Night report...

Mario's report:

Mom had another restless night up until about 3am. Her stomach ache kept bothering her and her headache has been pretty consistant.

At about 10pm, they came in and gave her an ultrasound on her left side around her arm and neck. We're told that they probably ordered it because of bruising or swelling in the area. The results showed a superficial clot near her elbow. At about 3am they administered a blood thinner called Lovenox. The doctor does not feel like this is a major concern.

Mom got up three times during the night to try to use the restroom. She was able to communicate (still without speaking) that that was what she wanted to do. She got up two more times in the morning to use the restroom. I consider this an indication of progress in communication and timing, but the frustration level is still there at times when we don't understand her. Mario mentioned that there was a moment when he is sure he didn't understand what she wanted and he asked "should I turn off the tv?" and she finally just said "yes" in what seemed like resignation at his incompetence. (hahaha)

Because her headaches are returning consistantly every 3 hours and Tylenol can only be adminsitered every 4 hours, she has been schedule for another brain CT. They want to make sure there is no more bleeding and just see if there is any other concerning reason for the headaches.

We were told that mom aspirated when eating, which can lead to pneumonia and because of this, she won't be able to continue eating the puree diet she tried last night. The Lovenox was stopped this morning in order to prepare her to receive a PEG. (Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is an endoscopic medical procedure in which a tube (PEG tube) is passed into a patient's stomach through the abdominal wall to provide a means of feeding when oral intake is not adequate.) The nasal feeding tube will be replaced when the PEG is inserted successfully. This procedure is scheduled for 2pm. The plus side of the PEG is that;

1. it should be more comfortable than the nasal tube
2. she can use it as a supplement to gradually build up capability when she is able to try again to eat food orally
3. the tube can be removed easily and should heal without issue or another required procedure

We went ahead and confirmed again that we want the surgical biopsy on the tracheal mass. Not sure if that can be done today, but hopefully. Pathology results will take two days, but should be able to give us type of cancer and staging.

I have to run. Probably missed something, but will update again tonight.

xox,

Tommy