Saturday, April 17, 2010

Look Ma, Ma's walking......

The cementoplasty finally happened on Thursday afternoon. By Friday morning my mother was standing up (for the first time in 3 weeks) and walking. She has to use a walker, but she is able to shuffle down the hall and into the bathroom. Most importantly, she is able to stand up. She will now be able to get from the bed into a wheelchair on her own - so that is a tremendous improvement. She does have pain when standing and walking - so this will have to be monitored. But it is a huge "step forward" if you know what I mean.....

The goal for this week is to get her out of the hospital. Once we have physio and occupational therapists come to evaluate her mobility and abilities, she can hopefully move back to her independent living residence (with some assistance). My mother has been classified as a palliative patient - which, unbeknownst to me, means that all her meds, equipment needs and home assistance are now completely covered by the government. There will be no huge financial burden for her care or needs. Because my mother has made it clear that she doesn't want any extra-ordinary medical intervention, the talk about DNR orders was easy and painless. For my American friends (and especially for you, Sarah Palin) there was NO DEATH PANEL.

Now - if you know my mother, this is the time you might want to bet on how she will confound and astound the medical profession. Whenever I have talked about time lines and survival rates with the doctors about my mother's Stage 4 Renal Cancer, I always have a secret thought that my mother will do her darndest to beat the odds. If anyone will confound or astound, it will be my mother.

Oh - my mother's surprise 90th birthday party in early July is back on. My sibs and kids will all be here. We will celebrate.......

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

What wonderful news. I agree that your mother will defy the odds and beat them.
Nora