Norma News

2009-02-18T07:32:00.000-08:00

I can't help but think of mom and where she is at right now. I am so grateful for the gospel in my life. What a terrible time this would be if we didn't know we could be reunited with her again or to know that she is happy and her Spirit is alive carrying on the work on the other side. She is pain free and I know she is happy greeting and reacquainting herself with parents, grandparents, friends, and family. I can picture her smiling, laughing, and walking around trying to find all those she has done genealogy work for, or find her scripture heroes, and ancestors to thank them for paving the way. She's probably trying to find out where she can sign up for the heavenly host angel choir! I think she has probably been embraced by the Savior and has been told "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Mom lived a full, rich, life blessing all those she knew. She will be missed, but because of the plan of salvation we will see her and be in her presence again!

2009-02-18T07:24:00.000-08:00

Sunday Feb. 22

Viewing 6pm-8pm

Pima Stake Center

Monday Feb. 23:

Viewing 9 am

Funeral Services 10 am

Pima Stake Center

2009-02-17T03:33:00.000-08:00

Our prayers have been answered. Mom has returned home to our Heavenly Father. We are so grateful her pain and suffering has ended. She is having a joyous reunion with her Mother, Daddy and all those who have gone before.

2009-02-16T10:02:00.000-08:00

I've never said this before, but mom is doing terrible. She truly is. She moans and groans and we know she is in pain. We have been giving her more break through morphine. It's liquid so we can put it in her cheek. She's having problems sleeping due to her pain. She won't swallow her pills anymore and she has a cough. Her breathing is getting shallow too. It has been hard on all of us to see her this way. Please keep praying for her to be comfortable.

Happy Birthday Dad!

2009-02-16T09:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Dad's birthday. The big 67! We all pitched in to buy him a garmin. (GPS system for the van) We know he can definitely find a use for it! After singing and opening the present we had yummy apple pie that Malia had bough at Costco on the way from Yuma.

Oops I put the pictures from last to first!

2009-02-15T16:45:00.000-08:00

After mom hibernated all day yesterday, Malia and Kuliana took the risk of not giving mom a sleeping pill. They were lucky. . .she slept all through the night! She woke up at 8am and was thirsty. She had to make up from fasting all day yesterday and she drank away. She has had no problem drinking from a straw today. When Kuliana asked mom this morning if she knew what day it was she said clearly "dad's birthday." Malia had mentioned it earlier, but mom knew when Kuliana asked later on. Kuliana and Malia sang Happy Birthday to Dad this morning and mom sang along singing the tune, but with her own words. Dad cried and gave mom a kiss. She then kept singing for 15 minutes.

Kuliana is going to be here all week and Malia until tomorrow. Leilani and Bam are flying in on Friday morning. Mom is lucky to have so many children that love her and want to help take care of her!

2009-02-14T21:05:00.000-08:00

Mom really didn't wake up for the day today. We tried at 11 am to wake mom. We opened the curtains to let in the bright light and she didn't even flinch! We wanted to get her awake enough to swallow a morphine. We don't want her in any pain. Anything we did she couldn't keep her eyes awake for longer than 30 seconds. After trying for a while we got her to open her eyes long enough to put a straw in her mouth, but she wouldn't suck up any water. It's a chore for her to swallow. It is very difficult and she just doesn't want to do it anymore. Her tongue is very dry and we try to moisten it with all the moisturizers the nurses have given us. Dad ended up giving mom liquid break though morphine. Mom continued to sleep all day while the rest of us prepared for Alani's and Raely's baptism. Mom was still sleeping when we got home almost at 5pm. She woke up long enough for Alani and Raely to sing a baptism song that mom wrote for Malia more than 20 years ago! She grinned and said I'm eight. Mom wasn't responding to any of us today except for the grandkids. When Raely and Ashton came in to say hi she perked right up and gave them a smile.

Although mom has been progressively getting worse, I haven't felt her start to slip away until today. To see the vacancy in her eyes and her expressionless face has just hit home to me that this is real. This is the first time she hasn't been able to tell me hi after I tell her hi. That made me ache inside to be able to talk to her again. It pains me to see her this way.

2009-02-13T17:08:00.000-08:00

Sleep is mom's main event for the day. Dad has mom on a strict rotating schedule in hopes to prevent bed sores and just to help give her body some motion. Mom's words aren't comprehendable, but when you say something she will repeat it with clarity, but on her own they don't make sense.

2009-02-13T17:00:00.000-08:00

My sweet Kylee (5 yrs) loves her grandma. As soon as we get to Grandma's house she rushes in to see Grandma. She has been so sensitive to what is going on. She wants to be right by grandma the entire time. She talks to grandma, sings to her, rubs lotion on her arms, brings her water and just makes sure she is cared for. She has even taped pink hearts around the room. Kylee has given grandma kisses and has received them in return. She is learning how to just talk without needing any response. She has been so cute with mom.

