment about not knowing where his money was, so I got out the computer to try and show him his checking account balance, money market and expenses and trying to reassure him that he does have money, and that it's safe and that I'm doing my best to manage it and that I share information regularly with Chip, Justine, Cathy, Jennie, Ken. Of course I realize it's probably not a good idea to challenge him, but it's hard when he looks at me and tells me "you're not doing it right!" I tried to remain calm and responded that I loved him and I didn't understand why he was mad at me. EVentually I said "do you trust anyone Dad?" and he responded "Well I trust you, " so then I said well good, because I loved him and I'm doing the best I can to help take care of him. After that, he seemed to back down and since has lost that "sourness" and seems more friendly. Ultimately I do think it was a good idea for me to directly address what I was feeling and to discuss it with him, even though I realize that his thoughts are probably not clear on the entire matter.
My theory is that perhaps Dad's thoughts wander and he makes presumptions...every day while Lois is here, he sees me quite busy in and out and around the house doing all sorts of things, on my computer, on the phone, etc and he does not get a lot of direct conversation with me during those times. I think maybe from his perspective I'm being secretive? It probably also doesn't help that we do have CNN on TV a lot, particularly in the evening when we are in the family room, and of course there's lots of money discussions about banks, etc. Who knows. Anyway, I'm glad that he's been more pleasant to me since then, though I am still concerned about his slow-moving.
Oh, the other interesting story was early last week when Dad was telling me how there was an 8-foot snake in his bed. He had mentioned something before when we were going to bed about there being snakes at the bottom of the bed. Then, that night last week, he mentioned the 8-foot snake again, and I said I don't think there's any snakes in here, and I pulled the covers all teh way down and he said "I know, I held it in my hands!" I wondered if it might be one of my cats, who I have seen go in his room and sleep at the bottom of the bed. I tried to suggest to Dad, "maybe it was the cat" and he said, "No it wasn't a cat. I ought to know. I held it in my hands, I know it was a snake, an 8-foot snake!"
Also, after Dad's last visit with Ken & Judy (weekend of March 6 and start of Daylight Savings), on Sunday, March 8th (Happy belated birthday Chip and Jacob!), he had gone to bed around 10. That night around midnight I heard something in his room over the monitor. Paul and I were still up. He had gotten up (1st time at my house getting up at night!) and had made his way over towards the door and had actually fallen down. Paul and I helped him up and he was jovial about it and said he wasn't hurt, except small scrape on his arm (rug burn perhaps.) Got him to go back to bed, then around 2am I heard him again (from the monitor in my room) and went down and found him up again. He was saying he needed to find his suit in the closet and seemed concerned about getting dressed. He was confused about the time and I kept trying to say he had a lot more sleeping to do, it was middle of the night, we'd get dressed in the morning, etc. He wanted me to leave a light on, and ultimately needed me to show him the clock as well, which I put on the chair right next to the bed so he could see it. He asked me to do that for the next couple of nights, but since has not asked for it.
I noticed a slightly raised red mark on Dad's forehead. I have put a call into a dermatologist (recommended by my friend) to set up an appointment. I also have made a dentist appointment for him with a dentist recommended by my kids' dentist. He goes back to the Podiatrist on the 30th of March.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Visit at Senior Services
I went to the Senior Services Center to deliver some partly-knitted baby hats and scarves that Mom had started. The lady at the center said that several of the people could knit and they might enjoy knitting on projects already started.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Dad this week
On Monday Dad had his appointment with Dr. Gee. I brought in the most recent report from Dr. Lichstein and he agreed with all the medications that had been prescribed. He suggested in general we see him every 6 months, starting in 4 months (to line up with Dad's last appt with Lichstein and do bloodwork at that time, etc.) Dad was friendly, but not that aware...couldn't say that he was in California. Brought up being on a ship for 12 months. He weighed 147 (with shoes on.) His temperature was low (95.) His blood pressure was a little high, but the doctor thought that could have been the effort of getting into the office, on the table and being somewhere new. The doctor mentioned that with many of the dementia patients he sees, many are doing fairly well physically, like Dad. I didn't inquire further, but wondered later if he meant as opposed to Alzheimer's or exactly what.
