Her Journey's Just Begun

Don't think of her as gone away -
her journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets -
this earth is only one.

Just think of her as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.

Think how she must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.

And think of her as living
in the hearts of those she touched...
for nothing loved is ever lost-
and she was loved so much.

- Ellen Brenneman

Obituary

June Henry Hill, 69, died Saturday, May 27, 2006 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born June 22, 1936 in Clem, Ga., to the late Oscar D. and Lois Perryman Henry. In addition to her parents, two brothers, Randall Henry and Danny Henry, preceded her in death.
She was a cancer survivor for over seven and a half years. During her battle with cancer, her courage was never lost and she set an example of grace, beauty and determination for her family and friends. The website http://juneslexingtonjourney.blogspot.com chronicles her journey over the last couple of months.

The funeral is Wednesday, May 31, 2006 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of McKoon Funeral Home with Rev. Don Helms officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul's Methodist Church Cemetery in Whitesburg, Ga. The visitation is Tuesday evening between 6 and 8 at McKoon Funeral Home. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Cancer Support Group, 35 Woodbridge Place, Newnan, Ga., 30265.
She is survived by her husband, Ernie Hill; son, John R. McCollough; daughter, Rhonda Billic all of Newnan; other children, Carol MacLaren, Shari Garver, Bruce Hill all of South Florida; sisters Martha Sumrall of Mandeville, LA, Patricia Robinson of Fairhope, AL, Jackie Ponder of Moreland, Gwenda Boone of Newnan; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and 11 nieces and nephews.

No More Sorrows
No More Pain

On Saturday evening at 10:50pm my mother June, concluded her journey on earth. June’s Journey now continues in heaven. It was a peaceful transition as the last days lingered on. June’s determination to live was fulfilled right to the very end. All of the suffering, pain and nausea slipped away in her final hours. There was so much love in the room with mom in the last hours of her life, the nurse suggested that we step away from her. June needed to release herself from us so that she could reach out to the Lord and accept His hand as the angels escorted her to the Father. In the final minutes her labored breathing became easier. As the final dose of morphine was given, a few minutes later she took her last breath of life.

June’s legacy did not end last night, it has only begun. She set an example of grace, beauty and determination that could not be altered by the setbacks and obstacles she faced. Her will to fight the battle against cancer within herself and for others will be remembered by all. Ironically it was not cancer that ended her life it was complications from the antibiotics that were used to treat the infections that occurred after the numerous operations in Lexington. Ultimately it was renal failure that eased her into the final days of her journey.

The final battle of life lasted sixty one days from the time June and Ernie departed to Lexington, KY on Angel Flight to the last moment the angels escorted mother to heaven. We the family are relieved and at peace today. We were completely compliant with mother’s last request. June asked to come home from the hospital on Monday. She simply asked to be made as comfortable as possible, keep her pain at a minimal level and relieve her of the nausea that had made her so weary. We explained to her exactly what should occur over the next few days or weeks and she was completely accepting of her fate. Family and friends came by and spoke with her over the last few days, some were able to converse with her and others could only hold her hand and convey their love to her.

June had the faith of Job, and never questioned her destiny. She is at peace; she is healed, and will never suffer again. She has reached the pinnacle of life; she is in the presence of the Lord and she shall not want. Give glory that there is such a place that awaits us, that we may be redeemed and that we will all come together again for those who believe in the greatest gift ever given. Accept the Lord Jesus as your personal Savior, ask Him to forgive you of your sins and you shall have everlasting life in the presence of the Lord. This would be my mother’s final request to the many that have shared her life.

I will post the funeral arrangements very soon for those who do not receive the local newspaper or do not receive a personal call. Thank you all for your tireless love and devotion to lift up and support our family during the final days of June’s Journey.

As Time Slips Away

Early this morning we thought that mother may be heading home to be with the Lord. He had other plans as June is still with us. June is in a semi-conscious state and has been for the last 24 hours. She has not been able to receive food or water in the last day. Mother is resting even though her breathing is somewhat difficult. June does not appear to be suffering despite her labored breathing. I think many of us are suffering mental anguish, but mom is just trying to get another breath of air. June’s vital signs are changing. Her BP is down to 93/60 and her pulse is up to 119 bpm. This indicates the heart is compensating for the lack of oxygen and is pumping faster to keep up. As the blood pressure drops the blood flow seeks the vital organs in order to sustain life. Mother’s feet have started to become chilled and the fluids are slowly compressing the blood vessels in her extremities.