2009-02-13T12:19:00.000-08:00

We would like to give a really big thank-you to Jo Hughes. She faithfully brings fresh, yummy, ice that is the main source of mom's diet. We put it in mom's water (she knows when it's not ice cold), blend it in her shakes and she eats it plain. Thank-you Jo! We appreciate your kindness:)

2009-02-12T17:55:00.000-08:00

Dad was alone today with Mom from 9am until about 2pm and he survived! Good job Dad, we knew you could do it! He is doing an awesome job taking care of Mom. The hospice nurse came today and so did the assistant that gives mom a bath. When Kanani and I showed up later this afternoon mom was sleeping, kinda, her eyes were closed but she was talking. . .in a different language. She seems in a different world today. Her eyes aren't focusing on you when you talk to her and she is distant.

Mom doesn't take Lasix any more! She hated that medicine. It makes you void to try to get rid of the swelling. Her arms are back to normal and her feet and legs are much better. She is starting to get sores though. Pray that they don't get any worse than they are. Most are mild, but could get worse.

Our thanks goes to Philis Jean. It seem like she always shows up just in time to do the dirty work(whatever it may be that day). She jumps right in and shows us how it's done!

Melissa Lunt has been a real life saver too. She comes whenever dad has questions or we need her help for different things. She is so gentle with mom and has such a soothing manner about her.

Laureen Bryce is always here in a flash whenever we need an extra person to help. Thanks Laureen!

And thank you to Aunt Leora and Aunt Marja who come daily and Uncle Clarence who drops in often. Thanks for being here to visit. We enjoy your company!

2009-02-12T11:09:00.000-08:00

Kanani and I have been taking turns spending the night and one of us always being there with dad during the day, but because mom is completely bed ridden we don't have to be there around the clock. That frees up time so we can take care of our own families and mom without anyone feeling neglected! Kanani and I both feel it a blessing to be able to live close to our parents enabling us to help care for mom and dad at this time.

2009-02-11T13:38:00.000-08:00

It's been a rough day for mom. It all started early this morning. . .12:30am to be exact! I showed up at 10:30pm last night for night duty. I had taken a 4 hour break to see my family and came back for the night. MOm was sleeping when I got here and she hadn't had a morphine since that morning. We woke her up for the morphine, but didn't give her a sleeping pill. Then at 12:30 am she woke up and she showed no signs of going back to sleep. She ate ice non-stop and drank water. She even ate a small container of applesauce. Mom has been pretty quiet lately, but that didn't hold true last night. She was so talkative! I couldn't always understand her, but that didn't stop her from talking. She would repeat everything I would say until she could pronounce it perfectly. I recited the scripture early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise, hoping she would get the hint. But she didn't. She just said healthy, wealthy, and wise over and over! I even got her to say my name over and over. (She will only say Kanani, Kuliana, and sometimes Leilani. Malia and I are the forgotten daughters!)
She said something to the effect of good today. That reminded us of the song have I done any good in the world today? We sang it the best we could. I didn't know all the words so I hummed while she sang(even though they weren't the right words) Then she said " I know you can find the words to that song. So I lazily got up and found the hymn book, looked up the right page and sang.

She said something about the color blue. She started singing a song about- coloring the matches blue. When she was done I said "I think you just made that up." She turned to me and slurred, "well yes I did." She was quite jolly the whole early early morning. All the while, I tried to sneak in a little shut eye, but as soon as I would get bundled up and my eyes closed she'd start up again! I was tired, but I didn't mind the one on one time we were getting. (maybe pay backs for all my teenage late nights she stayed awake waiting for me to return home safely)

She should have been exhausted, but she was still wide awake when the sun rose. I was eating breakfast and I could tell she was upset so I asked her if she was ok. "No, absolutely not." was her reply. Why not? "My mother, she used to like me, but now she won't let me go to sleep." No wonder she was up all night. Her mother is so excited for her to return home she wouldn't let her sleep! She is going to be received into so many loving arms when the time is right to move on.

Kanani came in the morning to change shifts and mom was starting to wear down. Her talking kept going and going but less and less understandable. Towards afternoon mom started sleeping good. But not soundly because she kept raising her arms and saying "Ow, ow" Were not quite sure where to pin point the pain, but surely it has to be from the spreading of the cancer.

2009-02-10T15:47:00.000-08:00

The hospice nurse came today and assessed mom. She figured out why mom has been sleepless and agitated these last couple of days. She fixed the problem and mom says she feels "much better". She has been relaxed and peaceful ever since. I am grateful for nurses who know what they are doing and experienced Aunts who offer their input on how to make mom more comfortable. I and probably Kanani and Dad are learning lots from this experience. Who knows maybe I'll become a nurse! Ha ha j/k! Mom has told me more than once "good luck. . .college" So now I need to figure out what she wants me to go to college for!

I can't thank-you all adequately for all your love and support. Your prayers are felt as it gives us strength and understanding. Thank-you!

2009-02-09T20:30:00.000-08:00

You never know what kind of day mom is going to have. We are still in awe with the drastic changes that can occur from day to day. Mom hasn't slept all day! Which is very, very unusual. Dad and Kanani were up with her at 6:30 this morning and when I took over at 9:30 am she was still awake. She never slept while I was on duty this morning or Kanani this afternoon. I came back for night duty at 9:00 pm and she still was awake! It's 9:37 and she is finally dozing off.

