A few days in the hospital

Hi Everyone!  This is Brittany, Dottie's granddaughter.  Grandma wanted me to write in her blog because we're sure that she is getting e-mails in the masses whose writers are maybe a little worried that they haven't gotten a response.  As some of you may know, Grandma has been in the hospital the past few days.  She had her 5th chemo session last Friday, Aug. 1st I believe, so she hasn't been feeling very well.  This past Saturday she had a fever so Grandpa and my dad took her to emergency where they drew her blood, then followed the decision to admit her into the hospital due to her low white blood cell count.  My mom and I went to the hospital to see her, but didn't know she would be staying.  Auntie Juli and Auntie Robbi waited with her until they got her a room on the oncology floor at Hoag Hospital.  She has a beautiful view of the Newport Bay.

We've made sure to keep her company throughout her time at the hospital, visiting her every day.  Auntie Juli, Uncle Kirk, Jackson, Auntie Robbi, Uncle Mike, Mitchell, Matthew, Rilee, my mom, and me...oh and of course Grandpa.  Grandma says "I have to make sure to say my hubby's been coming." My dad hasn't been able to see her because he has a tiny cold and doesn't want to take any chances in getting Grandma sick.  And my brother Jeff is in San Francisco at dental school, but he calls to check up on her.  Ed and Mie were also able to visit because they have another friend who is in the same ward as Grandma.  She has colon cancer and is in for the same reason (a low white blood cell count).  Mie was so nice she treated Grandpa, my parents, and me to dinner in the cafeteria.  Grandma's friend Amy visited today too. 

Good thing the Olympics have been on because Grandma spends most of her time in the hospital just watching T.V.   Tonight we critiqued the synchronized divers and rooted on good ol' Michael Phelps.  Her room is full of pictures that Jackson and Rilee drew in the waiting room; they're definitely items of encouragement saying things like "The sun will shine again," "The sun will come out tomorrow," and "I love you."  She takes walks around the oncology floor, pushing around her cart that she's attached to, and Grandpa usually accompanies her.  She's getting hydration, antibiotics, electrolytes, and is taking nausea pills.  She still doesn't have much of an appetite, but everyone encourages her to eat, so she tries.  In the beginning, her bed beeped every time she got off of it to go to the bathroom and the nurses would come rushing in, so they moved her to a room closer to the nurses' station.  The nurses are very attentive and of course she strikes up little conversations with them every time they come in.  

Her white blood cell count is improving so hopefully she will be able to go home tomorrow.   My family is so grateful for your support.  It's not, however, very surprising to me how many people are writing to, praying for, and calling Grandma because I know she's all touched your lives in some way.  She's such a strong woman of God, spreading her cheer within moments of meeting her, lighting up every room she walks into, and loving without borders, cancer or not.  I'm still trying to figure out what God's plan is, but maybe it's not for me to figure out.  All I know is that if we all have the faith that my Grandma has had, she's going to get through this.  She says, "I appreciate all your prayers, love, and support through my ordeal.  I know the Lord is with me everyday because I have wonderful people with me keeping me going."

Sending Grandma and the family's love,

Brittany

A very long chemo session

Hello to my faithful and wonderful friends,

My 5th chemo session was very long. Don took me to the Hoag Hospital about 8 am on Friday August 1st, to first get my blood test, which I do every week and than to the Hoag Cancer Center for my treatment. It was very long since, they gave me more meds than the usual 3 types of chemo, plus zometa, which is for my bones, than the anti nausea drip, and they hydration which is a big gigantic bottle which takes about 4 1/2 hours to finish. Finally got home about 7:45 that night but during the day it was very pleasant talking and chatting with other patients and also visits with robbi and the kids and also Jackson and Juli. It is a long day so it makes it nice where they come in shifts and we all have lunch together. Don was able to do his errands during the day and came back after me in the evening.

Our Son Ron, June and Brittany had a little break this week and spending some time with friends boating and skiing at Lake Havasu so they were gone but, it was nice having the rest of the family on Saturday and Sunday.

The last couple of weeks before chemo on Friday, I was feeling pretty good and was able to enjoy many days of comfort by enjoying another day at the performing arts in Brea to enjoy Rilee perform her little Molly part in Annie. It is all over after 10 shows and she said she will miss performing. She just loves it. I am so thankful to be able to enjoy and keep up with some of the activities of the children, as long as it is not too crowded.

I am not feeling as nauseated this time. I have been taking my pills very faithfully and God is helping through all this with his grace and faithfulness. Thank you all for your continued prayers, love and thoughtful cards. All is appreciated and wish I could respond to each of your cards. Love to all from family and dottie