Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Early morning nausea didn’t prevent Vickie from having a pleasant day. Her appetite continues to improve despite all the setbacks. An evening at a sister’s home along with dinner was a good ending to the day.

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Finally, a good day from start to finish. Vickie had a good appetite and only a few minor problems.

Monday, July 18, 2005

For some unknown reason Vickie slept a good portion of the day. Late in the afternoon she finally awoke for good. She then traveled to a sister’s home for a visit and dinner.
Vickie is spending more time away from her home and without the company of her main caregiver. It seems to be a more convenient arrangement for everyone involved.

Sunday, July 17, 2005

Vickie recovered nicely from the previous nights discomfort. She ate a good breakfast. Later she traveled to sister’s home for lunch and dinner. Despite the very warm July afternoon she had a good day.

Saturday, July 16, 2005

A visit from Vickie’s two youngest grandsons helped alleviate the discomfort from dinnertime nausea for a while. She was unable to eat her meal or retain the much needed anti-biotic. The episodes are becoming much too frequent.
It has been thirteen months since the onset of Vickie’s illness. Her recovery seems to be going much slower and with more setbacks than we anticipated. If we can somehow get past this almost continuous nausea problem maybe the healing process will get back on track.

Friday, July 15, 2005

Vickie kept her Dr. appointment this afternoon. She still has an infection that refuses to go away. More antibiotics will be tried.
At bedtime another episode of nausea, something else that won’t go away.

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Beginning early morning, Vickie experienced one of the worse periods of nausea in several weeks. After plenty of sleep during the day she was able to resume normal activities.
She spent the evening traveling to a couple of her sister's homes for dinner and visits.

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

For some unknown reason Vickie spent an extraordinary amount of time sleeping today. This evening she was herself again.

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

A very restless night and then the nausea at daybreak was a poor start for Vickie's day. With some extra sleep she returned to her regular self later in the day. The episodes are becoming more frequent again but the severity and duration are not nearly as bad as they were previously. She always rebounds quickly now. Still, there is no apparent cause or cure.

Monday, July 11, 2005

An early morning bout of nausea didn't stop Vickie from having a good day. She was in good spirits for a visit from a friend and a sister this evening.

Sunday, July 10, 2005

Vickie had a good afternoon visiting at her sister's home, topped off with a excellent dinner.

Saturday, July 09, 2005

Another non-problem day. Vickie had a good visit with some of her neighbors as they helped with some neglected landscape work in her yard.
Vickie's appetite has improved noticably in the last week or so despite the ongoing problems.

Friday, July 08, 2005

Vickie finished a good day with dinner at the chinese resturant. Later in the evening a bout of nausea caused some discomfort as she was getting ready for bedtime.

Thursday, July 07, 2005

Vickie had her first outpatient therapy session today. We will have to make some changes concerning how she consumes her meals and drinks. Vickie has difficulty drinking without choking, making her mealtimes somewhat risky if not handled properly.

Wednesday, July 06, 2005

Vickie was able to get away from her home for a while this evening. Still doing well.

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

Vickie had a regular day with a few problems that were resolved. She still has her appetite and she is keeping a better sleep schedule.

Monday, July 04, 2005

Vickie recovered from a bout of nauesa in the morning in time to have a good brunch.

Sunday, July 03, 2005

Vickie spent the afternoon at another sister's house without mishap. A ramp was hastily constructed to accommodate her wheelchair.
She is still eating with more gusto, definitely a good sign.

Saturday, July 02, 2005

In our ongoing efforts to broaden Vickie's experience level, she traveled to and spent the entire afternoon at a sister's home without her primary caregiver's assistance. She enjoyed her time away from home along with a good meal and the attention of the resident dogs.

Friday, July 01, 2005

Still another day without serious problems. Vickie is developing, what for her is a voracious appetite. She also enjoys snacking which previously didn't happen.

Thursday, June 30, 2005

Vickie traveled to a small local outdoor music venue this evening with a sister. A one time episode, possibly motion sickness caused a delay but didn't interfere with her enjoying the event.