I had some good quality time with mom this morning. I had to be creative since she wasn't sleeping so I cut her nails and filed them. I even entertained the thought of painting them just to see what it looked like since I've never seen them any color but natural! I didn't though. . .no polish in the house. Mom was rotated up on her side facing the pictures of all us kids and grand kids. She just stared at those pictures and kept trying to say all our names. She then said "gether together", "gather together" I asked? "You want me to gather all the children together?" With determination in her eyes she said "gether together." I thought for a second. "Oh together forever?" "Yes together forever." I went on to say yes our family will be together forever. She sorta got a semi grin. I told her she didn't have to worry about leaving because we'd all be together someday. She repeated over and over "family forever, forever." And then with my teary eyes and croaky voice I sang Families can be together forever. She sang a word or two and I knew without a doubt that this principle of the gospel is true.

She also said "It's good to be here." And of course this is surprising me because the last two days we haven't been able to understand her. Kanani said on her shift that mom was talking in understandable sentences too. All we can say is wow!

Mom got a bath today which she loves. She loves getting her hair combed, her teeth brushed, and her hands and feet massaged!

Dad says he is doing so-so. Not great, not bad. . .just so-so. I do want you to know what a caring husband he is. I watch him tuck mom in at night making sure she has covers and is comfortable and that she takes her pills faithfully so she won't feel pain. He also makes sure she has her breakfast shake in the mornings. I know he loves his wife dearly and I am so grateful that they have an eternal companionship.

2009-02-08T18:16:00.000-08:00

Not much to update on today. Just the same condition as before.

2009-02-07T13:53:00.000-08:00

Mom is very much the same today as she was yesterday , but today she is having a difficult time swallowing. Moms feet are swelling back up, but her arms are looking better. We are starting to learn her code words for things. Good as Gold is lemon slush, Kale is bathroom, and Galileah is water. She has been dozing in and out of sleep for the last 6 hours with a good nap in between. When she is awake it is for a short time and she stares blankly into space. We try to rotate her from side to side to prevent bed sores. Once while trying to put her on her side dad was a little rough. In an angry tone with jibberish words she let him know she wasn't pleased! It was kinda funny.

2009-02-06T12:49:00.000-08:00

Today has been a rough day. Mom is getting weaker and weaker. She has gone back to drinking through a straw in comparison to being able to drink from a cup herself. It breaks my heart to see the deterioration of her body. She is just so fragile. Mom's thoughts are clouded. The hardest part is not being able to communicate clearly with her. We have a tough time understanding what she needs and I know she settles for what we offer just so she doesn't have to try to explain anymore.

She has always been so strong in all she does and it hurts so much to see her this way. I can't wait for the day when she will be pain free. When she will have the freedom to move as she pleases and be able to have control of herself again. The day soon will come and I will be sad that she is gone, but will have joy to know she isn't suffering anymore.

2009-02-05T11:20:00.000-08:00

ThanksgivingChristmas

Wednesday

Mikki, Webb, Clarence McBride, Gary McBride, Leora Taylor, Philis Bryce, Marja Hansen

Yesterday was a busy day for mom. Her brothers and sisters and their spouses came down to visit. All but Aunt Marie who lives in California. They were here by mid-morning. Mom enjoyed her time with them. She was coherent and had a good time visiting. Us girls stuck around in the background listening to memories of the good old days! They took pictures and said their good-byes, most of them for the last time. It was very emotional. It was a happy reunion. Mom was worn out after they left, but it was worth it to see them all again.

Today Mom is exhausted. She isn't as lively as she has been for the past two days. She is just worn out. Hopefully she will be doing better tomorrow after a good days rest.

2009-02-04T08:48:00.000-08:00

LAST NIGHT: Mom slept all night again! We are so grateful that she is able to get a good nights sleep.

YESTERDAY: Mom was quite delightful again. She drank lots of fluid and had a bite of ham and cheese. She slept alot, but while awake was quite perky. Leilani gave her a haircut which she enjoyed. She actually watched 30 minutes of news on T.V. which surprised us because she hasn't wanted anything to do with it since going into the hospital. She takes her medication without complaint except for the "NASTY" potassium. It is given in a liquid form and she doesn't like it one bit. We fight over who has to give it to her in fear of when we do we will be on her bad list!

Aunt Leora kept us busy making cute tutu's for her grand-daughter's 6th birthday. We are grateful for distractions and it felt good to be productive!

2009-02-03T09:39:00.000-08:00

Mom got a full 10 hour sleep last night with no interruptions! Usually she is up a couple of times a night going to the bathroom and wanting something to eat and drink and pretty confused most of the time, so the hospice nurse prescribed some sleeping pills and she slept good!

Yesterday mom was pretty lively. She drank lemon slushes, peach goup (a family dessert), ate oranges, and had a little appetite. She even told us to leave! She needed some time alone. Her thoughts were clear and she was having conversations with us. It has really thrown us for a loop to have her this way. Compared to what she has been we can definitely say she had a good day yesterday!

