DECEMBER 26, 2009 Last Posting

It's hard to understand that Mom died a week ago. The memories and emotions of that day are still fresh, as are the memories and emotions of the viewing, the funeral, the reception, and the burial. A bunch of us went to Christmas Eve Mass that same night, then Dad spent a quiet Christmas Day with family.

There is no way we can possibly thank EVERY ONE of you who have helped and supported Mom, Dad, and our family this past year, and this past week. Both in the hospital and at home, we've had visitors, food, card games, prayers, cards, gifts, flowers, and phone calls. We loved seeing many of you at the funeral which was an uplifting celebration of a Christian life well-lived. Your sharings were touching, and we'll write down all that we can remember. Please know that we appreciate you more than you'll ever know, and we will pray for all of you. Truly, people will know we are Christians by the way you have loved us.

Blessings,
Anna and family

DECEMBER 21 UPDATE

Viewing will be at Mountain View Cemetery on Wednesday, December 23, from noon to nine. Feel free to visit at your convenience.

The funeral mass for Mom will be at Holy Disciples Catholic Church on Thursday, December 24, at 10:00. Address: 10425 - 187th St. East, Puyallup 98374.

The reception, immediately following the funeral, will be at Frontier Pavilion at the Pierce County Fairgrounds. Address: 21718 Meridian Ave. East; Graham 98338. The fairgrounds are about 1 1/2 miles south of the church on Meridian, so quick and easy to get to.

We are so thankful for your visits, phone calls, food, and gifts. We are surrounded by SO MUCH LOVE!

Mom's last day: Dec. 19, 2009

Mom died this afternoon about 4:15 surrounded by many family members. She has had many visitors saying their goodbyes since Wednesday, and especially today. We've prayed that she would be released from her pain, yet this day is so sad for us. I just can't imagine not having such strong family and friends for support. We know that Christmas angels escorted mom to see the special people in her life: Grandma and Grandpa Solomon, her best friend Neola, baby grandson Jeremy, and other friends who were already waiting to welcome her. And we know that Jesus welcomed Mom with open arms and a loving smile; her faith in God inspires us all. Dad is handling this pretty well. He's very tired, of course, and very sad. Seeing him say good-bye to Mom for the last time was heart-wrenching. He says Mom was and is an angel. We know you are all grieving AND celebrating with us.

DECEMBER 17, 2009 UPDATE

Mom is slowly slipping away. Though she opens her eyes occasionally, we can't tell if she recognizes or understands us. We treat her as though she understands. She is on a morphine drip, with occasional boosts as needed. The staff is compassionate beyond belief. They are tender with mom, and supportive of us. Tonight the kitchen delivered a "comfort tray:" coffee, tea, and cookies. Dad is doing reasonably well, and not just because someone brought in a Starbucks coffee cup with whiskey!! He is sad and sometimes tearful, but he, like all of us, wants Mom to be finished with her suffering, now a year and a half of pain. Your support has been tremendous. We know that you are sad with us, and we know we can ask for help from many of you. Angels, angels, angels . . . . . . .

DECEMBER 16, 2009 UPDATE

Mom is still at Good Sam, sleeping all the time. The doctor decreased her pain meds significantly to see if she would wake up at all. Once she showed signs of experiencing pain, the nurse gave her half a dose to make sure she wasn't drugged too much. Several times Mom seems to begin waking up a little, but doesn't respond to our talking. We continue to talk to her anyway. Becky even painted Mom's nails a sparkly pale pink. We laugh over funny things, cry when we feel like it, hurt when we see that Mom hurts or when Dad is extra sad. The staff has been great. Tis the season of angels.........

