Tuesday Morning

We had a rocky morning. She was totally exhausted, didn't sleep well, woke up concerned about her blood pressure, then was nauseated. She's more together now at 10:30. She's walked and had a bath and is resting. Her mornings have been hard.

On the other hand, she had delicious chicken pot pie last night and Dad got a little of it too. Dad's horoscope says he should use first grade words today. He's enjoying the paper.

His standard joke, "What goes up and never comes down?" has entertained all the changing shifts of nurses. We heard the joke this morning and knew he had arrived. Any guesses with the answer?

I've seen progress every day. Movement is easier, appetite is better, and she is more willing to ask for what she needs rather than not wanting to bother anyone.

The home team is working on acquiring all the equipment needed for a smooth transition. Hand rails in the bath room and shower are about to be installed. Jill, our blessing, has helped find equipment. And Devona is busy thinking about food that might appeal to both Mom and Dad. Kim stopped by to give a head massage, and the girls are thinking about putting up a tree. We are blessed.

It will be wonderful to see Mom with a quilting project in her hand and rocking by the fire. That's when I'll know she is ready to visit with her friends.

The Boley Family

Update on Raymond

Raymond's GP spoke with the Vascular surgeon in Louisville. The Vascular surgeon felt the blockage was not serious enough to consider surgery. Dad has an appointment with the surgeon on Dec. 17th. We'll let you know if the surgeon changes his mind.

We, however, are still working on his inner ear problem. Never a dull moment!

Monday Morning

Mom continues to be surprised that her recovery is moving so slowly, but every small step takes her closer to feeling better. We see improvement every day. Yesterday she ate a Tablespoon of food and this morning she ate about 1/4 of her eggs and ham. She even enjoyed orange slices.

There's never a dull moment in this unit. Someone is always checking for problems. We are truly grateful for the care Norton's hospital has given her. Last evening it was swollen ankles and the hint of infection in her abdomen. The nurse acted immediately and by morning the signs of infection were gone. Betty is not used to using pain medication and needs reminding so that she can keep the pain under control. The largest challenge is getting in and out of bed and without pain meds its not a pretty sight. We're learning.

Talking takes effort. She is just too weak to maintain a conversation. Although she appreciates all the concern her family and friends share, she just is not up to visiting yet. Please continue to check the blog for updates and we'll let you know when she is ready for visits.

The Boley Family

Sunday Morning

Betty is making progress, but slowly. She's making the transition from a liquid diet to a regular diet this morning. She is still being monitored in a special ICU transition unit. Walking is a new challenge she is meeting. Betty is doing her best as we would expect her to.

The Boley Family

The whole gang together! Just thought you might enjoy seeing a picture of everyone. It was taken just a week ago. Thanks again for all of the well wishes!

Saturday Morning

There really isn't anything new to report this morning. Three doctors have seen her this morning with no important news. Betty's blog has had a thousand hits and we appreciate that. We'll report later today when we see if she has more energy.

Today is Raymond's and Devona's birthday! Happy Birthday loved ones.

The Boley Family

Friday Afternoon

The family continues to occupy the nearest waiting room and someone sits by the bed to keep notes on Betty's journey. Today has been filled with tests for any potential problems such as pnemonia, infection, etc. We have no results so far.

Betty just asked for time to sleep. Of course, I'm sure the nurses will continue to wake her. She is using more pain killer today due to discomfort but she has been moving more and that would cause more pain.

Dennis is spending the night tonight. I wonder what the journal will say in the morning! We're glad he has the time to spend with her.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if she felt good enough to have visitors!

Thanks for checking in,
The Boley Family

3:00

Betty spent the day sitting up and drifting in and out of sleep. She is concerned that she won't be able to sleep tonight, but the nurse assured her the drugs would help her sleep.

A liquid lunch was accidentally delivered and she reluctantly sent it away. She continues to drink water.

Dad spent the day at her side and visiting with grandchildren. I read comments to Mom so please send greetings and she will know you are thinking of her.

Thank you for thinking of us.
The Boley Family

Day After Surgery

Sharon stayed the first night with Betty. They had a good night with the normal hourly checks by the nurse. Raymond got a good night's sleep and has spent the morning by her side.