Earlier in the week, Dad got agitated one night about money (same day we had CNN for some time talking about the stimulus package.) He started to get angry with me telling me I had to put my money in that fund. This is the hardest part for me, when Dad gets upset with me for something he doesn't understand. I have to work on trying to divert his attention I suppose. I tried saying that I was talking to all of you and that his money was safe, etc, though at one point I was a little upset and had to ask him not to yell at me (it's so hard not to take it personally!) Later he even said "you're taking my money". I had to walk away to the kitchen. He got up from the dinner table and just stood for awhile. Eventually he said "well I hope the bank turns you down" but then calmed down after that. However, the next day, he asked Lois for his wallet so I believe it is still on his mind.
One other quirky thing I noted...when sitting on the toilet, I noticed Dad always would take the toilet paper and "roll" it over the back. I figured out that he thinks the toilet roll should unfold to the back, not the front, so I changed it around and now he doesn't do that.
Dad had his usual berries/fruit with a dab of whip cream for dessert tonight, but I also gave him a small chocolate heart candy Dylan had gotten for Valentines. On the way to bed, he worked his way to the counter to grab the other piece of candy that was there. He certainly doesn't seem to have any problems with his eyesight!
Dad will head to Ken & Judy's tomorrow afternoon.
Earlier in the week, Dad got agitated one night about money (same day we had CNN for some time talking about the stimulus package.) He started to get angry with me telling me I had to put my money in that fund. This is the hardest part for me, when Dad gets upset with me for something he doesn't understand. I have to work on trying to divert his attention I suppose. I tried saying that I was talking to all of you and that his money was safe, etc, though at one point I was a little upset and had to ask him not to yell at me (it's so hard not to take it personally!) Later he even said "you're taking my money". I had to walk away to the kitchen. He got up from the dinner table and just stood for awhile. Eventually he said "well I hope the bank turns you down" but then calmed down after that. However, the next day, he asked Lois for his wallet so I believe it is still on his mind.
One other quirky thing I noted...when sitting on the toilet, I noticed Dad always would take the toilet paper and "roll" it over the back. I figured out that he thinks the toilet roll should unfold to the back, not the front, so I changed it around and now he doesn't do that.
Dad had his usual berries/fruit with a dab of whip cream for dessert tonight, but I also gave him a small chocolate heart candy Dylan had gotten for Valentines. On the way to bed, he worked his way to the counter to grab the other piece of candy that was there. He certainly doesn't seem to have any problems with his eyesight!
Dad will head to Ken & Judy's tomorrow afternoon.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Addendum
I forgot to also mention that this evening Dad called to me in the kitchen (from the couch in the family room), saying "What do I do now Jennie?"
Also, about a week or ten days ago, I was showing him the large photo of all of us 6 kids with Mom & Dad from the beach in the black frame that i sent out here from W-S. He was naming everyone as I asked him. When I pointed to Jennie, he said "that's Ruby", and I said "no, Ruby's your sister, that's your daughter, Jennie". He gave a belly laugh. He got everyone but couldn't name me! When I said, "that's me, Barbara", again I got a belly laugh.
Also, about a week or ten days ago, I was showing him the large photo of all of us 6 kids with Mom & Dad from the beach in the black frame that i sent out here from W-S. He was naming everyone as I asked him. When I pointed to Jennie, he said "that's Ruby", and I said "no, Ruby's your sister, that's your daughter, Jennie". He gave a belly laugh. He got everyone but couldn't name me! When I said, "that's me, Barbara", again I got a belly laugh.
