Hazardous driving conditions forced the postponement of the traditional family get-together this Christmas eve.
This is the first time Vickie was not present in her original family home for Christmas eve.
This evening Vickie wore the colorful pair of socks and stayed warm under the matching blanket she received from her friend.

Vickie visited her son's home for Thanksgiving. Her three young grandsons don't remember their grandmother as she used to be but they were still excited to see her.

Vickie returned to the Orthopedic Dr. this afternoon for follow-up x-rays of her broken arm. The x-rays indicated the injury was healing rapidly. She will have more x-rays in a month.

Because Vickie's Dr. is on vacation this week another Dr. in the same office filled in on a quickly scheduled appointment.
A new medication was prescribed.
Vickie had some additional lab work at MHMC.

Previous X-rays and new ones taken this afternoon indicated Vickie has a fracture in her left elbow. A removable splint was placed on her arm to support it and protect it from further injury. Other than follow up X-rays no other action is planned.
Since Vickie has no control of and very little sensation in her left arm she is mostly unaware of any pain or discomfort due to the injury.

Thursday afternoon Vickie kept her Dr. appointment. The purpose of the visit was to address some new problems and some ongoing ones.
She had x-rays to examine an injury to her left elbow and to check for the cause of some respiratory issues.
Vickie tolerated all the exams well and returned to her residence early in the evening.

After a visit to the Dr.'s office for her monthly vitamin shot Vickie went to the local pizza house to celebrate her birthday with family. She stayed alert, enjoyed pizza and some of her birthday cake.

When Vickie was asked if she knew the name of the song starting on the 70's rock station her radio was tuned to, she responded by silently mouthing the beginning lyrics, a few seconds before they were played on the radio. Sometimes she remembers details from forty years ago, but very little of what has happened since.

Vickie's condition has not improved this week.

Vickie was quiet today. Often she asks to be taken home. When pressed as to where home is, she responds with the address of the house she lived in when she was a child. For the most part Vickie doesn't have any short term memory but she can recall some aspects of her life 30 or 40 years past.

Vickie seems to be experiencing her psychosis episodes more often and with more intensity. The caregiver responds to the situation by increasing her medication dosage and frequency.

There have not been any changes in Vickie's condition or behavior since last week.

Although she didn't comprehend the significance of the date, Vickie enjoyed some of the chocolates she received for her 40th wedding anniversary Saturday.
The caregiver is increasing the dosage and frequency of medication used to calm Vickie when the compulsive episodes occur. When she is in one of these moods she is oblivious to anyone in the room.

There are no changes or improvements in Vickie's condition.
A sister who lives in Eastern Oregon sent Vickie a card and a note about their projects and preparations for the winter. Although Vickie wasn't able to read the card herself she made some comments when it was read to her.

There just isn't any improvement in Vickie's condition. Occasionally there are snippets of coherent conversation but they are becoming less frequent and for a shorter time.

This afternoon Vickie kept her Dr. appointment. She received her monthly Vitamin shot. The Dr. checked her feeding tube and determined that there was no infection related to it. She will have a little less food intake to help control her weight gain. Lab tests will indicate if there is any improvement in the ongoing infection battle.

Vickie seems to be more agitated lately. The caregiver is giving her medication to calm her much more often. The psychosis episodes are causing her to have a raspy voice due to the constant loud talking. Sometimes it's possible to talk her down but not always.

Monday evening Vickie joined family at the pizza pub. A niece and her two daughters are visiting this week from So. Cal. This is not the same niece that visited Vickie Saturday.
Vickie ate a little of the pizza and drank some of the root beer she requested. She was fairly alert and responsive most of the time.

Saturday Vickie's niece visited and brought her infant daughter. The visit went as well as could be expected. When Vickie goes into her psychosis mode where she rapidly calls out names over and over it's entertaining to the little girl.

Vickie's condition is for the most part still unchanged. She seems to be gaining a little weight or she is retaining fluid, not sure which. She doesn't complain about any unusual discomfort or pain.

