Nan Mustard's Recovery

This blog is a record of Erin (Nan) Mustard's recovery.

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Tough day

Dear Ones,

This will be short tonight, its almost 11 and we have to be up and out before 8 in the morning for a 9:15 appointment with our oncologist in Concord. Nan has many questions to ask him about her present condition and possible solutions to some of the nausea and pain. She stunned me this evening by mentioning that she wonders if some of the intense pain in her lower back might be caused by a new tumor. Of course it is possible since they can grow very rapidly and her last CT scan was about 1 and 1/2 months ago in Boston. We had planned to return to Boston the end of this month for our first regular 2 months scan but in Nan's current condition a trip like that is out of the question. She is weak, has nausea, intense pain and there is no way she is getting on a plane for a 5 hour trip there. No way at all.

Today we have gone our own ways. We had the privilege of having Keanna this morning for awhile. We were so thrilled that Steve asked if she could come for a bit this morning while he inspected a house here. She comes in full of life and energy, what a kick to see her in action and she is sooooo good for Nan. While Nan had a bowl of cereal Keanna had grapes and dry Cherrios, colored in her book (she calls it work, got to go do my work now grammie), petted the kitties and ventured into our 4th bedroom which is piled high with suitcases and stuff from our trips, she made her way through and got a blanket, so cute she and grammie both had blankets over their legs as they sat in their respective chairs. Steve and Keanna headed for Hayward and another appraisal and I left for Livermore to see a home, then to Carmichael up Highway 5 and then down 80 to Davis to see the last one of the day. Car ran perfectly and gradually I am regaining my confidence in it.

I totally forgot to drive my Fiero over to Ron Samoians house last night so he could drive it to work this morning and try to sell it there. We could really use the money right now and its just an extra car. Nice one with leather, 76k miles, 88 which is the last year they made them but I don't need an extra sports car in the driveway at all. So Ron will take it in on monday instead. A neighbor wants to buy it but won't have funds for 3 weeks and I'd rather not wait.

Nan describes how she feels right now as low energy and almost out of it. She did a great job with her walk this morning and walks around the house pretty well. She did a strong job on her hair this evening and was not even winded afterwards. It came out looking very nice after she dried it. One of the visiting nurses called today to say the hematocrit was 24 which indicates Nan needs a blood transfusion. We counted it up and it has been nearly a month since her last one so thats not too bad. Usually a transfusion will give her a boost. However getting the blood found and then in takes forever in Concord. Not sure if it can happen tomorrow or on the weekend, we'll see.

I thanked Barb and Gerry again today for their help and they told me they might be able to come again soon for a couple days, that would be wonderful if it can work out. Today while I was gone Mary came to make a smoothie and brought lemon bars and some good pasta, thanks so much for your loving help Mary. Then when mary left Loree was kind enough to come and sit with Nan for awhile, that is so nice and helps the time pass. Loree has been our lifesaver for months and months, sometimes you can almost see the wings sprout but Scott, her husband, says no wings!

I hope Nan can get a good night of rest tonight, driving to Concord tomorrow will not be easy for her and we'll try to take it easy.

My prayer tonight for Nan is hold back the tumors, heal the nausea and back pain, build up strength and courage. Not asking for much. Why ask for less and we always want His will to be done. We are also praying for son Steve who hurt his back recently and is gradually working through it. He has had some sleepless nights lately with pain.

We are also praying for our friend Nate, that God will help him get on his feet soon and embrace life.

Thank you my friend for being there as a prayer pardner for Nan. We are deep in the woods again right now and long to see the clear skys again.

love

tim and nan

6 Comments:

  • At 6:16 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Nan,

    I pray for answers to your pain and all of the problems you face. Hopefully they can do the ct scan right away and put to rest your fears of a new tumor.

    I know you must be full of anxiety right now and again I will hold you in my thoughts and prayers.

    Sue Muse

     
  • At 9:20 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hi Tim & Nan,

    We share Your concern for the causes of Nan's continuing discomfort. How We wish that things could be like they used to be when "Pain" and Medical Issues were not a major factor of Our everyday life style.

    This is Carrol's last day of Chemo Pills for a month so She is looking forward to feeling better again. This time Her treatment has gone quite well but is never a very fun time to deal with.

    We pray that You have a smothe, comfortable & productive trip to Concord this morning.

    Glad to hear that the "Bug" is doing a good job for you.

    We are planing on a short trip to Apple Hill on Monday or Tuesday to Larsons Farm for Vege-Burgers & Apple Pie. Every year we look forward to the "Apple Time" up there. (Best Apples for sure) If You feel that You could go with Us You are most welcome to do so. We will be glad to bring You back a Pie and some apples if You like. Just let us know what would be the best for you. Any day next week except Friday, (too much Traffic) .

    Have a good day & We are Praying for You Both.

    Bob & Carrol.

     
  • At 10:02 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Dear Nan and Tim,
    I just got back from Michigan Wednesday evening. Ron and I went to visit 5 of our 6 kids, 10 of our 13 grandchildren and our new great-grandson. It was wild. Put 12 adults and all of those kids (ages 2 months to 18 years)in the same house at the same time...blessings and chaos.

    I am concerned that Nan is experiencing such discomfort and pain. I will be specific in prayer now, knowing that our Heavenly Father has a plan for Nan.

    Tim, you and Nan are such witnesses of love and commitment to the rest of us. Thank you for sharing your love for each other with us.

    Love and prayers,

    Phyllis Lytle - NC former Sounds of Praise

     
  • At 10:11 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Uncle Tim & Aunt Nan,

    Just wanted you to know that we continue to pray for you guys and even though you are far away, we think of you often.

    How nice it must be for Nan to visit with Keanna....she sounds like a sweet little angel helping out her Gramma.

    Love to you both and keep on hanging on!

    Love,
    Rodney, Shay, Gunnar & Camden

     
  • At 11:56 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hi Tim and Nan,

    I'm so sorry to hear that Nan is experiencing increased pain. From past experience Nan has been right on the growth of new tumors. Even when the CT report says "no" they seem show up soon after right where she thinks they are. I do hope she is wrong this time.

    We almost got a week end special for $189 to CA this week end. By the time I found Roger, called Cheryl and got back to it ~ alas it was gone! Oh well, It was not meant to be. It would have been nice to see you however.... And of course our kids in Sacramento.

    Fall is in the air ~ my favorite time of year here. The nights are cool the daytime temperatures pleasant and the humidity low. A few leaves have started to turn already.

    I hope you received some answers in Concord today. At best it must have been a very tiring trip. Our prayer is that the pain will be reduced, the nausea gone and that you both will be at peace. May you feel God's presence with you as you enjoy the week end together.

    Love and prayers ~ Carol

     
  • At 4:13 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hi Guys,
    When you called today I had the most difficult client we have ever had in my office standing beside me. Sorry to cut it short but will call later this evening.

    I hold you up in my prayers especially high this evening. I know God will reach down and wrap those big, strong, and comforting arms around you, so when you feel warm and comfy you will know why. Wish I were there, feel so helpless so far away. As the Sabbath draws near, put all your trust in Him and feel the warmth and security of His presence. You two have come a long way and God is still in charge, and we thank Him for it.

    Will be praying for Nate and Steve, too. Love to each of you and know I'll be thinking of you.

    Love, Sharon

     

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