Dad's Rainy Monday
Ken brought Dad home last night and reported a good weekend (though said Dad didn't seem to eat much). Today was a rainy, windy and cold day in LA, and we had a planned electricity outage from 10 to 4 (while they did some upgrades). Dad and Lois took it in stride and seemed to have a good day. My kids were out of school, but we were in and out with some dentist and doctor's appointments.
Anyway, this evening and a little bit last night for that matter, I noticed that Dad seemed to be walking and moving around with more strength. Particularly, tonight, he was moving much quicker in his walker, and initiating actions with less prompting (getting up, pulling his own pants down in the toilet, maneuvering to the right spots, etc.) He actually was in quite a jolly mood this evening as well. He cracked up when I asked him how old he would be in 3 days on his birthday. He kept mentioning something about some "medal on a chain", and how it must have been moved from the drawer, and then he would laugh. He brought up Allen's name as well. Just seemed to be in good spirits overall, and quicker in his responses and physical movement. We also watched the president's press briefing...in general it seems to me that Dad pays more attention to the television here than what I remember, but I probably wasn't paying close enough attention. Also, I have the large screen, so that might help. I tend to keep the TV on CNN in the evening. I think Lois and he watch I Love Lucy at Noon every day.
I'm still feeling quite good about the work Lois is doing. She interacts and talks with him quite a bit. For example, today she was reviewing his old Navy boat yearbook with him and letting him tell the stories about it. Also, she's very diligent about the exercises and walking.
Anyway, this evening and a little bit last night for that matter, I noticed that Dad seemed to be walking and moving around with more strength. Particularly, tonight, he was moving much quicker in his walker, and initiating actions with less prompting (getting up, pulling his own pants down in the toilet, maneuvering to the right spots, etc.) He actually was in quite a jolly mood this evening as well. He cracked up when I asked him how old he would be in 3 days on his birthday. He kept mentioning something about some "medal on a chain", and how it must have been moved from the drawer, and then he would laugh. He brought up Allen's name as well. Just seemed to be in good spirits overall, and quicker in his responses and physical movement. We also watched the president's press briefing...in general it seems to me that Dad pays more attention to the television here than what I remember, but I probably wasn't paying close enough attention. Also, I have the large screen, so that might help. I tend to keep the TV on CNN in the evening. I think Lois and he watch I Love Lucy at Noon every day.
I'm still feeling quite good about the work Lois is doing. She interacts and talks with him quite a bit. For example, today she was reviewing his old Navy boat yearbook with him and letting him tell the stories about it. Also, she's very diligent about the exercises and walking.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Dad's Weekend
Dad had a nice weekend. Lois worked on Saturday 8 to 4, and also came today 8 to Noon. (Haydee will normally work Sundays, but couldn't make it today, so Lois agreed to work.)
Speaking of Lois, she's really working out great. She's very conscientious and in my opinion has a wonderful demeanor for Dad. They read the paper together (and helps Dad to look at the ads.) SHe also mentioned that she thought Dad must have exercised a lot in the past. She said yesterday on one of their walks (they take at lest two a day outside) that when she praised him, he seemed motivated to show her he could do more! Dad really seems to like her. He was talking to her today about looking forward to seeing her with her family. I've attached a photo.
WE will go watch the game now!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Closed up 2191 Homestead Hills Drive
Well, the house is offically closed. There was one thing, beyond the wear and tear, which was a hole in the wallboard at the back of the garage.
The house looked quite clean; I cleaned the oven and refrigerator. Penny said the counter would be replaced. And of course painted.
She doesn't think that anyone is interested yet, but she said they would be fixing it up very quickly, because if someone was interested they would want a larger home (like Dad's).
Anyway, I hope it sells fast!
The house looked quite clean; I cleaned the oven and refrigerator. Penny said the counter would be replaced. And of course painted.
She doesn't think that anyone is interested yet, but she said they would be fixing it up very quickly, because if someone was interested they would want a larger home (like Dad's).