The doctor explained their findings to Betty. She has a remarkable attitude. She is grateful for her good life. Both Betty and Raymond continue to find comfort in the love of their family. Her constant refrain being, "Tell the grandkids I love them."

She will remain in the hospital for a few days. We will let you know when the doctor permits visitors.

Thank you for your concern,
The Boley Family

Our News

We are sorry to say that the surgeon found hidden cancer that he did not see during the laparoscopy. He was unable to remove it. He did not do the Whipple procedure. He wants Betty to get back on her feet and we will begin chemo as he directs.

We know it wasn't for lack of prayer that we have been given this outcome. Thank you all so much for the good wishes and prayers you have sent our way. Betty and Raymond will need all of us in the coming days.

I will post updates concerning her recovery. We will let you know when visitors are permitted.

The Boley Family

Finally

It's about 2 and Mom is finally making her way into the operating room. We are restless and tired but she is feeling no pain on the meds she's had. She hasn't said anything funny, but we were able to stay by her side to catch last minute jobs and to wait for that gem we could tease her with later.

The snacks we've brought along have made our waiting room picnic delicious. Thank you for your contributions.

We are suppose to hear hourly. I'll post if we do.

The Boleys

Surgery Delay

Betty's surgery was delayed until 1:00 today. We all arrived at 5:30 this morning and staked out our section of the waiting room. We have Thanksgiving left overs to help pass the time, but poor Mom hasn't had anything to eat and now has to wait longer. She isn't complaining, and we are trying not to be anxious for her. The granddaughters are visiting with her and helping pass the time.

We continue to be thankful,
The Boley Family

Our Happiest Thanksgiving

The Boley family celebrated tonight with a Thanksgiving Dinner. Betty has had a good week taking care of all the last minute things one thinks about before an extended hospital stay. She is upbeat and so very grateful to have asked for a second opinion and we are so happy that our Mother has the opportunity to have surgery for her pancreatic cancer.

Raymond has experienced inner ear infections and had one last week. During the doctor's visit and physical a problem was found in his left carotid artery. It is not an emergency situation so we have made an appointment shortly after mom's surgery to explore options. You may have heard several versions of this story already for I have, but this is the actual story. We will keep you updated.

We will post Wednesday morning as we hear updates from the surgeon.

Thank you for your prayers,
The Boley Family

Good News Today

All of the tests today went fine and we are on the schedule for next Wed. These were the stumbling blocks if we were to have any. As a family we are trying to keep mom healthy so if you have a cold, please refrain from contact. We have a short time to accomplish this surgery so we hope to stay away from things that may cause her to have to wait.

Please, please don't forget the prayers! She has told everyone it is because of all of you praying for her that she gets a chance at this. Thank you for caring so much to keep up with mom. Yet more answered prayers today!!

November 18, 2010

Thank you for your interest in our mother's health. We feel very fortunate to have supporters who will share their sincere prayers for her during her battle with pancreatic cancer.

As you may already know, Betty was experiencing digestive problems. Before leaving on a short trip she checked with the doctor. The doctor had just diagnoised pancreatic cancer in another patient and ran a CT scan on a hunch. After a needle biopsy and diagnosis, we were told the tumor was inoperable. We arranged an appointment with the Brown Cancer Center for a second opinion. Dr. Robert Martin specializes in cases similar to Betty's. He felt due to her good health and no spread of the cancer that she would be a candidate for an extreme procedure called the Whipple. It removes the diseased area of the pancreas, 40% of the stomach, the gall bladder, and the duodenum. The surgery is so extreme due to shared blood supplies. The recovery is extensive. He also felt she was a victim of age discrimination. The first doctor felt her age would prevent her from surviving extensive procedures.

Betty will have a laparoscopic procedure today. The surgeon will search for hidden problems that were not found in the CT scan. If the surgeon is satisfied, her Whipple surgery is scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving, November 24, 2010 at 8 in the morning.

Betty will be in ICU during her stay at Norton Hospital. Her visits will be limited to family for the first few days. We will post the Doctor's instructions concerning visitors when they are available.

Betty is sure that this opportunity is a result of the prayers that have been offered on her behalf. Please continue to keep her in your prayers and join the blog so that you will receive automatic updates. We will add information as it becomes available.

Thank you,
The Boley Family