DECEMBER 15, 2009

Mom is still at Good Sam, and deteriorating day by day. Tests show that more tumors have invaded bones, cracking multiple ribs. She now has a patch to administer pain meds continuously, as well as pain meds in pill form as needed. She has been sleeping all day, and has eaten very little. She has fluid around the lungs, making her breathing laborious. Dr. Blau said the disease has progressed too far (and rather quickly as of late) for much medical treatment, other than keeping mom as comfortable as possible. Tomorrow we will begin making arrangements for hospice to come to the house as soon as mom goes home. The fluid around her lungs has to be taken care of before she can go home, but her blood is too thin to attempt something yet (I wasn't in on that conversation, so am not sure if that info is correct).
My beloved choir came up to the hospital and sang Christmas carols. We had shut the door so we didn't disturb others, but the nurse asked if we would open the door for other patients to enjoy the music. That time and singing and companionship was very precious.
Thank you for your continued prayer and support. I will attempt to update this blog daily.

DECEMBER 14 UPDATE

Mom decided to return to the luxury hotel at the bottom of the hill. You know how much she loves that place. She did want to try a different room, so she's in Room 403 which has a great view of the entry, so we see everyone coming and going, and we see construction on the new patient tower.

Mom has been increasingly tired. Becky and I took her to the doctor Monday afternoon, and then over to the hospital. Staff immediately hooked her up to IVs with an antibiotic. She was so tired she could barely stand up, but Becky and I work out at the gym, so it was no problem.

We still don't know much. Don't know the results of the x-ray or the CAT scan. We DO know the the blood work is acceptable. She's a bit anemic, her blood is a bit thin so no coumadin for a day or two, and her protein level is really low, meaning she is somewhat malnourished. The dietician said mom can have whatever she wants, so she's arranged to have pudding or ice cream delivered to mom for a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack.

Please don't visit if you are sneezing or coughing, because the staff WILL send you home. They also recommend that kids under 12 years of age not visit the hospital because of H1N1.

Mom slept most of the day. She even fell asleep during her physical therapy session. She had a long, mostly uninterrupted nap this afternoon, and actually sat up and talked a bit by 4:30.

Hopefully Mom will perk up a bit more tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.

Sweet Story

Following is a story that a special 11-year-old friend of the family wrote about mom at school. The assignment was to describe someone who reminds you of the Virgin Mary. Here is the story.
Thanks Emily, we love it.

Someone who acts like the Virgin Mary is my friend Mrs. Becker. She is a mother like Mary. She taught Bible classes teaching others about Jesus like Mary did. Mrs. Becker volunteered to help poor people by making blankets and working at the food bank. She treats everyone with LOVE.

NOVEMBER 30 UPDATE

Thanksgiving here finds us all grateful to celebrate this holiday with mom. A year ago we certainly didn't think she would still be with us. I don't think we'll ever be able to adequately express our sincere and expansive thanks to all of you for your continuing support during Mom's illness. Just continue to know that we care for you, we thank you, and we hold you in our prayers.

Mom finished another round of chemo, and is still pretty tired. We hope the doctor will allow her to wait until after Christmas for the next, and we think, final round of this treatment. Mom wants to be perky for the holidays! Who can blame her.

Mom and Dad had lots of company over Thanksgiving weekend. We also had a baby shower for Kim (Denton) Opper, so there were LOTS of us gals to fill the living room with laughter. The boys went to "Warthogs" for lunch, then to Cabella's to get away from the female crowd. I'm glad I was with the girls. Somehow, Warthogs and Cabella's doesn't hold any interest for me!

Keep warm as winter cold begins to creep into our bones and houses. Keep your Christmas celebration simple, so you can focus on the spiritual meaning.

Blessings to you all.

NOVEMBER 6 UPDATE

Mom's had some ups and downs with her energy level lately, but right now she is feeling pretty good. She invited me to dinner tonight, and cooked most of it until she was just too tired to stand. She made an old family favorite: salmon crepes. Yum.

She continues to take four days of pill-form chemo every 30 days. She gets very tired and nauseated for awhile, but it gradually passes. Then by the time she feels really good, it's time for another round. She continues to get new myeloma lesions on her skin, but very few, so the chemo is suppressing the spread of the disease.

