Visiting With Mom

Im staying with my 91 year old Mom. She is still her bright alert self in spite of the fact that her heart is not functioning as well.  I took her to the cardiologist this week. We had a long discussion. He looked back in her records to 1999 when she had her major heart attack. At that time we opted to try to care for her medically rather than put her through the risk of bypass and heart valve replacement surgery. The doctor said, 'I don't know why she is still alive considering the condition of her heart' We all know why she is still alive.  She isn't ready to go yet. She is having too much fun with her family and friends and her little dog Molly. All of her children and grandchildren are working together to keep her needs met, and to keep her in her little condo. 

Great Gramma and Oliver

While Im here I am observing her for signs of Congestive Heart Failure or dehydration. It is a fine line we are walking. Im teaching her her new medication regime. We have simplified  it. But it is still pretty complicated. I revised her medication chart. We have to keep her fluid intake balanced. So  she has a pitcher of water that she fills every day and makes sure she drinks that much and not more. I will be keeping close tabs on her even when I go home tomorrow.

It has been a lovely visit for me. I haven't been in Sacramento since last November when I had just started my chemo. I have seen  almost all of my siblings and a lot of my nieces and nephews. My next entries will talk about some of these visits,