Since my last communication, little has changed regarding Sally's condition. She continues to sleep 18+ hours each day. Generally speaking, she seems a bit weaker each day.
Yesterday, we returned to Johns Hopkins for Sally's second chemo treatment. Ron took us, as I felt that the trip was too much for me to attempt alone with Sally.
I asked Dr Rudin, Sally's oncologist, if he would see Sally while we were there to give us (me) some guidance as to developments which I observed over the past 4 weeks since the completion of brain radiation. He agreed, and arrived shortly after our 1PM treatment began. He spent about an hour and a half with us. Over the course of the visit, it became apparent that many of the adverse developments were the down-side effects of the steroid that Sally has been taking. Dr Rudin prescribed a tapering of the steroid. He also called in a staff psychologist who met with Sally to determine more clearly her current mental state. The psychologist verified things which we have been observing, and indicated these are also associated with the steroid. She prescribed medication for releiving the symptoms, and indicated that most should clear up with the reduction of the steroid. It was a tremendously long day, and Sally was exhausted by the time we returned home.
Our weeks have been filled with visits from the friends and workers. Many helped us so that we could have the workers visit us at our home during this time. Our Special Meetings concluded on Sunday April 23rd. Although neither Sally nor I could attend, we listened to the meetings over the phone..
We continue to be thankful for each day, thankful for the peace and trust we have in our Heavenly Father, and thankful for each of you that remember us in various ways.
I will add some information about the picture that Dad posted!!!! The little boy in the picture is Ron and Steph's youngest, Ian. The picture was taken after Wed evening meeting at Mom and Dad's. Mom was not up for company that evening, but IAN insisted to see "Gamma" His sweet personality, and charming eyes convinced Mom that she could get up and have some Peanut Butter pie with everyone. I think that Ian was the happiest to have Grandma sit with him for some dessert. Ian continued to chat with Grandma and grin from ear to ear. That evening mom didn't say much, but her continual smile said so much more.
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone for your wonderful thoughts, letters, prayers, and kind words. We all gain strength from your love and concern.
Much love,
Sue
Dear Sally and Dick, As you know, our thoughts are continually with you. Glad for the latest update and we look forward to hearing that some of those adverse affects may soon be a thing of the past. We would love to come see you but understand that it is not the thing to do at the moment. Just let us know when it may be convenient. We love you both and miss you. Ed and Leah
ReplyDeleteHow Good to be Able to Get little More News ~ Your Life is So Buzzy with Going to from Doctors~ We are with you each Day. All the Time Our Hearts Felt Conern & Care goes with you Sally & Dick ~ Great Family Great Support!!! We will peek in to See More Up date when you Are up to it !! We keep thinkig of All in your Family!!! Love Ron & Sandy "Miss you all" !!
ReplyDeleteHow nice to have an update! I was pleased to see it today, and guess I had gotten out of the habit of checking the blog so often.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are beginning to feel better with the adjustment of medicine, Sally. What about pain?
Hearing about you sleeping so much reminds me of a saying my brother used to say when he would stretch out on the couch, "I'm just going to lie here and gather up a little strenth!" So, I hope that is what you are doing these days when you have to spend so much time on the horizontal!
I have been enjoying reading your kids' blogs, too, and what they write about Mom and Dad, and also their lives.
Love and hugs to you all, Alma
Thanks for the update. Even with all the resting...these must be tiring days. We think of you both every single day. Love, Heather, Brian, and Lauren
ReplyDeleteDear Mr. Clites and My Dear Neighbors, Mark & Sue Noble
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss and I do feel your pain having gone through loosing two parents in much the very, very same manner. I have prayed that our Heavenly Father welcomed Sally into his arms and his Eternal Heavenly Kingdom. I never got the opportunity to meet Sally, but did ask Sue about her as often as we spoke. I prayed for her every night that she would rest as comfortable as possible with the illness that kept her down. I could only imagine if she was as lively as her daughter (as I saw when she visited Mark & Sue) that the hardest obstacle for her was to be down when her family visited her in her home. Sue, I feel your pain and I will always have a hand or an ear for you when you need me. I have told you this before Sue, the qualities of strength and love that you have which I admire so much in you, will bring you peace. Remember, the greatest gift we have is "TO LOVE & BE LOVED IN RETURN" and I think you have embraced both of these.... I love you...I will pray for you Mr. Clites and Sue that God gives you his peace to help with your healing....God Bless
Jean Heubach (Mom Mom)