Better Afternoon

No more temperature. Dave got his Cipro a little early this am and that seemed to do the trick. Tim got here around 9 am and we got Dave out of bed, cleaned him up, and he already looked better. He had a little trouble with some pills, but had most of a bowl of cereal. He was ready for a nap around 11. Hospice came at around 1pm and left a little after 4 pm. Dave was up part of the time, otherwise he continued his nap. Joni and I decided to try to get Dave up to the wheelchair after hospice left....but something wasn't right......I had him barely on my knee....no...it's best to do a controlled sit down on the floor, so that's what we did. The neighbors came over and stood him up...in the chair....whew! Dave had some Kentucky fried chicken, mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. He ate well. This evening Kay and Bill stopped by for a visit and Bill helped me get Dave back to bed. 2 to 3 hours up really tires him out. I check his temperature every 3 to 4 hours (a little paranoid maybe?). Glad it's staying down. Hope for a restful night. Guess I need help getting Dave in and out of bed from now on.

peace, love, groove.

Temperture higher

I woke up to a kinda strange cough from Dave about 4:30 am. Dave's bed was obviously wet from him sweating. He'd open his eyes but couldn't get an oral temperature. Axillary was 100.7 degrees. The pediatric nurse in me got all the blankets off and started putting some cool wash clothes on his head and chest. His cheeks were pretty red. 4:30 am......what do I do? Well, after a few tired tears and some contemplation about who I should wake up (or who would be up?), I called the on call oncologist. He suggested I give Dave some Tylenol. Since the Cipro just started, give it a little more time. We may need to change the antibiotic today or tomorrow, Dave may have pneumonia. Okay....better at 8 am. Dave did wake up more with the head of bed up higher and drank some juice. Easily took a Motrin (all I have in the house right now.....). I felt like we were in a black hole....who to go to? It seems to have worked out okay.

Update at 10 am. Dave's temp. is down. Tim and mom are here and we got Dave up. Bed is changed. Second Cipro given. Hospice will be here at 1 pm. Deep breath. We're okay.

peace, love, groove.

Monday...slides by

Whew- this day went fast. Dave has been running a very low grade temp all weekend and looks like he has another UTI. I talked with the NP this morning, told her we are ready for hospice and about Dave's symptoms. He's back on Cipro. Hopefully will feel better in a couple days. It was a cool but sunny fall day. Dave didn't get outside today...maybe tomorrow. Joni and mom helped today. Dave's mom and sister Al came by late afternoon. It continues to be hard at times to move Dave from the bed to the chair. Today I realized the wheelchair sides come off- IT IS SO MUCH EASIER!!! Wow, what a silly willy. Still, it's really a 2 person job and Dave seems a little weaker every day to me. He is eating...still small meals, but eating.

I'm overwhelmed with the love and kindness surrounding us. And tears are part of every day now. I already miss my Dave, the one who held me and put funny hats on his head and called for his dogs every morning. I still get very sweet kisses. Thanks for supporting us through the ups and downs.

peace, love, groove

Day stays a challenge.

I got Dave part way up around 10 am and we got stuck. He was so close to the edge. The neighbors were all gone, made a couple calls and got a hold of Beckie. Eric came to the rescue. Dave was so weak, still pretty tired. He was eating and watching TV with me for a couple hours in the wheelchair. Then Edd and Jeri stopped by, helped me get him back to bed for a nap when they left. I got a nap in too. Julie S came for a visit a little after 4, she helped me get Dave up again. We got outside and made a small fire. It was so nice to catch up with her. Tim and Joni brought dinner over and "Hot tub time machine". Dave thought the movie was cute. Ate pretty good and is back to bed, sleeping hard. Tomorrow we will officially except Hospice. My sweet, sweet man is so tired lately. Glad he isn't in pain. We will all take good care of him. 1 1/2 weeks to my leave.

peace, love, groove

Dang camera

We tend to never buy the "protection plans", but after ruining a camera earlier in the year (had it less than a year) I decided to go ahead when I got a replacement. So now our current camera's lens won't open. It may be an easy fix...we'll see.

Dave slept well. He hasn't been very talkative for the last day. Still giving me sweet kisses though!!!!! Busy day planned. I have to get some work done this morning and should have a few visitors this afternoon. And maybe a fire!

Will update later. peace, love, groove.

New site

Kay came by this evening to help me set up a care calendar. This will be Dave Maki's personal CareCalendar site. Here is the sign in for helpers. It's only there for those we would like to help....no pressure.

CALENDAR ID : 52559
SECURITY CODE : 1488

Great idea Kay! Thanks for the help.

peace, love, groove

More moving and naps

Picture: Dave and Nancy during IV fluids on Friday. Photo by Joni King.

TGIF and the day went pretty well. Busy for me, work is never done..unfortunately normal for most Americans now a days. Last night I got Dave up around 7 pm and we went over to a fire at the neighbors house. Great night for a fire. Dave Carlock stopped by, he lives in the neighborhood now!

Today Sue stayed with Dave while Edd, Lindsey, Mark L and Dan helped us move a few last things to mom's apartment. Couple big pieces of furniture. Then Lindsey stayed with Dave while Sue and I went back to help my mom. She had sooooo many boxes and bags to get through. We got her kitchen organized and cabinets full. Ideas for the bathroom and bedroom. It felt so good to have some time to really help her. I know she felt less overwhelmed when Sue and I left. Thanks to all.

peace, love, groove