Carole's Visit Home

Carole had mentioned yesterday that she was hoping to get home today for a little while. I (Kari) was going to wait until about 10am before calling...well, she was up and ready to roll earlier than that. I ended up picking her up around 10:30 and took her home. She managed the stairs very well (what a warrior)! I left at 2:15pm or so- during the time that I was there she had multiple visitors, made a cup of tea, found her purse, told us some great stories and enjoyed time with Amber and Colton. She will be returning to the hospital this evening, in time for her 8pm meds. What a great day!

Eating well

We have all been happy to see Carole's appetite going so well lately.

Tonight, Michelle's mother was bringing her a lobster dinner, complete with potato salad and melted butter

I am sure it beats the hospital food!

RR

Saturday

Big P and Colette were down to visit Carole today, and she felt well enough for a walk outside.
It was a nice enough day for it, but she got a bit cold as she doesn't really have any winter gear down at the hospital.
With her feet being a bit swollen, her footwear was not fitting, so she went out in her slippers.
I think she is a 7, so if anyone has an easy fitting shoe (Croc would be great) in around a size 8, and they can spare them, let me know.
It will make her travels easier until her feet go back down to her regular size.

I think Carole is hoping to get home for a visit next weekend. We will wait and see how her week goes.

RR

Thurs night

I was talking with Paul F tonight and he said that he was in to see Carole today, and she was looking great. He does not think she would be quite ready for a home visit yet, but can see a day soon, maybe sometime next weekend.

I will talk to her tomorrow and see what else is going on down there.

Colton's rescheduled birthday party is Saturday. A few of them are going out for a movie.
I am guessing pizza before, and cake after. And popcorn in between.
Indigestion to follow.

RR

Wednesday lunchtime

I was just talking to Carole, and she is going in for her colonoscopy (I hope I spelled that right?) shortly.
She seemed in pretty good spirits considering.
Her last two days have been not so bad. Not feeling the greatest, but she has been worse.
I am going to bring down the Kerri lotion that she mentioned this afternoon.

RR

Sunday morning

Carole was not having the greatest morning today, so if you were thinking of visiting, maybe hold off until later on.
Of course, the safe bet is always to call ahead and see if she is feeling like visitors. And if she is, ask her if there is anything you can bring down for her.

I hope to hear more this afternoon, and will post any updates

RR

Bday party postphoned

Apparently some snow has fallen

For obvious reasons, Paul F has rescheduled Colton's party until next Saturday.

For anyone who needs help shovelling... please call 1-800-YOU-GOTTA-BE-KIDDING
and I will dispatch one of my expert shovelers.

RR

Colton's party on Saturday

Paul F is going to make the call in the morning regarding the party.
It is too hard to tell now with the expected storm. It might be bad, it might not.

I'll get the cake to the house in the morning, and they can break it out whenever things end up happening.

If her condition allows it, Carole hopes to get home for a visit Monday night for a family birthday gathering for Colton.

Rod

Friday

From Kari's visit today

Carole looked pretty good today- ate a good lunch in the nice little
kitchen. She wants to go home for Colton's birthday (Monday) if at all
possible but noted that she needs a transfusion in order for that to happen.
She wasn't using oxygen at all today, so that is a plus too....that is all
for now.

Thursday - mid day

I just spoke with Carole, and she is not feeling the greatest, but was talkative and able to joke a bit.

So, the talk of a day pass type visit home today is postphoned.

She said possibly tomorrow, but she will have to wait and see.

Maybe a few hours over the weekend would be better so that there are more of us available?
Time will tell.

RR

Wednesday night

I was in to see Carole tonight, and she is not sure what is going on with recent talk of a daypass for a visit home.

We would need a few days to get ready for such a visit, and I am not certain it is the best idea given that she seems to need the oxygen?

I will call Caroline (the social worker) Thursday and see what she is saying.

We would all love to see Carole get to spend some time at home if she wants to, but I know that I am not comfortable with that happening unless we can have the proper care for her there.
As of now, we do not.

I'll post when I find out more.

RR

No visitors tonight please

I (Kari) just spoke to Michelle on the phone. Carole is feeling quite nauseated. Probably best if we restrict the visits for the night. Will keep you posted when I hear more.

Carole might get a visit home soon

I spoke with Carolyn, the social worker today.
There were plans to send Carole home for a trial period this Friday, as her condition seemed to warrant it.
Carolyn then called back about an hour later saying that the new plan is to send Carole home tomorrow on a day pass to see how she does.
Carol was on daily oxygen at the hospital, and that is harder to pull off at home.
So, they want to see how she does at home without it for a day, and then decide if a more indefinite stay at home is workable. There are costs with having in home oxygen as well that will need to be considered.

