Friday evening, pre-dinner update

Bit of a random post, but here goes....

It's 6:30 pm. Right now, mom is back at the hospital getting an ultrasound. Appears as though there may be more fluid gathering in her abdomen, making it harder for her to get a full breath. They're heading in there to see what's up and perhaps to drain some of the fluid. Dad is actually still sitting there, waiting. The appointment started at 2:00. We were thinking it would be more like a doctor's visit--less formal--but no, she's in the nightgown, in a hospital bed, the nurses are fretting about getting in an IV, taking her blood, botching it, taking blood again...mom trying to be patient as they poke her again. And now it's just waiting. I headed back home to take the chicken soup off the stove before it burned. Now I'm waiting for the call to go pick them back up again.

Tomorrow is a big day--mom has indicated it's time to cut her hair. Little strands, and more strands have slowly been falling and collecting on her jacket and shoulders. She's been a trooper--hasn't said much about it--but I know this is a big deal. Feeling like she's a bit delicate right now. And the harder, longer road is just beginning. But we'll keep on trucking...

One other thing: just want you all to know how much your cards and notes mean. People say that when they receive cards, but just looking at the variety of pictures and notes on the counter...reading the words...they keep us going and I know they are supporting and helping mom. She crys over them sometimes, but they're good tears. Don't know if she ever realized how much love there is out there for her; suspect she wondered if she'd be going at this thing a bit more alone instead of wrapped in the care and good energy you send our way.

So thanks.

Valarie