Mom has been attending church regularly, watches Dad bowl once a week, and keeps up with several doctors appointments per week. I'd guess she averages 2 a week. Sometimes that means lunch out as well, so not so bad.

She has had both the flu and H1N1 vaccines at the oncologists' office where all patients receive the shots. Just FYI: IF you receive the nasal version, please do not see mom for two weeks until she has built up her immunity.

Keep yourselves well. We continue to thank you for all those little things that mean a lot.

October 11, 2009 UPDATE

Pump that woman full of new blood, and what do you get? A new woman with renewed energy. So much, in fact, that she and dad, along with good friends, Annette and Bob, are leaving Tuesday through Thursday for a stay at another McMenamin's Hotel in Oregon. The foursome is working on meeting their goal of staying at all of the hotels in this chain. You'll have to have them explain their enthusiasm - it's infectious.
We do want you all to know that Mom and Dad will be gone because when they were gone for a few days last weekend, people panicked when they couldn't get hold of Mom and Dad. So if they don't answer the phone or return phone calls this week, now you know that they are out having a good time.
Other than having to have another blood transfusion due to anemia, Mom is doing pretty well. She will start another round of chemo when she returns this Thursday. This current type is gradually slowing the spread of the cancer. Doctor Blau is pleased that the myeloma on Mom's skin is so much improved. The area near Mom's right eye, where the tumor was removed, looks great - just a small scar.
Theresa & Tony, their three kids and five grandkids were here this weekend; what a treat. We had a wonderful campfire this evening: hot dogs, clam patties, baked beans, broccoli salad, watermelon, cherry pie, and S'MORES! The evening was clear, windless, cold on our backsides, and hot on our fronts!
Holding all of you in our thoughts and prayers!

Sept. 28 Update

Life is pretty good. Indian Summer has charmed us, the ethereal Mount Rainier has left left us in awe, and the good ole Puyallup Fair entertained both workers and fair goers. Dad collected tickets at Gate #6 of the grandstand, and Brian shuffled Cow Chip Cookie supplies all 'round the grounds. (I think they are both a wee bit tired.) Mom and Dad (and Brian and I, of course) had a great time at Aimee and John's wedding, an intimate and elegant evening with a few friends, lots of GREAT food, and a photobooth (BIG HIT!).
Lots of family and friends stopped by to celebrate Mom and Dad's 80th and 85th birthdays throughout the weeks, making for a long and joyful celebration. It was kindof "birthday month" for them.
We all continue to enjoy weather and beauty of the northwest, and are thankful that Mom is feeling so well. She is still tired after the last round of chemo, but feels well and cheerful. She loves and appreciates all the attention you give her. Thank you to all of you angels.

September 2 UPDATE

I know you all understand that no news is good news. We've all been busy with summer activities. The removal of Mom's tumor was very successful. Her eye didn't swell, didn't turn blue, and just really looks wonderful. We're so grateful! Mom is feeling quite good and cheerful, and has successfully and painlessly finished round two of the third type of chemo. She's looking forward to attending Aimee and John's wedding next week, then her 80th birthday on Sept 19, and Dad's 85th b-day on Sept. 21. Dad has rejoined his bowling league and will be working at the Puyallup Fair again. He truly enjoys both activities.