Please write a memory of mom.

2009-01-31T19:39:00.000-08:00

Dad would love for all of you to write a memory you have of mom. It will be a wonderful keepsake for him. You can write a comment on the blog or if you don't have a blogger account you can email them to sntvd@yahoo.com or mail them to Stan Natividad, P.O. box 7 pima az 85543

Thanks

Music

2009-01-31T07:40:00.000-08:00

Mom has always been real passionate about music. It has been an important part of her life. She has sang in countless musicals and in choirs. She has taught piano and lead many different youth and adult choir shows. At Dan Hinton she wrote and had her students perform many Christmas productions and other productions that were performed at schools around the valley. She always did a fabulous job with these productions! They were enjoyed by all.

Yesterday Kanani and I (Lehua) were home with her while Malia, Leilani, and Kuliana ran to wal-mart. She woke up and was quite confused. Kanani was by her side at the moment and was trying to understand what mom needed. It was difficult to understand mom. I came down and we tried several things to settle her down. Nothing seemed to be working. I asked mom if she wanted to listen to some music. She agreed that might be nice. We found 2 tabernacle choir CDs, we chose the one with familiar hymns on it. As the CD started playing she instantly became relaxed. Before you know it mom started singing along with the Tabernacle Choir. Kelby, Kanani, and I sat mesmerized with tears running down our faces as mom sang with perfect pitch. She was harmonizing and sounded beautiful. Although she didn't make any sense a few minutes before she sang every word to "How Great Thou Art."

Dad walked in on the first song and we sent Kelby to find Marc on the second song. The second song was more upbeat. She started conducting the music and sang during the chorus. Music works wonders, it brought the spirit into the room so strongly.

Later that night we wanted to hear her sing again. We put the music on. She wanted to sing with Aunt Leora. We hurried and called her down. She was here within minutes. We gave mom a couple of choices of songs to sing. She chose "I Know that my Redeemer Lives" We pushed play and she started singing. By the middle of the song Aunt Leora was able to compose her self a little to be able to join in. It was such a spiritual experience.

We are having so many neat experiences with mom during these times. She has been saying some pretty funny things that we just laugh about and she apologizes for. She is quite blunt and still puts us in our place. She is very polite in her talking. . .she never fails to say please and thank-you, and always asks how we are doing. Her favorite phrase is "that is good". When Aunt Leora is around and is telling stories mom has to correct her and make sure she is telling the story right.

Thank-you everyone for all your love and support. For the food, your phone calls, your thoughts and concern, your visits, the cards, and especially for your prayers. Continue to pray, pray for dad that he can have strength and understanding. Thank-you all.

Where do I begin?

2009-01-29T23:37:00.000-08:00

A lot has taken place these last couple of days. We aren't doing chemo. The order for Hospice has been placed. She has been waiting for the rest of her kids to get here so she can get the show on the road. She is anxious to leave to go back "home." She says all those who are waiting for her on the other side are getting impatient. . .tired of waiting. She knows her work here on earth is complete and wants to start her assignments on the other side.

She will be home Friday.

Thanks

2009-01-28T14:30:00.000-08:00

My cousin Philis is a nurse. I want to thank her for all her help she has been at the hospital with mom. She hasn't been mom's nurse, but she checks up on her and puts in her words of concern to the doctor. She also has been a secret agent finding us out information from mom's charts! She has been there to answer questions and to explain what is going on to people on the phone. Overall we feel much better having her around! Thanks Philis :)

Acceptance.

2009-01-27T20:11:00.000-08:00

Mom is in very poor condition. Since being admitted into the hospital 2 days ago she has become very weak. It has become very difficult for her to breath due to the liquid in the lining of her lungs. She is no longer a candidate for the enhanced chemo treatment. She is very unstable on her feet. She needs not only help getting out of bed, but also walking to the bathroom. Her health is deteriorating. Dad feels it is time to get some help in the home. Today Mom, Dad, Aunt Leora, Uncle Doug,Phyllis Jean and I were all there when the lady came to talk about home health care. They explained the options of home health care or hospice. What we go with is determined by if we do chemotherapy or not.

Home Health Care would include nurses coming into the home helping do whatever is needed. Hospice is similar, but the lady said the philosophies behind hospice are different than health care. It is a celebration of life. It's more of a spiritual care along with the physical. They focus on keeping their patients comfortable at home surrounded by loved ones and family.

So what are we going to do? Dad wants to start chemo and mom wants to do whatever dad wants to do. Us kids want to know if the chemo is going to prolong her life or just prolong the pain? Mom received steroids and then a chemo treatment. It was a very low dosage of chemo. Monday they will be able to evaluate her blood and see if the chemo is working. The doctor doesn't have a set schedule of chemo treatment, but is going to take it one week at a time.

Conclusion: For now we will go with the home health care when she is released from the hospital and while we see if the chemo is making a difference. If we decide the chemo is not working than we will do hospice.