Late Saturday afternoon Vickie attended a wedding reception for one of her nephews. She saw old friends and many members of her family. She ate a little of the cake and had a little refreshment. By the time Vickie returned to her residence she was tired and ready for bed.

This photo of Vickie was taken a few weeks before June 16th 2004.





Vickie cruised her residence neighborhood in her chair this afternoon with the help of her sister and niece. The fresh air and sun were probably good for her.

It’s hard to grasp the concept that it has now been four years since Vickie’s life was dramatically changed in just a matter of minutes and without any warning.
Hopes for a recovery that would allow her to return to her life as it was before June 16 2004 are diminishing. The best outcome would be that Vickie is able to maintain the mental facilities she still possesses.
Vickie’s physical health is reasonably good given that she gets most of her nutrition from liquid supplements and that she is unable to do any meaningful exercise.
Vickie is being treated for an ongoing infection that is resistant to most anti-biotics. She just started using a new medication last week and we are running out of options for one that will offer successful treatment.
The psychosis episodes occur often and seem to interfere with Vickie's eating and normal conversation. Most of the time she is unaware of her situation and what is happening around her.

Vickie had an appointment with her DR. Monday afternoon. There will be lab tests to determine if the treatment for the ongoing infection is having any positive results. The visit went well.

Vickie joined her sisters for a birthday event at a sister's home this afternoon. She seemed to enjoy the company and she ate well.
Vickie stayed responsive and aware most of the evening. She was calm on the trip back to her residence.

There has not been any significant changes in Vickie's condition since the last post.

Vickie joined family members at a local restaurant Thursday evening. Although the reason for the event was to honor the second anniversary of her older sister's passing, Vickie was unaware of the significance of the day.
Vickie was in a good mood, ate a little and with some assistance held her newest grand niece for a few moments.
During the trip back to her residence Vickie remarked that it was good to have the family get together and that she had enjoyed the evening.

Lately Vickie seemed to have lost what little appetite she had. The Dr. has her again taking the anti-depressant that had been stopped a month ago. Today her appetite was good. We won't know if there's a connection or just coincidence until a few days have passed.

Vickie's condition remains the same. She appears to be recovering from her recent medical problems. The new feeding tube is still functioning properly.
As always, visitors are welcome, the best times are late afternoon and early evening.

The results of a test from Vickie last Sunday revealed she has an infection more serious than previously thought. The antibiotic prescribed last week is not effective against this resistant variety. Today she will begin a more aggressive treatment, using large dosages of vitamin C and a prescribed medication.

Vickie now has a new more high tech feeding tube. Hopefully it will last longer and be more reliable than previous ones
Vickie was alert and aware during the hospital visit. She recognized some of her former coworkers and knew their names even though she had not seen them in nearly four years.
On the trip back to her residence she stopped at a Burgerville to have a burger and an order of fries. Seeing a special on strawberry milkshakes advertised on a billboard next to the drive-up-window she asked for one and drank it with her meal. Getting Vickie to eat regular food has been an issue for some time now.

Wednesday, Vickie will return to MHMC to have a more permanent feeding tube put in.
She seemed in good spirits today.
Andy Griffith was on the TV this evening and she knew all the character's names and even chuckled about Barney.

Vickie made an unscheduled trip to MHMC Sunday afternoon. She was diagnosed with a rather aggressive UTI and will have a new medication to treat it.
She also had a new feeding tube put in to replace a problematic one.
After the usual tests and probes she was discharged and returned to her residence.
She handled the entire event very well

Vickie went to her Dr. this morning for her monthly Vitamin shot. The trip was quick and without problems.
Vickie snacks on candy and cookies but she still won't eat regular food.
There are no changes to report.

As usual there are no developments to report. Vickie is still doing OK and without any new problems.

Vickie was visited by her youngest grandniece this afternoon. She held the 4 month old for a few moments.
There are no noticeable changes or improvements in Vickie's condition.

The new year started pretty much the same as always for Vickie. There have not been any new developments or changes. Her condition remains relatively stable, which is good news.