We know not when the Lord has ordained the time to bring her home to be with Him. We wait with constant vigil and prayer seeking comfort for mother’s final rest. Our family and friends have gathered, joined and worked together to enjoy her company even though she is not communicating with us in words. We are certain that she hears us and finds comfort in knowing that we have released her fully into the Lord’s care. I find it easier to accept death when I know that the individual has accepted the Lord as their Savior. It means peace, it means trusting and believing that your loved one will no longer suffer and that they have achieved the ultimate goal, to be at the right hand of the Lord for ever and ever. And as the Psalmist tells us, Wait for the LORD;Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.

As The Days Go By

As June’s Journey continues I would have you to be comforted in knowing that June is at peace in her decision and has not second guessed herself. Mother is resting well at home and the nausea is now a limited occurrence. We provide her with nausea medicine which is administered every eight hours through her I-V picc line. June is also provided an infusion of MS Contin at a continuous steady rate to assure her comfort. Mom is alert at times and chooses to get involved with the friends and family around her at various times of the day. Please do not be offended if you visit and she is not too responsive. We are trying to maintain an environment that is conducive to peace and relaxation and ask that you speak in a soft tone and know that she hears you. During this initial period it may be a good time to call and arrange a visit. Feel free to speak of the good times and special events you may have shared. Please understand that it may be necessary to limit visitation due to the time of day or special care mother may require.

What is Hospice?

Hospice is a concept of caring derived from medieval times, symbolizing a place where travelers, pilgrims and the sick, wounded or dying could find rest and comfort. The contemporary hospice offers a comprehensive program of care to patients and families facing a life threatening illness. Hospice is primarily a concept of care, not a specific place of care.

Hospice emphasizes palliative rather than curative treatment; quality rather than quantity of life. The dying are comforted. Professional medical care is given, and sophisticated symptom relief provided. The patient and family are both included in the care plan and emotional, spiritual and practical support is given based on the patient’s wishes and family’s needs. Trained volunteers can offer respite care for family members as well as meaningful support to the patient.

Hospice affirms life and regards dying as a normal process. Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death. Hospice provides personalized services and a caring community so that patients and families can attain the necessary preparation for a death that is satisfactory to them.

Those involved in the process of dying have a variety of physical, spiritual, emotional and social needs. The nature of dying is so unique that the goal of the hospice team is to be sensitive and responsive to the special requirements of each individual and family.
Hospice care is provided to patients who have a limited life expectancy. Although most hospice patients are cancer patients, hospices accept anyone regardless of age or type of illness. These patients have also made a decision to spend their last months at home or in a homelike setting.
Information provided by The Hospice Concept Website.

Final Chapter
Begins

Friends and Family,

Today I must inform you that June’s Journey is now in the final chapter. The journey has been filled with many good and difficult times. June asked to be brought home from the hospital this morning around 7:30am. Her words were "I can’t take another step." I asked her if she would like to come home today and she replied, "yes." It was not an emotional plea, she spoke in a strong voice and just asked to be made comfortable. I spoke with a dear friend soon after and asked if she could make arrangements for Hospice Care. We will have mother back at her home sometime this afternoon. She has fought the fight and has given everything she has. Ernie and I had already determined that we didn’t think she would battle on much longer. On Sunday the doctor told us that if she could not and would not eat we would need to decide to have a feeding tube placed through her nose and mom would receive her much needed nourishment through this tube. Mother asked if she could have 24 hours to make the decision. Today she has made her decision and our family is respectful of her choice.

I’m not sure what words to share with you only that each and every one of you have shown so much love and I ‘m not sure what we would have done without you. We do not know what the Lord has determined to be His time for her to go home and be with Him. We just pray for comfort and serenity in these days ahead. My friends and family, I encourage you to be strong and confident and to accept this decision. It's ok to start your grieving process now, and I’m sure you will shed tears for our beloved June. It’s a natural expression of love and compassion.


