Wed 6-Jan-10 (Another busy day, planned MRI, Hospice stay brought forward)

I forgot to mention that yesterday we reduced Maria's dexamethasone (steroids) from 16mg down to 12mg. She is going okay with a little more head pain. I'm keeping an eye on this.

Maria woke this morning in a panic as the catheter was not working. We called a nurse who came out and did an early morning visit. We were able to rectify the problem and shower her. 

Effie came for her day with us, and again did so much work around the house, which has been a mega blessing.

Maria's dad was here all day putting in ramps and preparing to put a waste in the bathroom where Maria will be showered from now on. A lot of work and another mega blessing. Thanks to Mike also, who prepared the ramps with 'Baba'.

The kids went out with dear friends for Ten-Pin bowling and lunch. That too was a huge blessing.  

A massage therapist arranged by the Hospice visited and massaged her for an hour. I had the OT come in the afternoon to teach me how to use the hoist. Effie was the guinea-pig. No injuries to report. 

The Oncologist made an urgent request for a full brain and spine MRI for Maria. I followed up today and it has been organised for Friday morning. Poor Ben, we've had to explain to him that his birthday will involve a 2hr hospital visit in the morning and a funeral in the afternoon. We are going to try and do something tomorrow instead.

Because of bed availability and the school holiday period (it is very difficult to devote time to the kids while caring for Maria), they have brought Maria's stay at the Hospice forward to this coming Monday. Maria is looking forward to it as are we all, as we've heard a lot of great things about the place. Maria will probably stay for only one of the two weeks booked.

Maria has been sleeping for the last hour-and-a-half. I'm praying things get better with her sleep, although expectations are not high.

I'd better go and check on Maria.