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Vickie made it thru the day without any significant problems, for a change.

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

It seems Vickie can't get a good break. In route to her Dr's for tests this afternoon, she became sick again. She followed thru with the appointment despite the illness. After a few hours she was able to get settled down and sleep.

Monday, June 27, 2005

Another of the early morning onset nausea episodes disrupted Vickie's morning. There seems to be a regularity about this situation, still without an explaination for the cause or a viable way to prevent their occurrence. Later in the day she always returns to her normal self.

Sunday, June 26, 2005

Vickie was able to travel to and spend the afternoon at a family gathering without assistance from her primary caregiver. She enjoyed the visit, especially with the young ones. We are trying to expand her experiences to help her become more aware and self sufficient.

Saturday, June 25, 2005

There were no changes in Vickie's condition today.

Friday, June 24, 2005

Vickie liked her fried shrimp and her cashew chicken when she dined out this evening, however she thought the tea was not as hot as it should have been.

Thursday, June 23, 2005

Vickie had another pleasant day. She is still eating good.

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Vickie's appetite is slowly increasing, to the point now that all her nutrition is from meals.
She has started on a new anti-biotic to aggressively treat the persistent infection.

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

An early morning nausea episode was a bad start to Vickie's day. The incidents seem to becoming more frequent again. We still don't have a definite cause. Later in the morning she recovered and behaved as if it never happened.

Monday, June 20, 2005

Vickie managed to get thru another day without any problems quite well.

Sunday, June 19, 2005

Other than getting extra sleep, Vickie had a good day.

Saturday, June 18, 2005

As has been the case previously, Vickie seemed to recover from the problems of the night before quite well.

Friday, June 17, 2005

A bout of the nausea this evening ruined what had otherwise been a pleasant day.

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Today is a bittersweet anniversary for those of us close to Vickie. It was one year ago this morning that she was first stricken. On that morning we couldn't imagine the chain of events that would transpire over the course of the year.
Vickie is still making progress albeit slowly, but considering the alternative we gladly accept the situation we have now.

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Vickie had another pleasant day. She is still eating well and her sleep pattern is improving.

Monday, June 13, 2005

Vickie returned to her normal self today, no new issues to contend with.

Sunday, June 12, 2005

Just when things appeared to be going well, Vickie suffered another nausea episode early in the morning. She slept most of the day recovering from the nights distress.
She did rebound some this evening, managing to eat a fair amount for dinner.

Saturday, June 11, 2005

Vickie is slowly regaining her appetite. She no longer needs extra nourishment. Her sleep pattern is also improving.

Friday, June 10, 2005

Vickie had another good day.

Thursday, June 09, 2005

Vickie enjoyed another day without serious problems.
Vickie's new leg braces arrived today. These are to help maintain her legs and feet in proper alignment for that time in the future when she can begin walking again.

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

Again Vickie's condition seems to have stabilized. No problems today. She is attempting to eat meals normally. She still has erratic sleep times.

Tuesday, June 07, 2005

Vickie had a pleasant day, with some extra sleep.
A possible cause of the nausea may be an infection, which will be treated with anti-biotics.

Monday, June 06, 2005

Despite the miserable time Vickie had Sunday, she was back on track today.

Sunday, June 05, 2005

Nausea beginning early in the morning completely ruined Vickie's day. A very high fever and no ability to retain fluids, nourishment or any medication through out the day created a serious setback. She was finally able to get some rest at the end of the day.
As has been the situation previously, there is no apparent cause and little can be done to prevent or alleviate the episodes.

Saturday, June 04, 2005

Vickie had another pleasant day. She continues to be more alert and responsive. Her appetite is definitely improving.

Friday, June 03, 2005

Vickie has successfully completed four days without serious problems. Her appetite is slowly returning so she is not needing the tube for nourishment now.

Thursday, June 02, 2005

Vickie continues to have trouble free days. This gives everyone directly involved a much needed break and cause for a little optimism.

Wednesday, June 01, 2005

Vickie made it thru a second day without any serious problems.