Sincerely,


John and Family

Turned the Curve

This evening Dr. Kahn the nephrologist (a specialist in the study and treatment of kidney disease) explained that the creatinine level has started to decline and that June’s creatinine level is now 6.3 a (.4) drop since yesterday. This means it has turned the curve and should continue this downward trend. I asked why it appeared no treatment was occurring to lower the creatinine. Dr. Kahn explained that there was nothing that could be introduced to lower the creatinine and that the kidneys even with their limited functionality would slowly process and eliminate the creatinine and this process has begun. Time is the only element that is actually going to improve the kidney function. Dr. Kahn also said that she would avoid dialysis as long as possible and would only use it if necessary. Steroid therapy is also an option but once again should be avoided until the natural depletion of the creatinine occurs. Steroids can often hide underlying complications thus offering the possibility to miss the actual cause or concern.

Mother was rather drowsy from medication when we arrived tonight. Shortly afterwards they brought in her dinner and I was amazed to see how much food she was able to consume. It was as much as I have seen her eat in a month or more. June is now on a renal diet. The renal diet is an essential part of her treatment, it will help June to feel good and avoid complications like fluid overload, high blood potassium, itching, bone disease and weight loss. She will be asked to avoid sodium as well, a craving she has had for a month or so.

It is good to be taking on this challenge here in Fayette County just twenty miles from home. Our friends and family will soon be able to visit and spend some time with June, as her health should show signs of improvement in the very near future. Again I thank all of you for your prayers, love and concern.

She’s Back
In the Hospital

Today we have learned that June’s Kidney function was down to 8%. With that information June was admitted to Piedmont Fayette Community Hospital http://www.piedmont.org/fayettehospital/just outside of Peachtree City, GA. Dr. Kaun needed just a few minutes to conclude that June required hospitalization. June’s creatinine level increased in a 24 hour period from 5 to 6.7. The normal creatinine level for a 140 lb. elderly woman is .7 to 1.5 max. During this phase of antibiotic treatment the doctors have required blood draws every three days. By closely monitoring her blood over the course of this past week they had the advantage of stopping the antibiotic and thus reducing further damage. This condition has led to excessive fluid build up in mother’s lower extremities. There may be a need for dialysis initially to clean mom’s blood. The hospital has already started compiling the various doctors who will assess mother’s kidneys, wounds and antibiotic treatment. The good news is there’s a high probability the kidney failure is reversible.

Despite this setback June and Ernie are taking this situation head on and have once again shown great courage and strength. It’s not to say they were not a little upset, just that they were disappointed that June’s forward progress has been stunted once again.

Test and Evaluation

This morning June and Ernie attempted to go to the doctor on their own and things proceeded to get more difficult as time went on. Their appointment was at 8:50 and as they began the day mother woke with a severe case of nausea. It was so bad it was all she could do to take the nausea medicine. The pill crusher was misplaced and all white pills must be crushed and mixed with water in order for June to swallow them. June has had a restricted esophagus since her radiation treatments last year. Neither June or Ernie had slept well last night and were up at 3:00am changing out the I-V. They never really rested the rest of the night. As Ernie went out to bring the car to the back yard the battery was dead. It would not start for any reason. They had it in their mind that they would drive the pickup truck to the doctor’s office. I had just called them prior to the time all of this began and everything was OK at that point. As I arrived at work Ernie called and asked me to come over immediately and help him get mom in the truck. I thought to myself this is not going to be an easy task. On my way over I thought about how this might be accomplished. As I was going around the S-curve it dawned on me I could swing by Judy’s work and pick up our car. I called her and she ran out of the school and we exchanged our personal items and away I went to pick up my folks. We only needed ten minutes or so to get to the doctor’s office and heck I had twenty minutes to get to my parent’s house, get them into the car, load the wheelchair and walker into the trunk and make the short drive to the appointment.

We arrived at the PAPP clinic with a couple of minutes to spare. By the time we got mom inside and I parked the car they had already brought her into the examination room. Of course we provided the history of mother’s health and our reason for coming today and expressed our concerns of the moment. We were not able to meet with June’s primary physician and the doctor substituting was actually the pulmonologist that mom will probably meet with in a week or so. As we informed him of the information we received Monday afternoon he setup an appointment for an ultrasound this afternoon and an appointment with the kidney specialist on Wednesday at 1:15pm. We were in and out of his office in fifteen minutes or so. We went to the lab for a blood draw and returned home by 10:00.
So how was your day?