Mom is at peace with this cancer. She has never been in denial or never been angry at getting cancer. She doesn't complain about the agonizing pain she is in. She has accepted her sickness and is prepared for whatever Heavenly Father has planned for her even if it's not what we want. It is now our turn to accept the Lord's will and prepare for what her future holds. May we all live our lives in harmony with the teachings of the gospel so that we too can be ready to meet our Savior.

Hospital again

2009-01-26T13:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Sunday, Mom was admitted to the hospital. She wasn't feeling quite right so Dad took her to the E.R. where they took x-rays. They said it looked like pneumonia. They admitted her right away. Later that afternoon Dr. Wright said it wasn't full out pneumonia, but they were going to treat it like it was. The radiologist is suppose to read the x-rays today and determine what it is for sure. I haven't heard back yet.

Mom had lots of visitors yesterday. Aunt Leora, Aunt Marja and Phyllis Jean were among them. If any of you want a good laugh just talk to my Aunt Leora. . .she is a crack up. We all love when she comes to visit. She always has a good story to tell! Kanani, Blain, and I also went. I (Lehua) don't have a built in babysitter like Kanani so Aaron stayed home with the kids. While we were there Dad said something that made us laugh, even mom. Dad was talking about how he was trying to get Mom a change of scenery. He tried helping her walk to the kitchen, but after a short distance she had to turn back around. Then he tried taking her for a car ride, but she wasn't up to it. He said he wondered where he would take her if they did go on a ride. Maybe to the cemetery he thought. . .uh no that wouldn't be a good idea. It was funny! Yesterday, in sacrament we learned that sometimes it is good to laugh when you have adversities. Indeed it did feel good to laugh. Another funny was when the nurse came in to give mom a shot of Levanox sp? (blood thinner). Before she gave it Dad asked what it was, she told him and he said I already gave her 100 mm of that this morning. She was instructed to give her 70 mm. 100 mm is all that she is suppose to get a day. After she left the room Dad said "see Norma good thing I'm here." Her reply was "I knew you were good for something!" I'm glad they can still joke around in such hard times.

Friday January 23

2009-01-26T13:21:00.000-08:00

I've (Lehua) been real curious about all the tests Mom has been getting, so on Friday I went with Mom and Dad to get a CT scan. Mom had to drink 2 big containers full of Barium before she went in. THe Barium is to help contrast her bowels and stomach so they could see the problem better. She also had to have an I.V. to contrast her vessels. They had a hard time finding a vein due to her SWOLLEN arms. Her veins are buried under all the tissue. I had my camera but didn't feel right taking a picture, so here is a random CT machine. Below is some infomation I found helpful that explains exactly what a CT scan if you're interested.

What is CT Scanning of the Body?
CT scanning—sometimes called CAT scanning—is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

CT imaging combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These cross-sectional images of the area being studied can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed.

CT scans of internal organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity and reveal more details than regular x-ray exams.
Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the body, radiologists can more easily diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.

What are some common uses of the procedure?
CT imaging is:

*one of the best and fastest tools for studying the chest, abdomen and pelvis because it provides detailed, cross-sectional views of all types of tissue.

*often the preferred method for diagnosing many different cancers, including lung, liver and pancreatic cancer, since the image allows a physician to confirm the presence of a tumor and measure its size, precise location and the extent of the tumor's involvement with other nearby tissue.

*an examination that plays a significant role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases that can lead to stroke, kidney failure or even death. CT is commonly used to assess for pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung vessels) as well as for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).

*invaluable in diagnosing and treating spinal problems and injuries to the hands, feet and other skeletal structures because it can clearly show even very small bones as well as surrounding tissues such as muscle and blood vessels.

Physicians often use the CT examination to:
*quickly identify injuries to the lungs, heart and vessels, liver, spleen, kidneys or other internal organs in cases of trauma

*guide biopsies and other procedures such as abscess drainages and minimally invasive tumor treatments

*plan for and assess the results of surgery

*plan and properly administer radiation treatments for tumors

*measure bone mineral density for the detection of osteoporosis

Oncologist appointment

2009-01-20T17:52:00.000-08:00

Mom had an appointment today with the oncologist at 10:15am. Of course they were there a little early to start the paper work. Then they sat and sat and sat. They didn't get in until 11:30am. This did a number on her legs. They swelled up and are still swollen. Dad made some make shift support hose out of pantyhose. He cut out the toes and the tops so they go to the knees. They'll have to do until the real ones can be ordered!

Mom received an ivy treatment today that is suppose to strengthen her bones. They also prescribed some pills, pills for her nausea. The old ones aren't working too great.

Next week Mom will under go all the same tests they did at the beginning to see exactly where she is at now( Ct scan, x-ray, blood, urine, sonogram etc. . .) They will then give her a pill that is taken a couple of days before chemo. This pill, CBT-1, is a new drug that is suppose to enhance the chemo treatment. Only 500 patients have tried this pill. After so many treatments they will test to see if any progress has been made.