I plan to visit tonight, and will see what Carole is saying about this new plan.

If there is an indefinite home stay for Carole in the future, I will send out a mass email to see who is available when so we can keep her company.

RR

More notes from a recent visit

As Val mentioned we had a wonderful visit with Carole today at lunch hour.
She is doing remarkably well under the circumstances and is feeling pretty
feisty (remains absolutely determined to go home) - exhibiting signs of the
Carole we all know and love! She was very alert and communicative and
looks amazing. Apparently (as we did not get to visit last week) the
swelling in her abdomen has gone down quite a bit as well as the swelling
in her legs. There was very little fluid in her calves but still some in
her feet (top and ankle area) which was causing her a bit of discomfort.
Valerie and I commented to her that her legs and pedicure still look better
than ours do!!! She remains on the oxygen (low dose) and was a wee bit
drowsy at times due to the meds and lack of sleep last night. The nurses
were poking and prodding her arms through the night as they had to relocate
the intervenous (it needed a better flow). They continue treating the
blood infection but have opted for intervenous antibiotics as they can give
her a higher dose than orally to help eliminate the infection more quickly.
While we were there Kari popped in for a quick visit with some new cozy
"bunny" pjs. She commented (as did the lady who dropped in from the
"chemo" area I believe?) on how well Carole looked and how much she has
rebounded since last week! Never underestimate the power of intention
especially with Carole.....she has taught all of us some valuable
lessons!!! We told stories, had some laughs, she shared some thoughts and
said not to count her out yet......man I love that woman!!!!! We were
getting ready to leave and Rhonda arrived with Carole's lunch (from Il
Mercato no less......grilled veggie salad with goat cheese.....naturally
Val and I asked where the wine was??? Lo and behold we didn't realize that
Rhonda is a liquor rep - our new bestest friend, right Val?) That's it for
now.....keep those positive thoughts and energy flowing everyone!!!!!
Cheers!


Jackie MacLeod

No News is Good News

I (Kari) noticed that no one has been blogging lately. For those of you who have not been in to see Carole lately, it is because she is doing very well. I dropped in at lunchtime today to bring her some flannel pjs and she was being entertained by some ladies from her single parent group. The swelling in her legs and stomach has reduced quite a bit. She is feeling much better without all of the pain from pressure that the swelling was creating. She was very alert during the visit- despite the fact that she said she did not sleep well last night. Nothing more to add as I didn't stay long. She was laughing, smiling and joking the whole time that I was there.

From Carole's Friend Jackie (SWAK PAK)

As Val mentioned we had a wonderful visit with Carole today at lunch hour.
She is doing remarkably well under the circumstances and is feeling pretty feisty (remains absolutely determined to go home) - exhibiting signs of the Carole we all know and love! She was very alert and communicative and looks amazing. Apparently (as we did not get to visit last week) the swelling in her abdomen has gone down quite a bit as well as the swelling in her legs. There was very little fluid in her calves but still some in her feet (top and ankle area) which was causing her a bit of discomfort.
Valerie and I commented to her that her legs and pedicure still look better than ours do!!! She remains on the oxygen (low dose) and was a wee bit drowsy at times due to the meds and lack of sleep last night. The nurses were poking and prodding her arms through the night as they had to relocate the intervenous (it needed a better flow). They continue treating the blood infection but have opted for intervenous antibiotics as they can give her a higher dose than orally to help eliminate the infection more quickly.
While we were there Carrie popped in for a quick visit with some new cozy "bunny" pjs. She commented (as did the lady who dropped in from the "chemo" area I believe?) on how well Carole looked and how much she has rebounded since last week! Never underestimate the power of intention especially with Carole.....she has taught all of us some valuable
lessons!!! We told stories, had some laughs, she shared some thoughts and
said not to count her out yet......man I love that woman!!!!! We were getting ready to leave and Rhonda arrived with Carole's lunch (from Il Mercato no less......grilled veggie salad with goat cheese.....naturally Val and I asked where the wine was??? Lo and behold we didn't realize that Rhonda is a liquor rep - our new bestest friend, right Val?) That's it for now.....keep those positive thoughts and energy flowing everyone!!!!!
Cheers!