Tomorrow we will have a good feel for what all of this information about creatinine is all about. With the current ultrasound of the kidneys and blood draw the kidney specialist should be able to tell us the seriousness of the situation. The good news is that I spoke with Dr. Thornton again this evening and she informed me that by catching this problem so quickly it is likely that any damage, if any, will probably not be permanent. She felt dehydration could have contributed to this condition as well as the high strength antibiotic mom has been on the last few days. Now which antibiotic was the culprit? That’s what tomorrow should reveal.

A New Concern

My immediate family was pleased to celebrate Mother’s Day at home this year. We were unsure if we would be back in time to enjoy this special holiday. We really didn’t do anything special just enjoyed time together. There were no fancy meals, although Ernie did make up a delicious combination of pork, onions and potatoes. Mother ate a small amount as her nausea has continued to maintain control over her getting back to normal nutritional consumption and activity. Some of our family and friends called and came by for a short visit.

Today has brought a new set of challenges. The home health nurse came by and took a blood trough. Later in the day the pharmacist called and had real concerns about mom’s creatinine levels. They have steadily increased over the last week and are at an alarming level. We have stopped all I-V antibiotic use till at least Friday. Creatinine is a breakdown product of creatine phosphate in muscle, and is usually produced at a fairly constant rate by the body. When creatinine levels increase it is an indicator of kidney function or failure. Unfortunately June’s creatinine levels have prompted immediate concern and she will need to see the doctor in the morning. June’s lack of appetite and inability to tolerate much more than small amounts of food and water is not helping the situation.

I called Dr. Thornton at her home in Lexington . She was kind enough to call back almost immediately, asked a few questions and said she would call right back. Dr. Thornton confirmed that the lab results were disturbing. I suggested we start a saline infusion at a rate of 50 ml/hour. She concurred. It just so happened we had a bag of sodium chloride solution in the refrigerator. I told Dr. Thornton I could have the I-V started in fifteen minutes. She asked if I knew how to do that? I assured her that it was no problem and I started the infusion as soon as the solution was at room temperature.

June and Ernie were very upset after they received the phone call from the pharmacist. They felt a little more at ease after conferring with the doctor and after some prayer from our local pastor. Tomorrow June has a doctor’s appointment at 8:50am. I’m sure we will know more about what the situation is and what may become of it. In the mean time we are calling on all of you powerful and faithful prayer warriors to seek God’s healing powers to reduce the creatinine levels and as always seek His healing hand in curing and comforting mom during this new battle.

Back at Last!
A Four Day Recap

I know it has been a few days since we last spoke. But as you can imagine we have been going non-stop since Monday getting ready to come home. We are back! We actually arrived on Thursday about 2:00pm. Of course it was not without major drama. After a wonderful weekend we could barely wait to get started on our trip home. Monday and Tuesday were fairly uneventful. Our nursing schedule started each day between 7:00-8:ooam and ended around 11:00pm each day. Ernie and I were in constant motion going up and down the stairs to the kitchen, administering medicine, checking mother’s temperature, and keeping her as comfortable as we could. June’s nausea has been the challenge we have faced the most. These bouts of nausea seemingly come along randomly and can be quite intense. We have a variety of oral medications available but sometimes the act of swallowing them with this condition can lead to further complications. Even to mention a word which might be food or restaurant could incite the nausea. A cold cloth with ice held against her neck was one of the best ways to calm the nausea. The spells usually came under control within 15-20 minutes if we responded immediately.

Wednesday was June’s day to visit her infectious disease doctor and orthopedic surgeon. We were up by 6:30am and the first task of the day was to get the nausea under control and determine what type of breakfast mother would find appealing. As we readied ourselves for the first appointment at 10:00am, mom’s day was not off to a good start. It was raining and we were getting all of the equipment we would need for the day. With a wheelchair, walker, infusion pump and a pouch full of medicine we headed out. Dr. Thornton is the doctor who has monitored and identified the severe infection that caused mother’s setback three weeks ago. We had to wait 1-1/2 hours to meet with her. I guess all things happen for a reason. Dr. Thornton was not too happy with the incision on mom’s front side. It had once again had turned red and become warm to the touch. June had been on some high dollar antibiotics through the week and we had just received a fairly large shipment of these I-V antibiotics the day before in anticipation of our trip home. Dr. Thornton changed the I-V antibiotics for good reason as we found out. Apparently a new strain of infection had been detected and required this change. Dr. Thornton then asked us if we would consider sticking around till Monday. The three of us just looked at this woman like she was crazy and said there was no way. We ended up throwing out $350.00 of medication in the trash that we had just received the day before the appointment. They immediately started a bolus dose of the new antibiotic and were hooking up the I-V as we rolled mom down to the orthopedics office. Another hour passed before we saw Dr. Shaffer. He had been the reason we remained in Lexington the last ten days. They removed the staples from mom’s incision that had just been diagnosed as suspect of additional infection. The 18” incision extended from one hip to the other.