Malia and I were talking and she wanted to know how mom was doing emotionally. We hadn't even seen her cry throughout this ordeal. So I asked Mom if she ever wanted to break down and cry. No was her reply. Well do you want to be grouchy or mad? With a chuckle she said no. The only lash out was that she got frustrated sometimes. What a lesson for me (Lehua). When things don't go my way I want to get mad. I have to take it out on someone or something. Chocolate is always a good healer, but just to get frustrated a little when the world comes crashing down? I love my mom she is such a sturdy example, even when she has the right to have a melt down she doesn't. She keeps pushing forward one step at a time, taking what life deals her without a complaint. I'll work on that. . .no complaining!

She's Home!

2009-01-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

Mom is finally home! Her radiation treatments are finished, and yes she can tell a difference. She says she can walk, get up and down, and move easier. That is a big improvement! She is happy to be in her own bed and to be able to see her crazy grandchildren, loving ward members, and of course her favorite daughter! :)

While they have been gone Kanani and I (Lehua) have been checking up on Robert. Bringing him milk, taking him to cash his checks, taking him to EAC basketball games, and firesides. Boy are we glad dad is home!

Dad has become an expert pill and shot giver. Mom says he is much better at giving the shots now that he has had practice. At first it was kinda painful because he was trying to be nice, but now he gets in there and gets it done!

About the radiation. . .I think maybe we finally have the story strait. Mom would lie on her back and they would line the machine up with four marks on her belly (she swears the marks will never come off). It would start on her belly than rotate around to her back and than back to her belly the same way it came. The radiation focused on her spine. Aww her spine not her ribs! Anyway like I said above she can tell a difference with the pain and she and we are grateful for that.

The next step is to start chemo. Mom will see the oncologist on Tuesday and will get more information on when it will start. So until then mom is doing, well I'd love to say great and someday I will but for now she says she is in sensible condition. She is taking each day as it comes. And again thank-you to everyone who is bringing in dinners and showing your love in so many other ways!

Friday January 9

2009-01-09T18:16:00.000-08:00

Mom has been released from the hospital. She and Dad won't come home until next week Wednesday at the end of her radiation treatments.

Blood Clots.

2009-01-08T15:31:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday when mom went in for a radiation treatment, she didn't get to leave. Her legs were swelling and the radiology department wouldn't let her leave. They said it was probably blood clots and she needed to go to the E.R. After waiting several hours in the radiology lobby, they were finally escorted to the E.R. At about 11 o'clock that night mom was admitted to a room where they could monitor her legs. She stayed the night and was allowed to go to radiation today (Thursday) and will most likely stay the night again.

Thank-you to Uncle Bob and Aunt Phyllis for keeping Mom and Dad company in the lobby while they waited and making sure mom was safely tucked into her hospital bed!

Getting it strait!

2009-01-05T09:31:00.000-08:00

I was at aerobics this morning and someone asked about mom. As I was explaining her radiation treatment in strengthening her bones Kanani said " did you know they are focusing on her stomach to shrink the tumor?" We had both talked with mom and dad the previous day at different times and came away with a different story! I called mom and she said the doctor asked where it hurt the most and she said her stomach area. Mom figures they are focusing on the ribs because those are the only bones around the stomach. I could be wrong please enlighten me!

So to get the story strait they are not doing radiation on her legs or trying to shrink her tumor by her stomach, but radiating her ribs to control the immense pain she has in her stomach.

So hence the disclaimer I put at the top of the page.

First radiation treatment. . .

2009-01-04T18:15:00.000-08:00

The prayer from my dad was answered as the trip to Mesa was smooth. Mom slept most of the way and was comfortable throughout the journey.

At the radiology appointment the nurse told Mom and Dad that she was not going to get a treatment because Thursday was a holiday and they didn't like to do treatments with a day in between. The doctor then came in and the first thing she said was that mom would receive a treatment that day. The doctor saw the urgency to begin treatment right away. They went to Uncle Bob's and Aunt Phyllis's home to rest until later that afternoon.

This first treatment appointment was rather long because they had to "map" out her bones being quite precise to where she would receive the radiation. She then received the radiation that lasted about 10 minutes. She laid flat on her back and the x-ray machine rotated from the top of her body to the bottom of her body taking pictures that radiated the treatment in the spots previously mapped out.

She went back on Friday and received another dosage of radiation. After both times she was vomiting. Not exactly sure why. . . probably from the treatments. She is suppose to be well to receive treatments.

Mom can't tell any difference after two treatments, although we hope it's doing its job preventing any broken bones. She will receive two more weeks worth of treatments before she moves on to Chemo that will be given in Safford. The radiology is strengthening her bones but not destroying the cancer. The doctor feels the cancer is progressing and needs Chemo right away. Mom is ok with the two weeks rather than the five because she rather be in her bed and the cancer being treated than being on the road to Mesa.

Mom and Dad are leaving to Mesa tomorrow morning (Monday) and returning hopefully on Friday.

A loving husband. . .

