Patti wrote at the beginning of the week and I'll close it out. Mom continues to decline but still refuses to give in to this thing. She's been sleeping alot and, when she is awake, she is very weak. Don't get me wrong, she still has her sense of humor and throws out a zinger now and then. We continue to laugh and smile with her.
Her appetite is gone--just a bite or two now and then. Dad brought her a couple donuts holes with some coffee this morning. When nurse, Diane, was with her this afternoon mom commented that they weren't Krispy Kreme. The woman knows what she likes! There WILL be Krispy Kremes when I go over there tomorrow.
Wilson came in for a few days and was able to visit with her. She's been waiting for him. He said she dozed whil he was with her but I think, even in sleep, she hears our voices and it makes her happy.
Continue in prayer. Happy week-end to all. T

A new week

Mom has a good day and then she falls back with a couple of bad ones. I don't mean to be the "gloomy gus" but Saturday's birthday party was absolutely terrific, followed by a couple of difficult nights for Mom. We'll continue to pray for more lively days for Mom and deal with the difficult ones as they come.

DAD'S 85th BIRTHDAY

Larry, Glenda, Patti, Russ and I, mom and dad celebrated dad's birthday Saturday. The evening got off to a good start with mom feasting on a dozen oysters on the half shell. She may not have much of an appetite anymore but she sure downed those suckers! While she 'recovered' in bed, the rest of us enjoyed ribs and steaks Patti grilled, baked potatoes and salad. After we ate we all piled into mom's room for a birthday toast. Mom even sipped a bit of the bubbley. As you can see in the picture, we got a visit from a birthday gnome. He had such a fun time he's decided to take up residence at 701. He knows a good place when he sees one! And a good time was had by all............we cherish the good times--and this definitely was one of them!

add-on from Teri

Just wanted to add a quick note to what Patti posted. Mom had another pretty good day today (Fri). She spent the day in bed but we chatted a few times and then she would take a little nap while I tried to get a few things done. Late this afternoon she sat in the chair while I got some fresh sheets on the bed. She wanted to take a shower--I think she wants to get clean and sweet smelling for dad's birthday tomorrow. This is the first time I've had to help her into and out of the tub--quite a scarey task! Those beautiful, strong legs just don't work like they used to. We made it though and now she's clean and moisturized and sitting (laying) pretty. She was ready to rest after all that exertion---me too.
I'm sure she'll be 'up' for dad's birthday tomorrow. Maybe we can get her to sit on the porch again...if the storms don't keep us inside.
My love to all who read this. Have a great week end.

Each day is different

After the wonderful visits the weekend with family and friends, Mom rested good on Monday. Nurse Angel Diane came Tuesday with Dr. Nyugen (an extremely caring doctor). We were, however, disappointed to learn that Mom could not have the aspiration procedure done at the house due to the position of the mass -- it would require a hospital visit and possible overnight stay. At the present time, Mom is really not intersted with the bother of it all . . . and as we all know, Mom's still the boss.

Wednesday, Mom was weary; she had trouble focusing and was a bit confused. But Thursday was a brand new day. She was in good spirits and was able to sit outside on the patio with Dad for a bit. Her comfort level is best when she is lying down, but she loves enjoying the beautiful spring days we have been blessed with.

We know loving thoughts and an outpouring of prayer is holding our family up. Thank you all for that.

Even though mom is experiencing quite a bit of bloating and some nausea, we certainly have had a wonderful past few days. Vonnie got here last Wednesday. Not only did she get to visit with mom, she got to experience her first spring in close to 30 years. I'm glad we've had a beautiful one (just for her). The dogwoods, azaleas, irises, etc made her "ooh" and "ah" as we drove around. It was fun to share it with her. I've always loved spring but her enthusiasm reminded me of how blessed we are (even with the pollen problems) to have such beautiful seasons.

Mom got a visit from 2 wonderful neighbors who have been wanting to visit. Peggy Dycus and Loretta Webb, long-time friends, saw us on the front porch and came to see mom. They stayed about 30 minutes and we all talked of "the good old days". They were some good times! I hope they will get to visit again. (In the photo, Peggy is on the left, Loretta on the right)

Larry, Glenda, Elisha and her friend, Kate, came Saturday afternoon. I hope Elisha and Kate read this-- Thank you for coming all the way from Memphis. 3 hours here and 3 hours back is quite a drive in one day. I'm especially grateful to Kate for driving so Elisha could sleep. She's keeping those doctor's hours at the hospital. She has a 30+ hour shift starting today. Whew, better her than me.