We returned to the St. Agnes House around 4:00pm. Mother had been up and in the wheelchair over 8 hours by the time we returned. She was in bad need of rest and food by this point. We fed her and put her to bed and started preparing the car for departure. At no time was it ever suggested, as stressful and hectic as the day had been that we might consider not leaving. At 6:45pm we were all in the car ready to leave. Can you guess what happened next? A severe case of nausea. It was as bad as I had seen in quite a few days. Quickly I grabbed a wash cloth and a bag of frozen corn we had in the ice chest and applied the cold compress to her throat. Soon mom was able to take a crushed pill with water and within 15 minutes we were able to get started home. One of the side effects to nausea medicine is it tends to make you sleepy. That was a good thing as we were able to travel one hundred miles to just north of the Tennessee border from Lexington. We ended up stopping at a Days Inn for the night. We made it into the room about 9:00pm. We still had to eat and give mom a full compliment of medication and a brand new I-V which had just been introduced to us eight hours before. We had never setup this type of I-V infusion and had only received brief instruction just prior to our departure by the home health nurse. Libby was confident we could do it or I’m sure she would not have let us attempt it. By 11:00pm we had completed our procedures and had dinner. I tucked my parents in bed as we thanked God that we were on our way home and asked if He would grant us safe passage home without incident.

Thursday we left Williamsburg, Kentucky at 8:00am. We would have about a 325 mile drive ahead of us. For the most part the trip was uneventful. My parents slept most of the way and mother had faired the day without incident. We arrived home around 1:45pm. We were fortunate that just as we arrived at our exit the traffic was backed up just to the point that we could exit without delay. A tractor trailer had crashed into a bridge down the road and traffic eventually backed up to the Alabama line on the north bound side, about 44 miles is what I heard. Fortunately we were traveling southbound and narrowly escaped the congestion.

Home sweet home. I can tell you this was a happy moment. I think we were all in tears as we arrived. Forty five days and twenty hours we were home. We had to contact home health and set up a blood draw on Friday morning and of course our routine of medications, drains and I-V needed to be accomplished before we were able to take a deep breath and savor the moment that indeed we were back home safe and sound. Mom is in the best condition she has been in more than a month. Ernie was exhausted and his back was feeling a bit uncomfortable. We were finally able to sit back talk and reminisce of the events and time we had spent together over the course of this most incredible journey. We experienced some of the lowest lows and some great moments of success. The events of the days changed rapidly. We learned that we could take nothing for granted. For as soon as you were going through a highlight or a time of recovery, moments later you may be responding to a tense situation. This is just a fraction of the events and situations we encountered.

We are grateful to be home. All of our friends and family have shown us an incredible amount of love and support. This road to complete recovery will inevitably be filled with additional moments of extreme emotion. We will forever be grateful to each and every one of you for all you have done to support June, Ernie and our entire family during this amazing segment of June’s Journey.

T-Minus Three Days
And Counting

We have had a great weekend and today we are just going through the routine of the day. June’s sisters left early Sunday morning and left us with plenty of goodies in the fridge. What a time we had with them this weekend. Ernie and I thought we were giving mom the pamper treatment, but with the sisters here we just stepped back and they took over. Mother received a pedicure, shampoo, curl enhancer and some nice outfits to wear. June really felt good and was so appreciative of all they did.

Mother had a tough bout with nausea today. There just didn’t seem to be anything that could ease the nausea. We tried multiple medications and finally we were able to settle it down. Mom has carried a bit of fever today and the home health nurse told us to keep an eye on it. It has not gone over 99.7. On Wednesday, June has two doctor appointments, one at 10:00am and one at 1:30pm. The orthopedic will make the final call as to whether or not mom will be allowed to return to Newnan. All signs point to a positive affirmation of our departure from Lexington.

