Martha

We visited the pulmonologist this morning to have a test of Martha's oxygen. Surprisingly her count was in the 90s. It would have to have been 88 or below for her to go on oxygen. It is still hard for her to breath. She seems to be doing a little better today. She wants to suggest to people not to call her after 9pm. I'm glad she is feeling a little better although she tires easily.

Grandma's version

This is Grandma. I have bee much better today. Of course, there are always times when it's harder to breath. Feels like I can't take in enuf oxygen! I really haven't felt as bad as others tell it!! It all goes along with it tho!!! I have enjoyed reading all your web pages--except I have a hard time with the Garrity's--too complicated for an old hen like me! I put a comment on Trevors and couldn't get it to go on--I didn't know what to put in "image"! Judy wasn't home to help. I want to thank Alisha and the boys for the pictures and drawings! They were Great! It's time to start for bed so Goodnite ALL!

Martha plays with Penny's baby.

Today I had a chance to visit with Larry and Martha at lunch time. I knew Martha was feeling better when she wanted to fix me lunch! I had already eaten, so last weeks enchilada loaf will be somebody elses treat! Penny came by for a follow up visit with her two darling little kids. The little girl was fast asleep and the boy was cute as could be and played with Grandma who got him to smile and giggle, I think it did both of them some good.
Roger

Martha

Martha's condition Friday was pretty tough. Saturday she was very weak. I think her coughing was a little less. She doesn't sleep well. She is hurting in the abdomen. Her back is beginning to hurt more. Sunday, I think she is a little better. She didn't sleep well. Her back hurts as well as her shoulder. She didn't attempt to go to church. This is the first time that she didn't at least go to Sacrament meeting during this illness. She doesn't eat much at a time. Cindy, Marla and Gary came Saturday. Marla and Gary have been here today, Sunday.

Thursday

Well, today mom wasn't doing well. She said she felt like a truck had run over her. Because of the coughing, made her joints ache all over. If it wasn't for the coughing I think she would feel better. It makes me hurt to hear her. Food was fine, she had left over potato soup for lunch and desired only chicken noodle soup for supper. By the way, I have told some but not others, Jen was accepted to join the Chandler Symphony, 1st violin section. She is quite excited.School started this week and she is going to be kept really busy. School, working full time, Symphony, and 2nd counselor in R.S. MCC College ward.We are as always proud of her!

Wednesday Evening

I just called Dad to check on Mom. He said it was a bad evening. Alot of coughing, wishing she could throw up, and really tired, as well as joints achy.In my opinion the coughing would be the worst thing to have I hope she realized that she did too much. She said that the 3-5 day after the chemo (she was told) is the worst. Her nausea started tonight and she is very fatigued. I guess she takes 3 pills, 3 days(i think 1 a day) before the chemo shot. She called them her adreniline booster pills. Because that's what they are to do. But she can't take them any more than 3 days before. She said that's why she was feeling so well for the last 3 days.Dad gets home from the temple about 9:30 am on thurs. and fri. I think Saturday, we'll have to see about how she will be doing and helping with anything that day. I have a R.S. ward Service in which I am in charge of and will be gone from 8-10 am. Dad usually leaves for the temple around 9:15 or so.

Wednesday's Update

Hello All -
I just spoke with Dad. I called over to see how things are. He said that Mom is up, going and feeling well - in the midst of making bread! He said that she's continued to do very well since the chemo - has had no nausea and the only effect they can see is that her coughing has increased which they were told was likely to happen. He said she's been sleeping "pretty well." All is well over there - we'll see how the rest of the week goes. Judy said she had heard that Days 3-5 after chemo are the worst. That would be tomorrow (Thursday) through Saturday. If this first time through things go a little easier, that will be a great blessing.

Trying to look ahead, one thing Robert and I have mentioned to each other is that Dad's schedule at the temple is usually Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I don't know how she'll be doing tomorrow, but if he is at the temple it would be a good thing for some of us to try to stop by over the next few days and see how things are going - or at least call.

Robert and I are leaving early Friday morning for a week in Louisville and Detroit to see Robby and Shannon, Stacie, Matt - and celebrate Jacob's first birthday. We'll stay in touch through the blog but we unfortunately won't be around to help with anything if something comes up. We'll be back home Saturday, September 1 around noon.

T.J. e-mailed today to say he's been transferred and called to be a district leader. He's been out 10 1/2 months now. He's having great teaching experiences. A new Brazilian mission president arrived July 1 and he's taken a pretty autocratic approach to the mission which has been a little disconcerting to the missionaries, but things seem to be settling down.

I'm really glad we're able to be in touch with each other through this blog. Thanks again Justin and Judy.

Dinner for Larry and Martha

I think Penny's suggestion of a dinner schedule during Martha's week of Chemo is a good idea, as long as Martha will allow it. As we all know, she takes some pride in spoiling us by what she fixes us for our meals. Although she will deny it, she is rather particular about what is served and how it is prepared and served. In her current state, I don't think she wants somebody else to mess with her food preperation. I worry that she would spend more time fussing about what needs to be done to it to make it suitable for Larry (and Martha) than just eating and enjoying it. Do any of you know what their favortie resturants are? I may be more inclinded to order something for them or provide a gift certificate/card for something I know they like. On a related subject, what about clean up in the kitchen? In my 32 years of marriage, I have yet to load the dishwasher good enough that Judy doesn't come and rearrange it after I'm done. Amazingly, I manage to make it work when she is away from home but even with post-graduate degrees, I have yet to meet the "Packard" criteria. Point being, who is going to teach Larry how to properly do it? I suggest one of the Packard daughters! Roger

How to say something visible

Hey everybody,
In order to see your post, you create an account (free) and when you come to the site, you sign in and then press the button that says View Blog. It puts you back to the site you saw first but up at the top right there will now be a choice to POST. You press that and then you can post what you want to say and it's not just a comment.
Remember, you have to sign in.
Judy

Hi Everybody!
Justin got this site going so that any and all information and communication can occur with and about Mom and all that's going on. It might save a sore neck for Mom and Dad at times when a lot of people may want to know how things are going. In order to post messages, you need to make a new account the first time (free) and then sign in when you visit after that. Hope it works!
Judy