Anyway, I hope it sells fast!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Dad's day
Dad had another good day. Seeming to nap less than before, and moving around better as I said yesterday. Tonight he seemed a little more restless, wanting to get up and move around and focused on something about some paperwork that some man has for him. Earlier in the day he enjoyed reading Faye's thank you note. He could read many of the words, though I had to explain who "Avril Lavigne" was. He is currently having strawberries and whip cream for dessert on the couch.
Dad's Wednesday
Dad was walking and moving stronger and seemed more alert today. Earlier in the week he seemed to be moving slow, and shuffling more. I definitely noticed the difference today, and last night as well. He and Lois took a lot of little walks outside today, and enjoyed the nice weather. I will try to remember to call the insurance company tomorrow.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Update on Dad
We are settling into the routine of Lois caring for Dad daily from 8 to 4. Dad usually goes to bed between 9:30 and 10pm and thus far has slept all night (or stayed in bed at least, and I can usually hear snoozing in the morning when I'm getting the kids up) until 8am, which is when Lois arrives to rouse him and start his day.She is maintaining his daily log, which I expanded to include identification of morning and afternoon activities, as well as walks. She usually spends the 1st hour in his bathroom/bedroom, helping him shower, toilet and get dressed, then he has breakfast around 9am. They've started watching Price Is Right, which I told her he might recognize. She is doing his daily exercises prescribed by the doctor as well. She mentioned that Dad talked to her a lot yesterday morning, but I didn't get the opportunity to ask her any details about the conversation. Today the weather was warming up again, so they had lunch and spent some time outside. Ryland has a cool US States puzzle that they do on occasion.
Yesterday we took Dad to the podiatrist. He was referred by my friend, the doctor, but I also know his wife (fellow Mom from Cornerstone.) He clipped Dad's toenails. I asked him about the fact that Dad has complained of pain in his left heel, and also what Lois had noticed of a slightly swollen right ankle...Podiatrist felt the area looking for Dad's reactions...said it didn't seem to be anything external, and mentioned it is likely "plantar fascia?" or something like that (common ailment for elderly when ligaments or tendons break down? He just recommended making sure Dad doesn't walk often barefoot (which he doesn't), and also suggested encouraging the walking, as well as doing "toe raises" from his walker. I forgot to ask the doctor (actually, I had to leave early to retrieve Dylan, so Lois stayed with him), but I had asked the nurse who took us to the room about the fungus. Her comment was that the medicine only works in 75% of those to whom it is given, and because of the potential impacts to the liver, would not often be prescribed for someone like Dad. It doesn't seem to bother him, and the nails actually looked much better and cleaned up last night when we got ready for bed.
Dad seemed to enjoy his dinner tonight. Ryland usually sits with him at the Family Room table for dinner, while Dylan and I are eating at the counter.
Yesterday we took Dad to the podiatrist. He was referred by my friend, the doctor, but I also know his wife (fellow Mom from Cornerstone.) He clipped Dad's toenails. I asked him about the fact that Dad has complained of pain in his left heel, and also what Lois had noticed of a slightly swollen right ankle...Podiatrist felt the area looking for Dad's reactions...said it didn't seem to be anything external, and mentioned it is likely "plantar fascia?" or something like that (common ailment for elderly when ligaments or tendons break down? He just recommended making sure Dad doesn't walk often barefoot (which he doesn't), and also suggested encouraging the walking, as well as doing "toe raises" from his walker. I forgot to ask the doctor (actually, I had to leave early to retrieve Dylan, so Lois stayed with him), but I had asked the nurse who took us to the room about the fungus. Her comment was that the medicine only works in 75% of those to whom it is given, and because of the potential impacts to the liver, would not often be prescribed for someone like Dad. It doesn't seem to bother him, and the nails actually looked much better and cleaned up last night when we got ready for bed.
Dad seemed to enjoy his dinner tonight. Ryland usually sits with him at the Family Room table for dinner, while Dylan and I are eating at the counter.