Your prayers needed....

Hello everyone! So sorry I didn't get to do a wonderful "Counting my Blessings" Thanksgiving post for my blog. We are so very blessed, and were fortunate enough to get permission for Mom to go to Oregon for Thanksgiving as well as Grandpa Stokes' 90th Birthday celebration. It was so wonderful to spend time with family and friends - and as always, was too short! Someday, my blog will be filled with cute and funny stories, thoughtful insights and whatever else crosses my mind that I will have time to post. But until my life slows down a little, it will continue to serve as an update on the health and status of Mom and my kidlings.
On a more somber note - Mom received a call a few minutes ago from her hepatologist, Dr. Merriman. I don't remember if I mentioned before, but Dr. Merriman is moving to his homeland, Ireland. He has a great job there waiting, as well as all of his family - and with small children, he and his wife feel it would be good to have them grow up around their family. We love him so, and were very sad at our last appointment with him. We were already transferred to one of his colleagues, and weren't going to get to see him again before he left in a few weeks. However, after the Liver Transplant Team (including Dr. Merriman) reviewed the last scan that Mom had done on her liver on the 18th, he called himself and said that he had very serious news, and that he wanted to be the one to tell us, and he wanted to tell us in person. So he will be in Sacramento on Monday, and we will most likely have an afternoon appointment with him to find out what is going on. It is very scary to think of what it might be that he wants to see us himself, and in person.
We do know that all things are in God's hands, and He has a purpose and a plan for each one of us. Please pray for us, that we may feel peace, and not fear and worry as we wait to find out what serious news he has for us. I know that we can get through anything with faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ - no matter what the news. I will update you all as soon as I return home from the appointment on Monday evening. Thank you so much for your continued love, support and prayers.

We are home again!

Hello all! So we got home from San Francisco late last night. The doctors think that the cause of the bleeding was a swollen vein in her colon that burst, (similar to the ones in her esophagus that had to be banded). They won't be banding these, as the bleeding only lasted for less than a day. If it bled longer, they would have to do something. We were able to talk to the head of the transplant team, and he gave us some valuable information as to what to watch for at this point with Mom. As usual, the entire team at CPMC were wonderful, compassionate and amazing!!
We also had that kind of care from Mercy Folsom. We were amazed at how fast they processed Mom through the ER. Also, they were able to do another paracentesis, and drain 4 liters out of her abdomen, helping relieve some of the pain from the weight and pressure of the ascites. They have added two new meds, to help with that - so we will see how that works. Their new wing, which Mom was in, has private rooms, with a fold out couch and sleeping chair, so your family can sleep with you if they want. Very family friendly.
As of Mom's last doctor appointment (the day before the ER and hospital stays), the doctor recommended that it was time that Mom move in with someone, so we can watch her more closely for her times of confusion (encephalopathy) or in case of liver failure. So Mom will be doing the round-robin with Tanya, Cheri and I, in two week time slots. I will try to be good about posting Mom's location, for anyone who wants to get ahold of her (as before). We agreed to let Mom have until Tuesday, to get some things done around her house. She has to call in with Tanya or me every 4 hours or less, so we are sure she is OK. :-)
Until next time.....have a great weekend!!

Back in the hospital with Mom

Yesterday at 3:30 Mom was at my house, and started bleeding rectally with clots. (Sorry for the gruesome details, up didn't know how else to say it, than to just say it!). I took her to the ER and she was admitted and given a room. They wanted to transfer her to San Francisco last night, but they didn't have any available beds. Today they are doing a peresentesis to release some of the fluid in her abdomen, and they are still trying to transfer us to SF. They think the bleeding has stopped, but arent sure. I will keep you updated. No news is good news.

Also, on the Lucy front, her tumor on her brainstem is growing. We have to keep a watch to make sure she doesn't start having symptoms. If she doesn't, then we get to wait another 6 months to do another MRI. I still have to meet with. The neurologist on Monday to get his opinion and reading of the MRI we just had done.

Good news is, Emmie was chosen out of several kids for the talent show at her school. She will be singing "Rockin' Robin" and she is very excited.