Tuesday, May 31, 2005

After the unpleasantness of yesterday, Vickie showed no sign of problems today. She was able to keep her Dr. appointment, stayed alert and had some appetite for real food.

Monday, May 30, 2005

An ongoing nausea problem has spoiled Vickie's day since late in the afternoon. No known cause as usual.

Sunday, May 29, 2005

It appears that Vickie is getting back to the level she was at several weeks ago. More alertness and some regaining of her appetite.

Saturday, May 28, 2005

We are working to help Vickie adjust her sleeping cycle. Between the change in her medication and doing what we can to allow her to sleep more at night she now seems to be more alert during the day.
Vickie still doesn't have enough appetite to sustain her nutrition by herself.

Friday, May 27, 2005

Vickie had a calm day without any serious problems.

Thursday, May 26, 2005

Some unexpected extreme agitation followed by more nausea episodes early in the morning disrupted Vickie's day. She seemed better this evening, but she still has little appetite.

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Lots of fresh air for Vickie in an otherwise unremarkable day.

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Vickie had a quiet uneventful day.

Monday, May 23, 2005

Vickie another good day, lots of sleep but alert when she's awake.

Sunday, May 22, 2005

Vickie continues to spend considerable time during the day sleeping. However, now when awake she is much more alert than she has been for several weeks.

Saturday, May 21, 2005

For today it seems as though Vickie's condition has taken another turn, this time for the better. She is more alert and is regaining an appetite for real food.
We took a chance and attended the wedding ceremony of the son of some close friends, since that went fairly well she also went to the reception afterwards.

Friday, May 20, 2005

Despite the ongoing erratic sleep pattern, Vickie was more alert today than she has been for some time. Her appetite seems to be coming back ever so slightly. A change in medication might be responsible, it's to soon to be sure.

Thursday, May 19, 2005

Vickie's day was disrupted by more nausea episodes without any known cause. They seem to have gone away this evening, hopefully she can get thru the night peacefully.

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

Vickie had an uneventful day without any new problems.

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Vickie made a trip to Good Sam Hosp. today for an appointment to see the Dr. that performed the initial surgery last June. We needed to be sure there were no problems with the drain tubes he had inserted. After reviewing the latest scans, he believes everything is as it should be.
This is the surgeon we credit with saving Vickie's life June 16th. of last year.

Monday, May 16, 2005

As Vickie begins the twelfth month of recovery her condition continues to deteriorate. She seems to have little energy or enthusiasm.

Sunday, May 15, 2005

Vickie continues to be very listless, sleeping much of the day. Since she is not very alert she is unable to eat very much of her meals so she is now being supplied nourishment thru her feeding tube.

Saturday, May 14, 2005

Vickie was very lethargic today, she doesn't seem to have any energy. A nausea episode this evening didn't help. Maybe tomorrow she will get back to her regular self.

Friday, May 13, 2005

Vickie was able to spend some time outdoors today to enjoy the nice weather. She also made a short trip out this evening to have a Chinese food dinner. She doesn't seem to have any trouble traveling now, no problems with motion sickness have occurred.

Thursday, May 12, 2005

Other than her disorganized sleep schedule Vickie had another good day.

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Vickie still has her sleep schedule reversed from day to night. No other problems that are apparent.

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Vickie's condition seems to have reached a plateau, in that the improvements are barely perceptible and as long as there are no serious problems she doesn't appear to lose any ground.

Monday, May 09, 2005

There were no significant changes in Vickie's situation today.

Sunday, May 08, 2005

Vickie had another pleasant day with no extra problems.

Saturday, May 07, 2005

Vickie spent a lot of time sleeping today. No other negative issues were apparent.

Friday, May 06, 2005

Vickie continues to have her sleep times reversed from day to night. When she is awake during the day she seems groggy and not so alert. Medication doesn't seem to help.

Thursday, May 05, 2005

Vickie had a pleasant day with no serious problems.

Wednesday, May 04, 2005

The idea that we had a solution to Vickie's nighttime insomnia was premature. She continues to awaken in the middle of the night and finds it difficult to go back to sleep until daytime when she is exhausted.

