Last night, after not having slept for two nights in a row, Mom finally got a good night's sleep! A dose of Benadryl helped ease her into dreamland, and, boy, do we wonder why a nurse or doctor hadn't suggested that before. This morning, she woke up happy, talkative (with clearer words!), and hungry. She ate breakfast and then a big lunch a few hours later, watched UNC rise up and beat N.C. State in a nail-biter of a basketball game (I'll bet the nursing staff wondered where all those cheers were coming from!), then took a deep nap this afternoon. A comfort-food dinner and a peppermint-lotion foot massage later, she drifted off to sleep again.
Yes, peppermint-lotion foot massage. We also give her eucalyptus backrubs and lavender hand massages. I think the nurses are growing accustomed to our little rituals. (Perhaps the aromatherapy helps them relax, too. I hope so.)
We pamper Mom! Seeing her smile and laugh is worth more than gold. And, hey, nobody ever said you can't have fun in the oncology unit.
Sleep and relaxation do wonders for people. It's a huge relief that her speech and right-side motor skills are improving. These things become obvious when she's unfettered by fatigue. And, of course, it is wonderful to see her in such a great mood. That lifts all our spirits, and we can sleep better at night, too.
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More happy news:
Last night, a hospital volunteer delivered a beautiful package from Mom's students. We were enchanted by their messages and the care that they put into creating it, and we were touched by their thoughtfulness. I hope they know how much it means to her.
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| A gift from Mom's students brightened up a tough Friday. |
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| We love you, too, North Richland Middle School! |
Then, today, another volunteer delivered a packet of messages that came in through the hospital's "Email a Patient" service. Mom just beamed as we read the notes of support, encouragement, and love from our family and friends.
It is overwhelming, the amount of love that continues to pour in for Mom. We are blessed.
8 comments:
Hi Judy! We are praying for you often. Congrats on teacher of the year! It was really neat to see your family at the school the other day. There were so many people there to support you! The Wagstaff family sends you their love!!
Glad to see that she likes the card.. I hope she laughed when she saw that I put that I got to sign twice.. Did she get the piece of paper with a chipmunk on the front and a letter on the back!!!That was from me... I hope she liked it
So glad today was a happy day! Believe it or not that aroma therapy does work! When I was working there they were working on getting one of the oncology units at one of the Texas Health Resources hospitals to do a pilot study on aroma therapy and pain management...not sure if it ever happend.. But I'd be interested in seeing the results. Being a chronic pain patient myself, I can tell you it does help relax you and get your mind off things for a bit. Keep up the good work everyone!
I am so glad she liked the card! She absolutely deserved it!
Mrs. Worrell, making that card was a pleasure, and it really helped me think of all the great things I have, too. And you, Mrs. Worrell, are one of the people I admire most!
Get well soon Mrs. Worrell!
Yes, Katie, she loved the picture of the chipmunk, and it's hanging on her wall right now, just as cute as it can be! :)
It was fun to make.. I love to draw and I thought that she needed something.. Unusual.. To cheer her up a bit.. It was suppose to be a monkey though.. That didn't turn out to well.. HAH
How are the flowers doing? I thought of this since it was spring break, and I bet they look amazing! Mrs. Worrell must be proud :)
The flowers are beautiful! Perfect springtime color. :)
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