Ernie is doing well. He has given 110% of himself and sometimes it shows. He likes to go out first thing in the morning to get the newspaper and sometimes surprises us with breakfast. Unfortunately later in the day Ernie had gone to the pharmacy to pick up some medication for June. Apparently his knee gave out on him and he took a spill as he was going up some steps. He says he’s OK and that he caught himself before he hit the floor very hard. I checked him out and he does seem OK. I’ll see how he’s doing tomorrow.

There’s not a lot of additional information available to offer you at this time. We’ll just continue to pray that mother’s improvement will continue and we’ll be outta here on Wednesday. With any kind of luck we should be back by Thursday afternoon.

The Day After Discharge
From the Hospital

We arrived back at St. Agnes House about 5:30pm, Friday night. June’s sisters arrived about the time we were ready to leave the hospital. We had the full entourage when we left, even Miss Margaret from the St. Agnes House happen to be there when we were getting everything in the car.

The home health nurse arrived around 7:15pm. Jessica instructed us on the operation of the home infusion pump and method for changing out the antibiotic. The pump will administer the antibiotic at a rate of 65 ml for one hour and 1cc each additional hour till the next full dose six hours later. We thought that we would have to change out the I-V every six hours and that someone would have to get up at 2:00am to infuse the antibiotic. The pump is fully automated and we will only have to change the I-V every twenty four hours. Mother has had an excellent four days and the only complication has been the occasional moments of nausea, but we know how to fix that. I have given mom her Lovenox injection the last couple of days. This is used to prevent blood clots and is given in the stomach until she is capable of full weight bearing and walking without assistance.

My Aunt Gwenda and Cousin Theresa made a fantastic dinner of chicken and dumplings with fresh made cornbread. Mom ate a full portion and enjoyed it immensely. Mom said that was the best meal she’s had in thirty days or more.

Today has been another great day. Mother’s appetite has improved and she’s finding a better variety of foods she can tolerate. This morning we had sausage biscuits and mom ate all that was offered. For lunch my Aunts Jackie and Gwenda went to White Castle and picked up a box of thirty hamburgers and twenty cheese-sticks. The guy asked my Aunts, “Is this order to go?” Here’s your sign was their thought. But they replied “yes.”
Yes, things are looking good!

This Time It's For Real

We are outta here today! Its official we are going to St. Agnes House at around 5:30pm. As a coincidence it happens to be the beginning of June and Ernie’s Fortieth day in Lexington. June has had three good days in a row, except a brief period of nausea around noon today. The hospital is getting all of June’s prescriptions, paperwork and instructions ready for her departure.

The party will be at St Agnes’ House tonight. Just don’t let St. Agnes know. June’s sisters will be here around 5:00pm. Mom says she is up for this reunion. All in all with the improvements June has made and the medication adjustments of the last few days I think we are going to be alright.

We are on track to return to Newnan on May 11th. Thank you all for your continued love and support.

Another Good Day
And We'll Be On Our Way
to St. Agnes House

Today has been another good day. That makes two in a row. Ladies and gentlemen we have set a new record for most days in a row for feeling good, getting exercise and eating well. June spent three hours in the chair sitting up this morning and took at least four good walks. June also received a much needed shampoo this morning. That always seems to make her feel good. Doctors conveyed that mother has more strength and determination that anyone on the 2nd floor. They were extremely encouraged and in their own words said they were working on getting her out of the hospital on Friday. I know we've all heard that before.

Ernie and I are receiving training in various aspects of mom's aftercare. Tomorrow we will get training for changing out the I-V and I have performed the procedure for the pleural effusion three times. We will have to administer all of the medications on a schedule and will need to continue to help mom get in and out of the bed. The I-V tree holds the infusion pump and the bag of antibiotics as well as the sodium chloride solution. The pump operates on batteries when we are out of range of the house current and has to be moved whenever mom walks around. This pump will have to remain operational during our return to Newnan.

Each morning when Ernie and I return to the hospital we are antsy with anticipation as to how mother will feel when we get there. We have seen marked improvement in almost every aspect of mom's recovery and I am hopeful we can maintain this forward progress.

Did I Say One Day Away?
I Meant Friday,
But Who Really Knows...