I know mom (and dad) must be exhausted today and must be looking forward to getting back to their routine but, as I said before, it has been a wonderful few days. Lots of remembering and reminiscing. Vonnie and Patti are good at asking questions and it's unbelievable all that mom can recall--going w-a-y back. What a mind!

Blessings to all.

YOU GOTTA HAVE FRIENDS....

I had dinner tonight with my 'girls' night out' group. I want to thank them for the heartfelt hugs and the sympathy and support they expressed . I have other friends who have expressed the same thing in the days since we learned of mom' cancer. To each and every one of you, I want you to know you are loved and you are so very dear to me. My entire family is grateful for all the prayers I know you are saying for us.
This blog is about mom and I don't want to take up too much space about me but I have to take the time to tell you I'm thankful you are in my life; I'm grateful for what you have given to me; I am a richer person for knowing each one of you. You know, you just make me happy!
God bless you and keep you.

Just sweet . . .

Oh my gosh, I just met one of those "angels in everyday people" you always hear about! The hospice nurse who will be seeing mom came to the house today to introduce herself; get and give information; and get to know us. She walked in the door with a beautiful smile and hugs all around. At the McCoy house, that's all it takes.
Our guide-angel's name is Diane Gupton from Odyssey Healthcare. She shared alot of information but shared herself too. Her mom died of breast cancer 2 years ago so she knows, personally, the fears and the sorrow we will be dealing with. You know, God has dealt us a blow but He's sent us someone beatiful to help us through this frightening journey. How blessed we are.
And on we go....................

Hurray, Vonnie gets to come to Nashville for a few days. I know she has been crazy sad that she wouldn't be able to see mom until her trip up here this summer. Time is precious these days. She called today and has managed to get a lady to take her class at school--not an easy task at their Christian school.
As I know it now, she is scheduled to be here next Wednesday and visit until Saturday or Sunday. She'll even be able to enjoy our beautiful spring. It's been a while since she's seen it. You don't get beautiful season changes when you live in the Keys. I look forward to her being here!

Springtime

After the meeting with Mom's compassionate and forthright oncologist, Mom is now ready to sign up for in-home hospice care. The doctor has assured Mom that this is absolutely the best thing she can do. With hospice, they will begin a once-a-week visit. Mom is beginning to feel some uncomfortable symptoms from this thing, such as distended belly and extreme feeling of fullness.

Mom is enjoying the beautiful days of spring by sitting out on the patio with Dad and the cats. This is her favorite time of year with God's signature visible everywhere.

Time for another "lump in the stomach" feeling--We are heading back to the oncologist today. Now that mom has made her decision, we need to find out more specifics about what will be happening in the coming months and weeks.
Patti or I will let you know what we find out. Deep breath...............

Odyssey Healthcare

When we hear the word "hospice" we naturally panic and think "the end of life". But in reality, the basic premise of hospice is "The desire to enhance the quality of one's life no matter the duration".

We met with a nurse from Odyssey Healthcare and learned about what it means to be in hospice care -- discovering that it's really not too soon to have them as part of our lives at the beginning of Mom's diagnosis so that they can get to know her in a healthier state and will be able to recognize declines in her health. More information to process and we will certainly be back in touch with them soon.

From the Founder of the Modern Day Hospice Movement:

"You matter because of who you are.

You matter to the last moment of your life,

and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully,

but also to live until you die".

What a wonderful time we had at the folks house today. All the Plano McCoys were there. The weather was beautiful so the little guys, Landon and McKoen, got to play outside and have an Easter egg hunt. There we people in the house, on the porch, in the yard..(hey, we're a big group). We had my famous (within the family) lazagna and all sorts of refreshments to quench our thirsts. Megan brought a DELICIOUS cake she had made. It was in the shape of an Easter bonnet! (Check out her blog at meganscakesandmore.blogspot.com) Man, it was fun!
Good, quality time with mom and dad. Everyone took lots of pictures and will, hopefully, share them with each other soon. I'll post one of them soon. Even McKoen, at 2 years old, got in on the act. I gave him my camera and he started snapping away. Of course, none of them turned out but he had fun.
Some of the family will be heading back to Texas tomorrow and some will leave Wednesday. Safe traveling to all whenever you leave. I hope you took away from our gathering today the love and warmth I'm feeling now.

Love you more!

Attended Mr. Craig's funeral today. Visitations and funerals are such an touching mix of tears and laughter--the celebration of love and the sadness of that love lost. We all know he will live on in the hearts and fond memories of his family and friends.
Happy Easter to all. God bless.

Easter Wishes

My wish to you all

for a beautiful,

blessed and

extra-ordinary Easter!