So much for the Southland in the springtime. Instead, we were in the hospital for a week and a half. But fortunately things were less terrible than they could have been. The doctors were able to diagnose Gloria and the nurses were kind and gentle, per usual. It turns out that Gloria has both an infection in her colon from cytomegalovirus (CMV) and a little bit of acute graft vs. host disease (GvHD). They cause the same symptoms but require opposite treatments, which means that treating Mom over the next few months will require a bit of a balancing act. The biggest challenge is that the CMV will cause Mom's white count to fall, so it will be harder for her to get out and about and to have visitors. Plus, it is hard to know if the CMV is returning since it doesn't show up in the blood even though it is in the colon. Go figure....
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| Gus the dog on Del Monte Beach, Monterey, CA |
In the meantime, despite the setback, we are all relieved to at least know what is going on and that it can be more or less controlled for now. Rebecca was happy to be here and help in the hospital, but now that Gloria is stable and at home, Rebecca has to head back to her job and her dog, Gus, in California. She will miss Team Gloria! But, hopefully the Louisiana trip will be rescheduled for July to celebrate Gloria's father, Oren's, 97th birthday, and they will all be reunited soon!
Lots of love and big hugs to all!
Rebecca, Karen, Sidney, and Gloria
Glad to hear the medical team has figured out what is bothering Gloria and know how to treat the conditions. A plus that Ms. Becca was on hand to provide assistance and give Sidney orders.
ReplyDeleteRescheduling the trip to Louisiana until July sounds like a reasonable alternative and it would be nice to be at the 97th birthday celebration.
Best wishes for Gloria's continued recovery.
Love from Oregon,
Jim
Pleased to hear everything is under control again and headed in the right direction. A little setback; but now, back on track. Here's hoping for some changes which result in feeling better and stronger soon. Love and prayers for my friend, Gloria; and gratitude to Becca, Karen, and Sidney. Hang tough and know you are thought about every single day. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Tom
Thanks for the update. We sure did miss seeing you for the birthday/Christmas party. Ask Rebecca about that one. Grace nailed it when she blew out all her candles. I will leave it to your imagination to decide if she had 90. I think Oren's 97th is a great goal. Here's hoping all the stars line up so we can see you all then. We think of you and the team often. xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteSo bummed to hear about your set backs. I'm sure glad you are home though. What a literal "pain in the rear".
ReplyDeletePlease know I am hoping you have an enjoyable and uneventful summer. Keep us posted!
Keri
Sweetheart,
ReplyDeleteJust picking up notes as we've been away for a while. Hoping you're feeling better today, with the warm sun shining down on you in your own garden. We think of you so often with love and LOL at "funny stuff" we said to each other at TISON...god, weren't those "docs" some EGOS? So glad you have a wonderful team to make your really good days better and better AND closer and closer together. Love you, darling friend,
BB & Les
Hey, Gloria! I'm just checking in to say hello...and to say how much I miss you!
ReplyDeleteMuch love as always,
Teresa