Getting Organized

The newest challenge that has arisen is figuring out the best (read simplest) way to ensure that mom is taking all of her medication at the right time, and in the right dosage. While this may seem like a relatively simple thing at first glance, if you take a look at the spreadsheet that our sister Cathi worked extremely hard to put together to track it all, you will quickly find that there is nothing simple about it. Mom is taking 11 different pills every day, at 9 different times thoughout the day, and that isn't even counting the "as needed" pain pills, which she can take, you guessed it, as needed.

Then there are special pills that need to be taken right before after chemo treatment to help prevent nauseau. In reading the warning label of that drug, it lists the possible side-effects:

"The most common side effects of EMEND are tiredness, nausea, hiccups, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, and hair loss."

Hmmm...you'd think that they would try and find an anti-nausea drug that didn't cause nausea, wouldn't you? But I digress.

On the homefront, our Dad's office has been converted into a mini-bedroom for the time being and an adjustable hospital bed has been moved in there to allow mom to elevate her legs as needed. She has been experiencing quite a bit of swelling in her lower legs ever since she has been released from the hospital last week. The doctors aren't treating it as a big deal, so we are trying to keep it in perspective. It is very possible that it is just the result of a woman who has been constantly on the move for 60 years, suddenly being confined to a bed for most of the day. Once she gets some strength back and can move around a little more, everyone is assuming that the swelling will go away.

Mom's second Chemo session is scheduled for tomorrow. She tolerated the first one extremely well, and we're hoping for more of the same tomorrow. Thanks to all for your prayers and thoughts.