AUGUST 11 UPDATE

Today Dad and I took Mom in to get the tumor by her eye removed. Dr. Vaughn is a delightful surgeon, and acted like he does this every day (oh, he probably does). The lovely, cheerful, and compassionate Nurse Charissa Medley (from our choir) assisted with the procedure. The doctor deadened around the tumor, cut it out, sewed inside and outside stitches. Charissa cleaned Mom's face and hair since the tumor cracked and bled during the night. The bleeding wasn't excessive in spite of her daily aspirin dose and the coumadin. Mom will take pain meds, ice the wound today and tomorrow, and then I (OR DO WE HAVE A VOLUNTEER??????????) will wash the wound daily, apply ointment, and cover it back up. Mom knew that I wasn't watching the procedure because she heard me turning the pages of a magazine. (Great article about Julie/Julia! Movie was good, too). Dad kept his eye on the procedure and looked at the removed tumor. NOT ME! That's why I teach. Mom was heading off to bed early tonight, but has otherwise been feeling pretty good. Tomorrow she starts round two of the current chemo treatment, which consists of four days of pills - so not too bad.
Mom and Dad spent a couple days at Lake Quinault this week, with Rose and Jim joining them during the day. They enjoyed the lodge, the food, the beautiful lake and rain forest, and an Indian storyteller and weaver. We're ALL enjoying the cooler weather! It's pretty pathetic when Uncle Phil says Sacramento was cooler than Washington.
Enjoy your week.

AUGUST 1 UPDATE

Thank goodness for air-conditioning! Has helped mom continue to feel pretty well in spite of the heat. Now, the real sight to see is dad in shorts: a very rare occasion!

Mom saw Dr. Blau yesterday. Everything is looking pretty good. She's sending mom to her dermatologist to see if he can drain the tumor by mom's eye. Blood work is good; no new tumors recently, so maybe the newest chemo is having a positive effect. Mom will receive her normal infusion of Zometa to strengthen bones, and she will get a shot of neulasta. That was Becky's favorite shot when she had chemo; makes your bones ache for a couple days. That's supposed to be a sign that the shot is working.

The pharmacist has mom's blood viscosity back within in normal range (between 2 and 3 - it was 10 two weeks ago!). An interesting visit yesterday. I asked if he would tell us about two photos on his shelf. They are pictures of his ordination to priesthood in the Russian Orthodox church! Mom pointed out a couple icons he has in his office, and said she has always wanted an icon. Before we left, Jeffery gave mom an icon! It has, of course, Mary and the infant Jesus, the burning bush, and many other symbols. The moment was very touching.

Keep cool! Please know that Mom and Dad enjoy your visits, your food, the cards, and phone calls. Blessings to you all.

The next round of chemo pills begins August 11 for four days. As usual, visitors need to be well, and please use the hand sanitizer before visiting, as the chemo pretty much eliminates any protective cells in her immune system. When you stop by, be sure to see the quilt granddaughter Angela made for mom; it's incredibly beautiful.

Mom and Dad are staying at Quinault Lodge this Wednesday and Thursday night. Should be a peaceful and beautiful visit there. Plus, their food is scrumptious.

JULY 20 UPDATE

Mom just got home late this afternoon. Although she is tired (what else can you be when you've been in a hospital?), she is feeling very well. She has to have her blood monitored every other day while she is on the antibiotic for the uti. She'll also see Dr. Blau this Friday for a little check-in, and a urologist next week. Thanks for your support!!!

JULY 18, 2009 UPDATE

Mom is resting comfortably at Good Sam, catching up on sleep, and feeling very well. She gave us quite a scare. She had taken chemo (melphelan, a type of thalidomide) & prednisone last Sat. through Tuesday, with few side effects. Then she started feeling extremely tired, had stomach pains,and her blood was WAY too thin. By Friday morning, she was so sick we took her to the emergency room where she was given Vitamin K, frozen plasma, & antibiotics. Her blood was seriously thin until today; not sure if this was caused by the chemo/prednisone routine, or the uti. This morning she sat up for breakfast and feels like a new woman. Her sleepiness is due to being poked and prodded all night and much of today. She has been x-rayed for possible pneumonia, but no results yet. She received blood transfusions early this morning, and again tonight, I think. Granddaughter Angela Becker had just finished the quilt of family photos that she has been working on. It is absolutely gorgeous, and made the hospitalization more cheerful - good timing, Angela. Mom will be in the hospital a few more days. I'll keep you posted!

