Up and Downs

Hey everyone, There has been a lot going on in the last couple of weeks. I thought that I would just run it down for you as well as for me.

April 30th
I was bragging that I hadn't taken one day off in April. No sick days. No leave days at all.

Sun. May 2rd
I caught a bad cold and phoned in for Monday and Tuesday off work.

Tues. May 4th
My Sister Donna was admitted to ICU because her pace maker stopped working and she had a major infection. Because I was sick I couldn't go in to town to see her.

Wed. May 5th
The doctors diagnosed that she was not healthy enough for surgery to fix her pace maker. They decided that her infection was a fugal infection from years in a mold and mildew ridden trailer. Her system started to shut down.

Thurs. May 6th
I told work that I would work a half day. I went to see Donna who had just been moved down stairs for comfort care. They were keeping her really out of it so I wasn't able to talk with her. After visiting Donna I went to work for a short afternoon. I was there about 5 min before they kicked me out. :+) They knew I was upset and still not well. They also told me to take Friday off so that I could spend more time with Donna and mom.

Friday May 7th
I spent Thursday night on mom's couch, which I don't sleep well on, and then took her over for several hours to the hospital. After taking mom home I felt I needed to return home to feed cats and get some good rest before returning on Saturday. While driving home I felt that I needed to stop at the store and check in with Linda. When I turned the corner toward the store I was met with 4 emergency trucks and lots of cars from the volunteers. I knew it was Linda. I grabbed my key and hustled across the parking lot to the store. After the paramedics felt she was okay enough to leave, I took her home. It was either an anxiety attack or mild heart attack. They wanted to take her to ER but she refused.

Saturday May 8th
After getting Linda settled I spent several hours worrying and checking on her through her window. I finally crashed and slept until noon. I headed to town but not soon enough. Donna passed at 2:30pm while I was driving into town. I spent the rest of the day with mom.

Mothers day
I spent the day resting and talking with Donna's friends. My kids called me. I love them so much!

Monday May 10th
I went to work. I tired out early and at 10:30 thought I may not make it through. I checked with mom, did a load of laundry and headed home.

Tuesday May 11th
Linda went to town the last couple of days trying to get some help with funds so that she could see a doctor. She signed up for River Stone and got an appointment for tomorrow. I worked and felt good.

Wednesday May 12th
When I woke up I just sat on the side of the bed. It was strange. I just sat there. Finally, after missing my shower, missing breakfast and then rushing out the door, I was on my way to work. Linda called me at 9:05am needing a ride to the ER. Her Blood pressure was extremely high. I was teaching in room 12 because the classroom teacher had to step out. It wasn't a problem except that I needed to leave. I had my cell phone and called the office of the school and told them the situation. We arrived at the ER at 9:30. After a bunch of tests, no food, and some giggles they admitted her and sent her upstairs at 5:00pm. A doctor came in and told us it was Cancer. Jessica came down from Portland so I slept at home.

Thursday May 13th
Today included a bunch of tests and a lot of waiting. I forgot to wish Hannah a happy birthday. Jess needed to go back to Portland and Seattle for work. I slept at the hospital.

Friday May 14th
They released Linda at 5:00pm and diagnosed her with stage 4 lung cancer. surgery is not an option but she has chosen chemo to slow or stop the growth. Jess and Doug came home with us. We sat around the campfire while laughing and sharing stories.

It has been a crazy and wild ride the last couple of weeks. We are strong and loving. We shall get through this together.





We also had a lot of laughs. You can't get two of us in the same room with out a few giggles involved. I will share some of those stories soon. Thank you for everyones love and support.