Challenging times continue for my family. On May 19, my mother was taken to the hospital, and there in the ER, it was like watching an episode of House unfold. First, they said heart attack. Then they determined it was a mild myocardial infarction caused by multiple pulmonary emboli. These are life-threatening—most aren’t discovered until autopsy. The question then became: why were they happening?
On Day 142, we learned the clots were caused by The Big C. After a few months of other not-so-good things happening, this felt like the bottom just completely dropped out from under us.
One thing that comforted was the wonderful care Mom received in the ICU. Aunt Jane joked to my dad: “Ut oh, she’s gonna get used to having this big hunk [Chris the nurse] fluffing her pillows every day. You better take notes.”
Now I’d planned to snap an image of the whiteboard message, which I’d passed many times in the ICU corridor. But after another long day at the hospital, I slipped into an exhausted sleep, and it was forgotten. I took the photo early the next morning, figuring that since I’d *planned* to do it on Day 143, it still counted for Day 143.
[For project purists: technically, I did take a blurry iPhone shot of the radio on Day 143 as I sometimes do when I want to remember the name of an unfamiliar song. This one was Little Richard’s “True Fine Mama.” Yes, true fine mama, don’t go away…]
On Wednesday, we learned Mom would be transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes, where surgery—we thought—would be performed the next day. Bright, blue skies seemed like a good sign.
Upon arriving at Lourdes, I was drawn to the beauty and peacefulness of the chapel—not a calm shared on the always-bustling PCU floor. There, the attending physician put the brakes on the surgery. Mom’s particular situation was a bit complex, and it was not safe yet because of the blood clots.
Having blood taken around the clock while on blood thinners can result in easy bruising like this. Still not as bad as having the Roommate from Hell. (A story for another time.)
A special painting made by Oma’s favorite girl brightened spirits.
Finally, she was able to go home (where she could actually sleep through the night) until cleared for surgery. Medical wisdom said we needed to give the clots some time to dissolve. There were many at-home precautions to take, procedures to follow.
Happily enjoying a coffee and watching her favorite show The Price is Right.
There wasn’t much thought given to this image of the lamp, but I suppose in the midst of mental and emotional chaos, my mind found calm in the simple geometric pattern.
And once some appetite returned, also through dessert. 🙂
And there is something about our wild and wacky surgeon that offers a calming influence, too. He twisted this poodle out of a string of beads.
“Exactly what we want,” I said. “A surgeon who performs magic.” He busted up.
Did I mention dessert?
Of course, there’s nothing in this world that can beat Munchkin Time. Here, Opa prepares to take her on the Fun Slide.
Family and friends have been a tremendous support. We are reminded how very blessed we are to have such incredible people in our lives. In this image, Mom holds a rosary, a gift from a Catholic friend.
A tired Munchkin heads home after a visit. We’re all a little weary but hangin’ tough.
Love Oma and Opa references
So sorry to hear about your mom’s health problems. I have been worried about you — knowing your dedication to your project, I figured it must be something bad that was keeping you from your daily posts. Who knew that through it all you were still capturing some great images. 😦 We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Thanks, Lisa! I so appreciate that!
Been thinking of you and your family. Thank you for sharing your pictures.
Thanks, Glo. Hope all is well with you!
Thank goodness for the Project, and thank you too Fiebs!
I can’t say enough…We are so grateful to have the family that we have!
Hey Kathy… best wishes to you and your mom. Hate to say it , but been there…last Oct at my place of work where my mom volunteers. She passed out at the front door…. blood clots went from her legs to her lungs. So keep strong for your mom and take care of your self.
Thanks, Mike. ‘Preciate the support & good thoughts. Were your mom’s clots caused by cancer too?
Thoughts and prayers Cathy for your mom, family and you. (((HUGS))) I pray for a speedy recovery!
Thanks so much, Dallas!
All the best to you and your family. Wishing your mother a speedy recovery.
Thanks, tone. Appreciate the good thoughts!
We are with you and your family. Keep us posted. You are in our hearts and thoughts.
Thanks, Melissa. I am bowled over by the support!
Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Remember to take time for yourself during this time too.
Thank you. Your kind thoughts mean a lot!