Thursday, February 19

A message from Beth:
Hi again,Here is the latest information at Maine Medical: Mom is going home for at least 2 weeks. They haven't told her exactly when, but I'm thinking Saturday or Sunday. Her creatin level came down - good news for all especially for the kidney doctors. The lung doctors did not see a change in the latest chest xrays that were taken yesterday. They want her to be on antibiotics for a longer period of time. That's why she's headed home. The lung folks say surgery in 4-6 weeks. Dr. Weldner (the surgeon) doesn't necessarily agree and is going to see Mom in Portland for a check on March 2. He then goes away to a conference for a few days, but if things look good and the lung doctors concur (they are calling the shots and of course will order another set of xrays and/or ct scan), Mom COULD have the surgery as early (ha,ha) as the second week in March. However, it may take longer for the lung to clear. All the docs still think that what is showing up on mom's right lung is an aspiration (some fluid that got in the lung). These aspirations do clear up but need time. The prednizone (sp?) they are giving mom for her arthritis pain is working for her and it is also relieving her of chest congestion. She feels much better today. Of course she is excited to go home. I will be taking her home when it is time and hanging out for a few days to make sure the transition is smooth and that she is ok to be on her own. She really wants to get back to her normal routine and get herself psyched up again about surgery. She feels she can do this better on her own. We have lined up home health services to come to the house as often as necessary to do blood work, PT (to get some strength back), check in on her, etc. I will make sure she has groceries and anything else she needs. She will be what they term as, "homebound." She is not interested in driving and until the home health nurse thinks mom can do stairs safely, she will be limited to the first floor. I will be getting a bed together in the livingroom for her like we did last June. There is plenty of family and friends willing to lend a hand- run errands, pop in for a visit, pick up mail and groceries, return and get library books, etc.- and I certainly will not leave Mom if I think it not safe, but we also want to respect her wishes about being on her own. Mom is in the same condition now as when she entered the hospital and the doctors feel she will be away from germs and get her strength back faster at home. She had a nice visit with Charlie and Catherine (her brother and his wife) yesterday and today. Martha left around noon for Vermont. Boy, I hope I have covered everything. Reply if you have questions or want more information. Beth