Children Come to Visit

After a 10-day stay at Mayo, Anita came home on Saturday night, March 2^nd, with a feeding tube installed for nourishment.  Within a few days an infection developed and she was in Yavapai Regional hospital from the 6th-8th. The infection was cleared up and the feeding has proven to be easy for Bob to manage.

As a result, during these two weeks she has gained 3-4 pounds of much needed weight.  This has not only helped her feel stronger physically, but has aided with mental clarity as well.

 Her Monday-Wednesday-Friday blood cell stimulant regimen has been improved in that her Monday and Friday shots are now given at home.  

Over the past couple of weeks Bob has had great help at home. All the children, Brian, Diana and Lauren have been able to come. Being with the grandchildren has been wonderful!   Visits from kindhearted friends have been so compassionate and supportive.

The home scene will change now with the family all gone home. Bob has moved his office into their bedroom so that he can work near Anita’s side. Granite Mountain Home Health Care and Hospice is providing some much needed professional services: RN visits 2-3 times a week, bathing 3 times a week, physical therapy 1-2 times a week.

Bob feels extremely blessed to have this wonderful time with Anita.  Caring for her has been a sweet blessing. She continues to be positive, always smiling and thankful for all that is done for her. These days are precious!

Time with grandkids at Lauren's

s

Come for a short visit!

Anita is home again in Prescott.  Her son, Brian, will be there all week. Lauren will come this weekend and be able to stay for the following week. They are all hoping that Diana will be able to arrange a visit as well.

Anita continues to be weak. She sleeps a lot. She is able to eat by mouth. She also has a feeding [GI] tube to help give her the much needed extra nutrients she has been lacking.  She has good moments during the day where she is able to sit in a chair and visit.

Bob stated that while these moments are very precious, MDS is terminal. Her bone marrow disease is not improving.

Because she has good times during the day, anyone who would like to come for a short visit is welcome. [Be sure you are well!] The afternoons appear to be her best time. Bob loves the company and feels your love and support.  As you might imagine this is a very difficult time for the family. Please keep your visits short [20-30 minutes] based on how well Anita may be doing at the time.

Again, a special thank you to every one who has brought food, sent cards, made calls. It means everything to the family. Your comments on this blog have helped Bob feel your love without him having to retell the story several times a day. He always comments on how much it means to him to hear from you. Thank you!

Christmas with Family and Grandchildren

Bob and Anita were able to be with their grandchildren over Christmas. They ate at their favorite restaurant. There photos were shared by Lauren Verbic Wood.

Anita's Diagnosis

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) represent a group of myeloid (bone marrow) stem cell disorders that gradually affect the ability of a person’s bone marrow to produce normal red and white blood cells, and platelets. Without these blood cells, we cannot get oxygen to the body or fight off infection.  MDS is a group of diseases that have many differences and can be difficult to diagnose. With some types of MDS, a person may live with a few symptoms for years, while other types can be life-threatening within months.

Most often the cause of the changes to the bone marrow is unknown. But MDS can also be caused by treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy for other diseases. Anita has received this type of treatment for many years in fighting cancer.  Treatment-related MDS is often more severe and difficult to treat.  Although the type of MDS can help predict the course of a person’s disease, people with the same type of MDS may respond to the disease and to treatment differently.  There is no definitive cure of treatment for MDS. Instead, most people receive supportive care to manage symptoms such as fatigue and to prevent bleeding and infections.

While we could go into more detail about the disease itself, our current concern is with Anita and how she is progressing.  She has been a patient in Mayo Clinic this past week. She is very weak and has difficulty focusing her thoughts. She appears to be free of infection.  It has been decided that she will receive intravenous feeding as she is not getting the nutrition she needs to progress toward healing. This will, hopefully, happen today. It is uncertain when she might be able to return home. When that happens, she will need home health care on many levels. The hospital is helping to make those arrangements.

Bob has been staying with close friends, Dave and Teri Nielsen, during this time. The next few days will tell us much more about her prognosis. Please continue to keep them both in your prayers.