From Carole's friend Karen from Manulife

This is Karen, I also dropped in around 11 to 11:45 today OR so, Carole looked awesome, much brighter than yesterday, and certainly more herself. Simply determined to go home and get all this stuff off her (the IV etc). I spent a bit of time explaining what needs to be considered for a return home, and having someone with her 24 hour/day, also about maybe considering Palliative Care downstairs as a support, she was much more receptive to all this and understands we are working on it. In order to be considered for home care through Manulife, we are having to provide them with a multitude of info (letters from the province, her doctor, a home care company etc) All this I am working on, however I must be honest,I have been in touch with 2 home care company's so far and a big problem is a nursing and or LPN shortage. Palliative Care mentioned something about that during the meeting on Friday that nursing shortage can be a big issue, and we need to make sure that we have a back up plan for all times. I have not told Carole all of this as yet, other than telling her about some of the hoops we are having to work our way through for this predetermination, but we will get there.
Just a few things for consideration for your Sunday planning session.

Carole on Saturday

I (Kari) was down at the hospital this morning around 11am. Carole was sitting in her chair reading the paper and looked really good. The nurse came in while I was there and told Carole that they were going to run one bag of potassium (about 4 hours) and then would unhook her from the IVs- excellent news. She was hoping to go for a ride in a wheelchair in the afternoon to Tim Horton's.

I had coffee with Sylvia afterwards and she reminded me that it is Colton's 13th birthday next week (24th). I am planning to drop some cookies to Paul and the kids tomorrow and will ask him what the plans are for the celebration- will post once I hear.

Converting Airmiles to groceries

There have been a lot of offers to send over meals, which is great, but with limited freezer space, we will have to space things out a bit. Paul is actually a bit of a cook, and does not mind putting together meals for himself and the kids.
So, I am sure the odd meal will be appreciated, but for the most part, he wants to cook.
So, another way to help might be to convert any spare Airmiles you have into grocery gift certificates? Only 140 miles will get a $20 certificate for Sobeys.

Just a thought, here is the link:

https://www.airmiles.ca/arrow/RewardsProductDetails?maxOptions=5&qty=true&productId=prod05799

Late Friday night

No real big news tonight
Natacha heads home in the morning. Her and Mario had a long week.

Carole's condition has not changed much from what I know.
She had a bit of a fever last night, but I think that was dealt with.
Visiting is a judgment call at this point.
She can be very tired at times, but enjoys seeing her friends.
Use discretion and try not to overwhelm her.
Not too many visitors at a time.
She is cursed with too many friends I guess.

A few of us are getting together Sunday to organize all the offers of help.
We could feed a small village with all the meal offers, so I am going to check with Paul and see what he thinks will work. I will also ask the kids for meal ideas as they can be picky. We have to sneak some veggies into them somehow.
Thanks for all the offers of help. I will be getting back to you all when we get things figured out.

RR

Some good news - Manulife benefits for homecare

Carole's friend Karen at Manulife was talking with Natacha, and one of the benefits with Carole's work is at home palliative care to a limit of $10,000 year.
From what I understand, there would be $10,000 allowed up until the end of the year, and then at January 1st, it would reset again to $10,000.

So, if Carole's condition should improve to the point of coming home, there are resources, and access to the right care. The important part being the right care.

Other than that, Natacha and Mario have meetings at the hospital throughout the day, and I will hear from them later.

I plan to talk to Paul and the kids over the weekend as well regarding what they feel they need for meals and drives. We can work on some kind of schedule then.

RR

Thursday night - no visitors please

Carole is asking for no visitors tonight please

She has had many, which is great, but she wants a quiet evening tonight

I don't blame her.... Thursda night is the best TV night !

Thx

Oranizing some help

We have a lot of people who have offered help, so now we need to organize our efforts.
Many have sent money for Carole's bills, and that is greatly appreciated.

Other areas may be meals, and drives, and babysitting.

I think a few of us may get together soon to talk about this.

I'll get the ball rolling.....

For the time being, I can get Colton home (or to my place) for lunch on school days.
For me to prepare meals to send down to their home would just be cruel. A chef I am not.
I also have a flexible morning schedule, so should either of the kids have a morning appt.,,, dentist or whatever, I can likely make that work.
I can get the kids to school in the morning if weather is bad. I think Paul leaves for work fairly early, and he does not have a car.
Kids today are sheltered from walking it seems, so I am reluctant to drive them every day for their own good, but if the weather warrants it, I will take pity on them and run them up the hill.

I think I know someone who can pick Colton up after school if needed. Again, it may be best to just have this for inclimate days. A judgment call I suppose.