JULY 8 UPDATE FROM METHOW VALLEY

This report comes to you LIVE from the grand town of Twisp, Washington; population 1,000 plus 6 lively young sisters! Our visit here is the twelfth time the six of us have girls (Annie, Theresa, Rose, Becky, Julie, Barb) have spent four days together each summer. We have to pick a DIFFERENT town each time because we create such lasting memories for the residents, especially the proprietors of the B & Bs we visit.

Mom's spirits are pretty good. The myeloma is attacking her skin, so she looks like a kid with chicken pox. She will be trying a round of chemo, pills four days in a row, then the rest of the month off. Unfortunately, she has to take prednisone along with that, and it has some uncomfortable effects on her. She is strong enough to walk pretty far with her walker, and has been attending Sunday mass pretty regularly. Becky and I decided to take Mom to the Tacoma Farmers' Market. The day was clear and hot, the fruits were luscious, the variety and colors of flowers were gorgeous, and the variety of ethnic foods was delightful. To get Mom to the market, Becky and I packed her into the wheelchair, turned the corner of the block, and realized that we were at the TOP of a hill in downtown Tacoma. If you've been in Tacoma, you will know that the hills are STEEP. We were just happy to find a parking spot, and didn't consider the hill. Too bad Candid Camera wasn't filming. Becky was wearing flip flops with heels; I was wearing sandals with no traction, and we were heading DOWN HILL!!!. We both had to hold on to the wheelchair to keep it from rolling down too quickly. Whenever the chair gained too much momentum, we turned it into the building to stop it. We would then start up again until the chair had too much momentum. People laughed at us; Mom was holding on for dear life; no one offered to help. We made it, having learned a valuable lesson. Needless to say, I drove the car DOWN the hill to pick her up after we had toured the market.

Please know that Mom LOVES your visits, phone calls, cards, flowers, and prayers. Please know that the family appreciates and values your support.

JUNE 18 UPDATE

Life has been going along pretty well for Mom for a couple months now, with a bump here and there. In the past few weeks she has been breaking out in lumps or bumps or whatever you want to call them, on her head, neck, shoulders, front, and back. A biopsy confirmed that they are the myeloma returning rather rapidly. Initally Mom was in no pain, but now they itch and are painful. Her abdomen is hurting again. Could be the malignant tumor growing again, or her stomach from all the meds!

The first round of chemo made mom seriously ill, and took her six weeks to recuperate. Then she tried a pill form for 21 days, during which she became more and more fatigued, and slept on and off all day.

The doctor has a third type of chemo she can try, not as strong as either of the first two. Mom's dilemma is to choose whether or not to try it. It would be one pill a day for four days, BUT she would also have to take prednisone - which sends her blood sugar on a roller coaster ride.

SO... we ask you to pray for discernment for her. She's tired of being sick, of being tested, of zillions of doctors appointments. At the same time, this pill would be for only four days, and might ease up her symptoms. A tough decision. We thank you soooo very much for your continued support.

JUNE 6, 2009 UPDATE

I didn't realize it had been so long since I gave you an update. Mom has had a really good run here. She's gone to the ocean, out to dinner, sat in the sun, went out to breakfast with her bible study group, and has even made it to church twice. Since going off the second type of chemo, she is stronger and more alert, and MUCH happier. She even giggles occasionally! She's been reading, knitting, and even got out her latest quilt!

She had a little bout with shingles, but they are now just about cleared up. This week she has developed lesions on her upper back and chest and head. The infectious disease doctor has sent her for biopsies next Tuesday with a dermatologist. They are either the myeloma now moving to the skin, OR a symptom of tb. The doctor asked if she had ever been exposed to tb, and most of you know that Dad had tb when Donnie and I were wee ones.

We're enjoying the sun, the blossoming flowers, and gorgeous views of Mt. Rainier.
I promise to keep this blog up better.