We were informed this morning that June will not be going to St. Agnes House before Friday. The doctors just don't want to take any chances on releasing her early and having any complications like the last time.

Today has been a very good day for June. No nausea, no stomach distress and good physical activity. Mom has been able to eat quite a bit today without the normal ill effects she has been experiencing. I tell you this has been a leap in progress over the previous pattern of two steps forward and one step back.

June's sisters are coming up this weekend. For those of you who don't know, June has four sisters and you will find quite a similarity amongst them. I hope the nurses don't get confused about which one is supposed to be in the bed.

In celebration of this wonderful day, mother insisted that Ernie and I take a ride. Ernie was in bad need of a haircut so we found a place for him to get his haircut and had lunch outside the hospital. We went by The Last Genuine Leather Company, a store we had stopped by last time up here. The little guy that works there was very helpful with my inquiries into leather working. During conversation we had told Wayne of our reason for being in Lexington. Soon Ernie grew tired and took a seat. Just before we left Wayne walked up to Ernie and said "Give your wife one of these." It was a hug. Wayne who is short in stature, stood tall in compassion that day. Today we tracked down Wayne to the restaurant across the street from his store. Ernie went up to Wayne and said "My wife said to give you one of these." Ernie gave Wayne a hug right there in the restaurant. We sat and talked awhile and parted ways once again. We returned to the hospital and found mother was still doing well. This has been a great day!

One Day Away
From St. Agnes House

I’ve heard some of you were upset by yesterdays posting. It was not my intent only a reality check. Today the doctors have come by and altered some of the medications that mother is receiving. Dr. Shaffer told June that she was free to leave Lexington but that he highly discouraged it. He said it was her choice. The head team of doctors asked mom if she wanted to leave the hospital today, with hesitation she said tomorrow. So tomorrow we should be leaving the hospital for the St. Agnes House and will remain there till May 10th. June’s white cell count is going down and that is a good thing. It means the infection is at bay. They have given mom a different nausea medication which was supposed to reduce fatigue and drowsiness. That has not worked as well as we would have liked.

Today has been an up and down day. There were some difficult periods and also improvements. Mother was able to move about the halls a couple times and she has been able to eat a little bit more. The highlight of her day as she related was when her son massaged her head and brushed her hair. She said that just made her feel really good. Mother stayed up awhile after that and had lunch. This evening mother is resting comfortably and will soon be a sleep. The recovery process is a slow one but things are moving forward.

Destination Georgia

I hope everyone is sitting down. June and Ernie are NOT leaving Lexington today. Once again our plan to leave today has been aborted. This morning the discharge nurse came by the room and was preparing the papers and making all of the arrangements for discharge today, and then informed us it would be around 6:00am Tuesday. That was OK, and then everything went downhill from there. Most of the doctors had come by and spoke with us. It seemed apparent that all of the doctors had conferred with each other and all had agreed mother would be returning to Georgia and that there would be no need to remain in Lexington. Moments later the orthopedic staff returned and informed us that June would be allowed to leave the hospital but not the state. The next stop will be St. Agnes House for ten more days. Now the best case scenario of returning home will be May 11th.

Why you ask? Dr. Shaeffer the orthopedic surgeon decided he wanted to have the staples in June’s incision removed here in Lexington and he did not want to pass along his unfinished work to another doctor. He also wanted to be sure the antibiotic regimen would not be interrupted. They said that the germs, a form of staph would become resistant to the antibiotics and could come back stronger and more resistant if stopped and restarted. Mother will continue the antibiotics for four more weeks.

Now, the bad news. As if this was not enough Dr. Ain, the oncologist came by and revealed some previously unreleased information. He said that if June had not been here for her appointment on March 27th and they had not found the fluid in mom’s pleural cavity then it is likely she could have asphyxiated in her sleep and we would not be having this conversation today. He also said that if the asetabulum or pubis bone had fractured it could have caused an embolism and that could have resulted in her death. This should give you an idea how serious this has been and how close mom’s window of life had closed.

Now, the good news. Given these recent revelations we are on a corrected course of action. Dr. Ain gave no indication that we were not on anything but a contain and correct mission. He has not given any doubt that this has been a serious situation but one that has options to proceed forward. This battle is far from over and the combatant is growing weary. Mother calls out to the Lord, "Please help me!" time and time again. I know He has or we would not be here today.