Friday, August 31, 2007

I'm Back

I'm finally home!

So much has happened in these last few weeks that I'm not sure where to start.

My mom was admitted to the hospital on Saturday the 4th of August. She was put on a ventilator on Sunday. Her lungs weren't doing their job due to fibrosis, then pneumonia complicated the matter. Also, she had just finished chemo and was having radiation. First let me tell you about her radiation...

She was going to be getting radiation every day for six weeks. She was only on her second week. On July 30th she goes to have radiation and tells her doctor that she feels pain in her chest and feels like she can't breathe. She also tells him she feels weak and has a fever. He tells her that it isn't an infection because if it was her white blood cells would be elevated. Next day, same thing except this time all symptoms are worse including the fever. She says she's concerned she might have bronchitis or pneumonia. Again, he tells her that her white cells aren't elevated enough for it to be an infection. Now this is the doctor who is administering her radiation telling her this. RADIATION LOWERS YOUR WHITE BLOOD CELLS! How can HE have overlooked that! Anyway, he tells her that if she's concerned to make an appointment with her primary care physician. She did and his first appointment was August 29th. Meanwhile...he tells her he has to stop her treatments for a week because of her weakened state. Believing him, she goes home and stays in bed since she thinks it can't be serious (thanks doc!) Until she can't breathe, even with her inhalers.

To make a long story short; her lungs finally couldn't do their job anymore. She tried, really tried but her body had failed her. She died with all the beauty, love, gentleness and dignity that she portrayed every day of her life. We buried her on the 18th. I stayed a little longer to take care of her personal stuff.

The plane trip home was the best I can remember for me and Little One.

If it wasn't for my faith...I don't think I could have gotten through this. At least, not without being hysterical and needing sedation.

By the way, THANK YOU! I checked in a few times while I was away and was really encouraged by your comments. Thank You!

4 comments:

niobe said...

I'm so glad to see that you're back. I've been thinking of you and it reassures me to hear that your faith is helping you through this difficult time. Your mother sounds like a lovely person. If you'd like to share more about her some time, I'd love to hear it.

And that doctor was a complete idiot. Sometimes you wonder if they're really paying any attention at all.

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

Ruby,

My heart aches for you. I pray that your mom felt little pain, and that you feel peaceful. I'm so glad that you were able to be with her. Take care...

The Goddess G said...

Ruby,
What an awesome tribute to your mom and way she lead her life. I am so sorry for your loss.
~Carole

Angel Mom said...

It's nice to see you blogging again. You were missed.

Again, I am so sorry about your mother. She sounds like a wonderful person. I'm sorry that doctor didn't DO HIS JOB! Since S, I don't like doctors much anymore.

((Hugs))