2008-12-30T21:00:00.000-08:00

My dad has been a real trooper. He has taken over the laundary, the dishes, the cleaning, the cooking and every other chore my mom did that she can't now. He has been at her side every step of the way. He makes sure she gets her pills on time and her food when she's hungry. He's there in an instant whenever she needs him. And today I witnessed another quiet act of love that he rendered to show how much he loves her. Before they left for Mesa to go see the radiologist and hopefully start a treatment this week, my dad tenderly placed his hands on her head and called upon Heavenly Father through his priestood power to help my mom make the trip as comfortably as possible. By the time he was finished he was in tears along with Kanani, Kuliana, and myself (Lehua). This was the first time throughout this trial I have seen my dad cry. I am so grateful for my dad and the worthy man he is. He hasn't turned from the Lord, but has turned to Him for help and strength. What a good example of faith he is to me.

Diagnosis 12/23/08 by Marc Natividad

2008-12-23T18:33:00.000-08:00

I went with Mom and Dad today to visit with the Doctor(Oncologist) and find out Mom's diagnosis. This is what we found out. She has stage 4 cancer in her lungs and bones with a large tumor between her stomach and lungs. She also has blood clots in the main arteries in her legs. The Doctor told us he didn't believe that there is a cure at this point, but hopes to get it under control. He also wants to be able to manage Mom's pain.

His immediate concern is that the cancer is eating her bones in her legs. He is very concerned that she is going to have a hip or thigh break. He doesn't want that to happen at all. He suggested radiation and medication to stop it. Mom agreed to immediate treatment so the radiation therapy will start next Wednesday(December 31,2008) in Phoenix, Desert Banner Hospital. It is amazing what they can do today. With today's technology they can target the specific bones with pin point accuracy. The radiation will kill the cancer in those specific areas and leave the rest of her body unharmed. She will receive treatments in Mesa 5 days a week for 4 to 5 weeks. In addition to the radiation they will also be giving her a drug for osteoporosis which will hopefully strengthen the bones and increase their density.

After the radiation they will let her rest for 2 or 3 weeks and then start chemotherapy. The chemo will treat the rest of her body. He said they would use a standard chemo for lung cancer. He also suggested that Mom be a part of a clinical study for a new drug being tested for its ability to enhance the effectiveness of chemo. The chemo will require 2 or 3 treatments.

The doctor didn't say what would happen after that. I can only assume they will make an assessment at that point and decide what if anything else they can do. At this point we ask for your prayers and fasting on her behalf. Dad and I gave her a blessing of healing Saturday night, so please combine your faith with ours that the Lord will accept the blessing and heal her completely.

We appreciate the love and concern of everyone. In the end we know that God's Will, will be done.

Journal entries from the beginning

2008-12-21T14:50:00.000-08:00

November 5, 2008 Wednesday.
On our way to the Temple we stopped in Miami to use the bathroom. When I stood up I had a sharp pain go across my upper thigh and I could hardly walk. I though it would go away. When we got to the Temple I held onto Stan and did fine until I started climbing the stairs. Lots of pain. I limped on into the Temple, managed to go downstairs to my locker, changed for the day and limped into the prayer meeting. Afterwards I went into the cafeteria to eat my lunch then limped to my first station which was AR (Assembly Room). The sister with me was on a cane so we could see that we were going to have a rough time taking care of the session that would start in about 30 min. The other sister went to talk to our Coordinator. Sister McFarlane, seeing me in pain sent me to the sister’s study room downstairs to rest for the day. I slept, read the scriptures and a book by Boyd K Packer on the Temple. It was a very relaxing day. I was not in pain as long as I did not step on my leg.

After our shift we went to Bob and Philis’s house to change our clothes and find directions to an urgent care facility. Bob gave me a cane to use that had belonged to Dale Inman. It really helped a lot. We went to the Urgent Care on Gilbert, just a few blocks from the Bryce's’ home.

The Dr. had my leg X-Rayed but there was nothing to see. He gave me an 800 m Ibuprofen and sent me home with a prescription for a pain pill and muscle relaxant, which I did not fill.

November 6, 2008 Thursday
I stayed at the Bryce's’ hoping that staying off my leg would help. When we got home I called the pain management clinic in Tucson hoping to be able to get an epidural for the pain like I did last year. I was informed that because I was now on medicare I had to get a referral from my primary care Dr. It was too late to call the Clinic.

November 7, 2008 Friday
I called to get an appointment so I could get a referral. I see Mr. Tuttle on Monday.
When Leora saw the cane I was using she just hooted. She informed me it was way to tall for me and got me her adjustable cane. It really was better!

November 10, 2008 Monday
Mr. Tuttle feels that I need another MRI before going to the pain specialist, so now I wait for that.

November 12, 2008 Wednesday
Went to the Temple today. I was glad to be going. I started driving as usual and was just about to the bridge when I fell asleep. Thanks to the Lord’s tender mercies, Stan woke up to find us on the wrong side of the road. He grabbed the wheel and woke me with his “where are you going”? I pulled off the road and he drove the rest of the way. With Leora’s cane I made it through the Temple. After our shift we ate with the Bryces then went to see Dr. Gracey, my chiropractor. He really hurt my back when he tried to pop it.

