So here I sit yet again in the hospital with Mom. What was supposed to be a over night stay putting in the PEG tube has turned into so much more. Thurs the PEG tube was scheduled to be placed. With malnutrition and chemo combo there was a complication with the procedure. When the surgeon went down her throat with the scope he punctured her stomach so he had to open her up to repair that and insert the PEG tube the old fasion way. He then comes out and tells me this and ends the conversation with "the outlook isn't good, but you already knew that". Jerk #1. When she woke up she was in severe pain. You could tell it was effecting her breathing. Late that night into friday morning her pulse ox level dropped to 70%, blood pressure was horribly low and heart rate was through the roof. Her hands were ice cold. The nurse called the onc on call. I then get pulled into the hall and told that if her oxygen level continued to drop, that it could be the end. Was told they could put her on a ventilator but to do that they would need to do cpr and would most likely crush all her ribs causing her more pain. He was pushin for me to sign a DNR seeing as I'm listed on records as next of kin. Jerk #2. I of course called my dad and oldest bro cause they had just left. They gave her an oxygen mask, and pain killer and her pulse ox began to rise. They did a chest xray as well. Good news is the lungs are still cancer free, bad news is she as pneumonia in her right bottom lung, so they started her on antibiotics. The 2 days following i sat in total disbelief that yet again i stood possibly facing losing my mom. As of yesterday they began the tube feedings. Up to now 42ml per hr and her body is keeping up with what they are puttin in. Tomorrow they are gonna start physical therapy to get her back on her feet. August 1st we will start radiation on the adrenal. what a flippin week. I think mom is getting back to wanting to live. She started crying the other day saying we are gonna let her die. She thinks dad and i know something she doesnt. You see, 5 yrs ago my nieces mom passed away at the age of 25. The docs told her she had 6 mos and was gonna do chemo to extend that. Docs told us it was 2 weeks max and chemo would do nothing. Mom now thinks her onc is doing the same, which isn't true. Makes it worse that her brother she has seen in 15 yrs surprises her. she thinks he's there to say goodbye. I think I finally got her believing she knows the same as me, she's been smiling alot more and getting irritated alot less. The nurses here are great. The one that handled the mess on thurs sat down and told mom how many patients come in and out but very few leave foot prints on the nurses hearts and there isn't a nurse on this floor who doesnt care about us like family. Had mom and i both cryin. I just want to thank all of you for always being such amazing support. Many times when i read your replies i cry cause they touch my heart.
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