The babysitting might be harder to schedule. I know Paul often does side jobs outside of regular work hours, and Amber does not always seem keen on staying home with Colton.
I would hope that if Paul had an important side job, he would have some notice, and we could have someone either stay with Colton or take him out somewhere. He stays home alone sometimes, and is likely old enough to do so, but I would prefer to see someone with him.

So, anyone else who has offers or ideas, please post or message here if you can or if easier just email to me.
RocketRodHfx@yahoo.com
I have found an online calendar sharing tool offered by Google that looks like it might work for us coordinating our efforts.
I will post the link when I see if it will meet our needs.

RR

Wed night - Carole doing a bit better

They were able to take a couple of the IV's off today. I think that means that the blood infection cleared up.
With the meds being a bit lighter, Carole was not as sedated, and could talk more.
They are still awaiting a couple of test results from earlier in the week.

Natacha will be around the hospital quite a bit tomorrow, and I will be checking with her to see what is going on.

RR

Wed morning - no major news

The scope down Carole's throat did not show much.
The results from the other scans yesterday have not come back yet. Later today likely.

Carole is still very tired, and can fall asleep at any time. But she can talk, and short conversations are fine.

You still have to wear a mask etc to visit, but the nurse said that she expects results back later today that would change that.

Carole was hungry this morning, as she could not eat for a period of time after this mornings scope.
They have to be sure her swallowing etc has recovered from the scope I think.

Natacha was down this morning, and will be talking with doctors throughout the day I imagine.

Paul was taking the kids down for a visit at lunch I believe.

I'll hopefully hear more later, and will post all here

RR

Tues night update

From what I understand, there were some more scans done today, and there is another scheduled for tomorrow.
There is a family meeting with the doctor in the morning, so there will be more news at that time.

Carole did have a bad reaction to a blood transfusion, but now that they are aware of that situation, she will get some pre transfusion meds to make sure that does not happen again.

Carole is breathing better today, and was not in as much pain.
She is on some pretty heavy meds, so she is a bit dopey, but can carry on conversation.
The most important thing is that she is more comfortable than she was on Monday.
Colton and Amber were able to get in for a visit today.

I'll get more news on here as I get it tomorrow.
Everyone keep thinking good thoughts.

RR

Flight delay

Natacha's flight that was supposed to get in early this morning, was delayed.
She will not land until around 1:30 this afternoon.

RR

Ways to help

Back in May of this year, a few of us worked on a plan to put a bit of money into Carole's account each month to help with bills. Many were interested and have participated.
If you showed interest, and have been helping out as you can, please try to continue doing so.
If you had planned to help out, but did not follow through, now is the time.

Any amount helps, and an amount that you can afford on a regular basis would likely be best.
Carole had a lot of stress in the last few weeks with the notice of a rent increase that is coming in a few months for her place on Central Avenue.
She does not need that kind of stress at a time like this.

Getting the funds to her is easy. I have her account info, and you can set her up as a direct payee on your online banking. If you are with TD, this is very easy, as I have mine set up, and it was a breeze. If you are not with TD, or just find it easier to get the funds to me, I can see that it goes directly to her account. Email the funds to me, mail me a cheque, if you are in the cash world, we can meet up.

I know that times are tight, so those who cannot to help financially can maybe help with meals or running the kids around in the coming months.

I will get info on what is needed from Natacha, Mario, and Paul, and we will see who can do what.

RR

Carole

Hello All,

I set this up so that we could share info on Carole's progress.
Please post any new info that you care to share, and feel free to correct any info that you feel
is not accurate.

I think most know that Carole was taken to Emergency last Saturday afternoon. She had been feeling like crap for a few days, very fatigued, and a high fever.
They ran some tests, and moved her down to the VG. She was kept overnight, and they want to keep her in this week to do more tests, and do what they can for her comfort.
When I was in on Sunday, she was actually not doing too bad considerring. She said that her pain was under control, and she was just very tired, and you could see that the drugs were making her a bit dopey.
As of Monday, she was having a bad day, and her breathing was laboured, and she was in pain.
She requested no visitors, and was sleeping quite a bit.

Her liver is swollen, and there are ulcers causing some bleeding in her stomach.
She has an infection in her blood, and there is fluid and some tumors in her lungs.

Natacha flew in this morning, and I will hear from her later today and will post any new info.

There will be things people can do to help in the coming weeks and months to help, so think of what you have to offer, and we will work on making this a coordinated effort.

Rodney