November 13, 2008 Thursday
I completed my day at the Temple. I was assigned to be an assistant to the Initiatory Coordinator. It was very slow at first so I was sent to be a patron on a session. That was good. I then returned to Initiatory and did whatever I was told. I got to step in and do initiatory work which was good. It was a good day.

November 16, 2008 Sunday
Barbara and Don Thatcher told Stan and I that an elbow pushed into the Sciatic nerve will open it up and stop the pain. This evening Stan tried it on me. It hurt but didn’t cure me. Stan then decided that a back massage might help. He worked on me for quite a while, then draped himself across my back. I immediately heard a “pop” and felt a pain that I was sure was a rib breaking. All week I had felt a tightness in my chest and had been in a lot of pain when I tried to sleep. I determined that I would go back to see Mr. Tuttle the next day.

November 17, 2008 Monday
I had complained about a tightness in my chest for a couple of months but the Dr. could never hear anything in my lungs. When I saw Mr. Tuttle the same was true. He said that I probably had a broken rib but that there was nothing to be done for it. After I told him of the pain I was in, especially when laying down, he sent me to the Hospital for an X-Ray. He also gave me a prescription for strong pain pills. I hurried home after my appointment because Buzz was bringing Miki an down for her birthday. They also brought Marja and Tracy and had invited Leora and Doug and Clarence and Joan to meet us here or a Pizza Party. We had a great time eating and visiting.
After they left I called the clinic for the results of the X-Ray and was told to come back tomorrow for the results.

November 18, 2008 Tuesday
Mr. Tuttle showed me on the X-Ray of my lungs. There is a white shadow on the left lung. He said I need a CAT Scan to determine if it is an infection or something else. The Medical Center will make me an appointment.

November 19, 2008 Wednesday
I planned on going to the Temple today but started throwing up so I stayed home. Stan went without me.
I have an MRI scheduled for next Monday and the CAT Scan for next week Wednesday.

November 24, 2008 Monday
I went to bed with my left foot hurting and my ribs on my right side. I wasn’t surprised because I quit taking the Pain medication. Friday night after taking it I had a panic attack. I knew I couldn’t tolerate the medication. Anyway I woke up about 3:00 a.m. with my foot hurting so bad I could barely stand on it. At 4:00 a.m. I woke up Stan and we headed for the hospital. After hearing all my problems they determined they could X-Ray the foot and do a CAT scan. Then we waited and waited. About 9:30 Dr. Wright came in. The X-Ray was negative but the CAT Scan showed a mass in the lung. Stan and I kept our composure, but there were some tears when he left. I will need to have a pulmonary specialist put a tube down my throat and into my lungs to see what’s going on. It will also snip off a piece of the mass so they can determine if it is malignant.
I’m sure that it will be. I just need enough time to teach Stan how to take care of finances. I have no worries about the next life. I have a strong belief in the plan of salvation and know that I can be with my family again someday. I do worry about Stan and Robert alone together. We will take this one day at a time and do whatever is necessary to have a few more years.
That afternoon I went back to the hospital for the MRI.

November 26, 2008 Wednesday
Marie, Amy and Traci made it here from California. They’ve come for Thanksgiving. They had a rough time getting here...lots of rain! I had an appointment to see Dr. Wright at 1:30 p.m. More bad news. The MRI shows a tumor in my leg. My next step is to see the Oncologist (cancer Dr.) and get a bone scan to see if there are any other cancer spots in my body. GOOD GRIEF!!!!
Stan and I then went to the DMV and got a handicapped parking placard then on to medical equipment where we got a shiny new wheelchair. We made it to the Casa just in time to meet Clarence and Joan, Marja and Tracy, Leora and Doug and Marie and her two girls. We had a good time but I went home exhausted.

November 27, 2008 Thursday
Along with Marie, Amy, and Traci, we also had Leora and Doug, Kelvin, Craig, and Sundee’s families as well as Tonja; Kanani’s family; Marja and
Tracy with Dewin and his two kids (he’s divorced) and Thomas (Jon’s son) and his fiance; Clarence and Joan; Philis and Bob with Amy. All in all we had 43 people for Thanksgiving. It was a great day! We were only missing Miki and Gary who each had their families coming for Thanksgiving. Marja, Leora and Joan brought things for the dinner, Clarence cooked the turkeys in his pit, Philis brought yummy cranberry sauce, Marie’s daughters made some special mashed potatoes, and Kanani fixed the things I was supposed to make, including home made lemon meringue pie. YUMMY!! I just sat around and watched everyone work!

November 29, 2008 Saturday
Went to Olas Carter’s funeral. It was very nice. It was funny sitting down and not singing in the choir. I couldn’t make it up the stairs.
Sat. afternoon Kanani and Lehua came with their kids and put up our inside Christmas decorations. What wonderful children we have. It really made my day!

December 2, 2008 Tuesday
This morning Stan took me to the hospital to pick up a hard copy of my CAT scan. Afterwards we went to the carpet place on Main street and picked out a couple of tiles to bring home for the bathroom.
After resting the kids came for piano lessons. I was glad to be able to give them.