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

Vickie was quiet but awake most of the day. She is taking a new medication that hopefully will help her to sleep at night, so far it seems to be working.

Monday, May 02, 2005

A sudden bout of the dreaded nausea early in the morning caused Vickie to spend most of the day in bed. Later this evening she was able to sit in her chair and have a lite dinner before returning to bed.

Sunday, May 01, 2005

Vickie continues to sleep more than normal during the day. It's possible her new medication may be the cause, the dosage will be reduced to see if there is a change.

Saturday, April 30, 2005

Vickie returned home this afternoon after her stay in the hospital. She was very tired, but in good spirits.

Friday, April 29, 2005

Vickie will remain at Mt. Hood M.C. thru Saturday morning for observation. The tests and scans did not show a cause for a seizure. She is now taking a new medication to prevent any future seizures.

Thursday, April 28, 2005

A very difficult night for Vickie, constant nausea culminating in a possible seizure. The Dr. ordered tests and scans. She will spend at least one night at Mt. Hood M.C. waiting for results of the tests.

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

The nausea episodes Vickie has avoided for the last several weeks returned today. It still persists late into the evening. We don't have any idea what triggered it this time, we thought one of her medications was the culprit before. A couple of the drugs were discontinued and the problem seemed to go away.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Vickie has managed to reverse her days and nights as far as sleeping is concerned. She is restless at night and sleeps much of the day. The serious pain problem seems to have subsided.

Monday, April 25, 2005

For the most part Vickie has returned to her regular self now, fewer complaints about the pain she experiences.

Sunday, April 24, 2005

Vickie continues to sleep more than usual, otherwise her day was pleasant.

Saturday, April 23, 2005

Vickie spent an extraordinary amount of time sleeping today, while the pain episodes seem to be decreasing in intensity.

Friday, April 22, 2005

Vickie visited a Chinese restaurant for dinner, all went well, perhaps her afternoon dosage of pain medication helped.
Vickie was able to go to sleep this evening without the potent pain medication. We'll wait to see if this new situation continues.

Thursday, April 21, 2005

Severe pain in her leg prompted Vickie to make two trips to Mt. Hood MC today for tests to determine the cause. Fortunately our worst fears were unfounded, it was not from a blood clot like the ones she had while at Emanuel last summer. The pain is being alleviated with a powerful, but highly addictive pain medication. The problem continues tonight, we still don't know the source.

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Vickie had an ok day, with some minor problems.

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Vickie is still on course, no problems that can't be resolved.
She is starting an anti-biotic for a minor infection, it should be a temporary situation.

Monday, April 18, 2005

Everything was fine today, no new issues to contend with.
Vickie will have more lab work tomorrow, we are still adjusting her medications and hopefully eliminating some.

Sunday, April 17, 2005

The day started well for Vickie. In the afternoon she developed a high temperature, no known cause. She seemed ok other than the temperature so we will see what happens next.

Saturday, April 16, 2005

A visit from a granddaughter really perked Vickie up today.
She continues to regain her cognitive ability in the absence of serious problems.
It has been ten months and the improvements, although very slow are quite apparent now.

Friday, April 15, 2005

Vickie had her first outing this evening by going to a Mexican restaurant for dinner. It was a little awkward being the first time we had tried something like this and the wait staff didn't quite comprehend what they were dealing with. Overall it went well.

Thursday, April 14, 2005

Vickie traveled to Mt. Hood M.C. for lab work this morning, in her own van set up for her wheel chair. With more options to travel now, she will be able to do more activities away from home.

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

Vickie had another pleasant day with no critical problems. It now seems possible we might have stumbled upon the cause of the nausea illness, but we will wait a few more days before raising the victory flag. One of her medications is probably the culprit, we're just not sure which one.

Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Another good day for Vickie, she has set a new record for days without a nausea episode since she has been home.
Today a therapist that hadn't visited Vickie in a month was impressed with her mental progress.

Monday, April 11, 2005

Vickie had an good day, no serious problems so far.