For the last week, David has been nearly unable to keep down food or drinks of any sort (throwing up as much as three or four times a day and through the night). The consistent nausea and upset stomach have also increased his significant rib pain. Shanna and the nurses have worried about him being so dehydrated and so he has been hooked up to a saline IV drip a few times. Tomorrow, a home health nurse will come by the house to show us their way of hooking him up to an IV at home. (Shanna and David have been doing Vitamin C infusions for a long time now, so they are already quite knowledgeable on how to utilize an IV). Often tired and very uncomfortable, David hasn't been able to go to the pool or get out of his chair in the living room. Today, however, he has been in higher spirits despite all of the above. David has also had two blood infusions (total of one quart) due to a low red blood cell and iron count.
Katheryn and Patrick just got back from a little 4-day jaunt to Oahu. They had a blast hiking Diamond Head, snorkeling at the famous Hanauma Bay, touring downtown Honolulu's city life, seeing Waikiki and meeting up with old friends.
Aaron recently had a Taiko drum performance at a Bone Ceremony. He is a drumming natural and he is really enjoying being a part of this music team.
Andrea and Gordon have taken on a new title... Gordon now introduces himself as a "Coffee Farmer." They have planted a little grove of coffee on the hill side below their house and are both enjoying this labor-intensive hobby/enterprise.
Grandma Evey is doing much better after recovering from a really bad case of the flu.
Shanna is doing her best to get sleep, to stay relaxed, track medicine/fluid intake, and enjoy the sunsets. She is unbelievably adept at taking things in stride. We had a little birthday celebration for her last week with food grown in our garden (and brownies!). We just signed up for Netflicks so she's been really enjoying getting to watch movies that are hard to find at your local Blockbuster on the huge HDTV.
I will try to post pictures soon!
Thank you for your comments, love and concern. We read comments, emails, letters, etc. out-loud to David when he's awake. He is still not really up for phone calls most of the time, but we're hoping and praying for some improvement in the coming days. We'll keep you posted.
Love and Aloha,
Katheryn
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I'm so glad to hear you read our comments to David! Please tell him I'm thinking of my happy times with him at Ragged Mt Ranch. I only remember the good parts! Milking goats in the morning, gardening in the sun, learning to can tomatoes and peaches with Isabelle, learning to wrestle with David, sitting in the river with baby Seth diving for pebbles. Such a beautiful time. Sending hugs and love to all, from Sherry
ReplyDeleteDEAR Katheryn,
ReplyDeletePlease know how grateful far-away friends are to hear about each of you !
We are grateful to hear about the challenging parts so that we are sharing in your lives. And we are grateful to hear about the happy parts so we are sharing in your lives there, also
Berny and I have always been grateful to you, David, for many, many things. Your kindness, your warmth, your ability to step back and see the larger picture--and describe it to us. Your sense of humor and lightness of being. Your sparkle-in-the-eyes perspective on life. Your ability to be serious when it's useful and joke when it lifts us up. Your long-time ability to accept and see the value in whatever life brings your way. Your loyalty and steadfastness. The warmth that comes through in your voice no matter what.
We are sending loving, supportive thoughts and sunshine to each of you !
Your friends, Berny and Martha