Monday Update 6/30/14

STITCHY STUFF
I finished the other two Sledding Friends. 

 

Here's all of them together:

Designer: Foxwood Crossings
Stitched on 14ct Brown Perforated Paper
Fibers: DMC

I did a tiny bit of stitching and backstitching on N is for Nurse.

FAMILY
This week, my Dad finishes the last of his radiation treatments.  Over the past 30 days, he's been going through daily radiation and weekly chemo treatments.  He has extreme edema (swelling) from the waist down.  Some of it is from the cancer and some of it is from radiation.  He was given a walker last week and has begun to use the motorized carts at the store.  A few weeks ago, we were given news:  The cancer is terminal.  The doctor told us the cancer will take his life in a matter of months.

Last week, my Mom was hospitalized for a few days.  A year or so ago, she was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis.  At that time, my parents didn't realized what a serious health issue this is.  When she was hospitalized last week, her blood oxygen level was at 48%.  It has been emphasized that she HAS to wear oxygen 24/7 now.  Things such as hanging laundry on the line makes her oxygen level go down quickly.  My siblings and I have been emphasizing to her that she can't be over-exerting herself.

The next few months is going to be very rough for all of us... between helping Dad... watching him go downhill... and helping Mom.  She has other health issues that we will have to deal with for the rest of her life.  Dad has always taken care of her, paid the bills, etc.  It's not going to be easy without him. 

My employer has been good through all of this.  I've been told I can take whatever time off I need.  I've been working from home in off hours to make up time I've taken off to take Dad to his treatments.  It's been emotionally exhausting.  :(

Until next time,