The day started off wonderful. Dad was up most of the night so he was extremely tired. He decided not to shower so we went with him smelling like pee. I decided a long time ago not to insist he shower or change clothes when we go to the doctor because when he did, they always thought he was "fine" based on his appearance and the way he was acting.

Anyway, I take him to the VA hospital where his appt is. We get in there and find out that it's a LONG (I mean LOOOOOOONG) walk to the clinic. He has congestive heart failure and REFUSES to allow me to push him in a wheelchair. So we walk slowly and with him holding onto the walls to keep from falling. Does that look any less ridiculous than sitting in a wheelchair??? At that point, I'm starting to get a little frustrated but I keep it to myself.

We finally get to the clinic and we're sitting there for 10 minutes and he thinks that's too long. "I shouldn't have come. I hate this sitting and waiting" blah blah blah......

Ok, getting a little more frustrated but still able to keep it under wraps.

They call him into the room and he falls asleep waiting for the doc. Good. Peace and quiet. :)

The doc comes in and gives us some good news. The meningioma has not grown and is not cancerous. No surgery reccomended at this time. We'll do another MRI in six months and if it hasn't grown, we'll wait another six months and do another. The surgeon said they rarely grow at dad's age so nothing to worry about.

Now dad's happy. He's ready to go to Alabama to see my sister. I'm ready for him to go NOW! But he has one more doc appt to get through on the 24th before he can go. It was on the 10th but I just had to reschedule that because I have to work the day he was supposed to go.

Anyway, he's back to sleeping days and staying up at night. that can be good for me as I have some time for peace while he's sleeping. I feel blessed lately that dad has been fairly pleasant, even enjoyable sometimes. But I still can't wait to have the alone time with my dh and ds. Oh and I must include Nipsy (my Jack Russell/Toy Fox Terrier) and Sammy (my son's guinea pig). :D

All is well..........just for now...........I have peace and serenity.........until dad awakes. :)

Love, Barb

Dear Barb, that peace is so important! I sometimes stay up after one of Mom's nightly disturbances, just because it is so wonderful to be alone, in a quiet house ... no questions, no weird stories, no complaints.

Moms trip is the day after tomorrow. Today I asked her Aide if she would be getting a new assignment after Mom leaves (tomorrw is Candy's last day ) and she said yes, she is, and does not know if she will be back on April 1 or if Mom will get a new Aide. That would be a shame, but since Mom really only finds fault with her, it can't matter much if a new one starts... Maybe Mom will like her better!

We were caught by surprise by 2 inches of wet slush ..i had an extra long wait for my first bus, in a cold wind, and got home to find Mom and Candy still out. I thought "I hope Mom has the sense to take a taxi home": but knew immediately that of course she has NO common sense ..they took a city bus and walked the usual two blocks, this time through snow and slush. Mom had boots on, unlike me, however!

I am hoping for clear skies on Thursday ...

Hope your Dad's trip to Alabama takes place soon and is LONG!

Love,

Martha

Hi Martha! It was just COLD here today. It's hard to believe that Saturday, it was in the 60's. Now the rest of the week is supposed to be in the 30's. But I'm keeping a positive attitude though. Spring is almost here! YAY!!!!! :bouncing: :D
I wonder if people with alzheimer's always find fault with caregivers. Do they maybe resent that there's a need for someone to take care of them?
I hope your mom has a wonderful trip and she's well taken care of on her flight. I think airlines are great about taking care of people with special needs if everything is arranged well in advance as you've done. Good job! :)
How long will mom be gone? And whatever will you do with yourself when you have all this free time? Imagine-being able to take a bubble bath any time you want. No worries! You don't have to cook dinner if you don't want to. You can leave the house any time you want without worries. You can listen to music, watch tv, go to the show, walk around the house in your birthday suit (that is if you don't have kids). :D And best of all. YOU CAN SLEEP ALL NIGHT LONG!!! Happy dance for you! :bouncing: :bouncing: :bouncing: :bouncing:
Btw, that's me, Barbara and Sally dancing with you. But Sally must be careful of her shoulder so she's just wiggling her hips. ;)
Love, Barb